SEGA is set to celebrate the half-anniversary of Persona5: The Phantom X with an exciting update that introduces Justine and Caroline, beloved characters from the original Persona 5. This update, scheduled for December 25, marks a significant milestone for the free-to-play gacha game, bringing fresh content and a simultaneous worldwide reveal that fans have eagerly awaited. As players gear up for update 2.7, they can look forward to a special Persona X-Stream on December 23, where more details about the new characters and their abilities will be unveiled.

In an unexpected twist, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has emerged as the best-selling console game of 2025, excluding sports titles and shooters. This revelation comes from a recent report by analysts at Newzoo, who analyzed console game sales and highlighted the top ten best-selling projects. Despite facing criticism, Ubisoft’s latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise has managed to capture the attention of gamers worldwide. The sales chart is predominantly filled with established franchises, including popular titles from Electronic Arts and the Battlefield series, alongside games like Borderlands, MLB The Show, and Pokemon.

If you’re a fan of word games, Quordle is a must-try! This game, which challenges players to solve four five-letter words simultaneously, has gained immense popularity as a more complex alternative to Wordle. On December 19, 2025, players are on the hunt for the answers to Game #1425, and we’re here to help with hints and solutions. Quordle requires strategic thinking and a bit of luck, as players have only nine guesses to identify all four words.

If youre a fan of word games, youve likely heard of NYT Connections, a captivating puzzle that challenges players to group words based on shared themes. Unlike its predecessor Wordle, Connections requires a deeper level of logic and pattern recognition, making it a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts. Today, December 17, 2025, we dive into the hints and answers for this engaging game, ensuring youre well-equipped to tackle the challenge. The game is structured around finding groups of four words that share a common connection.

The latest PortMaster roundup showcases an impressive selection of games and apps available for download, with something for every type of gamer. From action-packed shooters like Operius DX to charming puzzle games such as Amoebax, this months offerings are sure to keep you entertained. Notably, many of these titles are either free or require minimal setup, making them easily accessible for anyone looking to dive into new gaming experiences. Among the highlights, Driven Out stands out with its beautiful retro art style and engaging gameplay, while Voidbeat offers a unique blend of rhythm and exploration.

After much anticipation, Bungie has officially announced the release date and pricing for its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon. Set to launch in March 2026, the game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, priced at $39.99. This announcement comes after a delay that allowed the developers to refine the game based on community feedback, ensuring a polished experience for players. One of the standout features of Marathon is its commitment to a fair gaming environment, with no pay-to-win mechanics and a reward system that allows players to access all gameplay updates without expiration.

In a remarkable display of national pride, French President Emmanuel Macron has congratulated Sandfall Interactive for their groundbreaking success at The Game Awards. The studio’s game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, not only set a record with 13 nominations but also achieved an unprecedented nine wins, including the coveted Game of the Year award. This historic achievement marks a significant milestone for the French gaming industry, showcasing the creativity and talent emerging from Montpellier.

Long-lost NES puzzle game Xcavator, initially developed in 1991 by Chris Oberth and never released, is being resurrected as a fully polished cartridge edition through a collaboration between iam8bit and the Video Game History Foundation. This exciting revival not only brings back a piece of gaming history but also highlights the importance of preserving our digital heritage. Priced at $100, the 2025 release includes an authentic NES cartridge and a detailed manual that chronicles the games troubled past, Oberths career, and the broader challenges of preserving 8-bit history.

The Game Awards 2025 has set the stage for an exciting year ahead in gaming, with over 50 announcements that have left fans buzzing. Among the highlights, the record-breaking win for “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” and the reveal of a new title directed by Casey Hudson, “Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic,” stand out as major talking points. Other noteworthy mentions include the debut of “Coven of the Chicken Foot” from Bruce Straley’s new studio and the announcement of two new Tomb Raider games, which promise to expand the beloved franchise.

The highly anticipated PlayStation 5 exclusive, Saros, has officially been delayed until April 20, 2026. Originally set for a March release, this decision comes as a disappointment to many eager fans. However, the delay may provide the developers at the Returnal studio with additional time to refine the game, ensuring a polished experience upon launch. Saros promises to deliver an emotional and powerful narrative, set on the hostile alien planet of Carcosa.

In a world where puzzle games often feel repetitive, Dogpile emerges as a delightful blend of Tetris-style mechanics and the undeniable charm of dogs. Developed by Studio Folly and Toot Games, this indie title invites players to drag and drop various dog breeds onto a grid, combining them to create larger, more valuable dogs. The simplicity of the gameplay is its strongest asset, making it accessible while still offering layers of strategy through roguelite elements that keep players engaged.

In a recent discussion at the G-Star game developer convention, Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii expressed his enthusiasm for incorporating AI chatbots into future games. He envisions a gaming experience where players can solve mysteries or engage in quiz games alongside a virtual partner powered by AI, enhancing the narrative and interactive elements of gameplay. Horii highlighted the potential of AI, specifically mentioning ChatGPT, as a tool that could revolutionize how players interact with game characters.