Konami Cross Media NY has signed a contract with American publisher Mad Cave Studios for a comic adaptation of the Contra action game series. The deal covers a 12-issue comic series, multiple trade paperbacks, and deluxe editions, with releases scheduled for 2027. The contract spans regions including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, among others worldwide.
Contrast Games released the Metroidvania action game Akatori on PC via Steam on August 6. The game is priced at 1,999 yen, with a 15% launch discount bringing it to 1,699 yen until August 13. Players control Mako, a martial monk girl raised in the temple of the Fire Bird, who wields a staff containing a mysterious red bird to fight the Amber Storm, a force that erodes and distorts all living things. The adventure spans five worlds with distinct environments, including floating structures and underground cemeteries. The staff serves multiple functions: it is a weapon for combat, a tool for movement such as gliding and sliding, and a device for solving stage gimmicks and finding hidden areas. Players can learn techniques like launching enemies into the air for aerial combos or throwing the staff like a boomerang. Boss battles vary, with some featuring multiple phases, rhythm game-style challenges, or underwater escape sequences. The game also includes a shop where players can spend collected amber crystals on useful items. The Japanese language is supported. Console versions for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One are scheduled for August 12, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version planned for 2027.
MAPPA announced on March 1, 2026, that it will absorb its subsidiary studio Contrail through a merger effective April 1, 2026. The merger is intended to consolidate operations and improve working conditions for staff. Contrail's brand will be maintained after the merger, and its team will continue producing current and future projects. The decision to merge was driven by MAPPA's plan to relocate Contrail's staff to its headquarters in Nakano, Tokyo, providing a better production environment. The company stated that the merger aims to allow staff from both studios, who have different cultures and technical backgrounds, to learn from each other and create animation that resonates with global audiences. MAPPA and Contrail will share the creative philosophies and production expertise they have each developed over time. The announcement did not specify any changes to Contrail's ongoing projects or leadership.