The team at Square Enix has officially announced the Closed Beta Test kickoff for its highly anticipated multiplayer murder mystery action game KILLER INN.
The Steam playtest for KILLER INN will begin July 25 at 3pm PT – great way to ring in the weekend!
Focusing primarily on testing network features and server performance, note that additional KILLER INN beta tests are planned for future dates.
In addition to said server testing, Square Enix encourages players to share gameplay feedback via a survey provided during this time!
New to KILLER INN? Set in a mysterious old castle, this murder mystery title has 24 players engaging in a life-or-death battle of deception.
See it for yourself with the KILLER INN announcement trailer below:
KILLER INN | Announcement Trailer [EN PEGI]
All those interested in checking out KILLER INN can get a chance to check it out via its official Steam page.
ANTIDOTE
The only item that can cure poisoning. If you suddenly feel nauseous, you are poisoned. You don't have much time left.
In such a pinch, you will surely trust the person who offers you the antidote.
Set to release tomorrow (July 23), Amazon Games is launching Lost Ark’s July update that brings with it the new Paradise System, the Maharaka Festival, and more.
Proudly serving as Northern California’s largest pop culture event, the team behind FAN EXPO San Francisco 2025 have confirmed a number of the legendary comic artists from Star Wars, Spider-Woman, Power Rangers, and Marvel that will be at the event.
Feeling the need for speed (wait, wrong game…)? The fine folks at SEGA are continuing their Racing Around the World fan celebration by bringing fans a unique, fully immersive karting experience at K1 Speed San Diego from July 24 to July 27.
The wild world of Pokemon GO is set to conclude an incredible summer of adventures with two major upcoming global events with Pokemon GO: Dark Skies starting August 18 and Pokémon GO Fest 2025: Max Finale starting August 23.
Set to release tomorrow (July 23), Amazon Games is launching Lost Ark’s July update that brings with it the new Paradise System, the Maharaka Festival, and more.
The July "Welcome to Paradise" Update arrives on July 23!
Paradise Solo Aegir QoL and UI Improvements Progression Events
Catch up on the updates coming to Lost Ark in July below:
Paradise System
Lost Ark players will be able to follow a new seasonal progression path with three distinct activities—Elysian, Crucible and Hell.
This experimental content for the title is set to increase player progression with weekly activities that can be completed on each character.
Solo Aegir & Solo Mode Improvements
In addition, Lost Ark players can dive into a new 2-gate Kazeros solo raid, which includes a number of difficulty adjustments that have been designed to make solo content more accessible overall, all while still challenging veterans.
South Kurzan Powerpass & Mokoko Challenge Express
The South Kurzan Powerpass for Lost Ark is set to boost characters to Item Level 1585, while the Mokoko Challenge Express will serve as a progression boost for characters between 1585 and 1661.
Note that the Mokoko Bootcamp will also make its return to encourage veterans to assist new players.
Quality of Life Updates
On top of that, Lost Ark players will have access to Luminous Gems for customizable effects, Character Bound Gold for progression, and a Mokoko Chat system to help mentors and mentees communicate.
This is on top of a significant revamp of Una’s Tasks based on player feedback.
UI Improvements
Finally, improvements to Lost Ark’s UI have been made including the Skin Collection Book system to help players manage all cosmetics and upgrades to Character Profiles.
Players can also take advantage of improvements to the Party Finder, along with an Achievement System rework.
Proudly serving as Northern California’s largest pop culture event, the team behind FAN EXPO San Francisco 2025 have confirmed a number of the legendary comic artists from Star Wars, Spider-Woman, Power Rangers, and Marvel that will be at the event.
Feeling the need for speed (wait, wrong game…)? The fine folks at SEGA are continuing their Racing Around the World fan celebration by bringing fans a unique, fully immersive karting experience at K1 Speed San Diego from July 24 to July 27.
The wild world of Pokemon GO is set to conclude an incredible summer of adventures with two major upcoming global events with Pokemon GO: Dark Skies starting August 18 and Pokémon GO Fest 2025: Max Finale starting August 23.
Feeling the need for speed (wait, wrong game…)? The fine folks at SEGA are continuing their Racing Around the World fan celebration by bringing fans a unique, fully immersive karting experience at K1 Speed San Diego from July 24 to July 27.
Racing fans can expect the following as part of this activation:
Immersive Sonic Racing Experience: Race at K1 Speed’s premier indoor track designed to feel like you’re racing in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
Podium Photo Opportunities: Capture the moment at the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Podium for photos.
Exclusive Giveaways: Attend for the chance to receive exclusive branded merchandise.
Collaborative Merchandise: Shop for branded items celebrating the K1 x Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds collaboration.
Arcade Pop-Ups: Play classic SEGA arcade machines available at the activation.
Note that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to come out both physically and digitally (by Limited Run Games) for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 25.
Proudly serving as Northern California’s largest pop culture event, the team behind FAN EXPO San Francisco 2025 have confirmed a number of the legendary comic artists from Star Wars, Spider-Woman, Power Rangers, and Marvel that will be at the event.
The wild world of Pokemon GO is set to conclude an incredible summer of adventures with two major upcoming global events with Pokemon GO: Dark Skies starting August 18 and Pokémon GO Fest 2025: Max Finale starting August 23.
The wild world of Pokemon GO is set to conclude an incredible summer of adventures with two major upcoming global events, with Pokemon GO: Dark Skies starting August 18 and Pokémon GO Fest 2025: Max Finale starting August 23.
Rally together with millions of Trainers worldwide for the grand conclusion of this year’s GO Fest events with #PokemonGOFest2025: Max Finale!
This unticketed event can be joined from anywhere in the world with the free GO Pass: Max Finale!
As part of the festivities, the Gigantic Pokémon Eternatus is set to make its global Pokemon GO debut. Trainers can get the chance to take on Eternatus in an epic showdown that features legendary Pokemon Crowned Sword Zacian and Crowned Shield Zamazenta, both of which will make their return to raids.
Note that Pokemon GO: Dark Skies is set to run from August 18 through August 24, featuring a variety of Dynamax Pokémon.
On that note, the weekend of August 23 to 24 will see Pokemon GO Fest 2025: Max Finale brings back every Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon.
Note that all Trainers level 13 and higher will be automatically given the GO Pass: Max Finale when the event starts on August 18 at 10am (local time).
Meanwhile, Trainers can purchase the GO Pass Deluxe: Max Finale to significantly increase candy rewards throughout the event, along with the ability to earn a host of additional goodies.
Players will be able to run the rootinest, tootinest General Store in the Wild West when SunDust’s Wild West Supermarket Simulator launches for the PC via Steam in Early Access August 7.
Serving as Northern California’s largest pop culture event, the team behind FAN EXPO San Francisco 2025 recently confirmed that Catherine Tate (Doctor Who), Peter Facinelli (Twilight), and Jackson Rathbone (Twilight) will be Guests of Honor at the event this November.
For those about to rock, we salute you! Ritual Studios and Playdigious’ Fretless – The Wrath of Riffson is now available for the PC via Steam.
Stepping into the shoes of friendly musician Rob Scallon, Fretless – The Wrath of Riffson will have players striving to restore harmony in a world that is out of tune, one where zany villains are corrupting music.
Players will be able to run the rootinest, tootinest General Store in the Wild West when SunDust’s Wild West Supermarket Simulator launches for the PC via Steam in Early Access August 7.
Serving as Northern California’s largest pop culture event, the team behind FAN EXPO San Francisco 2025 recently confirmed that Catherine Tate (Doctor Who), Peter Facinelli (Twilight), and Jackson Rathbone (Twilight) will be Guests of Honor at the event this November.
Global MapleStory has officially kicked off Part 2 of its summer Stargazer update, bringing with it the highly anticipated Dave the Diver collaboration.
The award-winning development team at MercurySteam, previously crafting megahits like Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and Metroid Dread, is back with their new original title Blades of Fire.
Gamers Heroes recently asked MercurySteam some questions about Blades of Fire, learning more about its weapon forging system, its incredible music by Óscar Araujo, and its stellar community – learn more with our interview.
Blades of Fire Interview – MercurySteam Talks Customization, Music, and Community
Gamers Heroes
During my time with Blades of Fire, I loved how customizable everything was, from the weapons, to the Forge, to even its different runes – it’s truly unique, and I loved it! What made the development team want to take on such a robust system?
MercurySteam
We knew from the start the system had to be that robust.
We wanted players to fully step into Aran de Lira’s boots—to feel what he feels, to know only what he knows.
Blades of Fire is all about immersion. Not just visually or narratively, but through gameplay that puts the weight of every choice—every hammer strike—directly in your hands.
You forge your weapons. You live with the results. The game won’t hand you anything for free.
It only gives what you earn through effort, curiosity, and commitment—both in combat and in story.
That was our north star.
Gamers Heroes
On that same note, during the testing periods, were there any strategies or weapon combinations that especially stood out?
MercurySteam
That’s the beauty of Blades of Fire—there’s no “best weapon,” no ultimate build. It’s all about how you want to fight.
Love two-handed axes and swords? Go for it.
Prefer daggers, sabers, or crushing hammers? That’s valid too.
What really changes everything is the steel you use.
Different steels, different traits—and you can use any of them to shape the weapon that best matches your style. That’s where the real strategy lies: not just in weapon choice, but in what you make them from.
Gamers Heroes
Óscar Araujo’s work on Blades of Fire’s soundtrack is truly fantastic. What went into the sound design of this title – are there any inspirations the team just had to pull from when it came to direction?
MercurySteam
Oscar and I wanted a soundtrack that felt like it could have been performed in the era the game is set in—with instruments that existed back then.
And that’s exactly what Oscar delivered.
There’s not a single modern instrument in Blades of Fire. That gives the score this raw, grounded power that perfectly fits the world.
Fun fact: Oscar also composed the soundtrack for Blade: The Edge of Darkness, the first game the MercurySteam founders ever worked on.
For him—and for us—Blades of Fire is the spiritual sequel to that game, and that extends to the music.
Just over a month ago, #BladesofFire launched. To everyone that picked up a copy and continues to show us support and enthusiasm for what we've created, thank you! ⚔️
It’s been amazing to see how the community has embraced Blades of Fire.
From the very first fan art we received, we knew people were connecting with the world and its characters on a deep level. Some players have created incredible illustrations of Aran and the enemies he faces—others have shared their thoughts about the story and what it meant to them emotionally.
We’ve even seen people theorizing about hidden lore and trying to guess the origins of certain weapons or characters. That level of engagement is everything to us—it reminds us why we make games.
I’d love to know what went into the design of the demo, and how things came together in such a fast amount of time.
MercurySteam
Thanks!
We always believed Blades of Fire is a game you need to play to truly understand. Watching trailers or reading reviews only gets you so far—none of it can replicate the feeling of that first roll into combat, that first hammer strike in the Forge.
That’s why we knew we had to build a free demo. We wanted everyone to get a taste of what it really means to fight, forge, and survive in our world. And judging by the response—it was totally worth it.
Gamers Heroes recently spoke with Ryan Drummond at Fire & Ice RGX 2025 to talk about his trailblazing role as Sonic the Hedgehog, his love for the Sonic community, and more – learn more with our interview.
Gamers Heroes recently spoke with professional voice actor Jessica Straus about her rich line of work, from Street Fighter bad girl Juri Han to Wolf’s Rain’s Blue – learn more with our interview.
Gamers Heroes recently spoke with Luckshot Games’ Chris Wade on Big Hops’ froggy adventure, talking everything from its community to its dream team to even its fantastic voice over work – learn more with our interview.
Gamers Heroes recently got a chance to ask Kitten Cup Studio about Capy Castaway, learning more about its fantastical world, the stellar work of composer Mark Sparling, and more – learn more with our interview.
Don’t know what Steam Next Fest games to play this June? Gamers Heroes has got you covered with 5 Steam Next Fest demos you must play – no multipage clickthrough required.
Paradise
Solo Aegir
QoL and UI Improvements
Progression Events
