Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War is now available for free on Steam, celebrating today's Warhammer Skulls 2025 showcase. This Windows and Linux strategy game us yours to keep if you can snag your copy by Monday. This comes alongside the launch of a new Onslaught Pack on Steam, adding new units to the game promising to "bring a new offensive layer and will unlock new strategic options for commanders." Here's the pitch on the game:

Gladius Prime was known to Imperial scholars as a planet of archeological interest. During its colonization ancient relics were found, revealing hints of a shrouded past. But it was more than relics. Something awakened, an unspeakable horror from an ancient past, and the citizens of Gladius found themselves trapped in a terrible war for survival.

The Warhammer Skulls 2025 Sale on GOG.com* is underway, kicking off a celebration of the surprising number of games set in Games Workshop's Warhammer universe. There are discounts of up to 90% of 147 different games. There's also a 100% discount on Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War, as this turn-based strategy game is one of GOG's signature giveaways. You have a week to snag it, and it's yours. It was originally released in 1999, but it is now part of GOG's Good Old Game Preservation Program, so it continues to be unofficially supported to this day. For more, let's have the store read us our rites:

Inspired by the board and figurine games made popular by Games Workshop, the universe of Warhammer 40,000 is a vast and violent one, rife with strange, alien races. The mysterious Eldar are all that remains of a once great and powerful civilization that ruled the galaxy. They travel the stars in enormous spacecraft called Craftworlds, seeking the Maiden Worlds their ancestors created in ancient times.

One such world is now inhabited by humans and possesses historical records and artifacts of great power far too valuable to leave in their hands. This once proud race now fights for its very survival, and must protect the secrets and power of their ancestors from both the Imperium of Man and the evil, bio-engineered Tyranids, bent on the destruction of this fertile paradise.

Relic Entertainment announces Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition, piling a remake onto today's announcements of new additions to vast catalog of Warhammer 40K games. Among the elements that will make this updated version of the RTS game definitive will be the inclusion of all its DLC, enhanced graphics, an and enhanced camera. There's an interview on IGN discussing the project with Relic's Philippe Boulle. Here's the Announce Trailer and here's more from the Steam Listing:

All of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War in one definitive package. Experience this genre-defining Warhammer 40,000 classic in all its blood-soaked glory, including four complete campaigns, nine full-fledged factions, and over 200 maps – all in one game.

Upon its release in 2004, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War quickly established itself as one of the all-time great real-time strategy games and a glorious celebration of Games Workshop’s storied far future of the 41st Millennium. The Definitive Edition celebrates this seminal Warhammer 40,000 title with updates that refine the experience for modern hardware and secure the game’s legacy for years to come.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - Master Crafted Edition is another remake announced today based on understanding that the appetite for this property is infinite. This updated version of the third-person shooter will include all the game's DLC, an overhauled interface, 4K graphics, remastered audio, and full compatibility with all the game's mods. As noted in the Official Trailer, this will come to PC and Xbox on June 10th. There's no word on any loyalty discounts for those who own the original. The Steam Listing has more:

In Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine you are captain Titus, a Space Marine of the Ultramarines chapter and a seasoned veteran of countless battles. A millions-strong Ork horde has invaded an Imperial forge world, one of the planet-sized factories where the war machines for humanity's never-ending battle for survival are created. Losing this planet is not an option, but a darker and far more evil threat is lurking large in the shadows of this world. With an Imperial liberation fleet en-route, the Ultramarines are sent in to hold key locations until reinforcements arrive. Captain Titus and a squad of Ultramarine veterans use bolters and chainswords to take the fight to the enemies of mankind.

Speaking of Warhammer and free games, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun - Words of Vengeance is now free-to-play on Steam, offering an action game in the Warhammer 40K setting. This is the type of game where you type out words to spell disaster for your opponents. The Launch Trailer on IGN shows off first-person shooter gameplay and throwback graphics. It calls this DLC, but it is in fact a standalone game. Here's more on how this rewards you for using your words:

The Mechanicum of Mars have gifted you a blessed new weapon - a keyboard! Brutally decimate hordes of daemonic scum with every keystroke, in this fast-paced rail shooter. None can stand against the might of your WPM!

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun - Words of Vengeance is a creative twist on epic boomer shooter Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. Instead of mowing down your enemies with elite FPS skills, kill the relentless hordes of enemies that descend upon you by typing out words. Set in the world of Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, play as Malum Caedo on his mission to cleanse Forge World Graia of cultists, traitors and Chaos daemons that threaten to overrun it.

Speaking of Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, today's news also includes word it's getting a sequel. Here's a Steam Listing for Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 saying it will shoot out in 2026. It comes with a very brief Reveal Trailer that's half logos and half mayhem. Here's more, like a bolt from the blue:

Following directly on from the end of Warhammer 40:000: Boltgun, your duty takes you to new locations in a branching, single-player campaign that effortlessly blends the grimdark Warhammer 40:000 universe with a fast-paced first-person shooter.   Take the fight to never-before-seen worlds and vanquish the foes that lurk there. From the colossal heights of a hive city to the impenetrable mangrove swamps of a jungle, you’ll need to overcome the challenges of each biome to complete your mission. Learn more about this in future!

Continuing with the Warhammer news, today's Warhammer Skulls showcase featured the announcement of Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, a single-player story-driven RPG in development for PC and consoles at Owlcat Games. The Announcement Trailer has a first look, and listings for the Windows edition are live on the Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Steam, all saying it's "coming soon." In this you play as an Inquisitor, which may not make you one of the good guys, as suggested by the badge stating "INNOCENCE PROVES NOTHING." Here's more:

Embrace the role of an Inquisitor in the grim darkness of the far future in a cRPG set in the rich Warhammer 40,000 universe. Start your service as an acolyte of the Inquisition: Investigate heresy, command a diverse warband, and shape the fate of the Calixis Sector in a story-rich experience where every decision has weight, justice is non-existent, and the line between salvation and damnation is razor-thin. Explore an in-depth depiction of the Inquisition as an organisation and the vast force it commands: its power, bureaucracy, and inner conflicts laid bare like never before.

More Warhammer news from Owlcat is the release of the promised details on Lex Imperialis, saying this DLC for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader will launch on June 24th. Check out this post on Steam for a rundown, illustrated by a Release Date Trailer with a look. Here's the big picture:

Launching June 24, 2025, Lex Imperialis is the second major expansion for Warhammer 40,00: Rogue Trader. Thrusting players into the iron grip of Imperial Law, this DLC features a new 15-hour storyline that introduces the Adeptus Arbites, a faction of incorruptible enforcers, and a new companion—the grim and relentless Solomorne Anthar. With battle Familiars like cybernetic eagles and cyber-mastiffs, this DLC deeply enriches the gameplay and narrative layers of Rogue Trader.

One of Fatshark's Warhammer announcements today is news of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide - Arbites, new character DLC coming on June 23rd to Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on all platforms. The new character this adds comes with a bestie, a cybernetically enhanced mastiff. Word is the base version of the action/adventure will also be updated at that time: "Launching alongside the Arbites Class DLC on June 23, Darktide will receive a free update designed to offer a more structured narrative experience for new players as well as a rework on difficulty progression and selection." A Cinematic Trailer reveals the new Arbites class and the description from this Steam post promises more details to come:

We will be releasing several blogs from now until release on June 23 with more information on Arbites: a first look at the talent tree, your cyber-mastiff, the new weapons, and more! To show you a bit how we crafted this first class for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.

The Adeptus Arbites enforce the Lex Imperialis - the Imperial Law. Utterly unforgiving, they persecute heretics and traitors throughout the Emperor’s realm. As an Arbitrator, you are a warrior of the Emperor’s justice, prosecuting crimes against the Imperium with disciplined zeal.

Fitting with the obvious belief that you can't have too much Warhammer, Steam now offers Deeds of the Fallen, new DLC for Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector, the Windows strategy game from Slitherine. This trailer shows off the pack, which is explained thusly:

Deeds of the Fallen contains twelve missions, where fans can play as the Sisters of Battle through a story-driven campaign against the Orks. The Adepta Sororitas will receive three new units, Imagifier, Castigator Battle Tank, Zephyrim - to fight in the name of the Emperor. This is a milestone for this beloved Warhammer 40,000 game, as the community has long asked to play a narrative campaign with Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector gameplay and dynamics.

Wired Productions and developer Caged Element announce Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks is now out of Early Access, and officially available on Steam, offering a combat racing game set in the Warhammer 40K universe that's dominating today's game news. Here's a Launch Trailer reveling in the questionable driving skills of orks and pull quotes from randos. The transition to version 1.0 was a bumpy road, due to the decision to drop dedicated servers in favor of player-hosted games, and this post discusses connectivity issues and what's being done to remedy them. Here's word on the game:

Adrenaline-fueled combat racing in the brutal Warhammer 40,000 universe! Drive ferocious vehicles equipped with powerful weapons and abilities into a full-throttle battle to the death. Speed Freeks is a fresh, Ork-y take on vehicle combat that you’ve never seen before. WAAAGH!

Cyanide Studio announces a release date for Pro Cycling Manager 25, saying the next installment in its annual sports management series will come exclusively to PC on June 5th. Its Steam Listing is online, offering details, including PC system requirements. Word is this takes another step forward in realism by recognizing the outsized influence sponsorships have on bicycle racing, as seen in this Sponsors Trailer. Here's more:

The official Tour de France game goes to the next level! Thanks to the Unreal Engine 5, the roads of the Grande Boucle and other iconic races have been brought to life in a whole new way.

With completely reworked landscapes and more realistic lighting effects, the Tour de France experience has never been so close to reality. The memorable sites of this discipline are even more faithfully represented: Champs-Elysées, Trouée d'Arenberg, Mont Ventoux, Mur de Huy and many others are to be rediscovered and visited in Tour de France 2025.

Angry Bulls Studio and Toplitz Productions have launched Survive the Fall, and this isometric action game for Windows is available with a 20% launch discount on the Epic Games Store, GOG.com,* and Steam. The Release Trailer takes a look at its postapocalyptic setting, which brings out the best in humanity (so bring a gun and plenty of ammo). Here's the lowdown on what went down:

A meteor strike has brought an end to civilization as we knew it. Humanity is on the brink of extinction. However, after years of uncertainty, sudden climate changes, extreme temperatures and other catastrophes, conditions seem to have improved to a point that it is possible to explore and re-populate this post-apocalyptic Earth.

Build a settlement as a safe haven and new home for your survivors. Leverage their strengths and abilities for the greater good. For only as a close-knit community will you be able to overcome these harsh new times, where rivaling factions fight for supremacy and can rebuild society against seemingly overwhelming odds.

Early Start is now available on Steam, adding new DLC to Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic, the strategy game where you attempt to become a socialist superpower, one five-year plan at a time. As the title suggests, this lets you jump back to the glory days of Stalin as opposed to how the base game starts in the groovy 1960s of Khrushchev and Brezhnev. Here's the Launch Trailer and here are some details:

The march of history begins today. Early Start, the latest DLC for Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic, is now available with a launch discount and allows you to begin your republic in the 1930s, 40s, or 50s.

Face the trials of early industrialization, manage the coal-powered engines of progress, and guide your people through decades of transformation. Over 90 new vehicles, historically grounded buildings, and two new real-scale maps — Moscow and St. Petersburg — await your leadership.

• Castle of Secrets on Steam (Windows). "Castle of Secrets is a dark psychological adventure with horror elements. Uncover the mystery behind your family's murder as you journey through the world of the dead, meet strange beings, solve puzzles, and make choices that shape the story."

• Riot Control Simulator: Rookie Day on Steam (Windows). "'Riot Control Simulator: Rookie Day' places you in a law enforcement role during minor post-match riots. Manage crowds, establish secure perimeters, and navigate confrontations, choosing strategies that prioritize bystander safety. Learn, decide, and lead! *This is a free prologue*"
• Leaf Blower Co. on Steam (Windows). "Blow your leaves and your cares away in this chilled out work sim. Build up your business, buy new tools, and unlock upgrades - all while watching the leaves fly. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s cash."

• Every Game Shown During Today's Six One Indie Showcase - Game Informer.

• Scaravan66 Trailer Early Access Announcement. July 16th.

• Path of Exile Announcements - Watch GGG Live on June 5 (PDT).

• Report: 2K Preparing Announcement for BioShock Franchise - MP1st.

• Bungie bosses pitched Destiny 2 subscription before it was ‘vehemently’ shot down by devs, it’s claimed - VGC.
• Lies of P Director Explains U-Turn on Difficulty: 'We Wanted to Make Sure a Wider Audience Could Play the Game' - IGN.

• Warhammer SKULLS 2025 Sale on Steam.
• Remnant Franchise Sale on Steam.
• Save 85% on Machinarium on Steam.
• Save 90% on Call of Juarez- Gunslinger on Steam.
• Sound Explosion: 100+ Packs of Royalty Free Music & Sound Effects (pay what you want and help charity) - Humble.*
• Humble Software Bundle: Level Up- 5K World Building Assets (pay what you want and help charity).*

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

• Jason Momoa, Noah Centineo in Talks for ‘Street Fighter’ Film - The Hollywood Reporter.
• A live-action Elden Ring movie from A24 and Alex Garland is in the works - PC Gamer.

Official patches.

• Dota 2 - Spring Forward.
• Steam Deck - SteamOS 3.7.8: Go Country.
• Warhammer: Vermintide 2 - New Map- The Well of Dreams - Live now! Skulls In-game Event - Patch 6.6.0.

Official trailers.

• Blood Bowl 3 - Official Season 9 Trailer.
• Call of Duty: Warzone - Overlook Comes To Verdansk - Intel Drop.
• For Honor- Content of the Week - 22 May.
• Steam Zombies vs Vampires Fest 2025- Official Trailer.
• Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II - Allegiances Unknown - Gameplay Trailer.
• Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2: Space Marine 2 - Siege Mode Teaser Trailer.
• Warhammer Skulls Showcase - Festival of Video Games 2025.

• What Elden Ring Nightreign's First-Time Director Learned from Miyazaki – IGN First.
• Peter Molyneux on Masters of Albion progress and the influence of Fable on his new game - GamesIndustry.biz. Decades of backlash have done nothing to restrain his desire to (putting it kindly) hype.

• Call of Duty: World Series of Warzone returns for 2025. One million dollar prize pool.

Opti-Grab Edition.

• Glass redux- Google aims to avoid past mistakes as it brings Gemini to your face - Ars Technica.
• Infrared contact lenses let you see in the dark - Ars Technica.
• Apple will reportedly release smart glasses next year - Engadget.

• You can now apply for verification on Bluesky - Engadget.

• AI Is Eating Data Center Power Demand—and It’s Only Getting Worse - WIRED (may require registration or subscription).
• A United Arab Emirates Lab Announces Frontier AI Projects—and a New Outpost in Silicon Valley - WIRED (may require registration or subscription).

• Oops- DanaBot Malware Devs Infected Their Own PCs – Krebs on Security.

• Years later, The FTC has finally dropped its fight against Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal - VGC.
• FTC Launches Initial Stage Of Investigation Of Media Matters - Deadline.
• VMware cloud partners demand “firm regulatory action” on Broadcom - Ars Technica.

• Warhammer Skulls 2025 Free Digital Goodie Bag on GOG.com…

Last Link of the Day: Marked decline in semicolons in English books, study suggests - Language - The Guardian. Too long; didn't read. Thanks Slashdot via A.M.

Obituary: Robert Benton Dead- Director of 'Kramer vs. Kramer' Was 92 - Variety. Thanks Frans.

Action game Deliver At All Costs, kaiju game Gigapocalypse, and martial arts brawler Sifu are all currently free on the Epic Games Store. This trio of games are free to keep as long as you snag them by 11:00 am EDT next Thursday. Two more giveaways will arrive at that point, but they are listing as mystery games for now. Here are quick rundowns on each of today's gifts:

The year is 1959. A time of rock 'n' roll, polka dot dresses and the ever-looming dread of nuclear annihilation. Step into the shoes of Winston Green — a down-on-his-luck courier with a fiery temper and a mysterious past — as he delivers highly unconventional cargo, leaving a trail of havoc and chaos behind him, ensuring he does what it takes to Deliver At All Costs!

Become a customizable giant monster with manifold skills in Gigapocalypse, inspired by classical Kaijū movies such as “Godzilla” and “King Kong” and the game classic “Rampage”.

Whether you choose to play as a male or a female character, in Sifu, you will ponder that question on your path for revenge, hunting down your family’s assassins. One against all, you have no allies, countless enemies, and a mysterious amulet to bring you back to life every time you die. Yet, be warned! Your secret weapon comes with a hefty price to pay: aging and its consequences.

Interim Financial Report from Embracer Group has adjusted reporting for Q1 of this year from Embracer Group as the company continues to try to recover from its overexpansion spree. But it's not all contraction, as the look ahead says Embracer plans to release no fewer than 76 games by the end of Fiscal 2026: "As of today, we expect to release 76 different games during FY 2025/26 that we have invested in, with a mix of new IPs, sequels, and remasters. We have a solid slate of exciting new releases in FY 2025/26, including Metal Eden, Gothic 1 Remake, REANIMAL, Fellowship, Wreckreation, the next SpongeBob SquarePants game, NORSE: Oath of Blood, Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core alongside a handful titles yet to be announced." There's also word of the company will spin off Coffee Stain by the end of this year and an abandonment of the (arguably now tainted) Embracer name:

By the end of 2025, we plan to spin off Coffee Stain Group (previous working name “Coffee Stain & Friends”), distributing its shares to Embracer’s shareholders and listing it on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market in Stockholm. This strategic move will allow Coffee Stain Group to focus on its core strengths as passionate game developers and publishers, focused on delivering high quality experiences. Embracer will at the time of separation of Coffee Stain Group be renamed Fellowship Entertainment (previous working name “Middle Earth & Friends”). Fellowship Entertainment will be uniting top creators and intellectual properties, fostering creativity to build unforgettable experiences for the fans. The strategy is to transform into one powerhouse group with game development and publishing at its core, complemented with transmedia capabilities within IP licensing, comics, merchandise, film and distribution.

1047 Games announces the promised open beta test for Splitgate 2 is now underway on PC and consoles to pave the way for the official launch of the portal-centric multiplayer shooter this summer. Word is the beta will continue right up to the official free-to-play launch with no intervening wipes, so this can be considered a soft launch. This post is an extremely detailed breakdown of what to expect, which includes an Open Beta Battle Pass and limited-time offers on Founder's Packs. The Windows edition is on Steam right now and should launch on the Epic Games Store shortly as well. It should be noted the Steam Listing indicates this includes kernel-level anti-cheat software. The Open Beta Gameplay Trailer takes a look. Here's more:

Splitgate 2’s final open beta showcases the signature fast-action gunplay across a variety of modes the game will offer at launch. 1047 Games promises “one more massive surprise” when they unveil the final component to the game on launch day and the game officially goes 1.0. Player progression will not reset after the beta, so stay locked in because there’s even more on the way.

The open beta will be live through Splitgate 2’s 1.0 launch and is FULLY LOADED, offering fans a deep look at what the 1047 team has been hard at work on since 2022, but it’s just the start of what is in store for 1.0 launch day and beyond.

Blades of Fire is now available for PC and consoles, and you can find the Windows edition of MercurySteam's action/adventure on the Epic Games Store along with the previously released playable demo. The Launch Trailer is here to start your journey with a cinematic featuring both blades and fire as well as a look at hack-and-slash combat. Here's word:

Leading video game publisher 505 Games, and developer MercurySteam proudly announce the launch of the fantasy action-adventure masterpiece Blades of Fire on Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

You are Aran de Lira, firstborn of the King’s Ward fighting the forces of the evil Queen Nerea who wields the power to turn steel into stone, rendering all resistance to her tyranny utterly futile. Featuring a groundbreaking combat and weapons mechanic, only you can forge and master near countless weapon varieties in your mission to bring her reign to an end.

ChipWits, Inc. announces ChipWits, an upcoming remake of ChipWits, a statement that could be accused of semantic satiation if ChipWits was an actual word. The original version of this computer programming simulation was released for Macintosh back in 1984 (arguably Peak Macintosh), allowing players to teach a virtual robot how to solve mazes before the AI took that job. The return is described as a reboot designed to appeal to new and old players alike. A new ChipWits Trailer brings us to Professor Chip's Factory and introduces gameplay, which, unsurprisingly, bears zero resemblance to the original from over 40 years ago (dig those speaker sound effects!). Word is players will have a chance to experience this for themselves in a playable demo expected to launch on May 28th. Here's more:

This current reboot of the 1984 game began back in 2023. The small team led by co-creator of the original ChipWits, Doug Sharp, and lead engineer, Mark Roth, are looking to bring this nostalgic classic to a new generation of fans. Mark Roth himself was first introduced to the original ChipWits in elementary school, by his 5th grade teacher. A programmer now, Mark personally credits the game with sparking his interest in the field. The team hopes to create similar experiences for new players of ChipWits.

Quorum Games announces Call of Elyndra, a "hybrid" action/RPG said to be coming later this year, though Steam shows a "to be announced" release window. This will bring another of those villages that cries out for someone like you to chop down trees, grow crops, and do battle with monsters. This will allow players the choice between cozy gameplay and a more action-oriented experience. This can be seen in this trailer which boasts a "brand new 2.5D look" with no context. A playable demo is available right now, allowing a sample for Windows and macOS. Here's the pitch:

Embark on a hero's journey in Call of Elyndra, a hybrid cozy RPG adventure featuring retro pixel art and an engaging cast of characters. A prophetic dream beckons you to the vast world of Elyndra, where a ruthless Empire threatens many communities you'll defend. Uncover the truth and unravel the fate of this fantasy world by connecting with companions, fostering the local agriculture, and completing quests. You decide how you experience the world of Elyndra and save it from its evil foes!

City Tales - Medieval Era is now available in Early Access on Steam, offering the chance to build a city and thrive, at least in that limited, medieval sense. This comes with a 10% launch discount, and there's also a supporter pack if you're feeling supportive. This post discusses the news and lays out the plan for Early Access. It's illustrated by this trailer which leans into how pleasant it is to be a peasant. Here's more:

City Tales - Medieval Era offers plenty of content for players to start building their kingdoms, including two game modes, Settle and Bard, each of which focuses on creating both deep and cosy experiences. Players will be able to work alongside 9 companions to build their settlements across two hand-made maps, with 50+ buildings, 40+ resources, and a deep economy system that evolves across four tiers.

Out of Sight is now available for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, with a Switch edition of this groovy puzzle/adventure expected next month. In this you play as a young blind girl who sees the world through the eyes of her teddy bear, giving life to the dream of a second-person game. The Windows edition is on the Epic Games Store and Steam. The VR edition is supposed to launch on Steam today, as well, but it's not live as this is being written. Here's the Launch Trailer and here's more:

Having regained sight through her beloved Teddy, Sophie knows she must find a way out before it’s too late. Danger lurks around every corner—one misplaced step, a creaking floorboard, or unexpected bump could spell capture… and an uncertain fate.

Rely on your wits and instincts to overcome the many challenges of the mansion. With only your courage and Teddy to guide you, survival is in your hands.

Funky Parrot and HeroCraft PC announce Curse of Pirates, an action roguelike set on the high seas "coming soon" to PC via Steam. The Official Reveal Trailer serenades us with a shanty, and shows off gameplay involving some surprisingly buoyant gold coins and, yes, wave-based combat. Here's more:

Ahoy, ye port rats! It be time to leave the land for the lily-livered and set sail into the cursed waters of Curse of Pirates — a swashbuckling action roguelike where honor, luck, and good ol' rum decide yer fate!

Become a captain whose fame echoes across all seven seas! Explore the far corners of the ocean, hunt for ancient treasure maps, and slice through hordes of enemies: sea monsters, ruthless corsair scoundrels, undead fiends, nightmarish beasts, and even cursed gods of the deep! And watch out for those damned parrots — they're a real nuisance!

• Kick'n Hell - Official Release Date Announcement Trailer. July 21st.

• Former Bungie Employees Claim Toxic Corporate Culture Is Killing The Studio From The Inside - GameSpot.
• Borderlands 4 Boss Randy Pitchford Addresses ‘Real Fans’ Tweet Controversy- ‘Nobody Likes Being Taken for Granted and It Was Not My Intent’ - IGN.

• Control Ultimate Edition - Steam PC Game - Fanatical. Save 86%. Thanks Seivardian.

• Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree - Accolades Trailer.

• DRAGON BALL Xenoverse 2 - Dragon Ball DAIMA Pack Launch Trailer.

Official patches.

• Hellbreach: Vegas - Build ‘1.0.5.' Patch Notes.
• Travellers Rest on Steam.

• GeForce NOW Thursday- 40% Off GeForce NOW Performance - NVIDIA Blog.

• I tried Google's XR headset, and it already beats the Apple Vision Pro in 3 ways - ZDNET.

Official trailer.

• Shadow Labyrinth - Maze Reveal Trailer.
• The Elder Scrolls Online - Your World, Your Way.
• Travellers Rest - Pet Party Update.

• Old School Runescape - ALLSTARS SEASON 2 ft B0aty, Torvesta, Odablock, and more... (video).

• Video games' soaring prices have a cost beyond your wallet - the concept of ownership itself - Eurogamer.net. "The other cost - perhaps the real cost, when things settle - is the notion of ownership itself. Plenty of physical media collectors, aficionados and diehards will tell you this has been locked in the sights of this industry for a long time, of course. They will point to gaming's sister entertainment industries of music, film and television, and the paradigm shift to streaming in each, as a sign of the inevitability of it all. And they will undoubtedly have a point. But this step change in the cost of gaming will only be an accelerant."

• TRUCK DRIVER: GOLD EDITION - PS5 & Xbox Series X-S Edition - Release Date Announcement Trailer. June 27th.
• Nintendo Download- Lives to Live.

• Verizon tries to get out of merger condition requiring it to unlock phones - Ars Technica.
• Jotunnslayer- Hordes of Hel is Now Steam Deck Verified.
• FATE: Reawakened Mobile Announcement Trailer.

• Quebec to impose French-language quotas on streaming giants - CBC News. Thanks Slashdot via Ant.

• Windows 11 Recall will fail to capture Signal chats as long as you have this feature enabled - Neowin.
• How-To Geek's Best of Computex 2025 Award Winners. Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Amazon is testing AI-generated hosts that talk customers through product features - Engadget.
• FYI- Google ads are coming to AI Mode, testing started - Neowin.

• Russia to pass law to track migrants using their smartphone • The Register.

• Trump defies ethical concerns to host investors in his meme coin - BBC.

• DOOM: The Dark Ages - Fully Ramblomatic (NSFW video).

• Case: Gamdias Atlas E1 Review - TechPowerUp.
• Graphics Card: ASUS GeForce RTX 5060 Prime - Guru3D.
• Headset/Earbuds: Turtle Beach Airlite Fit Wired Gaming Headset - Christ Centered Gamer.
• Mouse: G-Wolves HTX Mini 8K Review - TechPowerUp.
• SSD: Phison Pascari X200Z 3.2TB Enterprise SSD Review - The Ultimate Caching Solution - TweakTown.

I've been targeting today to launch the first experiment in Operation Attend a Movie, which I mentioned Monday. If this becomes a regular thing for me I'm sure I'll get more used to the timing. But for now it's still a work-in-progress so there's a greater-than-zero chance I'll regroup and try again some other time. But things seem to be working out so far, so I'll see how it goes.

Obituary: Colts owner Jim Irsay dies at 65 - NBC Sports.

Moving Target Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

Breakfast Link

• Jim Butcher and His “Dresden Files” Series Have Survived the Darkness - The New York Times (free account required).
• Pac-Man 45th anniversary celebrated with Krispy Kreme, cookbook, more - USA Today.

Story

• Fengyang Drum Tower: Tourists scramble as roof tiles fall off 600-year-old Chinese structure - CNN. Constructed at a time when a teepee was the tallest building in North America.

Science

• Vitamin D May Slow Biological Aging - Neuroscience News.
• Should You Shower in The Morning or Night? It Depends on One Crucial Factor. - ScienceAlert.
• Weight Loss Breakthrough- Scientists Discover Key to Fat-Burning Power in Human Cells - SciTechDaily.

Media

• Become a Permanent Resident of South Park.
• Booze, brothers - r/AbruptChaos. Needs the obvious Boots Randolph soundtrack. Thanks The Flying Penguin.

Follow-up

• RFK Jr. calls WHO “moribund” amid US withdrawal; China pledges to give $500M - Ars Technica.