Gaming

Here are the five best announcements from BlizzCon 2019

Diablo 4, Overwatch 2!

Published

November 2, 2019

Luigi Leonardo

Image source: Blizzard

You have to admire Blizzard’s guts. Despite all the controversy, Blizzard pushed through with its annual gaming extravaganza, BlizzCon. Amidst all the protests, BlizzCon 2019 was just as bombastic as the hype predicted. The gaming publisher revealed major announcements for almost all of its properties — Overwatch, Diablo, World of Warcraft, and Hearthstone. Surprisingly, the company also issued another statement regarding its recent controversies with China.

Here are the top five announcements at this year’s BlizzCon:

Diablo 4

“Don’t you guys have phones?” Do you remember this infamous line from last year’s BlizzCon? Instead of launching the much-awaited Diablo 4, Blizzard announced the most insulting curveball in video game history: Diablo Immortal, a mobile version of the popular hack-and-slash game.

Finally, Blizzard has turned things upright. In this year’s event, the company has announced the fourth game in the demonic series. Diablo 4 will pick up years after the events of the previous game. This time, adventurers are hunting down a familiar devilish baddie from Diablo II, Lilith, mother of the very first nephalem.

Besides an announcement trailer, Blizzard has also confirmed three classes: Barbarian, Sorcerer, and Druid.

Overwatch 2

It feels like only yesterday when Blizzard launched Overwatch. Since then, Overwatch has grown into one of the most successful Blizzard titles ever. Even today, the game is still a burgeoning community all over the world.

Without stopping for a breath, Blizzard has announced the sequel to the beloved game. Overwatch 2 will finally feature a much-awaited PvE co-op story mode. Of course, the game will also bring back the acclaimed multiplayer mode featuring new maps, new heroes, and new abilities.

World of Warcraft: Shadowlands

As the company’s oldest ongoing titles, World of Warcraft is getting an all-new expansion, Shadowlands. In the new expansion, Sylvanas Windrunner takes on the current holder of the Lich King’s throne, Bolvar Fordragon. However, the undead elf doesn’t want the Frozen Throne’s power. Instead, she wants to take it apart forever.

The new expansion comes after the title’s recently launched Classic edition, a rerelease of the game’s vanilla mode. It also follows the latest expansion, Legion.

Hearthstone: Descent of Dragons

Naturally, Blizzard’s other Warcraft-inspired title, Hearthstone, is earning an expansion of its own, Descent of Dragons. Featuring new cards, the Dragon-themed expansion introduces a new mechanic called Invoke: a synergistic effect with Galakrond, the expansion’s most major card. It also introduces Side Quests, a mini-quest mechanic playable in-game.

Additionally, Blizzard has announced a new mode, Battlegrounds. Essentially, the new mode introduces an Auto Chess mechanic.

Blizzard’s second apology

Speaking of Hearthstone, Blizzard president J. Allen Brack took to the stage for a fresh new apology. In the statement, Brack finally says “I am sorry and I accept responsibility.” At the very least, the company is making an official apology.

However, the speech wasn’t exactly a direct response as it is a general promise to do better. As such, Brack does not mention China, Hong Kong, or Blizzard’s ties to the former. For all the company’s bombastic announcements, Blizzard is still in the mire of a PR nightmare.

Gaming

SEGA/ATLUS, animate launch year-long collaboration featuring popular IPs

Fairs, live music events, more to be held, featuring globally-renowned SEGA group franchises

Published

May 11, 2026

GadgetMatch

SEGA/ATLUS and animate have officially announced a massive, year-long global partnership. This shall bring the gaming giant’s most iconic franchises to over 140 retail locations worldwide.

Marking the first cross-regional collaboration of its scale for both companies, the project is set to feature a rotating lineup of eight major IPs from the SEGA Group.

This includes titles from group companies like ATLUS and Rovio Entertainment. The featured franchises will be rolled out in phases.

The initiative kicks off in June 2026 with Sonic the Hedgehog taking center stage. Then, it will be followed by PUYOPUYO, HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE!, the Persona series, and the highly anticipated Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Moreover, the schedule continues through early 2027 with spotlight events for Yakuza / Like a Dragon, Angry Birds, and the classic Sakura Wars.

The project includes animate stores both in Japan and overseas (including locations in China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and the U.S.).

Fans visiting will experience a mix of limited-time exhibitions, exclusive merchandise, hands-on gameplay sessions, and “Cafe Gratte” collaborations.

The massive partnership is part of SEGA’s “Transmedia Strategy” which aims to expand its IPs beyond the digital screen and into the daily lives of fans.

Leveraging animate’s extensive retail network definitely creates an immersive experience for fans of different franchises under SEGA.

The festivities begin June 6, 2026, with the Sonic “Only Shop” and Fair. Fans are encouraged to check local animate listings for specific event dates and regional availability.

For the full schedule, including dates, locations, and activities involved, visit this microsite.

Gaming

The Switch 2 is getting more expensive this year

The price increases will start this month.

Published

May 11, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Gone are the days when consoles get cheaper as time goes by. These days, especially because of the RAM crisis, gaming consoles are getting more expensive. Joining this worrying trend, the Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a price hike.

Even upon launch, the Switch 2 was already pricier than its original counterpart. Currently, without the incoming price hikes, the console retails for US$ 449.99. It’s a lot but not completely out of reach.

Last week, Nintendo announced a price hike that might push the console to less than attainable levels. Starting May 25, the Switch 2 will cost JPY 59,980 (up from JPY 49,980) in Japan. The original generation is also getting a hike: JPY 47,980 for the Switch OLED, JPY 43,980 for the base Switch, and JPY 29,980 for the Switch Lite.

Abroad, you can expect price hikes on September 1. The Switch 2 will jump to US$ 499.99, CAN 679.99, or EUR 499.99, depending on where you live. These are the only official hikes announced right now, but Nintendo has confirmed that price revisions will be implemented in other regions, too.

As you might expect, the price increases are due to the ongoing RAM crisis. Though the console is an undeniable hit, the Switch 2 can’t hide behind its popularity against the price shortage dealt by unnecessary data centers. At the very least, users worldwide have time to grab the console in its original pricing before the hikes.

Gaming

Resident Evil Requiem’s LEON MUST DIE FOREVER update out now

Free minigame added as extra mode after completing Requiem

Published

May 9, 2026

GadgetMatch

Capcom has officially released the action-packed “LEON MUST DIE FOREVER” DLC for Resident Evil Requiem.

The free minigame is now available on the fastest-selling entry in the franchise’s history as an update across various platforms. This includes PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Unlocked as an extra mode after completing the main story, “LEON MUST DIE FOREVER” puts players back in the shoes of legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy.

The mode emphasizes nonstop combat action, with players fighting their way through areas they’ve previously visited throughout the game.

They will then have to defeat the final boss, all with stronger enemy variants, and five difficulty ranks, in a race against the clock.

To keep the experience fresh, each run features randomized area progressions and “enhancer abilities” that Leon can unlock by filling an enhancement gauge.

Players can also hunt down the golden spider to earn more time. Plus, successful runs allow fans to unlock a variety of new costumes for Leon, including the “Wolf Mode” and “Turbo GT” outfits.

Watch the trailer for more insight:

Alongside the gameplay content, Capcom has released a series of technical updates, including bug fixes and PC support for the DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

In addition, all new “LEON MUST DIE FOREVER” merch, including t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirt, and hoodies, is now available on Amazon.

As Capcom continues to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, fans can expect even more updates for the title later this year.