Everyone’s been buzzing this week with new trailers, release date announcements, and intriguing rumors. The first half of the year is shaping up to be packed with exciting releases, but the spotlight also shines on some significant other gaming news. From EA’s struggles with FC 25 and Dragon Age, to new titles climbing the charts, there’s a lot to unpack.

EA Faces Challenges: The Underperformance of Dragon Age and FC 25

It has been a rough week for EA, as they lost $6 billion in market value following the disappointing performance of FC 25 and Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. While FC 25 fell short in microtransaction sales during the holiday season, Dragon Age‘s situation has raised bigger concerns. EA revealed that the game attracted 1.5 million players in two months—only 50% of their expectations. This figure includes accounts using trials, refunds, or shared access through services like EA Play.

Comparatively, Dragon Age: Inquisition sold 12 million units, making the current game’s performance seem underwhelming. This has led to speculation that this might spell the end of the Dragon Age franchise. BioWare, now focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, appears to be under scrutiny, with the studio’s future potentially hinging on the next title’s success. Meanwhile, Apex Legends also experienced a significant 70% drop in active players throughout 2024, compounding EA’s challenges.

Trailers and Upcoming Releases: Gaming News of the Week

Several new trailers dropped this week, igniting excitement for upcoming games:

Phantom Blade Zero

A standout among the trailers was Phantom Blade Zero, which showcased a thrilling gameplay experience reminiscent of real sword battles. The boss designs are particularly striking, featuring innovative mechanics where smaller enemies can revive the boss, creating a dynamic combat loop. This Chinese AAA title, backed by the success of Black Myth: Wukong, is slated for a 2026 release and will support PS5 Pro. With investors eyeing non-live-service games as lucrative opportunities, Phantom Blade Zero is poised to make a significant impact, potentially selling up to 10 million copies.

Xbox Developer Direct Announcements

Xbox delivered an impressive Developer Direct showcase, highlighting several titles. Among them:

  1. Clare Obscure: Expedition 33 – A turn-based RPG with a unique premise where a mysterious monolith causes anyone above a certain age to disappear. The game combines fantasy elements with innovative mechanics, offering players secret bosses and hidden areas to explore. Launching April 24th.
  2. Doom: The Dark Ages II – Building on the success of its predecessor, this game features an Elden Ring-inspired open-world design with grounded combat mechanics, puzzles, and diverse weapon choices. Scheduled for release on May 15th, with early access for premium edition buyers.
  3. Ninja Gaiden 4 – In a surprise reveal, Team Ninja announced this sequel, co-developed with PlatinumGames. The hack-and-slash title stays true to its roots and releases later this year, alongside a remaster of Ninja Gaiden 2.

Rumor Roundup: Assassin’s Creed DLC and Avengers Speculation (Gaming News)

This week’s rumor mill brought some intriguing possibilities:

Assassin’s Creed Mirage DLC

French newspaper Le Zecool reported that Ubisoft might develop a DLC for Assassin’s Creed Mirage, despite earlier statements that no story expansions were planned. The Animus Hub, which connects older titles with new installments, makes it easier for Ubisoft to update past games. Given Mirage’s success and Ubisoft’s deal with Saudi Arabia, this rumor has been rated two stars for plausibility.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: Roadmap Announced

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has revealed its roadmap, promising a mix of free and paid content. Players can expect new features like horse racing and a hardcore mode, along with three major DLC expansions. The biggest expansion, slated for winter, introduces a new area, while the other two focus on expanding existing regions. Fans eagerly await these updates as the game continues to evolve.