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Madison Beer Asks Epic Games for Fortnite Icon Skin, Criticizes Recent Changes

Satyam Kumar
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Madison Beer Asks Epic Games for Fortnite Icon Skin, Criticizes Recent Changes

Grammy-nominated singer and avid gamer Madison Beer has publicly addressed Epic Games with a direct request for her own Fortnite Icon Series skin while expressing frustration with recent changes to the battle royale.

The 2026 Hot Ones appearance saw the internet star and Twitch streamer pivot from the show’s traditional game format to deliver an honest message to Fortnite’s developers, urging them to “get serious” about the game’s direction.

Madison Beer Pitches Herself for Fortnite Icon Skin During Hot Ones Appearance

Beer, who has over 730,000 followers on her personal Twitch channel where she streams games including Fortnite and Fall Guys, appeared on the February 12 episode of the YouTube series Hot Ones. Host Sean Evans prompted Beer to play a version of “F**k, Marry, Kill” using the games Fall Guys, Outlast, and Dress to Impress.

Beer substituted Outlast with Fortnite and selected the Epic Games title as the game she would “marry” among the three options. However, she used the moment to address the developers directly.

“I love Fortnite,” Beer said during the segment, which begins at 18:37 in the episode. “They’ve changed it too much now, though. I’m a bit upset with you, Epic Games. Let’s speak really quickly, let’s get serious. Stop changing things that we love about Fortnite. Keep it original and give me a skin, please!”

Fortnite’s Icon Series Sets Precedent for Celebrity Skins

Fortnite has operated for nine years and regularly adds characters from major film, television, and video game franchises. The Icon Series specifically recognizes prominent internet creators, athletes, and musicians with in-game outfits based on their likeness.

Recent additions to the Icon Series include singer Chappell Roan, who received her own skin earlier in February 2026. Other celebrities and personalities who have received Icon Series skins include Sabrina Carpenter, IShowSpeed, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Beer has not been announced as a collaborator for any upcoming Fortnite content. Her comments represent her first public appeal to Epic Games regarding a personal skin.

Fans Support Beer’s Campaign for Fortnite Collaboration

Following Beer’s remarks on Hot Ones, some Fortnite players and Beer’s followers have expressed support for her request, urging Epic Games to consider the singer for an Icon Series skin.

This incident is the most recent gaming-related viral moment for Beer. She previously drew attention after publicly stating that she is a fan of streamer xQc, describing him as “funny” and noting that she “loves” watching his live streams.

No official response has been issued by Epic Games regarding Beer’s comments or the fan requests for her inclusion in Fortnite.

BC.Game Esports Barred from Participating in Own Tournament Following Valve Conflict of Interest Rule

Yash More
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BC.Game Esports Barred from Participating in Own Tournament Following Valve Conflict of Interest Rule

Valve has enforced its conflict of interest guidelines to prevent BC.Game Esports from competing in the BC Game Masters tournament, a VRS-eligible LAN event scheduled to take place in Bucharest, Romania.

The tournament, announced on February 3, carries a $50,000 prize pool. The event shares its title sponsor name with the esports organization BC.Game, prompting questions about whether the team would be permitted to participate under Valve’s current regulations.

BC.Game Announces Withdrawal, Valve Confirms Enforcement

BC.Game’s esports account issued a statement on X regarding the situation. The organization stated that BC.Game Esports and the tournament are operated by separate entities, but confirmed the team would not participate in the event to avoid speculation. The post concluded with “GG HF.”

However, Valve clarified to HLTV that the decision was not entirely BC.Game’s choice. A Valve representative directly addressed the situation, stating that the company does not distinguish between team title sponsors and team ownership, even when these entities are legally separate.

Valve’s Conflict of Interest Guidelines Explained

The Valve representative provided clear guidelines on how the company evaluates conflict of interest cases involving team sponsors and tournament sponsors.

According to Valve, the company will not accept a team’s title sponsor or brand also serving as a tournament sponsor at any level. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the sponsor and tournament operator are separate entities.

Valve will accept tournament title sponsors being represented by teams in smaller capacities, such as logo placements on jerseys. Additionally, teams or sponsors may be hired by tournament operators to provide reasonable services, such as arena management or media production, provided the business relationship is made public.

Enforcement Context and Historical Comparison

The BC.Game case marks a notable enforcement of these guidelines during the VRS era. The Valve representative confirmed that BC.Game could not participate in BC Game Masters or any event where BC.Game serves as a sponsor. The same restriction applies to any other team in an identical situation.

Historical context from the article indicates that prior to the VRS system, teams such as BetBoom competed in events like BetBoom Dacha. However, the Valve representative confirmed that circumstances have changed, and such participation would not be permitted under current regulations.

Why was BC.Game Esports banned from playing in the BC Game Masters tournament?

BC.Game Esports was barred from participating because the team’s title sponsor (BC.Game) is the same brand sponsoring the tournament. Valve considers this a conflict of interest, regardless of the fact that the team and the tournament organizer are legally separate entities.

Does Valve allow teams with the same sponsor as the event to compete if they are different companies?

No. Valve explicitly stated that it does not distinguish between a team’s title sponsor and team ownership. Even if the sponsor and tournament operator are legally separate, a team cannot compete in an event where their title sponsor is also a tournament sponsor.

Why were teams like BetBoom allowed to play in BetBoom Dacha in the past, but BC.Game is not allowed now?

Circumstances have changed under Valve’s current regulations (the VRS era). While such participation was tolerated previously, Valve confirmed that this would no longer be permitted under the current enforcement of their conflict of interest guidelines.

Does this rule apply to all teams, or just BC.Game?

This rule applies to any team in an identical situation. Valve confirmed that a team cannot participate in any event where their title sponsor serves as a sponsor, regardless of which organization is involved.

Prince William Visits Esports World Cup Foundation in Saudi Arabia for VALORANT and Rocket League

Yash More
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Prince William Visits Esports World Cup Foundation in Saudi Arabia for VALORANT and Rocket League

The Esports World Cup Foundation has confirmed that it hosted a visit from Britain’s Prince William at an esports event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The visit included discussions on esports as a global sport and its role in youth development, education, careers, and community participation.

According to a release from the organisation, The Prince of Wales spoke with members of the Esports World Cup Foundation and watched competitive esports matches during his time at the venue.

Activities During the Visit

Prince William observed a VALORANT women’s showmatch contested between two esports organisations, Team Falcons and Twisted Minds.

In addition to spectating, the Prince of Wales also participated directly in competition. He played a Rocket League match against Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, who serves as the Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation.

Statements from Esports Officials

Mike McCabe, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, acknowledged the visit in a LinkedIn post. McCabe stated: “We’re grateful to HRH The Prince of Wales and the Kensington Palace team for giving us the platform to showcase the passion for esports present in Saudi Arabia and around the world.”

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan also commented on the visit in the release. He said: “It was a pleasure to welcome HRH The Prince of Wales to SEF Arena and share how esports in Saudi Arabia has grown into a truly global sport and a platform for youth development.”

Upcoming Esports World Cup Foundation Events

The announcement of the royal visit arrives as the Esports World Cup Foundation prepares for its two major 2026 competitions. The Esports World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on July 6th. The inaugural Esports Nations Cup is set to follow, with a start date of November 2nd, 2026.

Context on the Esports World Cup Foundation

The Esports World Cup Foundation is a non-profit organisation responsible for hosting the annual Esports World Cup and the bi-annual Esports Nations Cup. The Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund provides direct funding for the Esports World Cup as the host nation.

Since its launch in 2024, the Esports World Cup has generated varied responses from the online community. In 2025, GeoGuessr withdrew from the tournament following community backlash, which included creators of major world maps rendering levels unplayable in protest. Conversely, the StarCraft II community recently expressed disappointment after the title was not included in the 2026 Esports World Cup lineup.

Online scrutiny regarding the event has largely focused on Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, specifically concerning its stance on the LGBTQ+ community and women’s rights.

VCT EMEA Stage 2 Finals 2026 Move to Barcelona Olímpic Arena – Dates & Format

Satyam Kumar
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VCT EMEA Stage 2 Finals 2026 Move to Barcelona Olímpic Arena – Dates & Format

Riot Games has confirmed a change of venue for the VCT EMEA Stage 2 finals, moving the event from Madrid to Barcelona. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 28th to 30th at the Olímpic Arena.

The publisher initially announced Madrid as the host city for the regional final in January 2026. According to a Riot Games press release, the adjustment was necessary as the company stated: “We needed to adjust our plans for the event, but we’re staying in Spain and bringing the full VALORANT experience to fans across the country and beyond.”

Event Format and Team Qualification

The VCT EMEA Stage 2 finals will feature all 16 partnered teams from the EMEA region. The competition structure consists of three phases: a Group Stage, Play-Ins, and a double-elimination Playoffs bracket.

A significant format change for the 2026 season involves the inclusion of tier-two VALORANT. For the first time in VCT history, teams competing in the Challengers circuit will have the opportunity to earn a slot in the Stage 2 Playoffs. Successful qualification through this pathway also grants these teams a place at VALORANT Champions 2026. Riot Games has detailed that four Challengers teams per international league will compete for this opportunity.

Placement Within the 2026 VCT Calendar

The VCT EMEA Stage 2 finals occupy a specific slot in the 2026 competitive calendar. The event is positioned between Masters London, which takes place in June, and Champions Shanghai, scheduled for September.

The 2026 VCT season maintains its established structure of three regional tournaments per region—Kickoff, Stage 1, and Stage 2—alongside three global events: two Masters tournaments and the season-ending VALORANT Champions competition. The full competitive roadmap for the year was unveiled by Riot Games in late 2025.

Broader VCT 2026 Location Strategy

Riot Games is implementing a wider variety of host locations across all four VCT regions—EMEA, Americas, Pacific, and China—for the 2026 season. This strategy aims to better connect with the game’s audiences globally.

All Stage 2 finals in 2026 are taking place in new locations:

  • VCT EMEA: Barcelona, Spain (Olímpic Arena)
  • VCT Americas: São Paulo, Brazil
  • VCT Pacific: Busan, South Korea

VCT China has adopted a roadshow format for its 2026 season, featuring multiple host cities. The region’s Stage 2 Playoffs are set for Chengdu. Additionally, VCT Pacific previously announced Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, as the host city for its Stage 1 finals.

How to Finish Shadow Briefings in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1

Aritra Patra
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How to Finish Shadow Briefings in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1

Shadow Briefings make their return with Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1. As always, these fast-paced opt-in challenges for small rewards of gold and loot trade a little risk for a lot of reward. Shadow Briefings can be found throughout the island, calling for opt-in sessions mid-match.

In this article, we will discuss how to complete the Shadow Briefings quest easily in Fortnite. Keep reading till the end.

How to Complete Shadow Briefings in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1

In this season, the Shadow Briefings again take the form of job boards, instead of the briefcase-terminal devices that predecessor chapters have employed. You can find them on walls or standing upright at minor POIs and other roadside locations. Although these can spawn almost anywhere, when we talk about landing locations, the second half of the map is a bit more densely packed. The vineyards near Lethal Labs, Cosmic Durr, just northwest of Classified Canyon, Ripped Tides, and Bumpy Bay are important landing locations. All the gas stations will have a briefing too, and passing through these locations guarantees that you can find one.

Chapter 7, Season 1, contains two types of Shadow Briefings: Supply Drop and Plunder. If you choose to access a job board, you will be able to see the name of the briefing on the screen along with a timer for five minutes. Supply Drop briefings bring a crate into the map, and if a marker is shown, you should go to it and make sure it is secure, regardless of whether you are able to make cover using building modes or not. Plunder briefings will bring buried chests to marked areas surrounding you, and you should look at the circles shown on the ground, then dig to access the rare chests.

To finish Shadow Briefings, it is important to focus on mobility and positioning. This involves spawning near the concentrated spawn areas, such as in the southern half of the island, getting a vehicle or mobility item early, and skipping a briefing if the following storm circle will be pulling heavily. Additionally, it is important to remember that Shadow Briefings can be done one at a time, allowing for swift completion to move on to the next board on your route.

Riot Relocates VCT EMEA Stage 2 Finals from Madrid to Barcelona

Aritra Patra
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Riot Relocates VCT EMEA Stage 2 Finals from Madrid to Barcelona

Riot Games has now confirmed the VCT EMEA Stage 2 Finals will no longer be held in Madrid and instead will move to Barcelona’s Olimpic Arena in Badalona on August 28–30, which will also be the league’s first major arena event outside Berlin.
Then, sometime after the death of our elder brother, God sent other prophets.

This switch comes after Riot had previously named Madrid as the Spanish host, quietly changed its tune on official materials, and updated to state that evolving venue plans forced an adjustment, but the event was to stay in Spain. It was Barcelona’s Olimpic Arena – a 12,000+ capacity sports and entertainment venue that was originally built to host events at the 1992 Olympic Games.

Bringing a major live event to fans has been a long-term focus for the team, so we’re really excited to host the Stage 2 Finals in Spain later this year. The Spanish VALORANT community is known for its passion and energy, and we can’t wait to see that atmosphere elevate one of the biggest moments of the VALORANT EMEA calendar year.

Daniel Ringland, Head of VALORANT Esports, EMEA

It’s the latest stage in Riot’s larger “roadtrip” initiative, taking Stage 2 Grand Finals out of the familiar Berlin studio setting and into destination cities across all international leagues. Berlin will continue to host the EMEA group stage, but the Barcelona finals are expected to feature the decisive playoff matches that lock in EMEA’s representatives for VALORANT Champions 2026 in Shanghai.

Is Gameloft’s ‘The Battle Ground’ Too Close to BGMI? New Launch Sparks Legal and Branding Debate in India

Aditya Parsutkar
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Is Gameloft’s ‘The Battle Ground’ Too Close to BGMI? New Launch Sparks Legal and Branding Debate in India

Gameloft recently launched its new HTML5 battle royale game, The Battle Ground, on Samsung’s Mobile Gaming Hub with instant play support. While the launch itself is innovative, the title has raised eyebrows in India due to its similarity with Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), one of the country’s most popular mobile games.

With no Indian platform reporting on this yet, the development could open discussions around branding, trademarks, and possible legal perception in the gaming industry.

The Battle Ground vs BGMI: The Name Similarity Coincidence or Concern?

At first glance, the names look strikingly similar:

  • Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)
  • The Battle Ground

Both contain the core phrase “Battle Ground.” While BGMI uses the plural form “Battlegrounds,” the phonetic similarity is hard to ignore, especially in the Indian market, where BGMI dominates the battle royale segment.

For casual gamers, this similarity could create initial confusion, particularly in search results, social media mentions, or word-of-mouth discussions.

From a legal perspective, trademarks generally protect brand identity, logos, and distinctive naming combinations.

However, words like “battle” and “ground” are relatively generic in the gaming industry, especially in the battle royale genre. The term “battleground” has been used globally in multiple gaming titles for years.

Unless a name directly copies a registered trademark in a misleading way, legal action is typically unlikely. That said, companies often monitor brand similarity to prevent market confusion.

If BGMI’s trademark specifically protects the full title “Battlegrounds Mobile India,” Gameloft’s “The Battle Ground” may fall into a different category legally, but the perception debate still remains.

Read More: Gameloft Launches ‘The Battle Ground’ on Samsung Mobile Gaming Hub with 100% Instant Play

The Battle Ground vs BGMI: Market Impact in India

India is one of the largest markets for battle royale games. BGMI has millions of active players, a strong esports presence, and massive brand recall.

If The Battle Ground becomes more visible in India, especially through Samsung Galaxy devices, some users might initially associate it with BGMI due to name similarity.

However, the two games are fundamentally different:

  • BGMI is a full-scale downloadable mobile esports title.
  • The Battle Ground is an HTML5 instant-play game focused on accessibility.

The difference in platform and gameplay format reduces direct competition, but branding comparison is inevitable.

Industry Trend: Generic Naming in Battle Royale Games

The battle royale genre often uses common military-style words such as Battle, Ground, Royale, Survival, and Arena.

Because of this, similar naming structures are not uncommon. The key factor is whether branding causes intentional confusion or market overlap.

As of now, there is no official statement from Krafton or Gameloft regarding any concerns.

Bigger Picture: Innovation vs Controversy

While the name similarity may spark debate, the bigger story remains Gameloft’s push into HTML5 instant play gaming via Samsung’s Mobile Gaming Hub.

The launch reflects a shift toward lightweight gaming experiences that remove download barriers and attract casual users.

Still, in a competitive market like India, even a slight naming overlap can quickly become a talking point.

Gameloft’s The Battle Ground could become a trending topic in India, not just for its instant play feature, but for its resemblance in naming to BGMI.

Whether this leads to legal discussions or remains just a coincidence will depend on how the Indian gaming community and publishers respond in the coming weeks.

For now, it stands as an interesting case of branding perception in a highly competitive battle royale market.

Gameloft Launches ‘The Battle Ground’ on Samsung Mobile Gaming Hub with 100% Instant Play

Aditya Parsutkar
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0
Gameloft Launches ‘The Battle Ground’ on Samsung Mobile Gaming Hub with 100% Instant Play

Gameloft has taken mobile gaming to the next level with the launch of its new battle royale title, The Battle Ground, on the Samsung Mobile Gaming Hub, delivering 100% instant play, no downloads, and ultra-fast access for Galaxy users. This move showcases how HTML5 technology is transforming mobile gaming by making games easier and quicker to play than ever before.

Gameloft’s The Battle Ground Lands on Samsung Mobile Gaming Hub with Instant Play HTML5 Experience

Gameloft, a veteran in mobile gaming development, has introduced The Battle Ground as an HTML5-based battle royale game specifically on Samsung’s Mobile Gaming Hub. Unlike traditional mobile titles that require installation, The Battle Ground runs instantly in the Gaming Hub, meaning players on supported Samsung Galaxy devices can jump straight into action with just a tap.

Samsung’s Gaming Hub itself is an all-in-one platform where users can discover, organize, and play games instantly without downloading them first. Its Instant Plays section offers a variety of titles across genres, including shooters and multiplayer games, all playable immediately with no installation or storage usage.

Play Now on Samsung Devices

Samsung Galaxy users can jump straight into the action without any downloads. Simply open the Samsung Mobile Gaming Hub or access the game directly using the link below:

Play The Battle Ground (Samsung Exclusive Instant Play):
https://gtg.samsungapps.com/bridge-page/index.html?id=000008550967&utm_source=gaminghub&utm_medium=internal_detail&utm_campaign=share

What Makes This Launch Important

1. Instant Play with HTML5

The Battle Ground is built entirely in HTML5, a web-based gaming format that enables gameplay directly in a browser-like environment within the Gaming Hub. This means:

  • No downloads
  • No installations
  • Quick access for players

For mobile gamers who want fast access without filling up their device storage, this is a game-changer.

2. Broader Reach and Accessibility

By launching on Samsung’s platform, Gameloft is targeting a wider mobile audience, especially casual gamers and players who may not traditionally download large battle royale games. The instant play capability reduces barriers to entry, inviting more users to try the game without commitment.

3. Innovation in Mobile Gaming

Gameloft’s continued pivot into HTML5 reflects a growing trend in mobile game development. HTML5 titles can run smoothly on various devices and don’t require frequent updates or large app downloads, making them ideal for platforms focused on accessibility and speed.

What Players Can Expect

While The Battle Ground brings the classic battle royale experience — where players compete to survive and be the last one standing, the key highlight for this release is the seamless, immediate playability. Players on Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets can simply open the Gaming Hub, find the game, and start playing without any wait time.

Read More: M1 Garand is Coming in BGMI 4.3 Update: All Info About the New Gun

Why This Matters for Mobile Gaming

The launch of The Battle Ground on Samsung’s Gaming Hub signals a shift in how players access games:

  • Reduced friction for new players
  • Greater discovery through integrated platforms
  • Experimentation with web technologies like HTML5

This move could encourage more publishers to explore instant play formats and platform partnerships to reach users more efficiently.

BC.Game Ineligible for BC Game Masters as Valve Enforces Conflict of Interest Policy

Sonu Banerjee
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BC.Game Ineligible for BC Game Masters as Valve Enforces Conflict of Interest Policy

Valve has barred BC.Game from participating in the upcoming BC Game Masters Counter-Strike 2 event, despite the organization serving as the tournament’s title sponsor, citing conflict-of-interest regulations.

For the uninitiated, the BC Game Masters is an upcoming VRS-eligible CS2 LAN event set to take place in Bucharest, Romania, featuring a $50,000 prize pool and elite teams from across the international competitive circuit.

“We’ve seen questions about BC.Game Esports and BC Game Masters Championship,” the official BC Game esports handle posted on X. “BC.Game Esports and the tournament are operated by separate entities. However, to avoid any speculation, BC.Game Esports will not participate in this event.”

According to Valve rules, teams are prohibited from competing in tournaments that are sponsored or financially backed by their own title partners due to conflict-of-interest concerns.

In a statement to HLTV, a Valve representative clarified that the company does not differentiate between team title sponsors and team ownership, even if the entities are legally separate.

As such, a team whose title sponsor or brand also funds a tournament would not be accepted to compete in the event. However, the tournament title sponsor being represented by teams in smaller ways, like in logos on team jerseys, would remain eligible, the representative noted.

The BC Game Masters is scheduled to kick off on March 24, 2026, and will feature three days of intense competitive Counter-Strike before a winner is crowned on March 26.

Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 Roadmap Revealed

Sonu Banerjee
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Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 Roadmap Revealed

As we stand only a few hours away from the rapidly approaching Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 update, NetEase has officially dropped a detailed roadmap of what awaits the players of the hero shooter in this mid-season update.

For the uninitiated, the Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 update is slated to bring a plethora of new content to the title, including the new hero Elsa Bloodstone, a bunch of new events, a series of fresh cosmetics, further additions to the Times Square map, balance changes, and a lot more.

In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know about the newly-revealed Season 6.5 roadmap and take a look at all the new content that the game is receiving over the next few weeks.

Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 Release Date and Time

Before we get into the roadmap for the mid-season update, it’s important to know the exact release date and time of the Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 update. As already confirmed by NetEase, the Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 update will hit the live servers on February 13, 2026, at around 9:00 am UTC.

Note that the Marvel Rivals servers will be down for roughly two hours as the devs ship out the update to the game.

Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 Roadmap: What’s New?

Earlier today, NetEase officially dropped the Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 roadmap via their X handle.

Here’s everything new that’s coming to Marvel Rivals this season as per the roadmap:

February 13 

  • Season 6.5 Release
  • New Hero: Elsa Bloodstone
  • New Event: Wedding Wishes for Mr. & Mrs. X
  • New Event: Citizenship of Monster Kingdom
  • Times Square: Lemonade Stand
  • Times Square: Lion Dance, Raining Red Packets
  • Times Square: Love on Parade
  • New Costume: ‘Young Blood’ Elsa Bloodstone
  • Flight Mode ft. Luna

February 20

  • New Event: Faulty Dream
  • New Event: Twisted Nightmare
  • New Costumes: ‘New Marauders’ Emma Frost and Iron Man
  • Monster Kingdom Championship

February 27

  • New Costumes: ‘Twisted Nightmare’ Moon Knight and ‘Quiet Council of Krakoa’ Phoenix

March 8

  • New Costumes: ‘New Marauders’ Psylocke and ‘Twisted Nightmare’ Captain America

March 13

  • New Costumes: ‘Fear Itself’ The Thing and Daredevil Born Again Season 2
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