The recent management buyout of The Chinese Room from Sumo Digital marks a significant turning point for the acclaimed British indie studio. Known for its innovative storytelling in titles like “Dear Esther” and “Everybodys Gone to Rapture,” The Chinese Room is now free to explore new creative avenues and develop original intellectual properties (IPs). This independence not only revitalizes the studio’s vision but also highlights the importance of nurturing homegrown talent in the competitive gaming landscape.

On July 24, 2025, the chaotic arcade game CarGo! will launch on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, inviting players to dive into a world of frantic deliveries and time challenges. Developed by Memory Leak Games and Cleversan Games, this game promises to deliver a thrilling experience reminiscent of popular titles like Overcooked and Moving Out, making it a must-try for fans of couch co-op gameplay. CarGo! stands out with its vibrant, cartoonish visuals and isometric perspective, which not only enhance the gameplay but also make it easy to navigate through the delightful chaos of delivery missions.

In an exciting development for the gaming industry, My.Games has announced a strategic 50/50 joint venture with Crazybit, a Cyprus-based game development studio. This collaboration aims to harness their combined expertise to create innovative PC and console games, with one title already in early development. The partnership is set to redefine the gaming landscape, particularly with Crazybit’s unique focus on AI and Emotional Design. Boris Gertsovsky, the Founder & CPO of Crazybit, brings over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, having previously led the studio and co-founded Nexters Global.

In a surprising turn of events, Romero Games has publicly denied rumors of its closure following significant funding cuts from Microsoft. The studio, known for its innovative approach to first-person shooters, had recently lost financial backing for an unannounced project, leading to confusion and concern among its employees and the gaming community alike. Despite claims from anonymous sources suggesting that the entire staff had been let go, Romero Games reassured fans and stakeholders that it remains operational.

Nintendo has just announced the release of Drag x Drive, an innovative basketball game for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch on August 14, 2025, for $30 AUD. What makes this game particularly intriguing is its unique control scheme, which utilizes the Joy-Con controllers in mouse mode to simulate arm movements, allowing players to steer and drive a wheelchair in a dynamic 3-on-3 basketball setting. Having had the chance to play Drag x Drive for about thirty minutes at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience in Melbourne, I was genuinely impressed by how well the mouse controls functioned.

A new chapter in cooperative gaming is unfolding with the announcement of Lego Voyagers, a creative adventure that invites players to experience life as a Lego brick. Developed by Light Brick Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive, this game promises to blend platforming challenges with a rich narrative, all set in beautifully crafted brick worlds. The game was unveiled during the Summer Game Fest, generating excitement among fans of all ages.

In an exciting announcement during Sony’s State of Play livestream, Monstars Inc. has revealed their latest creation, Lumines Arise, a music-based puzzle game that promises to elevate the genre to new heights. Building on the success of their previous title, Tetris Effect: Connected, this game combines the thrill of puzzle-solving with a captivating auditory experience, making it a must-watch for gamers and music lovers alike. Lumines Arise invites players to engage in a synesthetic fusion of sound and light, where matching blocks and creating combos are not just about strategy but also about feeling the rhythm in every heartbeat.

As June kicks off, Steam has gifted its users with an exciting opportunity to explore four brand-new free games. This is a fantastic chance for PC gamers to dive into fresh titles without spending a dime, showcasing Steam’s commitment to enhancing the gaming experience. Whether you’re into narrative-driven adventures or strategic puzzles, there’s something for everyone in this latest batch. First on the list is The Falling Star, a first-person walking simulator that invites players to embark on a deeply personal journey.

In a bold move that has captured the attention of gamers everywhere, indie developer Pixel Maniacs has announced ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard, claiming, “Valve never made a Portal 2 sequel. So we did.” This audacious comparison to the beloved Portal series sets high expectations for the upcoming title, especially given the legacy of its predecessor, which is often hailed as one of the best puzzle games in history. While the game’s visuals and setting evoke memories of the Portal universe, the gameplay mechanics appear to draw more from titles like Qube and Qube 2.