Gaming

‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ Charges Onto GeForce NOW

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March 6, 2025

Time for a roaring-good time with Capcom’s hit Monster Hunter Wilds. GeForce NOW members can hunt even the largest, most daunting monsters with the sharpest clarity, armed with a GeForce RTX 4080-class gaming rig in the cloud.

Plus, jump into mind-bending adventures with Split Fiction from Hazelight Studios, an action-adventure experience that will keep players on the edges of their seats with plenty of unexpected twists.

It’s all part of the eight games available to stream in the cloud this week.

The Hunt Begins

Forget Bigfoot — hunt 40-foot monsters in the cloud instead.

Happy hunting in the cloud. The unbridled force of nature runs wild and relentless in Monster Hunter Wilds, with environments transforming drastically from one moment to the next. This is a story of monsters and humans and their struggles to live in harmony in a world of duality. Members can fulfill their duties as a Hunter by tracking and defeating powerful monsters and forging strong, new weapons and armor from materials harvested from the hunt, all while uncovering the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit.

GeForce NOW members can join the ultimate hunting experience without waiting for game downloads or worrying about hardware space. Stream the title across devices, from underpowered PCs and Macs to the Steam Deck and virtual-reality devices. Performance members get six-hour gaming sessions, and Ultimate members get eight-hour sessions. Performance and Ultimate members can also stream with NVIDIA DLSS and ray-tracing technologies for the highest frame rates. This game has system requirements that require a GeForce NOW Performance or Ultimate membership — free members can upgrade today to join in on the action.

Join the Writer’s Block Party

Split Fiction on GeForce NOW — Ctrl+Alt+Adventure

Split Fiction from Hazelight Studios, creators of the award-winning It Takes Two, is now available to stream in the cloud. Split Fiction is a cooperative adventure where science fiction and fantasy authors Mio and Zoe are trapped in a simulation that’s stealing their stories.

Players must work together using unique abilities in ever-changing worlds, ranging from cyberpunk cities to enchanted forests, to overcome diverse challenges like taming dragons, mastering laser swords and solving gravity puzzles. The game also features innovative split-screen mechanics and a Friend’s Pass feature that enables one player to host the full game while their partner joins for free.

Split Fiction emphasizes teamwork and communication for a genre-bending, chaotic and imaginative co-op experience. Stream in the cloud today across devices with a GeForce NOW membership.

Hit the Gas on New Games

The Crew Motorfest S6 on GeForce NOW — Aloha, adrenaline.

Members can now stream the newest season of The Crew Motorfest. Season six brings significant updates, including a full series of challenges, activities and surprises. Discover a new playground, striking new vehicles, world improvements and two new Playlists including ”Red Bull Speed Clash” at the game’s launch. The enhanced player vs. player experience offers weekly themed Grand Races, vehicle handling improvements and new features like Photo Quest fast travel. Enjoy an even more immersive and enjoyable open-world driving experience across the Hawaiian islands of O’ahu and Maui with the wings of Red Bull, streaming on GeForce NOW.

Look for the following games available to stream in the cloud this week:

What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Open-world or structured progression—what do you prefer? 🌎⬆️

— 🌩️ NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) March 5, 2025

Naughty Dog: “Don’t bet on there being more of Last of Us” | TheSixthAxis

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March 5, 2025

Naughty Dog: “Don’t bet on there being more of Last of Us” | TheSixthAxis

After a few years of hinting that The Last of Us Part 3 might be in the works, Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann seems to have a change of heart. In an interview with Variety about Season 2 of the The Last of Us television show Neil is asked about a third game.

“I was waiting for this question,” Druckmann says, sighing, when I bring up the prospect of a third game. “I guess the only thing I would say is don’t bet on there being more of ‘Last of Us.’ This could be it.”

Neil himself had previously said he does have a idea for Part 3. “I don’t have a story, but I do have that concept,” he stated back in February 2024. “That, to me, is as exciting as one, as exciting as two, is its own thing, yet has this through line for all 3. So it does feel like… there’s probably one more chapter to this story.”

Further back in 2021 Druckmann said he had the outline of a story and there had been “quite a bit” of discussion about the game.

This is not the first time Naughty Dog have done this, after the release of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Naughty Dog Creative Director Shaun Escayg said “To say the Uncharted world is done… I doubt that highly,” and then a few years later, we were told quite bluntly they were “done” with franchise.

Naughty Dog’s next new game and franchise is Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a game that will see the studio leap into the realms of science fiction with a setting thousands of years in the future. However they have stated they are working on “multiple” single player games but clearly not Uncharted or The Last of Us.

The Variety interview also gives us a few hints of what to expect from Season 2 of the television show and from what Bella Ramsey is saying, that scene will be in this series.

“I’m scared of some of the bigger emotional scenes, leaving not satisfied with my performance,” she says, before explaining that that for “the darkest scene this season”, they listened to the song Peanut Butter Jelly Time. Why they did that is not explained, it’s a very shouty upbeat song and certainly not what would pop in to your head when someone’s head is po…. let’s not finish that sentence. “I was on the floor, my eyes absolutely burning with these menthol tears, and I’m just saying, ‘Peanut Butter Jelllll-y,’” adds Bella.

It is also revealed we will meet Eugene, played by Joe Pantoliano, a character who is only referenced in the game as the owner of the canabis den in which Ellie and Dina spend a night in.

Source: Variety

Zamanora: Ballad of the Witch Brings Slavic & Balkan Folklore to Life in a New Fantasy TTRPG Setting – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

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March 5, 2025

Zamanora: Ballad of the Witch Brings Slavic & Balkan Folklore to Life in a New Fantasy TTRPG Setting – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

Eren Chronicles has launched Zamanora: Ballad of the Witch, a new tabletop role-playing game setting inspired by Slavic and Balkan folklore, on Kickstarter. The campaign, which went live on Tuesday, has already surpassed $120,000 in funding within its first day, making it one of the most notable Dungeons & Dragons 5e campaigns of the year.

Zamanora transports players and Dungeon Masters into a world of rural communities, dark forests, and vengeful witches. The setting is designed to support both Wizards of the Coast’s Dungeons & Dragons 5e and 2024 editions, as well as Legend In The Mist, the rustic fantasy RPG from Son of Oak Game Studio that was recently voted the Most Anticipated TTRPG of 2025.

The Zamanora setting draws heavily from Slavic and Balkan folklore, offering players a chance to explore a world where cautionary tales come to life. Players can create characters from fantastical local creatures such as the mischievous Chorts and the spectral Huants. The setting also introduces unique subclasses, including the Bogatyr fighter, Guslar bard, and Hearth-domain cleric, allowing for thematic storytelling deeply tied to the region’s traditions.

Two new magic systems are introduced in Zamanora: Poppet Magic, a manipulative form of spellcasting, and Ceremonial Magic, which enables non-casters to perform magical rituals. These systems provide fresh ways for players to engage with the game world.

The setting features a variety of mythical creatures familiar to fans of Slavic and Balkan folklore, such as the leshy, baba yaga, and kikimora. These beings are joined by a host of other monsters, each accompanied by detailed descriptions and lore.

The Zamanora Kickstarter offers a range of rewards for backers, from digital PDFs to deluxe collector’s editions. Pledge tiers include options for digital content, physical books, and various accessories. The Core, Deluxe, and Collector’s Boxes include items such as dice, a GMless adventure deck, Baba Yaga miniatures, a DM screen, a monster deck, an illustrated slipcase, and a hand-knitted plushie.

A free demo of the Zamanora setting is available for download on the Kickstarter page, allowing potential backers to explore the world before committing to a pledge.

For more information or to support the project, visit the Zamanora: Ballad of the Witch Kickstarter page.

New Reinforcements Arrive in Infinity: PanOceania, Yu Jing, Shindenbutai, and Nomads Expand Their Forces – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

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March 5, 2025

New Reinforcements Arrive in Infinity: PanOceania, Yu Jing, Shindenbutai, and Nomads Expand Their Forces – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

Corvus Belli has introduced a series of new units and expansion packs for its tabletop game, Infinity, bringing additional options to the PanOceania, Yu Jing, and Shindenbutai factions, while also adding the Nomads to the mix.

Kestrel Expansion Pack Beta: PanOceania’s Colonial Forces

The Kestrel Colonial Force is featured in this expansion, showcasing PanOceania’s adaptability in addressing the challenges of space colonization. As a leading power in the Human Sphere, PanOceania leverages its resources to maintain its position, and the Kestrel forces exemplify this approach. Equipped with advanced technology, these units are designed to uphold PanOceania’s strategic interests.

White Banner Expansion Pack Beta: Yu Jing’s Strategic Elite

Yu Jing, often regarded as one of the top powers in the Human Sphere, continues to strengthen its military capabilities with the White Banner Army. This force has demonstrated its effectiveness in conflicts such as the struggle over Svalarheima. Combining cultural heritage with modern technology, the White Banner Army represents Yu Jing’s commitment to achieving its goals through disciplined and strategic action.

Shindenbutai Expansion Pack Beta: Tradition Meets Innovation

On the distant planet of Shinju, the Shindenbutai serve as the military arm of Greater Independent Japan. This force blends traditional samurai values with advanced technology, creating a unique and versatile unit. Tasked with protecting Japanese interests in Shinju’s challenging environment, the Shindenbutai offer players a distinctive option for their armies.

Yu Jing Action Pack and PanOceania Support Pack

The Yu Jing Action Pack provides players with additional units to enhance their armies, reflecting the faction’s combination of cultural depth and technological advancement. Meanwhile, the PanOceania Support Pack introduces specialized units such as the Trauma-Docs and Machinists, which focus on medical support and technical maintenance to keep PanOceanian forces operational.

JSA Support Pack: The Auxiliary Regiment

The Japanese Secessionist Army (JSA) gains new support options with the Tokusetsu Butai, or Auxiliary Regiment. This unit provides essential medical and technical services, ensuring that the JSA’s front-line forces remain effective. The pack highlights the JSA’s emphasis on a balanced approach to warfare, where support units play a critical role.

Nomads Action Pack: A Faction of Free Spirits

The Nomads, known for their independent and unconventional nature, join the battlefield with their own Action Pack. Originating from three massive spaceships that travel the Human Sphere, the Nomads challenge established norms and offer a unique playstyle. Their focus on creativity and adaptability makes them an appealing choice for players seeking a different approach to the game.

PAX East 2025 Tabletop Exhibitors Announced: Gloomhaven, Marvel’s Dice Throne, and More to Showcase in Boston – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

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March 5, 2025

The organizers of PAX East 2025, ReedPop and Penny Arcade, have revealed an initial look at the tabletop exhibitors set to appear at next year’s event. The East Coast’s largest gaming convention will return to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center from May 8–11, 2025, featuring a dedicated section for tabletop gaming enthusiasts.

Among the exhibitors announced are the creators behind some of the industry’s most popular titles, including Gloomhaven from Cephalofair Games, Marvel’s Dice Throne from Dice Throne, and Settlers of CATAN from CATAN Studio. Other notable participants include UVS Games, known for Critical Role: Heroes of Exandria, and Chooseco, the publisher behind the iconic Choose Your Own Adventure gamebooks.

This initial announcement highlights just a portion of the over 110 exhibitors expected to attend. The full lineup will include a diverse range of tabletop and video game publishers and developers, with additional reveals planned throughout March and April. Attendees can also look forward to updates on the event’s content schedule, including the popular Storytime keynote, in the coming months.

The Throne of Thorns II for Ruins of Symbaroum 5E Announced: A Darker, More Epic Chapter Awaits – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

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March 5, 2025

The Throne of Thorns II for Ruins of Symbaroum 5E Announced: A Darker, More Epic Chapter Awaits – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

Free League Publishing has announced The Throne of Thorns II, the latest addition to the Ruins of Symbaroum 5th Edition-compatible game line. This new installment continues the epic six-part campaign set in the world of Symbaroum, with pre-orders now available on Free League’s webshop. Those who pre-order will gain access to an alpha-PDF shortly after purchase via DriveThruRPG.

Scheduled for release in June 2025, The Throne of Thorns II is a 230+ page hardcover book that adapts the third and fourth episodes of the Throne of Thorns chronicle for the 5E ruleset. The campaign is designed for characters of 10th to 14th level and is set against a backdrop of escalating tension and danger. The capital city of Yndaros is in chaos as preparations for a royal wedding unfold, while deadly conspiracies threaten to plunge the Davokar region into war. At the same time, a critical wilderness expedition promises to reshape Ambrian history.

The book includes two full-length adventures, The Darkest Star and Mother of Darkness, which form the mid-section and turning point of the Throne of Thorns campaign. It features nearly 20 color maps detailing various locations, such as towns, forests, and ruins, as well as over 60 stat blocks for non-player characters, including monsters, allies, adversaries, and notable individuals. Additionally, the book provides a collection of handouts to enhance gameplay, offering important information for social challenges and problem-solving.

The Throne of Thorns II requires access to the Ruins of Symbaroum Core Setting books—Player’s Guide, Game Master’s Guide, and Bestiary—to fully utilize its content. Fans of the series can now pre-order the book and gain early access to the alpha-PDF, allowing them to prepare for the adventures ahead of the official release.

Vesta Mandate: A Competitive Political Thriller TTRPG Launches on Kickstarter – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

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March 5, 2025

Vesta Mandate: A Competitive Political Thriller TTRPG Launches on Kickstarter – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

Storygames Chicago has launched Vesta Mandate, a hard sci-fi political intrigue tabletop roleplaying game, on Kickstarter. The campaign will conclude on March 22, offering backers the opportunity to secure the game in either digital or premium hardcover formats.

Set on Vesta Station, a critical hub between Earth and the Outer Rim of the solar system, Vesta Mandate immerses players in a tense political landscape. A century ago, revolutionaries overthrew the Corporation’s control of the station, but now the Vesta Accords are expiring, and the Corporation is returning with threats of force. As members of the Station’s interim government, players take on the roles of ambitious politicians, each with their own vision for the future. Through scheming, negotiation, and betrayal, they must navigate a web of alliances, secrets, and crises to shape the fate of the colony.

Vesta Mandate is a Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) storygame enhanced with mechanics and procedures that introduce competitive elements, transforming it into a political drama. Drawing inspiration from games like Pasión de las Pasiones, Carved from Brindlewood, Blades in the Dark, and The Last Caravan, as well as media such as The Expanse, Andor, Silo, and A Memory Called Empire, the game delivers a compelling mix of hard sci-fi and political intrigue.

Designed for 3-5 players, Vesta Mandate can be played as a one-shot or a long-term campaign. Players assume the roles of cunning politicians, each with a Hidden Agenda—a secret plan that evolves into a large-scale coup or power grab. Balancing cooperation and betrayal, players must navigate Secrets, Bonds, and Schisms while responding to escalating crises that threaten the station’s survival.

The game introduces several innovative mechanics to enhance its political drama. Hidden Agendas allow players to co-create secret schemes with the GM, which grow into game-changing power plays. Each character has a scandalous past, known as Secrets, created by other players, which can be used as blackmail. Relationships are central to the game, with Bonds representing alliances and Schisms reflecting conflicts that can escalate into full-blown disputes.

The game uses PbtA-style Moves to resolve tense moments. Players roll two six-sided dice (2d6) and add bonuses based on narrative questions, a mechanic inspired by Pasión de las Pasiones. High-stakes Machinations allow players to burn Bonds for dramatic, game-altering effects.

The game includes five ready-to-run modules, known as Crises, such as Neural Poisoning, Corporate Espionage, and Water Riots. These modules are designed for minimal GM preparation and can be played individually or as part of a larger campaign. Additional Crises are planned as stretch goals.

Backers can choose from a variety of reward tiers, starting at $7 for a digital PDF of the game. Higher tiers include a premium hardcover zine, illustrated by Tony Tran, and a discounted bundle with City of Blood and Plaster, Storygames Chicago’s previous ZineQuest project set in Gilded Age Chicago.

Factions Core Rulebook Now Available for Pre-Order – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

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March 5, 2025

Factions Core Rulebook Now Available for Pre-Order – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

Modiphius Entertainment has announced the pre-order availability of the Fallout: Factions Core Ruleboo. This new hardback rulebook aims to enhance the Fallout: Factions miniature skirmish game, offering players the tools to create campaigns set anywhere in the post-apocalyptic Wasteland.

The Core Rulebook builds on the foundation laid by the Battle for Nuka-World starter set, which featured three raider gangs from Fallout 4’s popular DLC. The new book expands the game’s scope by introducing four additional factions: the Brotherhood of Steel, super mutants, survivors, and raiders. The 112-page, full-color hardcover provides comprehensive rules, campaign systems, and faction-specific content to deepen the gameplay experience.

Priced at £30 / $37, the Core Rulebook will be available for purchase through the Modiphius webstore and local gaming stores in early summer 2025. It is designed to work alongside the Battle for Nuka-World starter set or the upcoming Tokens and Terrain Pack 1, offering players a complete toolkit for creating their own stories in the Wasteland.

The Core Rulebook includes an introduction to wargaming, core rules for fast-paced skirmish gameplay, and an in-depth scenario system to keep each game unique. The Story Phase section allows players to develop their crew, achieve legendary status, or face the consequences of failure. Faction lists provide detailed profiles for each group, including weapons, perks, and legendary characters.

One of the key features of the new rulebook is its flexibility. While the Battle for Nuka-World starter set focused on a specific area, the Core Rulebook allows players to set their campaigns anywhere in the Wasteland. New mechanics, such as Hazards and Facilities, enable crews to customize their Home Turfs, while Objectives and Hazards replace specific scenarios, creating countless combinations for varied gameplay.

Players can also hire new Legends of the Wasteland, upgrade weapons, purchase chems, and unlock perks for their crew. The updated Story Phase ensures campaigns are more expansive and interconnected, offering greater opportunities for storytelling and strategic decision-making.

Wrath of the Wyvern: A Dark Fantasy Solo TTRPG Launches on Kickstarter – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

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March 5, 2025

Wrath of the Wyvern: A Dark Fantasy Solo TTRPG Launches on Kickstarter – TGN – Tabletop Gaming News

A new dark fantasy solo tabletop role-playing game, Wrath of the Wyvern, has launched on Kickstarter. Set in the Umbral Highlands, a land where humanity struggles to survive under the threat of monstrous wyverns, the game casts players as a lone hunter tasked with reclaiming the world from these fearsome creatures. Inspired by Scottish Celtic mythology, the game blends exploration, survival, and tactical combat into a solo RPG experience.

Wrath of the Wyvern introduces a Fate Card system, which replaces traditional dice rolls. This system, powered by the Fury Engine, is designed to create fast-paced, strategic, and cinematic encounters. Players navigate an open-world hexcrawl, making decisions that influence the fate of the Highlands. The game emphasizes replayability, with branching storylines and faction dynamics adding depth to each playthrough.

Combat is a central element, utilizing a custom Tarot-sized card deck to manage attacks, defenses, and special abilities. Players spend Stamina Points (SP) to execute actions and must adapt to the unique behaviors of their enemies. Survival mechanics, such as hunger, exhaustion, and changing weather conditions, further enhance the exploration experience.

The Umbral Highlands are a perilous and richly detailed world. Players will encounter legendary monsters from Scottish folklore, including the Wulver, Ghillie Dhu, and Kelpie, as well as the game’s primary antagonists: the Sons of Rivesk, ancient and formidable wyverns. Each wyvern battle is a multi-phase event, requiring careful planning and strategy.

In addition to hunting wyverns, players can rebuild Crag Keep, the ruined fortress of the Skyfire Order, and recruit allies to aid in their quest. The game also features arcane powers and legendary weapons, offering players opportunities to wield powerful magic and craft unique tools.

Backers of Wrath of the Wyvern will receive a premium package that includes a 140+ page hardcover rulebook, a massive hexcrawl map of the Umbral Highlands, a Wyvern Showdown battlemap, a hero miniature, and access to the Isle of Skye expansion. The game will be available in English, Spanish, Italian, and French, with each translation handled by a native speaker.

The campaign will run until April 3, giving potential backers 28 days to pledge their support.