Hyperkin Crowns a New Champion: The Competitor Murasaki Edition Arrives in the UK

Competitor Murasaki Edition Launches Exclusively at Argos

Premium Features Without the Premium Price Tag

Hyperkin’s symmetrical twin‑thumbstick controller, The Competitor, made a splash with PC and Xbox players when it first launched — and now the fan‑favourite gamepad has returned with a bold new look. Introducing the Competitor Murasaki Edition, a regal purple variant that’s exclusive to UK gamers via Argos.

The original Competitor earned applause for bringing premium features to an affordable price point, and the Murasaki Edition continues that tradition. It retains the controller’s fast polling rates, segmented classic D‑pad, and trio of hall effect sensors, supported by metal glide rings and anti‑friction gates for smooth, precise thumbstick control — even during the most heated gaming moments.

Designed for versatility, the Competitor Murasaki Edition works seamlessly across PC, Steam, Xbox consoles, and cloud gaming services including Game Pass. With accurate button mapping, a symmetrical stick layout, and Hyperkin’s trademark build quality, this controller is built for players who want style without sacrificing performance.

Available today for an MSRP of £39.99, the Competitor Murasaki Edition delivers a premium feel wrapped in a striking purple finish — gaming royalty without the royal price.

Find the Competitor Murasaki Edition exclusively at Argos:

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7995589

Stay up to date with Hyperkin’s latest announcements, product drops, and more by following the brand on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Clowntown Brings Co‑Op Chaos and Honking Mayhem to Steam – Batterystaple’s New Party Adventure Revealed 🤡

🎪 Clowntown Calls All Jesters to the Ring – Batterystaple’s New Co‑Op Chaos Revealed

The circus is back in town — and this time, it’s packing paintbrushes, skyscrapers, and a honk button. Clowntown, the latest off‑beat creation from 30XX developer Batterystaple Games, made its grand debut at the PC Gaming Show, inviting 2–8 players to embrace their inner fool in a campaign of co‑operative calamity.

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🤡 Down to Clown?

Launching soon on PC via Steam, Clowntown is a co‑op party campaign where teamwork, laughter, and mild chaos collide. Players join forces as noble jesters under the watchful eye of the mysterious Ringmaster, tackling over 100 unique minigames and action puzzles designed to make you think, fail, and laugh in equal measure.

From painting masterpieces and constructing skyscrapers to composing cacophonous symphonies, every act of this circus demands creativity and coordination — or at least a convincing attempt.

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🎨 The Show Must Go On

The main Campaign Mode offers 5–6 hours of hand‑crafted clownery, where friends juggle charades, sabotage, and slapstick teamwork across evolving challenges. Each minigame set grows more absurd as you progress — Face Paint becomes Also Paint, then spirals into Probably Not Paint, turning simple art prompts into time‑pressured chaos.

Wordplay fans can expect escalating madness too: Spelling Bee morphs into Spelling Wasp, and finally Bees Spelling, where clowns literally chase letters with wings.

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🎉 Party Mode: Co‑Op or Contest

Between campaign sessions, Clowntown’s Party Mode lets players pick curated or randomised minigame sets, tweak difficulty, and add mutators. Feeling competitive? Flip the script in Contest Mode, where co‑op turns cutthroat, and every clown fights for solo glory.

And yes — every mode includes a dedicated honk button. You can customise the sound. Your teammates cannot mute it.

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🌍 Global Circus

Clowntown will launch with full support for English, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Follow Batterystaple Games on Bluesky or X for updates, and watch the Clowntown reveal trailer now to see the mayhem unfold.

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Clowntown looks set to be the next big indie laugh riot friend slop game — a perfect blend of teamwork, absurdity, and honking chaos.

batterystaplegames.com

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3680200/Clowntown

GXTrust Expands Creator Lineup With Two New Affordable Microphones 🎙️🎤

GXTrust Expands Creator Audio Lineup With Two New Affordable Microphones

As streaming, podcasting and online content creation continue to surge, GXTrust has expanded its creator‑focused audio range with two new microphones aimed at delivering professional‑quality sound without the premium price tag.

The refreshed lineup introduces two new models for streamers and podcasters, alongside an updated illuminated USB microphone designed for gamers and everyday creators.

PlayStation State of Play – June 2nd, 2026: Every Announcement & Release Date

Sony’s June 2026 State of Play delivered a stacked lineup. From long‑awaited first‑party heavy hitters to surprise remasters, genre revivals, and a few “wait, WHAT?” moments, this showcase felt like a confident flex of what the PlayStation 5’s mid‑generation stride looks like.

Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of the show, plus a complete release table covering every title revealed or updated during the event.

🔥 Showcase Highlights

Sony came out swinging with a mix of blockbuster reveals and deep‑cut fan favourites. Marvel’s Wolverine finally has a release date, Tomb Raider returns with a mythological twist, and Capcom surprised everyone with not one but two Onimusha projects. Add in rhythm‑action royalty, cult classics, and a few ambitious 2027 projects, and you’ve got a showcase that hit almost every corner of the gaming world.

CRKD Unveils ATOM+: The Pocket‑Sized Powerhouse Redefining Portable Play 🎮 ➕

CRKD is back with another miniature miracle — and this time, it’s smarter, stronger, and more precise than ever. Say hello to ATOM+, the next evolution of the brand’s collectable keychain controller series, proving once again that size isn’t everything… but engineering absolutely is.

Launching from June 2026, ATOM+ brings full‑fat gaming performance to a device small enough to hang from your keys. Whether you’re on Nintendo Switch 2, PC, mobile, tablet, or even a Smart TV, this tiny titan is built to play anywhere, anytime.

SNK and PLAION Bring Back a Legend: NEOGEO AES+ Set for Christmas 2026 Launch 🕹️

Retro gaming takes a monumental step forward this winter as SNK and PLAION REPLAI announce the return of one of the most coveted consoles ever made: the NEOGEO AES+, a modern reissue of the iconic 24‑bit home arcade system. Pre‑orders open today ahead of the console’s global launch on 12 November 2026.

Positioned as a “zero‑compromise” revival, the NEOGEO AES+ is not a mini‑console, not an emulation box, and not a reinterpretation. Instead, it is a faithful, hardware‑accurate recreation of the original AES — complete with full compatibility for vintage NEOGEO cartridges. For collectors and arcade purists, this marks the first time in decades that the original experience can be enjoyed on modern displays without adapters, converters, or aftermarket modifications.

RIG R5 SPEAR PRO‑Series Gaming Headsets Launch in North America 🎧

NACON has announced the North American launch of its latest R5 SPEAR PRO‑Series gaming headsets. 

The new lineup — including the RIG R5 PRO HX, RIG R5 PRO HC, and a new white edition of the RIG R5 PRO HS — is available starting today at Best Buy, Amazon, and Shop NACON. G Style Magazine

🎧 GXTrust unveils PS5‑licensed Forta Wireless headset with 55‑hour battery life 🎧

GXTrust has launched the Forta Wireless Gaming Headset, a PS5‑focused wireless model priced at ££69.99 RRP.

GXTrust, Trust’s gaming brand, announces the Forta Wireless Gaming Headset, featuring low-latency wireless audio, immersive 3D sound, and up to 55 hours of battery life – all at an accessible £69.99 RRP. 

 

Building on the success of the original Forta, the new wireless version removes cables, allowing untethered gameplay without sacrificing performance.

 

Designed specifically for PlayStation fans, the Forta Wireless connects via a 2.4GHz USB receiver, providing ultra-low latency and lossless audio. Fitted with 50mm drivers and PS5 3D Audio support, the headset ensures sound remains synchronised with on-screen action—whether reacting to fast-paced multiplayer moments or exploring cinematic worlds.

 

With up to 55 hours of battery life, equivalent to two days, the Forta Wireless is built for long gaming sessions, allowing players to enjoy multiple plays without constantly worrying about power. When the battery is low, players can continue gaming and chatting with teammates using the included 1m USB-C to USB-C charging cable via USB-C.

 

The headset developed by GXTrust is also designed to match every gamer’s setup, with the Forta Wireless available in Midnight Black, White, and an Amazon-exclusive Black & White. Each colourway complements the PS5 console's design, creating a seamless addition to any gaming setup. 

 

Alongside improving the gaming experience for both novice and seasoned gamers, comfort remains a key focus with the Forta Wireless. The headpiece features an adjustable headband for a personalised fit, swivelling ear cups for flexibility, and soft, over-ear cushions designed for long gaming sessions. 

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon DLC – Sanctuary of Sarras ⚔️🧙‍♂️ @TaintedGrail_AR #IndieGame #GameDev

I covered Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon last year, and it was one of my GOTY titles for 2025. An absolute gem of a game that takes the ball from Bethesda, and runs with it it into a deep, dark, Arthurian fantasy. Good.

Developers Questline have continued to support this cracking game, and I’m pleased that it’s been such a success that they have the time to polish and craft the experience even further, recently announcing a small FPS boost on console, this DLC and a roadmap for an upcoming free DLC at the end of March 2026, good times for all!

A drowned secret of Avalon
For six centuries, the fate of Sarras and its rebel crew has been shrouded in myth. Now, a hidden passage reveals a path into the past. In a completely new storyline, follow the trail of Nimue and the deserters who challenged King Arthur. Piece together the truth behind their disappearance and Merlin’s horrible retribution.

Sanctuary beneath the waves
The Sanctuary of Sarras invites players into a brand-new realm shaped by the deep sea. Ancient structures rise from the ever-shifting currents, and forgotten paths pulse with the life of a submerged world. But try not to get charmed, as when you begin to explore the unknown, the true nature of Sarras starts to surface.

Ancient treasures to claim
The Sanctuary brims with around 15 hours of challenges and rewards that follow. Meet new characters, hear their stories, and decide whether to help them. Venture into over 20 meticulously crafted dungeons and interiors. Confront unique epic bosses and other new adversaries. Discover over 100 new pieces of equipment, from armour sets and weapons to rings, amulets, relics, spells, and more; each offering a new way to improve your character.

Progression altered
A new progression system transforms the usual journey through Avalon. The underwater enemies scale to your level, keeping every encounter tense. At the same time, sacred shrines you activate weaken foes and grant points to invest in three completely new, distinct skill trees. At any moment, choose which tree is active, reshaping your build on the fly to match your current needs.

Heroes of Mount Dragon - Available NOW on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S) 🐲⚔️

Heroes of Mount Dragon is a nostalgic blend of fantasy and colourful Saturday morning cartoons with hand-drawn 2D realms and textures seamlessly integrated into a vibrant 3D environment. Players can experience thrilling side-scrolling action in this fast-paced brawler, selecting from an array of dragon-morphing heroes and battles alongside or against friends, both locally or online. These heroes unleash unique powerful abilities, utilize strategic power-ups and even sabotage opponents with mischievous curses!

[METROIDVANIA] A Communal History Of Metroidvania Video Games Explores 50 Years of Genre Evolution in New Communal History Project 🕹️📖

A new deep‑dive into one of gaming’s most beloved genres is on the way, as [METROIDVANIA] sets out to chart the winding, interconnected history of non‑linear exploration games—from their 1970s origins to today’s modern masterpieces.

The book examines the defining traits of the “Metroidvania” genre, known for its branching paths, gated progression, and the thrill of unlocking new abilities that reshape the world. Through incisive retrospectives and personal essays, the project retraces five decades of experimentation, breakthroughs, and dead ends that shaped the genre’s identity.

Led by Derrick Bitner, the writing team brings together more than 15 contributors, each exploring how Metroidvanias resonate with players on both mechanical and emotional levels. Essays range from placing Castlevania alongside classical art to reflecting on how games like Animal Well can reframe life experiences for new parents. The book also features striking illustrations by Luan Tie.

Across its 250+ pages, readers will revisit early genre touchstones such as Below the Root and Xanadu, explore unconventional interpretations like La‑Mulana and Tomba, and uncover overlooked gems from Japan’s indie scene, including Hack9 and Pharaoh Rebirth+. Naturally, the evolution of Metroid and Castlevania—from their foundational entries to their modern classics—forms a central pillar of the book.

With [METROIDVANIA], The Communal History of Video Games aims to offer multiple entry points for readers, whether they’re long‑time fans or newcomers curious about the genre’s legacy. It’s an invitation to discover a new favourite, revisit a forgotten classic, or redefine your personal canon.

A Communal History of Metroidvania Video Games — Lost In Cult

Rage of the Dragons NEO Brings the 2002 Fighter Back to Life 🐉 #Retrogaming

Rage of the Dragons NEO brings back the cult-classic Rage of the Dragons, originally released in 2002 for the Neo Geo. This new version revitalises the beloved gameplay while adding modern features like Online and Training Modes, providing an ultimate experience for both long-time fans and newcomers. 

The game is available NOW on Steam, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

About QUByte Interactive:
QUByte is a Brazilian Game Developer and the largest Latin American Publisher on consoles. Our mission is to support the growth of the industry through Porting and Publishing partnerships, ensuring that games reach a broader audience across all major platforms.

About Piko Interactive:
Piko Interactive is a leading content provider for retro video game consoles, plug-and-play consoles, and digital distribution platforms. With a catalogue of over 180 titles, we are committed to delivering the highest quality retro gaming experiences, from physical cartridges to digital distribution channels like Steam, GOG, and more.

“Playing with Balance: Game Economy Design” Set to Redefine How We Build Game Systems 🎮

March 27, 2026 will see the release of Playing with Balance: Game Economy Design, a major new work by veteran designer Oscar Clark, published by CRC Press. The book is already generating buzz across the industry for its deep, systems‑driven approach to one of game development’s most misunderstood disciplines: economy design.

Clark argues that games are fundamentally different from every other medium because they are built on verbs, not nouns. Players don’t just consume—they act. Every decision, every interaction, every moment of friction or reward feeds into a living system that shapes how players feel, behave, and stay engaged.

🎬 Passport to Adventure Update #2: New Cast, Press Buzz & A Call to Action! #retrogaming

The journey to bring Passport to Adventure to life continues — and while we’re not quite at the finish line yet, the momentum is building. With your help, we can make this documentary a reality.

🎤 New Cast Announcements

Three more legends of the SCUMM legacy have joined the potential interview line-up:

• Steve Purcell – Creator of Sam & Max, contributor to Loom, Sam & Max Hit the Road, and cover artist for several SCUMM adventures.

• Collette Michaud – Lead animator on Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, former head of LucasArts’ art department, and co-designer of Sam & Max Hit the Road.

• Brad Taylor – SCUMM systems programmer and toolsmith behind uSWEAT/uSMELL, SPLAT, and CYST, plus engine ports and performance boosts across LucasArts and Humongous Entertainment.

They join previously announced cast members Ron Gilbert, David Fox, Tami Borowick, Mark Ferrari, and Aric Wilmunder — with more names to come. Expect a final cast of at least 20, mostly LucasArts and Humongous alumni.

📰 Passport to Adventure in the Press

The first cast reveal sparked a wave of coverage and community love:

• Interview with Richard Moss on Laura Cress’s Cressup YouTube channel

• Features in Adventure Game Hotspot, Time Extension, Gaming Retro, Retro Handhelds, Fantha Tracks, and a headline segment on This Week in Retro

• A standout quote from Jim Gray at Retro Handhelds: “the big, glossy history lesson it deserves”

Art director Amanda has been collecting fan reactions for social sharing — including a Monty Python-inspired gem from Aussie journalist James O’Connor.

📣 Help Make It Happen

We’ve got over 800 signups so far, but we need more. CREATORVC won’t greenlight crowdfunding and production unless there’s clear commercial interest — and that starts with email signups.

If you want this documentary to exist, please share scummdoc.com with fellow fans of SCUMM, adventure games, and retro gaming. Every signup counts.

Hyper Sentinel Fusion A NEW Retro Shooter on Floppy Disk! [UNBOXING] 💾 @GamesYouLoved @Huey_Games

Hyper Sentinel Fusion is here — and it’s arriving on an actual floppy disk!

In this unboxing, we crack open the brand‑new retro shooter from HUEY GAMES, the team carrying the legendary Hewson Consultants torch into a new era of indie retro brilliance. Expect chunky pixels, arcade‑pure gameplay, and a collector’s edition that feels like it’s been teleported straight from the 80s. If you love physical media, classic shoot ’em ups, or anything that smells faintly of CRT nostalgia, this one’s going to hit you right in the retro cortex. Join me as I dive into the box, explore the goodies, and celebrate a project that blends modern indie passion with old‑school charm.

🔗BACK THE KICKSTARTER: t.co/QrPUuKSbAn

Hyper Sentinel Fusion is gearing up for a Kickstarter debut with a launch campaign that leans fully into retro charm while delivering a modern arcade punch. Huey Games has revealed that its upcoming shoot‑’em‑up will blast onto Kickstarter on Friday, 27th February 2026 at 9:00 AM (UK time)—and it’s doing so with a collectible that will hit every retro gamer right in the nostalgia.

🕹️ A Floppy Disk for 2026

The centrepiece of the campaign is a limited‑edition “floppy disk” reward: a chunky, 1980s‑style disk that flips open to reveal a USB drive containing the final game. It’s a physical throwback with a modern twist, designed to celebrate the era when home computing meant swapping disks, loading screens, and pixel‑perfect imagination.

Supporters and content creators will be showing off the disk throughout the campaign, digging into the USB contents—pixel art, images, videos, and more—and sharing their unboxings across social platforms.

🚀 A Modern Take on Classic Arcade Action

Hyper Sentinel Fusion draws inspiration from legendary shooters like Uridium and Paradroid, but rebuilds the formula with contemporary design and technology. Expect:

• Fast, fluid combat across the exteriors and interiors of colossal alien warships

• Pixel‑art style fused with modern effects and smooth performance

• A dynamic loop of risk and reward, where each run strengthens your ship and strategy

Players pilot a nimble starfighter, tear down alien megastructures under heavy fire, then dive inside to pull off a high‑stakes heist before everything detonates. Death isn’t the end—time rewinds, sending you back to Moonbase Alpha to upgrade, re‑arm, and try again.

💾 Digital or Physical—Your Choice

Alongside standard digital downloads, the Kickstarter will offer the collectible floppy disk edition for fans who love physical media and retro memorabilia. It’s a campaign built to resonate with long‑time arcade enthusiasts while introducing newcomers to the thrill of classic shoot‑’em‑ups.

📣 Follow the Launch

Huey Games will be sharing updates and community content across X, Facebook, Bluesky, Instagram, and YouTube, where fans can track the campaign’s progress and join the conversation.

🎯 Launch Details

Hyper Sentinel Fusion goes live on Kickstarter at 9:00 AM (UK time) on Friday, 27th February 2026, with a full range of rewards ready to unlock. With its blend of retro aesthetics, modern gameplay, and a genuinely unique physical collectible, it’s shaping up to be one of the standout indie launches of the year.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO BACK THE KICKSTARTER

Sugoroku New Year's Party Available on PC & Switch 🎲🎲 @SAT_BOX_2011

A new digital board game packed with mini-games from developer Sat-Box that celebrates the Japanese New Year, collect lucky coins through festive New Year's games. Bring in the most good fortune, and you'll be crowned Master of the New Year!

Sugoroku Mode:
Collect coins and aim for victory!
The board is filled with festive New Year's events and special ema plaques that can change your fate!
There's always a chance for a last-minute comeback!

Mini game Mode:
Enjoy a variety of New Year's-themed mini games!
Play 10 different games, including Fukuwarai and Mochi Pounding!

Freely customize your Character Piece used in Sugoroku Mode!
Create original pieces in festive New Year's attire!

8BitDo Brings Classic N64 Style Back to Europe With New 64 Bluetooth Controller Launching March 20th 🎮

Retro‑inspired hardware specialist 8BitDo is set to revive a cornerstone of 90s gaming culture next month, as Game Outlet Europe confirms the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller – Classic Grey will launch across Europe on March 20, 2026.

The new model blends the unmistakable silhouette and colour palette of the original Nintendo 64 controller with modern engineering, offering a faithful yet future‑proofed option for players diving into classic libraries on Nintendo Switch™, PC, Android, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Passport to Adventure: The SCUMM Story – A New Documentary Journey Begins 🎥🎞️🎬

If you’ve been wondering what Richard Moss has been cooking up after TerrorBytes and A Tale of Two Halves, the wait is officially over. Richard is developing a brand-new documentary with the team at CREATORVC:Passport to Adventure: The SCUMM Story

(And for those of you who loved the original Age of Empires… keep an eye out. Richard's next book is coming very soon.)

The Jackbox Party Pack 11 Available on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch 🎉

The pack is back! The Jackbox Party Pack 11 transports your game night with 5 new mind-bending party games. Battle monsters with team-based trivia, sleuth through social clues, destroy wholesome jokes, create the kookiest of cookies, and noise-make your way through endless timelines of fun! The Jackbox Party Pack 11 will retail for $29.99.

The Jackbox Party Pack 11 catapults you and your crew into the best timeline of party game pandemonium. Whether you’re a trivia titan, a joke mastermind, or the resident undercover detective of your friend group, there’s something for everyone in this pack. No extra controllers needed - players simply join the game and play using phones, tablets or computers!

Retro Games Ltd. Revives Iconic Quickshot Joystick for the Modern Era 🎮 @THEC64_RGL

Retro Games Ltd. (RGL), in collaboration with PLAION REPLAI, has unveiled THEQUICKSHOT II, a modern reimagining of one of the most legendary joysticks of the home-computer era.

The original Quickshot II, with its distinctive flight‑stick profile and signature red trigger, was a staple of 1980s and early 1990s gaming. From the Commodore 64 to the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, and Amiga, it became synonymous with arcade‑style action at home. For many players, it wasn’t just a controller — it was the controller.