We’ve prepared a digest of the main news for Players readers for March 26, 2026.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 DLC “Cost of Hope” Announced
- During the Xbox Partner Preview presentation, GSC Game World announced a story expansion for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The DLC is titled Cost of Hope, and its release is scheduled for this summer.
Street Fighter 6 Tournament MVP to Receive a Blood Pressure Monitor
- A new online Street Fighter 6 tournament called the Legacy Cup has been announced in Japan. The competition is designed for players aged 40 and older. Sponsors have prepared some rather unusual prizes for participants. Top players will be able to receive vitamin D supplements, oral care products, and ready-made frozen meals, while the tournament’s most valuable player will be awarded a blood pressure monitor.
AAA Game Development Costs Now Exceed $300 Million
- According to well-known gaming journalist and insider Jason Schreier, the budget for developing modern AAA games in the United States and Canada now regularly exceeds $300 million.
Worlds 2025 Finals and VALORANT Champions 2025 Grand Final Nominated for Sports Emmy Award
- The organizers of the 47th Sports Emmy Awards, the sports equivalent of the Emmy Awards, have announced nominees across various categories. In the category “Outstanding Esports Championship Coverage,” there are two events each from ESL FACEIT Group and Riot Games competing for the award.