The CS2 update released on October 8, 2026, adds a ping icon for dropped defuse kits. Valve also cut the AUG reload time by half a second and fixed the Desert Eagle sound event during silent reload. The patch includes clipping fixes for Rush maps, a fix for buzzing soundscape sounds in demo playback, plus localization and stability updates.
Below are the full patch notes and background on the reload and Rush changes from earlier updates.
CS2 Update Patch Notes for October 2026
Valve posted the update on the Counter-Strike 2 Steam news page on October 8, 2026. All changes sit under the MISC tag.
The most visible addition is a ping icon for dropped defuse kits. The only gameplay balance change is a shorter AUG reload, which now takes half a second less.
The rest of the patch is fixes. Valve corrected the Desert Eagle sound event during silent reload and removed buzzing soundscape sounds that appeared during demo playback.
Here are the official patch notes:
[ MISC ]
Added a ping icon for dropped defuse kits
Reduced the time for AUG reload by half second
Fixed the sound event during silent reload for Desert Eagle
Fixed a case of buzzing soundscape sounds during demo playback
Clipping fixes for Rush maps
Localization updates
Stability updates
AUG Reload Time Change
The AUG now reloads half a second faster. Valve did not give a reason in the patch notes.
Reloading has changed a lot this year. In March 2026, Valve redesigned reloading so players drop the used magazine and discard its remaining ammo, then take a full magazine from reserves. The new AUG timing applies to that system.
Silent Reload and Desert Eagle Fix
The Desert Eagle fix relates to a feature from the previous update. Valve’s September 22 update let players reload silently, but slowly, by pressing and holding the reload key.
The October patch fixes the sound event that plays during the Desert Eagle’s silent reload. The notes give no further detail on what was wrong with it.
Rush Map Clipping Fixes
The patch includes clipping fixes for Rush maps. Valve did not list which maps or which spots were changed.
Rush is a mode Valve added in September. It is a queued 3v3 game mode where players move through battle arenas to reach the opponent’s castle and win the match. Arenas are picked at random for each match.
Demo Playback and Stability Updates
Valve fixed a buzzing soundscape issue during demo playback. This affects players who review matches in demos.
The update also carries localization and stability updates. Valve did not share specifics for either.
Evo France 2026 Tekken 8 action runs from Oct. 9 to Oct. 11 in Nice, France. The winner earns a direct invite to the TEKKEN World Tour 2026 Finals. Only 3 players have already secured that spot. Arslan Ash is skipping the event, so the field is open. Bob is a character to watch, and Bandai Namco will show the Roger Jr. gameplay trailer on Oct. 11, before the Top 8.
This guide covers the schedule, stream links, players to watch, and results.
Evo France 2026 Tekken 8 Overview
Tekken 8 is the second-biggest tournament at Evo France 2026 by entrant count. Street Fighter 6 holds the top spot. The three-day event takes place at the Palais des Expositions in Nice.
The stakes are clear. The champion receives a direct invite to the TWT 2026 Finals. Three other players have already earned one through Evo Japan, Evo Las Vegas, and the Tekken 8 Esports World Cup. Evo France is the last event in that group of qualifiers.
He's only one hop away🦘
Tune in before the #TEKKEN8 Top 8 for Roger Jr.'s new trailer at #EvoFrance2026! The Top 8 should begin around 2:00 PM CEST | 5:00 AM PDT on October 11, but the exact time is subject to change.
Players who reach the Top 8 also earn extra standing points. Those points matter because the TWT series is close to its end. For some players, Evo France is one of the last chances to lock in a Finals spot.
Recent patches also fixed some balance issues in Tekken 8. This tournament shows how those changes play out at the top level.
Tekken 8 Evo France 2026 Schedule
Tekken 8 matches run across all 3 days of the event. Pools start on Oct. 9, and the Top 24 plays on Oct. 10. The Top 8 closes the tournament on Oct. 11.
Date & Time
Tournament stage
Oct. 9, 2 p.m. CEST / 8 a.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. IST
Round 1 pools
Oct. 10, 10 a.m. CEST / 4 a.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. IST
Rounds 2 and 3 pools
Oct. 10, 6 p.m. CEST / 12 p.m. ET / 9:30 p.m. IST
Top 24
Oct. 11, 2 p.m. CEST / 8 a.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. IST
Top 8
The official main stage schedule lists the Tekken 8 Top 8 from 2:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. CEST on Oct. 11. That is 5:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. IST. Start times are estimates, so they can shift during the event.
Bandai Namco will show a gameplay trailer for Roger Jr. during Evo France 2026. The reveal is planned for Oct. 11, ahead of the Top 8. Roger Jr. is a kangaroo who hides in his mother’s pocket during fights. He still peeks out during some moves.
Roger Jr. is the third DLC character in Tekken 8 Season 3. Bob is the second. Bob reached general access on Aug. 25, 2026. He was one of the most anticipated DLC additions, and he plays with power and speed. Evo France gives top players a stage to show what they can do.
What Comes Next in TEKKEN World Tour 2026
The TWT 2026 series still has a few Master and Challenger tournaments left. Thaiger Uppercut closes the qualifier series in Thailand from Nov. 14 to Nov. 15.
The TWT 2026 Global Finals take place in Singapore at Evo Singapore. Bandai Namco lists the dates as Jan. 14 to Jan. 17, 2027, with the final bracket on Jan. 17. The Finals carry a US$300,000 prize pool. The Tekken 8 event at Evo Singapore also serves as the Last Chance Qualifier.
South Korea is considering major changes to its military service exemption rules following a controversy at the 2026 Asian Games. The decision could also affect esports players in the future, including those hoping to receive the same benefit as League of Legends legend Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok.
Faker received military service benefits after helping South Korea win the League of Legends gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games, which were held in Hangzhou in 2023.
However, the South Korean government is now reviewing the system after some athletes admitted that avoiding mandatory military service was one of their biggest motivations for winning gold.
This has raised an important question among esports fans: Could Faker lose his military exemption? The short answer is that there is currently no confirmed decision to remove Faker’s existing benefit. The discussion is about possible changes to the wider exemption system.
Why Did South Korea Decide to Review Military Exemptions?
The controversy began after South Korea defeated Japan 1-0 in the men’s football final at the 2026 Asian Games on October 3. Following the victory, some South Korean football players made comments about avoiding military service.
Team captain Lee Gi-hyuk celebrated by saying, “I’m not going to the military.” Another player, Yang Min-hyuk, said that getting a military exemption had been his main motivation during the tournament.
A third player, Park Seung-soo, shared a photograph wearing a cap associated with soldiers who had completed their military service. Their actions received criticism in South Korea, and all three players later apologised.
According to Al Jazeera, the controversy has now pushed the government to reconsider whether athletes should continue receiving special military service benefits.
In South Korea, most able-bodied men are required to complete 18 to 21 months of mandatory military service. However, Olympic medal winners and Asian Games gold medalists can qualify for alternative military service.
Instead of serving the normal military term, eligible athletes complete three weeks of basic military training and 544 hours of community service over 34 months.
The system was introduced to recognise athletes who bring international success to South Korea. However, the government is now questioning whether the system should continue in its current form.
What Has the South Korean Government Said?
South Korea’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young has acknowledged the growing criticism of the exemption system.
Speaking on October 7, he said that the system needs a fresh review because public views about fairness and military service have changed.
The country’s Defence Ministry has also indicated that it is considering reducing or removing the alternative service benefits available to athletes and artists.
Defence Ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said:
“Ultimately, we have plans to cut back or scrap the supplementary service, including one designed for artists and athletes.”
However, the government has not announced a final decision or a date for any rule changes.
How Did Faker Receive His Military Exemption?
Lee Sang-hyeok (Faker) is one of the most successful players in League of Legends history. He represented South Korea at the 2022 Asian Games, held in Hangzhou in September and October 2023.
South Korea won the League of Legends gold medal after defeating Chinese Taipei 2-0 in the Grand Final. Faker was part of the gold-medal-winning roster alongside players such as Chovy, Ruler, Kanavi, Zeus and Keria.
The victory made the eligible players, including Faker, beneficiaries of South Korea’s alternative military service system. This was important for Faker’s esports career because completing normal military service could have kept him away from professional League of Legends competition for an extended period.
Could Faker Actually Lose His Military Exemption?
There is currently no indication that Faker will lose his existing military exemption benefits. The government is reviewing the system, but it has not announced that benefits already granted to Asian Games winners will be cancelled.
It is also unclear whether any future changes would apply only to new medal winners or affect existing beneficiaries. Therefore, saying that Faker is about to be forced into military service would be misleading. The more important concern is what the changes could mean for future South Korean esports players.
What Could This Mean for Future Esports Players?
Esports became an official medal event at the Asian Games in 2023, giving professional players another opportunity to earn military service benefits.
The system has allowed successful esports players to continue their professional careers without the long break normally required for military service.
At the 2026 Asian Games, three South Korean esports gold medalists also qualified for the benefit under the existing rules.
If South Korea decides to remove Asian Games military exemptions, future esports gold medalists may no longer receive the same benefits as Faker.
This could have an impact on professional esports careers, particularly in games such as League of Legends, where South Korea has produced many of the world’s leading players.
For now, Faker’s existing status remains unchanged. The government review is still ongoing, and esports players will have to wait to see whether new rules are introduced.
Update: We’re going live with an exclusive interview with Xya on our Kick channel today at 6:30 PM IST. Follow us on Kick and catch it live: kick.com/talkesport
In an exclusive interview with TalkEsport, Shagufta “XYAA” Iqbal spoke about becoming an Official Pawn in Capcom’s Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen. The Revenant XSpark creator is now a recruitable Archer companion for players worldwide, available at Levels 8, 20, 30 and 50 since the expansion launched on October 9, 2026.
Xyaa’s Dragon’s Dogma 2 Official Pawn goes live today, 9 October 2026, alongside the launch of Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen. The Indian gaming creator from Revenant XSpark now has an AI companion modelled on her likeness that players around the world can hire through the Rift and take on their own adventures.
XYAA’s Official Pawn in the game. Image: Capcom
Ahead of launch, I sat down with Xyaa to talk about the fake-looking email that started it all, designing her own Pawn from scratch, and why she thinks in-game collaborations matter more for Indian creators than one-off sponsored posts.
The interview was conducted in Hindi and English. Quotes have been translated and lightly edited for clarity.
Quick facts
Creator
Xyaa (Revenant XSpark)
Game
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen
Vocation
Archer
Versions
Level 8, 20, 30 and 50
Where to hire
Official Pawns menu in the Rift
Live from
9 October 2026
Platforms
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch 2
Xyaa thought the Capcom email was fake at first
Xyaa’s first reaction to the collaboration was disbelief. The email subject line mentioned Capcom and an official collab, and it looked too good to be real.
“When I saw the mail with Capcom and ‘official collab’ in the subject, I thought, this looks really fake,” she said. “Then I opened it, went through all the details, and realised it was actually real. I was completely shocked that Capcom had reached out to me themselves.”
The timing made it sweeter. Xyaa said she had played every major Capcom release this year. “I was not expecting this at all. I was just over the moon that day.”
She also knew straight away that this was different from a regular sponsorship. “They wanted me to be part of their game. That’s much bigger than a brand deal. At that moment I knew it was something special.”
Why Capcom picked Xyaa for an Official Pawn
Xyaa believes her long run of Capcom content put her on the publisher’s radar. “Maybe they saw all the streams and content I’ve made for their games over the years, especially this year. I’ve played all of this year’s Capcom games and made content on them,” she said. “Hopefully they enjoyed my content and the way my community interacts.”
How Capcom turned Xyaa into a Dragon’s Dogma 2 character
The process was simpler than you might expect. Xyaa shared a set of photos through a Drive folder, and Capcom built the character from those.
“They sent me the first draft and I felt a few changes could be made, so I told them what to change,” she said. “They sent another draft and I was happy with it. Making an exact replica in-game is really hard, so it’s close enough. After one round of changes, it was finalised.”
The bigger surprise was how much control she had over the build. “Capcom gave us full freedom to design our Pawn,” she said. “Every single skill, the armour, the headpiece: it was all my choice.”
At the time of the interview, Xyaa had only seen her Pawn in screenshots. Her honest verdict: “I feel the face could have been much better. But the nose is quite similar. I have a big nose and my character also has a big nose, so it’s a distinct feature.”
Xyaa’s Official Pawn at Levels 8, 20, 30 and 50
Her gear changes at each level. Image: Capcom
Players see Official Pawns in the Rift based on their own level, so Capcom created four versions of Xyaa’s Pawn. Xyaa said she designed each one to match the standard for that level. “It shouldn’t feel underwhelming or overwhelming. I wanted each one to be a balanced character.”
Level
Look
Archer rank
Key weapon skills
8
Dark red velvet hooded cape
Rank 2
Barrage Shot, Dire Arrow, Sweep Shot
20
Wolf-head fur hood, dark leathers
Rank 6
Manifold Shot, Torrent Shot, Drenching Shot
30
Winged helmet, feathered armour
Max
Tempest Shot, Deluging Shot, Erupting Shot
50
Golden horned helmet, fur and scale armour
Max
Myriad Shot, Corkscrew Arrow, Tempest Shot
Details from Capcom’s preview screenshots.
Her favourite is Level 30. “I really like that look, the armour and everything,” she said. Level 50 comes a close second because it wears new armour and gear from the Dark Arisen expansion.
I remembered Xyaa using a similar wolf-head look during her PUBG streams, so I asked if that was the inspiration. It wasn’t. “I just think the wolf head looks really cool. I wanted to keep her look consistent across levels, so I went with that.”
Why Xyaa’s Pawn is an Archer at every level
I’ve known Xyaa since her Counter-Strike days, so I asked whether the long-range role was her idea or Capcom’s. It was hers.
“When I played Dragon’s Dogma 2, my main character was an Archer too,” she said. “I wanted this Pawn to represent me and my playstyle. I didn’t want to build something just because people would like hiring it. I wanted her to be like me.”
Her Pawn also carries the Kindhearted inclination and Guardian specialization. Asked to describe the character in one word, Xyaa picked “kind”.
“I’ll be part of this game forever”
When I asked how it feels knowing strangers will hire her Pawn, Xyaa called it surreal. Official Pawns stay in the game, so new players could meet her years from now.
“I’m going to be part of this game forever. It’s not going anywhere,” she said. “Five years from now, some random player might pick up the game, see Xyaa in the Rift and decide to go with me. Maybe she cracks a funny joke, or the player is about to die and she lands one arrow and kills the dragon. That player will remember that moment. It feels amazing that I’ll be in the game forever.”
And if someone feeds her to a dragon on purpose? “I can’t control that,” she laughed. “Do whatever you want. I just want to be remembered. I don’t care how.”
Two Indian creators are in Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen
Xyaa is one of two Indian creators with an Official Pawn in this wave. BeastBoyShub, who plays a Mage, is also on Capcom’s Official Pawn list.
“If you haven’t played, now is the perfect time, especially if you’re from India,” Xyaa said. “You don’t just have me, you have BeastBoyShub as well. But you don’t have to pick it up just because we’re in the game. It’s a really nice, immersive RPG and the combat is amazing.”
For returning players, she said the hype is already high. “People who have played it always tell me Dragon’s Dogma is such a great game. They’re super hyped for Dark Arisen.”
On launch day, expect streams from Xyaa. She said she is planning more, but kept the details under wraps.
What being inside a Capcom game means to Xyaa
“I never thought in my life that I’d be inside a game, especially a Capcom game,” Xyaa said. “Capcom is such a huge studio with so many great games. I’m a huge fan of Resident Evil, including the one that launched this year. To be in one of their games: no words.”
She kept the reveal secret for a long time before the announcement. Her community’s reaction made the wait worth it. “People were saying, finally we can play with you in a game, as a character that is you.”
The project also changed how she sees game development. Capcom sent her a sheet of weapons, skills and armour to pick from. “It took me so much time to design just one character and its abilities,” she said. “I can’t imagine how much time and brain power goes into a whole game, with every NPC, main character and side character.”
Xyaa on in-game integrations and the India opportunity
Xyaa thinks global publishers are paying attention to Indian creators because of how audiences here follow games. “In India, I feel people follow creators more than games,” she said.
She drew a clear line between this collab and a typical deal. “With a one-off deal, the audience notices it, interacts, and then forgets. When a publisher puts a creator in the game, that stays there forever. It’s more than a one-time sponsored thing.”
She also believes it introduces the game to people who would never have found it. “I’m pretty sure a lot of people didn’t know about this game. Because of us, a lot of people know about it now.”
On whether console and PC games can grow in mobile-first India, Xyaa pointed to her own audience. When she first streamed Dragon’s Dogma, few of her viewers played story games. Today, she said, her audience has become a story-game audience and has lost interest in FPS titles. “A lot of new gamers start on mobile, then shift to PC, usually with FPS games. Then they discover story games. It’s growing a lot and I’m pretty sure it’ll keep growing.”
Xyaa’s advice for women creators in Indian gaming
Xyaa’s message to women creators was simple: keep showing up.
“Don’t listen to the trolls,” she said. “When I started, there were a lot of trolls and a lot of people who doubted my abilities. I love gaming and I have that passion, and that’s why I’m here and getting this huge opportunity. Patience pays off. Don’t give up. If you have the passion, keep going and good things will come.”
And if the Xyaa who was just starting out saw this? “She wouldn’t believe it. She’d be super shocked.”
Rapid fire with Xyaa
Question
Xyaa’s answer
Favourite vocation in Dragon’s Dogma 2
Archer
Mage or Fighter
Mage
Her Pawn in one word
Kind
Level 50 Pawn vs Xyaa in a real fight
Level 50 Pawn: “I made her very strong”
Capcom character to cosplay next
Claire (she has already cosplayed Ada Wong)
Next game she’d love to be in
Resident Evil
“Capcom, are you listening?” I asked. Xyaa’s reply: “I hope they are. My email is open.”
How to hire Xyaa’s Official Pawn in Dragon’s Dogma 2
Launch Dragon’s Dogma 2 or Dark Arisen and go to the Rift.
Open the Official Pawns menu.
Find Xyaa (Archer). You will see the version that matches your level.
Hire her and take her on your quest.
Capcom says Official Pawns up to Level 10 cost no Rift Crystals to hire. Their equipment can’t be changed after you hire them.
Pawn IDs from the preview: Level 8: CGEVJJM79PSN, Level 20: X321GZM5E3MO, Level 30: 0P7QIXVKZ31L, Level 50: NJ3596GMPUE5.
Xyaa’s parting message for players: “Please hire me and take me with you on your journey. I made her balanced, not so strong that she kills everything while you do nothing. And you need that good-looking Archer in your team.”
FAQ
Who is Xyaa? Xyaa is an Indian gaming creator and streamer with Revenant XSpark. She is known for PC and story-game content, including Capcom titles.
When is Xyaa’s Official Pawn available in Dragon’s Dogma 2? From 9 October 2026, the launch day of Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen.
What vocation is Xyaa’s Pawn? An Archer at all four levels: 8, 20, 30 and 50.
Is it free to hire Xyaa’s Pawn? Capcom says Official Pawns up to Level 10 cost no Rift Crystals. Higher-level versions may cost Rift Crystals.
Which other Indian creator has an Official Pawn in Dragon’s Dogma 2? BeastBoyShub, who plays a Mage.
Did Xyaa design her own Pawn? Yes. Capcom built her likeness from photos, and Xyaa chose every skill, armour piece and headpiece herself.
The BMSD 2026 Semi-Finals Day 2 is taking place today, October 9, with six more matches scheduled across Rondo, Erangel, and Miramar. A total of 24 teams are competing in the Semi-Finals, and today’s matches will feature Groups A and C.
We will update the BMSD 2026 Semi-Finals Day 2 live points table after every match. Check the overall standings below.
BMSD 2026 Semi-Finals Day 2 Live Points Table
After Match 12/24
Please refresh this page after every match for the latest standings.
1st Place: GodLike Esports – 102 Points
2nd Place: Team Apex Gaming – 94 Points
3rd Place: Vasista Esports – 79 Points
4th Place: Nebula Esports – 73 Points
5th Place: K9 Esports – 71 Points
6th Place: Genesis Esports – 67 Points
7th Place: Team Outrage – 58 Points
8th Place: Myth Official – 56 Points
9th Place: Welt Esports – 54 Points
10th Place: Hyper-Catz – 53 Points
11th Place: Team Tamilas – 49 Points
12th Place: Cultrex Esports x Zero Ark – 47 Points
The second day will feature six matches between Group A and Group C. All match timings are in IST.
Match
Map
Groups
Time
Match 7
Rondo
A vs C
1:30 PM
Match 8
Erangel
A vs C
2:15 PM
Match 9
Erangel
A vs C
3:00 PM
Match 10
Erangel
A vs C
3:50 PM
Match 11
Miramar
A vs C
4:35 PM
Match 12
Miramar
A vs C
5:20 PM
BMSD 2026 Semi-Finals Groups
Group A
Group B
Group C
Myth Official
Team Tamilas
Team Soul
Genesis Esports
7Gods Esports
Elite Nova Esports
Welt Esports
Gladiators Esports
Rapid Chaos Esports
Cultrex Esports x Zero Ark
Wyld Fangs
Team AX
4TR Official
Team Apex Gaming
Version 1 x Blue Army
Hyper-Catz
Vasista Esports
Orangutan
Nebula Esports
Team Outrage
K9 Esports
GodLike Esports
Learn From Past
MadKings
BMSD 2026 Semi-Finals Format
The BMSD 2026 Semi-Finals will take place from October 8 to 11.
All 24 teams have been divided into three groups of eight teams each. A total of 24 matches will be played across four days, with each team competing in 16 matches.
After all matches are completed, the top eight teams in the overall standings will directly qualify for the BMSD 2026 Grand Finals.
Teams finishing from 9th to 24th will move to the Last Chance stage on October 12 and 13, where only four teams will qualify for the Grand Finals.
The BMSD 2026 Grand Finals will take place from October 16 to 18 in Hyderabad.
Where to Watch BMSD 2026 Semi-Finals Day 2 Live?
Fans can watch all six matches of BMSD 2026 Semi-Finals Day 2 on the official KRAFTON India Esports YouTube channel.
The matches will be broadcast in Hindi and English.
Shagufta “XYAA” Iqbal, a creator with Revenant XSpark, is now an Official Pawn in Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen. Capcom’s expansion launched worldwide on October 9, 2026, and players on any platform can recruit her as an AI companion through the game’s Rift system. Her Pawn is an Archer and comes in four versions, at Levels 8, 20, 30 and 50.
This makes her one of the first Indian gaming creators to appear inside a major global game. Indian creators usually work with publishers on livestreams and promotions. This time she is a character players can take into their own party.
XYAA’s Official Pawn: Key Details
Detail
Info
Game
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen
Publisher
Capcom
Pawn class (Vocation)
Archer
Available levels
8, 20, 30 and 50
How to get her
Recruit through the Rift
Release date
October 9, 2026
Platforms
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2
Why XYAA’s Pawn Comes in Four Levels
Pawns are AI companions in Dragon’s Dogma 2. They fight next to you, give hints about quests, and learn from the trips they take with you. You hire extra Pawns from other players through the Rift. Hiring a Pawn above your own level costs more Rift Crystals, so a single max-level Pawn would be out of reach for new players.
Capcom fixes this with four versions of XYAA. The Level 8 version has simple early-game gear. Each version above it has better equipment and abilities, and the Level 50 version wears full armour. All four are Archers. That suits XYAA, who spent years playing competitive shooters before she started making content.
How to Recruit XYAA in Dragon’s Dogma 2
Find a Riftstone and choose the option to search for Pawns. Official Pawns can be recruited by every player, and you should pick the version closest to your level so you don’t spend extra Rift Crystals.
Neither Capcom nor Revenant XSpark has published her Pawn ID yet. We’ll add it here as soon as it’s shared.
Other Official Pawns in Dark Arisen
XYAA is part of Capcom’s Official Pawn programme, which puts creators from around the world into the game. Indian creator BeastBoyShub is in it too. During Capcom’s TGS 2026 stream, the publisher showed several more, including:
The Spiffing Brit
Infinite Cringe
LittleBigWhale
Zombey
Shinji Kagawa
Mint Fantome (VTuber)
The original Dragon’s Dogma 2 did something similar at launch in 2024, with Hololive and Nijisanji VTubers available as Pawns.
Who Is XYAA?
XYAA has been gaming competitively for more than ten years. She worked as an IT developer before she moved into full-time content creation. She started with Counter-Strike 1.6 in 2011 and went on to compete in Valorant and other titles, representing India internationally.
Year
Milestone
2011
Starts playing Counter-Strike 1.6
2023
Top-four finish for India at the World Esports Championship
Becomes an Official Pawn in Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen
“Gaming has been such a big part of my life for more than a decade, so seeing a version of myself actually become part of a game from Capcom feels surreal,” XYAA said. She added that she hopes it encourages “more women and creators from India to see just how far a career in gaming can take them.”
What This Means for Revenant XSpark
Revenant XSpark is based in Mumbai and was founded in 2021 by Rohit Jagasia. It has teams in BGMI, Valorant, Pokemon UNITE and other titles, with titles including BGIS 2024 and VALORANT Challengers South Asia. Tanmay “ScoutOP” Singh is the venture’s brand ambassador. The organisation says it has worked with more than 400 brands.
“For years, Indian gaming creators have helped international publishers connect with audiences in India,” CEO Rohit Jagasia said. “What makes this collaboration particularly special is that XYAA is now becoming part of a global gaming experience that players across the world can engage with.”
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Explained
Dark Arisen is the first expansion for Dragon’s Dogma 2. It sends players to Norgan, a snowy region in the north, to look into the undying Fallen Dragon. It also adds relics that unlock new weapons and skills, 12 Lost Rites dungeon challenges, and new hairstyles and tattoos in the character creator.
Yes. XYAA is an Official Pawn in Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen. Players around the world can recruit her through the Rift from October 9, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.
What class is XYAA’s Pawn?
XYAA’s Pawn is an Archer in all four versions. Capcom made her at Levels 8, 20, 30 and 50, and her gear and abilities improve at each level. The Level 50 version wears full armour.
Which Indian creators are Official Pawns in Dragon’s Dogma 2?
XYAA from Revenant XSpark and BeastBoyShub are the Indian creators in Capcom’s Official Pawn programme for Dark Arisen. Creators from other countries, such as The Spiffing Brit and Zombey, are in it too.
Is Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen a DLC?
Yes. Owners of the base game can buy Dark Arisen as a $29.99 expansion on PS5, Xbox and Steam. New players can buy the $49.99 bundle with the base game included. Switch 2 gets the bundle only.
When did Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen release?
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen launched worldwide on October 9, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.
Paramount Pictures is making a live-action Cyberpunk 2077 movie. CD Projekt Red is co-producing it, and Lorenzo di Bonaventura, the producer behind the Transformers films, is attached. Deadline reported the deal on October 8, 2026, and Variety confirmed it the same day. Paramount has not named a director, writer or cast, and there is no release date yet.
That covers everything confirmed so far. The rest of this article explains who is involved, how the film fits into Paramount’s run of video game adaptations, and what happened to the live-action project CD Projekt announced in 2023.
Cyberpunk 2077 Movie: What Is Confirmed So Far
Here is what’s confirmed and what isn’t.
Detail
Status
Studio
Paramount Pictures
Co-producer
CD Projekt Red
Producer
Lorenzo di Bonaventura
Format
Live-action feature film
Director
Not announced
Writer
Not announced
Cast
Not announced
Story
New story set in the Cyberpunk universe, per Deadline
Release date
Not announced
The deal keeps CD Projekt involved as a producer. That matters to fans because the studio co-produced Netflix’s Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and kept close control over how Night City looked and felt on screen.
Who Is Lorenzo di Bonaventura?
Lorenzo di Bonaventura is a veteran Hollywood producer. He’s best known for the live-action Transformers series and the G.I. Joe films. He’s spent years turning toy and comic properties into big studio action films, and Paramount has released most of that work.
Fans will read his name in two ways. He knows how to get a large-budget franchise film made. His films have also been criticized for loud action at the cost of story, and Cyberpunk 2077 is built on writing and character work.
Will Keanu Reeves Return as Johnny Silverhand?
Nobody has been cast, Keanu Reeves included. Reeves played Johnny Silverhand in the 2020 game and returned for the Phantom Liberty expansion in 2023, which added Idris Elba as Solomon Reed.
Fans keep asking about Reeves because he became the face of the game’s marketing. But Deadline reports that the movie will tell a new story. That leaves room for different characters, and maybe no Silverhand at all.
Will the Movie Follow V’s Story From the Game?
No, according to Deadline. The film is described as an original story set in the Cyberpunk universe. It won’t retell V’s journey through Night City.
CD Projekt has used this approach before. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners followed a new lead, David Martinez, and his crew of edgerunners. The show was a hit on Netflix in 2022, and game sales went up after it premiered.
What Happened to the Anonymous Content Project?
In October 2023, CD Projekt Red announced a live-action Cyberpunk project with Anonymous Content, the company behind True Detective and Mr. Robot. At that point it was still looking for a screenwriter. CD Projekt never said whether it would be a film or a series.
No outlet has confirmed whether the Paramount movie grows out of that project or replaces it. We will update this section if CD Projekt clarifies.
Why Paramount Is Betting on Cyberpunk 2077 Now
Paramount needs films. Its parent company recently closed its purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery, and the combined company now runs under the Skydance name. CEO David Ellison has promised 30 theatrical releases a year for at least five years, so the studio needs well-known properties to fill that slate.
The game’s numbers also help. Deadline reports that Cyberpunk 2077 has sold more than 40 million copies and Phantom Liberty has sold 15 million. For a game that was pulled from the PlayStation Store at launch in December 2020, that is a big turnaround. The full launch and recovery history explains why CD Projekt is careful about how the brand is used.
Cyberpunk on Screen: A Timeline
Date
Event
December 2020
Cyberpunk 2077 launches
September 2022
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners premieres on Netflix
September 2023
Phantom Liberty expansion releases
October 2023
Live-action project announced with Anonymous Content
October 8, 2026
Paramount movie reported by Deadline and Variety
October 20, 2026
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 premieres on Netflix
When Will the Cyberpunk 2077 Movie Release?
There is no release date. The film has no script, director or cast yet, and most live-action films take two to four years from this stage to reach theaters. So a release before 2028 looks unlikely. That’s our estimate, and Paramount hasn’t announced any timeline.
The next game is a long way off too. CD Projekt Red is making the Cyberpunk sequel, codenamed Project Orion, after The Witcher 4. Analysts expect it around 2030. The movie could arrive somewhere in that gap, or come out around the time of the sequel’s launch.
Until then, Edgerunners 2 on October 20 is the next Cyberpunk release.
Marvel Rivals maintenance for Season 10.5 starts on October 9, 2026, at 09:00 UTC. NetEase expects it to last about 2 hours, so servers should be back around 11:00 UTC. That works out to 2 AM to 4 AM PT, 5 AM to 7 AM ET, 10 AM to 12 PM BST and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM IST.
These times come from the official Marvel Rivals Version 20261009 patch notes, posted on October 6. Several countdown guides published earlier in the month listed a 3 AM PT start. The official notes put it one hour earlier. If you play in the US, plan around 2 AM PT.
Marvel Rivals Season 10.5 maintenance times in every region
Downtime runs for about 2 hours in every region, starting at 09:00 UTC. Find your time zone below.
Region
Maintenance starts
Servers expected back
UTC
9:00 AM, Oct 9
11:00 AM, Oct 9
US Pacific (PT)
2:00 AM, Oct 9
4:00 AM, Oct 9
US Mountain (MT)
3:00 AM, Oct 9
5:00 AM, Oct 9
US Central (CT)
4:00 AM, Oct 9
6:00 AM, Oct 9
US Eastern (ET)
5:00 AM, Oct 9
7:00 AM, Oct 9
Brazil (BRT)
6:00 AM, Oct 9
8:00 AM, Oct 9
UK (BST)
10:00 AM, Oct 9
12:00 PM, Oct 9
Central Europe (CEST)
11:00 AM, Oct 9
1:00 PM, Oct 9
Moscow (MSK)
12:00 PM, Oct 9
2:00 PM, Oct 9
UAE (GST)
1:00 PM, Oct 9
3:00 PM, Oct 9
India (IST)
2:30 PM, Oct 9
4:30 PM, Oct 9
China, Singapore, Philippines
5:00 PM, Oct 9
7:00 PM, Oct 9
Japan and Korea
6:00 PM, Oct 9
8:00 PM, Oct 9
Australia Eastern (AEDT)
8:00 PM, Oct 9
10:00 PM, Oct 9
New Zealand (NZDT)
10:00 PM, Oct 9
12:00 AM, Oct 10
NetEase calls the 2 hours an estimate. If the game is still offline after the end time in your region, check the official Marvel Rivals X account for an extension notice before reinstalling anything.
Is Marvel Rivals down right now?
Between 09:00 and 11:00 UTC on October 9, you cannot log in to Marvel Rivals. Matchmaking and the in-game store go offline with it. Once maintenance ends, you will need to download the Season 10.5 update before you can play. NetEase has not listed the patch size.
What’s new in Marvel Rivals Season 10.5 when servers return
Season 10.5 adds no new hero. It brings a new Avengers mode, a season event, a new 18 vs 18 map and fresh cosmetics. All dates below are from the official patch notes and use UTC.
Content
What it is
Dates (UTC)
Path to Doomsday: Avengers: Infinity War
12 players split into 6 duo squads. The first squad to collect all 6 Infinity Stones wins.
Oct 9 to Dec 11
Infinity Finale event
Complete quests to earn Thor’s The Avengers costume for free
Oct 9 to Dec 10
Times Square: Relive Avengers: Infinity War
Watch the screening for 2 minutes to get a gallery card. Photo walls give a spray and 100 Units.
Oct 9 to Oct 22
Alchemax Headquarters
New map added to the 18 vs 18 mode
From Oct 9
Twitch Drops
Angela’s Will of Galacta costume and related items
The second Avengers mode comes later. On October 22, 50 players team up against Thanos in an Endgame-themed PvE battle, according to Destructoid. We covered what is known so far in our piece on the new 50-player Thanos PvE mode.
Season 10.5 balance changes at a glance
The balance patch goes live with the same maintenance. Iron Man, Hulk, Cyclops, Hawkeye, Phoenix and Jubilee get buffs. Scarlet Witch, Gorr, Devil Dinosaur and Gambit get nerfs. Two examples: Devil Dinosaur’s base health drops from 850 to 825, and Scarlet Witch’s Chthonian Burst spell field damage falls from 40 to 35.
Marvel Rivals maintenance for Season 10.5 should end around 11:00 UTC on October 9, 2026. That is 4 AM PT, 7 AM ET, 12 PM BST and 4:30 PM IST. NetEase gave an estimate of 2 hours from the 09:00 UTC start, so the end time can shift if the update runs long.
Why can’t I log in to Marvel Rivals on October 9?
From 09:00 UTC, the servers are offline for the Season 10.5 update. Logins fail during this window on every account. After maintenance ends, restart the game client and download the update. If you still cannot connect after 11:00 UTC, check the official Marvel Rivals X account for an extension.
Does Marvel Rivals Season 10.5 add a new hero?
No. Season 10.5 is the first mid-season update without a new playable hero. NetEase focused the update on the Path to Doomsday modes instead. The Infinity War duo mode launches on October 9, and the 50-player Endgame PvE mode against Thanos follows on October 22.
Does my rank reset in Season 10.5?
The official Season 10.5 patch notes do not mention a rank reset. They list a new Gold-tier ranked reward: Jeff the Land Shark’s Razor-Tooth costume. Check your rank after logging in on October 9. We will update this page if NetEase confirms any rank changes for the second half of the season.
Official GTA 6 merch is now sold in three places. The Rockstar Store has tees, totes and small collectibles from $4.99 to $39.99. The Miami Heat store has a Vice City apparel line priced from $45 to $110. And the Rockstar Store also takes orders for a $399.99 collector’s box that ships on November 19, 2026, the day GTA 6 launches.
Rockstar opened the Grand Theft Auto VI Collection on October 8, 2026, about six weeks before release. Fans had seen a lot of this gear already: data miners found the item names in September, and some content creators got packages in late September. Below is every item with its price, where each one is sold, and what is still marked “Coming Soon”.
GTA 6 Merch at a Glance: Where to Buy Each Item
Where to buy
What it sells
Price range
Status
Rockstar Store
GTA VI tees, totes, caps, keychain, lighter, money clip, stickers
$4.99 to $39.99
Most items live, caps “Coming Soon”
Rockstar Store
The Goodtime State: Vice City Collection box
$399.99
Pre-order, ships November 19
Miami Heat Store
Court Culture Vice City tees, hoodie, crewneck, hats
All 13 tees cost the same. The GTA VI and Rockstar logo tees are heavyweight cotton. Macca the Gator is the cartoon mascot from Leonida’s in-game TV show.
GTA 6 Caps and Tote Bags
Item
Colours
Price
Status
Grand Theft Auto VI Baseball Cap
Blue and Pink, Pink and Blue, Black and Pink
$29.99
Coming Soon
Rockstar Baseball Cap
Blue and Pink, Pink and Blue, Black and Pink
$29.99
Coming Soon
Grand Theft Auto VI Canvas Tote
Blue and Pink, Pink and Blue
$39.99
Available
The caps are stretch-fitted Flexfit hats. One version has palm trees inside the VI logo.
GTA 6 Collectibles
Item
Price
Grand Theft Auto VI and Rockstar Games Holographic Sticker Collection
$4.99
Grand Theft Auto VI and Rockstar Games Sticker Collection
$9.99
Grand Theft Auto VI Keychain
$14.99
Grand Theft Auto VI: Vice City Money Clip
$24.99
Grand Theft Auto VI: Vice City Zippo Lighter
$39.99
The cheapest official GTA 6 item is the $4.99 holographic sticker set. The keychain is chrome, with the Rockstar logo on one side and the palm tree VI logo on the other. The Zippo is polished chrome and carries the Vice City and Rockstar logos.
Notebookcheck reports that orders over $100 get free shipping. The store page itself did not list shipping rates when we checked.
GTA 6 Collector’s Box: The Goodtime State Vice City Collection ($399.99)
The most expensive piece of official GTA 6 merch is a collector’s box called Grand Theft Auto VI: The Goodtime State, Vice City Collection. It costs $399.99 and does not include the game.
Detail
Info
Price
$399.99
Ships
November 19, 2026
Game included
No
Free shipping
Not eligible
Stock
Limited (“while supplies last”)
What is inside the box:
Macca the Gator figure (6 inches, with a stash compartment in the base)
Oakley Frogskins sunglasses
New Era 9FORTY snapback
Leonida Keys crossbody bag
Macca the Gator magnetic mirror
Chunkee the Manatee shot glass
Vice City swizzle spoon
Vice City razor blade keychain
Leonida Keys enamel pin set (9 pins in a metal tin)
Leonida Keys sticker pack (9 vinyl stickers)
Double-sided souvenir poster with a full Leonida map
The box costs about five times the $79.99 standard game. That makes it a buy for collectors, not for most players. For more on the money behind the game itself, see our breakdown of whether GTA 6 is the most expensive game ever made.
Miami Heat GTA 6 Merch: Vice City Collection Prices
On October 2, the Miami Heat released 14 GTA 6 apparel items made with Rockstar, under the team’s Court Culture label. They are sold online and in person at the Miami Heat Store. Vice reported the full list and noted that many shirt sizes sold out quickly.
Item
Price
“Welcome to Vice City” Tee
$45
“I Love Vice City” Crop
$45
“Vice City Grill” Oversized Tee
$55
“Vice City Souvenir” Oversized Tee
$55
“Vice City” Oversized Tee
$55
Duvin “Vice City Postcard” Tee
$55
Duvin “Vice City Pool Service” Pocket Tee
$55
Duvin “Vice City Shades” Tee
$55
New Era “Vice City Logo” Dad Cap
$48
New Era “Vice City Logo” Snapback
$50
New Era “Goodtime State” Snapback
$50
New Era “Vice City Billiards” Snapback
$50
“Vice City” Hoodie
$100
Duvin “Welcome to Vice City” Crewneck
$110
The collection ties in with “A Night in Vice City”, a Heat home game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 18, 2026, one day before GTA 6 launches. Vice reports that the store ships internationally, with duties and taxes paid by the buyer.
Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album on CD and Vinyl
The Rockstar Store also lists four versions of Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album: an Exclusive CD, an Exclusive Vinyl, a Standard CD and a Standard Vinyl. None had a price shown when we checked.
Rockstar announced the album on September 17, 2026. It has 34 original tracks. The official site has three exclusives: a liquid-filled vinyl, a splatter vinyl and a CD jewel case. Retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and Target will carry their own vinyl colours. If you care more about the in-game music, here is how GTA 6 radio and on-demand podcasts work.
GTA 6 Merch Items Not in the Store Yet
In September, data miners found more item names that are not on the store yet. Beebom reported them. They include:
Burger Shot tees and a Burger Shot leather lunch bag
Narcos tee and snapback
Manatees teal snapback and football
VI basketball in a box
“I Love VC” bumper sticker
A lobster claw keychain
Several of these were tagged “UK” in the data, so they may be region-specific. Rockstar has not confirmed any of them. DayOne reports that Rockstar plans to add more items and has turned on wishlist alerts for restocks.
How to Buy Official GTA 6 Merch
Go to store.rockstargames.com and open “Shop Grand Theft Auto VI Collection”.
Choose an item, a size and a colour.
For “Coming Soon” items, use the wishlist to get a restock alert (you need to be on Rockstar’s mailing list).
For the Miami Heat line, use the Miami Heat Store website. You do not need a Heat account.
Pay attention to shipping. The $399.99 box gets no free shipping, and buyers outside the US may pay import duties.
Unofficial GTA 6 shirts are already on marketplaces, and the $399.99 box showed up on eBay resale listings within days. Only three sources sell official gear: the Rockstar Store, the Miami Heat Store and the album retailers Rockstar named. A “Vice City” shirt from any other seller is unlicensed unless Rockstar names that seller.
FAQ
How much is GTA 6 merch?
Official GTA 6 merch on the Rockstar Store costs between $4.99 and $39.99. Tees and caps are $29.99, totes and the Zippo are $39.99, and the cheapest item is a $4.99 holographic sticker set. The Miami Heat collection costs $45 to $110. The collector’s box is $399.99.
Does the $399.99 GTA 6 collector’s box include the game?
No. The Goodtime State: Vice City Collection holds 11 physical items, including a Macca the Gator figure and Oakley sunglasses, but no copy of GTA 6. You have to buy the game separately for $79.99. The box ships on November 19, 2026, and does not get free shipping.
Where can I buy official GTA 6 merch?
Official GTA 6 merch is sold at the Rockstar Store (store.rockstargames.com) and at the Miami Heat Store, which carries a separate Vice City apparel line. The GTA 6 album on CD and vinyl is sold on Rockstar’s site and at retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and Target.
Does the Rockstar Store ship GTA 6 merch internationally?
The Rockstar Store prices the GTA VI Collection in US dollars, and its collection page does not list shipping regions. Notebookcheck reports free shipping on orders over $100. Buyers outside the US should check the delivery options at checkout and expect possible import duties.
Yes, you can take time off work for GTA 6, but only through leave your employer approves. GTA 6 launches on Thursday, November 19, 2026. Australia’s workplace regulator has confirmed that no unpaid leave entitlement covers gaming. To get launch day off, you need paid annual leave or an unpaid leave request that your boss signs off.
The question went viral on October 8, when Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman posted a joke-style Instagram guide about GTA 6. It went through every type of unpaid leave in Australian law. None of them applied.
What the Fair Work Ombudsman Said About GTA 6 Leave
The regulator’s answer was simple: no law gives you a right to unpaid leave to play a video game. The post imagined a worker with no paid leave left and GTA 6 out tomorrow. Then it checked each unpaid entitlement under the National Employment Standards (NES).
Unpaid leave type (NES)
What it is for
Does it cover GTA 6?
Unpaid carer’s leave
Caring for a sick or injured family or household member
No
Community service leave
SES volunteering, emergency work, jury duty
No
Unpaid parental leave
Caring for a new child
No
Other unpaid leave
Any reason the NES does not list
Only if your employer agrees
Parental leave got the best joke. The post showed a GTA logo on an ultrasound screen, then ruled it out: “Though it’s been in the oven for a while, a video game isn’t a child.”
The last row is the useful one. The Fair Work guide to unpaid leave in Australia says employees can ask for unpaid leave for reasons outside the NES. The employer decides. The Ombudsman’s caption gave practical advice too: ask early.
How to Get GTA 6 Launch Day Off in Australia
Your best option is paid annual leave. Full-time and part-time employees get 4 weeks a year under the NES, based on ordinary hours. Casual employees don’t get paid annual leave.
An employer can refuse an annual leave request only if the refusal is reasonable. That gives you a stronger position than an unpaid request, which your employer can turn down for any reason.
Check your balance. Look at your payslip or HR portal.
Follow your award or agreement. The request process is usually set out in your award, registered agreement, contract or company policy.
Ask now. Launch is about six weeks away. Other gamers in your team may want the same day.
Offer something back. Swapping a shift or covering a busy day later makes a yes more likely.
No leave left? Ask for unpaid leave in writing and accept that the answer is up to your employer.
Calling in sick is a bad idea. Paid sick leave is only for when you are unfit for work, and your employer can ask for reasonable evidence. Getting caught can cost you far more than one day of the game.
GTA 6 Leave Rules in the UK, US and India
GTA 6 launches worldwide on the same date, so the same question comes up everywhere. The rules differ a lot by country.
Country
Paid leave baseline
Can your employer refuse?
What to do
Australia
4 weeks annual leave (full-time)
Only if the refusal is reasonable
Request annual leave early
UK
5.6 weeks for most full-time workers
Yes, with notice
Give at least twice the leave length plus 1 day as notice
US
No federal paid vacation law
Yes, it depends on company policy
Check your handbook and request early
India
Earned leave under state laws and company policy
Yes, approval is usually needed
Apply through HR as early as possible
In the UK, the GOV.UK rules on booking holiday say a worker should give notice of at least twice the length of the leave, plus one day. For one day off, that means three days’ notice. An employer can refuse, but must give notice equal to the leave requested plus one day.
In the US, the Fair Labor Standards Act does not require payment for time not worked, including vacations. Any paid time off comes from your employer’s policy or your contract.
This section is general information, not legal advice. Check your contract, award or HR policy for the rules that apply to you.
Who Else Is Taking Time Off for GTA 6
Some workers and employers are already planning around launch. These reports show how seriously people are taking it:
A California car company, Burger Motorsports, reportedly plans to pause operations on release day.
The Wall Street Journal reported a software engineer who booked five days off, and a Brazilian civil servant who saved 10 vacation days.
A memo linked to a US Army battalion reportedly offered soldiers who re-enlist four days off to play. Our report on the Fort Stewart GTA 6 re-enlistment memo covers what is and isn’t verified.
When to Book Your GTA 6 Leave
GTA 6 releases on Thursday, November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. That timing makes a long weekend easy to build.
Can I take unpaid leave to play GTA 6 in Australia? You can ask, but you have no legal right to it. The Fair Work Ombudsman confirmed that carer’s, community service and parental leave do not cover gaming. Unpaid leave for other reasons needs your employer’s approval, so request it early and in writing.
Can my boss refuse annual leave for GTA 6 launch day? In Australia, an employer can refuse an annual leave request only if the refusal is reasonable. Busy periods or staff shortages can count as reasonable grounds. In the UK, an employer can refuse with notice equal to the leave plus one day.
What day does GTA 6 come out? GTA 6 releases on Thursday, November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, according to Rockstar’s official GTA VI page. Two days of leave on Thursday and Friday give you four days in a row with the weekend.
Can I use sick leave for GTA 6? No. In Australia, paid sick leave is only for when you are unfit for work because of illness or injury. Your employer can ask for reasonable evidence. Using sick leave to play a game puts your job at risk.
