Gaming

Esports Nations Cup 2026 secures US$ 45M funding

ENC to elevate global esports with structured national ecosystem

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The inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 has just secured a US$ 45 million funding commitment, the Esports World Cup Foundation has announced.

This three-part funding commitment is structured to support the esports ecosystem through player and coach prizing, club release incentives, and national team development.

The first ever ENC will include a US$ 20 million in total prize money, paid directly to players and coaches across 16 titles.

The ENC introduces a placement-based prize framework, applied across all game titles. It is designed to be clear and player-centric.

Every qualified participant earns prize money and is guaranteed a minimum of three matches. Equal placement earns equal pay, meaning the same finishing position plays the same amount per player across all titles.

For a quick overview, the first-place finisher earns US$ 50,000 per player, whether competing in a solo or team title. Second-placers get US$ 30,000 per player, and third-placers get US$ 15,000 per player.

For team titles, payouts scale with roster size, so the result is consistent and transparent for everyone competing.

Meanwhile, the EWCF will provide US$ 5 million in club incentives for esports clubs that release and enable their professional players to participate in ENC.

In addition, there will also be another US$ 20 million for the ENC Development Fund. This supports official national team partners with logistics, travel, program operations, marketing, and the long-term growth of national team pathways.

The ENC 2026 is set to debut from November 2 to 29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It will move to a rotating host-city model, bringing nation-based esports to major cities around the world.

The event is to be held every two years. Among confirmed titles for 2026 include Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Trackmania, and DOTA 2.

Gaming

PRAGMATA launches with dual-character sci-fi action

Capcom’s long-awaited lunar adventure blends hacking and combat

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PRAGMATA | CAPCOM Key Art

CAPCOM has officially released PRAGMATA, a new sci-fi action-adventure title now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Set on the moon in the near future, PRAGMATA follows an unlikely duo navigating a lunar station overrun by hostile robots. Players take control of spacefarer Hugh and android Diana. Each one is equipped with distinct abilities that must be used in tandem to progress.

The single-player experience leans on a mix of action and strategy. Combat pairs with hacking mechanics. It requires players to switch between characters and coordinate their skills. These are necessary to overcome enemies and environmental challenges.

A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled to arrive in Southeast Asia on April 24, 2026, with pre-orders now open.

Southeast Asia availability

PRAGMATA is rolling out across platforms with the following release schedule:

  • PlayStation 5 — April 17, 2026 (Physical & Digital)
  • Xbox Series X|S — April 17, 2026 (Digital)
  • Steam (PC) — April 17, 2026 (Digital)
  • Nintendo Switch 2 — April 24, 2026 (Physical & Digital)

Physical edition and early bonuses

Physical Standard Editions are available for PlayStation 5 starting April 17, followed by Nintendo Switch 2 on April 24.

Players who purchase from participating retailers in Southeast Asia may receive limited bonuses, including a Chibi Diana memo pad and an A4 clear folder with exclusive artwork. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Digital editions and extras

Digital Standard and Deluxe Editions are available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives on April 24.

The Standard Edition includes the base game, while the Deluxe Edition adds the Shelter Variety Pack. This bundle includes additional outfits for Diana and Hugh, extra background music tracks, gestures, a weapon skin, and a collection of in-game artwork.

Soundtrack rollout

Six tracks from the PRAGMATA original soundtrack, including the main theme “Memories Are You,” are now available on major streaming platforms ahead of the full release.

PRAGMATA is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with the Nintendo Switch 2 version launching next week in Southeast Asia.

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Gaming

Bloodborne is getting an R-rated animated film adaptation

And it’s going to be produced by Sony and Jacksepticeye.

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FromSoftware fans are eating well these days. Though gamers are still anticipating the arrival of The Duskbloods on the Switch 2, the studio’s other franchises are getting well-deserved nods for adaptations: Sekiro, Elden Ring, and now, Bloodborne.

Sekiro has already been slated for an anime adaptation for a while now. Meanwhile, Alex Garland recently confirmed that he is adapting Elden Ring for A24. Today, Sony Pictures has confirmed that the studio is working on an R-rated animated film based on Bloodborne.

Via Variety, Sony Pictures president Sanford Panitch says that the upcoming adaptation will keep the game’s essence of horror and gore. With a name like “Bloodborne,” you can’t have an adaptation without a heaping of blood.

Besides Sony, the animated project has another big name attached to its production: YouTuber Jacksepticeye. Throughout his career, the creator has been vocal about considering Bloodborne as his favorite game of all time. He even has a tattoo of the Hunter’s Mark on his forearm. For this project, Jack will be a co-producer.

Though the creator’s skill in filmmaking is still a relative unknown, Jack’s love for the game should give the project a gamer’s voice. If anything, Markiplier’s recent Iron Lung adaptation offers optimism that YouTubers can also create decent films.

SEE ALSO: Elden Ring Nightreign is getting a DLC update this December

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Gaming

Honkai: Star Rail 4.2 launching next week

New characters, 3rd anniversary rewards, more

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It hasn’t even been that long since Version 4.1 of Honkai: Star Rail dropped, and now, the space fantasy RPG will launch its Version 4.2 update on April 22.

Called “So Laughed the Masses,” this update continues the Trailblazers’ adventure in Planarcadia. The state of the Phantasmoon Games has grown increasingly complex, following the announcement that the victor will permanently become the Aeon of Elation.

Even more plots and schemes are bound to surface as Research Society of Happy Smiles leader Fulwish invites all Supplicants to a public debate. Trailblazers must successfully navigate every hurdle, obtain more Wishpower, and resolve the hidden crisis.

In Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.2, all-new limited 5-star characters Silver Wolf LV.999 and Evanescia will become playable companions.

Furthermore, limited 5-star characters The Dahlia, Castorice, and Firefly, as well as Tribbie, Sunday, and Feixiao, will all appear respectively in the first and second-phase Warp events.

Trailblazers will also be able to unlock the brand-new Path of Elation.

The Version 4.2 update coincides with the third anniversary of the space fantasy RPG, and the title has prepared a series of special events and generous rewards for players.

Players can get 20 free pulls, Stellar Jade giveaways, and free character redemptions. And for a chance to win a Silver Wolf LV.999-themed car and other surprise gifts, simply participate in the “Aha’s Chosen: Spreading Elation Everywhere” online event.

For more on the update, here’s the latest trailer from HoYoverse:

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