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| (Image Source: eSports World Cup Foundation) |
The eSports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and Epic Games recently announced a partnership that will bring Fortnite to the eSports World Cup (EWC), the world’s largest eSports and gaming event, alongside the return of Rocket League. Over the next three years, the collaboration will create more competitive opportunities for Fortnite and Rocket League players and eSports clubs, establishing a premier location for top-tier competition. The collaboration with Epic Games strengthens EWCF’s mission to bring together the world’s most influential games under one competitive banner, to expand their reach, engage new audiences, and shape the future of eSports as a global sport and mainstream entertainment.
EWC 2026 will host the championship event for the Fortnite Reload Elite Series, the official tournament series for Fortnite Reload, a fast-paced 40-player battle royale game that is all about carrying the squad to Victory. “Fortnite has established one of the largest global player communities and continues to influence gaming, entertainment and digital culture far beyond the competitive space. Hosting the Fortnite Reload Elite Series Championship at EWC introduces a new global, multi-year competitive ecosystem at the world’s biggest eSports event. With a massive fanbase around the world and particularly in Saudi Arabia, we look forward with excitement to welcoming the Fortnite community including fans, pros, and creators to Riyadh next summer,” said EWCF Chief Games Officer Fabian Scheuermann. The Reload Elite Series online competition will consist of Open Rounds, Play-Ins, Heats, and Finals. Each Final will be broadcast live on Fortnite Competitive channels and will determine the top 40 Duos that will advance to the Reload Elite Series Championship at EWC and compete in Riyadh for a share of a $1M (1 million dollars) prize pool and crucial eSports World Cup Club Championship points.
The eSports World Cup 2026 will once again unite gaming and eSports communities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a global competition that will crown the next EWC Champion. The tournament’s unique cross-game format will reward Clubs and players competing for a life-changing prize pool across a mix of platforms and genres, bringing together eSports’ best teams, players and games under one banner in the largest-ever celebration of eSports.
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Step Into The Continent: The Witcher In Concert Comes To Manila For One Night Only
| (Image Source: PinoyGamer.ph/Film Concerts PH) |
Step into the Continent like never before as Film Concerts PH presents The Witcher In Concert, a live orchestral experience of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, presented in collaboration with CD PROJEKT RED, GEA Live, and RoadCo Entertainment. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Manila show will be a one-night-only performance, taking place exclusively on March 28, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City. Since its release in 2015, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, inspired by the novels of Andrzej Sapkowski, has become one of the most acclaimed role-playing games of all time, earning over 260 Game of the Year awards and redefining expectations for open-world storytelling. Now, that world comes alive in concert.
Selected musicians from the Filharmonika Orchestra will perform the score live alongside Percival Schuttenbach, the Polish folk-metal band that co-composed the soundtrack. Arrangements by lead composer Marcin Przybyłowicz are synchronized with visuals from The Witcher 3, bringing every battle, secret, and haunting melody of Geralt’s journey to life. Przybyłowicz shared that the soundtrack draws from Central and Eastern European folk traditions, blending Polish, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Bulgarian, Scottish, and Scandinavian music. These influences were combined with inspiration from modern pop culture and previous installments of the series, letting audiences resonate with Geralt while maintaining the unique Eastern European identity of the Continent. Performed live, the music takes on new power. Beloved pieces such as Wolven Storm and Lullaby of Woe resonate more deeply in a concert setting, where sweeping strings, driving percussion, and haunting melodies can be felt throughout the theatre — fully immersing audiences in the story. Beyond the music, the concert is a celebration of the global community that has grown around The Witcher over the past decade. Audiences at international performances have described it as one of the most memorable gaming events they’ve attended. Critics have praised the emotional impact of the experience with one reviewer noting how the music guided the audience through an emotional journey while another wrote, “The Witcher 3's mysterious, epic, Slavic masterpiece of a soundtrack could not have been realised much better.”
Whether you’ve battled the Wild Hunt, followed Geralt and Ciri through the books, or watched their story on screen, The Witcher In Concert offers a rare once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience its world live — for one night only. Tickets to The Witcher In Concert Live In Manila are now available at TicketWorld.com.ph and participating outlets nationwide.
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Black Desert Introduces Olvia Academy, An In-Game Campus Designed For New Adventurers
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| (Image Source: TriplePoint PR/Pearl Abyss) |
Pearl Abyss recently launched Black Desert's newest major update Olvia Academy last January 22, 2026, designed to guide new Adventurers through the expansive world of Black Desert. Olvia Academy delivers a structured, class-based progression that blends combat training and Life Skill education, along with generous rewards. Olvia Academy operates on a class-based system with the first class cycle currently running until April 16, 2026. Adventurers with a Level 60 or higher character can enroll via the Olvia Academy emblem located near the minimap. Adventurers who complete the introductory quest receive an Academia Outfit along with a special title.
Olvia Academy offers a well-rounded curriculum divided into two core tracks: the Combat Course where adventurers progress through a dedicated storyline that teaches fundamental combat mechanics while reinforcing core gameplay concepts and the Life Skill Course featuring foundational instruction in essential Life Skills such as Gathering, Cooking, and Alchemy, providing practical knowledge and hands-on experience. By completing both courses, Adventurers earn valuable Family-wide rewards designed to significantly support long-term progression. Combat Course rewards include high-end enhancement materials and powerful gear, such as Choose Your PEN (V) Blackstar Weapon Box, Darkstar Black Stone for guaranteed PEN (V) Blackstar enhancement, up to 6,000 Cron Stones, and more. Life Skill Course rewards focus on Life Skill growth, including Blue-grade TRI (III) Life Skill Clothes, TRI (III) Life Tools, up to 9,000 Cron Stones, and more. Adventurers can also defeat pirates who now occupy a special monster zone near the Olvia campus and complete weekly quests to earn Olvia Academy Coins. This dedicated zone is designed specifically for Academy progression with increased Item Drop Rate effects disabled and Agris Fever not consumed, ensuring balanced and focused gameplay.
In addition to Olvia Academy, the new update introduces a remake of Star's End, one of Black Desert Online's most iconic monster zones. Reimagined as a fast-paced, field-style endgame zone, the revamped Star's End emphasizes dynamic combat and strengthened versions of its signature mechanics. Adventurers can now obtain Effect Dyes for Sovereign Weapons and Edana's Defense Gear by acquiring materials from Star's End. These dyes allow Adventurers to customize the visual effects of their gear with Sovereign Weapons also changing their appearance color to match the selected effect, offering enhanced personalization alongside endgame progression. More information can be found on Black Desert Thailand and Southeast Asia's official website at blackdesert.pearlabyss.com.
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Crystal Dynamics Unveils New Brand Partnerships To Celebrate The 30th Anniversary Of Tomb Raider
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| (Image Source: GoNintendo/Crystal Dynamics) |
The original Tomb Raider first debuted in 1996 and instantly established Lara Croft as one of gaming’s most iconic heroines, spurring multiple sequels, star-studded movies, an animated TV show and much more. This year, in celebration of Tomb Raider’s 30th anniversary, Crystal Dynamics is bringing together a wide array of notable brands across gaming, apparel, collectibles and beyond to honor the legacy of everyone’s favorite acrobatic archaeologist. Here are some of the incredible partners that are slated to release Tomb Raider collaborations this year.
• 8BitDo, the premier third-party video game hardware company known for their retro-inspired gaming peripherals
• Aspyr, the next-level developer and publisher whose recent work includes Tomb Raider I-VI Remastered (available now on all platforms) and the release of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
• Blend Cota Studios: Prolific fine artist Blend Cota will be partnering with Tomb Raider for original works based on Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis.
• Dark Horse, the world-renowned comic publisher whose works include Hellboy, Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and, recently, Tomb Raider: The Sacred Artifacts
• FiGGYZ, magnetic pixel-art collectibles with interchangeable backdrops
• Fulllife, the premium French streetwear and gaming apparel brand
• Funko, the lifestyle brand known for its iconic Pop! figures
• GUNNAR Optiks, pioneers of clinically proven, cutting-edge eyewear that enhances the digital screen experience and protects the human visual system
• Iconiq Studios, creators of premium collectibles, board games, and more
• Loungefly, a high-quality, innovative brand that blends fandom with fashion
• Shark Robot, the apparel and collectibles merchandise site that hosts beloved brands and featured artists
• Syntilay: Futuristic footwear brand Syntilay will be releasing a collaboration with Tomb Raider to celebrate the 30th anniversary.
• Tomb Raider Gear Store: The official Tomb Raider Gear Store will have new products all year long celebrating the anniversary.
• Tubbz: The era of the duck continues with a new 30th Anniversary Lara Croft duck.
• Upper Deck, the leading sports and entertainment trading card company
These partnerships will contribute to an exciting 2026 for Tomb Raider with Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis, the reimagining of Lara Croft’s original genre-defining adventure created in collaboration with Amazon Game Studios and Flying Wild Hog, slated to launch on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S later this year. Stay tuned for more information on Tomb Raider projects and collaborations throughout 2026. The celebration has only just begun!
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The Disney Afternoon Collection Returns – Updated Edition Coming Exclusively To Nintendo Switch And Switch 2 On February 26, 2026
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| (Image Source: Drop The Spotlight/Atari) |
Get ready to travel back to the ‘90s with your favorite Disney toons as Atari and Digital Eclipse recently announced that The Disney Afternoon Collection will launch on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on February 26, 2026. The updated collection, exclusive to Switch and Switch 2, adds two new titles, bringing a total of eight Disney-themed classic games to Nintendo consoles for the first time since their original NES and SNES releases in the 80s and 90s. The Disney Afternoon Collection for Switch and Switch 2 introduces two SNES classics – Bonkers and Goof Troop – returning for the first time since their debut alongside timeless favorites including DuckTales, Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, and more.
Players can relive the magic of the Disney Afternoon cartoons with a suite of modern upgrades including the ability to Rewind to correct mistakes and Save your progress anywhere. The collection also features a Gallery, a virtual museum curated by Digital Eclipse historians, featuring behind-the-scenes materials, archival content from the Disney vault, and a Music Player where fans can enjoy the original soundtracks from all eight games. The six NES games feature Time Attack and Boss Rush speed-running modes with online leaderboards. The full lineup includes:
• Goof Troop (SNES): Team up with Goofy and Max in one of Shinji Mikami’s earliest titles, solving puzzles together to rescue friends from a pirate island.
• Bonkers (SNES): Navigate six wacky platforming levels in Toontown filled with Easter eggs for Disney fans.
• DuckTales & DuckTales 2 (NES): One of Capcom’s biggest hits, play as Scrooge McDuck with a cane that doubles as a weapon and a pogo stick. Explore multi-path levels packed with secrets, surprises and a memorable soundtrack. The sequel is just as fun!
• Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers & Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2 (NES): In this early 8-bit co-op platformer starring loveable chipmunk detectives, players work together to navigate levels, collecting acorns, boxes and other items to throw at enemies.
• TaleSpin (NES): Fly through the skies as Baloo in his plane, The Seaduck, in this side-scrolling shooter. Use quick reflexes and ace piloting skills to dodge enemies and bosses.
• Darkwing Duck (NES): Fight crime as the winged terror himself, Darkwing Duck, and battle a variety of enemies with a gas gun.
Disney Afternoon Collection fans old and new can pre-order the digital and physical editions starting today via Atari.com and other major retailers. The game will be available digitally on February 26, 2026 with the physical Switch and Switch 2 editions – featuring game cartridge, sticker sheets, postcards, milk caps and a reversible cover – shipping in May 2026.
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Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage™ Takes The Fight To Nintendo Switch 2 On March 26, 2026
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| (Image Source: COSMOCOVER/SEGA) |
SEGA® recently announced that Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage will launch for Nintendo Switch 2 on March 26, 2026, marking the debut of the beloved 3D fighting series on a Nintendo platform. This definitive release features full cross-play – allowing competitive online battles between Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam users – along with rollback netcode support, new moves and combos, balance updates, and key improvements to the training mode.
Players interested in trying out the game early can participate in the Nintendo Switch 2 Open Beta Test that will kick off on February 19. This test will focus on the network servers and cross-play performance for the game with the other available platforms. Players will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to access the Open Beta Test on Nintendo Switch 2. Digital and physical pre-orders are now available. Those who purchase any Nintendo Switch 2 edition of the game (digital or physical) will be granted the Sega Hardware Customization Item “Genesis™” based on the legendary SEGA hardware, at no added cost. This in-game digital customisation item can be equipped by all 19 base characters in the game. Those who order the digital 30th Anniversary Edition (£39.99) will be entitled to the Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage base game; Legendary Pack and Yakuza Series Collaboration Pack DLCs; Virtua Fighter 30th Anniversary Swimsuit Costume Set, Soundtrack Collection, and Ranking Titles; and Virtua Fighter Pre-Production Artwork. Each paid DLC pack included in the 30th Anniversary Edition will be offered for individual digital purchase at launch. Pre-orders are also available for the physical edition, containing the same content as the 30th Anniversary Edition. This version will include a double-sided poster inside the case which features the cover art from Virtual Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage on one side and the cover art from the original Virtua Fighter on the other.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is currently available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. For more information about the game, visit https://www.sega.com/virtua-fighter/virtua-fighter-5-revo and follow the official SEGA social channels on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
