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1h ago
Bit Reactor, the studio behind the turn-based strategy game STAR WARS Zero Company, placed roughly 80 percent of its development team on unpaid furlough weeks before the game launched, according to a report from Game File. EA released the game on August 28 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. A Bit Reactor representative confirmed the furloughs to Game File, called the decision difficult, and said it was made by the studio alone, not at the direction of publisher EA or Star Wars licensor Disney. The representative said the studio wants to bring furloughed staff back with pay restored, and that the game's success could influence the outcome. Some people familiar with the situation doubt all furloughed staff will return to their jobs. Zachariah Scott, a former senior technical artist laid off in May, told Game File he contacted about ten former employees and each said they had been furloughed three weeks prior. Scott said the studio concealed the fact that the team had been furloughed.
2h ago
AmiAmi and Reverse Studio are taking preorders for three Touhou Project figures based on newly drawn art by illustrator STAR Kageboushi. The art shows child versions of Reimu Hakurei and Marisa Kirisame, and the line is called Reverse Palm Spirit. Each single figure is a painted PVC and ABS finished product. Reimu stands about 150mm tall including her base, and Marisa about 180mm. The individual figures carry a reference price of 12,100 yen including tax, with AmiAmi selling them at 10,890 yen. A set containing both figures is priced at 20,900 yen reference and 18,810 yen at AmiAmi. Each single comes with a bonus acrylic keychain of its character, and the set adds a dedicated bonus base plus a keychain set. All three items are scheduled for release in November 2027, and preorders are open now at AmiAmi.
2h ago
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4 released the preview for Episode 15, which is Episode 81 overall, on September 1, one day before the episode airs in Japan on September 2. The episode, titled 'Hitoisu na Hoshi' (A Single-Minded Star), continues the second cour of Season 4, the Recapture Arc, which began on August 12 after the first 11-episode Loss Arc opened on April 8. WHITE FOX is animating, with Masahiro Shinohara directing and Tappei Nagatsuki as scenario supervisor.
The preview material shows Reid Astrea roaming the Pleiades Watchtower rather than staying in the second-floor examination hall, because Reid's soul has taken over the body of the remaining Gluttony, Roy Alphard. Subaru faces five obstacles: a stampede of magical beasts, two archbishops of sin, a giant scorpion, and a pitch-black shadow. After Returning by Death, he presses Shaula on the rules of the trial she holds, beginning the trial-and-error process to conquer the tower.
The release also includes preview stills for mini-anime Episode 81, 'Waga Banzai,' which shows Priscilla's group returning to their southern territory. The franchise has surpassed 16 million copies in worldwide circulation and celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, with an exhibition running September 12 to October 4 at Shibuya BEAM Gallery.
2h ago
Hasbro has opened pre-orders on Amazon Japan for the Star Wars Ultimate Grogu (Standard Edition), a 1/1 scale animatronic collector's item based on the character from The Mandalorian and Grogu. The figure is priced at 98,504 yen including tax and is scheduled to ship on March 6, 2027. It uses premium materials including soft skin texture and realistic hair, and carries motors, sensors, and a microphone to produce a range of movements and sounds. The figure can move its arms, legs, ears, and head, blink, open and close its mouth, and perform Force-using gestures. Three interactive modes are included. Power comes from four AA alkaline batteries (recommended, sold separately) or a USB-C cable (no charging function, sold separately), plus six LR44 button batteries that are included. The standard edition does not include the special packaging or collector card. Hasbro describes the item as a must-have for Star Wars fans and cosplay enthusiasts.
1d ago
DMM GAMES, operated by EXNOA, released the iOS version of its store app "GAMES STORE" on August 31, 2026. The app allows players to install and play DMM GAMES titles directly on an iPhone without going through the App Store. The launch lineup includes 10 all-ages titles, such as "Teklonos," "Muv-Luv Girls Garden," and "Mist Train Girls: From the Window of the Misty World." The store is available only in Japan, requiring a Japan-based Apple account, and it is not supported on iPad. The release follows the Smartphone Software Competition Promotion Act, enacted in December 2025, which enabled alternative app marketplaces on iOS. A notable feature is the distribution of R18 versions of games as native apps, with "Twinkle Star Knights X" cited as an R18 version. To install, users must set the iPhone's age rating to "Unrated" and use Safari. A campaign running from September 2 to September 22 offers 50 DMM points to all participants and a lottery for up to 3,000 DMM points.
1d ago
BANDAI SPIRITS announced that Stark, the kind-hearted warrior from the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, will join the S.H.Figuarts action figure line. The Stark figure includes his signature battle axe, which can be worn on his back using joint parts, and soft materials in parts of the costume to allow for dynamic poses. Interchangeable expression parts include a comical crying face and combat expressions. The set also includes his favorite drink, the Jumbo Berry Special, and a bonus magic tome that connects with the separately sold S.H.Figuarts Frieren figure. Pre-orders for Stark, along with re-releases of Frieren and Fern, begin Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at general retailers. All three figures are scheduled for release in March 2027. Frieren is priced at 8,800 yen, Fern at 9,350 yen, and Stark at 9,900 yen, all tax included. Frieren and Fern re-releases also include their respective magic effect parts.
2d ago
The Re:Zero Starting Emilia's Birthday Life 2026 in Marui pop-up shop celebrates Emilia's September 23 birthday. Newly drawn flower-themed illustrations appear on acrylic stands, can badges, keychains, and more. A purchase bonus offers a short story booklet by original author Tappei Nagatsuki. The event runs at Shibuya MODI from September 19 to 27 and at Kobe Marui from October 3 to 12.
3d ago
Pierrot announced the Magical Star Magical Emi 40th Anniversary Blu-ray BOX, releasing August 26, 2026 for 36,300 yen including tax. The limited special edition includes all 38 TV episodes film-remastered across 5 discs, a bonus disc with 4 OVA works, newly recorded audio commentaries, and a special booklet. A newly drawn acrylic panel bonus applies when reserving all four Pierrot Magical Girl Series anniversary boxes.
3d ago
Overseas media Flow Games reported that Grand Theft Auto VI runs with a 30fps target, based on info from Rockstar North's Rob Nelson. Digital Foundry analyzed the August 28 Extended Look footage, calling it stable and a unique technical achievement of this generation. The game releases November 19 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
3d ago
Playstack announced during the Future Games Show: gamescom 2026 broadcast that Star Trek: Outposts Unknown, developed by Magic Fuel Games, will launch on October 20 local time for Windows and Mac via Steam. The strategy title is set in the Star Trek universe and features a completely original story focused on building an outpost in an unknown location.
3d ago
Re-Ment will release JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders STAND on DESK -Destiny- on September 21. The desk figure set includes all six types: Jotaro Kujo, Star Platinum, Joseph Joestar, Jean Pierre Polnareff, Silver Chariot, and DIO. Each figure is deformed and can double as a card stand or multi tray. Combining figures like DIO and Polnareff recreates famous scenes. The price is 1,650 yen tax included, sold at toy and novelty stores and character shops.
3d ago
BANDAI SPIRITS revealed the full lineup for the second Ichiban Kuji for Korean idol group IVE. Prizes include acrylic stands in standing and sitting poses, square clear files, and sticker sets, with a visual board as the Last One Prize. Draws cost 590 yen each, with in-store sales starting September 19, 2026.
3d ago
Maze Theory released a gameplay trailer for its VR survival adventure game Project Hail Mary: Journey Among the Stars at gamescom 2026. The game is based on Andy Weir's novel and the summer 2026 Amazon MGM Studios film starring Ryan Gosling, but features an original story written by Weir that covers an untold part of the Hail Mary mission. Players take on the role of protagonist Ryland Grace in the cockpit of the spacecraft, where they can interact with objects and operate controls with high physics accuracy. The trailer highlights the alien Rocky, who communicates through a musical language and broken machine translation, and reacts expressively to player actions. The demo lasted under five minutes and included comedic moments, but the full game reportedly includes tense survival elements beyond a simple space walk. The release date is undecided, but the game is planned for Meta Quest, PICO, and Android XR platforms, with a scheduled launch in late 2026. Wishlisting is available on the Meta store page.
3d ago
Bandai announced the 3rd entry in the Precure Narikiri DX Fight Collection gashapon series, releasing on Gashapon Online starting August 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The set includes five items: Dream Torch from Yes! Precure 5, Princess Candle from Smile PreCure!, Love Pre Brace from HappinessCharge PreCure!, Twinkle Stick from Star Twinkle PreCure, and Heart Rouge Rod from Tropical-Rouge! PreCure. Each play costs 400 yen, with delivery around late December 2026.
3d ago
Developer Starvania Studio announced 'Doughn't Panic!' on August 27. The 3D platformer, due for PC (Steam) release in 2027, has two players jointly control a single pizza. Actions like moving, jumping, and dodging are performed cooperatively. The game supports single-player, local co-op, and online co-op. A hard mode and leaderboard are planned.
4d ago
Secret Mode released two interview videos for 'Star Wars: Galactic Racer,' the 3D racing game set in the Star Wars universe developed by Fuse Games, during the Future Games Show: gamescom 2026 broadcast on August 27, 2026, and the XBOX @ gamescom Broadcast 2026 Day 2 on the same day. The videos are part of a commentary series called 'Under the Hood with Hibi,' featuring the mechanic Hibi who supports the protagonist. The first video introduced the characteristics of vehicles including landspeeders, speeder bikes, and skim speeders. The second video focused on the speeder bike, explaining that despite its low durability and quirks in cornering after acceleration, it can accelerate strongly via a 'Kinetic Burst' and take shortcuts using its small size. The game is set in the lawless Outer Rim and includes a story-driven campaign and a PvP mode. 'Star Wars: Galactic Racer' is scheduled for release on October 6, 2026, for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
4d ago
Ensemble Stars!! Music announced Spectacle Sphere Live, a new in-app virtual live experience where players control a Mega Fan avatar to move freely inside the venue and choose their own viewpoint. The first performance, HOT BEAT REVOLUTION!!, runs September 12, 2026, featuring five units. A free Ryuseitai dress rehearsal streams September 11.
4d ago
DONUTS announced the 7th anniversary event Inferno for Blackstar -Theater Starless- will run from September 1 to October 1. The event adds GOD and DEVIL cast visuals, two new songs, customizable song parts, a sugoroku map, voice notes, and a daily roulette mini-game with up to 70 free pulls per day. Anniversary cast members are obtainable via gacha tickets earned through play.
4d ago
Anime News Network's review of Re:Zero Season 4 episode 14 analyzes the arc's structure, suggesting Subaru's challenges feel orchestrated by an outside force. The review notes Subaru is unknowingly a Sin Archbishop two times over, and that his new powers likely come from Regulus' Authority of Greed. The episode also reveals Shaula is the giant scorpion and Roy tried to eat Reid.
4d ago
Rockstar Games released "Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look," a 26-minute gameplay video, on August 28. The footage, captured on PS5, first appeared on Netflix before a general release on the official website and YouTube at 10:00 AM Japan time. The video opens with protagonists Jason and Lucia retrieving "Booby's stuff" from a club, leading to a firefight with police special forces. It then showcases a range of activities, including petting a dog, drinking from a refrigerator, watching TV, muscle training, weightlifting, basketball, fishing, canoeing, and bank robberies. The trailer confirms a character-switching feature, allowing seamless transition between Jason and Lucia, and depicts a scene where Lucia parachutes from a building before switching to Jason. Combat footage includes one-handed shotgun reloading and a slow-motion effect on headshots. The game is set in the fictional state of Leonida, featuring Vice City, and is scheduled for release on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The video is a collaboration between Rockstar Games and Netflix.
4d ago
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4 has released the preview trailer and stills for Episode 14, which is Episode 80 of the overall anime. The episode premieres on August 26, 2026 and is the third installment of the second cour, subtitled The Recapture Arc. The arc began broadcasting and streaming on August 12, following the 11-episode Loss Arc. The official preview materials also include stills for the accompanying mini-anime, Re:ZERO -Starting Break Time, which airs through the franchise's official YouTube channel. The Recapture Arc follows Subaru Natsuki and his companions as they seek to recover what was lost after the battle at the Watergate City of Priestella, including Rem's endless sleep, Crusch's lost memories, and Julius's erased name. They head toward the Pleiades Watchtower, guided by the wise man Shaula. Studio WHITE FOX handles animation, with Masahiro Shinohara directing and original author Tappei Nagatsuki serving as script supervisor. The series marked its 10th anniversary in 2026, and the fourth season is structured into two arcs: the 11-episode Loss Arc and the eight-episode Recapture Arc.
4d ago
The Epic Games Store is giving away two games for free until September 3, 2026 (September 4, 2026, 0:00 JST): the horse racing and riding simulation game Rival Stars Horse Racing: Desktop Edition and the survival adventure game Breathedge. Both titles support Japanese display. Rival Stars Horse Racing: Desktop Edition, normally priced at 5,280 yen, lets players rebuild a rundown ranch, raise foals, manage stables, and aim to become a top jockey. It includes cross-country obstacle jumping, betting on races, a genetic-based horse breeding system, and a photo mode. Breathedge is a single-player survival adventure where the protagonist, thrown into deep space after a spacecraft accident, explores wreckage while managing oxygen, temperature, and electric shocks. Players craft tools and equipment, build and customize a space station, and unravel a galaxy-scale conspiracy laced with black humor. Breathedge's sequel is scheduled to enter early access starting August 31, also on the Epic Games Store. The next free title, Alone With You, will begin distribution as soon as this giveaway ends.
4d ago
Ize Press announced four new titles during the Yen Press industry panel at Anime NYC on August 22, 2026. The slate leads with Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid, a six-volume historical romance webtoon by Yoonhee Na set in Korea under Japanese colonial rule in 1926. The story follows Sooah, a young maid who discovers Uihyeon, a wounded independence fighter fleeing Japanese authorities. The series has surpassed 13 million readers on WEBTOON and won the 2021 Korea Content Grand Prize Presidential Award. A live-action adaptation is in development. The publisher also revealed a Spanish-language edition of Solo Leveling covering the comic, novel, and audiobook formats. The comic and novel editions will be available in the United States and Canada, while the audiobook gets a worldwide release. Ize Press is adding the Solo Leveling: Ragnarok sequel novel by Daul, which centers on Sooho Sung, son of original protagonist Jinwoo Sung, as he enters the world of hunters and monsters. The company began releasing the Ragnarok comic in print in July. Finally, Ize Press announced Solo Leveling: The Board Game, a cooperative tactical tabletop title for one to four players, launching in Standard and Ultimate editions. The Ultimate edition includes collectibles such as a Beru plushie. Release dates and pricing were not announced.
4d ago
Yostar and Manjuu Games announced on August 25, 2026 that pre-registrations for their co-published fantasy RPG Azur Promilia have surpassed 20 million globally. The game, planned for iOS, Android, and Windows, is a free-to-play action RPG where players descend onto the Promilia continent as the prophesied Star Visitor, bond with creatures called Kibo, manage a farm, and fight against the Calamity. To mark the milestone, a commemorative illustration was released. The Global Pre-Registration Achievement Rewards campaign grants all players up to 20 Innocent Traces items for standard gacha draws and 10,000 Uni in-game items, with the character Anis offered as a reward when registrations reach 25 million. Pre-registration opened on the App Store and Google Play the same day, and store registrations count toward the campaign rewards. The release date remains undecided, with the official service launch expected to follow.
5d ago
This week's release slate, covering August 24 to 30 in both Japan and North America, is headlined by STAR WARS Zero Company, ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, and Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2. STAR WARS Zero Company, a turn-based strategy game set during the Clone Wars, launches on August 28 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition arrives on the same day for Nintendo Switch 2. Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, a four-player co-op survival shooter, releases on August 26 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S at 6,480 yen. The week also includes METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol.2 on August 27 across multiple platforms, featuring Metal Gear Solid 4 and Peace Walker, plus Captain Tsubasa 2 WORLD FIGHTERS on August 27 at 8,470 yen with a new goalkeeper-perspective mechanic. Other notable releases include Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, a spinoff focused on Sophia, and Brigandine Abyss, a fantasy war simulation with six playable nations. The lists from 4Gamer.net, Game Spark, and Inside each highlight these titles as the week's main draws, with dozens of smaller indie releases filling out the schedule.
5d ago
Medicom Toy has announced that Bossk, the bounty hunter from 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back,' will join its MAFEX action figure line. Bossk is one of the bounty hunters summoned by Darth Vader to capture the Millennium Falcon, and he also appears in the 'Clone Wars' series. The figure stands approximately 16 cm tall and includes two head parts: a closed-mouth face and a yelling face, with a noted difference in pupil size. All body joints are articulated, allowing for action poses, and a movable figure stand is included for display. The figure comes with two types of blasters, enabling combat action poses. The prototype is by Tetsuya Tsukada (namoji) and PERFECT-STUDIO. Priced at 17,380 yen (tax included), the figure is scheduled for release in June 2027. Photos shown are of a prototype under development, and the actual product may differ slightly. The announcement is part of a series of MAFEX releases, including figures from 'The Death of Superman' story, also scheduled for June 2027.
5d ago
Rockstar Games released a statement on August 26 via its official X account addressing the recent leak of gameplay footage from the upcoming open-world title Grand Theft Auto VI. The company described the unauthorized disclosure of the footage as an incredibly difficult event for the development team, noting that it was not how they intended for players to see the game. The statement also acknowledged that the leaked materials contained genuine gameplay, confirming the authenticity of the videos that had been circulating since mid-August.
5d ago
Bandai Spirits is launching a new Gundam figure brand called ABSOLUTE ACT, built around the ABSOLUTE ACTION SYSTEM for articulation. The first entry is the Strike Freedom Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY, which received its world first display at TOKYO Toy Show 2026, running from August 27 to August 30, 2026. The approximately 185mm tall ABS/PVC figure features movable mechanisms in the neck, shoulders, and waist, plus a waist rail mechanism and shoulder pull-out mechanism for dynamic posing. It includes a high-energy beam rifle, two beam sabers, a connected saber handle, two beam shields, interchangeable wrist parts, and a base with a bendable support rod. Reservations begin August 27, 2026, at general retail stores, with release scheduled for March 2027 at 16,500 yen including tax. TOKYO Toy Show 2026's first two days are trade-only, with public access on August 29 and 30. The show also featured other Gundam items at the Bandai Spirits booth, including Gundam Miximize Gundam Zero and HG 1/144 Gundam Zero.
5d ago
Colopl announced on August 26 that it will release 'Wiz Generation,' a new quiz action RPG for iOS and Android, this winter. The game is developed by STAR STUDIOS and will be free-to-play with item-based monetization. Pre-registration opened the same day across the App Store, Google Play, official X, and official LINE, alongside a teaser trailer and a giveaway campaign on the official X account.
Aug 22
Game & Co. and Samurai Kobo's trading card game Xross Stars marks its first anniversary since the August 22, 2025 release. A limited-time pop-up store runs September 18 to 29, 2026, at SHIBUYA TSUTAYA, featuring a memorial gallery, a random card draw experience, and a 3D card gate photo spot. The 1st Anniv. Collection PREMIUM SET includes 65 cards with newly drawn illustrations.
Aug 21
ABEMA's rapper discovery audition RAPSTAR2026 has drawn 12,953 applicants, the highest ever, nearly double last year's 6,780. The 2026 season premieres October 10 on ABEMA, with a 10 million yen prize, up from 3 million. Seven producers provided beats for application videos.
Aug 21
The third Xross Stars Challengers Cup 2026#03 OSAKA was held August 8-9 at OMM Exhibition Hall, the first Osaka stop among official events. Over 2,000 people entered the Booster Pack 4 "Grand Resonance" environment tournament. "Zekemi" won the championship, receiving a CHAMPION-spec foil-stamped playmat and the limited PR card "All-Star Combo." The event also announced Booster Pack 5 "Ignition Vortex," scheduled for release on October 30, 2026.
Aug 21
Yostar will hold the final tournament of the Mahjong Soul Corporate Tournament 2026 on Sunday, August 30, and live-stream it on the official Mahjong Soul YouTube channel. Eight companies compete: four from a 104-company qualifying round and four special invitation seeds. The stream runs from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Aug 21
Two Fist of the North Star exhibitions are running in Tokyo this fall, each covering a different layer of the franchise. The anime-focused special exhibition opened August 22 at Anime Tokyo Station in Toshima City and runs through November 8. Admission is free, with hours from 11:00 to 19:00 and last entry at 18:45. The venue displays setting materials and scene photo panels from the spring 2026 anime series Fist of the North Star -FIST OF THE NORTH STAR-, which aired with new staff and cast using the latest video technology. Visitors can also try the original digital content Fist of the North Star Character Diagnosis, which answers questions to reveal which character matches the visitor's personality. The exhibition is organized with the copyright credit of Buronson, Tetsuo Hara, and Coamix. Separately, the Fist of the North Star Original Art Exhibition RETURNS+ runs September 12 to October 25 at GALLERY ZENON in Kichijoji. It displays over 150 original manuscripts handwritten by Tetsuo Hara, including newly added Celestial Emperor Arc pieces, plus a new gold-leaf art panel featuring Holy Emperor Souther. Tickets for the Kichijoji show went on sale August 21.
Aug 21
Anime News Network reviews Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4 episode 13, giving it a community score of 4.2. The episode centers on Subaru facing a death of personality as Rui plays on his existential fears, causing his blackouts and eating his memories in an infinite feeding cycle. Rem reminds him of his potential.
Aug 21
The Magical Girl Raising Project Restart anime will debut on October 5. It airs on TV Tokyo late at night at 2:00 a.m. (effectively October 6), then on AT-X and BS Fuji on October 7. Director Hiroyuki Hashimoto and scriptwriter Takao Yoshioka return from the first anime, with Synergy SP replacing Lerche as the animation studio.
Aug 21
Publisher Hooded Horse announced on August 21 that Balancing Monkey Games' sci-fi city-builder Beyond These Stars launches October 15, with Japan getting it October 16 due to time zone differences. Players build a city on the back of Kiwa, a giant whale traveling through space, balancing the Peeps' needs against the whale's mood. The game supports Japanese display and is available on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Microsoft Store, plus PC Game Pass. A demo is on Steam.
Aug 20
Dunlop Sports Marketing will release Srixon TRI-STAR golf balls printed with four Demon Slayer characters on September 4, 2026. The limited-quantity product features Tanjiro Kamado as No.1, Akaza as No.2, Shinobu Kocho as No.3, and Doma as No.5. The balls use the base TRI-STAR model with a FastLayer D.G. Core and Strong Trajectory 338 Speed Dimple. Packaging shows all four characters. Price is open, with a reference price of 4,950 yen on Amazon.
Aug 20
EXO-6 is releasing two 1/6 scale Mr. Spock action figures based on Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan. One recreates the engine room farewell scene, the other the Kobayashi Maru test. Both are new molds, stand about 30 cm tall, and have over 30 points of articulation. They are scheduled for March 2027 in Japan through distributor Platz, priced at 71,500 yen and 57,200 yen respectively.
Aug 20
The physical version of Starsand Island launched for Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5 on August 20, 2026. The slow-life game, set on Star Sand Island, lets players grow crops, care for animals, rearrange furniture, and explore island depths at their own pace. The physical and full releases add up to 4-player online multiplayer, affinity quests, new date events, and expanded furniture, costumes, and recipes. Three game writers with different play styles contributed play reports to the coverage. One writer focused on dress-up, noting the game offers high customization compared to other slow-life titles, with costumes crafted from patterns purchased at the Misty Style shop. Another writer covered daily chores, including petting animals to raise mood value, watering crops, and using a slingshot to fight monsters in the Firefly Moon Forest. The third writer examined housing, describing a building system that allows moving furniture along X, Y, and Z axes, rotating and resizing objects, painting walls, and using bulk selection and grid display features. The download version has been available since August 18, 2026, for PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The physical release supports full Japanese voice, interface, and subtitles, with a suggested retail price of 7,018 yen including tax.
Aug 20
Dengeki Hobby Web reports that England from the anime Hetalia World★Stars is joining Good Smile Company's Nendoroid Doll figure line. The articulated figure, priced at 9,800 yen, releases in March 2027 from Orange Rouge. A separate outfit set, priced at 5,500 yen, launches the same month.
Aug 20
Elementa announced on August 20, 2026 that the smartphone game previously known as V Project now has the official title StarToU. The immersive empathy 3D idol game is set in the near-future city of Hoshikawa, where a technology called Touch lets players share the first-person perspective and emotions of the idols. Alongside the title change, a new four-member idol group called MacGuffin was unveiled. The members are Tay, Yoora, Lim, and Noki, all over 180 cm tall, and the group focuses on hip-hop with a concept of rebellion against rules and pursuit of playfulness. They belong to the Rhythm Rebellion Label and operate as a self-produced group. MacGuffin contrasts with the three previously revealed trainees, LEE, Near, and OCT, who belong to the long-established agency Scoop Culture and have no group name yet. The game's systems include a rhythm game in the Music Space, where players cheer from the audience perspective, and the Star Notebook for tracking fan activities. A closed beta test is planned for some regions in the latter half of 2026, and pre-registration is open.
Aug 20
Elementa officially announced its immersive 3D idol game 'V Project' under the new title 'StarToU'. Pre-registration is now open for iOS and Android. The title change comes with the unveiling of a new creative idol group, MacGuffin, and the first reveal of core game systems. A CBT is planned for some regions in the second half of 2026.
Aug 20
Elementa has officially announced that its immersive 3D idol game, previously known as 'V Project', is now titled 'StarToU'. The announcement, made on August 20, 2026, also introduced the new creative idol group 'MacGuffin' and detailed the game's core systems for the first time. 'StarToU' is described as a community platform centered on idol culture within the game, offering an immersive interactive experience where players connect with idols through 'Echoes', a memory experience device equipped with 'Touch' technology. The new group 'MacGuffin' is a hip-hop-based unit with the concept of 'rebellion against rules x pursuit of playfulness'. Its four members, Tay, Yoora, Lim, and Noki, appear in a first PV with a cool street style, contrasting with the previously revealed trainees LEE, Near, and OCT. The game's systems include rhythm-based interactions and stage performances, where players can adjust characters, costumes, and card formations before shows. Additional content includes the Star Notebook and interactions via TOKI. The release timing is undecided, but pre-registration is open on the official website, and a closed beta test is planned for some regions in the second half of 2026.
Aug 20
The staff for Star Detective Precure! The Movie: The Mysterious Garden and the Secret of 2 People announced that Jinji Nishimura and Kyon from the comedy duo cotton will voice the Dame Dame creatures. The film opens in Japan on September 18, with Hanako Ueda directing and Yoshimi Narita writing the script.
Aug 19
Bandai Candy announced details for the new STAR GALLERY figure series from Detective PreCure! on its official blog on August 19. The series will be available in two versions: a general retail version priced at 2,500 yen each (excluding tax) and a Premium Bandai version, with ordering information scheduled to begin on their respective e-commerce sites from August 20. STAR GALLERY replaces the discontinued Cutie Figure line, which ended due to factors such as the weak yen and rising raw material costs. The new series aims to continue the figure lineup in a different form while significantly improving product specifications. Figures have been enlarged from approximately 100mm to approximately 110mm, and skirts and small accessories that were previously molded in one piece are now divided for finer sculpting. The target age has also changed from 3 years and older to 15 years and older, based on analysis showing many Cutie Figure buyers were at least 15. The first wave includes Cure Answer, Cure Mystic, and Cure Arcana Shadow, while the second wave adds Cure Eclair and Cure Arcana, with both waves releasing simultaneously. The Premium Bandai version adds fine color coding and gold or pearl paint on some parts.
Aug 19
Playable Worlds launched Stars Reach, an SF sandbox MMO, into Steam early access on August 19, 2026. The game is led by Raph Koster, known for Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies. Players terraform planets, build ecosystems, and face dangers in a classless system. Japanese is not supported at launch.
Aug 18
The Ensemble Stars!! stage series will start as a new line separate from the previous Ensemble Stars! THE STAGE, with new casts for units ALKALOID and Crazy:B. A debut showcase live is set for December 2026. Cast members include Kiryu Imamura as Aira Amagi and Shunya Kaneko as Rinne Amagi.
Aug 18
Thekla announced on August 18, 2026, that Order of the Sinking Star, the new puzzle adventure by Jonathan Blow, will launch on October 8. The game, which has been in development for about ten years, will be available on PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch 2, and PS5. It features over 1,000 puzzles spread across four vast worlds, each with its own mechanics, characters, and story. Players control a queen exploring these worlds, while puzzle stages involve characters such as thieves, warriors, and mages, each with unique abilities. The thief can pull blocks or characters, the warrior can push them, and the mage can swap positions with a block or character. Puzzles incorporate dozens of mechanics that deepen as the game progresses, and some stages require all characters to stand on goal squares. As worlds intersect and characters meet, a mysterious story unfolds. A demo is currently available on Steam, and save data can carry over to the full version. The Steam version supports Japanese interface and subtitles. The game was first revealed as a prototype at Reboot Develop 2017.
Aug 18
The official website for Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4 has released a preview trailer and stills for Episode 13, which is Episode 79 overall, ahead of its August 19, 2026 premiere. The episode continues the Recapture Arc, the second cour of the season, which began airing on August 12, 2026. The arc follows Subaru Natsuki and his allies as they cross the dangerous Auguria Dunes toward the Pleiades Watchtower, where the wise man Shaula is said to hold knowledge that could restore what was lost in the Priestella battle. Rem remains trapped in an endless sleep, Crusch has lost her memories, and Julius has lost his name. The preview stills show the returning cast, including Yusuke Kobayashi as Subaru, Rie Takahashi as Emilia, and Fairouz Ai as Shaula. The production team also released preview stills for Episode 13 of the Break Time mini anime, which airs on the official Re:ZERO YouTube channel. Season 4 is animated by WHITE FOX, with Masahiro Shinohara directing and Tappei Nagatsuki supervising scripts. The season totals 19 episodes, split into the 11-episode Loss Arc and the 8-episode Recapture Arc.