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E-cards NewsLand: Gaming Digest – June 2026
June 2026 was packed with major gaming announcements, surprise reveals, and exciting updates. From fresh GTA 6 details and God of War: Laufey to Alien: Isolation 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, old/new Stronghold, and the latest hardware news, here are the biggest stories every gamer should know.
If you thought the gaming world would calm down a bit amid the unbearable heat, June must have quickly convinced you otherwise. Rockstar has once again stirred up the internet with a hefty dose of news about GTA 6, Capcom is preparing another Resident Evil remake, God of War is switching up its main hero, the iconic Stronghold is returning after all these years, and there were also record-breaking sales of titles where we might not have expected them, game delays, and the usual dose of hardware news. In short, developers are proving once again that there’s no shortage of topics for discussion, even during the vacation season.
So once again, we’ve put together a selection of the most interesting things that happened in the world of video games during June. You can look forward to new gameplay clips, trailers, surprising announcements, major updates, and information about upcoming hits worth keeping an eye on.
As usual, at the end of the article, you’ll find a ton of news summarized in a nutshell, along with direct links to the games you can purchase from us. We’ve also included the trailers and gameplay videos that have been making waves around the world over the past month.
The GTA 6 Cover Has Sparked a Wave of Theories, and Fans Are Searching for Hidden References in It
The new Grand Theft Auto VI cover became the subject of detailed analysis immediately after its release. The community has scrutinized every panel of the illustration, searching for clues that might hint at the content of the upcoming game. While the main characters, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, dominate the artwork, other characters, vehicles, and locations from the fictional state of Leonida are also drawing attention. For example, fans have noticed the armed Sea Sparrow helicopter, a modified sport bike, the return of a police car, and a mysterious woman wearing a Vice City Manatees jersey—who may simply be a symbolic touch, but is just as likely to play a more significant role.
However, other details have also sparked great interest. The artwork features a massive alligator representing the Grassrivers area, the characters Boobie Ike and Raul Bautista, as well as a yellow Pegassi supercar and a fast motorboat—all of which suggest a greater emphasis on vehicles and water travel. Only time will tell if the fan theories are correct. GTA VI itself is set to arrive on November 19, 2026, while the PC version is still awaiting an official announcement.
What About the Online Mode in GTA 6?
The game’s page on the PlayStation Store has also revealed some other interesting details. The FAQ states that Grand Theft Auto VI will be exclusively single-player at launch. There’s no mention of an online mode yet, but its absence from marketing materials likely doesn’t mean we won’t see one. Rather, it suggests a scenario similar to GTA V, where GTA Online didn’t appear until after the story campaign was released. It’s also possible that Rockstar will release the multiplayer mode as a separate product this time around.
Pre-orders For GTA VI Are Now Open. The Physical Version on Disc Will Apparently Have to Wait a Bit Longer
Well, fans have finally gotten their pre-orders. Grand Theft Auto VI is currently available for pre-order on the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store, and the game has also arrived at brick-and-mortar and online retailers . The digital Standard Edition costs €79.99, while the Ultimate Edition will set players back €99.99. Both versions include the Vintage Vice City Pack and a one-month GTA+ membership for GTA Online. Only the Standard Edition is currently available in physical stores, though its price is generally slightly higher than in digital stores.
Interestingly, the first physical copies do not include a Blu-ray disc, but only a download code for the game. Pre-downloads will begin on November 12, while GTA VI itself will unlock on November 19. However, there is speculation that this is only a temporary solution and that a traditional disc edition will arrive later. The reason is reportedly Rockstar’s effort to limit content leaks and spoilers before release, which the series has repeatedly faced in the past. If you purchase the Standard Edition, you’ll be able to upgrade it to the Ultimate Edition later.
More New Details About GTA 6
Even as the release date approaches, Rockstar Games continues to reveal new information about GTA 6 very cautiously, but this time, the Brazilian Amazon has grabbed the spotlight. New details have appeared on the product page that hint at what the highly anticipated action hit might offer. If these details prove to be true, players can look forward to an even more vibrant open world, more sophisticated NPCs, the return of random events, and a greater emphasis on the collaboration between the main protagonists, Jason and Lucia. Switching between them is supposed to be practically instantaneous thanks to a fast SSD, while the cell phone will take on even greater significance compared to GTA 5—it will be used to check social media, discover events, or even unlock hidden missions. Reportedly, the vast state of Leonida will also be included, featuring beaches, swamps, small towns, and dynamic weather that will affect not only the atmosphere but also the physics of the world itself.
The leak also mentions an improved RAGE engine, which is supposed to provide more realistic lighting, more detailed animations, and more advanced physics. PlayStation 5 Pro owners might also get the most technically sophisticated version of the game, featuring advanced ray tracing, higher resolution, sharper textures, and more stable frame rates. It should be noted, however, that Rockstar Games has not yet officially confirmed any of this information, so it should be treated as unconfirmed speculation. The only thing that is certain so far is that Grand Theft Auto VI will arrive on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, while a PC version has not yet been announced.
God of War Changes Its Main Hero: Kratos’s Wife, Faye, Will Lead the New Adventure
The God of War series is taking an unexpected turn. In the new title, subtitled God of War: Laufey, Faye—Kratos’s wife and Atreus’s mother—will take on the lead role, while the legendary Spartan warrior will take a back seat this time around. During the State of Play presentation, developers from Santa Monica Studio showed 24 minutes of gameplay revealing the story’s opening. After her death, Faye awakens in the mysterious realm of Everywhen, where gods and beings from various mythologies converge. To protect her family, she must find her way back and face new threats, including the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet and the Mongolian god of war, Begtse.
The gameplay features faster-paced and more acrobatic combat than in Kratos’s games, combining the dynamics of the original Greek trilogy with the modern style of the latest installments. Faye fights with a legendary sword and wields unique magical abilities, including the power to manipulate her opponents’ souls. She’ll be accompanied on her journey by the talking cosmic cube Phranque (Jack Quaid) and the sword’s guardian Rue (Perlina Lau), with Deborah Ann Woll once again providing Faye’s voice. The release date is not yet known, but a PlayStation 5 version has been confirmed.
Alien: Isolation 2 Aims to Take Horror to a New Level, and First Impressions Are Full of Praise
The sequel to the cult horror game Alien: Isolation doesn’t just aim to replicate the success of the first installment. As is often the case with sequels, the developers want to push the boundaries further and once again showcase a healthy dose of creativity. Based on first impressions, Creative Assembly aims to take the entire concept even further and create one of the most intense horror experiences of recent years. Journalists who tried out the playable demo during Summer Game Fest 2026 particularly praised the atmosphere, the unpredictable Xenomorph, and the constant sense of danger. This time, the story follows a new heroine, Blake, an employee of Weyland-Yutani, who finds herself on the planet LV-921. While the plot builds on the events of the first game, most of the action shifts from the space station to the planet’s surface and more expansive locations.
The developers have also introduced several new features designed to heighten the tension even further. Spatial audio will once again play a key role, helping players track the alien’s movements while also deliberately misleading them. A new system dubbed “information warfare” (balancing what the player knows against what the enemy knows) will be complemented by dynamic weather that affects visibility, orientation, and enemy behavior. In addition to stealth elements, there will be expanded options for exploration and interaction with the environment, making every encounter with the alien even more unpredictable. Alien: Isolation 2 is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2; a release date has not yet been announced.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Continues Its Triumphant Run, and Warhorse Celebrates Another Record
The success of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 shows no signs of slowing down, even several months after its release. Czech studio Warhorse Studios announced that their medieval RPG now has more than six million players, making it one of the biggest gaming hits of recent times. The sequel, which launched on February 4, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S with Czech voice acting, has not only enjoyed excellent sales but has also earned nominations for Game of the Year and the BAFTA Games Award for Best Story. The developers have also confirmed that, in addition to the next installment of Kingdom Come, a new open-world RPG set in Middle-earth is currently in development.
The celebrations of this success are accompanied by a minor update, version 1.5.6. This update adds support for the Steam Controller, fixes several bugs—including issues in Hardcore mode and with one of the main quests—and adds a subtle Easter egg referencing the Balatro phenomenon.
Reloaded Will Bring One of the Biggest Updates to Call of Duty. Nicolas Cage Will Also Make an Appearance
The new season, called Reloaded, will shake things up in both Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone. Players can look forward to new maps, modes, weapons, and a Zombies expansion, but what’s really grabbing everyone’s attention is the unexpected collaboration with Hollywood star Nicolas Cage. The actor will become a playable operator as part of the limited-time “Nick Cage Event,” and his character will be available exclusively through the paid rewards section. The arsenal will also see the return of the legendary AN-94 rifle and the addition of a new melee weapon, the Executioner’s Duet.
Major changes are also coming to the individual game modes. Multiplayer will be expanded with the Zenith map and the revamped Launch map, complemented by the new Team Blueprint Sharpshooter and Knife Fight modes. Additionally, the Black Ops Classic mode will become a permanent part of the game. Zombies fans will head to the Japanese castle of Kowakujo, where Oni enemies and a new Wonder Weapon await them. Warzone will also receive updates—Rebirth Island will get a new visual design, the Squad Gun mode will be added, and the popular Buy Back Quads will return for a limited time.
COD Part 2: The Legendary Black Ops Series Returns, and the First Two Installments Are Coming to PlayStation
Fans of the Call of Duty series on PlayStation have another reason to celebrate. Activision, Treyarch, and Iron Galaxy are preparing new ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops II, which will bring the full content—including the story campaign, multiplayer, and the iconic Zombies mode—to Sony’s console. It’s not yet clear whether the games will be released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, or both consoles at once, but they will be full-fledged versions with no compromises on content.
Both titles are among the most popular entries in the entire series. The first Black Ops debuted in 2010, with the sequel arriving two years later and captivating players with its futuristic setting and campaign-influencing decisions. While Xbox players have been able to play them on newer consoles thanks to backward compatibility, and they’ve been available on PC for years, PlayStation fans haven’t had that option until now. These new ports will finally allow players to revisit these classics without having to dust off their old PlayStation 3.
DayZ 2 Will Be a Reality
It seems that DayZ fans have finally gotten what they’ve been waiting for. The Czech studio Bohemia Interactive has quietly—yet in a very original way—confirmed that it is working on a sequel to the cult survival game. The announcement came during an event dedicated to the upcoming Badlands expansion, to which the developers invited international content creators. After testing the expansion at the studio’s headquarters, they loaded the creators into the legendary V3S military truck, and during the trip through the forest, an unexpected “teaser” awaited them—a tarp displaying a large number 2. Yes, this is exactly how Bohemia let the world know that DayZ 2 is indeed in development. In the forests of Mníšek.
However, this isn’t a full-fledged unveiling of the game just yet. The developers haven’t released any details or a first trailer, so we can only speculate about what’s new. What’s practically certain, though, is that the sequel will use the modern Enfusion engine, which powers Arma Reforger and is also being used to develop the upcoming Arma 4. The confirmation of the game’s development also puts an end to the long-standing speculation that has been circulating online about DayZ 2 for several years. Now all that remains is to wait for Bohemia Interactive to reveal what it has in store for fans of one of the most famous survival games.
Xbox Prices Set to Rise Significantly: Microsoft Raises Console Prices for the Second Time This Year
If you’ve been planning to buy a new Xbox, it might be worth not waiting any longer. Microsoft has announced that, starting August 1, 2026, it will once again raise the prices of both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles, with this round of price increases set to be more significant. Models with 512 GB of storage will go up by $100, while the 1 TB versions will increase by as much as $150. At the same time, the top-of-the-line 2 TB model will be permanently discontinued. The new prices apply to the U.S. market and do not include tax, so even higher prices can be expected in Europe.
Microsoft is being upfront about the situation and acknowledges that this is already the second price increase in less than a year. The main reason cited is the sharp rise in the prices of memory chips and storage components, which the company says have more than doubled in cost and are expected to continue rising. Since game consoles are traditionally sold below production cost, the company can no longer absorb these higher costs. Consequently, it will expand its interest-free financing options and focus more on selling certified refurbished consoles, which will offer a more affordable alternative.
The Steam Machine was Supposed to be Cheaper. Valve Admits That the AI Boom Changed Its Plans
Valve has finally revealed the price of its new Steam Machine, but instead of excitement, there was disappointment. The device, designed for gamers who want the convenience of a console and the freedom of a PC, starts at 1,039 euros for the 512 GB version, while the model with a 2 TB SSD costs 1,359 euros. The company admitted that when development began in 2023, it had anticipated a significantly lower price. However, these plans were disrupted by a sharp rise in the prices of memory and SSDs, driven primarily by massive demand for hardware for artificial intelligence and data centers. The situation is further complicated by reduced availability of components, so the device’s market launch will take place in phases.
Unlike Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo, Valve does not want to sell hardware below production cost. Instead of subsidizing the console, it is banking on an open platform that will allow users to install Windows and use various game stores and software of their own choosing. The company’s goal is not to compete with PlayStation or Xbox, but to offer an easier way to enjoy PC games in the living room. The first units will begin shipping to customers on June 29, with production ramping up based on component availability. The console launched on June 30, 2026.
The Epic Games Store is Set to Undergo Major Changes. The New Launcher Is Expected to Be Several Times Faster
Epic Games is preparing a major overhaul of both its store and launcher, which should address one of the most common complaints from players—the slowness of the entire platform. According to leaked information from an internal presentation, a completely new Launcher V2 is being developed, built on modern architecture. This is expected to result in an app that launches up to five times faster, a significantly snappier return to the game library, and a redesigned home page with personalized recommendations. Individual game profiles will also undergo changes; they will no longer serve merely as store pages but will offer more information about the community, news, and the game’s story.
Epic also aims to strengthen the social aspect of its platform. Plans include user profiles, avatars, private messages, voice chat, and groups independent of specific games. The updates will also benefit developers, who will gain better tools for publishing updates and communicating with players. User reviews, more advanced game library management, and discount coupons funded directly by publishers will also be included. The goal is clear—to transform the Epic Games Store from a simple store into a full-fledged gaming platform.
Trailers & Gameplay Videos
In a Nutshell
• At the age of 69, Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot, who—along with his brothers—helped build one of the world’s largest video game publishers, tragically died in a plane crash.
• Legendary composer Bobby Prince died at the age of 81. His iconic music for Doom, Doom II, and Wolfenstein 3D significantly influenced the landscape of video game soundtracks and remains among the most memorable in the history of video games.
• Despite fans’ concerns following Rockstar’s decision to release the physical edition of GTA VI with only a download code, Insomniac Games has confirmed that Marvel’s Wolverine will arrive on PS5 on September 15 in a classic boxed version with a disc.
• Marvel's Wolverine will offer extensive accessibility options, including the ability to turn off blood, reduce the level of violence, or skip logic puzzles, so that as many players as possible can tailor the adventure to their own preferences.
• The Nintendo Switch 2 continues its excellent start and, with 5.9 million units sold in its first year, has become the second-fastest-selling console in U.S. history, trailing only the Game Boy Advance.
• After thirteen years, Payday 2 is set to receive the biggest technical update in its history, which will bring a 64-bit engine, improved performance, a smaller game size, and better support for modern hardware.
• The new action game 007: First Light became the best-selling game in the U.S. in May, surpassing even the hugely successful Forza Horizon 6 in the charts.
• Frostpunk 2 has expanded with the paid DLC Breach of Trust, featuring a new story scenario, volcanic disasters, and political mechanics, while all players also received a free update with new content.
• Lords of the Fallen 2 will finally arrive in the first quarter of 2027, as the developers want to fine-tune the gameplay with the help of experienced fans of the soulslike genre and avoid a troubled launch.
• Despite a long period of silence and speculation about a possible cancellation, Todd Howard confirmed that Marvel’s Blade is still in development, noting that Arkane Lyon is doing an excellent job and the project is progressing very promisingly.
• Halo Studios has clarified that the PlayStation 5 version of Halo: Campaign Evolved will not require a PS Plus subscription for local split-screen co-op; a PS Plus subscription remains required only for online play.
• Demand for the new Steam Controller is much higher than Valve expected, and due to the high number of pre-orders, the company has extended its estimated delivery times; new customers will likely have to wait until sometime in 2027 to receive their controllers.
• According to the latest analyst estimates, the PlayStation 6 may not arrive as early as 2027, but rather a year or two later, as Sony is reportedly considering a longer PS5 lifecycle due to rising production costs and favorable market conditions.
• The Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag remake is set to arrive on July 9 and, in addition to completely revamped graphics, will feature modernized gameplay, new missions with approximately six hours of additional content, and significantly improved naval battles powered by the latest version of the Anvil engine.
• The Halo: Campaign Evolved remake is off to an exceptionally strong start on PlayStation 5, topping pre-order charts in several countries and attracting players not only with modernized graphics but also with the option to play through the entire campaign from a third-person perspective for the very first time.
• AMD is making Advanced Shader Delivery technology available for all graphics cards based on the RDNA architecture, which can reduce loading times for supported games by up to 95% while eliminating the annoying stuttering caused by shader compilation during the first launch.
• Despite several technical issues, the Gothic Remake got off to an excellent start, selling more than 500,000 copies in its first week and earning very positive reviews on Steam, as well as tens of thousands of active players.
• Capcom has confirmed that the upcoming Resident Evil Veronica remake will not be just a spin-off of the series, but a full-fledged part of the main saga, featuring modernized gameplay, new story elements, and an exclusively third-person perspective.
• The developers at Pearl Abyss plan to support Crimson Desert with free updates for as long as players are interested, and in addition to new content, they are also preparing extensive improvements to the story and gameplay, as well as significantly different DLC in the future.
• The free-to-play action RPG Where Winds Meet is now available on Xbox Series X/S, and in July it will receive a major expansion, Hidden Mountain, which will introduce a new region, a story arc, and additional combat techniques.
• The legendary Stronghold series is returning with a new installment that will feature the biggest sieges yet, a revamped economy, dynamic weather, co-op, and multiplayer for up to eight players. Stronghold 4 is set to be released in late 2026 with Czech subtitles.
• Riot Games has officially announced the League of Legends Classic project, which will take players back to the original champions, classic game mechanics, runes, and the Masteries system, all running on a modern client. The full reveal will take place on July 12 during the MSI tournament finals.
