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This week, we bring you updates from Cygames, Square Enix, and Nintendo. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more gaming content!

GZ CHOP SHOP PODCAST

👇 Listen Now: -In this episode, host Greg interviews Indy Khabra, co-founder of LiveWire, a digital marketing agency focused on gaming audiences. They discuss the intersection of digital marketing and gaming, exploring how brands can effectively engage with gamers without being intrusive. Indy shares insights on the evolution of LiveWire, the importance of understanding player demographics, and the successful integration of brands in games like Fortnite. The conversation also explores future trends in gaming, including the rise of cloud gaming and the enduring popularity of collectibles.

UPCOMING GAME RELEASES

GAMING NEWS

Video game publisher and developer Cygames, Inc. is calling all skyfarers to take to the skies once more as the action RPG Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok launches on July 9, 2026 for the Nintendo Switch™ 2 system, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and PC via Steam®. There will be a Digital Standard Edition available for $59.99 along with a Digital Special Edition for $79.99. Physical Editions will also be available for $59.99 for both Nintendo Switch™ 2 and PlayStation®5. In addition, a Digital Standard Edition Upgrade Kit will be available for $29.99, as well as a Digital Special Edition Upgrade Kit for $54.99. The game is currently “RP” for “Rating Pending” by the ESRB.
 

Known for its dynamic combat, ensemble of versatile characters, and thrilling online co-op, Granblue Fantasy: Relink returns with expanded solo and multiplayer content, bringing endless adventure to skyfarers both new and old.
 

Building Upon the Previous Title, Granblue Fantasy: Relink
 

Story

The Sky Realm is a world where myriad islands float in a sea of clouds. Within this world, an intrepid captain leads a band of skyfarers in search of the mythical island of Estalucia. Now their adventures lead them toward a forgotten corner of the skies, Zegagrande Skydom.
 

Gameplay Features

Band together for exhilarating battles - Form a party of four and depart for battle in this epic action RPG. Each character sports distinct combat mechanics, allowing for a whole crew full of unique playstyles. Weave these playstyles together using satisfying party-based attacks—like link attacks and chain bursts—to really make combat soar. Even recruits fresh to action gaming can take advantage of Assist Mode to reach the story's heart-pounding conclusion.
 

Embark on an endless variety of co-op quests - A wide range of quests becomes available as the adventure unfolds. From unique boss fights to horde-survival missions, all quests are playable offline or online with up to four players. Whether it's casual questing or ultra-challenging end content, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

SQUARE ENIX announced PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse, the second installment in the series, following the cult hit PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo, is coming to Nintendo Switch^™ and other major platforms on Feb. 19. The company also revealed that FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, the acclaimed sequel and second game in the FINAL FANTASY VII remake series, is coming to Nintendo Switch^™ 2, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC on June 3.
 
In addition to these exciting announcements, the Nintendo Direct also debuted a new trailer for the upcoming action-RPG The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, which is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 and other platforms on June 18.
 
PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse
PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse, the next entry in the mystery adventure PARANORMASIGHT series, launches worldwide digitally on Feb. 19, 2026, on Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam® and iOS and Android. Pre-orders open later today.
 
Watch the PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse Announcement Trailer here:

Set against the backdrop of Showa-era Japan and themed around urban legends and occult, this new title is developed by the original creators of 2023’s PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo. Featuring a new setting, folklore and cast of characters, PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse presents a new “Curse” for players to uncover. By blending real-world locations with authentic legends, the game delivers a deeply immersive mystery experience.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales will be available on June 18, 2026. Starting today, the game is available for physical and digital preorder on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, with physical preorders also available for Nintendo Switch 2. Digital Nintendo Switch 2 preorders will be available in the near future.
 
Watch The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Launch Date Announcement Trailer here:

To prepare for the adventure, starting today, players who pre-order a digital and/or physical edition of the game will receive Elliot’s Departure Pack, which includes various items that give Elliot an edge, including a Departure Brooch accessory, which increases the amount of currency and magicite fragments enemies drop, and Attack Up sword Magicite. In addition to the standard digital edition of the game, a Digital Deluxe Edition is also available for pre-order and includes the Fairy Bangle accessory, Cherry Blossom Anklet accessory, and Roselle Ring accessory.  
 
A physical Collector’s Edition is also available for pre-order exclusively through the Square Enix Store. This edition includes the base game plus an original soundtrack and desk clock statue featuring Faie.

In The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, the duo Elliot and Faie traverse a vast world across four ages, teeming with enemy hordes, hidden caves and ancient ruins. Elliot can wield seven weapon types—ranging from close-quarters swords to versatile chains and sickles that can reel in enemies. Each weapon is customizable through Magicite, allowing players to tailor their combat style. Faie’s powerful Magic is formidable in and out of battle, whether she’s striking enemies, retrieving hard-to-reach items, or aiding in exploration.
 
The game will also feature several new and improved features based on feedback from the Debut Demo (available for download on Nintendo Switch 2), including faster movement speed for Elliot, refinements to the weapon shortcut menu and additional difficulty options. A full list of updates will be shared via the official game website.

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In the Monster Hunter Wilds™ 1st Anniversary Message | Ver.1.041 video, series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto offered a look at the content coming in the final Monster Hunter Wilds update arriving on February 18 alongside quality improvements for all platforms. Additionally, Ryozo confirmed that a massive expansion for Monster Hunter Wilds is in development, with more information to come this Summer.

In Search of a Challenge
Arch-tempered Arkveld whips into the Forbidden Lands and offers an extreme 10★ challenge for Hunters with HR100+. After completing the AT Arkveld quest, Hunters will not only receive materials for a powerful Gamma armor set, but will also unlock 10★ quests featuring each Apex predator, as well as a hunt-a-thon Optional Quest featuring Arkveld and the Apex predators of the Forbidden Lands. Timeworn Charms received from these 10★ quests can be appraised into rare talismans. Additionally, battle-tempered Emblems can be obtained from 10★ quests and can be used to reinforce Gogma Artian weapons.
 
Celebrating a Year in the Forbidden Lands
Celebrate the One Year Anniversary of Monster Hunter Wilds from February 18 to March 19, with special log-in bonuses, the Special Supplies: Hunter Appreciation Pack, and a weekly rotation of the seasonal Festival of Accord events. Additionally, new Event Quests will be introduced on a weekly basis that reward special pendants, pit Hunters against the least hunted monster in the Forbidden Lands, and a quest that unlocks materials for the dazzling Gala Suit α armor set for your Hunter and Felyne Star α Palico equipment. An additional free Character and Palico Edit Voucher will be made available to all players to celebrate the anniversary.

 
Hunters can unlock the winning Original Weapon and Pendant Design Contest designs for the Shatterseal Great Sword submitted by Nolan Lu and the Meatmergency! pendant by ikei after completing the Event Quest, “Every Hunter’s Dream”. Hunters can also unlock a new armor set by completing a new Side Mission with the Support Hunter Nadia to unlock a set of her armor for their own use.
 
Exciting Collaborations
Celebrate the March 13 launch of Monster Hunter Stories ™3: Twisted Reflection by bonding with Rudy, the Royal Palico, in an optional transport quest! Starting on February 18, work with Rudy to deliver precious eggs to Pop-up Camps for special Palico equipment designed by Rudy himself and Monstie-themed pendants!

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