Nintendo has shared another look at the future of indie games on Nintendo Switch thanks to today's Indie World Showcase. In this roughly 25-minute presentation, Nintendo shared updates on previously released titles, a couple of exciting ports, and some brand new surprises.

From Sports Story — the Golf Story sequel first announced way back in 2019 — finally getting a release month, to indie darling Inscryption making its way to Nintendo Switch, here's everything that happened during today's Indie World Showcase.

Sports Story Comes to Nintendo Switch in December

The long-awaited sequel to 2017's Golf Story is finally hitting Nintendo Switch next month. Sports Story is about a lot more than golf, and even about more than sports. The wacky trailer showed off golf, tennis, soccer, BMX, volleyball, and cricket. But when you're not competing, you'll be exploring dungeons, hanging out at the mall, or solving mysteries.

Rogue Legacy 2 Is Available on Nintendo Switch Today

Esteemed roguelite Rogue Legacy 2 is coming to the Switch eShop later today. The Switch version includes the Fabled Heroes update, which includes dozens of new sub-classes and items.

Rogue Legacy 2 launched earlier this year, and we called the game amazing in our review, saying, "Rogue Legacy 2 is a transformative sequel that essentially rebuilds the extraordinarily influential 2013 original into a modern roguelite that stands nearly shoulder to shoulder with the best of the genre."

Pepper Grinder Is a New Action-Adventure From Devolver Digital

Treasure hunter Pepper has been shipwrecked and robbed, forcing her to use her trusty grill to take back what's hers. This gorgeous pixel-art action-adventure features super fast action with fluid drill combat. Along the way, you'll collect treasure and other riches and use them to upgrade Pepper or unlock more paths on the world map.

Pepper Grinder is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2023.

Have a Nice Death: Roguelike Starring the Grim Reaper Hits Switch Next Year

This roguelike impressed us last year ahead of its PC release, and now Have a Nice Death is coming to Nintendo Switch. The game stars the grim reaper himself, with a corporate twist. Death is an overworked CEO who has to restore the work-death balance at his company by fighting his own subordinates. It has crazy fast hack-and-slash combat with combos and spell and weapons upgrades.

Have a Nice Death is coming to Nintendo Switch on March 22, 2023.

Explore the French Countryside in Dordogne

From French indie studio Un Je Ne Sais Quoi, Dordogne is an immersive narrative experience starring Mimi: A Woman who returns to her late grandmother's home where she used to spend every summer. You'll play as Mimi in the past and present, as you uncover family secrets and explore the French countryside.

Dordogne is coming to Switch in Spring 2023.

A Space for the Unbound Is About Young Love in Rural Indonesia

This slice-of-life adventure game is set in the late 1990s in rural Indonesia. A Space for the Unbound tells the relationship of a boy and a girl with supernatural powers, who are forced into action when a mysterious power threatens their towns existence. The gameplay largely recolces around exploring the town and meeting the townsfolk to uncover secrets about the town and each other.

A Space for the Unbound is coming to Nintendo Switch on January 19, 2023.

Once Upon a Jester Brings Improv Theater to Nintendo Switch

Once Upon a Jester attempts to infuse the world of improvisational theater into a video game. It stars best friends Jester and Sok, who have hatched a scheme to steal a Royal Diamond. To do so, they must be admitted to the Royal Theatrical Spectacle. This takes them to a bizarre kingdom where anything can happen, and no two performances within the game are the same.

Once Upon a Jester will be available on Switch later today.

Desta: The Memories Between Features Dodgeball In Your Dreams

From the creators of Monument Valley, Desta: The Memories Between takes the isometric viewpoint of its well-known mobile game and adds elements of dodgeball. In this game, players compete in a metaphorical ball game during their dreams, where perfect throws and trick shots can change the course of the narrative. With a heavy focus on story and conversations, the game also features a full voice cast.

Desta: The Memories Between comes to Switch in early 2023.

Goodbye World Is About the Struggles to Develop a Video Game

Goodbye World is about as meta as it gets, as it's a video game about two friends trying to find the perfect idea for their next video game. While following the characters' day-to-day struggles, you'll also play a retro-inspired puzzle platformer on a handheld that resembles a Game Boy.

Goodbye World is coming to Nintendo Switch later this month.

Aka Takes Players on a Journey to Find Inner Peace

Aka puts players in the shoes of retired warrior Aka, who is seeking inner peace on an isolated island paradise. In this cozy open world game, you can take care of a garden, build a shelter, feed baby dragons, or lie on top of a giant capybara. Aka can also set out on quests to meet characters, and face the ghosts of their past.

Aka is coming to Nintendo Switch on December 15.

Blanc Is a Textless Co-op Adventure Starring a Fawn and a Wolf Cub

Also featured in May 2022's Indie World Showcase, Blanc is a textless co-op adventure starring a fawn and a wolf cub. Two players must coordinate and use their individual abilities to navigate the snowy landscape. The game features both online and local co-op.

Blanc is coming to Nintendo Switch on February 14, 2023.

Solve Plant-Based Puzzles and Tend to a Garden in Botany Manor

Botany Manor is all about gardening. You play as Arabelle Green, a retired botanist who lives in a 19th century historical manor. By solving plant-based puzzles, you'll preserve a collection of forgotten flora and take care of the manor's garden. Players will need to inspect the manor to find clues, newspaper clippings, and more to help grow your own gardening skills.

Botany Manor is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2023.

Cook Delicious South Indian Dishes in Venba

Venba is a wholesome narrative cooking game set in the 1980s, where an Indian family recently immigrated to Canada. You play as the mother of the family, who is looking to reconnect with her heritage by cooking a variety of South Indian dishes. Branching conversations tell a story of love and loss, and the game's soundtrack is inspired by Indian musicals.

Venba is coming to Nintendo Switch in Spring 2023.

Oni: Road to be the Mightiest Oni Is a 3D Action-Adventure

Oni: Road to be the Mightiest Oni is a 3D action-adventure game with an art style somewhat reminiscent of Dragon Quest. You play as a vengeful demon warrior who joins forces with a spirit to fight ancient demons. Both characters are controlled simultaneously using a single Joy-Con controller. But you'll need to be careful, as some demon enemies are invincible, and your only choice will be to run.

Oni: Road to be the Mightiest Oni comes to Nintendo Switch on March 9, 2023.

Organize Everyday Objects in A Little to the Left, Out Today

If you love organizing your household objects to look as neat as possible, A Little to the Left is the game for you. There are over 75 puzzles to solve, where you organize household objects into satisfying arrangements. Many of the puzzles have multiple solutions. And, there's a cat who will interrupt your organization sessions, which I can tell you from personal experience, is extremely realistic.

A Little to the Left is available on Nintendo Switch today.

Coffee Talk Episode 2 Has Even More Quirky Characters to Meet

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is a sequel to the 2020 indie game Coffee Talk. As a barista of a late-night coffee shop, you meet quirky characters ranging from an opera singing banshee to an orc who develops video games. You'll listen to their stories while figuring out the perfect cup of joe for each customer, all set to a chill, lo-fi soundtrack.

Coffee Talk Episode 2 comes to Nintendo Switch in Spring 2023.

Nintendo Indie World Showcase Featured a Sizzle Reel of Upcoming Games, Including Inscryption

Nintendo also shared a sizzle reel of indie games coming to Nintendo Switch. Here's a list of the games that were featured:

• WrestleQuest, May 2023
• Wobbledogs Console Edition, November 17
• Storyteller, March 23
• World of Horror, Summer 2023
• Curse of the Sea Rats, early 2023
• Inscryption, December 1

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN covering video game and entertainment news. He has over six years of experience in the gaming industry with bylines at IGN, Nintendo Wire, Switch Player Magazine, and Lifewire. Find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

Nintendo has shared another look at the future of indie games on Nintendo Switch thanks to today's Indie World Showcase. In this roughly 25-minute presentation, Nintendo shared updates on previously released titles, a couple of exciting ports, and some brand new surprises.

From Sports Story — the Golf Story sequel first announced way back in 2019 — finally getting a release month, to indie darling Inscryption making its way to Nintendo Switch, here's everything that happened during today's Indie World Showcase.

Sports Story Comes to Nintendo Switch in December

The long-awaited sequel to 2017's Golf Story is finally hitting Nintendo Switch next month. Sports Story is about a lot more than golf, and even about more than sports. The wacky trailer showed off golf, tennis, soccer, BMX, volleyball, and cricket. But when you're not competing, you'll be exploring dungeons, hanging out at the mall, or solving mysteries.

Rogue Legacy 2 Is Available on Nintendo Switch Today

Esteemed roguelite Rogue Legacy 2 is coming to the Switch eShop later today. The Switch version includes the Fabled Heroes update, which includes dozens of new sub-classes and items.

Rogue Legacy 2 launched earlier this year, and we called the game amazing in our review, saying, "Rogue Legacy 2 is a transformative sequel that essentially rebuilds the extraordinarily influential 2013 original into a modern roguelite that stands nearly shoulder to shoulder with the best of the genre."

Pepper Grinder Is a New Action-Adventure From Devolver Digital

Treasure hunter Pepper has been shipwrecked and robbed, forcing her to use her trusty grill to take back what's hers. This gorgeous pixel-art action-adventure features super fast action with fluid drill combat. Along the way, you'll collect treasure and other riches and use them to upgrade Pepper or unlock more paths on the world map.

Pepper Grinder is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2023.

Have a Nice Death: Roguelike Starring the Grim Reaper Hits Switch Next Year

This roguelike impressed us last year ahead of its PC release, and now Have a Nice Death is coming to Nintendo Switch. The game stars the grim reaper himself, with a corporate twist. Death is an overworked CEO who has to restore the work-death balance at his company by fighting his own subordinates. It has crazy fast hack-and-slash combat with combos and spell and weapons upgrades.

Have a Nice Death is coming to Nintendo Switch on March 22, 2023.

Explore the French Countryside in Dordogne

From French indie studio Un Je Ne Sais Quoi, Dordogne is an immersive narrative experience starring Mimi: A Woman who returns to her late grandmother's home where she used to spend every summer. You'll play as Mimi in the past and present, as you uncover family secrets and explore the French countryside.

Dordogne is coming to Switch in Spring 2023.

A Space for the Unbound Is About Young Love in Rural Indonesia

This slice-of-life adventure game is set in the late 1990s in rural Indonesia. A Space for the Unbound tells the relationship of a boy and a girl with supernatural powers, who are forced into action when a mysterious power threatens their towns existence. The gameplay largely recolces around exploring the town and meeting the townsfolk to uncover secrets about the town and each other.

A Space for the Unbound is coming to Nintendo Switch on January 19, 2023.

Once Upon a Jester Brings Improv Theater to Nintendo Switch

Once Upon a Jester attempts to infuse the world of improvisational theater into a video game. It stars best friends Jester and Sok, who have hatched a scheme to steal a Royal Diamond. To do so, they must be admitted to the Royal Theatrical Spectacle. This takes them to a bizarre kingdom where anything can happen, and no two performances within the game are the same.

Once Upon a Jester will be available on Switch later today.

Desta: The Memories Between Features Dodgeball In Your Dreams

From the creators of Monument Valley, Desta: The Memories Between takes the isometric viewpoint of its well-known mobile game and adds elements of dodgeball. In this game, players compete in a metaphorical ball game during their dreams, where perfect throws and trick shots can change the course of the narrative. With a heavy focus on story and conversations, the game also features a full voice cast.

Desta: The Memories Between comes to Switch in early 2023.

Goodbye World Is About the Struggles to Develop a Video Game

Goodbye World is about as meta as it gets, as it's a video game about two friends trying to find the perfect idea for their next video game. While following the characters' day-to-day struggles, you'll also play a retro-inspired puzzle platformer on a handheld that resembles a Game Boy.

Goodbye World is coming to Nintendo Switch later this month.

Aka Takes Players on a Journey to Find Inner Peace

Aka puts players in the shoes of retired warrior Aka, who is seeking inner peace on an isolated island paradise. In this cozy open world game, you can take care of a garden, build a shelter, feed baby dragons, or lie on top of a giant capybara. Aka can also set out on quests to meet characters, and face the ghosts of their past.

Aka is coming to Nintendo Switch on December 15.

Blanc Is a Textless Co-op Adventure Starring a Fawn and a Wolf Cub

Also featured in May 2022's Indie World Showcase, Blanc is a textless co-op adventure starring a fawn and a wolf cub. Two players must coordinate and use their individual abilities to navigate the snowy landscape. The game features both online and local co-op.

Blanc is coming to Nintendo Switch on February 14, 2023.

Solve Plant-Based Puzzles and Tend to a Garden in Botany Manor

Botany Manor is all about gardening. You play as Arabelle Green, a retired botanist who lives in a 19th century historical manor. By solving plant-based puzzles, you'll preserve a collection of forgotten flora and take care of the manor's garden. Players will need to inspect the manor to find clues, newspaper clippings, and more to help grow your own gardening skills.

Botany Manor is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2023.

Cook Delicious South Indian Dishes in Venba

Venba is a wholesome narrative cooking game set in the 1980s, where an Indian family recently immigrated to Canada. You play as the mother of the family, who is looking to reconnect with her heritage by cooking a variety of South Indian dishes. Branching conversations tell a story of love and loss, and the game's soundtrack is inspired by Indian musicals.

Venba is coming to Nintendo Switch in Spring 2023.

Oni: Road to be the Mightiest Oni Is a 3D Action-Adventure

Oni: Road to be the Mightiest Oni is a 3D action-adventure game with an art style somewhat reminiscent of Dragon Quest. You play as a vengeful demon warrior who joins forces with a spirit to fight ancient demons. Both characters are controlled simultaneously using a single Joy-Con controller. But you'll need to be careful, as some demon enemies are invincible, and your only choice will be to run.

Oni: Road to be the Mightiest Oni comes to Nintendo Switch on March 9, 2023.

Organize Everyday Objects in A Little to the Left, Out Today

If you love organizing your household objects to look as neat as possible, A Little to the Left is the game for you. There are over 75 puzzles to solve, where you organize household objects into satisfying arrangements. Many of the puzzles have multiple solutions. And, there's a cat who will interrupt your organization sessions, which I can tell you from personal experience, is extremely realistic.

A Little to the Left is available on Nintendo Switch today.

Coffee Talk Episode 2 Has Even More Quirky Characters to Meet

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is a sequel to the 2020 indie game Coffee Talk. As a barista of a late-night coffee shop, you meet quirky characters ranging from an opera singing banshee to an orc who develops video games. You'll listen to their stories while figuring out the perfect cup of joe for each customer, all set to a chill, lo-fi soundtrack.

Coffee Talk Episode 2 comes to Nintendo Switch in Spring 2023.

Nintendo Indie World Showcase Featured a Sizzle Reel of Upcoming Games, Including Inscryption

Nintendo also shared a sizzle reel of indie games coming to Nintendo Switch. Here's a list of the games that were featured:

• WrestleQuest, May 2023
• Wobbledogs Console Edition, November 17
• Storyteller, March 23
• World of Horror, Summer 2023
• Curse of the Sea Rats, early 2023
• Inscryption, December 1

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN covering video game and entertainment news. He has over six years of experience in the gaming industry with bylines at IGN, Nintendo Wire, Switch Player Magazine, and Lifewire. Find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land seems to be the best-selling Kirby game, ever.

As reported by VGC, Nintendo's Fiscal Year Ending March 2023 Six Months Earnings Release, revealed that Kirby and the Forgotten Land has sold a further 2.61 million in this past quarter. This seemingly means that the recently released Kirby game has racked up an impressive 5.27 million copies sold since launch.

This beats out the franchise’s previous record holder – Kirby’s Dream Land for the original Game Boy is thought to have sold 5.13 million copies.

If this historic figure is correct, then Kirby and the Forgotten Land has comfortably bested it.

Although that’s not a huge surprise – Nintendo has previously claimed that the game sold 4 million copies in its first fifteen weeks.

Not to mention, critics went mad for Kirby’s latest adventure.

IGN’s review of Kirby and the Forgotten Land gave it 8/10 and said: “Kirby and the Forgotten Land successfully warps the series’ already fun mix of ability-based combat, platforming, and secret hunting into the third dimension. The post-apocalyptic setting may not be as thematically interesting as Planet Popstar, but it is still lovely and vibrant, with cleverly designed levels that make consistently smart use of Kirby’s abilities. Despite the change in perspective, Forgotten Land maintains most of what I love about classic Kirby games – and if the future means more 3D adventures for our hungry pink hero, I’d be more than happy to swallow them up.”

Kirby and the Forgotten Land reportedly enjoyed the biggest Japanese launch in the history of the series, selling 380,000 copies in its first week alone.

The game is currently sitting at 85 on Metacritic.

The game takes Kirby into uncharted waters as a full 3D platformer, but developer Shinya Kumazaki said that won’t necessarily be the standard going forward.

“Nintendo is on the same page as us, and this is something we talk about often. We hope to go beyond what is currently imaginable and challenge ourselves to create new and innovative Kirby games.”

Want to read more about Kirby and the Forgotten Land? Check out our beginner’s guide to Kirby’s latest adventure as well as what to expect from the future of the Kirby franchise.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land seems to be the best-selling Kirby game, ever.

As reported by VGC, Nintendo's Fiscal Year Ending March 2023 Six Months Earnings Release, revealed that Kirby and the Forgotten Land has sold a further 2.61 million in this past quarter. This seemingly means that the recently released Kirby game has racked up an impressive 5.27 million copies sold since launch.

This beats out the franchise’s previous record holder – Kirby’s Dream Land for the original Game Boy is thought to have sold 5.13 million copies.

If this historic figure is correct, then Kirby and the Forgotten Land has comfortably bested it.

Although that’s not a huge surprise – Nintendo has previously claimed that the game sold 4 million copies in its first fifteen weeks.

Not to mention, critics went mad for Kirby’s latest adventure.

IGN’s review of Kirby and the Forgotten Land gave it 8/10 and said: “Kirby and the Forgotten Land successfully warps the series’ already fun mix of ability-based combat, platforming, and secret hunting into the third dimension. The post-apocalyptic setting may not be as thematically interesting as Planet Popstar, but it is still lovely and vibrant, with cleverly designed levels that make consistently smart use of Kirby’s abilities. Despite the change in perspective, Forgotten Land maintains most of what I love about classic Kirby games – and if the future means more 3D adventures for our hungry pink hero, I’d be more than happy to swallow them up.”

Kirby and the Forgotten Land reportedly enjoyed the biggest Japanese launch in the history of the series, selling 380,000 copies in its first week alone.

The game is currently sitting at 85 on Metacritic.

The game takes Kirby into uncharted waters as a full 3D platformer, but developer Shinya Kumazaki said that won’t necessarily be the standard going forward.

“Nintendo is on the same page as us, and this is something we talk about often. We hope to go beyond what is currently imaginable and challenge ourselves to create new and innovative Kirby games.”

Want to read more about Kirby and the Forgotten Land? Check out our beginner’s guide to Kirby’s latest adventure as well as what to expect from the future of the Kirby franchise.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become Japan's best-selling game ever, having sold 10.45 million copies since its release two years ago.

According to Game Data Library, a site that claims to be the 'largest collection of Japanese game sales data on the internet,' New Horizons has surpassed several Pokémon titles to claim the top spot on Japan's best-selling games list. Pokémon Red/Blue/Green is now in second place with 10.23m sales, followed by Pokémon Gold/Silver with 7.17m.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become Japan's all time best selling game. pic.twitter.com/yonNxSkBkd

— Game Data Library (@GameDataLibrary) November 8, 2022

New Horizons was released in March 2020 and achieved astounding sales right out of the gate. The rapid success of the game is further highlighted by its sales in Japan, where it has climbed the ranks to reach first place on the best-selling games chart in just over two years. Three of the other entries in the Top 5 were released over 20 years ago.

The list also reveals that Splatoon 3 has made it into the Top 20 with just over five million copies sold, two months on from its release. The third-person shooter had an absurdly big launch in Japan, selling 3.45 million copies in just three days, outpacing huge Nintendo Switch titles like New Horizons and Pokémon Sword and Shield within the same time frame.

Released on the doorstep of a global pandemic, New Horizons provided a much need escape for many, with IGN calling it "an expanded, polished, next-generation reboot of a classic Nintendo game that's full of surprises." Nintendo later expanded the game with the Happy Home Paradise DLC, which IGN labelled a "must-have for base game owners."

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become Japan's best-selling game ever, having sold 10.45 million copies since its release two years ago.

According to Game Data Library, a site that claims to be the 'largest collection of Japanese game sales data on the internet,' New Horizons has surpassed several Pokémon titles to claim the top spot on Japan's best-selling games list. Pokémon Red/Blue/Green is now in second place with 10.23m sales, followed by Pokémon Gold/Silver with 7.17m.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become Japan's all time best selling game. pic.twitter.com/yonNxSkBkd

— Game Data Library (@GameDataLibrary) November 8, 2022

New Horizons was released in March 2020 and achieved astounding sales right out of the gate. The rapid success of the game is further highlighted by its sales in Japan, where it has climbed the ranks to reach first place on the best-selling games chart in just over two years. Three of the other entries in the Top 5 were released over 20 years ago.

The list also reveals that Splatoon 3 has made it into the Top 20 with just over five million copies sold, two months on from its release. The third-person shooter had an absurdly big launch in Japan, selling 3.45 million copies in just three days, outpacing huge Nintendo Switch titles like New Horizons and Pokémon Sword and Shield within the same time frame.

Released on the doorstep of a global pandemic, New Horizons provided a much need escape for many, with IGN calling it "an expanded, polished, next-generation reboot of a classic Nintendo game that's full of surprises." Nintendo later expanded the game with the Happy Home Paradise DLC, which IGN labelled a "must-have for base game owners."

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.

Following the end of its partnership with EA, FIFA has announced that it is working on a portfolio of Web3 games ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. So far, there are four games in development that will utilize blockchain technology.

AI League is a 4-on-4 casual game played between AI-controlled characters and players will act as coaches and offer input at tactical moments. Players can also collect and trade characters between teams.

Uplandme utilizes virtual properties and allows players to travel to a replica FIFA World Cup Lusail Stadium and Village and shop for items to customize their home.

Matchday is a game based on social prediction through the use of cards. Here, players can collect and own Matchday player cards that have the names, images, and likenesses of professional players.

The last one, Phygti, is an app that generates digital rewards. It seems to be an initiative that allows players to capture and eternalize their favorite FIFA World Cup pictures and video moments.

“This is a hugely exciting group of partnerships that we’ve entered into as we embrace a new, digitally-native football fan and engage with them in the spaces that we know they are already active within,” says FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai.

He continues, “As we continue to build our gaming strategy long into future, it’s certain that web 3.0 will have an important role to play, and this marks the start of our journey.”

These are FIFA’s first gaming initiatives since it split from EA back in May. FIFA is planning on releasing new soccer and non-simulation games starting in Q3 2022.

Although blockchain games have been widely scrutinized in the industry, some companies are embracing it, such as Square Enix. The company recently announced Symbiogenesis, an art NFT project, that disappointed fans who thought it was a rumored Parasite Eve revival.

George Yang is a freelance writer for IGN. He's been writing about the industry since 2019 and has worked with other publications such as Insider, Kotaku, NPR, and Variety.

When not writing about video games, George is playing video games. What a surprise! You can follow him on Twitter @Yinyangfooey

Following the end of its partnership with EA, FIFA has announced that it is working on a portfolio of Web3 games ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. So far, there are four games in development that will utilize blockchain technology.

AI League is a 4-on-4 casual game played between AI-controlled characters and players will act as coaches and offer input at tactical moments. Players can also collect and trade characters between teams.

Uplandme utilizes virtual properties and allows players to travel to a replica FIFA World Cup Lusail Stadium and Village and shop for items to customize their home.

Matchday is a game based on social prediction through the use of cards. Here, players can collect and own Matchday player cards that have the names, images, and likenesses of professional players.

The last one, Phygti, is an app that generates digital rewards. It seems to be an initiative that allows players to capture and eternalize their favorite FIFA World Cup pictures and video moments.

“This is a hugely exciting group of partnerships that we’ve entered into as we embrace a new, digitally-native football fan and engage with them in the spaces that we know they are already active within,” says FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai.

He continues, “As we continue to build our gaming strategy long into future, it’s certain that web 3.0 will have an important role to play, and this marks the start of our journey.”

These are FIFA’s first gaming initiatives since it split from EA back in May. FIFA is planning on releasing new soccer and non-simulation games starting in Q3 2022.

Although blockchain games have been widely scrutinized in the industry, some companies are embracing it, such as Square Enix. The company recently announced Symbiogenesis, an art NFT project, that disappointed fans who thought it was a rumored Parasite Eve revival.

George Yang is a freelance writer for IGN. He's been writing about the industry since 2019 and has worked with other publications such as Insider, Kotaku, NPR, and Variety.

When not writing about video games, George is playing video games. What a surprise! You can follow him on Twitter @Yinyangfooey

A 2D pixel art Metroidvania based on Dark Souls III was seemingly rejected by Bandai Namco.

According to artist Thomas Feichtmeir (via Twitter), the side-scrolling Dark Souls 3 game was pitched to the company around 6 years ago… but, as we said, it was rejected.

“A Dark Souls 3 - 2D pixel art Metroidvania was pitched to Bandai Namco [around] 6 years ago,” he said. “This is now finally out of NDA, so enjoy the visuals created back then.”

A Dark Souls 3 - 2D pixelart metroidvania was pitched to Bandai Namco ~6 years ago.
This is now finally out of NDA, so enjoy the visuals created back then. pic.twitter.com/Dt5BDasWbU

— Thomas Feichtmeir (@cyangmou) November 8, 2022

A 2D pixel artist, Feichtmeir has worked on a number of Metroidvanias that were inspired by the darker tone of the Dark Souls series, including Blasphemous.

Although the above screenshot is all we’ve seen so far, it does look pretty impressive with its depiction of the Dark Souls 3 boss, the Dancer of the Boreal Valley.

“The art here was created in a style which would have been doable in the average budget estimations of Metroidvania back then,” added Feichtmeir.

Dark Souls 3 was made by FromSoftware, who may not have been involved in the Metroidvania. Since Bandai Namco holds the rights to the property, the game was pitched directly to the company.

Why was it pitched in the first place? Well, it’s all because of the rise of 2D games.

“Back at the time it just became evident that Metroidvanias hit a nerve and would get big,” explained Feichtmeir. “Many of the Metroidvania games which got pitched or seemed interesting anyways had a Dark Souls inspiration, so the idea made a lot of sense.”

It’s true that many Metroidvanias at the time had been clearly inspired by the Dark Souls series, with the likes of Death's Gambit, Dead Cells, and many others following in its footsteps.

Obviously, a direct adaptation is something else entirely… but given the immensely positive response to the artist’s tweet, it looks as though Dark Souls III could have made the perfect Metroidvania.

Want to read more about Dark Souls? Find out why Dark Souls on PC was switched offline and why its features have since been restored.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

A 2D pixel art Metroidvania based on Dark Souls III was seemingly rejected by Bandai Namco.

According to artist Thomas Feichtmeir (via Twitter), the side-scrolling Dark Souls 3 game was pitched to the company around 6 years ago… but, as we said, it was rejected.

“A Dark Souls 3 - 2D pixel art Metroidvania was pitched to Bandai Namco [around] 6 years ago,” he said. “This is now finally out of NDA, so enjoy the visuals created back then.”

A Dark Souls 3 - 2D pixelart metroidvania was pitched to Bandai Namco ~6 years ago.
This is now finally out of NDA, so enjoy the visuals created back then. pic.twitter.com/Dt5BDasWbU

— Thomas Feichtmeir (@cyangmou) November 8, 2022

A 2D pixel artist, Feichtmeir has worked on a number of Metroidvanias that were inspired by the darker tone of the Dark Souls series, including Blasphemous.

Although the above screenshot is all we’ve seen so far, it does look pretty impressive with its depiction of the Dark Souls 3 boss, the Dancer of the Boreal Valley.

“The art here was created in a style which would have been doable in the average budget estimations of Metroidvania back then,” added Feichtmeir.

Dark Souls 3 was made by FromSoftware, who may not have been involved in the Metroidvania. Since Bandai Namco holds the rights to the property, the game was pitched directly to the company.

Why was it pitched in the first place? Well, it’s all because of the rise of 2D games.

“Back at the time it just became evident that Metroidvanias hit a nerve and would get big,” explained Feichtmeir. “Many of the Metroidvania games which got pitched or seemed interesting anyways had a Dark Souls inspiration, so the idea made a lot of sense.”

It’s true that many Metroidvanias at the time had been clearly inspired by the Dark Souls series, with the likes of Death's Gambit, Dead Cells, and many others following in its footsteps.

Obviously, a direct adaptation is something else entirely… but given the immensely positive response to the artist’s tweet, it looks as though Dark Souls III could have made the perfect Metroidvania.

Want to read more about Dark Souls? Find out why Dark Souls on PC was switched offline and why its features have since been restored.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.