The latest State of Play Japan has concluded, delivering a thrilling showcase of what's to come in 2026 and beyond. From massive expansions to beloved classics and bold new IPs, the event was packed with reveals for every type of gamer.

Here are the five biggest announcements that have the gaming world talking.

1. Elden Ring Nightreign: "The Forsaken Hollows" DLC

• Release Date: December 4, 2025

The acclaimed Elden Ring Nightreign is receiving its first major story expansion, "The Forsaken Hollows." The DLC will introduce a new zone, Limveld, and two formidable new bosses to challenge. Perhaps most excitingly, players will have two new starting character classes to choose from: the magic-wielding Scholar and the grim, melee-focused Undertaker. This expansion is poised to significantly extend the lifecycle of an already massive game and bring veterans back for a fresh wave of challenges.

2. BlazBlue Entropy Effect X

• Release Date: February 12, 2026

• Platform: PS5

The BlazBlue franchise is taking a sharp turn with BlazBlue Entropy Effect X, a fast-paced roguelike spin-off. Featuring 14 classic characters from the series, the game emphasizes deep build customization, explosive combos, and a unique dimension-shifting mechanic. If the polished trailer is any indication, this creative take could attract not just fighting game fans, but also enthusiasts of action-roguelikes like Hades.

3. BrokenLore: A New Horror Universe Arrives

The showcase introduced a surprising new horror universe with two distinct entries:

• BrokenLore: Unfollow (January 16, 2026): A psychological horror game that explores the terrifying dark side of social media.

• BrokenLore: Ascend (Summer 2026): A survival horror title set in Tokyo that incorporates climbing and parkour mechanics into its core gameplay.

This two-pronged approach shows a developer taking significant thematic and mechanical risks, making the BrokenLore series one of the most intriguing horror projects on the horizon.

4. Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls (Closed Beta Announced)

• Closed Beta: December 5-7, 2025

Developed by the legendary fighting game studio Arc System Works (creators of Guilty Gear and Dragon Ball FighterZ), Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is shaping up to be a visual spectacle. The closed beta announcement revealed a 4v4 team-based fighting format, iconic stages like the X-Mansion and Savage Land, and the studio's signature hyper-stylized visuals. With this pedigree, Marvel Tōkon has the potential to carve out a major space in the competitive fighting game scene alongside giants like Tekken and Mortal Kombat.

5. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake

• Release Date: March 12, 2026

• Platforms: PS5 (Platforms to be confirmed, but a PlayStation launch is likely)

A beloved classic is returning. The Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is a from-the-ground-up remake of the iconic survival horror title. The core mechanic of using the Camera Obscura to fend off spirits has been revamped with new features like zoom and filters. The bond between the twin sisters, Mio and Mayu, is also central to the gameplay, now emphasized through a new "hold-hands" mechanic. This remake is set to fill a niche for a unique, atmospheric horror experience that has been largely underserved in recent years.

The Verdict: A Strong Showing for 2026

This State of Play Japan successfully set the stage for an exciting first half of 2026. With a mix of guaranteed hits like the Elden Ring DLC, high-potential crossovers like Marvel Tōkon, and innovative new horror IPs, there's a compelling game for every taste.

Which announcement has you the most excited? Are you diving back into Elden Ring, trying the Marvel Tōkon beta, or reliving the terror of Fatal Frame?

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