Civilization 7 to Launch on Apple Units (Gaming News Roundup)

The Apple Arcade model of 2K Games’ “Sid Meier’s Civilization 7” is ready to launch subsequent month.

The Firaxis Games-developed turn-based technique sport, which debuted to blended critiques final February, will likely be out there to play on iPhone, iPad and Mac as of Feb. 5

Per Apple’s description for the most recent addition to the favored “Civilization” franchise, “In a pivotal new chapter of the iconic series, empires evolve with the dawn of each distinct age of human history, and players’ strategic decisions will shape the unique cultural lineage of their civilizations. Whether players choose to follow a path rooted in history or imagine new possibilities, they can create a legacy that echoes through the ages.”

See extra gaming information from this week within the roundup beneath. 

GAME UPDATES/DLC

HoYoverse’s newest replace to “Genshin Impact” went stay Jan. 13 at 10 p.m. ET.

See beneath for the developer’s famous highlights from the brand new DLC, “Version Luna IV”:

New Archon Quest: The most important story reaches its climax in a dramatic showdown with Il Dottore.

New Characters:

o   Columbina: 5-star Hydro Catalyst wielder and the Moon Maiden, providing highly effective help for Lunar Reactions

o   Zibai: 5-star Geo Sword wielder and the White Horse Adeptus, dealing Lunar-Crystallize DMG

o   Illuga: 4-star Geo Polearm wielder, a younger and dependable Lightkeeper

New Reaction: Lunar-Crystallize – offers Geo DMG with an opportunity to set off CRIT Hits.

Map Expansion: Nod-Krai expands northward, unveiling the Lightkeepers’ headquarters and extra new content material.

Bountiful Events: A brand new Lantern Rite story reveals extra about Zibai, alongside festive occasions providing 1,600 Primogems, 10 Intertwined Fates, a brand-new outfit for Yaoyao, a free 4-star Liyue character, a particular horse mascot beauty set from Miliastra Wonderland, and extra.

TRAILERS

Bandai Namco has launched a brand new trailer for “Code Vein II.”

Per the developer, the upcoming sport, set to launch Jan. 30, “sends players on an epic narrative-driven journey where they wield time as a weapon, explore past and present versions of a collapsing world, and join forces with companions through the game’s dynamic Partner System.”

“Code Vein II” is now out there for pre-orders on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC by way of Steam. A personality creator demo will likely be out there without spending a dime Jan. 23.

Watch the brand new trailer for “Code Vein II” within the video beneath.

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The co-op trailer dropped for Moon Studios’ upcoming title, “No Rest for the Wicked Together,” Wednesday.

See the brand new preview for the sport, which can launch Jan. 22, by way of the video beneath.

SALES/GAMEPLAY STATS

Nexon’s “ARC Raiders” has offered greater than 12.4 million models since its Oct. 30 launch.

Per Nexon and Stockholm-based Embark Studios, concurrent gamers reached 960,000 in January, ten weeks after the sport’s debut.

“We are incredibly pleased with the strong retention and enduring enthusiasm players in all major markets worldwide have shown for ARC Raiders,” stated Junghun Lee, President and CEO of Nexon. “As happy as we have been with the October launch, reaching greater than 12.4 million models and setting a file with 960,000 concurrent customers in January demonstrates the potential for ARC Raiders to change into one other pillar in Nexon’s portfolio of blockbuster franchises.

PLATFORM/NEW FORMAT RELEASES

Sega’s “Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds” will launch for Nintendo Switch 2 as a bodily product March 26. Priced at $69.99, the Switch 2 version will function the total base sport on cartridge, which is at the moment solely provided digitally for Switch 2.

“Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds” is now out there each digitally and bodily on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC, in addition to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED Model, and Nintendo Switch Lite.

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“Bluey’s Quest for The Gold Pen” is now out there on Google Play. This new journey sport, written by “Bluey” collection creator Joe Brumm, “blends heartfelt storytelling with discovery-driven gameplay.”

Developed by Brisbane-based Halfbrick Studios (“Fruit Ninja,” “Jetpack Joyride”) options the present’s voice actors, hand-drawn environments impressed by the “Dragon” and “Escape” episodes, and a brand new soundtrack created in collaboration with Ludo Studio and BBC Studios. 

Halfbrick and PM Studios first debuted the sport solely for Apple units in December, and can subsequent convey “Bluey’s Quest for The Gold Pen” to PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S later this yr.

EXEC SHUFFLE

Global way of life and leisure firm Sanrio Co., Ltd. has elevated Craig Takiguchi to Chief Executive Officer for the U.S. and the Americas. Takiguchi beforehand held the place of Chief Operating Officer for the area. 

In his new position, Sanrio will deal with strengthening the model’s cultural relevance, advancing its strategic video and driving innovation throughout licensing, partnerships and product experiences. 

“Craig Takiguchi has been an integral part of Sanrio through many stages of the company’s development. His deep understanding of our business and proven leadership gives me full confidence that he will successfully guide our important and growing North American and broader Americas markets in his new capacity,” stated Tomokuni Tsuji, president and CEO of Sanrio Company, Ltd, in an announcement. “Sanrio, Inc. has achieved remarkable growth over the past five years. Under the new leadership structure, we expect the company to continue taking on new challenges and to strengthen its collaboration with HQ as we work toward realizing the Sanrio Group’s mid-term vision.”

Takiguchi will proceed to work with Sanrio’s world headquarters in Tokyo from the corporate’s North American headquarters in Los Angeles.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Video sport corporations Rovio and SEGA have introduced that the previous’s world Angry Birds model licensing will now be unified below SEGA’s transmedia licensing operations. The determination follows SEGA’s acquisition of Rovio in 2023, which aimed to increase each corporations’ fanbases by sharing know-how and supporting the cross-platform enlargement of Rovio’s IP utilizing SEGA’s in depth capabilities.

“We are incredibly excited about the opportunities that come with uniting our licensing activities with SEGA,” stated Hanna Valkeapää-Nokkala, Rovio VP of Transmedia. “This contributes directly to our transmedia goals with the Angry Birds IP. Together, we are more capable of providing amazing experiences, products, and location-based entertainment to even more Angry Birds fans in more locations around the world, and across many different touchpoints.”

The acquisition marks a giant yr for the franchise, with “The Angry Birds Movie 3” scheduled to hit theaters on Dec. 23, 2026.

The new association introduces a consolidated, world technique for each client merchandise (CP) and location-based leisure (LBE), and likewise permits for Rovio and SEGA to pursue direct licensing relationships worldwide, with a key deal with the US, UK, and Japan.