Nex and SEGA are partnering up to bring “Sonic Forces” to Nex Playground later this year. The upcoming title introduces Sonic the Hedgehog to the platform in celebration of the franchise’s 35th anniversary.
“Sonic Forces” (a working title) reimagines the running and action gameplay, offering a replayable, physically active experience. The game is built by SEGA’s HARDlight Studios and is currently in development, available for purchase later this year on Nex Playground through Play Pass, Nex Playground’s content subscription.
“The introduction of a globally recognized character such as Sonic the Hedgehog to Nex Playground represents a significant achievement for our community; it further advances our mission to connect families and friends through active play while ensuring the continuous delivery of fresh content,” said David Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Nex. “’Sonic Forces’ translates the popular mobile title of the franchise into a truly physical experience, giving families a new way to move and play together.”
This partnership marks a significant moment for Nex Playground, including its international expansion into the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
See more gaming news from this week below.
LIVE EVENTS
K-pop group Le Sserafim will return to gaming convention BlizzCon 2026 to perform as the event’s closing musical act on Sept. 13.
BlizzCon, held by Blizzard Entertainment, is a weekend-long celebration with esports, panels, cosplay and live experiences to bring together gamers around the world. This year’s event takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center beginning September 12 and ends the following day, with passes already sold out.
Le Sserafimv previously performed at BlizzCon 2023 and collaborated with Overwatch the same year. The girl group, who is preparing to launch their U.S. tour, consists of Sakura, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha and Hong Eunchae.
PARTNERSHIPS
Nex has announced a new partnership with HYBE to bring a BTS-branded music experience to Nex Playground later this year.
Players will interact with BTS’ music through full-body gameplay, using Nex Playground’s controller-free, motion-tracking technology. Designed exclusively for Nex Playground, the experience reimagines how users can engage with the group at home.
The collaboration marks Nex’s first-ever co-branded edition of Starri, creating an all-new interactive experience.
“Music has always been one of the most powerful ways to bring people together, and BTS have built a global community through that shared connection,” said Tom Kang, President and Head of International of Nex. “Our partnership with HYBE creates a unique experience that celebrates the energy, creativity, and cultural impact of BTS while bringing all ages together through ‘Starri,’ one of our most popular games. This collaboration marks an important milestone in the evolution of ‘Starri’ as a franchise and demonstrates the potential for music and active play to connect audiences around the world.”
NEWLY ANNOUNCED RELEASES
Video game publisher Trailmark Games has made its official debut, setting up four titles set to launch in 2026 and 2027, including a new arcade game set in the universe of “The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival.”
Trailmark Games’ mission is to serve the broader PC and console gaming market and deliver games that bring fan-favorite IPs to life.
“We are incredibly proud to launch Trailmark Games alongside a veteran team that shares a passion for great franchises and unforgettable gaming experiences. This launch represents years of relationships, experience and belief in what licensed gaming can become when talented teams and trusted partners collaborate behind a shared vision,” said Andy Koehler, Principal & Head of Partnerships. “We’ve always believed licensed games deserve the same creativity, care, and ambition as any major or indie release, and Trailmark Games was built with exactly that philosophy.”
Trailmark Games is led by key former executives from GameMill Entertainment, the team that published best-sellers like “Nickelodeon Kart Racers,” “Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl,” “Cobra Kai,” and more.
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Outright Games and Hasbro, Inc. are partnering to create the “Hasbro Games Junior Collection,” launching on Nov. 6. The collection brings together popular family board games such as “Monopoly Junior,” “Cluedo Junior,” and “Game of Life Junior.”
“Hasbro Games Junior Collection” will feature customizable avatars, interactive challenges, rewards and colourful environments, built with younger players in mind while still appealing to long-time fans.
AWARDS
Nonprofit Games for Change has announced the special award winners for the 2026 Games for Change Awards, which aim to recognize individuals and organizations in the gaming industry who have driven positive change.
Jenn Panattoni received the Vanguard Award for social impact work, while Thatgamecompany took home the prize for industry leadership, and SpecialEffect won the Giving Award.
These honorees, plus the G4C Award winners, will be recognized during the G4C Awards Ceremony on July 21, hosted by actors Anjali Bhimani and Osric Chau.
Regular-priced tickets are available until July 5, 2026, with discounts offered for nonprofits, educators, and students. View the full Festival lineup and more details at festival.gamesforchange.org.
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