Croteam and Devolver Digital announced <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/the-talos-principle-3/">The Talos Principle 3</a>, which will close out the studio's acclaimed philosophical <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/best/puzzle/">puzzle</a> series. The game is coming to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/pc/">PC</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/ps5/">PlayStation 5</a>, though no specific release date or pricing has been shared yet beyond a "coming soon" window.The third mainline entry takes players to a location called the Anomaly, a space where the laws of physics break down, filled with crumbling temples and abandoned science outposts. Croteam says the game spans more than a dozen worlds and features new puzzle challenges, though the studio has yet to detail what new mechanics or puzzle types players can expect. A reveal trailer accompanied the announcement.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe class="w-full aspect-video rounded my-3" width="640" height="360" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="true" origin="" playlist="" rel="1" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/KhHvIPfczxY?modestbranding=1&amp;rel=1" start="0"></iframe></div>Notably absent from the platform list is any mention of Xbox or Nintendo hardware. Whether The Talos Principle 3 is a timed console exclusive on PS5 or whether additional platforms will be confirmed later remains unclear.A decade-long trilogy wraps up.The original <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/the-talos-principle/">Talos Principle</a> launched in 2014 and earned widespread praise for weaving philosophical questions about consciousness and free will into its first-person puzzle design. Its sequel arrived in 2023 with expanded environments and more ambitious storytelling, and last year Croteam revisited the original with The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/the-talos-principle-reawakened/">Talos Principle: Reawakened</a>, a modernized version of the 2014 game.The Talos Principle 3 marks the conclusion of a series that has been more than a decade in the making. Croteam says it will have more to share soon, so expect a fuller look at gameplay and a concrete release date in the coming weeks or months.

Croteam and Devolver Digital reveal The Talos Principle 3, the final entry in the philosophical puzzle series, heading to PC and PS5.

The Talos Principle 3 Announced as the Series' Final Chapter, Coming to PC and PS5

In <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/held/">Held</a>, players take on the role of a father present for his child's birth and the small, defining moments that follow: feeding, bedtime, and first steps. The game centers on simple physical interactions like holding hands and carrying the child, using those gestures to track how the parent-child relationship shifts as the child grows more independent.What makes the premise notable is its focus on restraint as a mechanic. The game asks players to resist stepping in when their child attempts something new, like walking unaided, and instead simply remain present. It's an uncommon design choice that frames growing up not just as the child's milestone, but as something the parent has to navigate emotionally, learning when to let go.Held is positioned as a brief experience rather than a lengthy campaign, though Sense of Games hasn't specified an expected playtime. Pricing and a release date are both still to be announced. The game will be available on Steam for Windows, with support for ten languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and several European languages.For a genre typically dominated by large-scale <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/best/rpg/">RPGs</a> and visual novels, Held's tight scope and grounded subject matter set it apart. Parenthood has been explored in games before, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/that-dragon-cancer/">That Dragon, Cancer</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/papo-and-yo/">Papo &amp; Yo</a> come to mind, but few have focused so specifically on the quiet, routine side of raising a child rather than framing it through crisis or metaphor.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe class="w-full aspect-video rounded my-3" width="640" height="360" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="true" origin="" playlist="" rel="1" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/1HvQ0qYmoXY?modestbranding=1&amp;rel=1" start="0"></iframe></div>The Steam store page and trailer are both live now for anyone wanting to wishlist the game ahead of its eventual release.Related pages:<ul class="tight" data-tight="true"><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/pc/upcoming/">Upcoming PC games</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/pc/new/">New PC games</a></li></ul>

Sense of Games reveals Held, a short narrative game where players experience raising a child through everyday moments. Steam page and trailer now live.

Held, a Narrative Game About Fatherhood, Opens Steam Store Page

ARTE France today announced <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/beyond-the-plastic-wall/">Beyond the Plastic Wall</a>, a 2.5D narrative adventure coming to PC via Steam later this year. Players take on the role of Hal, a scavenger who stumbles upon a box of undelivered letters and sets out to return them to their owners across a crumbling, post-collapse world.The game blends exploration with hands-on mechanical puzzles. Rather than abstract brainteasers, the challenges are rooted in the world itself, repairing broken machines, deciphering old communication devices, and coaxing life back into abandoned technology. ARTE France describes these puzzles as sharing "a deeper, interconnected language," suggesting solutions may build on each other as the journey progresses, though the studio didn't elaborate on what that system looks like in practice.Visually, Beyond the Plastic Wall pairs detailed pixel art with modern rendering effects to create its 2.5D environments. The settings range from isolated coastlines to the remnants of a last surviving city, leaning into a melancholic yet not hopeless tone: a world that's fallen apart but still holds traces of the people who lived in it.The premise positions the game within a growing space of contemplative, low-combat exploration titles that prioritize atmosphere and storytelling over action. ARTE France has a track record in this area, having previously published acclaimed artistic games such as Blanc, Homo Machina, and Vandals, and consistently backing projects that treat games as an expressive medium first.A few notable details remain unaddressed. No developer was named in the announcement, only ARTE France as publisher, and no specific release window was given beyond a broad 2026 target. Pricing and any potential platform expansion beyond PC were also left unmentioned.Players interested in following development can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2418040/Beyond_The_Plastic_Wall/">wishlist the game on Steam now</a>. ARTE France said more details will come in the months ahead.

ARTE France reveals Beyond the Plastic Wall, a 2.5D narrative exploration game about a scavenger delivering lost letters across a decaying world. Coming to PC this year.

Beyond the Plastic Wall Is a Pixel-Art Narrative Adventure Coming to Steam in 2026

The first new Heroes of Might and Magic game in over a decade is off to a fast start. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/heroes-of-might-and-magic-olden-era/">Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era</a> sold 250,000 copies within roughly 16 hours of entering early access on PC, publisher Hooded Horse announced.The turn-based strategy game, developed by Unfrozen Studio in partnership with Ubisoft, currently holds a 91% "Very Positive" rating on Steam from nearly 3,000 user reviews, a strong signal that the revival is landing well with the series' dedicated fanbase.What's in Early Access, and What's Still ComingOlden Era launched with enough to play, but it isn't feature-complete yet. The developers have outlined a roadmap that includes the remainder of the single-player campaign, additional pre-made scenarios and map templates, a Spectator Mode, and improvements to the Map Editor. Community feedback will also shape ongoing development, though no specific timeline for these additions has been shared.The franchise has been dormant since Might &amp; Magic Heroes VII in 2015, which received mixed reviews and saw its support wind down relatively quickly. That rocky history makes Olden Era's early reception all the more notable; players appear willing to give the series another chance under new stewardship.Pricing and AvailabilityHeroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is available on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3105440/Heroes_of_Might_and_Magic_Olden_Era/">Steam</a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.microsoft.com/store/productid/9p2tfccrkmrd">Microsoft Store</a> at a base price of $39.99 (£34.99 / €39.99 / ¥3,980). A 25% launch discount runs until May 13, 2026. The game is also accessible through PC Game Pass.

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era moved 250,000 copies within 16 hours of its early access launch, marking a strong debut for the series' long-awaited return.

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era Sells 250,000 Copies in First Day of Early Access

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/gurei/">Gurei</a>, the boss-focused action game from Brazilian indie studio Lobo Sagaz Studio, will launch on Steam on July 23, 2026. Publisher Astrolabe Games confirmed the date alongside a new release date trailer.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe class="w-full aspect-video rounded my-3" width="640" height="360" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="true" origin="" playlist="" rel="1" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ZHmXrW6F1H4?modestbranding=1&amp;rel=1" start="0"></iframe></div>Players take on the role of Rei, a human spirit tasked with defeating the Kami, powerful nature entities drawn from Japanese mythology. The game wears its samurai-film influences openly, pairing a hand-drawn monochromatic art style with animation-heavy combat that leans hard into precision and pattern recognition. Think boss-rush structure with a twist: every Kami can be challenged in any order.The order you pick changes the difficultyGurei's standout hook is its dynamic difficulty system. Rather than a fixed progression curve, enemy strength scales based on the path you choose. A Kami that serves as a manageable early fight in one run could become the final, most punishing encounter in another. It's a design that rewards experimentation but also punishes procrastination, saving a tough fight for last only makes it harder.Each defeated Kami grants Rei a new combat ability, ranging from enhanced movement options to an executing weapon and a healing skill. Combined with core mechanics like sword attacks, dodges, and head stomps, the system is built to let players tailor their approach to each encounter based on what they've unlocked so far.More than just boss fightsBetween battles, Rei moves through a surreal castle that sits between the human and spirit worlds. As players progress, they encounter creatures from Japanese folklore who offer side objectives, lore, and hidden content. Defeated Kami also stick around — literally. Once absorbed, they travel with Rei and provide running commentary that ranges from genuinely useful gameplay hints to deliberately unhelpful remarks.Demo available now, console plans still TBDA public demo for Gurei is currently live on its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/Gurei">Steam page</a>. Astrolabe Games noted that console versions are planned but offered no platforms, dates, or further details. Pricing for the PC release has also not been announced.Lobo Sagaz Studio is a small independent team based in Brazil. Gurei appears to be the studio's debut title.

Gurei, a hand-drawn action game inspired by samurai cinema, launches on Steam July 23, 2026. A playable demo is available now.

Gurei Gets July 23 Release Date on Steam, New Trailer Revealed

Red Raketa Studio and publisher New Tales revealed <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/kalanoro/">Kalanoro</a> at the ID@Xbox x IGN Showcase this week, a single-player action-adventure launching summer 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. A playable demo is available now on Steam.Kalanoro is the debut title from Red Raketa, an indie studio founded in 2021 and based in Madagascar. The project first gained attention that same year after winning a top award at Digital Lab Africa, marking a notable moment for the country's game development scene, a studio drawing directly on its own cultural heritage for a multiplatform release.What the game actually isPlayers control Kalakely, a small creature from Malagasy folklore (the word is pronounced closer to "ka-la-NOOR," for the curious), tasked with overthrowing a dictatorial witch named Raneny who is forcing the island of Lemuria's greatest musicians to perform at a concert in her honor. The solution: recruit those musicians yourself, form a band, build a following, and crash her show.The gameplay is split between two main pillars. The first is action-platforming, with handcrafted levels that shift between top-down exploration and side-scrolling sequences. Combat leans into improvised weaponry, &nbsp;hair-based abilities alongside household objects like frying pans and slippers, and boss encounters are described as theatrical, in line with the game's musical identity.The second pillar is band management. Between platforming stages, players travel in a taxi-brousse (a bush taxi that serves as the crew's mobile home base) and spend time bonding with recruited lemur musicians through mini-games, managing the group's morale, and building toward performances. It's a structure that blends action-adventure progression with light management sim elements.The cultural layerWhat gives Kalanoro its identity beyond its mechanics is its roots. The game's world, characters, and tone are shaped by Malagasy folklore and artistic traditions, and that cultural grounding is reinforced by the development team's Malagasy roots. The studio has described the game as a personal and sincere reflection of their heritage, filtered through a playful action-adventure lens.The soundtrack features contributions from Malagasy musicians Denise, Jyeuhair, and Marco Klarck, who, the studio says, helped shape the game's spirit. The visual style pairs hand-drawn art with dynamic animation running on Unreal Engine.What's not yet knownRed Raketa has not committed to a specific release date beyond summer 2026, and there's no word yet on pricing or whether multiple editions are planned. The Xbox version supports Xbox Play Anywhere, but no similar cross-buy details have been shared for other platforms.For a first look, the Steam demo is live now.

Red Raketa Studio's debut game Kalanoro blends platforming, combat, and band-building in a world inspired by Malagasy folklore. Coming summer 2026 to all major platforms.

Kalanoro Revealed as Madagascar Studio's Debut, A Musical Action-Adventure Rooted in Malagasy Folklore

Flying Oak Games, the indie studio behind roguelite darling ScourgeBringer, announced <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/knuckle-paradise/">Knuckle Paradise</a> on April 23, a hand-drawn, open-world beat 'em up heading to Steam in 2027. ARTE France is publishing.The game follows Jane, a fighter who's been kidnapped and thrown into an underground fighting tournament set inside an abandoned amusement park. Her unlikely partner? A fighting chicken. Together, they'll punch their way through a roster of eccentric opponents across the park's themed zones, from nightclubs to mirror mazes.Combat draws on character action games and Hong Kong action cinema, focusing on aerial combos, fluid movement, and stylish strikes. It's a direction that makes sense for Flying Oak, whose previous work on ScourgeBringer already demonstrated a knack for sharp, responsive 2D action, though shifting from tight roguelite arenas to a full open world is a notable leap for the small studio.Outside of combat encounters and boss fights, the amusement park setting doubles as a freeform exploration space. Flying Oak says the world is filled with hidden upgrades, unlockable abilities, and side activities ranging from stealth sequences to high-speed chases. Players who prefer a more linear experience can focus on the hand-crafted combat encounters and boss battles instead.The studio is also emphasizing narrative alongside the action. The story explores themes of fairness, inclusion, and resilience through Jane's interactions with the game's cast, aiming for a tone that balances humor with more grounded emotional beats.A few notable details remain unaddressed. No console platforms have been confirmed; the announcement only mentions Steam, and no pricing or specific release window beyond 2027 has been given. More information is expected in the coming months.Knuckle Paradise is now available to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1864220/Knuckle_Paradise/">wishlist on Steam</a>.

Flying Oak Games and ARTE France announce Knuckle Paradise, a hand-drawn open-world beat 'em up coming to Steam in 2027.

Knuckle Paradise Is an Open-World Beat 'Em Up From the Makers of ScourgeBringer

True Ronin Games released a playable demo for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/eternal-haunt/">Eternal Haunt</a> on Steam on April 23, giving horror fans an early look at the studio's first-person psychological survival horror game. The demo is available now and offers roughly 30-45 minutes of gameplay.The setup draws from Japanese folklore in a way that feels distinct from the genre's usual haunted-house fare. Players control Kiyoshi, an elderly man who ventures into a snow-covered bamboo forest searching for his missing grandson. That search leads him to an abandoned hut, where the situation quickly shifts from a rescue mission into a fight for survival against Yuki-Onna, the vengeful snow spirit of Japanese mythology, and her ghostly children.Gameplay mixes exploration and environmental puzzle-solving with what True Ronin Games describes as "dynamic scare systems," meaning the supernatural threats are designed to react and adapt to the player's behavior rather than relying solely on scripted sequences. Freezing temperatures also pose a persistent hazard, adding a survival layer on top of the horror.The demo represents an early vertical slice rather than a finished segment of the final product. True Ronin Games noted that additional content, mechanics, and scares are planned as development continues, though the studio has not announced a release date or pricing for the full game. Platform availability beyond Steam also remains unconfirmed.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe class="w-full aspect-video rounded my-3" width="640" height="360" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="true" origin="" playlist="" rel="1" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/uCt96VoltlA?modestbranding=1&amp;rel=1" start="0"></iframe></div>A reveal trailer is available on YouTube, and the demo can be downloaded from the game's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2900990/Eternal_Haunt/">Steam page</a>.

Eternal Haunt's free Steam demo is live now, offering 30–45 minutes of first-person survival horror set in a haunted, snow-covered bamboo forest.

Eternal Haunt Demo Now Available on Steam, Puts Players in a Yuki-Onna's Domain

Roboto Games revealed a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/stormforge/">Stormforge</a> gameplay trailer at the Second Wind Showcase, confirming the cel-shaded survival crafting game will enter Early Access on Steam in 2026. A specific date and pricing were not announced.Stormforge drops up to eight players into a fantasy world battered by magical storms, each bringing its own hazards and gameplay shifts. Tornadoes hurl rocks, trees, and creatures into the air, while dust storms cut visibility and chip away at player health. The storms aren't just obstacles, though; they're also where the strongest resources are found, guarded by dangerous enemies.On the character side, players choose from warrior, mage, and ranger archetypes, but aren't restricted to a single path. Roboto Games says the class system allows mixing and matching: players can combine skills and abilities from different roles, gradually unlocking them as they make choices. The extent of customization will be clearer once players actually try the game.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe class="w-full aspect-video rounded my-3" width="640" height="360" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="true" origin="" playlist="" rel="1" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/0oSK09JFxqM?modestbranding=1&amp;rel=1" start="0"></iframe></div>Perhaps the most notable feature for the survival crafting crowd is the game's approach to modding and community content. Stormforge pairs procedural world generation with built-in mod support, letting players access community-made equipment, enemies, points of interest, and custom rule sets, all without needing to download anything separately. If it works as described, that could give the game significant staying power in a genre where player-driven content often defines a title's long-term appeal.Stormforge is available to wishlist on Steam, offering PC players a chance to anticipate its Early Access launch and engage with its evolving survival crafting experience.

A cel-shaded co-op survival crafting game for up to 8 players, showed off new gameplay at the Second Wind Showcase ahead of its Early Access launch

Stormforge Reveals Gameplay Trailer, Confirms 2026 Early Access Launch

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/asterfel/">Asterfel</a>, a gothic action RPG inspired by 2000s-era classics, launched its first public playtest today on Steam. The playtest is part of Steam's Medieval Fest, giving players an early look at the faction-driven RPG ahead of its full release.Players take on the role of a shipwreck survivor stranded on the island of Asterfel, a land fractured by war, corrupted magic, and an awakened ancient god. The setup is classic dark fantasy: a king's mining operations have unleashed mutant creatures and disturbed the dead, while nature and magic spiral out of control across the island.Three Factions, One IslandCentral to Asterfel's structure is a faction system split three ways. The Crown Wardens represent the ruling authority, the Kindred serve as a rebellious opposition, and the Scholars wield magical knowledge. Players can choose to align with one faction or work with all three, with the game framing these allegiances as meaningful to how the story unfolds.Combat and ProgressionOn the combat side, Asterfel offers melee, ranged, and magic options. Players can fight with swords, bows, or magical runes for spellcasting, and the game encourages mixing playstyles. Ability upgrades are part of the progression loop alongside resource gathering and gear crafting.An Open World With Scaling DifficultyExploration spans deserts, jungles, and ancient ruins, with enemy difficulty increasing the further players venture from familiar territory. It's a structure that echoes the 2000s RPGs the game draws inspiration from, where wandering into the wrong area too early could mean a quick death.The playtest is available now on Steam, though no timeline was provided for how long it will remain open. A full release date and pricing have not been announced. Players interested in following development can wishlist the game on its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3892510/Asterfel/">Steam page</a>.

Gothic ARPG Asterfel launches its first public playtest on Steam today, featuring faction-based questing, deep combat, and a cursed island to explore.

Neil Yamit