With the Mid-Season Invitational 2026 now underway, Riot Games says it is satisfied with the current state of the meta, citing healthy champion diversity across multiple roles and classes.

The developers noted that recent nerfs to several dominant bot lane picks have also led to more mage champions appearing in the role.

While Riot does not consider mage bot lanes to be problematic overall, it acknowledged ongoing discussions around their true power level, particularly when they maintain high solo queue win rates.

That said, Seraphine is receiving a nerf after consistently overperforming in solo queue, though Riot stressed that evaluating mage bot lanes is more nuanced, and depends on factors such as champion pairings and player familiarity with the matchup.

LoL patch 26.14 notes

Champion buffs

Champion nerfs

Locke

Locke has had a strong launch, with players responding well to his execute mechanics, resets, and stack-based burst gameplay, Riot Phroxzon shared.

According to the developers, he has a higher skill ceiling similar to champions like Katarina and Akshan, though they do not believe the gap between experienced and inexperienced players is excessive.

Despite that, Riot says Locke is currently overtuned when accounting for player mastery and his overall power level. His ability to snowball games early is considered too strong.

Rather than reducing his damage, the balance team believes his damage output is appropriate if it is harder to access. As a result, this patch targets his wave clear to make it more difficult for Locke to consistently reach his burst potential.

The developers acknowledged that some players find his damage frustrating to play against, but they believe champions should retain distinct strengths and want to preserve that aspect of Locke’s identity.

Champion adjustments

• Nasus (jungle nerf, top buff)

System buffs

• Blue buff

System nerfs

Hextech Rocketbelt has become one of the strongest mage items at higher levels of play, particularly for immobile champions.

Riot said it supports this type of build innovation, but believes the item currently provides too much versatility by removing a key weakness of immobile mages—their vulnerability to being caught. The item is being nerfed to require a greater trade-off.

The patch also includes a nerf to the mid-lane boots upgrade for Gluttonous Greaves.

While the upgrade has created interesting lane interactions, such as against top-lane Riven, Riot says it has become the highest-performing boot option in those matchups while offering too little counterplay. The developers want to keep the strategic variety it brings but reduce its overall strength.

Organized as a special event within the international Puyo Puyo Global Ranking Series 2026, the tournament celebrates the growing overseas competitive scene by pairing VTubers from Lumina Project and Pixela Project with fans in a four-player team format.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Puyo Puyo VTuber Tournament, including its schedule, participating VTubers, and where to watch.

What is the Puyo Puyo VTuber Tournament?

The Puyo Puyo VTuber Tournament, officially titled the PGRS VLP Puyo Puyo VTuber Championship, is a special event held under the Puyo Puyo Global Ranking Series 2026.

PGRS 2026 serves as SEGA’s official international competitive circuit for Puyo Puyo, combining official tournaments and community events from around the world to help grow the game’s global esports scene.

Unlike traditional tournaments, this event places community participation front and center. Each of the eight teams will feature one Thai VTuber alongside three fans, with teams competing in a point-based tournament to determine the overall champion.

PGRS VLP Puyo Puyo VTuber Championship schedule

The tournament will take place over two days.

Each participating VTuber will stream the tournament live on their own YouTube channel, allowing fans to follow their favorite team’s perspective throughout the event.

Which VTubers are participating?

The Puyo Puyo VTuber Tournament features eight Thai VTubers from Lumina Project and Pixela Project.

The event will be hosted by Antolnette, while the competing VTubers are:

• T-Reina Ashyra
• Kumoku Tsururu
• Atlanteia Sireen
• Kryspeia Cosmelis
• Debirun
• Mild-R
• TAKOPERO
• Hanabi Lafy

T-Reina Ashyra is a Lumina Project gaming VTuber who regularly streams a mix of variety games and chatting, and has previously taken part in official PGRS livestreams.

Kumoku Tsururu is a member of Lumina Project’s World End generation, known primarily for gaming-focused streams and collaborations within the Thai VTuber scene.

Atlanteia Sireen is a Lumina Project multilingual VTuber who creates gaming, singing, ASMR, and roleplay content in Thai, English, and Chinese, making her one of the more internationally accessible participants.

Kryspeia Cosmelis is known for variety streaming and interactive broadcasts, with a growing audience across Thailand’s VTuber community.

Debirun is another member of Lumina Project’s World End generation, focusing primarily on gaming streams and community engagement.

Mild-R regularly produces gaming and variety livestreams while collaborating with fellow Lumina Project creators.

TAKOPERO is a long-running Thai VTuber from Pixela Project, recognized for energetic gaming content and an established presence within the agency.

Hanabi Lafy is a Pixela Project fairy-themed VTuber who creates gaming and variety content and debuted as part of the agency’s Pixela Isekai generation.

How to watch the Puyo Puyo VTuber Tournament

Fans can catch every match of the Puyo Puyo VTuber Tournament by tuning into the participating VTubers’ individual YouTube channels, with each creator broadcasting their own team’s journey throughout the championship.

With official PGRS points on the line and fan-player teams taking center stage, the event offers a different take on competitive Puyo Puyo by putting community collaboration at the heart of the tournament.

About Lumina Project and Pixela Project

Founded in 2024, Lumina Project is a Thailand-based virtual talent agency operating under the VirtUp platform. The agency focuses on gaming, livestreaming, merchandise, and multimedia projects while promoting a new generation of Thai virtual creators.

Meanwhile, Pixela Project, established in 2021, is one of Thailand’s best-known VTuber agencies. Its talents blend Japanese VTuber-inspired aesthetics with Thai humor, culture, and storytelling, helping the group build a dedicated fanbase both locally and internationally.

Partnering with HoYoverse’s turn-based RPG, this all-new lineup of premium charging accessories is themed around Yao Guang, and offers an exclusive collector’s gift box packed with character merchandise.

Designed for players who are constantly on the move, the Honkai Star Rail x UGREEN collection blends practical everyday charging solutions with limited-edition artwork and packaging, making it as appealing for collectors as it is for anyone looking to upgrade their travel tech.

Following the Kinich collection, UGREEN expands its HoYoverse partnership

This isn’t UGREEN’s first collaboration with HoYoverse.

Back on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the company launched its first co-branded collection with Genshin Impact, featuring Natlan’s Kinich and his companion Ajaw under the “Power Up, Game On” campaign.

The collection included a 20,000mAh Nexode Power Bank, a 65W GaN charger, a Qi2-compatible MagFlow wireless charger and a 100W USB-C cable, all redesigned with Kinich-inspired artwork.

Collectors could also get a Kinich-themed gift box that included exclusive merchandise such as acrylic display pieces, a lanyard, a magnet and other limited collectibles, making it one of UGREEN’s most popular crossover releases.

The new Honkai Star Rail x UGREEN collaboration builds on that formula—and goes even further.

Instead of four products, the latest collection expands to five devices, introduces an entirely new smart tracker, refreshes the packaging around Yao Guang’s aesthetic, and includes an even broader selection of collector’s merchandise.

Honkai Star Rail x UGREEN is built around Yao Guang

For this collection, UGREEN chose Yao Guang as the face of the lineup, incorporating the character’s strategic personality throughout the product designs, packaging and promotional materials.

Rather than simply applying themed artwork onto existing accessories, UGREEN positions the collection as a complete charging ecosystem for Trailblazers who regularly travel, game on mobile devices or carry multiple gadgets throughout the day.

What’s included in the Honkai Star Rail x UGREEN collection?

The Honkai Star Rail x UGREEN collection consists of five themed products, each featuring exclusive Yao Guang-inspired designs:

UGREEN MagFlow Air Magnetic Power Bank Honkai Star Rail Edition

The magnetic power bank features a slim 13.9mm design while supporting 15W wireless magnetic charging.

It also includes an integrated USB-C cable capable of 30W two-way fast charging, allowing users to recharge the power bank while simultaneously charging another device.

UGREEN has also equipped it with its Thermal Guard smart temperature management system alongside 13 layers of safety protection.

UGREEN Nexode 65W Air Charger Honkai Star Rail Edition

Despite its compact size, the charger delivers up to 65W GaN fast charging.

It automatically detects connected devices and intelligently distributes power, while Thermal Guard technology and nine layers of protection help keep charging temperatures under control.

UGREEN Nexode Retractable USB-C Cable Honkai Star Rail Edition

The retractable USB-C cable supports up to 100W fast charging together with high-speed data transfer.

An integrated E-marker chip automatically negotiates charging speeds with compatible devices to prevent overloading, while the retractable design makes it easier to carry and store.

UGREEN FineTrack Mini 2 Honkai Star Rail Edition

One of the biggest additions compared to the previous Genshin collection is the inclusion of a smart tracker.

The FineTrack Mini 2 integrates with Apple’s Find My network, allowing users to locate misplaced items, receive separation alerts and share tracking access with others. It also features a 110dB alarm, IP68 water and dust resistance, and long battery life.

UGREEN Nexode Pro Power Bank Honkai Star Rail Edition

The flagship accessory in the lineup is a new 10,000mAh Nexode Pro Power Bank.

It supports up to 45W or 55W single-port fast charging depending on the connected device, 35W self-charging and simultaneous charging for up to three devices.

A built-in smart display shows remaining battery percentage, charging speed and power output in real time, while Thermal Guard technology and a 14-layer protection system are designed to keep performance stable during heavy use.

One important note for collectors: although the Nexode Pro Power Bank is part of the Honkai Star Rail x UGREEN lineup, it is not included inside the collector’s gift box. Product availability may also differ depending on region.

The collector’s gift box includes exclusive merchandise

Beyond the charging accessories, the Honkai Star Rail x UGREEN collaboration also includes a range of exclusive collectibles.

Fans purchasing the gift box can expect:

• Chibi acrylic character stand
• Transparent card
• Character badge
• Holographic ticket
• Lanyard
• Storage pouch

Everything arrives in custom Yao Guang-themed packaging, giving the entire set a consistent collector’s presentation rather than simply bundling separate products together.

Where to buy the Honkai Star Rail x UGREEN collection

The Honkai Star Rail x UGREEN collection is available online now on the official UGREEN store, and will gradually roll out across online stores and physical retail partners worldwide.

Regional availability will differ, so fans should check their local UGREEN storefronts for launch timing and product availability.

I’ll admit it—I wasn’t planning on watching this series initially.

The only reason I hit play was because Otsuka voices protagonist Elma Edvan. If you’ve followed his work as Jinshi in The Apothecary Diaries, Sunday in Honkai Star Rail, Tsukasa Akeuraji in Medalist, Shinichi Akiyama in Liar Game, or Haru Tennoji in Trillion Game, you’ll know why.

I’m a huge fan. I even bought meet-and-greet tickets during AFA Singapore 2024 for the Oshi no Ko cast, where getting to meet him was genuinely a dream come true. So yes, I was absolutely here to support his newest leading role.

Thankfully, I walked away with much more to talk about than just the voice acting.

Streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll from July 2, 2026, The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How To Game The System delivers a visually distinctive fantasy adventure that isn’t afraid to be dramatic—sometimes to its benefit, and sometimes to its detriment.

What is The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How To Game The System anime about?

Born into a prestigious family of master swordsmen, Elymas “Elma” Edvan’s future is destroyed after awakening the supposedly “defective” Heavy Knight class.

Cast out by his own family, he suddenly regains memories from another life and realizes the world he now lives in is identical to a VR game he once mastered.

Armed with knowledge no one else possesses, Elma decides to rewrite the fate everyone has already decided for him, proving that the class everyone dismisses as the weakest may actually be the strongest in the right hands.

The anime adapts the manga by Brocco Lee, based on the original light novel by Necoco, with character designs by Jaian.

The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How To Game The System review

Takeo Otsuka once again proves why he’s one of the best

Even before the story properly gets going, Otsuka immediately sells Elma as someone worth following.

It certainly helps that Elma looks every bit the fantasy protagonist—blonde hair, striking blue eyes that almost resemble galaxies, and those unusually sharp eyebrows that somehow perfectly communicate his stubborn determination before he even says a word.

More importantly, Otsuka captures the internal side of Elma exceptionally well.

Unlike many action protagonists who simply overpower every obstacle, Elma constantly narrates his own thought process throughout battles. Every fight becomes part strategy session, part internal monologue as he applies knowledge from his previous life to situations nobody else understands.

Rather than feeling like exposition, these moments flesh out his personality. You understand why he makes certain decisions, how far ahead he’s thinking, and why he’s willing to challenge an entire society that has already written him off.

His motivations are immediately easy to grasp. He’s been disowned, labelled a failure, and cast aside simply because of his class. Now he’s choosing to weaponize the very thing everyone considers worthless. It’s a simple premise, but an effective one.

Supporting performances from Shion Wakayama as Luce Rubis and Natsuko Abe as Maris Edvan round out the main cast well, although Episode 1 understandably remains focused on establishing Elma.

Studio GoHands’ signature style is impossible to ignore

If you’ve watched a Studio GoHands production before, you’ll immediately recognize its visual identity.

The studio has developed a reputation for heavily stylised cinematography across series such as K, Hand Shakers, The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses, Momentary Lily, Seitokai Yakuindomo, Mardock Scramble, and Coppelion. Their productions rarely look like anyone else’s—for better or worse.

Dark shadows dominate many scenes, giving environments a surprisingly heavy atmosphere despite the fantasy setting. Character eyes, magical crystals and other important visual elements receive incredible amounts of texture and colour.

Even Elma’s hair deserves its own mention. Every strand seems individually rendered with remarkable detail, making me convinced he uses S-rank shampoo and conditioner.

Where GoHands truly shines, however, is during combat. The action rarely stays fixed on one character. Instead, the camera flows through each encounter, weaving between combatants almost as though it’s another participant in the battle itself.

Perspectives shift rapidly from human to monster, attacker to defender, without obvious cuts, creating an almost continuous sense of motion.

At several points, it reminded me of how Jujutsu Kaisen approaches action cinematography—not because the choreography is identical, but because the “camera” itself feels alive, constantly guiding your eyes through the movement instead of simply recording it.

The result is energetic, ambitious and technically impressive. You can tell these aren’t action scenes where corners were cut.

RPG inspirations extend beyond the story itself

What I appreciated most was how the anime embraces its RPG inspirations without resorting to floating menus or obvious game UI.

Instead, those influences are woven into the presentation. Weapon clashes burst with vibrant orange and yellow visual effects that feel closer to high-impact fighting games than traditional fantasy anime. They give every sword strike extra weight and spectacle.

The anime also introduces new locations much like an RPG would. Before Elma enters a city or area, the camera often provides sweeping overhead views that establish the layout first. Only afterwards does it shift down to his perspective, almost as though control has been handed over to the player.

It’s a subtle touch, but one that constantly reinforces the idea that Elma understands this world because he’s effectively played it before.

Ludvig Forssell’s soundtrack was the biggest surprise

One name in the credits genuinely caught me off guard.

The soundtrack is composed by Ludvig Forssell, the Swedish composer best known for his work on Death Stranding, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and the Metal Gear Solid V games.

Forssell relocated from Sweden to Japan early in his career to work in game audio before joining Kojima Productions, where he eventually became Audio Director and Lead Composer. His work on Death Stranding earned widespread acclaim, culminating in Best Score and Music at The Game Awards 2019.

Seeing someone with that resume attached to a fantasy isekai certainly wasn’t on my bingo card.

The opening episode begins with ominous thunder and lightning before transitioning into an appropriately dramatic score that leans into heavy orchestration and darker tones. The music complements the anime’s strong shadows and theatrical presentation rather than trying to overpower them.

SPYAIR delivers exactly the opening theme you’d hope for

Then, there’s the opening theme. The moment “Awake” started playing, I knew it was SPYAIR before checking the credits.

It’s classic SPYAIR. The song begins relatively restrained before exploding into a powerful chorus, building momentum in exactly the way longtime fans would expect. By the time YOSUKE unleashes his signature scream near the end, you’re completely ready for the episode ahead.

It’s energetic, uplifting and exactly the kind of opening that gets stuck in your head after a single listen. If you’re a J-pop fan, this one’s going straight onto the playlist.

Style sometimes takes priority over substance

As much as I admire GoHands’ ambition, there were moments where its signature style started working against the anime.

The constantly shifting camera angles eventually become exhausting. Some fight scenes continue well past the point where they’ve communicated everything they needed to. Rather than developing the world, revealing new information or pushing the narrative forward, they simply keep escalating visually.

They’re dramatic. That’s about it.

The spectacle exists because it looks impressive, not because the story benefits from it.

In Episode 1 alone, I occasionally found myself feeling slightly dizzy from the relentless movement. Every sequence wants to maintain maximum energy, but without quieter moments to balance things out, the overall pacing begins to suffer.

The same applies to some of the vocal performances. Characters often deliver lines with enormous intensity before the audience has been given enough reason to emotionally invest. The performances themselves aren’t weak—far from it—but the drama sometimes arrives before the stakes have earned it.

Instead of feeling the weight of Elma’s exile, I occasionally felt like the anime was trying very hard to convince me I should.

The fan service feels one-sided

Another aspect that didn’t quite work for me was the fan service.

Female characters frequently wear very revealing outfits despite actively participating in combat. Armour is largely absent, with exposed waists, cleavage, and thighs making regular appearances.

Combined with GoHands’ constantly moving camera, this results in plenty of lingering angles that feel designed less for storytelling and more for the presumed target audience.

One scene in particular frames a female character falling from above, exposing her underwear beneath an extremely short skirt. Moments like these add little beyond visual fan service.

It also creates an odd imbalance. If the series is comfortable showcasing its female cast from every conceivable angle, where’s the equivalent treatment for viewers who might appreciate Elma?

He’s a handsome protagonist wielding an enormous sword while wearing actual armor. Surely there’s room for a little more equality there.

The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How To Game The System final verdict

What stayed with me most after watching The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How To Game The System wasn’t necessarily the flashy animation.

It was Elma. He’s an interesting protagonist precisely because he’s built around an archetype anime rarely celebrates. Tanks are usually the dependable supporting characters—the ones who absorb damage while someone flashier lands the finishing blow.

Elma flips that expectation completely. His unwavering confidence, determination and refusal to accept the role society assigns him become the driving force of the story.

Those qualities are normally reserved for high-damage heroes or overpowered protagonists like those seen in series such as Solo Leveling or One Punch Man. Here, they’re embodied by the heavily armored knight everyone underestimated.

That contrast gives the anime its identity. It’s certainly not flawless. The pacing could be tighter, the cinematography occasionally reins itself in, and the fan service is difficult to ignore.

But between Takeo Otsuka’s engaging performance, Studio GoHands’ undeniably distinctive visual direction and Ludvig Forssell’s strong soundtrack, there’s enough here to make this one worth keeping an eye on—especially if you’re looking for an isekai that approaches its game-inspired premise from a slightly different angle.

Catch The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How To Game The System anime on Crunchyroll from Thursday, July 2, 2026 with weekly episode releases.

Held as part of the 2026 Esports World Cup (EWC), this year’s MSC will feature 25 of the world’s best Mobile Legends: Bang Bang teams, making it the largest edition of the international mid-season championship to date.

Alongside the expanded field, the tournament introduces new qualification pathways and a revamped competitive format as MLBB Esports continues its global expansion.

Results of MLBB Mid Season Cup 2026 Wild Card draw

MLBB Mid Season Cup 2026 Wild Card format explained

The journey to the Main Stage begins with the expanded Wild Card tournament.

For the first time, 10 teams will compete in the Wild Card, up from eight in previous editions.

The increase follows the introduction of dedicated qualification pathways for India, Thailand, South Korea, and Western Europe, highlighting Moonton Games’ continued investment in expanding the global competitive ecosystem.

The tournament opens with 10 teams split into two groups, where they will compete in a high-stakes elimination format for the final Main Stage spot:

Among the returning teams are Team Falcons MENA, who will be looking to improve on their MSC 2025 Wild Card campaign, alongside The MongolZ, another familiar international contender aiming to qualify for the Main Stage.

Joining them is King of Gamers Club, which arrives with momentum after claiming the inaugural MLBB Super League Thailand Season 1 title.

The remaining Wild Card participants represent emerging regions across the MLBB competitive ecosystem, creating one of the tournament’s most diverse qualification fields to date.

Main Stage format changes raise the stakes

The MLBB Mid Season Cup 2026 Main Stage will feature 16 teams, with the final place awarded to the Wild Card champion.

The Main Stage draw will take place once the Wild Card concludes.

Moonton Games has also introduced a revamped tournament format aimed at making the road to the championship even more competitive.

While full bracket details will be revealed later, the updated structure is part of the publisher’s wider effort to strengthen the international competitive scene and continue establishing MLBB among the world’s premier esports titles.

MLBB Esports continues its global expansion

MSC’s arrival in Paris is the latest step in Moonton Games’ international roadmap.

During the M7 World Championship Grand Finals, the publisher announced a new five-region competitive structure consisting of:

• Americas (AMER)
• East Asia (EA)
• Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA)
• Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
• Southeast Asia (SEA)

The regional overhaul is designed to strengthen local leagues while creating a more connected international esports ecosystem.

The evolution of MSC mirrors that vision. What began as a Southeast Asia-exclusive tournament expanded into a fully international championship in 2023, before moving outside the region for the first time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2024.

The global expansion isn’t slowing down. Later this year, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will debut as an official medal event at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, while the M8 World Championship Finals will head to Türkiye, marking another first for the franchise in Europe.

The LCP Wild Card expands opportunities for grassroots and semi-professional teams by hosting regional qualifiers across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Teams that successfully make it through their respective qualifiers will earn a place in the LCP Wild Card 2026 Playoffs, where a coveted berth in the LCP Promotion Series awaits.

The initiative continues Riot Games’ goal of creating a broader pathway into the region’s top-tier League of Legends competition, allowing emerging talent from across Southeast Asia to compete on the biggest regional stage.

LCP Wild Card 2026 dates and schedule

The qualification process begins in late July, with four regional tournaments taking place before concluding with a regional Last Chance Qualifier open to eligible teams from across Southeast Asia.

Teams that previously competed in earlier Wild Card qualifiers but fell short will also have another opportunity through the Last Chance Qualifier.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore Qualifier

Philippines Qualifier

Thailand Qualifier

Regional Last Chance Qualifier

LCP Wild Card 2026 format explained

Each regional qualifier begins with a two-day Open Round featuring a single-elimination, best-of-one bracket.

On the first day, the top four teams advance directly to the Knockout Round.

The second day uses a refreshed bracket featuring the remaining teams, with another four teams qualifying to complete the eight-team Knockout Round.

The Open Round uses Tournament Draft, while side selection is decided by a coin flip.

Once the Knockout Round begins, the remaining eight teams compete in a double-elimination bracket. Most matches are played as best-of-three series, with the Grand Final contested as a best-of-five.

Unlike the Open Round, every Knockout Round match will use Fearless Draft. Side selection is determined by a coin flip for Game 1, while the losing team selects sides for each subsequent game.

Beyond qualification, teams are also competing for a US$2,000 prize pool in each regional qualifier.

LCP Wild Card Playoffs schedule and prize pool

After the regional qualifiers conclude, each champion advances to the LCP Wild Card Playoffs.

The Playoffs run from Saturday, October 3, 2026 to Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

The tournament features a double-elimination best-of-five bracket throughout, with every series using Fearless Draft.

Game 1 side selection will be decided through a special 2v2 match before the main series begins.

Teams will battle for a US$5,000 prize pool, but the biggest reward is a place in the LCP Promotion Series, where the Wild Card champion will compete for promotion into the League of Legends Championship Pacific.

How to apply for LCP Wild Card 2026 co-stream opportunities

Content creators will once again have the opportunity to officially broadcast the tournament.

Riot Games has opened applications for official co-streamers, with approved creators receiving support during every qualifier’s Knockout Round as well as the LCP Wild Card Playoffs.

Interested creators can submit their applications through Riot Games’ official co-stream registration page.

About LCP

The League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) is Riot Games’ premier professional League of Legends league for the Asia-Pacific region.

Introduced ahead of the 2025 season, the competition unified several previously separate regional ecosystems into a single top-tier league, creating a clearer pathway to international events such as the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and the League of Legends World Championship.

Unlike fully franchised leagues, the LCP uses a hybrid partnership and promotion system. Permanent partner organizations compete alongside guest teams, with the latter able to earn or lose their place through the Promotion Series.

This makes tournaments such as the LCP Wild Card especially important, as they give emerging teams from Southeast Asia a direct route toward the region’s highest level of competition.

Instead, Song of the Wasteland was cancelled before it could officially debut.

Just one week before the series’ scheduled launch, creator Jaxx announced that she would no longer proceed with the project following criticism surrounding the story’s historical setting and its depiction of race, slavery, and power dynamics.

For some fans, the decision came as a surprise. The preview chapter had only been released days earlier, but discussion around its content quickly spread across social media and online communities.

Jaxx’s new manhwa Song of the Wasteland timeline

More than half a year after Under the Greenlight ended, Jaxx began teasing her new project, Song of the Wasteland.

The first teaser arrived on April 3, showing a muscular dark-haired man taking a selfie while deliberately obscuring his face. Few details accompanied the image, sparking speculation among fans.

Additional teasers followed in June, eventually confirming a Western-inspired, cowboy setting.

Excitement continued to build when a preview chapter was released on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The full launch was scheduled for June 30 on RIDI and Manta Comics.

What happened in the Song of the Wasteland preview chapter?

The preview chapter introduced Gerald Dern, the eldest son of a wealthy Illinois family.

After volunteering for the Union Army during the American Civil War in 1861, Gerald returns home to discover that, due to various reasons, his entire family, head butler and nanny had died, leaving him as the sole heir to a sprawling 700-hectare ranch and his father’s debts.

The chapter’s most discussed scene occurs when a broker suggests that selling the property together with its enslaved workers would increase its value. Gerald rejects the proposal, frees them, and gives them money before sending them on their way.

The chapter concludes with the introduction of a mysterious blue-eyed cowhand, the second half of the series’ central Boys’ Love pairing.

Why Jaxx’s new manhwa Song of the Wasteland was criticized

Set in 1861—the year the American Civil War began—the story touches on slavery and race relations during one of the most painful periods in American history.

While Gerald is portrayed as compassionate, some readers felt the chapter framed him as a “white savior” figure, with enslaved people existing primarily to highlight his morality.

Others were concerned by speculation that the romance would involve a Native American character, arguing that a Boys’ Love story set against slavery and colonization required a far greater level of historical sensitivity.

For many critics, the issue was less about the inclusion of difficult historical subjects and more about how they appeared to be used in service of a romance narrative.

Jaxx apologized and cancelled the series

On Thursday, June 25, 2026 Jaxx announced on X and Instagram that Song of the Wasteland would be discontinued.

In a public statement written in Korean and English, she acknowledged that parts of the chapter contained depictions that readers found disrespectful and admitted that she had not approached the historical setting with sufficient care.

“In my eagerness to focus on the characters, I failed to fully recognize that I was replicating problematic historical contexts and representational tropes found in past works,” she wrote.

And although she noted that the story’s intended direction differed from some readers’ assumptions, she ultimately concluded that the project’s premise had fundamental limitations.

“What I had told myself was passion for the stories, I now recognize as arrogance. I was not as prepared or as careful as this story required me to be,” she added.

“I apologize for any displeasure caused to you, and I will carry this reflection with me as I continue,” Jaxx concluded.

Fans were divided, but many respected Jaxx’s decision

Many readers praised Jaxx for responding quickly, accepting criticism, and taking responsibility rather than defending the project. Some noted that cancelling a series after months—or potentially years—of preparation could not have been an easy decision.

Others felt it was premature to judge the story based on a single preview chapter and wished the series had been given more time to develop.

At the same time, some disappointed readers acknowledged the concerns raised around the subject matter, particularly given the historical realities of slavery and Indigenous oppression in the United States.

A manhwa that ended before it began

Few high-profile manhwa are cancelled after releasing only a single preview chapter.

Whether readers viewed the decision as necessary or unfortunate, Song of the Wasteland never made it to its scheduled June 30 launch.

Instead, it became a rare example of a series ending before its official debut—and a reminder of how carefully historical representation is scrutinized in modern storytelling and the impact it can have.

About Jaxx: From illustrator to one of BL’s biggest names

Before becoming known as the creator of Under the Greenlight, Jaxx started off as an illustrator.

Between 2018 and 2020, she worked as the artist for Walk on Water, written by Jang Mokdan. The series helped establish her reputation for detailed artwork and expressive character designs.

Jaxx later took on both writing and illustration roles for Under the Greenlight, which debuted in March 2021.

The series quickly became one of the most recognizable Boys’ Love titles on platforms such as RIDI and DNC Webtoon before also receiving an English release through Tapas.

Its first season ran from 2021 to 2022, followed by the sequel Under the Greenlight: In Dreams from 2023 to 2025.

Called the “Evolution Test,” it gives players an early look at HoYoverse’s upcoming creature-collecting strategy adventure.

Registration is now live, and those who want a chance to participate will need to complete a recruitment survey before selections are made.

Honkai Nexus Anima beta test start date

The test begins on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and will be available across PC, iOS, and Android, making it one of the most accessible early builds for players eager to experience the game ahead of release.

How to sign up for the Honkai Nexus Anima beta test

To register for the Honkai Nexus Anima beta test, players must follow these steps:

1. Visit the official recruitment page:
   Honkai Nexus Anima official beta registration
2. Log into your HoYoverse account or create one if you haven’tl
3. Pre-register yourself, then complete the recruitment survey carefully
4. Submit your application before selections are finalized
5. Wait for confirmation if you are chosen for the Evolution Test

It’s important to note that only selected participants will be notified and granted access across PC, iOS, or Android depending on eligibility.

Honkai Nexus Anima beta test details: Evolution Test overview

The upcoming Honkai Nexus Anima beta test is a limited, free closed beta with full data wipes, meaning all progress will be reset after the test ends.

Players selected from the recruitment phase will gain access to expanded content including:

• New regions, including the starting town Iia
• Expanded story content and character introductions
• New Anima types and evolution systems
• Updated gameplay systems and overworld exploration features

The town of Iia serves as the starting hub, featuring areas like the New Quarter, Nexus Hall, and the True Nexus Building. These locations introduce key factions and narrative threads that shape the broader world.

New characters such as Nanafey, Bai Mei, and Olympia will also appear during the Evolution Test, each contributing to the unfolding storyline as players explore deeper into the world’s hidden truths.

What is Honkai Nexus Anima?

Developed by HoYoverse, Honkai Nexus Anima is a creature-collecting adventure strategy title set in a world built around the concept of “Nexus”—invisible bonds between paired forces such as Love and Hate, Light and Dark, and Reality and Illusion.

After a cataclysm known as the Sundering, these bonds were broken and scattered across the world as creatures called Anima.

Players take on the role of a plane-hopping traveler who escapes captivity and begins a journey to rebuild connections, form bonds with Anima, and uncover the truth behind their past.

Beyond battles, the game emphasizes exploration, storytelling, and companionship, including features like naming your Anima and capturing moments through in-game photography. Rare “Chromatic Anima” encounters are also teased as especially memorable discoveries during exploration.

Where Honkai Nexus Anima fits in HoYoverse’s growing lineup

The Honkai Nexus Anima beta test reflects a broader shift in how HoYoverse is expanding its portfolio beyond its established action-RPG identity.

In recent years, the studio has steadily experimented with different genres and gameplay structures, moving further into simulation and life-systems territory with projects like Petit Planet, alongside its flagship titles Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero.

The core loop of forming bonds with “Anima,” training them, and evolving them through exploration will inevitably draw comparisons to creature-collecting franchises like Pokémon.

While the tone, narrative framing, and Nexus-based lore system set it apart, the appeal of discovering, naming, and battling alongside companion creatures sits in familiar territory for fans of the genre.

That familiarity may be intentional. Rather than replacing what works, the Honkai Nexus Anima reworks the creature-collector formula through HoYoverse’s strengths: worldbuilding, character-driven storytelling, and long-term bonds between players and companions.

Ultimately, this Evolution Test is less about polish and more about feel—how this hybrid of narrative adventure and creature collection actually plays in practice. For HoYoverse fans and newcomers alike, it’s an early look at how far the studio can push the Honkai brand while still keeping its core identity intact.

Speaking at TikTok’s “Mini Moments, Max Impact” Apps Summit 2026, Tien Nguyen of YeaH1 and MangoPlus shared that the industry’s conversation has fundamentally shifted.

“The question is no longer whether mini dramas can succeed. The question is, how far we can take it together,” she said.

For marketers, that’s a significant distinction. The format has already proven it can attract audiences. The next phase is figuring out how to turn that attention into a scalable business model.

Why mini dramas on TikTok are a natural fit for commerce

The appeal of mini dramas on TikTok isn’t simply that they generate views; it’s that they sit at the intersection of:

• Storytelling
• Platform behavior
• Purchasing intent

TikTok’s latest mini drama solution creates a closed-loop experience where users can discover content, engage with a story, and purchase products without leaving the platform.

So instead of interrupting audiences with product messaging, mini dramas place products inside moments viewers are already emotionally invested in. The product isn’t the focus of the scene. The story is. The product simply becomes part of the world.

For brands, that creates a more natural path from attention to action.

As Nguyen describes it, users can move seamlessly from content to commerce, turning narrative engagement into purchase opportunities without breaking the experience.

Brands are buying into the story-first approach

Part of the rapid adoption comes down to a challenge every marketer already understands: audiences are increasingly resistant to traditional advertising.

Consumers, particularly younger demographics, have become adept at recognizing and ignoring branded content. If something feels too promotional, they’re likely to scroll past it before the message lands.

Mini dramas on TikTok solve that problem by flipping the usual equation.

Instead of building content around a product, brands build content around a story. The product becomes a supporting character rather than the headline act.

This approach has proven particularly effective in Vietnam, where mini drama audiences skew heavily female and overlap strongly with categories such as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and F&B.

The most effective mini dramas aren’t trying to be realistic

One of Tien’s most interesting observations is that successful mini dramas on TikTok don’t necessarily need to be realistic.

Many of the format’s biggest hits lean into idealized romances, fantasy lifestyles, and larger-than-life characters. The appeal comes not from authenticity, but aspiration.

As Nguyen describes it, these stories tap into “human dreams”—the scenarios audiences want to see, even if they never expect to experience them themselves.

For brands, that creates an opportunity to connect products with emotionally charged moments rather than purely functional use cases. The product doesn’t need to feel realistic; it needs to feel relevant to the story audiences are invested in.

From local success story to global content category

While YeaH1’s success has largely been built on Vietnamese audiences, the company’s partnership with TikTok points toward a larger ambition.

The next challenge is scale: can successful mini drama formats travel across markets, and can creator tools make production more efficient as demand grows?

Nguyen believes TikTok has a natural advantage here. Having already shaped how audiences consume short-form vertical content, the platform is well positioned to drive the next phase of adoption for mini dramas.

The biggest obstacle isn’t demand

Despite growing interest from audiences and brands, Nguyen identified that the biggest challenge facing mini dramas is industry confidence.

Scaling the format will require clearer measurement standards, specialized creative talent, and deeper collaboration between publishers, platforms, and brands.

“We cannot tell scriptwriters to just take the long-form script and bring it into short,” she said.

As Nguyen notes, building a sustainable ecosystem means sharing knowledge, creating benchmarks, and proving success beyond isolated case studies.

“No one company can grow by itself, and the market cannot grow just by the success of one company,” she added.

What brands should do now

The opportunity for mini dramas on TikTok sits at the intersection of format-native storytelling, frictionless commerce, and platform-aligned behavior:

1. Build internal expertise in short-form episodic storytelling.
2. Partner with publishers that already understand the format.
3. Measure commercial outcomes, not just reach.
4. Treat mini dramas as infrastructure, not a campaign experiment.

The companies that move early will define the playbook. TikTok has already proven that vertical storytelling captures attention. The next step is turning that attention into a scalable sales engine.

In a short-form attention economy, mini dramas are becoming a blueprint for how content turns into commerce.

The Ace Combat 8 Joker Flight Pack has officially been unveiled alongside a fresh look at the upcoming flight combat title, giving fans a closer look at its aircraft roster, gameplay additions and multiplayer ambitions.

Collectors will be particularly interested in the Premium Joker Flight Pack, which bundles together several physical and digital extras ahead of launch.

Developed as the next major entry in the long-running aerial combat franchise, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve aims to push the series forward with enhanced visuals, dynamic weather systems and an emotionally driven story centered on identity, duty and the fight to protect one’s homeland.

Ace Combat 8 release date and platforms

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches on Friday, October 2, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.

Early access is also planned, although Bandai Namco has yet to announce specific timings at the time of writing.

Ace Combat 8 pre-orders include Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is now available for pre-order in both Standard and Deluxe Editions.

Players who pre-order digitally will receive a copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War along with an unlocked playable F-14A aircraft available from launch.

Originally released in 2006, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War remains one of the franchise’s most celebrated entries.

The game explored the origins of the Ace Combat universe and introduced the fan-favorite Ace Style system, which altered story outcomes and player reputation based on decisions made during missions.

What do you get when you buy the Ace Combat 8 Joker Flight Pack

Ace Combat 8 Joker Flight Pack Contents

For collectors, the Ace Combat 8 Joker Flight Pack is available exclusively through Bandai Namco’s online store.

The premium bundle includes all content from the Deluxe Edition, along with several physical collectibles designed for longtime fans of the franchise, including:

• Deluxe Edition of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
• The Vinyl Collection featuring two LP soundtrack records
• Official 200-page Aces at War History 2029 artbook
• Collectible slipcase
• Premium slipmat

The expanded contents make the Ace Combat 8 Joker Flight Pack the most comprehensive edition currently announced for the game, offering a mix of physical merchandise and digital content tied to the upcoming release.

What do you get in the Ace Combat 8 Premium Ace Pass

Bandai Namco also revealed the first-ever Premium Ace Pass for the series.

Available as a separate purchase and included through the Deluxe Edition’s Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher, the seasonal progression system is designed to reward players with additional unlockables after launch.

The Premium Ace Pass immediately unlocks the first 30 Ace Pass levels, allowing players to claim the opening tiers of seasonal rewards without grinding through the early progression track.

Rewards available through the pass include:

• Exclusive aircraft skins
• Avatar costumes
• Additional cosmetic items
• The playable ADFX-02 MORGAN – PIXY aircraft

Challenge Coin available as a retail package bonus

Players who purchase the PlayStation 5 package edition will be eligible to receive an exclusive Challenge Coin with each limited early purchase of the game, while stocks last.

You’re advised to check with your nearest authorized retailer before purchase.

Ace Combat Online multiplayer mode brings pilots together

The game’s multiplayer component, known as Ace Combat Online, will allow players to create custom avatars and enter online lobbies as mercenary pilots.

The mode is designed to serve as a gathering place for fans around the world, supporting both cooperative and competitive gameplay experiences. Additional details on ACE COMBAT Online are expected to be shared closer to launch.

Ace Combat 8 campaign returns to Strangereal

At the heart of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is what Bandai Namco describes as the series’ most cinematic campaign to date.

Set once again in the fictional world of Strangereal, the story unfolds during a devastating conflict that has left the Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its military forces scattered.

With their homeland on the brink of collapse, players step into the cockpit as Wings of Theve, a legendary ace pilot whose name has become synonymous with hope across the war-torn nation.

As the Republic of Sotoa launches a brutal invasion, the battle to reclaim the FCU becomes increasingly desperate. Players will lead the resistance alongside three allied pilots — Baxter, Tasha, and Coster — who collectively form the elite Joker Flight squadron.

Together, they face overwhelming odds in a campaign centered on identity, duty and survival.

New weapons and combat options in Ace Combat 8

A major addition in Ace Combat 8 is the ability to equip two different special weapons at the same time.

Every aircraft comes equipped with guided missiles and machine guns as standard armaments, allowing pilots to engage both aerial and ground targets.

This gives players greater flexibility in combat encounters, allowing them to adapt to changing battlefield conditions without being locked into a single tactical approach.

However, each special weapon carries limited ammunition, encouraging strategic use rather than constant deployment.

The developers have also introduced a new chain-destruction mechanic. In certain situations, wreckage from destroyed vehicles or aircraft can crash into nearby enemies, triggering additional explosions and destruction.

These chain reactions are more likely when larger vehicles break apart into substantial debris or when enemy aircraft are brought down with machine-gun fire, causing larger sections of the fuselage to remain intact as they fall.

Beyond these core weapons, players can customize their loadouts with special weapons tailored to different mission objectives.

Options include multi-target missile systems capable of engaging several enemy aircraft simultaneously, powerful bombs designed to clear dense concentrations of ground forces and even advanced futuristic weapons such as lasers.

Ace Combat 8 aircraft types

One of the biggest highlights from the latest reveal is the game’s extensive aircraft roster.

Players will have access to more than 30 aircraft, ranging from real-world military jets to original fictional designs created specifically for the game’s universe.

Aircraft are divided into four primary categories:

Fighter Aircraft

The F-14D Super Tomcat serves as one of the game’s featured fighter jets. This carrier-based aircraft is equipped with long-range anti-air missiles and uses automatic variable-sweep wings to maintain strong performance across different speeds and altitudes.

Attack Aircraft

The A-10C Thunderbolt II represents the attack aircraft category. Known for its durability and devastating close-air-support capabilities, the aircraft features heavy weaponry, including its iconic 30mm cannon, making it particularly effective against ground targets.

Multi-Role Aircraft

The Mirage 2000-5 offers a balanced approach to combat. Featuring a tailless delta-wing design, the aircraft combines speed, manoeuvrability and stability, allowing it to perform effectively in both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements.

Electronic Warfare Aircraft

The EA-6B Prowler fills the electronic warfare role. Designed to support allied forces through electronic interference, reconnaissance and suppression of enemy defence systems, it adds a more tactical layer to battlefield operations.

First published on June 5, 2026 at 1:54pm.