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- game · December 2025 · Japan · 2026-08-05
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14m ago
Tsumugu Kataribe, a member of the virtual liver group Nijisanji, posted a video to her YouTube channel on August 1, 2026, her first activity in about seven and a half years. The video, titled with garbled text, shows scenes of a school room and roads under the summer sun with wind chime sounds, and ends with the date August 15, 2026 appearing with noise. Kataribe debuted in January 2019 and stopped streaming after her third stream on February 16, 2019. Her X account has been inactive since March 12, 2019, when she posted the word "mycelium." Fans have treated her final posts as a landmark, leaving comments during the Obon season. The date August 15 falls during Obon and is also her birthday. As of 12:30 AM on August 1, no official statement had been made from her account about the video. Her debut cohort members Seto Miyako and Onomachi Haruka have both graduated as of August 2026, though they mentioned during their active periods that they were in contact with her.
14m ago
AnimEigo announced five new home video licenses during its Otakon 2026 panel on Friday, all slated for Blu-ray release in 2027. The slate spans multiple genres and includes both previously released titles and a North American home video debut. Antique Bakery, the 12-episode 2008 adaptation of Fumi Yoshinaga's manga, will arrive on Blu-ray in 2027. Dog of Flanders: The Movie, the 1997 remake of the 1975 series, will receive a 4K restoration in late 2027 featuring both the uncut original and the edited Pioneer English dub with Robert Loggia. ReLIFE, the 2016 comedy series based on Yayoiso's manga, will get a new edition combining its 13-episode television run and four-episode OVA with subtitled and dubbed versions. Ruin Explorers: Fam & Ihrie, the four-part 1995 OVA directed by Takeshi Mori, will receive an HD restoration. Welcome to Irabu's Office, the 2009 Noitamina series directed by Kenji Nakamura at Toei Animation, will be released in North America on home video for the first time, with AnimEigo producing an English dub.
14m ago
VTuber agency Haconect, operated by analog inc. of Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, debuted two new members on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The new talents are Pleuvoir Null, an aspiring idol who loves to sing, and Koiseyo Otome, a traveling writer young lady who longs for Taisho romance. Each member has their own X (formerly Twitter) account and YouTube channel, with illustrations provided by Yuimisu for Pleuvoir Null and Natsuki Kamui for Koiseyo Otome. The agency said details about the two members and their future schedules will be announced sequentially. Haconect began its activities in June 2021, providing management and support for streaming and other activities for its affiliated VTubers. The agency emphasizes cherishing time, memories, and bonds with fans. The debut announcement was made via a press release distributed through PR TIMES. The two members' profiles include personal introductions and links to their social media accounts, inviting fans to follow their upcoming activities.
19m ago
Virtual artist Iori Matsunaga will hold her final live, "IORI MATSUNAGA the LAST LIVE 'Last Moment'," on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at SUPERNOVA KAWASAKI. The show caps approximately six years of activity since her YouTube debut on September 15, 2020, under the VSinger label Mugensho Records, operated by RIOT MUSIC. Tickets for both the venue and streaming go on sale Friday, July 31, 2026, at 18:00 on a first-come, first-served basis. Venue tickets cost 8,800 yen, and streaming tickets cost 5,500 yen, with archive viewing available until October 4, 2026. Ahead of the live, Matsunaga will release her final EP, "Timeless Beats," on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, priced at 3,300 yen. The six-track EP features first-time collaborators, including jin, known for the Kagerou Project, and Kohey of the beatbox group SARUKANI, alongside returning creators Kazuma Ito and Keita Tanaka. The announcement follows her January 2026 graduation notice, which sources describe as a shock to listeners and industry figures.
19m ago
Virtual artist duo HIMEHINA released the music video for their new song "Frankenstein's Monster" on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 9:00 PM, and simultaneously began streaming it across various music services. The track is described as an exhilarating dance number with a friendly melody, eccentric piano sounds, ultra-fast rap, and opera-like chorus. Its lyrics and music production were handled by Gohgo, known for HIMEHINA hits such as "Aibou Dance Hall," with composition credited to Fty & Gohgo and arrangement by Fty. The music video features the duo in gothic costumes, blending cuteness with horror, and choreography by Wata, who has worked on numerous VTuber songs. To mark the release, limited-time pre-orders opened for commemorative goods, including two "Monster na no da Trainer" shirts priced at 8,800 yen each and a "Frankenstein's Monster Acrylic Stand Casual Style" at 1,800 yen. The order period runs from July 31 to August 16, 2026. HIMEHINA, consisting of Tanaka Hime and Suzuki Hina, is a virtual unit known for high-quality MVs and live performances, with over 1.12 million YouTube subscribers and more than 670 million total video views.
24m ago
Hamster announced on August 5, 2026, that it will release 'UFO -A day in the life-' as new content in its 'Console Archives' series for Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5. The game launches on August 6, 2026, priced at 1,200 yen (tax included). Originally released by ASCII in 1999 for 32-bit home game consoles, 'UFO -A day in the life-' is an alien search variety game developed by Love-de-Lic, the studio known for 'moon'. The story is set on the planet 'Chikyu' in the Chahaya star system, where the space passenger ship 'Daima-O' crashed with 50 passengers aboard. Players search an apartment for missing aliens and interact with unique aliens and residents, with human drama unfolding as rescue progresses. The 'Console Archives' series faithfully reproduces classic home console games on modern hardware, adding button and screen customization plus save and load anywhere features. The game supports one player and is available on both platforms starting August 6.
24m ago
At CEDEC 2026, held July 22 to 24 at Pacifico Yokohama North, lawyer Arata Nomoto of City Yuwa Law Office delivered a lecture titled "Considering the Management of Cultural Appropriation Risks: What You Can Do to Avoid Unexpected Trouble." Nomoto defined cultural appropriation as the use of something related to one culture by a person belonging to another, noting it is not a legal term. He cited examples including Kim Kardashian's underwear brand "Kimono," which drew protests and was renamed, and the anime "Demon Slayer" (Kimetsu no Yaiba), where the Islamic call to prayer in background music led to shipping suspensions and a product recall. He also mentioned "Ghost of Tsushima" and Atlus's "Shin Megami Tensei V," the latter criticized by Hindu communities for depicting deities as evil. Nomoto explained that Japan has no general law prohibiting imitation of cultural expressions not covered by intellectual property, while countries like Mexico, Panama, Kenya, Indonesia, Ghana, Taiwan, Australia, and the United States have protective laws. He urged developers to confirm inspirations, self-check understanding of referenced cultures, and seek specialist opinions.
49m ago
The internet culture apparel brand VTee launched on Wednesday, July 29, and announced a collaboration with the VTuber group Hololive as its first joint project. The brand, established by BNN WORKS Inc. with Masataka Usui as president, aims to translate sensibilities from modern media into everyday clothing. Its motto is "Culture: from something to see to something to wear." The first collection, titled "LEAN INTO THE REAL," will go on sale at the VTee Media Store starting around 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31. The collection includes a 110,000 yen varsity jacket, T-shirts priced from 9,900 yen, hoodies up to 30,800 yen, and pants ranging from 27,500 to 28,600 yen. The brand targets producers, directors, creators, engineers, and designers, aiming to create clothing that feels like an extension of daily life. The Hololive collaboration will reinterpret the worldviews of affiliated talents from VTee's perspective, with details including participating talents and product lineup to be announced on July 31.
49m ago
The official My Hero Academia TV anime account announced on July 30 the synopsis and advance scene cuts for the special short anime 'I am a hero too'. The short will begin streaming on August 3 at 12:00 AM across multiple platforms, including ABEMA Premium, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and U-NEXT. The story follows Eri, now a high school student pursuing her dream of music, as she visits U.A. High School ahead of her first street live performance. She is welcomed by Aizawa and Present Mic, but Deku, who has become a teacher, is not there. The short is adapted from a one-shot story that Kohei Horikoshi drew for the fan book 'My Hero Academia Ultra Age', released in December 2024. The anime adaptation features a script by Yosuke Kuroda, storyboard by Naomi Nakayama, and direction by Tomo Okubo, with Yoshihiko Umakoshi and Hitomi Odajima as animation directors. Ahead of the streaming, the short will be screened early at the 'Character Matchup Famous Episode Screenings' Vol. 2 and Vol. 3, held at nine theaters nationwide on August 1 and 2 as part of the 10th anniversary project.
49m ago
Studio LaRa announced on July 31 that both performances of HIMEHINA WORLD Tour 2026 GRAND FINALE 2Days will be live streamed on Hulu for domestic audiences. The concerts take place on October 3 and 4 at SGC HALL ARIAKE in Tokyo. Streaming tickets went on sale the same day at 20:00 JST. Hulu offers 1Day tickets, a 2Days ticket that includes an original T-shirt, and discounted tickets for purchasers of SS and S area venue tickets. Early sale 1Day tickets cost 6,080 yen, regular sale tickets cost 8,080 yen, and the T-shirt bundle 2Days ticket costs 12,800 yen during early sale. The T-shirt costs 4,000 yen of that price. Overseas viewers can watch Day2 on Zaiko, and viewers in China can watch on Bilibili for charging members. Day1 will be free to watch for its opening portion on YouTube, and Day2 will be free in full, but YouTube streams will not have archives. Hulu archives will be available until October 18 at 23:59. The tour, which began in November 2025, visits seven Japanese cities plus Taipei, Seoul, and San Jose, and is described by the company as the first solo world tour in VTuber history.
54m ago
Malum Games, a London-based studio, released a demo for its organizing simulation game Tidy Up Together on August 4, 2026. The full game is set to launch on PC via Steam on August 14, 2026. In Tidy Up Together, players restore an adventure shop wrecked by a tornado unleashed by an evil wizard. The game features 12 categories and over 4,000 items, including potions, greatswords, pineapples, and sushi. Players pick up scattered items and return them to their proper places, sometimes learning abilities that improve efficiency. The game supports single-player and online co-op with friends, though the maximum number of participants is not specified. There is no time limit or game over, allowing a leisurely pace. Character customization is available. The demo includes a special shop separate from the full version, with items from 3 categories, and supports both single-player and online co-op. The full release date is confirmed as August 14, 2026.
54m ago
Seven-member virtual idol group FouRTe Project released its 8th single, 'HIGH⤴Yusho,' on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, under the JOI MUSIC label. The track was produced, written, and composed by ☆Taku Takahashi of m-flo, with arrangement shared by Takahashi and Mitsunori Ikeda. The song blends electro-pop, Eurobeat, and trance, and its lyrics address contemporary topics such as NISA investment accounts and paid-off tuition, framed by the catchy refrain 'High! Yusho!' The release coincides with a campaign running through August 16, 2026, offering wallpapers to fans who share the track on Spotify Canvas or post videos using the song on TikTok with the hashtag #HIGHYusho. The single arrives ahead of the group's first offline live, 'FouRTe Project 1st LIVE ALL IN,' scheduled for Friday, August 14, 2026, at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo. The concert will feature special guests Izuru Kanade and Astel Leda from HOLOSTARS, and will be streamed worldwide on SPWN and Niconico Live Broadcast, with real-time screenings at 30 AEON Cinema locations across Japan.
1h ago
Xbox Game Studios released an FAQ on August 4, 2026, for the open beta test of 'Gears of War: E-Day', developed by The Coalition and scheduled for release on October 7. The open beta runs in two sessions: August 6-10 for early access and August 13-17 for the general public. The first session is limited to players who pre-ordered the game or subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. During early access, players can only play the PvE 'Horde Siege' mode, which supports up to 12 players across three squads of four. Players choose from four classes: Assault, Breacher, Marksman, or Medic. The objective is to defend a city from enemy invasion. The second session adds an evolved 4v4 PvP mode. The FAQ also notes that the open beta includes only one Horde Siege map, while the product version will feature three. Other differences, such as level caps and the number of versus modes and maps, are detailed in the FAQ. PC minimum and recommended specs for the beta were also released. 'Gears of War: E-Day' launches on October 7 for PC via Microsoft Store and Steam, and Xbox Series X|S, with Game Pass availability.
1h ago
Idol VTuber group Quinte has announced the merchandise lineup for its upcoming mini live, "Re Quintet," scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, at BUZZ music LABO Shinjuku in Tokyo. The event marks the group's first solo live with its new five-member lineup, which includes new members Tsuruy Rurina and Kizuki Kira. Tickets for the show are already sold out. The group will also perform "Rise up," its first new song with the five-member lineup, for the first time at the event. The merchandise, previewed on the group's official program on July 26, commemorates the start of the five-member system. Items include acrylic stands priced at 2,000 yen, which are the first for the two new members, random check-style cards at 500 yen, random can badges at 500 yen, shikishi boards at 2,000 yen, and talk tickets at 1,000 yen. Talk tickets grant access to a post-live talk session, and purchasing ten or more earns a bonus autograph ticket and acrylic plate. Merchandise sales begin at 18:15 before the show, with post-show sales after the event ends.
1h ago
SCRAP Co., Ltd. and Welks Studio released 'Yuru Yuru Seihaishin suru Oshi wa 100-man-kai Shinu' (The VTuber I Support Who Streams Casually Dies a Million Times) on Steam on August 5 at 16:00. The mystery visual novel tasks players with saving Arai Aranya, a clumsy raccoon VTuber and childhood friend of the protagonist, who repeatedly dies during her live streams. Players rewind the stream's seek bar to create a time loop, investigate the cause of each death, and send comments to alter Aranya's actions and guide her to safety. The game includes puzzle-solving battles between streamers, where Aranya can also die. The estimated playtime is 3 to 4 hours. The regular price is 3,500 yen, with a launch sale at 3,150 yen until August 18. The release was originally scheduled for July 29 but was postponed following the July 28 earthquake, as the game contains scenes depicting death from earthquakes and explosions. The Steam store page now includes a notice about these depictions.
1h ago
FREEing has opened reservations for the Kousaka Tamaki Bunny Ver. 1/4 scale figure, based on the school romance adventure game ToHeart2. The figure is priced at 39,600 yen including tax, and reservations run through August 5. Shipping is scheduled for November 2026. The figure depicts Tamaki, often called Tama-nee, in a glossy pink-red bunny suit that follows her body line. Her legs use actual fishnet tights material, which the manufacturer says adds presence and realism. The sculpt also includes softly flowing pink long hair and a gentle smile meant to bring out her nurturing character. The product page is live for those who want full details. The figure is part of FREEing's ongoing line of 1/4 scale bunny-style figures, and it is being sold through Good Smile Company's reservation system. The announcement appeared on August 2 and 3, with both Inside and Game Spark covering the same product details. The price point and the use of real fabric on the legs are the two details the coverage repeats most.
1h ago
Furyu has released an update for the limited-time early trial version of its survival TPS 'Anomalis,' currently available on Steam until August 9. The update responds to user reports and fixes two issues: one where entering a specific room after clearing the trial version and obtaining certain items made progress impossible, and another involving document and text data for some items. The company also outlined a policy for further improvements to the 'official trial version' scheduled for October, including mouse operation support for UI elements like the main menu and inventory, fixing a problem where only some keys could be assigned during keyboard operation, expanding key bindings, and adjusting mouse sensitivity. The official trial version is planned for PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 in addition to Steam. Separately, Furyu announced that 'Anomalis' has reached 60,000 Steam wishlist registrations, with more than 10,000 added within three days of the trial version's release on August 1. The game, with scenario by Romeo Tanaka, is scheduled for release on October 29 for PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Windows (Steam).
1h ago
HIKKY announced on July 28 that it released the Fujikyu Highland-themed VR space "Virtual FUJIQ" on VRChat on July 27. The world is part of the XR Annual Project marking the 100th anniversary of Fujikyu Railway's founding. Visitors can enter for free 24 hours a day from VR devices or Windows PC by searching for "Virtual FUJIQ" within VRChat. The space keeps attractions from Virtual Market 2026 Summer, held July 11 to 26, playable after the event ended. These include the VR coaster "Super FUJIYAMA!," which accelerates the more the player screams, and the water attraction "Sugoku Nagashimasuka," a two-choice quiz about Fujikyu Highland trivia. HIKKY states this is the world's first VR coaster that accelerates with screams, based on its own research from February to June 2026. Beyond serving as an event archive, the space is a hub for the Fujikyu Highland virtual community "FUJIQ VIRTUAL PLAZA," which has drawn over 10,000 members within about two weeks of recruitment. Community members interact on Discord and will help plan the Virtual Market 2026 Winter exhibition. New attractions and content are planned, incorporating member feedback.
1h ago
Colopl announced a new mobile game, 'Active Cinema RPG 369,' during its Q3 FY2026 financial results briefing on August 5. The company, known for the smartphone action RPG 'Shironeko Project' and for co-developing 'Dragon Quest Walk' with Square Enix, revealed only the title, a key visual, and a teaser site link in its presentation materials. The teaser site, as of 16:00 on August 5, displayed only the logo and a 'COMING SOON' notice. The title '369' is accompanied by 'MIROKU' in the key visual, suggesting the game's pronunciation. No release date has been announced, though the materials state 'release coming soon.' Colopl also confirmed that development is underway for two location-based games and three other mobile titles. In related news, 'Shironeko Project INFINITY' is scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027. Game details, including gameplay and world view, are expected to be disclosed at a later date.
1h ago
The Esports Foundation (EF) announced on August 4, 2026, the six Japanese representatives for the fighting game category at the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), a country-versus-country tournament set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The roster includes GO1 and Nemo from Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, and Sahara, Fuudo, Higuchi, and Hikaru from Street Fighter 6. GO1 earned a direct invitation through the SNK World Championship 2026 ranking system, having won the Esports World Cup 2025, EVO 2025, and Combo Breaker 2026, and leads the domestic ranking by over 8,000 points. Nemo secured his slot by winning the East Asia online regional qualifier. Sahara, the 21-year-old Capcom Cup 12 champion, brings experience from Fortnite and VALORANT. Higuchi has competed in the Esports World Cup twice, while Fuudo has been active for about 15 years. Hikaru won the second World Warrior Japan tournament and was runner-up in the first, holding top results among Japanese players in the Capcom Pro Tour World Warrior rankings. ENC is a biennial global tournament where players represent their countries or regions, not clubs.
1h ago
Light Flyer Studio has opened pre-orders for the download version of the new RPG Another Eden Begins for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. The game is scheduled for release on September 17, 2026. The scenario is written by Masato Kato, who previously worked on classic RPGs such as Chrono Trigger and Xenogears. The story is a large-scale adventure themed around time travel across three eras: ancient, modern, and future.
Alongside the base game, the DLC Additional Character Packs Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 will launch on the same day, September 17, 2026. Vol. 1 features Chiruriru and Tiramisu, while Vol. 2 features Ershir and Benedito, with each pack priced at 1,000 yen including tax. A Season Pass bundling Vol. 1 through Vol. 5 is planned for 4,500 yen including tax. Vol. 3 through Vol. 5 are scheduled for sequential distribution within 2026, featuring Iefa and Venefica, Iska and Claude, and Ashtia and Vict respectively.
Several collaboration events are planned to commemorate the release. A limited-time collaboration cafe themed around The Banquet of Parsifal Palace will run at Nagoya PARCO from August 28 to October 5. Animate Cafe Gratte will be held at five Animate stores from September 12 to 30, offering items selectable from 19 characters. A trial play event will take place at the Happinet booth during Tokyo Game Show 2026 in September.
1h ago
Square Enix has released the Final Fantasy XV 10th Anniversary Lottery at the Square Enix e-STORE, commemorating a decade since the game's release. The lottery's A prize is an Adorable Arts figure of protagonist Noctis Lucis Caelum in his King's Power Ver., which reproduces the red eyes that appear when he activates the King's Power. Additional prizes include a Moogle cushion, canvas boards, hand towels, clear pouches, and acrylic charms. The lottery costs 900 yen (tax included) per draw and has been on sale since August 3. The full prize lineup spans six tiers: A prize (1 type), B prize cushion (1 type), C prize canvas board (2 types), D prize hand towel (3 types), E prize clear pouch (4 types), and F prize acrylic charm (8 types). The lottery is available through the Square Enix e-STORE, with details on the product page. This release marks the 10th anniversary of Final Fantasy XV, which originally launched in 2016.
1h ago
Microsoft plans to make Xbox 360 titles playable on its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, as well as on Xbox PC and handheld devices, according to a document The Verge says it confirmed. The rollout is expected to happen in stages from 2027 to 2028. Developers can choose whether to enable backward compatibility for their titles and decide pricing and Game Pass availability. The document also outlines a Disc to Digital system for Xbox One and Xbox Series S, where inserting a physical disc into a compatible console grants a digital license tied to the disc and user account. That license carries across compatible Xbox devices, but if the disc is sold or transferred, the original owner loses access. The Disc to Digital beta was scheduled for July 2026, with general availability in August, but the beta has been delayed, so the August date is uncertain. In July 2026, Microsoft began backward compatibility for original Xbox titles on PC and PC-based handhelds like the ROG XBOX Ally, starting with four titles including Blinx: The Time Sweeper. The full PC backward compatibility release is planned for October 2026.
2h ago
RTA in Japan's organizers released the full schedule for the large-scale speedrunning event "RTA-chan's Summer Vacation" on August 1, 2026. The event runs from August 9 to 15 and is organized by volunteers who rent RTA in Japan's streaming channel. Skilled players from venues across Japan and online will perform non-stop RTA runs of various game titles throughout the week. The lineup spans well-known titles such as "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot," "Dragon Quest VII Reimagined," "Tales of Berseria Remaster," "Super Mario World," and "Resident Evil 3," alongside more unusual picks like "Major Wii: Perfect Closer," "GeoGuessr," "Chatan Yara Kushanku," and "Ketsu Battler." The schedule is available on the event's official page and schedule list. The event is separate from RTA in Japan's main seasonal events, which have previously faced scrutiny over Nintendo title availability and harassment policies. The organizers have also announced strengthened reporting procedures for harassment following violations discovered during "RTA in Japan Summer 2025."
2h ago
Artdink is holding its Artdink Summer Sale from July 30 to August 19, 2026, offering up to 50 percent off its titles at the Nintendo Store. The sale marks the first appearance of A-Train: Tourism Plan Begins Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which was released in December last year, at a discounted price of 7,902 yen, a 20 percent reduction. The Switch 2 version's Upgrade Pass is also on sale for 1,760 yen, also 20 percent off, for players who already own the original game. Other discounted titles include A-Train: Tourism Plan Begins for Switch at 5,374 yen, the Expanding Tourism Lines add-on at 1,364 yen, and the set product A-Train: Expanding Tourism Lines at 7,284 yen. Artdink's retro collections ARTDINK GAME LOG: Tail of the Sun and ARTDINK GAME LOG: Aquanaut's Holiday are priced at 1,694 yen and 1,936 yen, respectively, and Neo Atlas 1469 is 50 percent off at 2,090 yen. The company is also running a separate sale at the PlayStation Store until August 12, where A-Train Exp.+ DX and related add-ons are all 50 percent off.
2h ago
Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on August 5 that it will exhibit five titles at Tokyo Game Show 2026, held at Makuhari Messe from September 17 to 21. The main booth in Hall 5 will feature playable demos for 'ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE', 'Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3', 'One Piece: Sea of Delights Restaurant', and 'Bleach Mirrors High'. 'Tales of Eternia Remaster' will be present but only with a reservation campaign, no demo. 'ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE' is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. It is the first in the series to feature a first-person perspective in its drama parts, and this will be its first exhibition at a domestic game event. Public days from September 19 to 21 will require a numbered ticket for the demo, distributed at the booth. Demo participants receive an original sticker. The Family Game Park at TKP Tokyo Bay Makuhari Hall will offer demos of 'Once Upon a Katamari' and 'Tamagotchi Petit Petit Store: Welcome! Nintendo Switch 2 Edition'. The ASOBI STORE satellite booth in Hall 11 will sell advance merchandise for 'Ace Combat 8', the 'Tales of' series, Katamari, Pac-Man, and Taiko no Tatsujin.
2h ago
Hamster Corporation announced on August 5 that it will release KONAMI's 1987 arcade action game Combat School across five platforms on August 6. The game will be available as Arcade Archives Combat School for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, and as Arcade Archives 2 Combat School for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Prices are 838 yen for the Switch version, 837 yen for the PS4 version, and 1,100 yen for each Arcade Archives 2 title, all including tax. Players who own the Switch or PS4 version can purchase the Switch 2 or PS5 version at a discounted owner's price of 330 yen. Combat School casts the player as a trainee at a prestigious military academy, facing shooting and hand-to-hand combat training under a strict instructor, with graduation leading to new battles. The Arcade Archives series includes difficulty settings, rewind, rapid fire, save slots, and online rankings. Arcade Archives 2 adds a Time Attack Mode, where players compete for clear times, and supports VRR for behavior closer to the original arcade version. The official program Arcade Archiver will stream a Combat School special on YouTube at 19:00 on August 6.
2h ago
Bandai will release the ninth installment of its JoJo's Bizarre Adventure niformation sticker collection, the niformation JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Seal Wafer ~The Animation Special I~, at mass retailers' snack sections nationwide starting in August. The set pairs one sticker with one wafer and includes 32 sticker types total, one of which is a secret type. Characters from Parts 1-2 and the latest work, Steel Ball Run, appear in the lineup. The collection includes all five types of 5th Rare stickers, which commemorate the fifth anniversary of the niformation brand, plus foil-stamped JJR (JoJo Rare) stickers. Each unit is priced at 149 yen including tax. Bandai directs customers to its Candy product page for further details. The niformation line uses deformed, two-head-tall illustrations to express the charm of the works it covers. This release follows the fourth edition of the JOJO Ball capsule figure series, also announced by Bandai for the fifth week of August, which includes figures of DIO Brando, Robert E. O. Speedwagon, Caesar A. Zeppeli, and Kars at 500 yen each.
2h ago
Two Japanese game outlets published play reports on August 2, 2026 for SAEKO: Giantess Dating Sim, an adventure game about a protagonist living with a woman he perceives as a giant. The PC version launched earlier, and the Nintendo Switch version arrived in June 2026. The reports describe the opening hours as a study in anxiety and fear rather than comfort. The protagonist is a tiny person, roughly pinky-finger sized, taken in by a woman named Saeko. He has lost his memories, and the game withholds the reason for his transformation. Saeko shelters other tiny people in a drawer, and the protagonist manages them by distributing food to one person each day. At night, Saeko eats the tiny person who received the most nutrition. The reports stress that Saeko feels no guilt, treating the act as an ordinary part of her routine. The protagonist also talks with Saeko nightly, and a wrong answer can get him crushed to death, a literal death rather than a metaphor. The articles frame these mechanics as building a primitive fear of an absolute power, and suggest that this fear is part of the game's appeal, potentially awakening a kink in players.
2h ago
Parade will release a big plushie of Shimajiro from the currently screening film Chiikawa: The Movie - The Secret of Mermaid Island as a prize starting in early August 2026. The plushie stands about 43 cm tall and reproduces Shimajiro's sturdy build, including his signature apron that reads "Proud of Taste." The apron features a small pocket designed to hold chili peppers, a detail that has drawn praise from fans on social media for its faithfulness to the character. The reverse side of the plushie, described as a "sturdy back," has also attracted attention, with social media comments focusing on the plump appearance. Parade will roll out the prize sequentially at amusement facilities nationwide. In addition, a lottery campaign on the Parade Prize official X account offers a chance to win the plushie, with applications accepted until August 16 at 23:59. Fans have commented on the plushie's size, comparing it to a small newborn, and praised the craftsmanship of the pocket detail.
2h ago
Nupu Ryu, the developer of the adult doujin game 'Yariste Mesubuta', revealed on August 4 that Rakuten Bank refused to accept an overseas transfer of Steam sales revenue. The funds were to be sent by a Taiwanese publisher, 072 Project, to his Rakuten Bank account. The bank requested documents proving his relationship with the sender and the nature of the transaction. Even after he submitted contracts and answered questions, the deposit was refused, with the bank stating it could not disclose the reason. Nupu Ryu noted that he still faces tax obligations on the sales amount even though the money has not arrived. He plans to seek alternative banks or transfer methods and will report progress on his Ci-en page. 'Yariste Mesubuta' is an adult monster-raising RPG released in 2023 by his circle New Koubou, featuring over 150 monsters. It reached the top of DLsite's all-time doujin game sales ranking, and the Steam version, titled 'Yarimono', surpassed 200,000 copies sold as of July 2025. This is not the first such case; in April 2026, the developer of 'Shubunigurasu no Yoru' also had Steam revenue refused by Resona Bank.
2h ago
Bandai Namco Entertainment released the domestic Steam version of Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth Hacker's Memory on August 5, 2026. The breeding RPG, originally released for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in 2017, has surpassed cumulative worldwide shipments of 3 million units. The Steam version is priced at 7,480 yen including tax. The game includes two chapters: Cyber Sleuth, where the protagonist becomes a cyber detective investigating mysterious cases, and Hacker's Memory, where a boy falsely accused by hackers joins a hacker team to find the culprit who framed him. Players can collect and raise up to 330 Digimon, form teams, and use skills and attributes to resolve incidents in cyberspace. The Steam version had previously been unavailable for purchase from Japan, a situation described as a region lock. The game is now purchasable on Steam from Japan, seven years after its initial release. The title is also available on PS4, PS Vita, and Nintendo Switch.
2h ago
Nexus Mods, the major mod sharing site, has refined its AI-generated content tagging system to allow more precise filtering of mods. The site announced the change through moderator Myrddin, dividing the existing AI-Generated Content tag into three categories based on how generative AI is used. The first category, AI-Generated Content, covers code, UI, voice, dialogue, translation, music, and assets produced by AI. The second, AI Media, applies to promotional art, thumbnails, videos, mod page descriptions, or other media not part of the in-game mod content. The third, AI Assisted, covers limited AI involvement where the developer leads creation, such as texture upscaling, audio noise removal, or concept art not used in the final mod. Mods whose main content is AI-generated must carry the AI-Generated Content tag, and the moderation team will apply it when needed. Attaching the AI Assisted tag requires evidence of development or proof of knowledge; without it, the tag may be replaced. The File Submission Guidelines have been updated to match. Failure to tag mods correctly, including hiding AI use, may lead to moderation action. The change follows criticism of AI mods, including insufficient verification and degraded thumbnails, and comes as examples like a Skyrim Special Edition mod that enables real-time NPC conversations via AI have appeared.
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Kataribe Tsumugu, a Nijisanji VTuber who has been silent since February 2019, posted a video on August 1, 2026, their first in about seven and a half years. Tsumugu debuted on January 30, 2019, and in their first stream revealed they had already died and were active as a ghost. After only about three streams, they went silent without any notice of hiatus. Their last post on X was the word "mycelium." The reason for the hiatus and their current status remained unknown, though they had some contact with other Nijisanji members. Earlier this year, Tsumugu's name surfaced during a draft meeting stream for Nijisanji Koshien, where it was revealed they had given permission to appear as a player in the event's game. That appearance was only as a game character. The new video has a garbled title and shows footage of a summer scene with the date "2026 08 15" displayed. Fans speculate Tsumugu may resume activities on that date, which falls during the Bon festival. The channel's return has drawn humorous reactions from fans, such as one saying it is hard to say "welcome back" because there are not enough memories with Tsumugu.
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Bandai Candy will release the Chiikawa Character Paki Sashimata Version at confectionery sections of mass retailers nationwide on August 31, 2026. The product includes a sashimata, a pole weapon, for the Chiikawa and Hachiware characters, letting buyers pop the figures out of the package. The sashimata comes in two colors, pink and blue, and which one is included is a surprise until opening. The chocolate inside comes in four flavors, including muscat and strawberry milk, and the shapes cover eight characters total: Chiikawa, Hachiware, Usagi, Momonga, Kurimanju, Rakko, Shisa, and Furuhonya. The price is 248 yen including tax. The release follows a separate Parade prize line, the Movie Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island Subjugation Mascot, which launches in mid-August and features five characters, with Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Furuhonya holding subjugation poles and Usagi and Momonga equipped with bin yoyo. That mascot line includes a loop strap for attaching to bags.
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Developer DEADBODY Games released a demo for the roguelite horror game '500 FINGER FILLET' on August 5, available on PC via Steam. The game is based on the knife game, where a player stabs a knife between fingers on a table. In this title, the protagonist is captured and must stab their own restrained hand 500 times within a 20-minute time limit to escape. Exceeding the time limit or losing all blood results in a game over. The knife is mounted on a shaking mechanical arm, and mistimed button presses cause finger stabs, reducing blood. Each stab earns money, which can be spent at a shop after 25 stabs on rings that provide effects like increased earnings or added time. Clearing a round of 50 stabs grants upgrades with trade-offs, such as faster knife descent but more shaking, or items that pause the timer or restore blood. Before each round, players choose from three knives, including butter knives, butterfly knives, letter openers, and forks, each with unique traits and a chance to sever a finger. The demo includes 20 knife types, 20 rings, and 5 of the 10 difficulty levels, plus multiple endings. The full version is scheduled for release on Steam within 2026.
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At CEDEC 2026, held July 22 to 24 at Pacifico Yokohama North, Bandai Namco Studios producer Takahiro Kakizawa presented a session on the concept development behind THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE! THEATER DAYS, known as Mirishita. Kakizawa, who joined the project in March 2016 as the developer-side planning and production producer, said he had never played the iM@S series and had no mobile game experience, which pushed him toward a customer-oriented approach. He defined the target audience by narrowing from broad categories like 2D beautiful girl content fans and smartphone users in their 20s to 40s, to a specific group: people who left games due to lack of skill, lack of time, or mismatched smartphone usage situations. This led to adding the condition of wanting to enjoy games casually. Kakizawa identified core iM@S needs, including adoring idol cuteness, feeling a sense of raising them, and experiencing the joy of being thanked as a producer. He stressed that meeting needs means implementing ideas without excess or deficiency, using two evaluation axes: trial, whether players pick it up, and performance, whether they play repeatedly. Post-release, the team tracked SNS trends, implementing a gentle gyaru trend with events in December 2023, August 2024, and April 2025.
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Universal Studios Japan announced on August 5 that a popcorn bucket shaped like the Licker, a predator creature from the Resident Evil series, will go on sale at the park starting September 9. The bucket is part of the park's Halloween Horror Nights event, which runs from September 11 to November 8. The design includes an opening head to access the miso-flavored popcorn, with soft materials used for the claws and teeth. This marks the first Resident Evil-themed popcorn bucket at USJ, created to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Resident Evil franchise and the 15th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights. The event will also feature the horror maze "Resident Evil Requiem: The Dive," based on the latest series entry, Resident Evil: Requiem, running from September 11 to December 27. The maze is set in the abandoned Renwood Hotel near Raccoon City, where visitors follow missing FBI analyst Grace, with live-action performances by Leon and Grace. The attraction is rated R-15. Additional merchandise, including Raccoon City Police Department role-play shirts and a 3-way bag, will be sold at the Cinema 4-D Store from September 9.
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Crowbar Collective, the studio behind the Half-Life mod Black Mesa, has released the full version of its co-op tactical FPS Rogue Point. Publisher Team17 began distribution of version 1.0 on August 5, 2026, about six months after the game entered early access in February 2026. The game is set in a near-future where the death of the world's richest CEO has thrown society into chaos, and corporations hire private military companies through an app called MERX. Players join the elite security organization Rogue Point to fight radical mercenaries in missions with randomly changing objectives and map layouts. The full release adds a fifth map called Clinic, which mixes open areas with narrow corridors, plus a new boss named R. Son, who uses a flamethrower. Three new weapons are included: the Mule compact shotgun, the KT50 semi-auto carbine, and the A1M semi-auto rifle. New cosmetic items include Chainmail Armor, a security guard uniform, and a lab worker outfit. The update also introduces a MOD Kit that supports community-created maps and content, with Steam Workshop integration, and adds five new achievements. To mark the launch, Rogue Point is 50% off on Steam until August 19.
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Re-Ment will release the desk figure series "Kirby: Adventure on Desk" on August 24 at toy and novelty stores, character shops, and other locations. The lineup includes all six types: Kirby, Waddle Dee, Sleep, Meta Knight, Kirby's Gourmet Fest, and Warp Star. Each figure is designed around the theme of adventure, with characters and stages rendered in 3D and built to function as pen holders and small item stands. The Kirby figure, depicted running across a stage, works as a memo stand, while Waddle Dee is a multi-tray that appears to lift small items. The price is 1,320 yen including tax. Re-Ment directs readers to its product page for further details. The release follows other Kirby desk accessories from the company, including a gashapon mouse pad collection and light mascots.
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AMATA Games released the retro-style dungeon exploration RPG 'Dungeon Antiqua' for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on July 30, 2026. Developed by Shiromofu Factory, the game draws inspiration from 1980s and 1990s RPGs, with character graphics influenced by 'Final Fantasy' and systems like harsh battles, class change, and trap identification following 'Wizardry'. Players form a party of five and navigate an underground labyrinth filled with one-way doors and pitfalls. Despite the retro look, the battle pacing is modern and comfortable. The PC version launched in October 2024, and as of writing, Steam user reviews number 373 with 90% recommending it, earning a 'Very Positive' rating. The console version is priced at 1,000 yen on each platform, with launch sales. The game is also available on PC, iOS, and Android. Alongside the console release, AMATA Games announced that the sequel 'Dungeon Antiqua 2' will arrive on the same consoles on August 20. The sequel shifts from an FC-style to an SFC-style presentation, increases the number of dungeons to six, and introduces visible enemies and a job system similar to 'Final Fantasy V'.
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BANDAI SPIRITS will release "Ichiban Kuji mofusand ~Hiyari Kutsurogi Jikan~" starting July 31, 2026. This no-loser character lottery is themed around cool sweets from the mofusand franchise. The A prize is a plush of Shirokuma-nyan sitting while holding ice cream. The B prize is a handy fan featuring Azarashi-nyan riding on top of a cat-shaped fan. The C prize includes plush mascots of Shirokuma-nyan and Pengin-nyan tucked into futons made of cool sweets; they can be removed from the futons and swapped with each other. Other prizes include glass glasses, bowls, canisters, and an assortment collection of cooling towels, drawstring pouches, and gauze towels. The Last One prize, obtained by drawing the last ticket, is a hugging plush of Azarashi-nyan, which can also be won through the Double Chance Campaign lottery. The product will be available sequentially at FamilyMart, bookstores, hobby shops, mofusand Mofumofu Store, official Ichiban Kuji shops, and Ichiban Kuji ONLINE starting July 31, 2026. Each draw costs 750 yen, tax included.
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Kodansha Game Lab released the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the two-player-only puzzle adventure 'A Different Winter' on July 30, 2026. The game, created by Tokoro Nyori, follows two boys who run away from home and discover a deer carcass, causing each player to see a different world: one sees an animal world, the other a machine world. Players must share information and align their perceptions to solve puzzles, with major choices requiring both players to pick the same answer to progress. The story branches based on choices, and total playtime is about 3 to 4 hours. The game supports cross-platform play across different hardware. The series, including 'A Different Winter' and its successor 'A Different Star,' has surpassed 1.5 million copies sold worldwide, a milestone reached about three and a half years after the original 2023 release. A pop-up shop will run from August 1 to August 13 at MEDICOS SHOP Shibuya, featuring new Shibuya-themed illustrations and merchandise. An autograph session with Tokoro Nyori is scheduled for October 4, with lottery results announced on August 28. The game is available on Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android, priced at 710 yen, with a 20% launch discount to 568 yen until August 12.
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Publisher Silver Lining Interactive announced on August 4 that it will release 'Mr Trippy', a dark comedy management simulation developed by its in-house label Silver Bullet. The game is planned for PC via Steam in 2027. Players run an ice cream mobile vendor that secretly sells illicit items disguised as regular products to specific clients. The trailer shows coded orders like 'vanilla ice cream with drugs' and 'chocolate ice cream with a cannabis joint.' The city is monitored by police and undercover investigators, so players must keep a 'Heat Meter' low by reading customer orders and surroundings. If caught, the business continues from prison. Earned cash cannot be invested directly; players must launder money through city shops, such as a laundromat labeled 'Legit Laundry,' to clean funds for vehicle customization and expansion. The old van can be customized with body color, wheels, and roof decorations, and expanding to new districts brings new customers and recipes. Silver Bullet is a new label that began as a nurturing program for indie developers and evolved into an in-house IP development studio. 'Mr Trippy' is its first title, with other original projects in progress. The concept came from an ice cream van outside the publisher's office, with CEO Luke Keighran suggesting a simulator that also deals drugs.
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Cygames revealed new in-game and out-of-game information for Uma Musume Pretty Derby during the Paka Live TV #5 broadcast on July 29. The headline announcement was the key visual for the 7th EVENT WORLD TOUR "THE STAGE" in LOS ANGELES, scheduled for October 22-23 local time. The illustration features Tokai Teio and Kitasan Black in cool poses, and a separate collaboration illustration shows the pair in race queen outfits. The event also includes a lottery for the Uma Musume x JTB official tour, with applications accepted until July 30 at 12:00, offering guaranteed VIP tickets and tour-exclusive goods. In-game, the Awakening Lv6/Lv7 for [Silent Innocence] Silence Suzuka will be added on July 30 at 12:00, alongside a commemorative campaign. A Summer Vacation Gacha guaranteeing one ★3 summer-outfit Uma Musume will run from July 30, and an evolution skill for [Lost Light Override] Narita Taishin arrives with the August 3 monthly gacha. The 5.5th anniversary campaign begins mid-August with a countdown login bonus and limited missions, with a special Paka Live TV #6 broadcast on August 22. The game is available on smartphone and PC via DMM GAMES and Steam.
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The Indie Stone released Build 42.20, the latest stable version of the zombie survival game Project Zomboid, on July 29. The update, which took about two years to develop, roughly doubles the map's surface area and introduces major system changes. New features include an expanded and overhauled map of Knox Country in Kentucky, deeper crafting and building systems, animal NPCs and livestock mechanics, improved lighting and atmosphere, expanded lore and environmental storytelling, and quality-of-life improvements. The developer also released a showcase video introducing these additions. Project Zomboid has been in early access on Steam and GOG.com since 2013. Following the update, the game set a new record for maximum concurrent players on Steam, reaching 79,670 on the night of July 30, according to SteamDB. This is the highest concurrent player count since early access began. The Indie Stone plans to focus on support updates for Build 42 for the remainder of 2026, with an emphasis on optimization, expanded modding support, and implementing player-requested features that did not make it into the stable version.
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At CEDEC 2026, held July 22 to 24 at Pacifico Yokohama North, two members of Cygames' Localization Department, Alison Catrell and Ryuhei Morita, presented a session on how they localized character speech patterns for the English version of Uma Musume Pretty Derby. They distinguished translation, which transfers information, from localization, which conveys a character's tone, personality, and background. Because the English version has no English voice acting, the team had to express each horse girl's personality through text alone. For Tamamo Cross, who speaks in Kansai dialect, they avoided the common approach of mapping it to an American Southern accent, since Taiki Shuttle already uses that. Instead, they spelled words like "you" as "ya" and "this" as "dis" to mimic the fast, contracted sound of Kansai speech. For Yukino Bijin, they used archaic English from the 1930s to 1960s. Agnes Digital's lines drew on English-speaking otaku community expressions, and Daitaku Helios used Gen Z slang. The team assigned staff familiar with each character's culture, used a Slack channel for discussion, and created per-character speech guidelines.
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The global Steam version of Blue Archive, the action anime RPG developed by NEXON Games, has fallen to an 'overwhelmingly negative' review rating. As of July 28, the Steam store page showed that only 10% of the 3,883 reviews posted in the last 30 days were positive. Most recent reviews cite the student recruitment system overhaul announced during the Blue Archive 5.5th Anniversary Live Broadcast on July 26. The change abolishes the old 'Recruitment Points' system, which let players exchange for a target character after 200 pulls, and replaces it with 'Recruitment Charge' and 'Recruitment Count Bonuses.' Under the new system, reaching 100 pulls gives a 50% chance to obtain the pickup character, and 200 pulls guarantees it. However, the count resets if the pickup character is obtained in any pickup recruitment, unlike the old points system which did not reset when the gacha changed. Critics on social media argue that players aiming for two pickup characters may be worse off depending on reset timing, while some claim the expected value has improved. The renewal is scheduled to go live after maintenance on July 29, 2026. The overseas Steam version has delayed update timing, so reviews appear to come from users concerned the same system will reach them later.
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The child actor playing Jamaine in the second season of TBS's Sunday Theater drama VIVANT has been identified as Honma Sae, a current first-year middle school student. Honma replaces Mongolian child actor Nandin Erdene Khongorzul, who played the role in the first season. The change drew viewer comments, with some noting that since Jamaine now lives in Japan, it might have been difficult for a Mongolian actor to continue, and others accepting it as a common occurrence with child actors. Honma previously appeared in a 2020 Asahi Beverages Koime no Calpis commercial, playing Nagasawa Masami at age 5. In the ad, she pouts and says, "No! I want it stronger!" while pouring Calpis concentrate into a glass. The commercial aired from March 2020, and Honma was selected through audition at age 6. Viewers who recognized her commented, "Is she the kid from the Calpis CM?" and "She's that cute kid who played Nagasawa Masami's childhood; she's grown up." Jamaine is a girl from the Republic of Balka who helped protagonist Nogi Yusuke in the previous season and now lives at his house with doctor Yuki Kaoru. The role change was announced as part of the season 2 cast updates, which also included replacing the character Ota Riho with a different actor.
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ProbablyMonsters announced on August 5, 2026 that its action RPG Crimson Moon will launch on September 2 in Japan, with a September 1 release in North America due to time zone differences. The game is a dark gothic action adventure set in the ruined city of Gildenarch, where the player takes on the role of a Nephilim, a hybrid of human and angel created to protect humanity. Players battle demons, the undead, and vampires through melee combat, using weapons, mystical powers, and angelic transformations. The game supports two-player online co-op, with difficulty and enemy composition changing from single-player mode, allowing previously played missions to feel fresh. Missions are designed for repeated play, with higher difficulty yielding better rewards. The base game costs 2,490 yen on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. A Deluxe Edition priced at 3,750 yen includes the Ritual Armor Set, the Axe of the Gods weapon ornament, and later-released expansion content. The title was first announced at State of Play in February 2026 with a fall release planned.