Category: IGN

Ubisoft will launch its final Assassin’s Creed Shadows update of the year this week, ahead of the game’s arrival on Nintendo Switch 2.

Included in Title Update 1.1.7 are a set of brutal-looking new finishers to spice up Naoe and Yasuke’s combat (there’s some brutal-looking new moves in there).

For fans following Shadows’ typically-bizarre Animus content, this week brings a new Rift to explore as the mysterious Guide seeks players’ help once again. And there’s another new battle pass-like Project to work through, unlocking a fresh bo staff, as well as an outfit for Naoe (sadly, no more cats or Ezio costumes this time).

One useful tweak is the ability to access your Vault content — those text logs with modern day story — without fully quitting the game and heading to the Animus desktop, which was a faff. You’ll also be able to exchange Animus keys for more Gold, Mastery and Knowledge Points, should be be needing any more of those.

The above improvements come in addition to a long list of bug fixes and other changes, including some launch day updates for Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Nintendo Switch 2 edition (that arrives this Wednesday, December 17).

Here are the rest of those changes in full:

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Title Update 1.1.7 — Bug fixes & Improvements patch notes:

Nintendo Switch 2

• Improved various FPS issues.
• Fixed crashes for stability improvements
• Fixed various visual issues.
• Improved the touchscreen experience.
• Fixed an issue where players were asked to connect to a controller whenever the Switch 2 was docked or undocked, even if controllers were already connected.
• Resolved an issue where the players would remain in an infinite black screen after creating a Ubisoft Connect account or log in with an already existing account upon selecting an audio pack from the initial boot menu.

Gameplay

• Removed an exploit that would permit double engravings on the Sword of Fathoms.
• Fixed an issue preventing Naginatas from being sold. Fine, I shall sell my best wares somewhere else!
• Resolved an issue where perks that checked Mastery points spent would not update if Mastery points changed after equipping the item.
• Fixed an issue where upgrading skills to Rank 3 would sometimes cause damage upgrades from Rank 2 to be missing.
• The Bo Staff will now increase its affliction buildup stat when upgrading it Mythic and Artifact quality.
• Perks with affliction effects now have dynamic wording that specify which affliction they apply, based on the item they are engraved on.
• Fixed an issue where Knowledge Scrolls were removed from the players inventory. Junjiro did you take my scrolls again??
• Shared skills between Naoe and Yasuke will now correctly be learned by both.
• Edited wording for the “Affliction After Deflect” perk to clarify it applies 35% buildup instead of a full Affliction.
• Ensured that “Restore 6% Health With Posture Attack” is present for all Critical Damage and Health Gain engravings for all weapons when equipped.

Claws of Awaji

• Fixed an issue where players with two copies of the game, one with the Claws of Awaji Expansion and one without, would permanently lose the ability to fast travel to the island of Awaji when switching between the two editions of the game.

World

• Players can now whistle while using the Follow Road mechanic. Enjoy the open road, whistle a tune and relax!
• Corrupted Castles will no longer reset when loading into a previous save after a season has already changed.
• Fixed an issue where enemies and loot would respawn upon loading a save before changing seasons.

Visuals & Graphics

• Adjusted some facial animation for Naoe or Yasuke that looked unnatural during all cinematics when a hood was equipped. Psst! Naoe, stop making silly faces, please!

UI

• Corrected inconsistencies between the smuggled rewards shown in the UI at the end of a season and what was truly received. All the goods are there, boss!
• Fixed inconsistencies with the smuggled rewards UI when the Stables are upgraded. Remember to give your trusty steed an apple as a treat.
• Corrected location name for “Kawarajiri Lumber Camp” in Japanese.

Online Store

• Fixed an issue with receiving Store, Deluxe and Premium items into the player’s inventory.

PC SPECIFIC

• Fixed inputs issues when rebinding on Mouse and Keyboard.
• Improved FPS stability issues on PC.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Quests

• “Swords And Sake”: Fixed an issue where the mission couldn’t be completed due to Gennojo dying.
• “Eliminate Outlaws”: Corrected issues preventing the completion of the mission.
• “Temple Stories”: Ensured that Joken Hokkyo will not disappear so that the quest objective can be completed. Wait! Don’t go! I need to complete this mission!
• “Dismantling One by One”: Wandering enemies will now be indicated with a marker.

Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

Just weeks after making its PlayStation 5 debut, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is getting a big free content update adding new quests, characters and a fresh hub, as well as an additional weapon.

In a post on the PlayStation blog, Stalker 2’s Ukranian developer GSC Game World announced the new update and noted that it would be “completely free to all owners of the game” — so anyone who may have played previously on PC and Xbox Series X/S should expect to receive the additional content also.

Xbox owners who played the shooter via Xbox Game Pass when it originally launched in November 2024 may need to check if they still have access, however, as Stalker 2 departed from the subscription’s catalog last month, causing something of a stir.

New content is on the way to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: https://t.co/VGavXyDygk

⚬ 8 robust quests
⚬ 7 locations to explore
⚬ 6 characters with their own stories
⚬ Unique weapon
⚬ Creation hub pic.twitter.com/P1bkNJW5H7

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) December 15, 2025

“Strange things start happening near the Malachite on the western part of the map,” GSC says of its new questline. “The research groups sent by scientists were reporting a signal interfering with their usual PDA communications. After listening to it, stalkers were suffering from headaches, nose bleeds, and hallucinations.”

It all sounds like something interesting, if potentially deadly, that’s well worth investigating. Eight missions are included, with seven locations to explore, six more characters to meet, plus a new rifle to master: the GP37V2. You’ll also get the chance to establish a new hub in the Burnt Forest region.

GSC had previously promised new quests were on the way as part of its 2025 development roadmap, which included fresh gameplay featurs and story missions, as well as continued technical upgrades — such as a move to the latest version of Unreal Engline. Memorably, Stalker 2 launched in a bit of a state, though GSC has pledged to continue working to turn things around.

“Underneath the technical problems that plague Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a unique greatness,” IGN wrote in our Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl review, giving it 8/10. “It emerges as a refreshingly brutal shooter that strives to hook you with its incredible atmosphere and leave you invested by the end of this long, arduous journey.” Read more on how Stalker 2 has changed everything for the studio amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine here.

Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

Following a brand new trailer at The Game Awards, Housemarque’s upcoming release Saros is now available for PS5 fans to preorder. Its physical copy is currently listed for $69.99 at various retailers (see here at Amazon) and, as its new trailer also revealed, it’s set to be released next year on April 30.

Below, we’ve broken down where you can preorder Saros right now, alongside information on its digital deluxe edition and what preorder bonus you’ll get to enjoy by grabbing a copy early.

Preorder Saros

Saros Preorder Bonus

For those who preorder Saros, you’ll get the Hands of Shore Armor as a preorder bonus, which can be seen above.

Saros – Digital Deluxe Edition

There’s also a Digital Deluxe Edition of Saros, which is listed for $79.99. This comes with a few extras alongside the Hands of Shore Armor preorder bonus and full game, including the Astra Armor, Onryo Armor, and Midgard Armor. Players who purchase this version will also get 48 hour early access.

• See it here at PlayStation Store – $79.99

What Is Saros?

Saros is the latest game from Housemarque, and is the studio’s follow-up to Returnal. According to a post on the PlayStation Blog from Gregory Louden, Creative Director at Housemarque, Saros is “the haunting story of a lost off-world colony on Carcosa under an ominous eclipse. You play as Arjun Devraj [played by Rahul Kohli], a powerful Soltari Enforcer who will stop at nothing to find who he is looking for.”

Louden also notes the return of “bullet ballet” style shooting, alongside “a new ability, Parry, where with perfect timing of R1 you can reflect certain projectiles back at enemies, destroying or staggering them.”

Back when it was first announced, Louden detailed in another PlayStation Blog post that, “A key gameplay distinction between Saros and Returnal is permanent resources and progression making every death valuable.” Because of this, you’ll be able to come back stronger with each run to overcome obstacles you face.

Other Preorder Guides

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.

Arc Raiders developer Embark Studios has fully detailed the game’s Cold Snap update and its new cold-weather survival mechanics.

The update, out December 16, adds the new Cold Snap map condition, which is a winter variant across Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport, and The Blue Gate maps. Cold Snap adds cold-weather survival mechanics fueled by snowstorms across Speranza. Snowfall reduces visibility, lakes freeze over, and the open surface becomes even more dangerous. Exposure to extreme cold causes frostbite, thus encouraging new strategies around healing items, loadouts, and indoor shelter.

Arc Raiders Cold Snap gameplay changes, from Embark Studios:

• Environmental Hazard: Cold, harsh weather introduces new risks for raiders who remain outdoors too long. Players must watch out for frostbite, a creeping condition that slowly drains their health bar.
• Shelter Mechanics: To prevent frostbite, raiders will need to adapt their tactics as the cold gradually seeps into their bones. Raiders must rethink their loadouts, ensuring they can heal themselves or their teammates and plan their extractions with care, finding shelter if needed.
• Visual Overhaul: Frost buildup, frozen lakes, snow accumulation and more across Dam Battlegrounds, Buried City, Spaceport and The Blue Gate maps.

Elsewhere, unique loot and rewards are available through the Flickering Flames event and Candleberry Banquet project.

Flickering Flames Event: An act of endurance and patience that tests Raiders’ survival skills during the Cold Snap. Raiders can unlock rewards across 25 levels, including new gear, customizations elements and Raider Tokens by earning Merits, which are automatically gained from XP in rounds. To activate the event, Raiders must have played five rounds of the game.

Candleberry Banquet Project: A new project that brings Raiders together to feel the fragile warmth that shines through the frigid cold. Raiders can earn rewards by scavenging unique items topside and collecting Candleberries. It features five stages, each revealing a new scene on the banquet table. Completing stages grants rewards such as cosmetic items, Raider Tokens and Merits, with Merits contributing progress in the Flickering Flames event.

Starting December 26, the Goalie Raider deck will be included in the base game. The new deck includes new items and feats for players to complete, offering rewards such as Raider tokens, cosmetic items and more. These include a hockey-inspired Raider outfit in several color variants, along with a hockey stick Raider tool.

And finally, the Expedition Project Raider Reset lets players restart their journey with certain buffs, advantages, and rewards. The Expedition Project will provide Raiders with an opportunity to undergo a reset, bringing a new raider and a new story for the player. This optional reset is unlocked by collecting key materials to build a Caravan for the existing Raider then signing up for the departure during the Expedition window. By departing, players will reset their character progress for a new Arc Raiders journey with exclusive buffs, advantages and rewards that carry over.

In a blog post, Embark explained why it’s doing the seasonal reset. “Progression wipes are a notoriously difficult thing to balance in online multiplayer games — we get that,” the developer said. “Mandatory global wipes have some obvious benefits: heavily invested players get to re-experience the initial grind once again and, for a time, the playing field is levelled. The optional Expedition Project is our solution to some of the problems that inevitably arise with mandatory wipes — specifically, by respecting your time investment in the game. We want to offer you the choice:

“Not completed as much as you’d like? Keep on raiding, building, and growing. Ready for a new challenge and to grind once again? Depart on the Expedition, and receive buffs, rewards, and bragging rights.”

Arc Raiders Cold Snap update release times:

Embark Studios launches Cold Snap on Tuesday, December 16, at 10.30am CET / 9.30am UK time / 1.30am PT / 4.30am ET.

Cold Snap includes limited-time events and elements running from Tuesday, December 16 until Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 10.30am CET / 9.30am UK time / 1.30am PT / 4.30am ET.

Cold Snap is the last update listed as part of Arc Raiders’ 2025 content roadmap, and Embark has yet to outline what’s coming in 2026. Arc Raiders sold over 4 million copies worldwide within two weeks of launch, cementing its commercial success. Nexon also revealed that the extraction shooter had reached a huge concurrent count of 700,000 players across all platforms. It’s done so well it crossed over into the world of South Park with a surprise appearance that was put together in just a few days. Cementing its success, Arc Raiders won Best Multiplayer at last week’s The Game Awards.

IGN’s Arc Raiders review, returned a 9/10. We said: “With polished gunplay and an irresistible grind, Arc Raiders sets a new standard for extraction shooters.”

If this has tempted you into jumping into Arc Raiders, check out our guide to the best settings, find out what skills we recommend unlocking first, and see how to earn loot by delivering field depot crates.

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.

Last week at The Game Awards, we learned that the next-gen Tomb Raider that developer Crystal Dynamics announced three years ago is titled Tomb Raider: Catalyst. Published by Amazon Game Studios, it’s set to release in 2027 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S.

Meanwhile, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is a reimagining of the original Tomb Raider game, built with Unreal Engine 5 and due out next year. Both games will feature a new actor as Lara Croft: Alix Wilton Regan.

While the news was a surprise for some, actor Camilla Luddington — who portrayed Lara Croft in the 2013-2018 reboot trilogy — shared a bittersweet Instagram post about her time as the lead, saying she loved the fans and Croft will “forever be a part of [her].”

“I thought I’d make a post since I’ve been hearing from so many of you,” she wrote. “I want to let you know that I have loved this fandom. To join the list of Lara Crofts before me was an incredible honor and she will forever be a part of me. The Survivor Trilogy was a decade of adventure I will never ever forget. I could not be prouder of what we created.

“And as always, a new actress receives this incredible gift to step into the boots. So with that said — [new Croft actor Alix Wilton Regan] if you’re ever in need of a [bow and arrow], I know the exact spot to look for one at Croft Manor.”

Alix Wilton Regan has played a number of big video game characters over the years, including the Female Inquisitor in both Dragon Age: Inquisition and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Samantha Traynor in Mass Effect 3, Alt Cunningham in Cyberpunk 2077, and Aya in Assassin’s Creed Origins. Regan was set to play Joanna Dark in Microsoft’s Perfect Dark reboot, but it was canceled as part of a major round of layoffs.

As spotted by Eurogamer, Regan also shared a post following The Game Awards announcement, claiming it was the “absolute highlight” of her career to date to have been cast, “surpass[ing] even my wildest dreams, quite frankly.”

“We’re. Just. Getting. Started,” she wrote.

Here’s the official blurb on Tomb Raider: Catalyst:

Tomb Raider: Catalyst, which has been in development by Crystal Dynamics since the partnership with Amazon Game Studios was announced in 2022, marks a bold direction for the series as Lara Croft embarks on a new adventure across Northern India. Tomb Raider: Catalyst is set in the wake of a mythical cataclysm that has unleashed ancient secrets and awakened the mysterious forces that guard them. When the most notorious treasure hunters from around the world descend on the region, Lara races to uncover the truth buried beneath the fractured landscape and stop those who would use its power for their own gain. As the ancient world collides with the present, Lara must decide who to trust among rivals and allies to prevent a catastrophe and protect a secret that could reshape the future.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Tomb Raider: Catalyst delivers the largest Tomb Raider world yet where Lara will traverse a landscape full of secrets, delve into lost tombs packed with intricate puzzles, and solve ancient mysteries using her unmatched brilliance and richly customized adventure tech. Perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike, players will experience an exhilarating story of trust and betrayal that tests Lara Croft in new ways. Tomb Raider: Catalyst is set to launch in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam.

Catalyst wasn’t the only Tomb Raider-related announcement at this year’s Game Awards. Catalyst’s first trailer was immediately followed by a surprise announcement of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a “reimagining” of the original 1996 classic. It is due out for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S sometime in 2026, as that’s when the franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Here’s the official blurb on Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis:

In a surprise announcement, Amazon Game Studios, Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog unveiled Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a modern reimagining of Lara Croft’s genre-defining 1996 debut. Developed in partnership between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog, the game features stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, modern game design, and new surprises that honor the spirit and atmosphere of the original game. As Lara Croft, players will harness their wits and athleticism to explore exotic locations lost to time, traverse treacherous landscapes, solve deadly contraptions, and face lethal predators in their quest for the scattered pieces of the Scion — an artifact of immeasurable power.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis sets a new standard for re-envisioning a classic by masterfully balancing innovation with gaming heritage, capturing the wonder and excitement that defined a genre while igniting a new sense of discovery through expanded storytelling. The game arrives in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam.

Be sure to check out everything announced at The Game Awards 2025 for more, as well as the winners list in full.

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.

Larian publishing director Michael Douse has explained the studio’s thinking in the wake of the gruesome reveal trailer for Divinity, the Baldur’s Gate 3 studio’s next big role-playing game.

Divinity was announced at The Game Awards with a CG trailer that features extreme gore and sex. It begins with medieval fantasy villagers preparing for a ritual sacrifice, which involves burning a man alive. The villagers celebrate the occasion by playing music and dancing, laughing and chatting, feasting and drinking. At one point, someone throws up into animal feed. A mother and child look on with anticipation.

The burning of the man begins, and here things get very gory indeed. As his flesh tears and he screams in pain, some of the villagers are seen having sex. Others whip themselves. There’s more vomiting. Everyone seems thrilled, but as the burning man dies, something goes horribly wrong.

Disgusting wounds appear on the man. As his arm rips off we get a quick cut to an extreme closeup of someone eating meat. More sex. More vomiting. More pigs eating the vomit. And then the burning man explodes in a shower of gore. Something terrible is pouring out of his body. This, clearly, is not what was supposed to happen, and the villagers flee in terror. In the aftermath we see the statue Geoff Keighley has teased ahead of The Game Awards itself. It has not gone well for the villagers, but the pigs look like they’re still having a good time mopping up.

It’s fair to say the trailer has sparked a great deal of debate. While some have praised the studio for not holding back when it comes to its dark themes (something Baldur’s Gate 3 won plaudits for), others have said the trailer goes too far. Indeed some have accused Larian of “pushing the morale line” with the trailer, labeling it “gore porn.”

Now, Douse has explained what Larian was going for here. In a tweet response to illustrator and YouTuber Kala Elizabeth, who had praised the studio for refusing to “hold back or sanitize stories to make them more palatable,” Douse said the Divinity trailer wasn’t about shocking the audience, rather “treating the audience with a level of intellectual respect.”

“The phrase ‘treating the audience with a level of intellectual respect’ came up a lot in planning,” he said. “It isn’t about trying to shock them, it’s about trying to match their powers of comprehension so that it resonates. We know people are capable of appreciating a three dimensional world.”

This appears to have gone down well with Larian’s fans. “I love this,” Elizabeth replied. “As someone who plays durge, evil and renegade options I’m sad that more games don’t seem to push that nuance and trust the audience anymore. Can’t wait to see what y’all do next.”

There’s still a great deal we don’t know about Divinity, of course, but fans think they’ve worked out who the burning man in the trailer is supposed to be. Larian has said Divinity is its next “major” game after Baldur’s Gate 3, and it is set in the world of Rivellon. Here’s the tagline: “the gods are silent. Rivellon bleeds. New powers stir.”

“Built by the team who brought you Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios unchains its ambitions to bring you an RPG with greater breadth and depth than ever before,” reads the official blurb.

While Divinity is a brand new game that doesn’t require experience with previous Larian titles, those who’ve played Divinity: Original Sin and Divinity: Original Sin 2 will be able to enjoy “greater understanding and continuity,” Larian added.

Swen Vincke, founder and game director of Larian Studios, said: “Despite our long history with the series, this is our first game entitled Divinity. We’re ready to bring everything we’ve done previously into one place. This marks the beginning of something with more breadth, depth, and intimacy than anything we’ve created before. We’ve been building toward this moment ever since we took our fate into our own hands. This is the Divinity we’ve always wanted to make and you’re going to have loads of fun with it.”

Be sure to check out everything announced at The Game Awards 2025 for more, as well as the winners list in full. And if you’re wondering what all this Divinity business is about, check out our handy explainer here.

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.

Phantom Blade Zero is a PlayStation 5 console exclusive for 12 months.

S-GAME Studio’s Wuxia action RPG launches on September 9, 2026 across PS5 and PC. Much like other initially PS5 console-exclusive games, such as Silent Hill 2 Remake, Phantom Blade Zero won’t be available on “other consoles until at least 12 months after release date.” This means Xbox Series X and S or Nintendo Switch 2 versions will have to wait until at least September 2027, if they are in indeed in S-GAME Studio’s plans.

PS5 console exclusivity comes from the teaser video added to the official PlayStation YouTube channel, which has a familiar blue notice at the end (thanks, MP1st).

Indie hit ghostbusting game Phasmophobia is coming to Nintendo Switch 2.

Developer Kinetic Games used The Game Awards to announce a 2026 release window for Phasmophobia on Switch 2 without offering a firm release date.

On Switch 2, up to four players can team up to conduct paranormal investigations across 14 terrifying maps and yes, Switch 2 players will be able to join pals on other platforms thanks to crossplay. The five-year-old game is also due to finally exit early access next year, too.

“We’re over the moon to reveal that Phasmophobia is coming to Nintendo Switch 2. It’s something both our community and all of us at Kinetic Games have wanted for a long time, so we’re really happy this long-kept secret is finally out there,” said Kinetic Games CEO and director, Daniel Knight.

“With 1.0 on track for 2026, it’s an exciting time to have new players get to experience the game. We’re so glad that Switch 2 players will be able to join us for everything that’s coming, as well as jump into the wealth of content we’ve added throughout 2025.”

It has indeed been a big year for Phasmo fans, with map reworks and the release of the all-new location, Nell’s Diner. We also found out Phasmophobia is getting the Hollywood treatment in July. Horror specialist Blumhouse — the credits of which include Five Nights at Freddy’s, The Conjuring, and M3gan — has partnered with the UK developer to create a feature film adaptation.

At the moment, nothing else is known, so we’re not yet sure who’ll be writing or directing it, let alone starring in the movie, but in an interview with IGN, we asked art director Corey J. Dixon for his thoughts on how horror production company Blumhouse will translate Phasmophobia’s genre-defining gameplay to the big screen.

“We’ve got a really good partnership with Blumhouse. It’s brilliant,” Dixon said at the time. “It will be a Phasmophobia film, it won’t just be a ghost hunting film — we’re going to make sure it’s a film that fans want to watch, and we’re going to work with them really closely.”

Be sure to check out everything announced at The Game Awards 2025 for more, as well as the winners list in full.

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.

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In the wake of Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic’s big announcement at The Game Awards, you might have seen social media posts saying the game won’t be out until 2030. Director Casey Hudson has now stepped in to address those posts, insisting the game will be out before then.

Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is in development at Edmonton, Alberta-based developer Arcanaut Studios, which Hudson and his partners only founded in July. It stole the show at The Game Awards with a flashy, tantalising CG trailer that contained no gameplay. But fans are particularly excited because Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is billed as the spiritual successor to the much-loved Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, which Hudson directed while at BioWare.

So where did all the “not till 2030” posts come from? It seems a social media comment from Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, in which he called a 2030 release window an “optimistic guess” based on the fact the studio was founded this year, ended up being framed elsewhere online as “Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic may not release until at least 2030.”

Now, Hudson himself has stepped in. “Don’t worry about the ‘not till 2030’ rumors,” Hudson tweeted. “Game will be out before then. I’m not getting any younger!”

Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is in “early development,” so it still feels a fair while away. But based on Hudson’s comment, it will launch at some point in 2029 at the latest, which is four years away. In that time, Hudson will need to build out his new studio (almost certainly a factor in announcing the game so early), which will be a huge effort all on its own, as well as build what is expected to be a high quality AAA game with huge fan expectations.

Details are thin on the ground, but we do have some top-line information as well as enthusiasm from LucasFilm Games, which is collaborating with Arcanaut Studios on the project. Obviously Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is set in the Old Republic era, given its name. It’s a “narrative-driven single-player action RPG” where you “step into the role of a Force user on a journey through a galaxy on the edge of rebirth.” We’re told players can expect an experience “where every decision deepens their journey toward light or darkness.” It sounds a lot like KOTOR, and while it may end up feeling a lot like KOTOR, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is a completely new and different story that will introduce new characters.

“We’re still early in development, with many challenges ahead,” Hudson said in a blog post on StarWars.com. “I’m grateful to have enjoyed the support of KOTOR fans for many years, and I look forward to embarking upon this journey together, sharing more of what we’re doing as soon as we can!”

Despite Hudson’s comment reassuring fans, there is some debate about whether Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic will end up missing the current generation of consoles and end up launching on the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox, as well as PC. Time will tell.

Be sure to check out everything announced at The Game Awards 2025 for more, as well as the winners list in full.

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.