Gaming

Genshin Impact Version Luna VIII brings Sandrone, permanent lunar region

Explore an all-new celestial frontier as Sandrone returns

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HoYoverse has officially announced Genshin Impact Version Luna VIII, titled “Sunny Summer Fontinalia,” set to launch on July 1.

The upcoming update delivers a massive structural shift to the game’s universe, taking players entirely beyond the skies of Teyvat to explore an all-new celestial frontier.

The update headliner also introduces a highly anticipated member of the Fatui Harbingers to the playable roster. That is Sandrone, the Seventh of the Fatui Harbingers, who joins the roster as a 5-star Cryo Claymore wielder.

Following her selfless sacrifice during the brutal conflict in Nod-Krai to help Columbina and the Traveler defeat The Doctor, players will finally uncover the truth behind how she has returned.

Sandrone’s kit introduces Stellar-Conduct, a brand-new Cryo-Electro reaction. Triggered by specific character combinations, the reaction spawns a “Polestar Field” that absorbs excess energy to buff party elemental damage while shredding the physical resistance of enemies.

In battle, Sandrone deploys an autonomous construct named Fagio to deal heavy charged attack damage, balancing its heat levels using her Elemental Skill while unleashing massive artillery bombardments via her Elemental Burst.

She will headline the first phase of the version’s character banners alongside a rerun of Citlali, followed by Columbina and the Raiden Shogun in the second half.

Setting foot on the Frost Moon

Breaking away from traditional terrestrial expansion, Genshin Impact Version Luna VIII introduces the Frost Moon as a permanent, fully explorable region.

Players will board a spacecraft to leave Teyvat behind, gaining access to low-gravity traversal mechanics across a harsh, treacherous lunar sea and ancient ruins tied to the lore of the ancient dragon race.

The cosmic map also features a massive space station suspended in orbit, giving players a literal bird’s-eye view of Teyvat rotating in the distance.

To help players navigate the structural shift, HoYoverse is implementing a layered map display feature that tracks real-time elevation on both the moon and the planet surface.

Summer celebrations and fresh outfits

Back on the waves, the Fontinalia Film Festival sets sail aboard the Wingalet in Fontaine. This midsummer water festival features a permanent event storyline involving Charlotte, Citlali, Columbina, and Sandrone.

By participating in the festival and managing the ship’s custom aquarium, players can invite Charlotte to their party completely for free and unlock an exclusive new outfit for her.

Additionally, a premium new outfit for Citlali will hit the store with a limited-time launch discount, alongside fresh summer-themed lobby cosmetics and interactive asset upgrades coming to the Miliastra Wonderland system.

Gaming

Tides of Annihilation opens first public demo at Gamescom 2026

First hands-on

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Tides of Annihilation

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.

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Gaming

Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster

Eskrima fighter joins battle

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Yasmine | Street Fighter 6

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.

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Gaming

Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization

Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards

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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:

  • 5 million players: 100 Diamonds
  • 10 million players: 200 Diamonds
  • 20 million players: Vehicle Upgrade Vouchers x5
  • 30 million players: Full Tilt Vehicle Pack

All Global Vault Heist and Faction rewards can be claimed via the in-game mail system on August 20.

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