Marathon is expected to launch on PC and consoles on September 23rd, putting Bungie's extraction shooter revival head-to-head with the the planned release of Borderlands 4. This was revealed shortly ago on Twitch, where a live presentation is still underway as of right now. In addition to the launch date and details about gameplay, the stream also unveils plans for alpha testing, saying it begins on April 23rd, directing interested players to the Marathon Discord for details on how to participate. There's also a separate new Gameplay Overview Trailer with a look. Here's the description:

From the creators of Halo and Destiny comes Marathon, a team-based extraction shooter. Choose your Runner and scavenge the lost colony of Tau Ceti IV for fortune, power, and answers to Tau Ceti's secrets.

Closed Alpha Test starts April 23, 2025.

Sign up to playtest on Discord discord.gg/marathonthegame

The SCS Software Blog reveals plans for Project Road Trip, a new "concept" in development for American Truck Simulator. After all the groundwork the game lays to simulate the business of long-haul trucking across the U.S.A., this will allow players to escape the working world of 18-wheelers to enjoy the scenery from a passenger car. This is still in the early stages, and details are still scant, but the hope is this will add to enjoyment for existing players while also attracting new drivers:

We know many of you were curious about our recent teaser titled "Hear us out." Today, we're excited to finally reveal what it's all about! Our teams are in the early stages of developing the Road Trip concept for American Truck Simulator.

In the past, we've shared our ambition to expand the ways players can engage with the game world—not just through driving Class 8 trucks and hauling cargo, but by exploring that same world through different types of vehicles and experiences. Road Trip represents a step in that direction. Once introduced, it should allow players to enjoy the vast landscapes of ATS not only from the cab of an 18-wheeler but also from behind the wheel of, say, a powerful pickup or even a sports car. We hope this new perspective will appeal not only to long-time players but also to those who may be discovering the world of ATS for the first time.

An auction listing for the "intangible assets" of Tequila Works is live as part of the bankruptcy proceedings for the RiME developer. The company's insolvency followed news last year of layoffs and a studio restructure. An insight into the state of the industry can be found in the listing for RiME (aka RIME), the puzzle/adventure launched in 2017 to positive reviews and a couple of award nominations. While an earlier story on VGC reported bidding was still in the hundreds of Euros (thanks GamesIndustry.biz), the auction for the RiME trademark and IP currently stands at €15,500 (reserve not met). Here's what is promised to the winning bidder:

This bundle includes:

• The trademark "RiME", the exclusive property of Tequila Works, which is transmitted without contractual restrictions.
• The exploitation rights of the video game "RiME", as well as the rights to receive royalties, which are subject to the limitations established in the current contract with Grey Box (Game Development and Publishing Agreement), which restricts their assignment without express consent.

The purchaser will be given a hard drive with all the information related to the game.

Leave your glasses at home, as Bureau of Contacts is out of Early Access and officially available for Windows on Steam, kicking off a co-op ghost busting hunting game for 1-4 players. Developer MIROWIN provides this update with a brief outline of what's new for version 1.0. Here's the most recent gameplay trailer from about seven months ago. This paranormal action/adventure includes AI-powered voice interactions with ghosts. This is vaguely referenced in the odd description that presents the idea of battling more than one enemy as some sort of breakthrough:

"Bureau of Contacts" - ghost-hunting game for 1-4 players, in which you'll encounter 2 enemies at once - location itself and the ghosts with most human-like intelligence ever. So...look around and watch what you say!

Age of War is now free-to-play on Steam, offering a strategy game for Windows from Alex Piotrowski. This is the desktop version of a Flash game from 2007 (yes, it was actually featured here at the time), which can now be viewed through the lens of preserving game history. True to its origins, this includes simple graphics and gameplay, but has received hundreds of positive reviews. Here's word:

A recreation of the beloved flash game "Age of war".

This game is free and open source:

The game features 5 ages that players have to advance through. Each age comes with a different special attack, units and turrets. The goal of the game is to protect your own base and destroy the enemy.

• Fake leaker deletes account as Oblivion Unreal Engine 5 Remake did not shadowdrop like he predicted - DSOGaming.

• Save 15% on Sniper Elite: Resistance on Steam.
• Save 50% on SnowRunner on Steam.
• Save 30% on RollScape on Steam.
• Save 80% on Car Detailing Simulator on Steam.

• Blood Strike Launches Attack on Titan Collaboration (video).

• 'Mythic Quest' Canceled After Four Seasons at Apple TV+ - Variety. Last episode getting a "patch."

• Stormgate First Look at the Campaign Mode.

↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.

• Ketheric is Cathartic - Baldur's Gate 3 Ep20 - Carbot. Thanks Ant.

• With 4K and ray tracing, Xbox’s Indiana Jones game is set to run best on PS5 Pro - VGC. Not counting PC, of course.

• TV-signal based BPS tested as fallback for GPS — digital TV infrastructure could come to the rescue if satellites are compromised - Tom's Hardware.
• Waymo will start testing its self-driving taxis in Tokyo next week - Engadget.
• Is Airplane Mode on Flights Necessary or Outdated? (2025) - WIRED (may require registration or subscription).

• How Do Ships Power The Internet - - Casual Navigation (video). Thanks The Flying Penguin.

• Trump exempts phones, computers, chips from new tariffs - CNBC.
• Chinese chip giants say they don't care about U.S. tariffs — many don't sell to the U.S. anyway due to existing sanctions - Tom's Hardware.
• How bad is 8GB of VRAM in 2025? Medium vs Ultra Settings 1080p, 1440p - Daniel Owen (over caffeinated video). Thanks Simon.

• AI code suggestions sabotage software supply chain • The Register.
• Netflix is testing a new OpenAI-powered search - The Verge.
• The AI Agent Era Requires a New Kind of Game Theory - WIRED (may require registration or subscription).
• ChatGPT AI action dolls: Concerns around the Barbie-like viral social trend - BBC.

• Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up - Air transport - The Guardian. Thanks Slashdot via Ant.
• 5 warning signs that your phone's been hacked - and how to fight back - ZDNET.

• Graphics Card: ASUS GeForce RTX 5080 TUF OC Review - TechPowerUp.
• PSU: Cooler Master X Silent Edge Platinum 850W power supply review - Tom's Hardware.
• SSD: Sabrent Rocket Enterprise 15.36TB SSD Review - High Availability and Performance - TweakTown.
• VR/AR HMD: RayNeo Air 3s AR glasses review- Cheaper and better in every way - Tom's Hardware.

Wow! Thanks Beamer for a forum post pointing out preorders for the DOOM + DOOM II Will it Run Edition in preproduction at Limited Run Games. This is a limited-edition boxed set for DOOM + DOOM II, the recent rerelease of the original DOOM games updated for modern systems. That package is cheap online since the games are from 1993 and 1994. But someone figured out a way to turn this $10 package into a satanic panic price of $666.66. This is by extending the "can it play DOOM" meme that puts the game on so many oddball devices like pregnancy tests that the topic inspired its own subreddit. Not only does the extras-filled bundle include a hand-held Cacodemon that plays DOOM, but the box itself can be used to play the game, so be sure not to toss that if you decide to splurge on a copy.

Boxed-up Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

Brunch Link

• Bald Eagle Stares Down Family for Full Day in Wild Video - People.

Stories

• ‘Don’t panic, but don’t relax’- Taiwan’s plan ‘to use 7-Eleven chains’ as wartime hubs - Taiwan - The Guardian. Not reassuring.

Science

• Scientists Discover Unique 100 Hz Sound That Alleviates Motion Sickness - SciTechDaily.
• Supermassive Black Hole Erupts With Record-breaking X-ray Bursts - Daily Galaxy.

Media

• Yoink!: How the US Brazenly Stole the Soviet Union’s Best Helicopter - Tales From the Bottle. Thanks The Flying Penguin.

Big Buck Hunter: Ultimate Trophy is now available, offering the chance to grab your rifle and hunt down the FIFA World Cup Trophy (at least that's what an online search tells us best fits the title). Of course the title refers to big game, as this brings the trophy hunting of the Big Buck Hunter arcade machines home, promising three times the content of any previous installment in the series. The Windows edition is available on the Epic Games Store and Steam with a 10% launch discount. Here's the Official Launch Trailer and word on whether this dog will hunt:

Lock, load and conquer the wild like never before with Big Buck Hunter: Ultimate Trophy! This home gaming experience takes the best-selling arcade hunting series to thrilling new heights, delivering over three times the content of the previous console offering in the franchise. Take down the biggest roster of animals ever - from Elk and Bighorn Sheep to dangerous trophies such as Grizzly Bears and Lions - across a wide range of glorious environments.

With 27 adrenaline-pumping Bonus Games, expanded weapon choices like the Crossbow, competitive multiplayer modes, and a reimagined Trophy Room, Big Buck Hunter: Ultimate Trophy sets a new standard for arcade hunting adventures. Whether you're a seasoned sharpshooter or a fresh newcomer, the hunt is on—are you ready?

• Nice Day For Fishing - Release Date Trailer. May 29th. Epic NPC Man no longer in the title.

• Steam indie.io Publisher Sale 2025 - Up to 90% off.
• Save 40% on DAVE THE DIVER on Steam.
• Save 90% on Crime Boss: Rockay City on Steam.
• Save 50% on SnowRunner on Steam.
• Train Sim World 5: Route Remix Bundle (pay what you want and help charity) - Humble.*

*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item.

• Fortnite x Adventure Time Intro Trailer.
• Dark Horse Reveals New Mass Effect Commander Shepard Statues - Game Informer.

Official patch.

• INAYAH - Life after Gods - Pathfinder Patch [1.0.2]- Cutscenes, Voice Acting, Map Improvements, and More.

• Harpagun on Steam. "Harpagun is a fast-paced VR shooter where you smash alien critters, argue with your dysfunctional crew, and destroy everything in sight. Use weapons or everyday objects with a gravity ray to wreak havoc. Built for VR, it delivers chaotic fun, immersive combat, and a wild, hilarious storyline."

• Saber Interactive CEO donates $5 million for game industry institute at University of Texas - Game Developer.

Official trailers.

• What’s Next for Assetto Corsa EVO - Open Mode, Modding Tools, Performance Boost, Stefano Casillo Returns & More.
• Baldur's Gate 3 - Announcing our Patch 8 Launch Stream.
• Fish Stick Protocol - Official Teaser - Chaos awaits. "A Wild Co-Op Expedition Game with Procedural Dimensions and Chaotic Charm."

• U.S. tariff pause could give Nintendo time to amass a Switch 2 stockpile - Game Developer.
• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Comes to PS5 on April 17 with PS5 Pro enhancements – PlayStation.Blog.
• Assassin’s Creed Shadows- Ubisoft deep dives into PS5 Pro updates – PlayStation.Blog.
• Zenless Zone Zero Arrives on Xbox This June - With In-Game Benefits for Game Pass Ultimate Players - Xbox Wire.
• City Bus Manager - Console Edition - Announcement Trailer.
• Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 512: True Blue – PlayStation.Blog.

• Razer's PC Remote Play app lets you stream PC games to your mobile devices - Tom's Hardware.
• Apple Maps on the web leaves beta and launches with support for mobile devices - Neowin.

• Turbulent global economy could drive up prices for Netflix and rivals - Ars Technica.
• YouTube’s new AI tool generates free background music for videos - The Verge.

• Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5551 (Dev Channel) - Windows Insider Blog. Thanks Console General.

• Now it's TikTok parent ByteDance's turn for a reasoning AI: enter Seed-Thinking-v1.5! - VentureBeat.
• AI isn’t ready to replace human coders for debugging, researchers say - Ars Technica.

• Audio-Technica is making just 10 of these $6,800 Darth Vader headphones. - The Verge. The Farce is strong with this one. Thanks Neutronbeam.

• China admits behind closed doors it was involved in Volt Typhoon attacks - TechRadar.

Last Link of the Day: Mick Jagger’s Fiancée Is Steel Wheels Years Old. She doesn't look a day over Voodoo Lounge.

Obituary: William Roberts, the voice of Vesemir in The Witcher games, has died - PC Gamer.
Obituary: Ted Kotcheff Dead- 'First Blood,' 'Weekend At Bernie's' Director & 'SVU' Producer was 94 - Deadline.

Developer Fakefish announces Frostrail, a survival first-person shooter from the Barotrauma developer that trades Barotrauma's claustrophobic submarine setting for a claustrophobic steam train. But this is an open-world game, so at least you can occasionally disembark and stretch your legs (while shooting enemies). This has a Steam Listing that lists a 2026 release window, but also says it is "coming soon to Early Access." A post about this on PC Gamer gets some firsthand details about the project from Fakefish founder and CEO Aku Jauhiainen. This post on Steam discusses the news, and offers a Reveal Trailer with a first look. The trailer shows the frost in the game is everywhere, so it's hard to pretend this isn't inspired in part by Snowpiercer, though as far as we know it will feature a better menu. Here's word:

Once a mighty empire, the land now lies barren, consumed by an unrelenting cold. Twisted by the Emperor’s pact with the Void, its ruins are haunted by relentless revenants and eldritch horrors. Aboard an armored, steam-powered train, the Penitent Gardeners purge the land of the cursed, granting mercy to the lost and striking down the wicked, seeking salvation in the heart of the frozen desolation. Your train is more than a refuge, it is your only way forward. As you explore the frozen wasteland, it will keep you moving and alive, carrying everything you need to survive. Fuel the Eden Engine, manage its power, and operate your train to explore further, scavenging what little remains of this world.

Sloclap is inviting players interested in action futbol/soccer/association football game Rematch to register for a beta test that begins one week from today on April 18th. The announcement calls this an "open beta," but then points to a Beta Registration Page saying this is "invite only," so this is a closed open beta. Bring your own jumbo shrimp. A new Release Date Announcement Trailer accompanies the news, saying we should expect the full game to kick off on June 19th. Here's more on the plan:

Aspiring pros can join the open beta by registering at www.playrematch.com. The beta runs from April 18 - 19 on PC/Steam and will feature all of the excitement of 5v5 and 4v4 matches around the world. Start training now to be the best you can be when the game drops on June 19.

Teamwork, strategy and skill are at the core of Rematch. Set against a variety of virtual backdrops, Rematch brings forth the core essence of what it means to play football from the perspective of the player on the field.

Fulfilling a prophecy, Kaya's Prophecy is now available on Steam with a 20% launch discount. In this Yogscast Games and Jérémie & Thibaut offer card-based strategy where you build and nurture your village while trying to keep the population and the gods properly appeased. The Release Trailer shows off deckbulding elements and what happens when you play your cards right. Here's more:

Restoring the village to its former glory will take time, resources, and plenty of sacrifices. Praying to totems and altars will bring awards, provided enough ‘donations’ are made. With a combination of crafting and prayer, players will discover new recipes, improve their equipment, and welcome new villagers to the tribe. However, as the village grows so too does the deity’s hunger…

Line Games announces Ember and Blade, a survival soulslike coming to PC in 2026, with a demo expected before the end of this year. A Steam Listing has the first details and the ability to add this to your wishlist. Here's a trailer and here's the description:

Ember and Blade is a premium survivors-like game featuring strategic combat and challenging boss fights, complete with a layered narrative and entrancing aesthetic.

Play as Fenrix the demon hunter, who has transcended death - kind of. He's on a temporary immortality contract with an angel, and is transported to a mysterious world where the archdemon Asmodeus is sealed.

• Midnight Special（夜不能魅）on Steam (Windows, macOS). "Welcome to 'Midnight Special,' a gripping point-and-click survival horror game that pays homage to 70s and 80s cinema. The game's story draws inspiration from giallo, slashers, and sci-fi classics, while the presentation is inspired by 90s 16-bit aesthetics."

• Rusty Rabbit - Launch Trailer. April 17th.

• Last of Us Season 1 RECAP video - Everything You Need to Know Before Season 2. Thanks Ant.
• Cinemas threaten Minecraft Movie audiences over ‘chicken jockey’ TikTok trend - The Guardian. It was so much better when everyone stayed home.
• Balatro now canonically in Black Mirror - Eurogamer.net.
• LEGO Horizon Adventures soundtrack launches on streaming platforms today – PlayStation.Blog.
• Lowe’s bets on sports video games to drive up Gen Z brand loyalty - Marketing Dive.

• DOOM + DOOM II Update 3 Release Notes. Thanks Frans.
• The Last of Us Part II Remastered PC - Patch 1.1 Release Notes.
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2 -- Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PC – Patch 8 Release Notes.
• Spiritfall - Version 1.6 Free Update.
• Vampire Survivors: Emerald Diorama is free and out now.

↑ Official patches. ↓ Unofficial games, patches, and mods.

• Dark Souls Remastered Seamless Co-Op Mod Released - DSOGaming.

• Heroes of the Storm: Wave of disciplinary action taken on accounts. Blizzard keeps un-abandoning aspects of this game's support.

Official trailer.

• Fortnite - New LEGO Island just dropped.
• Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree - Feature Spotlight- Class Playstyles.

• 10 Indie Games Coming to Xbox, and 10 Things You Should Know About Them - Xbox Wire.
• Fragpunk Console Launch Date Trailer - April 29th.
• City Bus Manager - Console Edition - Announcement Trailer.
• Next Week on Xbox- New Games for April 14 to 18 - Xbox Wire.
• (For Southeast Asia) The Last of Us Complete hits PS5 today – PlayStation.Blog.

• Google Lays Off Hundreds Of Employees In Major Shakeup After Android And Pixel Merger - Wccftech.

• China's new semiconductor rule spares Taiwan fabs, punishes Intel, GlobalFoundries & Texas Instruments - Tom's Hardware.
• Cooling chips with lasers- Innovative cooling method removes heat precisely from hot spots, recycles heat into energy - Tom's Hardware.
• Researchers make breakthrough in cleaning up the 'forever chemicals' used in chip manufacturing - Tom's Hardware.
• Insect-sized jumping robot can traverse challenging terrains and carry heavy payloads - TechXplore.
• StreamFab version 6.2.2.9. Thanks Console General.

• Microsoft rolls out AI screenshot tool dubbed 'privacy nightmare' - BBC. Working as intended?
• Tech founder charged with fraud for 'AI' that was secretly overseas contract workers - Engadget. Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Senate hears Meta dangled US data in bid to enter China • The Register.

• OpenAI sues Elon Musk claiming 'bad-faith tactics' - BBC.
• Elon Musk’s xAI allegedly uses 'illegal' generators to power Colossus supercomputer facility - Tom's Hardware.
• Biometrics vs. passcodes: What lawyers recommend if you're worried about warrantless phone searches - ZDNET.

• Nobody Nowhere - Christ Centered Gamer.

• Case: Thermaltake TR100 Review - TechPowerUp.
• Laptop: TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus Review - Compact and quiet - TechPowerUp.
• RAM: Crucial CT2K16G64C52CS5 DDR5-6400 2x16GB Report - APH Networks.

Today is National Pet Day in the U.S., though I'm sure you're allowed to "celebrate" this anywhere. A good suggestion is to hug your pet, and you can give them an extra one for me if you don't mind (use your discretion if you have fish, venomous animals, etc.) MrsBlue is still in mourning over the passing of the Gunnar-man (not that I'm not), and our current townhouse lifestyle is not very suited to canines anyway, so a new dog isn't in the immediate cards. She's also deathly allergic to cats, so that isn't an option. But I'm a big animal lover, so I continue to revisit the idea of some sort of alternative pet. You may recall my previous discussions of lizards and the like. There are no easy answers here, and it may just be a Kobayashi Maru, but I still revisit the concept on occasion, and National Pet Day is one of them.

Domesticated Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

Stories

• Academy to Award Stunt Design Oscar at 2028 Oscars Ceremony - The Hollywood Reporter.

Science

• Trump White House budget proposal eviscerates science funding at NASA - Ars Technica.
• Pet dogs have ‘extensive and multifarious’ impact on environment, new research finds - The Guardian.
• A Tiny Piece of Mouse Brain Has Finally Been Mapped in Mindblowing Detail - ScienceAlert.

Media

• Helicopters DON'T just fall from the sky - What is -Mast Bumping? Thanks The Flying Penguin.

Creature Features

• 1e Zeearendkuiken 2025 - Vogelbescherming. First chick. Thanks Frans.

Follow-ups

• Val Kilmer's Official Cause of Death Revealed - TMZ.
• The Day James Bond Movies Died - Far Flungers - Roger Ebert.