The Apple Arcade version of 2K Games’ “Sid Meier’s Civilization 7” is set to launch next month.

The Firaxis Games-developed turn-based strategy game, which debuted to mixed reviews last February, will be available to play on iPhone, iPad and Mac as of Feb. 5

Per Apple’s description for the latest addition to the popular “Civilization” franchise, “In a pivotal new chapter of the iconic series, empires evolve with the dawn of each distinct age of human history, and players’ strategic decisions will shape the unique cultural lineage of their civilizations. Whether players choose to follow a path rooted in history or imagine new possibilities, they can create a legacy that echoes through the ages.”

See more gaming news from this week in the roundup below. 

GAME UPDATES/DLC

HoYoverse’s latest update to “Genshin Impact” went live Jan. 13 at 10 p.m. ET.

See below for the developer’s noted highlights from the new DLC, “Version Luna IV”:

New Archon Quest: The main story reaches its climax in a dramatic showdown with Il Dottore.

New Characters:

o   Columbina: 5-star Hydro Catalyst wielder and the Moon Maiden, offering powerful support for Lunar Reactions

o   Zibai: 5-star Geo Sword wielder and the White Horse Adeptus, dealing Lunar-Crystallize DMG

o   Illuga: 4-star Geo Polearm wielder, a young and reliable Lightkeeper

New Reaction: Lunar-Crystallize – deals Geo DMG with a chance to trigger CRIT Hits.

Map Expansion: Nod-Krai expands northward, unveiling the Lightkeepers’ headquarters and additional new content.

Bountiful Events: A new Lantern Rite story reveals more about Zibai, alongside festive events offering 1,600 Primogems, 10 Intertwined Fates, a brand-new outfit for Yaoyao, a free 4-star Liyue character, a special horse mascot cosmetic set from Miliastra Wonderland, and more.

TRAILERS

Bandai Namco has launched a new trailer for “Code Vein II.”

Per the developer, the upcoming game, set to launch Jan. 30, “sends players on an epic narrative-driven journey where they wield time as a weapon, explore past and present versions of a collapsing world, and join forces with companions through the game’s dynamic Partner System.”

“Code Vein II” is now available for pre-orders on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. A character creator demo will be available for free Jan. 23.

Watch the new trailer for “Code Vein II” in the video below.

*

The co-op trailer dropped for Moon Studios’ upcoming title, “No Rest for the Wicked Together,” Wednesday.

See the new preview for the game, which will launch Jan. 22, via the video below.

SALES/GAMEPLAY STATS

Nexon’s “ARC Raiders” has sold more than 12.4 million units since its Oct. 30 launch.

Per Nexon and Stockholm-based Embark Studios, concurrent players reached 960,000 in January, ten weeks after the game’s debut.

“We are incredibly pleased with the strong retention and enduring enthusiasm players in all major markets worldwide have shown for ARC Raiders,” said Junghun Lee, President and CEO of Nexon. “As pleased as we were with the October launch, reaching more than 12.4 million units and setting a record with 960,000 concurrent users in January demonstrates the potential for ARC Raiders to become another pillar in Nexon’s portfolio of blockbuster franchises.

PLATFORM/NEW FORMAT RELEASES

Sega’s “Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds” will launch for Nintendo Switch 2 as a physical product March 26. Priced at $69.99, the Switch 2 edition will feature the full base game on cartridge, which is currently only offered digitally for Switch 2.

“Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds” is now available both digitally and physically on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC, as well as Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED Model, and Nintendo Switch Lite.

*

“Bluey’s Quest for The Gold Pen” is now available on Google Play. This new adventure game, written by “Bluey” series creator Joe Brumm, “blends heartfelt storytelling with discovery-driven gameplay.”

Developed by Brisbane-based Halfbrick Studios (“Fruit Ninja,” “Jetpack Joyride”) features the show’s voice actors, hand-drawn environments inspired by the “Dragon” and “Escape” episodes, and a new soundtrack created in collaboration with Ludo Studio and BBC Studios. 

Halfbrick and PM Studios first debuted the game exclusively for Apple devices in December, and will next bring “Bluey’s Quest for The Gold Pen” to PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S later this year.

EXEC SHUFFLE

Global lifestyle and entertainment company Sanrio Co., Ltd. has elevated Craig Takiguchi to Chief Executive Officer for the U.S. and the Americas. Takiguchi previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer for the region. 

In his new role, Sanrio will focus on strengthening the brand’s cultural relevance, advancing its strategic video and driving innovation across licensing, partnerships and product experiences. 

“Craig Takiguchi has been an integral part of Sanrio through many stages of the company’s development. His deep understanding of our business and proven leadership gives me full confidence that he will successfully guide our important and growing North American and broader Americas markets in his new capacity,” said Tomokuni Tsuji, president and CEO of Sanrio Company, Ltd, in a statement. “Sanrio, Inc. has achieved remarkable growth over the past five years. Under the new leadership structure, we expect the company to continue taking on new challenges and to strengthen its collaboration with HQ as we work toward realizing the Sanrio Group’s mid-term vision.”

Takiguchi will continue to work with Sanrio’s global headquarters in Tokyo from the company’s North American headquarters in Los Angeles.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Video game companies Rovio and SEGA have announced that the former’s global Angry Birds brand licensing will now be unified under SEGA’s transmedia licensing operations. The decision follows SEGA’s acquisition of Rovio in 2023, which aimed to expand both companies’ fanbases by sharing know-how and supporting the cross-platform expansion of Rovio’s IP using SEGA’s extensive capabilities.

“We are incredibly excited about the opportunities that come with uniting our licensing activities with SEGA,” said Hanna Valkeapää-Nokkala, Rovio VP of Transmedia. “This contributes directly to our transmedia goals with the Angry Birds IP. Together, we are more capable of providing amazing experiences, products, and location-based entertainment to even more Angry Birds fans in more locations around the world, and across many different touchpoints.”

The acquisition marks a big year for the franchise, with “The Angry Birds Movie 3” scheduled to hit theaters on Dec. 23, 2026.

The new arrangement introduces a consolidated, global strategy for both consumer products (CP) and location-based entertainment (LBE), and also allows for Rovio and SEGA to pursue direct licensing relationships worldwide, with a key focus on the US, UK, and Japan.