Gamescom 2025 has showcased numerous major announcements and delightful surprises, but among the most significant has to be a new title featuring two beloved elements: Cats and Dave Bautista.

Unveiled during Gamescom, *Cat Assassin* will highlight the *Guardians of the Galaxy* actor in the main role as the eponymous cat assassin. Crafted by Titan1Studios, with Steve Lerner, writer of *Stray* and *12 Minutes,* at the helm. *Cat Assassin* is reported to take inspiration from titles like *Assassin’s Creed, Splinter Cell, Batman: Arkham Knight,* and *Stray*, delivering a distinctive mix of stealth, action, and narrative.

In the trailer, Bautista states, “We’re constructing a vast new universe that extends across video games, animated TV shows, graphic novels, and much more.” *Cat Assassin* is a cat-inspired parkour stealth-action game set in a dark neo-noir metropolis, featuring Hugh, a highly adept feline assassin. The trailer offers players a glimpse of the seemingly somber and battle-hardened persona that Bautista is infusing into the character.

*Cat Assassin* is a cat-oriented parkour stealth-action video game situated in a grim and twisted urban landscape, focusing on Hugh, a remarkably skilled feline assassin navigating through cartels and influential figures. The game draws from the engrossing gameplay of *Assassin’s Creed*, the strategic espionage of *Splinter Cell*, the immersive agility of *Stray*, and the smooth combat of *Sifu*. This inaugural game is set to establish the groundwork for the broader universe that will soon unfold.

The game will incorporate a dynamic roguelite system, necessitating continual strategic adjustments, as each time Hugh perishes, he is returned to his early adulthood. Both the player and their target will experience reincarnation, leading to new and distinctive gameplay scenarios that will modify their strategies. By employing a blend of “Cat-Fu,” martial implements, and firearms—each action, success, and setback distorts the narrative, crafting a singular route to triumph in a contorted city where every existence is significant.

“We are extremely excited to finally unveil this initial glimpse into the enthralling realm of *Cat Assassin*,” remarked Rathan Moorthy, President & CEO of Titan1Studios. “Our heartfelt thanks go to Steve for his visionary faith in guiding this remarkable IP, and to Dave and Dogbone Entertainment for their steadfast dedication and infectious passion in actualizing this pioneering venture.”

More information about the animated series, publishing collaborators, and additional video game releases will be revealed in the upcoming months.

At Gamescom 2025 ONL, Wargaming, the creator of the immensely popular World of Tanks franchise, introduced World of Tanks: HEAT, an independent tactical shooter that steers the series into uncharted territory.

Looking exhilarating from its trailers, World of Tanks: HEAT immerses players in an alternate-history, post-World War II setting. The game presents a distinctly different combat style from conventional tank games, transitioning into a fast-paced, dynamic shooter with 10-versus-10 skirmishes. Players take on the role of elite Agents—specially trained operators who command experimental, hero-enhanced tanks endowed with unique powers and sophisticated customization choices. Wargaming asserts that World of Tanks: HEAT is one of its most daring reinterpretations of tank warfare to date.

“World of Tanks: HEAT embodies our ambitious vision for the franchise, providing a completely new tank experience with a novel setting, innovative gameplay mechanics, a quicker tempo, and cutting-edge technology,” stated Wargaming’s CEO, Victor Kislyi. “Building on the esteemed World of Tanks DNA, the game allows players to engage in tank warfare like never before, battling in ways we had only previously envisioned.”

World of Tanks: HEAT boasts a lineup of specialized vehicles inspired by authentic post-World War II designs, each fulfilling unique roles and possessing battlefield-altering abilities. Players can comprehensively customize their tanks with advanced weaponry, armor modules, visual enhancements, and tactical capabilities tailored to their favored play style. This intricate personalization system enables unique setups that blend historical influences with innovative reinterpretations.

Utilizing Wargaming’s new proprietary engine, World of Tanks: HEAT aspires to provide a contemporary, visually captivating experience, featuring immersive environments and dynamic cinematic effects. The technical advancement extends beyond visuals, with the game scheduled for a simultaneous launch across various platforms, including PC via Wargaming Game Center and Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam Deck. This represents Wargaming’s inaugural cross-platform release with comprehensive cross-progression support.

The gameplay modifies classic shooter modes like Kill Confirmed, Domination, and Conquest specifically for tank combat, crafting what the developers label as a completely new experience. Unlike traditional pay-to-win models, World of Tanks: HEAT embraces a “free-to-win” philosophy where success relies primarily on player skill rather than financial investment. Monetization will concentrate on cosmetic items, battle passes, and time-saving options—something many genre enthusiasts are sure to welcome.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for our team, showcasing all the dedication and creativity we’ve poured into the project,” expressed World of Tanks: HEAT Product Director, Artyom Yantsevich. “We look forward to collaborating closely with players to shape HEAT’s future, and we’re thrilled to unveil the game for the first time at Gamescom.”

World of Tanks: HEAT is now available for wishlist on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store, with players encouraged to visit the official website at wotheat.com for more details. Keep an eye on CGMagazine for further updates from Gamescom 2025.

On the brink of Gamescom 2025, a dedicated Nintendo Direct highlighting “Kirby Air Riders” has been released, providing enthusiasts with all the details on Nintendo’s upcoming major racer.

Today, the “Kirby Air Riders” Nintendo Direct emerged, presenting followers of the franchise with a new glimpse at everything “Air Riders” in line with its newly set launch date in November. Following the official reveal back in April, Nintendo maintained secrecy surrounding the next “Kirby” entry until today’s Nintendo Direct unveiled everything fans could desire to learn about this fresh racing venture.

“Kirby Air Ride” originally debuted in 2003 for the Nintendo GameCube, and this new installment arrives over two decades later, exclusively for the Switch 2. The upcoming game will now offer players a lineup of riders to choose from, each possessing unique traits and capabilities. Moreover, there are new Air Ride vehicles, returning game modes, and additional Special moves for racers to utilize! The latest trailer is showcased below, as unveiled today.

Kirby Air Riders Key Features

– Riding Techniques – Each ‘kart’ or “air ride machine” can possess diverse forms and attributes. They automatically hover a short distance above the ground, as well as accelerate on their own, eliminating the necessity to press the A button like in “Mario Kart World.”

– Boost Charge – By tapping the B Button, your vehicle will descend from hover mode and land on the track, activating a boost charge. Releasing the B button after the braking phase triggers a Boost Dash. Director Masahiro Sakurai clarified that this maneuver goes beyond a mere speed enhancement, and players can negotiate turns more effectively by tilting the left stick and maintaining the Boost Charge button during sharp bends, providing an advantage in “Kirby Air Riders” races.

– An Additional Button Is Now Included – The Y Button serves as your “Special button,” activating your character’s unique Special move. Engaging rival riders and adversaries will fill up the riders’ Special Gauge, and once it’s at maximum, a Special move can be unleashed! While most characters possess one specific Special, Kirby enjoys four variations, one for each color option available for players.

– Expanding the Roster – “Kirby Air Riders” integrates a strategic dimension to its chaos by placing greater significance on rider selection. Every character in the game has exclusive attributes that can influence their chosen machine’s performance, including weight, durability, Specials, close-combat attacks, and more. Sakurai notes that this structure is intentional, explaining why Air Ride mode prompts players to choose their course first, followed by the rider and machine. The roster is extensive with inclusions from Kirby, featuring: Meta Knight, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee, alongside adversaries like Cappy, Chef Kawasaki, Starman, and others. “Kirby Air Riders” also allows players to combine riders and machines freely.

– Machines – Each vehicle (similar to the riders) can withstand various levels of damage in “Kirby Air Riders” races. While most machines glide and execute jumps, it ultimately rests on the player’s decisions to secure victory.

– Copy Abilities – To balance gameplay, “Kirby Air Riders” grants all riders the power to inhale or capture and replicate an enemy’s abilities, ensuring a fair competition.

Mr. Sakurai additionally unveiled the legacy game modes and experiences set to welcome players in “Kirby Air Riders,” including the City Trial mode, described as “the centerpiece.” The mode from the original “Kirby Air Ride” is back, now broadened and improved with more areas to explore. “Kirby Air Riders” will enable players to team up in groups of 16 for its returning open City Trial mode online. This marks a significant increase from the original four-player multiplayer capacity from 2003, allowing players to navigate the vast Skyah map. Up to eight players can participate locally, introducing further chaos to the gameplay.

That isn’t the only classic mode returning to “Kirby Air Riders,” as Air Ride Mode will also make a comeback. In this format, up to six riders can race to be the first to cross the finish line. Players can engage neighboring riders, and by striking them, speed can be amplified by collecting small stars, delivering notable speed boosts to the gameplay. “Kirby Air Riders” also brings classroom experiences with its lessons mode, enabling fans to refine their playstyle before diving into competition.

Beyond all that “Kirby Air Riders” presents, Director Sakurai confirmed the game is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20. Fans can watch the entire Nintendo Direct on the Nintendo website.