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In an unexpected yet monumental reveal, legendary creator Hideo Kojima took the stage at the Disney+ Originals Preview event at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to announce a groundbreaking new project: DEATH STRANDING ISOLATIONS (working title). This marks the first-ever collaboration between Kojima Productions and a global streaming platform, expanding the acclaimed Death Stranding universe into the realm of hand-drawn animation.

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A Bold New Frontier for the Death Stranding Universe

The original Death Stranding video game, released in 2019, redefined the gaming landscape with its unique fusion of cinematic storytelling, philosophical undertones, and emotional depth. With more than 20 million players worldwide, the title became a cultural touchstone for interactive art. Its highly anticipated sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, launched exclusively for PlayStation 5 in June 2025, further expanding the mythos of Kojima’s post-apocalyptic world.

Now, in partnership with Disney+, Kojima Productions aims to reimagine that universe through traditional Japanese animation. The new series, DEATH STRANDING ISOLATIONS, will tell an entirely original story, separate from the video games, while staying true to the themes of isolation, connection, and human resilience that define the franchise. The production will be handled by Japan’s rising studio E&H Production, with direction by Takayuki Sano and original character designs by Ilya Kuvshinov—renowned for his work on Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045.

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The Story: Another Explosion in a Fractured World

The narrative of DEATH STRANDING ISOLATIONS is set in the same haunting universe as the games—a world devastated by supernatural events known as “Death Stranding.” These cataclysmic phenomena blur the boundaries between life and death, as the souls of the deceased manifest in the physical world and trigger devastating explosions that obliterate everything in their wake.

In this universe, remnants of humanity struggle to reconnect amid the ruins of civilization. The animated series follows a young man and woman embarking on an emotional journey through isolation, survival, and discovery. While the mainline games follow the journey of Sam Porter Bridges across a fragmented America, the series introduces new characters who face their own interpretations of solitude: an elderly man seeking redemption, a female warrior bent on rekindling chaos, a vengeful youth, and a girl who finds solace in loneliness. As their stories converge, a new “explosion” of fate and consequence begins.

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Artistry and Production: Hand-Drawn Emotion and Cinematic Vision

Unlike the photorealistic visuals of the Death Stranding games, ISOLATIONS will embrace a fully hand-drawn 2D animation style—an artistic choice that bridges traditional craftsmanship and Kojima’s cinematic vision. E&H Production, a rapidly ascending force in Japan’s animation industry, is leveraging top-tier illustrators and animators to recreate Kojima’s surreal landscapes with fluid, emotional detail.

Director Takayuki Sano emphasized that the project seeks to capture “the soul of Death Stranding” through minimalistic yet evocative animation. The use of traditional techniques allows the studio to focus on human expression, subtle movement, and environmental storytelling—qualities that align perfectly with the introspective themes of connection and detachment at the heart of Kojima’s universe.

Character designer Ilya Kuvshinov brings his distinct blend of realism and stylized beauty to the production, ensuring that each frame reflects both vulnerability and mystery. His work promises to enrich the atmosphere of ISOLATIONS, blending ethereal landscapes with fragile human emotion.

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The Legacy of Kojima Productions and the Expansion of Vision

Founded in 2015 under the motto “From Sapiens to Ludens,” Kojima Productions has always pushed the boundaries of interactive entertainment. With Death Stranding, Hideo Kojima redefined what a video game could be—a deeply human narrative disguised as a courier simulator set against a dystopian backdrop.

Over the years, Kojima’s work has transcended genres, earning him numerous accolades, including the BAFTA Fellowship Award in 2020 for his contribution to storytelling in gaming. With ISOLATIONS, Kojima not only extends his creative reach into animation but also forges a bridge between cinematic art and serialized storytelling, making this his most ambitious transmedia project to date.

The partnership with Disney+ marks a significant milestone for both parties. For Disney, it signals a growing interest in premium Japanese storytelling; for Kojima Productions, it represents an opportunity to reach a global audience beyond the gaming community, transforming Death Stranding into a multimedia universe.

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Event Highlights and the Broader Disney+ Vision

The announcement took place during the 2025 Disney+ Originals Preview at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, a showcase that celebrated upcoming Japanese, Korean, and global series set to debut through 2026 and beyond. The event highlighted Disney’s commitment to innovative, boundary-pushing storytelling, with appearances from leading creators across the entertainment industry.

By integrating projects like DEATH STRANDING ISOLATIONS into its portfolio, Disney+ continues to diversify its content offerings, merging mainstream appeal with auteur-driven artistry. The move reinforces the platform’s strategic expansion into mature, globally resonant narratives that complement its core lineup from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic.

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Credits and Production Team

• Executive Producer: Hideo Kojima
• Director: Takayuki Sano
• Original Character Design: Ilya Kuvshinov
• Animation Production: E&H Production
• Produced by: KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS Co., Ltd.

DEATH STRANDING ISOLATIONS (Working Title) ©KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS Co., Ltd. / HIDEO KOJIMA
Streaming Exclusively on Disney+ in 2027

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Conclusion: A New Connection Between Worlds

DEATH STRANDING ISOLATIONS represents more than a simple adaptation—it is a convergence of mediums, ideas, and artistic philosophies. Through this collaboration, Kojima Productions and Disney+ are redefining how narratives evolve across platforms, crafting a bridge between gaming, animation, and emotional storytelling.

As the boundaries between isolation and connection continue to blur, ISOLATIONS stands as a reflection of our modern world: fragile, divided, yet bound by the hope of unity. In Kojima’s words, “Once, there was an explosion…”—and in 2027, the next one arrives, not in the form of destruction, but creation.

The world of strategy gaming is set to receive a powerful new entry with the launch of Northgard: Definitive Edition on PC via Steam, scheduled for Thursday, 4 December 2025. Developed by the Bordeaux-based studio Shiro Games, this edition represents the most complete and polished version yet of the beloved Viking-themed RTS, which has already sold over 5 million copies worldwide.

The Definitive Edition bundles together the original, critically acclaimed base game with an extensive range of enhancements, new biomes, playable clans, and expanded content from select DLC. It provides a single, streamlined package designed to appeal both to newcomers and to long-time fans returning to the shores of Northgard.

A Fully Enhanced Base Game Experience

The core game has undergone a series of technical and visual enhancements to improve performance, clarity, and immersion. Players will notice upgraded graphics for select units, offering more visual depth and variation during battles and settlement building. User interface elements like the in-game shop have been significantly overhauled, introducing new items and a streamlined layout for smoother navigation and strategic decision-making.

The Definitive Edition also includes a brand-new biome: Valhalla. This territory introduces fresh visual styling and gameplay mechanics tied to Norse mythology, further enriching the world-building and tactical challenges. In addition, the Bifrost biomes previously accessible only through certain DLC will now be available for both PvE and PvP gameplay modes, broadening multiplayer and cooperative possibilities.

Beyond gameplay systems, the edition features a built-in gallery showcasing alternate artwork, concept art, alpha and beta visuals, and other materials that highlight the game’s development history. These extras offer players an inside look at the creative evolution of one of strategy gaming’s most iconic titles.

Content-rich Expansions and Legacy Clans Included

Among the most significant additions to the Definitive Edition is the inclusion of The Cross of Vidar expansion pack, accompanying the full campaign and the Neustria – Clan of the Lion. This faction adds new strategic abilities and lore elements to the game, expanding the rich narrative tapestry of Northgard’s world.

In addition to the expansion content, players will have access to the first three clans ever released in the game:

• Sváfnir – Clan of the Snake: Built around stealth and rebellion mechanics
• Nidhogg – Clan of the Dragon: Focused on sacrificial rituals and powerful draconic influence
• Svardilfari – Clan of the Horse: Known for master builders and efficient resource management

These clans bring unique tactical styles and offer a range of strategic depth, especially when combined with the new and returning biomes. Each clan’s strengths, economic advantages, and abilities make them ideal for different playstyles, whether aggressive, diplomatic, or resource-focused.

A Deep Strategy Experience from a Respected Studio

For those unfamiliar with Northgard, the game invites players to lead a Viking clan and survive the harsh challenges of Norse wilderness. From the edge of Ragnarok, players must build settlements, gather and balance resources, train warriors, explore mystical environments, and defend from both external threats and internal hardships. The blend of real-time strategy and city-building — combined with Norse mythology, exploration, combat, and survival — has contributed to Northgard’s reputation as one of the most accessible yet deep RTS experiences of the decade.

Shiro Games, the developer behind Northgard, brings significant pedigree, with titles like Evoland, Dune: Spice Wars, and Wartales in its portfolio. Founded by industry veterans Sebastien Vidal and Nicolas Cannasse, the studio is known for combining narrative depth with engaging mechanics and stylized visuals.

Launch Details and Language Support

Northgard: Definitive Edition will release on 4 December 2025 for PC via Steam at a price point of $34.99. The game will support multiple languages including French, English, German, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Korean, ensuring wide accessibility for global audiences.

Media assets, including gameplay footage, official screenshots, and promotional materials, are already available. Press and content creators can request review keys through the developer’s registration form.

Conclusion

With its blend of expanded content, polished visuals, and strategic flexibility, Northgard: Definitive Edition represents the culmination of years of support and innovation from Shiro Games. Whether you are a seasoned chieftain or a curious newcomer, this edition offers a comprehensive Viking strategy experience that stands as one of the genre’s modern milestones. The lands of Northgard are filled with danger and opportunity — and now, every clan has a chance to shape its destiny anew.

I Mother – The Dawn of Communication in a World Without Words

In a world where speech has yet to exist, I Mother takes players on an evocative journey to the very origins of human communication. It’s a world built not on spoken dialogue but on instinct, emotion, and symbol — where every gesture carries weight and every sound becomes a part of a living language. Developed by solo creator Adam Buczek, I Mother is more than a game: it’s an interactive meditation on humanity’s first connection and the fragile bridge between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.

Continue reading “I Mother – The Dawn of Communication in a World Without Words”

The apocalypse is about to take a bizarre and hilarious turn with The Zombie Slayers, a top-down cooperative shooter set to launch on Steam on October 31, 2025. Developed by solo creator Rashad Ibrahimli and published by indie.io, the game blends over-the-top humor, frenzied action, and creative absurdity into a unique co-op experience designed for those who love both teamwork and chaos.

A New Breed of Zombie Shooter

At first glance, The Zombie Slayers appears to follow the familiar structure of top-down shooters—teams of players mowing down endless hordes of zombies. But Ibrahimli’s game quickly breaks convention with its surreal, tongue-in-cheek approach. Players can fight side by side with up to five friends, or face the apocalypse alone, armed with improvised weapons, defensive turrets, and even baby “companions” that need milk reloads to keep fighting.

Every encounter is a carnival of mayhem. Explosions light up the screen as players lob grenades, fortify barricades, and unleash bizarre weapons across levels filled with grotesque, cartoonish zombies. The fast-paced gameplay encourages improvisation and teamwork while keeping a steady rhythm of chaos that few shooters manage to sustain.

Gameplay Modes Full of Variety and Madness

The game offers multiple modes to suit different playstyles. Survival Stories mode combines structured missions with objective-based gameplay, giving players a sense of progression while throwing them into unpredictable scenarios. Missions are packed with loot, environmental traps, and the kind of “team mishaps” that define co-op comedy—like the one friend who insists on firing an RPG at close range.

For those who prefer pure adrenaline, Brutal Zombie Waves mode delivers nonstop, wave-based survival. The undead get faster, stronger, and more absurd as time passes, pushing players’ coordination and reflexes to their limits. Leaderboards add a competitive edge, motivating teams to climb higher—if their dignity survives the onslaught.

Weaponizing the Ridiculous

One of the defining features of The Zombie Slayers is its gleeful disregard for realism. Players can construct outlandish defenses using everything from barbed wire to bizarre stork air-drops that deliver baby reinforcements. Between firefights, characters can break into spontaneous dance animations or equip flashy outfits that turn the apocalypse into a runway of destruction.

The “baby defenders” concept—a mix of dark humor and ridiculous practicality—adds a layer of absurd strategy. Feeding milk reloads to keep your infant soldiers operational turns survival into a surreal balancing act between nurturing and annihilation. It’s this combination of creative chaos and slapstick absurdity that gives The Zombie Slayers its unmistakable personality.

Technical Vision and Development

Built in Unity, The Zombie Slayers demonstrates Rashad Ibrahimli’s technical skill and artistic sensibility. As a solo developer and 3D artist from Azerbaijan, Ibrahimli’s focus has been on detailed environments, fluid animation, and an engine that can handle high volumes of on-screen chaos without compromising performance. The game’s stylized graphics merge comic exaggeration with detailed lighting effects, creating a world that feels both deranged and immersive.

The visual design reinforces the tone—brightly colored explosions contrast with eerie post-apocalyptic landscapes, and character designs blend absurd costumes with gory detail. Sound design complements the madness with punchy effects and dynamic music that intensifies as the undead close in. Every element, from weapon feedback to environmental interaction, has been tuned to sustain the game’s high-energy tempo.

indie.io’s Support for Independent Creativity

Behind the game’s release is indie.io, a platform dedicated to empowering independent developers. Hosting over 100 unique indie titles, indie.io provides tools, management support, and marketing infrastructure to help creators like Ibrahimli reach global audiences. This partnership ensures that The Zombie Slayers maintains its creative freedom while benefiting from professional-level publishing support and visibility on Steam.

The collaboration highlights a growing movement in the gaming world—where independent developers, armed with accessible tools like Unity and platforms such as indie.io, can create experiences that rival major studios in originality and innovation.

A Halloween Launch That Promises Pure Co-op Carnage

Set for release on October 31, 2025, The Zombie Slayers arrives just in time for a Halloween filled with absurdity and laughter. Players can already wishlist the game on Steam to be ready for launch day. Whether playing solo or teaming up with friends, it promises a blend of chaotic fun, challenge, and ridiculous creativity that makes it stand out in the crowded zombie genre.

Conclusion

The Zombie Slayers isn’t just another zombie shooter—it’s a self-aware celebration of chaos, humor, and co-op camaraderie. With its inventive mechanics, diverse modes, and unapologetically bizarre premise, it delivers a fresh experience that’s both technically solid and wildly entertaining. Rashad Ibrahimli’s solo effort proves that even in an apocalypse, creativity and laughter can survive—sometimes armed with milk bottles and dancing babies.

Short and sweet: the first gameplay trailer for Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown is now live.

This story-driven survival strategy game set in the Star Trek™ universe puts you on the bridge of the U.S.S. Voyager—and your decisions reshape both the ship and the crew. With consequences.

Love a character who didn’t make it in the original series? In Across the Unknown, you decide what happens.