indie.io is a video game publishing platform that works with lots of different developers and publishes games in a variety of genres. They’ve published dozens of games, several of which are discounted on Nintendo Switch right now as part of a sale that will run through July 30.
As with indie.io’s library as a whole, the sale includes a wide range of genres. There’s cozy adventures, tactical RPGs, creature collectors, management sims, and more. You can check out the full sale here, but we thought we’d highlight six games that showcase the diversity of titles that are available. Let’s get started:
The cozy farming sim genre has been thriving in recent years, and Echoes of the Plum Grove adds to the formula by letting you experience multiple generations. Initially, you wash up on an island shore and start with a modest plot of land. Over time, you can expand your homestead, start a family, and grow that family. You can befriend or insult your neighbors, form an alliance with a local witch coven, or poison people who cross you. As the generations pass, these decisions will shape your descendents’ experiences and ultimately define your legacy. The game world is fully hand drawn, with 2D characters in 3D environments that heighten the cozy feel. And while forming relationships through the generations is the central core of the game, there are also mysteries across the island for you to uncover.
Dark Deity is a strategy RPG that was clearly inspired by classics of the genre. You build up an army, lead your soldiers in turn-based combat, and choose what classes to promote them into as they grow stronger. There are 30 playable characters, and if one of them falls in battle, they’ll suffer grave wounds that drop their stats. So you need to be careful and strategize as you lead your squad from rookies to heroes. The main story is told across 28 chapters that take more than 20 hours to complete, and the “Suns Out, Swords Out” DLC is also available for 20% off as part of the current sale. It adds seven additional levels, each telling a story from before or after the events of the base game.
Another modern game that takes inspiration from and builds upon the classics of the genre, Coromon is a monster tamer with more than 100 monsters to catch and train. Each monster is defined by its element, traits, and skills. The battle system is stamina-based and every skill costs SP, so you need to be strategic about when you use your most powerful skills. Meanwhile, traits are inherent to a monster and can trigger when certain conditions are met. They don’t sap stamina when they trigger and differ between monsters of the same species, so they can be an important factor of building your perfect team. The story of Coromon takes you across six biomes as you try to stop a mysterious threat, and there are more reveals and plot twists than you might expect in a typical monster tamer.
Game titles don’t get much more clear than this one. In Cat Cafe Manager, you … manage a cat cafe. You inherit an old, rundown cafe in the town of Caterwaul Way, and you’ll need to rebuild and renovate it to give the local stray cats a proper home. You can decorate and expand the space to fit your personal tastes, as well as hire new employees and refine their skills. You can make plenty of feline friends, but you’ll build relationships with humans too. It is a cafe, after all. The villagers will want to stop by and take a load off after a long day, and you can travel across the town to chat with the locals and discover new recipes and other opportunities for your cafe. Who knows, you might even uncover a mystery or two in need of solving.
And now, for something completely different. 9 Years of Shadows is a side-scrolling Metroidvania where color has been drained from the world for almost a decade (hence the name). You play as Europa, a warrior bent on fighting her way to the mechanical giant Talos and stopping the corruption seeping out of it before everything is swallowed in darkness. You’ll befriend a cute floating bear called Apino who has the ability to bring back color, and together you’ll wield elemental armors, restore vibrant hues, and try to free the world from the colorless curse that plagues it. And as you do, enjoy a soundtrack from composers Michiru Yamane and Norihiko Hibino, known for their work on Castlevania and Metal Gear Solid, respectively.
Our list ends by circling back around to a cozy, relaxing game. Mail Time is a cottagecore adventure set in a whimsical forest where you’re a courier who uses light platforming to deliver letters. You can customize the look of your character and run, jump, and glide your way across the forest to make deliveries to the critters who live there. Relaxation is the focus of the game, with gameplay that doesn’t saddle you with anything stressful. There’s no time limits, pressure, danger, or fall damage. You can just chill, make your deliveries, upgrade your gliding, and do it again. Simplicity can be nice sometimes.
Donkey Kong: Bananza is out now, and while most of us are having a bananza smashing our way through Ingot Isle, some players are taking things a bit slower, and spending hours in the game’s Artist Mode making wild sculpted creations.
If you’re out of the loop, Donkey Kong: Bananza has an unlockable artist mode where you can use your rock-sculpting powers to make 3D shapes, color them in, and share them online with other players. It’s basically a virtual carving tool, and it’s pretty dang fun to mess with even if you’re not much of an artist.
But as with every other game that lets players create with any amount of freedom, players are making some truly excellent stuff already and sharing it online. This is helped by the fact that the Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Con mouse controls make it much easier to sculpt at a fine level of detail than just flailing around with the joysticks, resulting in some pretty good art overall that’s only getting better as people master the system.
A lot of folks are making Nintendo characters, the Kongs obviously, but also…this guy?
I’m also seeing a weird amount of DK-Homer Simpsons being made – I guess because his head is nice and round and easy to sculpt? And also very similar to Donkey Kong’s, I guess?
It is probably worth mentioning that yes, you can also make inappropriate or bawdy sculptures in the game’s artist mode. You do you, of course, but be warned that if you share these creations online, Nintendo might bust out the ban hammer on you and could potentially restrict your Nintendo Account as a result.
Donkey Kong: Bananza is out today, and we highly recommend it, having given the game a 10/10 in our review. As our reviewer put it, “Donkey Kong Bananza is a truly groundbreaking 3D platformer, with satisfying movement, powerful abilities, impressive destructible environments, and clever challenges that all come together in complete harmony to create Nintendo’s first Switch 2 masterpiece.”
Games Workshop’s The Big Summer Warhammer Preview Show 2025 offers a tantalising look at everything the tabletop wargaming company has coming up in the months ahead, and we’ve rounded up everything to help you catch up if you missed the livestream.
Reveals are set for the likes of Warhammer 40,000, Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Kill Team, Warhammer: The Horus Heresy, Legions Imperialis, Warhammer Underworlds, and more.
We’ll update with all the news as it’s announced during the show. Keep checking back to find out everything Games Workshop has up its sleeve!
The Leagues of Votann
Proceedings kicked of with a reveal for The Leagues of Votann (Warhammer 40,000’s take on space dwarves). It’s a huge plastic expansion, the biggest since the faction launched, that includes new troops, new artillery, new heroes and new abominable intelligence. There’s a new Combat Patrol (an army starter pack or a set to bulk out an existing force) for The Leagues of Votann, and check out Buri Aegnirssen, a specialist Tyranid hunter, below. Yes, that’s a Tyranid Prime on top of his head.
Supporting the release is a new Leagues of Votann Codex, packed with lore and new rules.
Warhammer: The Old World
Next up was a reveal for Warhammer: The Old World. Brand new units are coming to the Tomb Kings of Khemri. There are two new Arcane Journals, the first dubbed The War of Settra’s Fury, which was described as “a really cool way of looking at the lore of The Old World,” the second called Dawn of the Storm Dragon.
Warhammer: Age of Sigmar
Moving on to Age of Sigmar, there are two factions from the Grand Alliance of Death on their way to the Mortal Realms with new units, new battletomes and new army rules.
We have the Flesh-Eater Courts Death Battletome, alongside a new mini to support: High Falconer Felgryn. Also coming to the Flesh-Eater army is the Charnel Watch. And there’s the Death Battletome for the Nighthaunt, packed with lore and “some significant defensive buffs.” Check out the wonderfully-named Lord Vitriolic, below:
Helsmiths of Hashut
Here’s a big one: the Chaos Dwarfs faction returns for Age of Sigmar. This new faction includes the Infernal Cohort with Hashutite Spears, the War Despot, the Dominator Engine, and the Tormentor Bombard war machine.
Developing…
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
With so many great games coming down the pipeline, now’s a great time to hop on the Xbox Game Pass bandwagon. If some titles joining the catalog this year have caught your eye and you’re itching to join in on the fun, you can choose between one or three month Game Pass Ultimate membership options at Amazon. Unfortunately, there aren’t any discount deals available at the moment, but we’ll update this when a new one drops.
You can learn more about options for signing up, what’s coming soon to Game Pass this month, and the big releases still to come below.
While there aren’t any deals available at the moment, we’ve included where you can buy a one month Game Pass Ultimate membership above at Amazon. This will set you back $19.99. Amazon also has a three month Game Pass Ultimate membership option available for $59.99, if you want to stock up on a few months to get you started.
What’s Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass?
Game Pass has a nice rotation of new titles to play every month. If you’re curious about what’s in store for the end of July and start of August, we’ve got you covered. The Xbox Game Pass July Wave 2 lineup is:
High On Life(Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 15 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
RoboCop: Rogue City(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 17 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Back to the Dawn(Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 18 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Abiotic Factor(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 22 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Wheel World(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 23 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 24 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Grounded 2 (Game Preview) (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 29 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Farming Simulator 25(Cloud, Console, and PC) – August 1 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
It’s important to note that the Game Pass Standard tier (available for $14.99/month) does not give users access to day one releases – that’s exclusive to the Game Pass Ultimate tier. If you’re looking to play big Xbox exclusives and other new games on the day they release, you’ll need to be subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate.
What Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass?
Unfortunately with new games joining the catalog it means a few must take their leave. Below, we’ve listed the games that’ll be leaving Xbox Game Pass on July 31.
Gigantic (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Cloud, Console, and PC)
The latest big release on the platform is Doom: The Dark Ages. In our review, IGN’s Mitchell Saltzman said, “Doom: The Dark Ages may strip away the mobility focus of Doom Eternal, but replaces it with a very weighty and powerful style of play that is different from anything the series has done before, and still immensely satisfying in its own way.”
If you’re looking for even more savings on all things Xbox, have a look at our roundup of the best Xbox deals. There, we’ve highlighted all of the latest and greatest discounts on the platform, from incredible game deals to fantastic offers on high-quality headphones. Or, if you’d rather see what’s going on with other platforms, check out our roundups of the best PlayStation deals, the best Nintendo Switch deals, and our overall roundup of the best video game deals.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.
If you are in the market for new art supplies or reliable travel charging gear, today’s deals bring a mix of both. Ohuhu’s 216-color and 168-color alcohol marker sets are available at $199.99 and $159.99, both offering refillable ink, smooth blending, and included carrying cases. On the charger front, UGREEN’s 65W USB C Charger Block is down to $29.99, while the CUKTECH No.20 140W Power Bank is available for $122.99. That one packs 25,000mAh capacity with PD 3.1 fast charging and a smart display, making it a solid pick for keeping laptops and phones powered up while traveling.
Whilst this ETB is out of stock currently on TCG Player, the current pricing on Amazon is a full dollar below market value. Granted, its above MSRP, but if you want this ETB sealed for your collection or to rip it open right now, this is the going rate.
Where To Buy Japanese Pokémon Cards
Japanese Pokémon TCG booster boxes have far better odds at pulling chase cards, have far less bulk and are often half the price of English booster boxes. This also mean said chase cards are worth significantly less, but Japanese cards are far easier to get perfect grades in given they’re always busting out of booster packs in perfect condition. Want a Pokémon card collection on a budget? Go for Japanese cards.
Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Preorders
This is it, the beggining of a new expansion for Pokémon TCG. Best Buy have gone live with their preorder allocation for Mega Evolutions today, which mean Target and Walmart won’t be far behind. Here’s all the links you need and good luck trainers!
Pokémon TCG Price Updates
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but Amazon has quite a bit of sealed Pokémon TCG product for under market value. Whilst that unfortunately means it’s still way above MSRP, some of these sets are at the best prices they’ve been in the last month.
This Weeks Crashers and Climbers
Scarlet and Violet base set prices have been shifting noticeably ahead of the final sets Black Bolt and White Flare, with Psychic-type Illustration Rares like Ralts 211/198 and Kirlia 212/198 each climbing 28 percent this month while Gardevoir ex 245/198 now sits at $54.99 after a 25 percent jump. Miraidon ex and Koraidon ex are both trending upward as well, holding value around $23.99 each. At the same time several cards are sliding down as Fidough 213/198 dropped 15 percent, Armarouge 203/198 is down 11 percent, and Pachirisu 208/198 fell 19 percent. The steepest dips hit Dondozo 207/198 and Starly 221/198, now around $9.99 each after dropping 30 percent and 37 percent respectively, reflecting a market that is narrowing in on long-term playability and collector interest.
Last Weeks Crashers and Climbers
As newer Pokémon TCG sets grab the spotlight, Paradox Rift is seeing its high-rarity SIR ex cards drop in value while several Illustration Rares quietly climb due to shifting collector interest and low inventory. Cards like Altaria ex, Gholdengo ex, and Steelix have dropped between 16% and 25%, while Illustration Rares including Morpeko, Plusle, Minun, Groudon, and Iron Valiant ex are climbing fast, with Morpeko leading at a 43% increase. This mirrors earlier trends where less flashy cards gain traction as availability tightens.
MTG Edge of Eternities Preorders
Magic: The Gathering’s next set, Edge of Eternities, officially launches August 1 with preorders now live on Amazon for bundles including Play Booster Boxes, Commander Decks, and Collector Booster Boxes. Blending Magic’s iconic gameplay with science fantasy themes such as flying space whales and alien races, Edge of Eternities introduces four new mechanics: Void, Warp, Station, and Lander Tokens. Fan-favorite tribes like Eldrazi and Slivers return alongside reprints of coveted Shock Lands. Wizards of the Coast is gradually revealing more details, with a full card gallery arriving July 18 and prerelease events happening July 25 through 31, so now is the time to lock in your preorder if you want first access.
MTG Pricing Updates
It’s a bit of a mixed back for Magic: The Gathering prices this week, so it’s always worth double checking eBay before TCG Player and Amazon for a last minute bargain. Also, whoever thinks a Theros Beyond Death booster is worth north of $700 needs to have a word with themselves.
ACEFAST AceFit Pro Open-Ear Headphones
ACEFAST AceFit Pro Open-Ear Headphones are now available for $98.59, offering 22 percent off. These are designed for runners and cyclists who want to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music. The open-ear design pairs with 40 bright LED lights for visibility at night, while a lightweight 7.8g frame makes them comfortable for all-day wear. Battery life stretches up to 30 hours, and the included charging case has a digital display so you always know how much power is left.
Ohuhu Brush Markers (216)
Ohuhu’s 216-Color Brush and Chisel Marker Set is down to $199.99. This set includes 216 alcohol-based colors plus a colorless blender, perfect for creating smooth blends and shading effects. The ink dries quickly and is refillable, giving these markers long-term use. Color-coded caps help keep everything organized and a carrying case is included to make storage and transport easier.
Ohuhu Alcohol Markers Brush Tip: 168
Ohuhu 168-Color Brush and Fine Tip Marker Set is now $159.99. This set focuses on detailed work with its brush and fine tip combination and includes 168 colors with a blend of bright and pastel shades. Like the larger set, these markers use refillable alcohol-based ink that blends cleanly without smudging. The included case keeps everything organized and easy to bring along for artists on the move.
OneOdio Focus A5
OneOdio’s Focus A5 Wireless Headphones are priced at $79.98 and offer Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation that reduces low-frequency noise by up to 98 percent. With support for Hi-Res LDAC audio, these headphones deliver cleaner sound quality for wireless listening. Battery life goes up to 75 hours on a single charge or 45 hours with ANC active. They also feature soft protein leather ear cushions and a USB-C wired mode for those who prefer a direct connection.
UGREEN 65W USB C Charger Block
UGREEN’s 65W USB C Charger Block is currently $29.99. This compact charger uses GaN technology to deliver fast charging speeds in a smaller size that fits easily into a travel bag. It comes with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port so you can charge multiple devices like a MacBook, iPhone, or Steam Deck all at once. This version features a Genshin Impact Kinich-themed colorway and offers foldable plugs for easier portability.
CUKTECH NO.20 140W Power Bank
CUKTECH No.20 140W Power Bank is priced at $122.99 with an extra coupon available at checkout. It holds 25000mAh of power capacity and supports PD 3.1 for high-speed charging on devices like MacBooks. A smart TFT display shows real-time information such as voltage and remaining battery. It also recharges itself quickly with 100W input, making it a good option for work trips or power users who need a compact high-capacity battery.
GameSir G7 Pro Tri-Mode
GameSir G7 Pro Tri-Mode Controller is priced at $79.99 today. It works across Xbox, PC, and Android, switching between wired, wireless, and Bluetooth modes using a physical toggle. With Hall Effect triggers, adjustable gyroscope controls, and swappable faceplates, this controller offers flexibility for players who game on multiple platforms. Its 1000Hz polling rate also ensures low latency performance when connected to PC or using the 2.4G wireless dongle.
GameSir Super Nova Wireless Gaming Controller
GameSir Super Nova Wireless Controller is available for $49.99 today. It is compatible with Switch, Switch 2, PC, Android, and iOS and features Hall Effect sticks and triggers to help prevent drift. It includes programmable back buttons, customizable RGB lighting, and a 1000Hz polling rate for smooth response times. You can also swap out the faceplate and customize the button layout using GameSir’s companion software.
GOOLOO 6000A Jump Starter
GOOLOO GT6000 Jump Starter is on sale for $139.99. This is not just a car jump starter but also a 27000mAh power bank with USB charging and a built-in flashlight. It delivers up to 6000A peak current to start vehicles with engines as large as 12 liters for diesel or all standard gas engines. Thanks to 100W fast charging support, it can power devices like MacBooks and recharge itself fully in around two hours, making it useful both at home and on the road.
Berserk Complete 1997 TV Series Blu Ray
I keep circling back to this version of Berserk. It doesn’t rely on flashy effects or modern polish; it’s rough, it’s grim, and that’s exactly the mood it needs. For under $40, having all 25 episodes in HD on disc feels like the easiest way to revisit it or finally get around to it if you’ve been putting it off.
Anker Nano Charging Station(100W Max)
I finally grabbed one of these a couple of months back because I was fed up with cable chaos on my desk. Two USB-Cs, a couple of USB-As, plus normal outlets all in one spot. Now I just plug everything in and get on with things instead of hunting for spare sockets. It’s just less hassle.
JBL Xtreme 3
I don’t need a speaker this loud most days, but when friends are over or I’m out in the garden, it’s worth having. It’s chunky, sure, but you get enough sound and bass out of it that nobody’s asking you to turn it up louder. Plus I don’t have to worry about a bit of rain or dust wrecking it.
39 Inch UltraGear OLED
Sitting in front of a curved OLED like this feels like moving up a level from your usual flat screen. I wouldn’t have thought 240Hz would make much difference until I tried it, now everything else feels sluggish by comparison. If I was looking to upgrade, this would be high on the list.
Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB
I’ve swapped these into a couple of rigsnow, and it’s one of those upgrades where you notice the speed straight away. Big game installs or moving chunky files just don’t take as long anymore. For a couple minutes of swapping out a drive, the boost is kind of ridiculous.
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle
Still struggling to get your hands on Nintendo Switch 2? The Mario Kart World bundle is available on Amazon right now, but it’s invitation only. Make sure to request one, you’ve got nothing to loose. Unlike most invitation only products, Amazon was quite responsive when preorder invitations rocked up, so fingers crossed this is your golden ticket.
SanDisk® 512GB GamePLAY microSD Express Card
A $35 saving on a Micro SD card is a cracking deal right now, and will come in handy whilst trying out your OG Switch library on your brand new Nintendo Switch 2. These cards also guarantee fantastic performance playing Nintendo Switch 2 games, so it’s a win-win.
Superman (2025) (4K Ultra HD Steelbook)
Superman 2025 is arguably DC movies returning back to form, not to mention Krypto being a good boy. It’s already sold out once on Amazon, so get your preorder in whilst it’s still available, I think this will be a gem in anyone’s steelbook collection.
USB Type-C to A Cable 5 pack
More than 50% off a pack of five USB a to C cables? Yes please. These are always handy to have around, and no one wants to pay out of the nose for USB cables.
INIU Portable Charger 10000mAh 45W
This is ideal for carrying around when you’ve forgot to stick your phone on charge overnight, 45W is more than enough power to charge anything whilst using it, from phones to Nintendo Switch 2. So who can argue for $12?
TCL – 55″ QM6K Series
144Hz refresh rate on a 4K HDR QD Mini LED 55″ screen for under $450? There you go, that’s all the selling this TV needs. TCL have a hell of a reputation for undercutting big brand TV names, and this deal is no different.
INIU 140W Power Bank
Need serious power on the go? INIU’s 140W PowerNova Power Bank delivers laptop-level charging with a massive 27,000mAh capacity that is airline approved. Charge up to three devices at once via two USB-C ports and one USB-A, including a dedicated 140W PD 3.1 output to top off a MacBook Pro 16″ to 59% in just 30 minutes. The smart LED display shows real-time battery status, so you’re never guessing. Includes a USB-C cable, travel pouch, and INIU’s industry-leading 3-year warranty.
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
The Fitbit Charge 6 makes tracking your health and workouts easier and more connected than ever, with 40+ exercise modes, built-in GPS, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and YouTube Music controls. Link it to compatible gym equipment to see your stats live as you move. It comes with both small and large bands, a sleek porcelain and silver finish, and a 6-month Fitbit Premium membership for deeper insights. Charge 6 works with both iOS and Android, and pairs perfectly with other Google products like Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Personal Fan with LED Display
Stay cool anywhere with TUNISE’s wearable neck fan, featuring a whisper-quiet motor and three adjustable speeds up to 4100 RPM. Its 5200mAh battery delivers up to 12 hours of cooling, while the clear LED display keeps tabs on battery life and fan speed. With a foldable, adjustable-angle design, this bladeless fan is as portable as it is stylish.
9-Outlet Anker 332 USB C Power Strip Surge Protector
Simplify your workspace with Anker’s 332 USB C Power Strip, packing six outlets, USB-C 20W Power Delivery, and Anker’s signature 8-Point Safety System. It protects against surges, fire risks, and overloads while keeping your devices topped up. The 5-foot cord and compact three-sided outlet design make it easy to fit anywhere in your home or office setup. Reliable charging meets smart safety in one sleek package.
INIU USB C Charger Block x 2
Charge two devices at once with INIU’s 30W dual-port USB-C charger set. Featuring GaN tech for cooler, safer charging, each block is 30% smaller than standard chargers and comes with foldable plugs for easy travel. Power up an iPhone 16 to 71% in just 30 minutes or juice up a MacBook Air with ease. This set includes two 60W USB-C cables, a user manual, and INIU’s industry-leading 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection (Switch)
I picked up the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection for Switch and it’s been a solid throwback to the old Duel Monsters days. I grew up playing these games, so jumping back in with the ability to duel online and unlock classic cards feels pretty great. The save-anywhere feature makes it easy to squeeze in a match during a break and come back to it later. I also like that you can rewind or fast forward during duels which makes testing out new strategies a lot more flexible.
Superman (Blu-ray + Digital)
I was hoping to grab the steelbook edition of Superman but it looks like that’s already sold out. The standard Blu-ray is still available though if you’re just looking to watch the movie without the collectible packaging. James Gunn delivers a Superman story that feels fresh while staying true to the character. There’s a solid balance of action, humor, and heart, and it sets a strong tone for what’s next in the DCU. If you’re into superhero movies that keep things grounded while still feeling big and cinematic, this one’s worth picking up.
Split Fiction (PS5)
I grabbed Split Fiction on PS5 recently and it’s been a great pick for co-op sessions. We gave it a 9 out of 10 and after playing it I can see why. It focuses on split-screen teamwork where you and a partner have to sync your actions to clear each challenge. I really like how each level introduces new mechanics and switches between sci-fi and fantasy settings so it never feels repetitive. Mio and Zoe’s story adds some extra depth too since they do not get along at first but that dynamic makes the whole adventure feel more personal as things ramp up.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
AirPods Pro 2 are one of those earbuds I keep noticing for their mix of sound quality and thoughtful features. At $199, they offer a strong balance of value and performance. The active noise cancellation blocks out a lot of background noise while adaptive audio automatically adjusts based on your surroundings. You get four sizes of silicone tips for a customizable fit, and once those are set they stay comfortable even through longer listening sessions. The personalized spatial audio and hearing aid features add extra depth, giving them more flexibility than just a standard pair of wireless earbuds.
DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake (Switch)
DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake caught my attention for how it brings that classic RPG feel into a modern format. At $34.99, it’s a pretty big discount compared to the usual price, which makes it an easy pick if you’ve been waiting to try it. The HD-2D visuals really stand out with that mix of pixel art and depth that makes the world feel fresh but still familiar. Battles stick to the traditional turn-based system but with small updates like adjustable speed and auto-battle, so it doesn’t feel stuck in the past. The soundtrack ties it all together with that same timeless vibe DRAGON QUEST fans already know.
The Lord of the Rings Illustrated (Tolkien Illustrated Editions)
The Lord of the Rings Illustrated Edition feels like more than just a regular hardcover. At $30.07 it is a big drop from the usual $90 which makes it a sound deal. What really sets this edition apart are the illustrations with Tolkien’s own drawings maps and sketches included throughout. The full text is printed in red and black ink and there are details like sprayed edges and a ribbon bookmark that make it feel more like a collector’s item.
Suikoden I & II HD Remastered (Switch)
Suikoden I & II HD Remastered at $48.31 for the Day One Edition is an essential pickup for JRPG fans. The updated pixel art looks sharp without losing the original style and the new environmental sounds add a little more atmosphere as you move through towns and dungeons. Fattle fast forward and auto-save features make revisiting these games more modern and easier to play in shorter sessions.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Square Enix has announced it will end Windows 10 support for its MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV this October.
The publisher confirmed in a statement that support will end on October 14, 2025, coinciding with Microsoft’s own end-date for security updates and support.
“You will likely be able to play FINAL FANTASY XIV on Windows® 10 systems even after the end of support,” the company said. “However, after we discontinue support, we will as a general rule no longer be able to provide support for problems arising as a result of the operating system.”
Square Enix said it may responded to requests for technical support regarding Windows 10 issues after the end of support, but this will be limited, on a case-by-case basis, and not guaranteed.
Additionally, the OS and CPU requirements for the Windows version of Final Fantasy XIV will also be updated on October 14. Alongside a shift from Windows 10 64-bit to Windows 11 64-bit, CPU requirements will also bump up.
For Minimum System Requirements, the recommended Intel Core i7-7700 (or higher) will shift to an Intel Core i5-8400 (or higher). The Recommended System Requirements are holding steady on the Intel Core i7-9700 benchmark, though.
Currently, Final Fantasy XIV is building up to its 7.3 patch, The Promise of Tomorrow, due to arrive in early August. Following on from the Dawntrail expansion, patch 7.3 will introduce a new slew of Main Scenario Quests following the aftermath of the expansion and the strange things afoot in Solution Nine.
Additionally, the next leg of Final Fantasy XIV’s Final Fantasy XI crossover raid series Echoes of Vana’diel will arrive, with San d’Oria: The Second Walk. Longtime Final Fantasy XI players (who could even still be playing to this day) will likely find some neat easter eggs and references littered throughout the new series of fights.
As for Windows 10 users, the operating system shift still seems to be an inevitable reality. If you’re still on Win10, now might be a good time to start considering your options as its end-of-support looms in the distance.
Remedy has outlined what’s next for its multiplayer Control spin-off, FBC: Firebreak, promising big changes.
It comes after Remedy posted a candid statement last month acknowledging “not everything had gone well” following FBC: Firebreak’s mid-June release.
FBC: Firebreak launched on June 17 as a paid game as well as straight into Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. Calling the launch an “exciting and nerve-wracking time,” Remedy told players it had heard feedback “loudly and clearly,” and admitted “it’s clear there are features that need to improve, and they will improve.”
Since launch, the studio has released “four patches that improve the game and partly address [player] feedback. Now that the game is live, our community plays a big part in shaping the future of the experience. This is just the start.”
Remedy then warned that the speed at which it releases patches and updates will likely slow down now as it “puts more of our development focus on the first Major Update arriving in late September.”
“We’ve seen many players come into the game and leave within the first hour. And that’s because our first hour can be frustrating; you feel ineffective and confused as to what to do. This needs to be improved,” it added in an update posted to Steam.
“For many of you already playing FBC: Firebreak, us focusing on the opening experience may seem less exciting, but to keep the game healthy (and your matchmaking fast), we need to bring in more people with a better first-time experience than before.”
For this, Remedy is working on helping new players understand the Control universe and your place in it, and balancing that between players who have played Control and those who have not. Remedy thinks better “narrative onboarding” will be achieved by playing an introductory video. From there, there’ll be better tutorials to teach you core mechanics and features — as well as leaving some secrets to find unaided — and pop up tips will be introduced in the playable tutorial.
Next is gunplay – “our current upgrades can make guns feel weak early on” — so the plan is to “drop all generic upgrades from equipment and start players with a playable and powerful version of everything a Firebreak needs from the beginning.” To do this, Remedy is developing a mod system to let you tweak your weapons — expect more as we get closer to September. There’s also a big shake up for Jobs, and the content of them, on the way.
“To accomplish this, we are replacing Clearance and Corruption Levels with pre-made, exciting (you’ll have to take our word for that for now) variations of Job experiences that can still be short or long or filled with Corrupted Items, but also a whole lot more,” the team explained.
“We are weeding out our least fun experiences, focusing on our best experiences, and adding brand new modes with plans for adding even more in the future. As part of this change, we’re also reevaluating our matchmaking flow, making it clearer and segmenting player pools more effectively, to ensure more and better matches.” We should expect the placement of items like keys and ammo stations to get mixed up, too, to better keep us on our toes.
“As we hope has become clear, we are pushing a lot of improvements and changes into the game for our first Major Update,” Remedy concluded. “Some of these ideas were improvements that we weren’t able to add before launch, but all were decided on and developed based on what we heard from you (listening to feedback) and seen from you (looking at data).
“We are extremely excited about these changes and about delivering even more than we’d originally been planning, but changes now also mean changes later. We need to see what’s working for you and to hear from you again before we can be certain that we’re prioritizing the right things. So, while we are still planning on the next Major Update in the winter, and the next one after that, the specific focuses and features are a lot more nebulous. There are a variety of topics that we are discussing and researching, but for now, we are heads down working on the first Major Update.”
Despite the launch hiccups, FBC: Firebreak topped 1 million players. “FBC: Firebreak is a compelling co-op shooter that, despite its good looks, doesn’t have the depth to keep things interesting long-term,” we wrote in IGN’s FBC: Firebreak review, awarding it 6/10.
Remedy recently confirmed its plans for ongoing support post-launch, including two new Jobs (missions) coming in 2025. More updates will arrive in 2026, the developer said. All playable content released post launch, such as Jobs, will be free to all players. Players have the option to buy cosmetics, but none of these items will affect gameplay, and there will be no limited-time rotations or daily log-ins, Remedy insisted.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
Valve co-founder and boss Gabe Newell has offered a rare insight into his life, talking about his days living, working, and enjoying life on a “boat.”
In conversation with a YouTuber called Zalkar Saliev, who had just 19 subscribers at the time the interview clips went live (they’ve since acquired several hundred more), the 62-year-old Newell said he worked seven days a week from his bedroom on his superyacht, because it’s “fun” and he still “likes working.”
Asked to describe his daily routine in an interview Valve has confirmed to PC Gamer is real, Newell said: “I get up, I work, I go scuba diving, work some more. I either go on a second scuba dive or I go to the gym and work out. Then I work. I live on a boat, so I just hang out with everybody on the boat.”
“I work seven days a week,” he added. “I’m working from my bedroom, as you can tell. I like working. It’s fun. To me, it doesn’t feel like work. The kinds of things that I get to do every day are super awesome. I’ve said it before, but when you retire, you want to stop doing your horrible job and then go do what is most fun and entertaining. And so in that sense, I’ve been retired for a long time.”
Expanding on the types of work that keep him busy these days, Newell said: “Getting to work with Drew and Jeremy on AI stuff or Chris on Steam stuff… In one of the companies, we’re working on an aerosol pathogen detection device so you can see all the pathogens that are in the air. Brain computer interfaces are incredibly cool, and all of the associated neuroscience is incredibly cool. So, I just work all the time.
“But it’s not like, ‘Oh my God, I’m up late at night slaving away on stuff.’ It’s more like I can’t go to sleep because I’m having fun, you know?”
Valve, the studio behind seminal hits like Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike, is also the company behind the industry-leading Steam online game platform, plus the acclaimed Steam Deck handheld system. As of 2021, it employed 336 people across its hardware, Steam, and development divisions.
Newell previously worked at Microsoft, where he helped create the first versions of the Windows operating system, but left in 1996 to found Valve with Mike Harrington and develop the studio’s first game, Half-Life.
Photo by Olly Curtis/Future Publishing via Getty Images.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
As the world waits for Grand Theft Auto 6, Rockstar has finally released GTA 5 and GTA Online in both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Despite launching almost 12 years ago and selling 215 million copies elsewhere in the world, neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE had previously cleared Rockstar’s 2013 blockbuster for sale — until this week.
Issues over the game’s age rating and local regulations banning games with violence, sex and drug use have long stood in the way of local fans playing GTA 5 legally — though as a Niko Partners report highlighted, some fans have previously got around restrictions by quietly importing boxed copies, or downloading the game via PlayStation or Xbox accounts linked to other regions.
Now, fans can simply buy a copy of GTA 5 legally, which has finally been released under the two countries’ new 21+ age rating. The launch of this higher age restriction, following the earlier introduction of localised age ratings in 2016, has helped smooth GTA 5’s belated path to release — alongside a bit of help from Rockstar parent company Take-Two Interactive to grease the wheels.
A recently-agreed partnership between Take-Two and a Saudi firm, the Advanced Initiative Company, will see the latter now act as the local distributor for all Take-Two titles, including GTA 5, WWE 2K, NBA 2K and Red Dead Redemption.
The countries, with a combined population of around 44 million, will presumably now also become a market in which Rockstar can sell GTA 6, when it finally arrives.
After more than a decade in development and a recent major delay, GTA 6 is currently set to launch on May 9, 2026, pending any further hold-ups.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
Looking for codes for Dead Spells? IGN has you covered. We’ve jumped into the game and checked for all the newest and working codes for the Dead Rails inspired game. This fantasy survival game allows you to play as various classes including Gnome, Mushroom, and Goblin as you set off on expeditions.
Working Dead Spells Codes (July 2025)
40Klikes – 100 Burgers (NEW)
Gullible – 50 Burgers (NEW)
SteamPunk – 100 Burgers
LIZARD – 50 Burgers
Expired Dead Spells Codes (July 2025)
As of this month, these codes have now expired:
35Klikes
1MVisits
Thief King
30Klikes
25Klikes
Traits!
20Klikes
15Klikes
VampireMansion!
10Klikes
5000!
How to Redeem Dead Spells Codes
You’ll need to find the blue lizard in Dead Spells in order to redeem codes, so to find it and get your rewards, follow these steps:
Launch Dead Spells on Roblox
When you log into a server, go straight ahead past the water fountain.
Then, look for the blue lizard wearing a monacle near the noticeboard. It will say Enter Codes above it
Approach the lizard and interact with it to enter codes
Enter the code into the box and hit claim
How to Get More Dead Spells Codes
We check for new codes every day, so the best way to find out about the latest Dead Spells code is to save this article and keep checking back. You can also hunt for codes in the dediated Discord server, where codes are also announced.
Why Isn’t My Dead Spells Code Working?
If your code for Dead Spells isn’t working, it’s likely for one of two reasons:
The code has been entered incorrectly
The code has expired
If a code is not accepted in Dead Spells, it will say “code does not exist or is expired.” It doesn’t make it clear what the problem is, you’ll just know the code hasn’t worked. The good news is, if you use our article, we’ll move codes into expired when they stop working, so you can tell the difference. If a code is in the active and working list, however, be sure to copy and paste it exactly as you see it here. We test each of the codes before uploading them, and Roblox codes are often case-sensitive, so it’s important that it’s exact.
Lauren Harper is an Associate Guides Editor. She loves a variety of games but is especially fond of puzzles, horrors, and point-and-click adventures.
