PC 
Xbox 
E-cards Gaming News: April 2026
April was a month that brought a wealth of news, but also a clear signal that the gaming industry is in for some turbulent years ahead.
April 2026 was a jam-packed month in the gaming world, proving that this year is definitely not slowing down. Quite the opposite, in fact. We saw major announcements, the return of familiar franchises, fresh trailers, behind-the-scenes speculation, and technological developments that could shape the future of consoles. From the triumph of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 at the BAFTA Games Awards, through the dark reveal of Metro 2039, to new information about GTA 6 and upcoming movie adaptations of the Elden Ring, Call of Duty, and Battlefield series... Gamers simply had plenty to keep an eye on.
But it wasn’t just about the big names. April also highlighted the power of smaller projects, as the pirate survival game Windrose surprised everyone with a rocket-like launch, while This War of Mine announced an ambitious return with a complete remake. Alongside this, there was also less pleasant news, such as stricter verification of digital games on PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles, a memory crisis threatening the price of the next-gen Xbox, and changes to the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Hexe. The result is a month that brought a wealth of news, but also a clear signal that the gaming industry is in for some turbulent years ahead.
BAFTA Games Awards 2026: Clair Obscur, Kingdom Come 2, and Many Others Take Home Awards
The biggest winner at this year’s BAFTA Games Awards was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive, which won the award for Best Game along with two other honors. Despite twelve nominations, however, it failed to dominate all categories, falling short in categories such as music and supporting performance. The game captivated audiences with its emotional story about a group of adventurers battling a supernatural entity and won them over with its classic turn-based combat system.
However, the evening also belonged to other titles. The superhero adventure Dispatch surprised everyone by winning three awards, including prizes for animation and sound, while Ghost of Yōtei scored in the music and technical production categories, which was one of the biggest surprises. The award for Best Story went to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and among the individuals, Jennifer English shone, taking home the award for Best Lead Performance for her role in Expedition 33.
The awards also highlighted the strength of smaller projects and independent developers; for example, Blue Prince won the award for Best Design. During the evening, Ilkka Paananen was also honored for his long-standing contribution to the gaming industry. The ceremony was complemented by the premiere of the opening theme for the upcoming Bond film 007: First Light, which only underscored that the BAFTAs remain one of the most prestigious events in the gaming world.
Metro 2039 Revealed: A Return to the Underground, a Darker Story, and a New Face for the Series
The new Metro 2039 is no longer just the subject of speculation, and the official announcement was accompanied by an atmospheric trailer that hints at a return to the franchise’s roots. The game’s focus shifts back to the cramped tunnels of the Moscow Metro, though we occasionally get a glimpse of the surface, where the devastated city seems a bit more lively than in the past. Beneath the ground, however, a new order reigns, and the various factions have been replaced by the totalitarian organization Novoreich, led by the Hunter, who has gone from legend to an authoritarian leader controlling society through fear and propaganda.
The story, once again penned by Dmitry Glukhovsky, is said to be the darkest in the entire series and has been heavily influenced by real-world events of recent years. The developers admitted that they reworked the original storyline following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is reflected in the themes: greater emphasis is placed on moral decisions, the price of silence, and the consequences of tyranny. This time, players do not follow Artyom, but a completely new protagonist—a lonely 'Stranger' haunted by hallucinations that blend memories with the regime’s manipulation, leaving the line between reality and illusion blurred.
A brief gameplay demo confirms that the series retains its signature style—namely, a tense atmosphere, improvised weapons, and a minimalist interface that replaces elements directly within the game world. Technologically, the title aims to be at the cutting edge once again and, following the example of Metro Exodus, will rely on advanced ray tracing to take the series’ visuals a step further.
GTA 6 Should Be Reasonably Priced
Concerns about a high price tag for Grand Theft Auto VI are beginning to ease, according to multiple sources. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasized that the company approaches pricing based on value for the player, not on an attempt to maximize revenue. While no specific figure was mentioned, he stated that the price should always reflect the quality and scope of the experience. He also noted that prices for AAA games haven’t changed significantly in years, which, in the context of inflation, raises the possibility of a price increase—though not an extreme one.
The ambitions surrounding the new GTA are enormous, with the goal being to create one of the most compelling forms of entertainment ever. Development is accompanied by the pressure of expectations, but the emphasis remains on quality, not metrics. The release is currently on track for the planned (albeit repeatedly postponed) date, and marketing is set to ramp up soon, which could bring new trailers. There was also a passing mention that Take-Two Interactive is considering a return to other proven brands in the future, provided the right team can be found to breathe new life into them.
A Major Update in Crimson Desert Changes Both Gameplay and Daily Life in the Game
Crimson Desert is getting one of the biggest updates it has ever received. Pearl Abyss is introducing the long-awaited option to adjust the difficulty, so you can choose between a more relaxed experience or a serious challenge with tougher battles and precise defensive timing. The developers have also refined the controls, which are now smoother and more precise—something you’ll notice in every encounter and movement throughout the world.
In addition, a wealth of new content has been added to enhance your daily gameplay. New chests simplify inventory management and allow you to use stored items without having to carry them around, while your home evolves as you progress through the game. There are also new animals you can tame and customize, expanded gear, weapons, and cosmetic items, including tattoos. The update also includes technical improvements, so the game not only offers more content but also runs better than before.
Battlefield 6 is Changing Course & Returning to Classic Elements, Adding Huge Maps and Naval Battles
The developers of Battlefield 6 are trying to reverse the decline in interest and set the series up for a strong comeback. The first steps will come with Season 3 in May, which is banking on nostalgia and will bring back revamped maps from the past, specifically Golmud Railway from Battlefield 4 and Grand Bazaar from Battlefield 3. The goal is clear: to lure back players who remember the series’ golden days.
The biggest change to the game, however, will come in the summer. Season 4 is set to bring the largest update to date, led by the return of naval battles, where aircraft carriers, boats, and other vehicles will join the action, while new mechanics like dynamic waves will affect both movement and shooting.
The highlight will be the Tsuru Reef map, which is set to be the largest in the game and will combine land and naval battles into a single massive conflict. Then, in the fall, Season 5 will add new maps and features, including a server browser, proximity chat, and leaderboards, as the developers aim to address long-standing community requests.
Digital Games Under Scrutiny: PlayStation Tightens License Verification
It appears that the tightening of security measures on the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 is not just a misunderstanding, but a deliberate move. According to information from Sony customer support, since the March 2026 update, newly purchased digital games are subject to mandatory license verification at least once every 30 days. Older titles in your library should not be affected, but if you do not connect the console to the internet, the game simply will not launch until the check is completed. Setting the console as your primary device does not bypass this requirement.
The community’s reaction was swift. Players are criticizing the increasing control over games they’ve already purchased, and calls to limit digital purchases or return to boxed versions are appearing on social media. Some are even talking about boycotting the PlayStation Store. The criticism also brings to mind the past, when Sony itself attacked similar plans by Microsoft for the Xbox One. Paradoxically, today it is introducing a solution that reminds many of precisely those once-rejected practices—and this at a time when digital sales already account for the overwhelming majority of purchases. The entire mechanism is likely intended to prevent refund abuse, where players were able to keep the game even after returning it, with the stricter measures targeting the older PS4 ecosystem in particular.
The New Generation of the Steam Controller Arrives This May
Valve has finally revealed the release date for the new version of the Steam Controller, which will hit the market on May 4 with a price tag of €99. The controller builds on the experience of the Steam Deck and was also developed in response to the need for comfortable gaming on a TV. Compared to the original 2015 model, it more closely resembles a classic gamepad, featuring a second analog stick, while retaining the trackpads and extensive customization options.
Early reviews highlight its high-quality build, good ergonomics, and highly flexible settings, with some calling it one of the best PC controllers. On the other hand, there is criticism of the higher price and the fact that it is not a completely “plug-and-play” solution, as fully utilizing its features will require a fair amount of patience when setting up the controller. The new product is thus aimed primarily at gamers who want more control over their gameplay, though it may still feel a bit experimental to fans of traditional layouts.
The Memory Crisis Complicates Xbox's Future with Higher Prices and an Uncertain Launch
The global memory shortage, driven by the artificial intelligence boom, is beginning to have a noticeable impact on the gaming industry. The new head of Xbox, Asha Sharma, confirmed that the upcoming console generation, codenamed Project Helix, will be affected by these developments, particularly in terms of price and availability. Component costs are rising, and according to her, the market situation is so unpredictable that it is currently impossible to specify a concrete release date.
While 2027 is being mentioned behind the scenes, a release delay still seems like a more realistic scenario. Microsoft has several options: from postponing the launch, to subsidizing the price, to releasing it at a higher price, which gamers would likely accept given the circumstances. Estimates suggest a price tag of around $1,000 to $1,200 per console, but this is still quite premature at this point and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Sony is facing similar challenges and has not ruled out delaying the next-generation PlayStation until the end of the decade, while the effects of the crisis have also led to a price increase for the current PlayStation 5.
Assassin’s Creed Hexe is Changing Direction: It’s Set to Be Darker, but Without Magic
The upcoming game Assassin’s Creed Hexe is undergoing significant changes. According to insider reports, Ubisoft has decided to move away from the original vision and remove the prominent magical elements that were supposed to be one of the game’s main draws. Mechanics such as animal control will likely disappear from the game as well. The series’ new leadership, headed by Jean Guesdon, is pushing for a more realistic approach and a return to the brand’s roots without supernatural elements, a shift reflected in the departure of several key developers.
However, Hexe will retain its dark identity. Set in 16th-century Central Europe, the story is intended to capitalize on the atmosphere of fear surrounding witches and witch hunts, with a more linear progression expected. The fear system inspired by the Assassin’s Creed Syndicate expansion Jack the Ripper is also set to play an important role, amplifying the tension and brutality of the environment. The result could be an Assassin’s Creed that is less “fantasy” but all the more raw and historically grounded.
AC Black Flag is Making a Big Comeback. The Remake Builds on the Classic and Adds New Elements
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is getting a modern version subtitled Resynced, set to launch on July 9 for new platforms. Ubisoft has preserved the core of the original adventure, where Edward Kenway’s story and his clashes with the Assassins and Templars remain intact, but the game has undergone a significant technological and gameplay overhaul. It runs on the latest version of the Anvil engine, delivering smoother parkour, a revamped combat system, and improved stealth, including crouching. The good news is that the developers have avoided RPG elements and stuck to an action-adventure style in the spirit of the original.
Great emphasis has been placed on naval mechanics, which are among the series’ main attractions. Sailing is now influenced by dynamic weather, the wind fills the sails, the sea reacts more realistically, and battles feel more intense thanks to improved sound and effects. You can once again customize and upgrade the Jackdaw, with new types of armaments and alternative firing modes added. Surveillance missions have also undergone an interesting change: they no longer automatically end once you’re discovered, but instead escalate into open conflict.
The remake also expands the content with new side activities, missions, and crew members with their own abilities. The atmosphere is enhanced by small details such as animals on board and new sea shanties, with music provided by the artist Woodkid. Conversely, multiplayer and the original modern sequences will be removed and replaced with new content set in the present day. The game will be released in several editions with pre-order bonuses and will also be available on Ubisoft+, with no paid DLC planned.
Xbox Game Pass is Expanding with a More Affordable Starter Edition
Discussion surrounding the Xbox Game Pass service has flared up again, this time due to the upcoming Starter Edition plan. According to insider billbil-kun, this will be a basic subscription tier offering access to more than 50 games across PC, Xbox consoles, and other devices. The lineup is expected to include well-known titles such as Fallout 4, Halo 5: Guardians, Gears 5, and DOOM Eternal, along with successful indie games like Hades, Dead Cells, and Stardew Valley.
In addition, the new package is expected to offer limited access to cloud gaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming (approximately 10 hours per month) and various rewards, though without multiplayer support. Another interesting possibility is integration with Discord Nitro, where the Starter Edition could serve as a bonus for subscribers. However, it is not yet clear whether it will also be available separately.
Battlefield Heads to the Big Screen with the Director of Mission: Impossible
The popular Battlefield series is set to receive a movie adaptation, a collaboration between Electronic Arts and Digital Illusions CE. Christopher McQuarrie, who directed the latest Mission: Impossible films, will handle both the direction and screenplay, so a focus on dynamic and spectacular action is expected. Michael B. Jordan has also joined the project as a producer, and it’s possible he may appear on screen as well.
The movie is still in the early stages, and discussions are currently underway regarding who will handle distribution. Big names like Sony and Apple are reportedly interested in the rights, though the creators prefer a traditional theatrical release. A release date has not yet been announced, but buzz around the project is only going to heat up, so more behind-the-scenes information will gradually begin to emerge.
Call of Duty is Heading to the Big Screen, with a Release Date Set for Summer 2028
The movie adaptation of the iconic Call of Duty series is taking shape. Paramount Pictures has confirmed that the film will hit theaters on June 30, 2028, with European premieres typically taking place a bit earlier. Activision Blizzard is also involved in the production, which suggests a focus on staying true to the brand and its gaming roots.
The project is backed by experienced names: Peter Berg is directing, and the screenplay is being written in collaboration with Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Wind River). The film aims to appeal not only to fans of the series but also to a broader audience unfamiliar with the games. The creators are keeping the story details under wraps for now, but the goal is to deliver the dynamic war action typical of the source material.
Elden Ring is Coming to Theaters, with a Release Date and Big Names Behind It
The movie adaptation of FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is finally moving from the planning stage to actual production. The project, a collaboration between A24 and Bandai Namco Entertainment, will hit U.S. theaters on March 3, 2028, while the European premiere does not yet have a set date and may be slightly delayed. The creators have also revealed the first key name in the cast, with Kit Connor set to play the lead role.
Alex Garland, the director and screenwriter behind films such as Ex Machina and Annihilation, is also a longtime fan of the original game. George R. R. Martin, who helped create the game world’s mythology, is also serving as a producer on the project. Combined with A24’s signature style, this suggests that this won’t be just another run-of-the-mill adaptation, but an ambitious film that will attempt to capture the atmosphere and complexity of the original.
An Understated Pirate Game Is Breaking Records, and Windrose Is Succeeding Where Big Projects Have Failed
While Ubisoft’s ambitious Skull and Bones fell short of expectations, the smaller Windrose project is making its way to the top with surprising confidence. Immediately after launching in early access on Steam, it attracted more than 113,000 players at once, and the positive response to the demo version during Steam Next Fest also helped significantly. Reviews are overwhelmingly enthusiastic, and most players praise the combination of survival mechanics, base building, and open-sea battles.
The story takes you to an alternate 18th-century Caribbean, where you gradually transform from a shipwreck survivor into a pirate roaming the ocean. The game balances elements familiar from titles like Valheim and Sea of Thieves, with some moments also evoking Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. However, it hasn’t escaped minor criticisms, and players point out a combat system that needs fine-tuning and a lack of environmental variety.
The developers, however, have room to address these shortcomings, as the title is still in development. Its background is also interesting: it was originally intended to be a free-to-play MMO called Crosswind, but following feedback, a more intimate project for 1 to 4 players emerged, with the full version set to arrive within the next few years.
Trailers & Gameplay Videos
In a Nutshell
• Pearl Abyss rewarded its employees with generous bonuses after the game Crimson Desert achieved success with over 5 million copies sold; the total amount of bonuses exceeded billions of won (approximately $3,400 per employee), and further bonuses are planned for the future.
• Ubisoft has quietly released the PC version of Tom Clancy's The Division Resurgence in free early access, aiming to bring the mobile title to computers despite control challenges and reach a wider audience.
• Resident Evil Requiem will receive an upcoming DLC as well as a standalone combat-focused minigame, which unlocks after completing the campaign and is set to arrive soon.
• Valve Corporation will release the new Steam Controller G on May 4 as a standalone product without a Steam Machine due to a shortage of hardware components, offering modern features such as trackpads, haptic feedback, and long battery life for €99.
• The new game Life Isn’t Beautiful: The Last Execution follows up on Marty Pohl’s cult series and delivers a full-fledged point-and-click adventure with dark humor, in which an executioner on the verge of retirement deals with personal problems and bizarre work situations—the title will be released on May 14, 2026, for PC.
• According to behind-the-scenes information, Ubisoft plans to launch a broader strategy of returning to older titles in the Assassin’s Creed series following the remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, including a possible remake of the very first game from 2007.
• According to leaks, Electronic Arts is set to announce EA Sports UFC 6 soon, which could be released in both digital and physical formats as early as June 19 for next-gen consoles at a price of around €80, though a PC version is not yet confirmed.
• According to insider information, Microsoft’s Gears of War: E-Day could arrive as early as September 2026; as a prequel set before the original trilogy, it will explore the events of E-Day with younger versions of familiar characters, a darker atmosphere, and a significant technological leap thanks to Unreal Engine 5, though an official release date has not yet been confirmed.
• The French RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has set a record in the gaming industry with more than 500 Game of the Year awards and, as one of the few titles, has dominated all five of the most prestigious award ceremonies, surpassing even games like Elden Ring and Baldur's Gate 3, although the total number of awards is also influenced by their growing number.
• Forza Horizon 6 from Playground Games is already a huge success even before its release, having surpassed 500,000 copies sold on Steam and already generating tens of millions of dollars, with its setting in Japan and strong marketing contributing to its popularity—the game is set to release on May 19.
• Capcom has scored another success with its new sci-fi game Pragmata, which garnered over a million players and very positive reviews within two days of release, confirming a strong year for the studio, which is also preparing the game Onimusha: Way of the Sword for release later this year.
• Alexander Morton, best known as the voice of Zoltan Chivay from CD Projekt RED’s The Witcher series, has died at the age of 81. His performance gave the character an unmistakable personality and significantly contributed to the character’s popularity.
