Biggest gaming news: Wonder Woman canceled, Xbox updates and Pokémon deals

5v5 shooter FragPunk, launching on March 6, introduces game-altering card system that changes match rules in real time

Tech Desk - Mar 03, 2025

An undated image of a person with a gaming console. — Canva

The gaming industry witnessed a rollercoaster of updates this past week, from exciting new releases to surprising studio shutdowns. Whether you're into strategy games, survival horror, or eSports, there's plenty to unpack.

Gadinsider has got you a complete rundown of the biggest gaming news, including new game announcements, Xbox Game Pass additions, PlayStation leaks, and more.

Richard Garfield’s Vanguard Exiles arrives in March

The legendary Magic: The Gathering creator, Richard Garfield, is back with a new auto-battler, Vanguard Exiles, set to launch in early access on March 11, 2025. Unlike his previous card-based games, this title introduces a strategic deploy-and-capture system with modular gameplay and steampunk-inspired aesthetics.

Developed by The Tea Division, the game will feature PvP and couch co-op modes. Early access will run for six months to a year, allowing community feedback to shape future updates. Players can check out the free demo on Steam or experience the game during February’s Steam Next Fest.

Xbox Game Pass adds four new titles for late 2025

Microsoft announced *four new indie games* coming to Xbox Game Pass later this year:

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault: A sequel to Moonlighter, blending dungeon crawling and shopkeeping.
Tanuki Pon’s Summer: A cosy life simulation featuring a lazy Tanuki delivering mail.
Buckshot Roulette: A tense Russian roulette-inspired indie game, popular on Steam.
Echo Weaver: Metroidvania adventure set in a glitching time loop.

Before these releases, Game Pass will also receive 33 Immortals (March 18), Descenders Next, Blue Prince, Tempopo (April), and Revenge of the Savage Planet (May 8). Additionally, the deckbuilding hit Balatro was shadow-dropped onto Game Pass, giving players instant access to this popular roguelike.

Warner Bros. shuts down studios, cancels Wonder Woman game

In a shocking move, Warner Bros. Games canceled its highly anticipated Wonder Woman game and *shut down three game studios*:

Monolith Productions (Wonder Woman developer)
Player First Games (MultiVersus studio)
Warner Bros. Games San Diego

The company is shifting focus to major franchises like Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, DC, and Game of Thrones. The decision comes after financial struggles, including the underperformance of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and MultiVersus. Despite setbacks, Hogwarts Legacy remains a huge success, with rumours of a definitive edition in the works.

HP launches Gaming Garage Lab in Pakistan

HP, in partnership with NASTP Pakistan and M&P, launched the HP Gaming Garage Lab in Lahore. This initiative aims to boost *Esports Management and Game Development education by providing HP All-in-One PCs, Victus Gaming Laptops, and access to HP’s Gaming Garage online education platform.

This move strengthens Pakistan’s gaming industry and eSports ecosystem, preparing students for careers in media, ICT, and game development.

New Astro Bot PS5 bundle leaked

Leaks suggest a new Astro Bot PS5 bundle will launch on March 13, 2025, offering a $50 discount on Sony’s console. Expected prices include:

PS5 Standard (with disc drive): $449.99
PS5 Digital (without disc drive): $399.99

For Europe, prices will be *€499.99 (standard) and €399.99 (digital). Sony has yet to officially confirm the bundle, but an announcement is expected soon.

FragPunk: Tactical FPS to launch with unique ‘Shard Cards’

The 5v5 shooter FragPunk, launching on March 6, introduces a game-altering card system that changes match rules in real time. The game will be available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5 with crossplay support.

Post Trauma: Classic Survival Horror returns

Inspired by old-school horror games, Post Trauma follows Roman, a train conductor trapped in a terrifying world. With fixed camera angles and puzzle-solving mechanics, it promises an exciting survival experience. A free demo is available on Steam.

Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 to release in august

The sequel to Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles will cover the Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village, and Hashira Training Arcs. It will launch on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.

Pokémon Day 2025: Best deals and special offers

Pokémon fans celebrated Pokémon Day on February 27 with exclusive deals, including: