By Variety | Created at 2026-08-11 22:51:47 | Updated at 2026-08-11 23:10:05
1 hour ago
Panache Digital Games announced “1666: Amsterdam” will release in Early Access on Aug. 25.
From “Assassin’s Creed” series creator Patrice Désilets, the dark, third-person narrative action-adventure game unravels a mystery across Amsterdam. Players take on the role of Noa, the Collector, who wields witchcraft to uncover “Originals,” demonic entities hiding behind human faces.
The Early Access version of “1666: Amsterdam” will be available for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store for $29.99 on Aug. 25. The EA edition “will include the first piece of the campaign, expected to take approximately 15 hours to playthrough.”
Per the description for the game, “A cycle is ending. Another one is beginning. Take part in Noa’s Commencement as she inherits the mantle of the Collector. Unravel a mystery that spans centuries. Choose the companion that will walk beside you. Follow the traces left behind in a city shaped by secrets, power, and memory. This is where everything begins.”
Watch a new gameplay feature for “1666: Amsterdam” below. The video gives an in-depth look at the game’s mechanics, combat and the day and night cycle. It also showcases the unique playing styles of lead characters Noa and Aaron as they hunt Originals across Amsterdam.
See more gaming news from this week in the roundup below.
AWARDS
The 2027 BAFTA Games Awards are now open for entries, albeit with a few key changes.
BAFTA will now open the Evolving Game category to a member-wide vote across all rounds, while the organization has reaffirmed its commitment to “outstanding human achievement” in the face of concerns around AI. Entry fees have also been revised, with a new 25% discount for eligible independent and small developers.
“With this year’s updates to eligibility and voting, the Awards continue to celebrate outstanding human creativity, craft and innovation, while evolving to reflect the way the sector is changing,” BAFTA’s director of awards Kelly Smith said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to seeing the exceptional work that will be recognized in 2027.”
Entries will close on Friday, Sept. 18 for games released between November 15, 2025 and July 31, 2026, while entries will close on Friday, November 6 for games released between Aug. 1 and November 19, 2026.
MONETIZATION
Mobile game developer and publisher Scopely announced a content creator initiative for “Monopoly Go!”
The Go! Friends Creator Fund allows content creators to develop original ideas that adapt the themes of “Monopoly Go!’”s gameplay into their storytelling formats.
“At its core, Monopoly Go! is designed to give friends new reasons to connect, compete and have fun together. That same idea is the creative starting point for the GO! Friends Creator Fund,” said Jamie Berger, senior vice president of marketing for Monopoly Go! at Scopely. “We believe in providing creators with freedom to explore the themes of friendship in their own voice and format, while staying true to what works for their audience. Our goal is to move beyond one-off, transactional partnerships and build original entertainment alongside creators, and we’re excited to welcome more of them into the Monopoly Go! universe.”
The fund supports creators artistic direction for their audiences, rather than relying on predetermined campaigns.
EXEC SHUFFLE
Sandbox Group has appointed senior brand and entertainment marketing executive Amanda Klecker as chief marketing officer.
Klecker will oversee marketing and brand strategy across the life skill platform’s digital portfolio. She previously served as the head of marketing and franchise at pocket.watch, as well as working in marketing leadership at ViacomCBS/Paramount and Martha Stewart. Throughout her career, she’s received accolades such as Chief Marketer Top Women in Marketing: Disruptors, Cynopsis Top Women in Marketing: Marketing Trailblazers and 40 Under 40: NYC TV Week.
The platform’s global digital portfolio has 50 million monthly users, 1 billion app downloads and 500 monthly page views. Its flagship brands include PlayKids Learning, Coolmath Games and Focus.
