Bandai Namco has confirmed that ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will launch on October 2, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

The publisher also announced that early access will be available ahead of launch, although specific dates have yet to be revealed.

Alongside the release date announcement, Bandai Namco shared new details on the game’s aircraft roster, gameplay systems, and key characters that players will encounter throughout its campaign.

The latest entry in the long-running flight combat franchise puts players in the role of an ace pilot fighting for the survival of their homeland. The story centers on themes of identity and duty while featuring large-scale aerial battles across a war-torn world.

More than 30 aircraft at launch

ACE COMBAT 8 will feature over 30 aircraft spanning real-world military jets and original fictional designs created specifically for the game.

Aircraft are divided into four categories: fighters, attack aircraft, multi-role aircraft, and electronic warfare aircraft.

Some of the aircraft confirmed so far include the F-14D Super Tomcat fighter jet, the heavily armed A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, the versatile Mirage 2000-5, and the electronic warfare-focused EA-6B Prowler.

All aircraft come equipped with guided missiles and machine guns as standard weapons. Players can also equip special weapons ranging from multi-target missiles and heavy bombs to advanced laser systems.

A new gameplay feature allows players to bring two types of special weapons into missions, offering more flexibility during combat. However, ammunition remains limited, requiring careful resource management throughout each operation.

Bandai Namco also highlighted a new destruction system where falling wreckage from destroyed enemies can occasionally collide with other targets, triggering chain reactions on the battlefield.

Meet Joker Flight

Players take control of Joker Flight captain Jan Cope, known by the legendary callsign “Wings of Theve.” The campaign follows Joker Flight as its members deepen their bonds amid an escalating conflict.

Key squadron members include Ellington Baxter, Tasha Severskaya, and William “Noise” Coster. Players will also encounter Queen Flight leader Kate Evans, carrier XO Jessica Pike, doctor Adelina Santos, and chief mechanic David Jenkins.

Character designs come from Yusuke Kozaki.

During missions, players can choose squadron compositions and issue commands to wingmen. They can also respond to radio communications using a simple yes-or-no system.

ACE COMBAT Online returns

Bandai Namco also shared new details about ACE COMBAT Online, the game’s multiplayer mode. Players create a mercenary pilot avatar before joining online lobbies. There, they can take part in both cooperative and competitive battles with players worldwide.

More information about ACE COMBAT Online will be revealed at a later date.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE launches on October 2, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Bandai Namco has also confirmed early access ahead of release.

Persona fans have plenty to look forward to. ATLUS has confirmed that Persona 4 Revival will launch on February 18, 2027, while also officially unveiling Persona 6, the next mainline entry in the long-running RPG series.

Both announcements were made during the Xbox Games Showcase. Persona 4 Revival is headed to Xbox Series X|S, Windows, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Pre-orders are now available through the Microsoft Store.           

Persona 4 Revival is a full remake of Persona 4 Golden. ATLUS says the game features upgraded visuals, a revamped user interface, improved combat systems, enhanced cutscenes, and additional content. The remake aims to serve both returning fans and newcomers experiencing the mystery-filled adventure for the first time.

The story once again takes players to the rural town of Inaba, where a string of murders and disappearances become linked to the mysterious Midnight Channel and a hidden world inside television screens. Players will reunite with familiar characters including the protagonist, Yosuke Hanamura, Chie Satonaka, Yukiko Amagi, and Marie.

ATLUS also revealed several launch DLC packs. This includes Persona-themed costumes, Persona fusion sets based on Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Royal, support items, and additional background music packs.

Limited physical editions will also be available. The Persona 4 Revival Limited Box includes a Shigenori Soejima-designed collector’s box, artbook, T-shirt, phone pouch, costume set, and a physical copy of the game. An Izanagi Edition adds a protagonist and Izanagi figure.

Persona 6 officially revealed

Alongside the remake announcement, ATLUS unveiled Persona 6 with a teaser trailer.

While the company stopped short of announcing a release date, it confirmed that the next mainline Persona title will launch on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation 5, and Steam.

According to ATLUS, Persona 6 will feature an all-new story set in a previously unseen location. The publisher promises new characters, fresh encounters, and the signature blend of social simulation and RPG gameplay that helped define the franchise.

Few additional details were shared, suggesting the game remains early in its marketing cycle.

Persona series reaches 30 million sales

The announcements come as ATLUS celebrates a major milestone for the franchise.

SEGA and ATLUS revealed that the Persona series has now surpassed 30 million units sold worldwide. To mark the occasion, character designer Shigenori Soejima released a commemorative illustration celebrating the series’ 30th anniversary.

With Persona 4 Revival arriving in early 2027 and Persona 6 now officially on the horizon, ATLUS is setting up what could be one of the biggest periods in the franchise’s history.

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SEGA has officially revealed Virtua Fighter Crossroads, the next mainline game in the long-running fighting franchise.

Previously known as the New Virtua Fighter Project, the title is set to launch in 2027.

The announcement came during Summer Game Fest 2026 in Los Angeles, where SEGA debuted the game’s first reveal trailer.

Players can also watch the archived showcase featuring producer and creative director Riichiro Yamada and members of the development team.

Reveal trailer:

Showcase presentation:

SEGA also released a story trailer focused on Cielo, one of the game’s four protagonists.

A new story-driven direction

According to SEGA, Virtua Fighter Crossroads aims to go beyond traditional fighting game conventions by combining narrative and combat into a single-player adventure.

The story follows four protagonists whose lives and convictions become intertwined. Their paths cross in a tale that blends cinematic storytelling with the series’ signature martial arts combat.

The game takes place in Vilasapara, a fictional Southeast Asian metropolis. Once stabilized by an agreement known as the Arma Carta, the city now faces growing tensions tied to politics, underground fighting, and a mysterious figure known as the Bakunawa Killer.

SEGA says the choices and conflicts surrounding these characters will shape the future of the city.

RGG Studio builds a new city

Vilasapara serves as the game’s central setting and has been created by RGG Studio.

The city features multiple districts, including a walled city center, entertainment zones, and resort areas. Players can explore these locations while uncovering side stories and optional quests connected to the people who live there.

Combat also receives a major overhaul. Story Mode will feature encounters ranging from multi-opponent fights to boss battles that unfold as part of the narrative.

Meanwhile, Battle Mode will allow players to jump directly into one-on-one matches both online and offline.

SEGA says the new entry retains the fluid and technical fighting system the series is known for while introducing greater realism and deeper strategic gameplay.

The company also revealed that the game’s narrative is being developed by a team of international writers who have contributed to other major projects, though specific names were not announced.