 |
| (Image Source: Invision Game Community/KRAFTON Inc.) |
KRAFTON Inc. recently announced that PUBG: BLINDSPOT, a new 5v5 PvP top-down tactical shooter developed by PUBG STUDIOS, is now available in Early Access on Steam as a free-to-play experience. PUBG: BLINDSPOT reimagines close-quarters combat within the PUBG IP. Designed around fast, high-intensity indoor firefights, the game translates CQB tactics and team-based strategy into a top-down perspective while delivering the tension and realism players expect from the PUBG universe. As a spin-off set decades after the events of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG: BLINDSPOT explores new creative directions while remaining closely connected to the franchise’s core identity.
The Early Access launch marks the beginning of an open development phase with the development team actively working alongside players to refine gameplay systems and expand content ahead of full release. Player feedback will play a central role, with frequent updates planned to improve depth, balance, and overall quality. The Early Access version of PUBG: BLINDSPOT is available worldwide at no cost on Steam and supports NVIDIA GeForce NOW, allowing players to jump in across a wide range of devices without requiring high-end hardware. New content is included at launch, expanding tactical options for players. A newly revealed defense-exclusive character, Blaze, joins the roster, introducing Molotov-based area control mechanics that enable new defensive strategies and team compositions. Looking ahead, Competitive Season 1 is scheduled to begin on February 12, one week after the Early Access launch. To mark the start of the season, creator tournaments featuring 20 streamers each on Twitch and CHZZK will showcase diverse playstyles and highlight the game’s tactical depth.
“Starting with PUBG: BLINDSPOT, the PUBG IP will continue to expand into new genres and platforms, bringing new experiences to fans around the world,” said PUBG IP Franchise Head Taeseok Jang. “Early Access allows players to become active participants in the development process. “By launching as a free-to-play title and developing openly with the community, we aim to shape PUBG: BLINDSPOT together through ongoing communication and frequent updates,” said PUBG: BLINDSPOT Production Director Seungmyeong Yang. Players can follow development progress and future updates by adding PUBG: BLINDSPOT to their Steam Wishlist and joining the game’s official Discord where the team will continue to share updates and gather player feedback. Also, follow PUBG: BLINDSPOT on social media for all the latest news (X | TikTok | YouTube).
* * * *
Green Game Jam Announces 57 Participants For 2026 Edition
 |
| (Image Source: Playing For The Planet) |
Playing For The Planet recently announced a record-breaking and increasingly global line-up of games set to go live with new in-game content starting June 5, 2026 for the 2026 Green Game Jam. Now in its seventh year, the Green Game Jam showcases how the video games sector can deliver meaningful environmental impact while demonstrating the commercial value of engaging players through themed content that fits naturally into their favourite titles.
This year, 57 games are taking part in the Green Game Jam (GGJ) from countries all over the world demonstrating how the initiative is becoming more global with every edition. Returning games include Subway Surfers (SYBO), Angry Birds Dream Blast & Friends (Rovio) and June’s Journey (Wooga). They are joined, for the first time, by games from Korean based studio, Pearl Abyss as well as Mytona, PikPok and Runaway Play, studios from New Zealand. Iconic titles such as Tetris (Playstudios), Lords Mobile (IGG) and Cards, the Universe and Everything (Avid Games) will also make their debut in the 2026 Green Game Jam. Participating studios will create bespoke content, or “green activations”, which can consist of new modes, maps, events, storylines or metagame campaigns. These activations are designed to educate and engage players around important environmental themes or ecosystems, and aim to fundraise to support organisations tackling the issues highlighted through these themes.
“Year after year, the Green Game Jam proves that when the games community comes together, it can activate players globally to protect and restore our planet in new and creative ways. This is the most global line-up yet, we’re looking forward to seeing how this cohort of studios work to protect and restore reefs and rainforests,” said Playing For The Planet's Head of Operations Lisa Pak. For the official full list of the 2026 Green Game Jam participants, visit https://playing4theplanet.org/green-game-jam-2026.
* * * *
“Call Me Mother” Records Php392M In Worldwide Gross
 |
| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Moviegoers experienced the mothering energy from Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre as their 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) box-office hit “Call Me Mother” officially recorded Php392M (392 million pesos) in worldwide gross as of February 5, 2026. “Thank you Direk Jun Lana dahil naparanas mo sa akin ang isang bagong pangyayari sa buhay ko. Dream role ko ‘to. I am also so thankful to Nadine Lustre,” said Vice during the movie’s thanksgiving dinner held last February 5, 2026.
Nadine also shared her appreciation for the positive audience reception, stating, “Sobrang grateful ako kasi ang daming good things na nangyari sa pelikula. Marami tayong napaiyak at napatawa.” The film's director Jun Robles Lana also thanked the team behind the movie produced by Star Cinema, The IdeaFirst Company, and Viva Films. The comedy-drama earned praise from viewers and film critics alike for its heartwarming story about the sacrifices that mothers make out of love for their children – whether related by blood or by choice. It was awarded at the 51st MMFF Gabi ng Parangal for 3rd Best Picture and Gender Sensitivity, while Vice and Lucas Andalio earned wins for Best Actor and Best Child Performer, respectively.
“Call Me Mother” is still showing in select cinemas in the Philippines, Canada, Singapore, and Australia. In the movie, Vice plays a queer mother to her adoptive son, Angelo (Lucas). Their unbreakable bond is put to the test when Mara (Nadine), Angelo’s biological mother, enters their lives and attempts to get custody of her child.
* * * *
GMA Network, ABS-CBN Launch New Suspense Series “The Secrets Of Hotel 88”
 |
| The breakout Stars of the first season of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition led by big winners Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo headline the suspense-filled primetime drama series “The Secrets Of Hotel 88”, the newest collaboration of GMA Network and ABS-CBN. (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
GMA Network and ABS-CBN team up once again to unveil “The Secrets Of Hotel 88”, a suspense-filled series headlined by the breakout stars of the first season of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition. Produced by Star Creatives and directed by Henry King Quitain, “The Secrets Of Hotel 88” brings together big winners Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo alongside fellow housemates AZ Martinez, Ralph De Leon, River Joseph, Klarisse De Guzman, Esnyr Ranollo, Xyriel Manabat, Josh Ford, Kira Balinger, Dustin Yu, Bianca De Vera, and Will Ashley.
At the heart of the story are the Fernandez brothers — Gio (Brent), Martin (Ralph), and Francis (Will) — who are unexpectedly reunited following the mysterious death of the father they never knew. Their lives collide when they inherit Hotel 88, a once-grand property haunted by unresolved conflicts and long-buried secrets. Their claim, however, is quickly challenged by the influential Almazan family led by Luna (Mika), Leon (River), Jade (Bianca), and Justin (Josh) who assert their own stake in the historic hotel. What follows is a tense battle of loyalty, power, and truth, where shifting alliances and hidden revelations threaten to destroy both families. As tensions rise between the Ferndandezes and the Almazans, viewers will discover how Sari (AZ), Edward (Dustin), Raphie (Esnyr), Monette (Klarisse), Cheska (Xyriel), and Trixie (Kira) become deeply entwined in the lives of both families — each with personal stories and hidden agendas that reveal what truly brought them to Hotel 88.
The series also features industry veterans Dominic Ochoa, Gardo Versoza, and Ina Raymundo. “The Secrets Of Hotel 88” premieres on March 2 and airs weeknights at 9:35 pm on GMA Prime and Kapuso Stream, 10:15 pm on Kapamilya Online Live, and 11:25 pm on GTV. It will also be available on GMA Pinoy TV and TFC (The Filipino Channel) with early streaming exclusively on iWant beginning February 23, seven days ahead of its television debut.
* * * *
Mentorque Announces BarakoFest 2026
 |
| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Mentorque Inc.) |
Mentorque Inc. officially announces the return of BarakoFest, one of the most anticipated multi-experience festivals in Southern Luzon. This year's event, happening on March 26-28, 2026 along the Manila–Batangas Bypass Road in Lipa City, in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Batangas and the City Government of Lipa, brings together music, culture, lifestyle, and community in a purpose built open air festival ground designed for scale and immersive experience.
Leading the first wave of artist announcements is Ben&Ben, one of the Philippines' most sought after bands known for drawing massive crowds and delivering powerful live performances. Organizers confirm that more artists and festival experiences will be revealed in the coming weeks. BarakoFest 2026 is positioned as a full spectrum festival that goes beyond music. Attendees can expect a dynamic blend of live performances, regional flavors, automotive showcases, competitive sports, and cultural experiences that reflect the energy and identity of Batangas. Music that moves. Flavors that define. Cars that amaze. Sports that excite. Culture that unites. A Mentorque spokesperson states, “With BarakoFest, we are building more than a concert. We are creating a large-scale shared experience that brings people together through sound, movement, and culture. The vision is to elevate the festival standard on the region while celebrating the spirit and energy of Batangas.”
The festival grounds are being developed to accommodate large audiences, immersive stage production, curated concessionaires, and interactive lifestyle zones, reinforcing BarakoFest’s position as a major destination event in the Philippine festival calendar. BarakoFest carries the official tagline FEEL THE ENERGY, reflecting the intensity, atmosphere, and collective spirit the festival aims to deliver. Partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, and concessionaire applications are now open. For more details, contact +63 992 408 3576/+63 991 940 5983 for partnership and sponsorship inquiries, +63 966 241 8467/+63 916 325 9555 for concessionaire inquiries, or via e-mail at inquiry@mentorque.ph.
* * * *
WildBrain And The Pokémon Company International Further Expand Global FAST Footprint
 |
| (Image Source: WildBrain/The Pokémon Company International) |
WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, and The Pokémon Company International are expanding the reach of their single-IP Pokémon channel through new launches around the world on leading FAST platforms. WildBrain has launched three new Pokémon channels this year in the U.S. on LG Channels, The Roku Channel and VIZIO WatchFree+ where audiences can watch 25 seasons of the iconic original animated series featuring Ash Ketchum and his partner Pokémon, Pikachu. Additional new channels launched in the last six months of 2025 included Pluto TV in the U.K. and across 18 Latin American countries and Samsung TV Plus in the U.K., Mexico, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.
Wildbrain Vice President for AVOD and FAST Lara Ilie said, “These new international channel launches for Pokémon reflect how FAST is gaining real traction among family audiences beyond just the U.S. region. As Pokémon continues to deliver joy to fans around the world, we’re thrilled to leverage our FAST capabilities to deliver the beloved original series to those fans where they’re watching.” In partnership with The Pokémon Company International, WildBrain is the only distributor of the single-IP Pokémon FAST channel. Since August 2024, WildBrain has launched the Pokémon channel across 24 regions for fans around the world to enjoy. WildBrain is the world’s leading expert in harnessing FAST for kids’ content with over 180 FAST channels launched for multiple brands across platforms worldwide, offering partners the expertise, operational infrastructure and insights needed to leverage and optimize the FAST opportunity.
Started in Japan with Pocket Monsters Red and Blue for the Gameboy in 1996, Pokémon is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world today. The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing and marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website.
