Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Rockstar Games has released the much-anticipated second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, providing fans with a closer look at the game's story, characters, and expansive setting. Captured on PlayStation 5, the trailer highlights the return to Vice City and invites players to explore the wider state of Leonida.
Following the announcement of a delay pushing the game's release to 26 May 2026, this latest trailer aims to reignite excitement among fans who have been waiting over a decade since the release of GTA V.
Jason and Lucia take centre stage
The trailer introduces the central protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. Rockstar describes the pair as being caught in a dangerous conspiracy that stretches across Leonida. The official synopsis reveals: “Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy... forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive.”
Jason, a former Army member with ties to drug runners in the Keys, is portrayed as someone trying to escape a difficult past. Lucia, who has recently been released from prison, is determined to secure a better life for herself and her family. The trailer hints at a tense, high-stakes storyline built on trust and survival.
Supporting cast and character profiles
Rockstar’s updated GTA 6 website offers detailed character bios, adding depth to the world of Vice City. Key supporting characters include:
Cal Hampton: A paranoid conspiracy theorist and Jason’s friend, often seen monitoring Coast Guard communications from his home.
Boobie Ike: A former street figure who has turned his influence into a business empire including real estate, a recording studio, and a strip club.
Dre’Quan Priest: A music entrepreneur behind “Only Raw Records”, aiming to take Vice City’s music scene by storm.
Real Dimez: A rap duo composed of Bae-Luxe and Roxy, whose early viral success has led to a record deal.
Raul Bautista: A seasoned bank robber looking for crew members willing to take big risks.
Brian Heder: A drug runner from the Keys who houses Jason in exchange for favours and occasional company.
Locations across Leonida
The game world, set in the fictional state of Leonida – Rockstar's take on Florida – appears to be the largest and most varied in the franchise’s history. Trailer 2 reveals a wide range of locations, from urban streets to swampy wetlands.
Vice City: The sun-soaked, vibrant city returns with neighbourhoods like Ocean Beach, Little Cuba, and the VC Port, blending pastel hotels, flea markets, and busy local shops.
Leonida Keys: A tropical archipelago where island life hides dangerous undercurrents.
Grassrivers: Dense wetlands filled with alligators and other threats, promising unpredictable exploration.
Port Gellhorn: Once a tourist haven, now a gritty town run on cheap liquor and back-alley deals.
Ambrosia: A region dominated by industrial activity, local biker gangs, and a powerful sugar refinery.
Mount Kalaga: A mountainous area offering hunting, fishing, and off-grid communities living beyond state control.
Each area brings its own atmosphere, challenges, and storylines, reinforcing Rockstar’s emphasis on player immersion.
Delay and platform release
While the excitement around the new trailer is high, Rockstar has also confirmed a significant delay to GTA 6’s launch. Initially expected in late 2025, the game is now scheduled for release on 26 May 2026. The title is confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no official PC release date yet announced.
Rockstar released the first trailer for GTA VI in December 2023. The gap between the two trailers — one year, five months, and two days — mirrors the promotional strategy used for GTA V, whose first two trailers were released one year and five months apart.
A glimpse into the future of GTA
- YouTubeRockstar Games
The second trailer and updated website make it clear that Rockstar is aiming to deliver its most expansive and narratively rich title yet. With dual protagonists, a wide-ranging open world, and a deep supporting cast, GTA VI is set to push the boundaries of what fans expect from the series.
Fans can now dive into character details and explore Leonida’s environments on the official GTA VI website, as anticipation builds toward the 2026 release.
Nintendo Direct scheduled for Friday, 12 September at 2pm BST / 9am ET
Longest ever general Direct with a 60-minute runtime
Likely announcements for Super Mario Bros 40th anniversary
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond release date expected
Updates on Switch and Switch 2 games anticipated
Nintendo confirms longest Direct to date
Nintendo has confirmed that its next Nintendo Direct will take place on Friday, 12 September at 2pm BST / 9am ET. The presentation will run for around 60 minutes, making it the longest general Direct in the company’s history. It will feature updates on both upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 titles and games for the current Switch.
Mario’s 40th anniversary points to major announcements
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros, with the date falling on Saturday, 13 September. During the franchise’s 35th anniversary in 2020, Nintendo launched several celebratory products, including Super Mario 3D World: Bowser’s Fury, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, a Game & Watch device, and the limited-release collections Super Mario 3D All-Stars and Super Mario Bros 35. Currently, no new Mario titles are confirmed to be in development, raising expectations that the anniversary will be a major focus of this Direct.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond likely to get release date
Fans also expect an update on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The long-awaited title has recently been rated by classification boards in South Korea, the US (ESRB), and Brazil, indicating that a release date announcement could be imminent. The game is still officially planned for release this year.
What else to expect
Nintendo is also expected to provide updates on its wider line-up:
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – releasing 16 October 2025
Kirby Air Riders – releasing 20 November 2025
Metroid Prime 4 – planned for 2025
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – due Winter 2025/26
Splatoon Raiders – announced, no release date yet
Rhythm Heaven Groove and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream – both scheduled for 2026 on the current Switch
The September Direct will be Nintendo’s biggest opportunity this year to showcase its upcoming projects across both generations of hardware.
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Microsoft and LG partner to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming
Microsoft and LG partner to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to vehicles via LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP)
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can stream cloud versions of Xbox titles on in-car screens
ACP currently available on Kia EV3 and will expand to EV4, EV5, and the new Sportage
Platform runs on LG’s webOS, which also provides Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, and more
Microsoft will extend Xbox Cloud Gaming to Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers
Upcoming Tokyo Game Show stream expected to reveal Forza Horizon 6
Microsoft is teaming up with LG to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to internet-connected vehicles. A new Xbox app will soon be available on cars using LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP), allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to play cloud versions of Xbox titles directly on in-car screens. The app can be used while charging an electric vehicle or entertaining passengers during road trips. LG’s ACP is currently available on Kia’s EV3 and will expand to the EV4, EV5, and new Sportage models.
Xbox gaming hits cars
The new Xbox app allows players to stream games directly to compatible vehicle displays. This expansion builds on Microsoft’s previous efforts to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to smart TVs and mobile devices, giving players greater flexibility in how and where they enjoy their games.
Compatible vehicles and technology
LG’s ACP operates on the webOS platform, the same software that powers LG smart TVs. In addition to Xbox, the platform provides access to popular streaming services including Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, and more. Kia’s EV3 already supports the system, with the EV4, EV5, and new Sportage set to follow.
Expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming reach
The partnership comes as Microsoft prepares to expand Xbox Cloud Gaming to Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers, broadening the availability of cloud gaming across devices and regions. Christopher Lee, vice president of Xbox marketing, said: "Our work with LG is the latest example of Xbox expanding to new places, building on partnerships that already bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to mobile devices, PCs, and TVs. By adding vehicles to the mix, we’re giving players more choice than ever in how they enjoy their games."
- YouTube YouTube/ XBOX
Tokyo Game Show announcement
Microsoft confirmed it will return to the Tokyo Game Show later this month. An Xbox stream is scheduled for 25 September at 03:00 PT / 06:00 ET / 11:00 UK time. Forza Horizon 6 is widely expected to be announced during the showcase. The Xbox teaser features an urban neon street scene, suggesting a possible Japanese setting for the upcoming game.
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The build consists of 270 pieces and features the franchise’s red racing hero
LEGO confirms first Speed Champions set for 2026: Lightning McQueen.
Release coincides with the 20th anniversary of Pixar’s Cars.
Unusual for the theme: no minifigure included.
The first 2026 reveal
LEGO has confirmed its first Speed Champions set for 2026, taking the theme in an unexpected direction. Set 77255 Lightning McQueen celebrates the 20th anniversary of Disney and Pixar’s Cars (released 28 July 2006) and marks the first time the theme has focused on a fictional, animated vehicle.
The build consists of 270 pieces and features the franchise’s red racing hero, complete with printed details and stickers, as well as an anniversary logo on the box.
A shift for Speed Champions
The release follows a year of Formula 1–focused sets but breaks new ground by presenting a character car without any accompanying minifigure. Aside from small polybag builds, it is the first Speed Champions set to omit a minifigure entirely.
McQueen’s signature smile and sponsor decals are recreated using a mix of stickers and possible printed elements, such as tyres and wheel arches — though LEGO has not yet confirmed which are printed.
Price and release date
Set 77255 Lightning McQueen is available to pre-order worldwide at £22.99 / $27.99 / €27.99, with a release date of 1 January 2026. The price point suggests that Speed Champions sets in the US will continue the price increases seen in 2025.
What’s next for 2026?
At present, Lightning McQueen is the only Speed Champions set officially confirmed for 2026. However, several others are listed for release early next year, including a Bugatti Vision GT, a Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale, a McLaren W1, and a Back to the Future Time Machine. At least one more film-inspired vehicle is also rumoured, hinting that Speed Champions may be steering towards more cinematic tie-ins alongside its traditional supercar line-up.
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The Mass Effect series has been in flux since 2017’s underwhelming Andromeda
Hollow Knight: Silksong finally released after years of silence.
Other long-announced titles remain missing in action.
Some may never see the light of day, while others still hold faint hope.
A Post-Silksong World
When Hollow Knight: Silksong was first announced in 2019, many fans doubted it would ever launch. Years of silence fuelled speculation that it was doomed to become vapourware. Against all odds, the long-awaited sequel finally arrived this year, quickly becoming one of 2025’s biggest releases.
Its success has reignited discussion around other long-delayed projects — games teased years ago but still nowhere to be seen. While some might eventually surface, others appear trapped in development limbo.
Tomb Raider
It has been nearly five years since the next Tomb Raider game was first confirmed, and Crystal Dynamics has yet to show anything concrete.
While the brand continues through Netflix’s animated series and an upcoming Amazon live-action adaptation, fans have been left without a new mainline game. Even the official Tomb Raider channels have offered only vague teases, often pointing to cameos rather than a new adventure.
Tekken X Street Fighter
Announced more than a decade ago, this fighting game crossover has faced constant uncertainty. In 2021, reports claimed the project was cancelled, only for Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada to clarify it was merely “on pause.”
Given how busy both Capcom and Bandai Namco are maintaining Street Fighter and Tekken, it seems increasingly unlikely that this collaboration will ever materialise. One-off guest character crossovers now provide an easier alternative.
BioShock 4
Six years after 2K announced BioShock 4, development remains troubled. Reportedly, internal progress failed to impress executives, leading to major team changes and overhauls.
Although Take-Two insists the game will eventually release — with former Diablo lead Rod Fergusson brought in to steady development — a launch still feels many years away. By then, the series risks fading from cultural relevance.
Mass Effect 4
The Mass Effect series has been in flux since 2017’s underwhelming Andromeda. BioWare teased the next entry in 2020, but updates since have been scarce.
With BioWare hit by repeated layoffs and EA disappointed by the performance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, expectations for a timely and polished return remain low. While a release seems inevitable, there are concerns it may lean heavily into live service mechanics.
Dragon Quest 12
Dragon Quest 11 was a rare global hit for Square Enix, yet its follow-up remains shrouded in mystery. First announced in 2021 with only a logo and promises of a darker tone, little else has been revealed.
Reports suggest the tonal shift has complicated development, mirroring the mixed reception to Final Fantasy 16. Meanwhile, Kingdom Hearts 4 — revealed later — has shown more visible progress.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake
The remake of BioWare’s classic RPG was announced with fanfare in 2021 but has since faced a troubled journey. Initially handed to Aspyr, best known for ports rather than major projects, the game soon ran into difficulties.
Saber Interactive has since taken over, but with multiple projects already on its plate, concerns remain that KOTOR could be abandoned. Sony has reportedly distanced itself from the project, raising further doubts.
Beyond Good & Evil 2
Perhaps the most infamous case of development hell, Beyond Good & Evil 2 has been in limbo since its reveal in 2017. Once positioned as Ubisoft’s big prestige project, updates gradually dwindled, with little sign of meaningful progress.
The game has lost multiple directors — one tragically passing away in 2023 — and rarely appears in Ubisoft’s financial briefings. After so long, many fans have simply lost faith that it will ever release.
The successful launch of Silksong proves that sometimes patience pays off. But for every game that escapes development hell, there are others that may never reach players. Whether fans will still be waiting when they finally arrive is another question entirely.
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Players have until 1 September to add August’s lineup
September’s PlayStation Plus lineup features Psychonauts 2, Stardew Valley and Viewfinder.
All three games will be available to members from 2 September.
August’s titles — Lies of P, DayZ and My Hero One’s Justice 2 — can be added until 1 September.
Three new games arrive in September
PlayStation Plus members will have access to three new titles next month: Psychonauts 2, Stardew Valley and Viewfinder. The games will be available to download from 2 September.
Psychonauts 2 (PS4)
Players step into the shoes of Razputin “Raz” Aquato, a young psychic acrobat who joins the international organisation of psychic spies known as the Psychonauts. In this platform-adventure, Raz must uncover conspiracies, investigate a mole inside headquarters and face a murderous psychic villain. The game mixes quirky humour, inventive level design and customisable psychic powers.
Stardew Valley (PS4)
The much-loved farming simulator returns, inviting players to restore their grandfather’s rundown farm. Starting with basic tools and limited resources, players can build crops, raise animals, mine, fish and become part of the local community. With freedom to craft your own story, Stardew Valley blends farming, friendship and exploration in a cosy, relaxing experience.
Viewfinder (PS4, PS5)
This first-person puzzle adventure uses a unique instant camera mechanic to reshape reality. Players can bring sketches, paintings, photos and postcards to life, altering environments to solve puzzles and uncover mysteries hidden within its vibrant world.
Last chance for August titles
Players have until 1 September to add August’s lineup — Lies of P, DayZ and My Hero One’s Justice 2 — to their library before they are replaced.