Latest Gaming News

đź“…April 1, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Gaming industry buzzes with April Fools' pranks, studio integrations, layoffs, upcoming releases, and industry challenges on April 1, 2026.
1

Gaming Industry Unleashes April Fools' Day Pranks 2026

Numerous companies celebrated April 1 with fictional announcements like Square Enix's NieR: COSMIC HORROR and Kadokawa's Re:Zero otome game.Source 1 Cygames turned allies into infants in Granblue Fantasy, while KRAFTON added Prop Hunt mode to PUBG.Source 1Source 2 Bandai Namco teased Farmer Goku in Dragon Ball Legends.Source 1

2

PUBG Launches Chaotic Prop Hunt Mode for April Fools

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS introduced a limited-time Prop Hunt mode pitting Hunters against Props, where mistaken shots cost health.Source 1Source 2 This hide-and-seek twist brings levity to battle royale gameplay.Source 2 The mode launched amid April Fools' festivities.Source 1

3

Starfield PS5 Port Announcement Sparks Debate

A supposed Starfield PS5 release on April 7 has fans questioning if it's a prank or real amid Microsoft's multi-platform shift.Source 2 Bethesda's silence fuels speculation on forums.Source 2 It blends fiction with potential reality.Source 2

4

SHIFT UP Integrates Shinji Mikami's UNBOUND Studio

SHIFT UP announced full integration of UNBOUND, led by Resident Evil visionary Shinji Mikami, on April 1, 2026.Source 8 This secures Mikami's expertise for future projects.Source 8 The move strengthens SHIFT UP's development capabilities.Source 8

5

Embracer Cuts 124 Jobs at Eidos Montreal

Embracer-owned Eidos Montreal laid off 124 roles and saw studio head David Anfossi exit.Source 4 Polyarc faced cuts after funding failure for a new Moss VR project.Source 4 Ivy Road studio Wanderstop closed due to lack of funding.Source 4

6

Epic Games Apologizes for Cancer Patient Layoff

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney apologized for laying off a programmer with terminal brain cancer, leaving him without insurance.Source 4 Epic is now resolving insurance with the family.Source 4 This follows broader industry layoffs.Source 4

7

Krafton Shuts Down PUBG Spin-Off Blindspot

Krafton closed PUBG Blindspot just 53 days after early access launch.Source 4 Similar to Highguard's quick pull, it highlights short lifespans for 2026 releases.Source 4 The top-down tactical game couldn't sustain.Source 4

8

Nexon Shifts to Fewer, High-Conviction Bets

Nexon, publisher of MapleStory, told investors it will take fewer risks but invest more deeply in select projects.Source 4 This strategy addresses capital allocation amid industry challenges.Source 4 Presentation occurred today.Source 4

9

Starfield PS5 Port and People of Note Release April 7

Bethesda's Starfield arrives on PS5 with updates on April 7, alongside musical RPG People of Note on PC, PlayStation, Xbox.Source 4 This follows Xbox exclusivity.Source 4 Fans await confirmation amid prank rumors.Source 2Source 4

10

Nioh 3 Announced, Playable Immediately

Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo unveiled Nioh 3 at Sony’s State of Play, available now for soulslike fans.Source 3 It promises intense action gameplay.Source 3 Announcement excited the community.Source 3

11

Bloodstained Sequel The Scarlet Engagement Revealed

ArtPlay revealed Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement at June PlayStation State of Play, differing significantly from the original.Source 3 New entry expands the series.Source 3 Fans anticipate its unique direction.Source 3

12

Delta Force Announces All-Cat Tactical Squad Prank

Delta Force teased an all-cat tactical squad in an April Fools' stunt amid rising development costs.Source 2 It tests wild ideas safely on April 1.Source 2 Highlights prank creativity in gaming.Source 2