Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Anime, manga, and games, with a take · A Yukimedia publication

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arc

The Sekiro: No Defeat anime adaptation is on track for its September 2026 theatrical debut, with a trailer and ticket presales launched. The broader "arc" name also appears across an art exhibition, a game update, and a figure line, but the primary entity is the anime series.

Synthesized from 30 Yomimono stories · updated Jul 12

The Sekiro: No Defeat anime adaptation is the most prominent entity under the name "arc" in recent coverage. Kadokawa, Crunchyroll, Qzil.la, and ARCH released a new trailer and began ticket presales in Japan on July 12, 2026. The series premieres in Japanese theaters on September 4 for a three-week run, with a worldwide Crunchyroll stream planned later in 2026. This confirms the project is on schedule for its announced debut.

Separately, illustrator and animator Yoneyama Mai is holding a solo exhibition titled Arc at Kyoto Tsutaya Books from July 24 to August 18, 2026. The Kyoto edition adds new works including a piece called Piéces and sells limited-edition silk-screen reproductions. The exhibition first ran in Ginza in 2025.

The name "arc" also appears in other contexts not related to the anime. Embark Studios' extraction shooter ARC Raiders has sold over 16 million copies and is preparing a major October 2026 update called Frozen Trail. The Jaleco Arcade Collection Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, announced for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC, bring 32 classic arcade titles to modern platforms. These are distinct projects sharing the "arc" name but are not connected to the Sekiro anime or the Yoneyama exhibition.

Key facts

Sekiro: No Defeat anime trailer and ticket presales launched
Kadokawa, Crunchyroll, Qzil.la, and ARCH released a new trailer and began ticket presales in Japan. ↗
Sekiro: No Defeat theatrical premiere date
The series premieres in Japanese theaters on September 4 for a three-week run. ↗
Sekiro: No Defeat global streaming
A worldwide Crunchyroll stream is planned later in 2026. ↗
Yoneyama Mai solo exhibition Arc in Kyoto
The exhibition runs from July 24 to August 18, 2026, at Kyoto Tsutaya Books, adding new works including Piéces. ↗
ARC Raiders sales and update
ARC Raiders has sold over 16 million copies; the Frozen Trail update arrives in October 2026. ↗
Jaleco Arcade Collection announced
Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 contain 32 arcade titles, releasing on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC. ↗

Timeline

Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every fact links the story it came from.

All coverage

1d ago

MARVEL Tokon Devs Detail 4v4 Design and PC Fixes

Arc System Works producer Takeshi Yamaguchi and director and lead battle designer Kazutoshi Sekine gave interviews about MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls, the Marvel fighting game published by Sony Interactive Entertainment and released in August 2026 on PS5 and PC. The game uses a 4v4 tag battle system, and Sekine said the format was chosen to express the Marvel team-up world and to deepen team tactics through many character combinations. The game supports both traditional command inputs and simple one-button controls such as Quick Skills and Link Attacks, so players can start with a single character. The team confirmed Phoenix Cyclops as the first Year 1 DLC character, currently in development. The interview also covered Deadpool's parody easter eggs, which Sekine said are not all discovered yet, and PC performance. Yamaguchi said two emergency patches were released on August 10 and August 21 to reduce CPU load and frame drops, and the team considers the CPU load now comparable to or lighter than other Arc System Works fighting games.

4d ago

Initial D THE ARCADE 4th Regional Tournaments Start August 29

Sega Faybe will hold regional tournaments for the official national tournament "Public Road Strongest Deciding Battle 4th" for "Initial D THE ARCADE" at 7 locations nationwide, starting with the North Kanto tournament on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Qualifiers cover two divisions: the 2-car battle "KING OF DRIVER 4th" and the 4-car battle "Toge Battle Royale 4th." Winners earn the right to compete in the finals on Sunday, March 28, 2027.

5d ago

Microsoft Warns August Windows Update May Crash Some Games

Microsoft acknowledged that the August 12, 2026 Windows update (version 26100.9168/KB5121003) may cause crashes, freezes, and system restarts in some games, including ARC Raiders, The Finals, and MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls. The company is investigating whether the issue is caused by Microsoft and asks users to report problems via the Feedback Hub.

5d ago

Irregular at Magic High School: Yotsuba Succession Arc Film Hits North America in November

Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will release The Irregular at Magic High School THE MOVIE - Yotsuba Succession Arc - in theaters across the United States and Canada on November 1, 3, and 4, 2026. The film will screen with Japanese audio and English subtitles, as well as an English dub. It is the second theatrical entry in the franchise and continues the story after the third TV season, which aired in 2024. The story, set in 2096, follows Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba as they attend the Yotsuba Clan's New Year's Banquet, where the next clan head will be announced. Miyuki faces the possibility of being selected as successor, a role that would require her to marry and could change her relationship with Tatsuya, while also potentially granting her authority to alter Tatsuya's status as a Guardian. Jimmy Stone directed the film at 8-Bit, with music by Taku Iwasaki. Returning cast members include Yuichi Nakamura as Tatsuya, Saori Hayami as Miyuki, Chiwa Saito as Maya Yotsuba, and Emiri Kato as Fumiya Kuroba. New cast members include Daisuke Ono as Katsushige Shibata and Ai Kayano as Yuuka Tsukuba. The film opened in Japan on May 8 after a Tokyo premiere on April 28.

6d ago

Blue Archive Director Kim Yong-ha Keynotes BIC2026 on Subculture, IP, and AI

NEXON Games IO division head Kim Yong-ha delivered the opening keynote at BIC2026 in Busan, tracing how subculture games grew from niche to a market larger than any single major game. He detailed Blue Archive's IP design around lifestyle, repeated actions, symbols, and relationships, then asked what human aesthetic judgment remains in an AI era.

Aug 19

Arco Reaches 100,000 Copies Sold, Recoups Development Costs

Publisher Panic's strategy RPG Arco has sold 100,000 copies two years after its August 2024 release, recouping development costs. Composer and sound designer José Ramón García revealed the milestone in a Game Developer interview. Most sales came through Steam, with a significant share of buyers playing on Steam Deck.

Aug 19

Horror Game Sarco Demands a Staring Contest With a Sarcophagus

Hello Andromeda announced Sarco at the Ukrainian Games Festival 2026 on August 18. The first-person horror game has no jump scares, instead forcing players to keep their eyes on a sarcophagus holding a primordial being. Looking away lets it open, but oxygen is running out, so players must explore the facility to find a permanent seal. It launches on PC via Steam in the fourth quarter of 2026, with no Japanese support at this time.

Aug 18

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple Kindle Sale Runs as Sequel Serializes

The Kindle Store is discounting Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple, with volumes 1 through 10 at 70 percent off and volumes 11 through 30 at 50 percent off. The sequel, Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple 2 - Master Arc, is serializing on Sunday Webry, and its first volume released on August 18.

Aug 17

Blue Archive Arius Squad Gets SuperGroupies Body Bags and Long Wallets

SuperGroupies is selling Blue Archive collaboration goods modeled on five Arius Branch School students: Saori, Atsuko, Hiyori, Misaki, and Subaru. The lineup totals 10 items, with body bags at 18,700 yen and long wallets at 15,400 yen each. Reservations run from August 17 at 16:00 to September 14 at 12:00, with delivery scheduled for early January 2027.

Aug 14

Arcana Dia Cross Connect Manga Adaptation Launches on E-book Sites

Kotobukiya's plastic model series Arcana Dia gets a manga adaptation titled Arcana Dia Cross Connect, releasing Friday, August 14, 2026, on comipo and other e-book stores. The first episode is free at about 45 pages. The spin-off centers on Yukumo and Verrutta, mixing battles with comedy.

Aug 14

Indie's Support for Venezuela Bundle Sells 12 Games for $16.50

Humble Bundle is selling the Indie's Support for Venezuela Bundle, a charity collection of 12 indie games from Venezuela including VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action. The minimum price is $16.50, and the total value of the titles at full Steam price is 20,170 yen. Proceeds support relief for a recent major earthquake in Venezuela.

Aug 14

ARC Raiders' Biggest Update Yet, Frozen Trail, Arrives October 8

Embark Studios announced on August 12 that ARC Raiders will receive its largest update to date, titled Frozen Trail, on October 8. The update follows a May 2026 policy shift that moved the game's major content cadence from monthly to twice a year, with Frozen Trail being the first major release under that new schedule. The update introduces a new map set in a frozen settlement at the edge of the Last Belt, featuring abandoned villages, factories, research facilities, and observatories, with greater verticality and exploration opportunities. New high-level challenges are designed for experienced Raiders, demanding meaningful choices, dynamic encounters, and cooperation. The update also adds new ARC machines, ranging from small nuisances to massive threats, plus adjustments to skill trees and the Raider deck system. Additional content includes new weapons, gadgets, cosmetic items, instruments, and improvements to matchmaking, anti-cheat, stability, and quality of life. The story will approach the origins of the ARC machines, as Raiders investigate an unidentified signal from beyond the mountains. The game is available on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store, as well as PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Aug 13

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls Draws High Review Scores, Mixed PC Reception

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, the 4v4 tag fighting game from Arc System Works and publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment, launched on August 7, 2026 for PC (Steam) and PS5. Western critics have largely praised the title, with the PS5 version holding a Metacritic score of 86 based on 22 reviews at the time of writing. Destructoid, DayOne, and Hobby Consolas each awarded 90/100, with reviewers calling it a new standard for the genre and crediting Arc System Works for taking over the mantle of Marvel tag fighters from Capcom. Game*Spark's own review praised the animation quality, deep combo system, and character roster, but noted the game's high complexity and lack of beginner-friendly guidance as weaknesses. VTuber NewsDrop's Vinz Vektor echoed the praise for the game's presentation and mechanics, but highlighted significant PC performance issues, mandatory PlayStation Network account requirements, and the game's unavailability in 114 countries. The PC version's performance problems have led tournament organization Tampa Never Sleeps to limit its weekly to PS5-only until fixes arrive.

Aug 13

Blue Archive Global Bans 122,046 Accounts in Mass Crackdown

NEXON Korea announced on August 13 that it permanently suspended 122,046 accounts in the global version of Blue Archive. The stated reason is that these players were found to be abusing in-game mechanics to gain an unfair advantage over others. The restriction period is permanent. NEXON said unauthorized programs can harm the game environment and other players and will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and it urged players to report suspicious behavior. The specific methods used and how the scale reached this level were not disclosed. This is not the first such action: the global version saw 23,268 accounts banned in May 2025 and 17,712 accounts in March 2026, both for unfair play. The current ban applies to the global and Korean versions operated by NEXON Korea. The Japanese version of Blue Archive is run by Yostar and is a separate service. Blue Archive is a school-themed RPG developed by Nexon Games, set in the academy city of Kivotos, where the player acts as Sensei guiding students. The global version is available on iOS, Android, and PC via Steam.

Aug 12

Finding Polka Interactive Adventure Launches on Steam

PARCO GAMES released Finding Polka, an interactive adventure by Japanese creative studio lidlocks, on Steam today, August 12, 2026. The game follows protagonist Frendy, who lives peacefully with his dog Jazz, as he searches for a dog resembling Polka, a companion from his childhood. Set in a world drawn with a ballpoint pen, players explore map areas while chasing Polka's figure, with optional mini-games such as mini golf, whack-a-mole, soccer penalty kicks, boat races, watermelon splitting, and volleyball. The game has no dialogue or words; characters convey emotions through facial expressions, gestures, and sound effects. Guest creators from the indie scene contributed, including HIPHOP group DON YASA CREW, known for SONOKUNI, who handled rap for insert songs and BGM, and Hiroshi Sawatari, developer of NeverAwake and Magical Princess, who directed the shooting game parts. Shoma, known for MotionRec, designed a stealth puzzle in the rocket factory section. The game is priced at 1,500 yen, with a 20% discount to 1,200 yen until August 25. Bundle versions with TOEM, Hidden through Time, and Lost and Found Co. are also available, and a launch trailer has been released.

Aug 12

Monarch Spinoff Prequel Adds Connie Nielsen and Stana Katic

Apple TV+ has added Connie Nielsen and Stana Katic to the cast of its Monarch: Legacy of Monsters spinoff prequel, set in 1984. Wyatt Russell stars as young Lee Shaw, infiltrating the Soviet Union to stop a Titan from being used in the Cold War. Joby Harold is showrunner.

Aug 10

Emaqi Adds 7 Exclusive Manga and 18 Viz Media Titles

Orange Inc. announced that its emaqi e-bookstore is adding seven exclusive manga titles this month, six of which are available through the emaqi Premium subscription. The service also added 18 Viz Media titles to emaqi Premium, including Komi Can't Communicate, Ranma 1/2, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, and Fly Me to the Moon.

Aug 10

Blue Archive ZOZOTOWN Collaboration Vol. 2 Launches August 13

ZOZO will sell the second Blue Archive collaboration collection with ZOZOTOWN starting August 13. The lineup features Gehenna Academy's disciplinary committee members Hina, Ako, Iori, and Chinatsu in original black military-themed designs. Eight items include apparel and goods, with illustrations by nijihashisora.

Aug 10

Jaleco Arcade Collection Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 Full 32-Title Lineup Announced

Gravity Game Arise revealed the final 12 titles for JALECO ARCADE COLLECTION Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, completing the full 32-game lineup. The standout is Chimera Beast, a bio-shooter canceled in 1993 after location tests, now revived for home consoles after over 30 years. Both volumes launch in fiscal 2026 for PC, Switch, and PS5.

Aug 10

Blue Archive Kirara Gets 1/7 Scale Figure by Max Factory

Max Factory is releasing a 1/7 scale figure of Kirara from the game Blue Archive. The figure is now available for pre-order on Amazon.co.jp. Kirara is a member of the Kirakira Club at Gehenna Academy. The figure captures her confident smile and trendy outfit, including a deliberately disheveled shirt collar and a tight miniskirt. It stands about 255mm tall and comes with a dedicated base. The prototype was sculpted by Tachibana of Max Factory, with coloring by Ekoshi, design by Hino Hinako, and illustration by Mx2J. The figure is priced at 28,800 yen including tax and is scheduled for release on September 30, 2027. The product page notes that the photos may differ slightly from the actual product.

Aug 8

Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 3 Episodes 16-17 Review: Business as Usual

Anime News Network reviews episodes 16 and 17 of Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke, calling episode 16 a workaday recap of Rosemyne's to-do list. The review notes the episode's highlights, including the spin-off of the bookmaking business and the reveal of the working printing press, but criticizes tangentially connected subplots like Hugo's potential role as chef.

Aug 8

Blue Archive Hina Swimsuit Figure Returns for Reprint

Good Smile Arts Shanghai is re-releasing its 1/7 scale figure of Blue Archive's Hina in a swimsuit. The painted PVC figure stands about 235mm tall, includes a dedicated base, and is available for pre-order on Amazon Japan at 21,900 yen. It is scheduled to ship on March 31, 2027.

Aug 8

Blue Archive Rio Gets 1/7 Scale Figure From Good Smile Arts Shanghai

Good Smile Arts Shanghai is producing a 1/7 scale figure of Rio, the Seminar student council president from Blue Archive. The figure stands about 256mm tall and includes a dedicated base. Reservations are open on Amazon.co.jp at 22,200 yen, with release scheduled for May 31, 2027.

Aug 8

Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition Launches on Apple Arcade

Electronic Arts released Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition on Apple Arcade on August 6. The game is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV with no ads or in-app purchases. It features the Ignite engine and includes franchise and quick play modes. Retro Bowl College+ also launched on the service the same day.

Aug 8

North American Anime, Manga Releases for August 2-8

Anime News Network's weekly release list for August 2-8 covers one anime title and dozens of print manga volumes. The anime release is Rooster Fighter in a limited edition Blu-ray set from Viz Media. The manga slate includes new series debuts like Crescent Moon Marching, Girl Meets Rock!, and The Princess Groom, alongside ongoing series such as Kagurabachi and D.Gray-man.

Aug 7

Initial D THE ARCADE Runs 3rd Touhou Project Collab as EX Reprint

Sega Fave is holding the 3rd Touhou Project collaboration for Initial D THE ARCADE as an EX reprint from July 30, 2026, through October 7. The event brings back all previous collaboration items, adds new chat stamps and race BGM, and renews play stamps and time trial events.

Aug 6

Tag Team: SNK Arcade Legends Board Game Set for Q2 2027 Release

Scorpion Masque announced Tag Team: SNK Arcade Legends, a two-player board game expansion featuring SNK characters, on July 28, 2026. The release is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. Six fighters are included, with Terry Bogard confirmed and five more to be revealed monthly. Pre-orders include Iori Yagami as a bonus character.

Aug 6

Jaleco Arcade Collection Reveals Final 12 Titles, Including Chimera Beast

Gravity Game Arise announced the final 12 titles for Jaleco Arcade Collection Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 on August 6, 2026, completing the full 32-title lineup. The most notable addition is Chimera Beast, a side-scrolling shooter that never received a commercial release and appears here for the first time. In the game, the player evolves their body by eating enemies, with the evolution path changing based on which prey is consumed. Vol. 1 gains six titles: P-47 ACES, a 1995 shooter featuring real fighter planes; 64th Street, a 1991 belt-scrolling action game set in 1930s Chicago; Best Bout Boxing, a 1990 versus boxing game; Baltrilick, a 1986 sci-fi tank action game; Pinbo, a 1984 video pinball game; and Chameleon, a 1983 fixed-screen action game. Vol. 2 adds Big Run, a 1989 3D racing game; Psychic 5, a 1987 exploration action game; Second Earth Gratia, a 1996 sci-fi shooter; Chimera Beast; Exerizer, a 1987 sequel-like title to Exerion; and Kick Off, a 1988 arcade soccer game. Both volumes are planned for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam, with release dates and prices to be announced. A playable demo will be available at Tokyo Game Dungeon 13 on August 8, 2026, where attendees can receive a half-cut sticker.

Aug 6

Blue Archive Hina Dress Nendoroid Basic Figure Opens Pre-Orders

Good Smile Company announced the Nendoroid Basic Sorasaki Hina (Dress) figure from Blue Archive, releasing in December. Pre-orders are open at 4,400 yen. The Basic series omits interchangeable parts for a lower price and faster release, while retaining standard Nendoroid articulation. The official shop adds a music sheet and hand part bonus.

Aug 6

STARCULT. Night: Twisted Age Demo Launches on Steam

NOT A CAT STUDIOS released a demo for STARCULT. Night: Twisted Age on Steam on July 27, 2026. The dark fantasy visual novel mixes romance and horror, following artist Sylvia as she investigates her husband's death. The Emotion Palette system lets players choose Sylvia's feelings in conversation, unlocking up to 15 choices per exchange. The full game is planned for Q4 2026 and supports nine languages including Japanese.

Aug 6

Blue Archive VR Event Returns for Four Days Starting October 30

Yostar announced the Blue Archive VR event "Kaettekita! Blue Archive VR! +" will run from October 30 to November 3 at TOC Ariake in Tokyo. Tickets cost 5,500 yen, with a lottery application window open from July 26 at 11 p.m. through August 2. Details are on the special site opening July 26 at 11 p.m.

Aug 5

Doraemon Famicom Game Launches for Switch 2, PS5 on July 30

Hamster Corporation will release the 1986 Doraemon Famicom game for Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 on July 30 as part of its Console Archives series. The action game, originally by Hudson Soft, follows Doraemon using Secret Gadgets to find Nobita and friends. It never received a Western release.

Aug 5

Blue Archive Steam Version Draws Overwhelmingly Negative Reviews Over Gacha Pity Change

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.

Aug 4

Fate/Grand Order Mash Kyrielight Joins PLAMATEA Model Kit Line

Max Factory has opened pre-orders for a new PLAMATEA model kit of Mash Kyrielight from the smartphone RPG Fate/Grand Order. The kit depicts Mash in her Ortinax spiritual foundation exoskeleton form, based on her in-game illustration. It is a non-scale, snap-fit, fully articulated plastic model with pre-painted face parts including a smiling face, a shouting face, and a smiling face variant. The kit includes a shield, bangs with and without a visor, and a large Black Barrel that can transform through partial part replacement. The Black Barrel measures approximately 500mm in length when deployed, while Mash stands about 165mm tall. The kit comes with a dedicated display base with an adjustable support arm. Pre-orders are available on Amazon Japan at a price of 17,800 yen including tax, with a scheduled release date of April 30, 2027. The prototype is by Max Factory, with production cooperation from mffp. The product is part of the PLAMATEA series, a new line of humanoid plastic models from Max Factory.

Aug 4

Rain Code Download Prices Cut, Full Playthrough Streaming Allowed

Spike Chunsoft cut download prices for Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE on July 29, 2026, and lifted the restriction on sharing gameplay videos, allowing full playthroughs up to the ending. The Nintendo Switch version of RAIN CODE drops from 6,980 yen to 2,420 yen, a 65 percent reduction, while the Digital Deluxe Edition falls from 9,980 yen to 3,850 yen. The PS5 and Steam versions of RAIN CODE Plus are now 3,300 yen, down from 6,985 yen, and its Digital Deluxe Edition is 3,850 yen, down from 7,920 yen. The price revision also covers additional content and bundle editions. The Xbox Series X|S version of RAIN CODE Plus will get its price change at a later date. To mark the revision, Spike Chunsoft is running a limited-time sale on the Switch version from July 29 to August 3, offering an extra 17 percent off the new price, bringing it to 2,000 yen. The company had previously restricted gameplay video sharing to the first two chapters to prevent spoilers for the mystery game. The new policy applies to personal use only; businesses and sole proprietors must still inquire separately.

Aug 4

Demons' Night Fever Game Launches October 22

Arc System Works announced on July 30 that Demons' Night Fever, the new game from Disgaea creator Sohei Niikawa and his studio SuperNiche, will launch on October 22 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. The announcement came with a pre-order trailer. Steam pre-orders are open now, while physical edition pre-orders for PS5 and Switch begin on Friday. The game is a simulation RPG with the concept "Enemies? Allies? Kill Kill Kill! The more you die, the stronger you become! Raising Speedrunning Simulation RPG." The story follows Giga Super Death, a devil who is transformed into a baby just before killing God, and Killshiro Katanaka, a gloomy young man who forms a pact with him. The cast includes Yuya Hirose as Killshiro, Kaori Mizuhashi as Giga Super Death, Sayumi Suzushiro as Mary Haley, and Nobuyuki Hiyama as God. Tatsuya Yano, former Gust and Atelier series composer, handles music, with character design by Yuji Himukai and original story by Roman Kitayama. Development is handled by Drecom, and the game is priced at 4950 yen for both package and download versions.

Jul 26

DPVR E4 Headset Adopted for Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade VR

DPVR announced that its PC-connected VR headset, the DPVR E4, has been adopted for the arcade racing game Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade VR, developed by Australian arcade manufacturer LAI Games. The DPVR E4 features a 4K-class display with a resolution of 3664x1920 pixels, a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, and a lightweight design of approximately 280 grams. The headset uses inside-out 6DoF tracking, eliminating the need for external base stations, which simplifies installation in arcade facilities. Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade VR is a racing simulator that includes seven supercars from brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini, and McLaren. It combines a full 5D motion system, a 43-inch full HD monitor, and LED lighting to deliver dynamic movements like drifting and acceleration. The game offers modes including Hunted, time attack, and quick race, and supports up to four connected cabinets for multiplayer play. DPVR stated it will continue collaborating with arcade game manufacturers and facility operators to provide VR hardware and customized solutions.

Jul 26

Blue Archive ASMR Series Adds Seia and Miyo on July 27

Yostar will release two new ASMR works for the mobile and PC RPG Blue Archive on July 27 at 0:00 JST. The 10th volume, "Sun, Moon, Words, and You (Seia ASMR)," features Seia voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki. The 11th volume, "It's Sensei's Fault, You Know? (Miyo ASMR)," features Miyo voiced by Kana Hanaishi. The announcement was made during the Blue Archive 5.5th Anniversary Live Broadcast on July 26. A 10% discount sale on both new and existing ASMR works will run on DLsite until August 23. The ASMR series has been expanded approximately every six months since its launch.

Jul 22

Co-Op Submarine Sim S.O.N.A.R. - Submarine Crew, Not Ready! Opens Playtest Signups

Abylight Barcelona announced S.O.N.A.R. - Submarine Crew, Not Ready!, a cooperative simulation for up to four players who operate a submarine through combat, escort, and exploration missions. The crew manages nine stations, food, health, and rest while dealing with malfunctions, flooding, and fires. Playtest signups are open on Steam.

Jul 22

Alien Archeologist Digs Into Steam on October 12

Developer Black Lantern Collective announced on July 22 that its excavation simulation Alien Archeologist will launch on Steam on October 12, 2026. The game is set on Mars in the far future, where players dig through the planet's crust with a shovel and TNT to extract ores and ancient artifacts. Ores can be sold at a machine called the Grinder to fund tool upgrades and new equipment. Artifacts are brought to a cleaning station where players remove dust and rock with specialized tools and polish them to a restored state. As players dig deeper, buried secrets such as bones of past workers and ancient solar panels are gradually revealed. A small vacuum cleaner robot named GOOBER accompanies the player, handling chores like searching for spare materials and crafting extra TNT. GOOBER's appearance can be customized with accessories including bow ties, mustaches, and top hats. A gameplay trailer has also been released. The price has not yet been announced.

Jul 22

In Falsus, New Rhythm Game From Arcaea Developer, Launches September 9

Lowiro, the indie studio behind the mobile and Nintendo Switch rhythm game Arcaea, announced on July 22 that its next title, In Falsus, will launch on Steam for Windows on September 9, 2026. The game combines a rhythm game with a visual novel format, featuring a control scheme that uses both keyboard and mouse simultaneously. Players press up to six keys (Shift, A, S, D, F, Space) for bottom-lane notes while moving the mouse to catch floating notes on the upper lane. The story follows five high school girls in a near-future world where emotions are exposed and lies are forbidden, each with her own route that players can freely choose. The game includes over 70 songs, more than 40 of which are original compositions written for In Falsus. A music video for the new song 'Empty Shell' by Camellia feat. Nano was released alongside the announcement. A demo version is currently available on Steam. To commemorate the release, a lottery campaign for autographed signboards from the five main voice actors will be held on the official X account, with details announced on July 23. The voice cast includes Fuka Izumi, Ran Haruka, Kanon Amaki, Ayame Fujiue, and Miri Saito.

Jul 17

Capcom Arcade Stadium Complete Pack Drops to 1,497 Yen on Steam

Capcom cut the price of the Capcom Arcade Stadium Complete Pack on Steam by 75%, bringing it to 1,497 yen for 64 titles. The pack bundles all 62 paid add-ons from both Capcom Arcade Stadium and Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium, plus two free games. The sale runs through July 24.

Jul 17

Moss: The Forgotten Relic Complete Edition Launches on PC and Consoles

Polyarc released "Moss: The Forgotten Relic" on July 17, 2026, for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. The complete edition bundles the original "Moss" (2018), "Moss: Book II" (2022), and the additional content "Twilight Garden" into a single seamless package. Previously a VR-exclusive series, this version plays on a standard screen without a headset. The player takes the role of a "Reader" who guides the mouse protagonist Quill through diorama-like stages, solving environmental puzzles and battling magical threats called Arcane Creatures. New cutscenes, camera work, and visual updates have been added, along with platform-specific optimizations. The music is composed by Jason Graves, known for "Dead Space." Prices vary by store between 2,300 yen and 2,350 yen (tax included). A limited-time 10 percent launch sale is running on Steam, and bundles with "Stray," "Mina: The Hollower," and the original soundtrack are also available. The "Moss" series has won over 160 awards and nominations, including recognition at The Game Awards and BAFTA.

Jul 17

Initial D THE ARCADE 4th Tournament Regionals Now Accepting Entries

Sega Fave has opened entries for the regional preliminaries of the 4th official national tournament for Initial D THE ARCADE, the Road Strongest Decisive Battle 4th. The competition features three divisions-2-car battle, 4-car battle, and time trial-plus a new tag team event, the Double Ace Cup. Regional events run from August 2026 to January 2027 across seven locations, with the finals scheduled for March 2027. A new local bracket system expands access for the 2-car battle division.

Jul 16

Blue Archive Marie 1/7 Scale Figure Gets Re-Release, Pre-Orders Open

The 1/7 scale figure of Marie from Blue Archive is being re-released. Pre-orders are now open on Amazon Japan. The figure stands approximately 215mm tall (230mm with halo) and includes a dedicated base. It is priced at 21,500 yen and is scheduled to ship on January 31, 2027. The figure was sculpted by Ikurie with coloring by Matsuda Model.

Jul 14

Project RX Gets First Public Showing at Anime Expo 2026, Tokyo Game Show Slot Confirmed

NEXON Games' IO Division, the team behind Blue Archive, showed its new game Project RX to the public for the first time at Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles. A booth featured voice-recognition rock-paper-scissors interactions with characters. A vlog captured producer interviews where they said the team aims to avoid competing with Blue Archive and is not leading with combat content. Project RX is also scheduled for Tokyo Game Show 2026 in September.