Gaming

Civilization VII trailer introduces a huge change for the series

Keep your leader but change your civ

Published

August 21, 2024

Luigi Leonardo

I love the Civilization franchise. Each new iteration always manages to reinvent how to play the iconic strategy game. Civilization VII is no different. During Gamescom, Firaxis Games unveiled the first gameplay trailer and showcase for the upcoming strategy game, introducing a plethora of game-defining improvements. Here’s why it’s exciting for fans of the franchise.

A mix of six and seven

Civilization V was the last time that the series took a more realistic approach to graphics. The current iteration, Civilization VII, went for a more vibrant, cartoony look. Naturally, some players prefer one over the other. I find value in both, personally.

On the other hand, Civilization VII feels like a combination of both games. The graphics certainly looks more realistic. However, the game modifies some elements to look more simplified on a gameplay perspective.

Overall, it looks more immersive, especially when considering that cities now having housing clearly depicted. At least from the trailer, your civilization does look like it’s actually growing.

Rolling down the river

For the first time, units can now traverse through a river. It’s much-requested feature that Firaxis is finally adding to the game.

While the trailer doesn’t really say how much this impacts gameplay, it’s likely a big boon for coastal raiding civilizations, especially if they’re in the game.

Rocking through the ages

Arguably, the biggest change coming to the franchise is the introduction of ages. Instead of taking your civilization scientifically through a good number of eras, there are only three different ages now: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modernity.

According to Firaxis, the limited number of ages should make each one feel more meaningful. Each one is also a blank slate, which will allow only a few elements to cross between eras. So, whatever players do in the Age of Antiquity will only marginally affect the game in the Age of Exploration.

Keep the leader, change the civ

Now, the controversial part of the huge change is how a player’s chosen civilization changes across eras. Much like the franchise’s competitor Humankind, Civilization VII will feature changing civilizations across the ages. While the leaders stay the same throughout the campaign, players can choose to pivot away from their civilizations into new ones.

For example, the trailer shows a game where the Egyptian Hatshepsut was chosen as the leader. However, when the game progresses into the Age of Exploration, the game pivoted to the Songhai, away from the Egyptian civilization.

Gwendoline Christie is the narrator

Finally, Firaxis Studios unveiled the narrator for the upcoming game. Gwendoline Christie, most famously known for her role in Game of Thrones, will voice the entire game. It’s a much appreciated change, even if Sean Bean did such a great job in the current entry.

Coming next year

Civilization VII will launch on February 11, 2025. Preorders are now open for players.

The available preorder options include the regular version, the Deluxe Edition, and the Founders Edition. Each edition comes with a varying number of perks including access to post-launch content.

Gaming

Tides of Annihilation opens first public demo at Gamescom 2026

First hands-on

Published

August 6, 2026

Leez

Tides of Annihilation will make its public playable debut at Gamescom 2026.

Developer Eclipse Glow Games announced that attendees can try an extended demo of the upcoming action-adventure game during the event in Cologne, Germany. Players can find the demo at Hall 6, Booth B-050 inside Koelnmesse.

The studio will also reveal a new trailer during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, before the show floor opens.

Demo offers more exploration and combat

The Gamescom demo gives players a longer look at Tides of Annihilation. It features branching paths that lead to different exploration routes and combat encounters. Players can also explore key locations and experience several of the game’s biggest set pieces.

“Gamescom will be an incredibly important moment for our team since this will be our first global playtest and we’re excited to see how first-time players experience our game,” said Ary Chen, Game Director and Co-CEO of Eclipse Glow Games.

“The team has poured heart, soul, and maybe even a few tears into developing the game over the last few years, and it’s finally our opportunity to share it with players. We’re looking forward to seeing their reaction.”

Members of the press and content creators can also schedule private hands-on sessions with the development team during the event.

Arthurian-inspired adventure

Tides of Annihilation blends fast-paced action with a Neo-Medieval vision of modern London. The story follows Gwendolyn after an Outworld invasion leaves the city in ruins.

Driven by a mission to save her sister, she travels between a shattered London and the mythical realm of Avalon. Along the way, she uncovers the mystery behind her newfound powers. She must also decide the fate of reality itself.

Eclipse Glow Games is developing Tides of Annihilation for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

Gaming

Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster

Eskrima fighter joins battle

Published

August 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Street Fighter 6 has officially welcomed Yasmine, making history as the first Filipino martial artist to join the franchise’s playable roster. The new character is now available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the game’s Year 4 content.

Yasmine practices Eskrima, having learned the Filipino martial art alongside her older brother under their grandfather’s guidance. She wields Karambit knives in battle and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother.

Players can access Yasmine by purchasing the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Her default outfit features traditional Eskrima-inspired combat attire, while a school uniform serves as her second costume. In combat, she specializes in fast, aggressive attacks that build toward an enhanced Bayani Mode.

Yasmine is the first of four Year 4 fighters, followed by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also arrives alongside battle balance adjustments affecting the entire roster.

Onimusha crossover arrives this week

Capcom also announced a limited-time collaboration between Street Fighter 6 and Onimusha. Running from August 7 to August 31, 2026, the event introduces Oni EX character colors, themed Battle Hub decorations, avatar items, and additional rewards for players who log in during the event.

The update also adds new Avatar Arcade courses, additional ending scenes, a Frame Meter option for Avatar Random Match, and refreshed Master ACT rewards.

Philippine launch event set for August 9

Capcom will celebrate Yasmine’s debut with an official Philippine community launch event on Sunday, August 9, at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features a double-elimination tournament, gameplay showcases, giveaways, and community activities.

Attendees can also receive limited-edition Yasmine merchandise, including event T-shirts, lanyards, and collectible keychains while supplies last. Special guests and cosplayers are also scheduled to appear. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.

Gaming

Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization

Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards

Published

August 5, 2026

GadgetMatch

Gangstar Mirage City is set for a full regional launch on August 20, with localization for the Southeast Asia region.

Published by Level Infinite, the free-to-play multiplayer, urban, open-world action game is available for download on iOS and Android.

The full regional release features an expanded open world, a new PvP Arena mode, and local languages.

In Gangstar Mirage City, players can team up for up to 4-man co-op heists, drive powerful vehicles, customize their arsenal, build an empire, and fight for control of Rooklyn City.

Players can register on gangstarmiragecity.com for in-game rewards.

In Southeast Asia, players can also register as a member of their respective local faction and get an exclusive in-game Avatar to represent their loyalty:

Philippines: Manila Brigade
Indonesia: War Kanda
Malaysia: Taiko Tedung
Thailand: SIAM APEX

Factions will be ranked based on how many players join and support them. The winning faction will enable all members to get 300 Diamonds, sent directly to their accounts.

Meanwhile, all players, including those who already began their journey in Rooklyn City with the soft launch last July, are invited to join the Global Vault Heist.

Reaching the final Registration Milestone will unlock the Full Tilt Vehicle Pack. These are the rewards up for grabs per milestone: