Gaming Mondays #6: Godzilla x Fortnite, Roblox Anime, Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks, Illuvium’s AI NPCs
From UGC game releases and platform updates to the latest in Web3 and AI-driven gaming. All in one place, every week!
Welcome to the 6th Edition of Gaming Mondays! As always, there has been a crazy amount of gaming news since the last edition. This week’s edition cuts through the noise to bring you the juiciest updates and most intriguing stories, with all the detail and depth you’ve come to expect. Let’s get into it!
Every Monday, we bring you the latest shifts and trends across the gaming industry, from major updates in player-built environments to the expanding influence of blockchain-driven ecosystems and metaverse projects. From UGC game releases and platform updates to the latest in Web3 and AI-driven gaming. All in one place, every week!
Let’s kick things off with Epic Games, which is setting the tone for the year by transforming Fortnite into the ultimate cultural crossover hub. This week, Fortnite is making waves with not one, not two, but three major announcements that are bound to get fans talking. Let's get into it!
Huge Fortnite Collaborations!
Epic Games seems to be sprinting into 2025 with Fortnite becoming the ultimate crossover hub. This week, the game flexed its creative muscles again, making headlines with three electrifying announcements. From stomping Kaiju battles to vocaloid sensations and strategic partnerships, Fortnite’s new content is notable.
Fortnite x Godzilla (Maybe Kong)
The King of Monsters is set to make an earth-shattering entrance into Fortnite. With update 33.20 launching on January 14, players can expect to encounter a roaring Godzilla NPC boss. Potentially joined by his rival, King Kong. As part of the Monsterverse crossover, this update also introduces two exclusive Godzilla skins, dropping on January 17 for Battle Pass holders.
But here’s the kicker: Godzilla’s design is inspired by Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire. The monstrous, energy-charged aesthetic compliments Fortnite’s anime-inspired Chapter 6 Season 1 vibes. Keep an eye out for Easter eggs though, with rumors suggesting a hidden Kong decal and more Kaiju lore scattered across the island. We love good lore!
Hatsune Miku Joins the Party
For fans of rhythm games and J-Pop, this one's a banger. Virtual idol Hatsune Miku is officially coming to Fortnite on January 14. Players will have access to two unique skins, her classic look and a NEKO Miku variation. Epic Games is introducing the Festival Pass, a music-focused game mode akin to Guitar Hero.
Accompanying Miku’s arrival are thematic quests, cosmetics, and even music tracks straight out of her vocaloid discography. This collaboration is a dream come true for Miku fans, amplifying Fortnite’s growing reputation as a metaverse for pop culture. And with Chapter 6’s Japanese-inspired aesthetic, the timing couldn’t be better.
Epic Games x Telefónica Collab
For Android users, Fortnite just became a lot more accessible. Epic Games and Telefónica, one of the largest telecom giants, are teaming up to pre-install the Epic Games Store on Telefónica Android devices across Europe and Latin America. This means games like Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys are just a tap away for millions of Telefónica customers.
This is a direct counterpunch to Epic Games’ ongoing battle with Apple over App Store compensation structures. After the high-profile lawsuit where Epic fought Apple’s 30% revenue cut, the company has been strategically pivoting to broaden its presence outside traditional app stores. By growing a partnership with Telefónica, Epic bypasses the need for gatekeepers like Apple and Google Play, giving players direct access to Fortnite and other games on Android. It’s a move that not only saves Epic money but also reinforces their message: developers deserve more control over their revenue streams.
The Telefónica collaboration is about accessibility, however, it is also a power play. Telefónica was the first carrier to introduce direct billing for the Epic Games Store and previously partnered on Fortnite’s O2 Arena virtual event during the pandemic. With plans to extend the partnership globally, this alliance represents Epic doubling down on mobile gaming while sidestepping the restrictions of app store monopolies.
Why All This Matters
With crossovers like these, Fortnite proves that it is a dynamic cultural hub. Godzilla and Hatsune Miku bring fandoms from polar ends of the spectrum into one hyped community. Add Telefónica’s collaboration to the mix, and you’re looking at an aggressive strategy to dominate not just gaming but digital entertainment itself. And, more importantly, Epic is cementing itself as a leader in challenging the status quo of how games are distributed and monetized.
It’s moments like these that make Fortnite feel less like a game and more like the metaverse Neal Stephenson imagined; interoperable, limitless, and bold. As Epic continues to break barriers, we’re left wondering: what’s next in this ultimate showdown of collaborations?
Roblox Kicks Off 2025 With Exciting Updates and Collabs!
If you thought Roblox was slowing down in the new year, think again! 2025 is already heating up with game updates and brand collaborations that showcase why Roblox remains the go-to platform for immersive, creative, and community-driven experiences.
Anime Reborn: World Collision Update
The anime-themed tower defense hit Anime Reborn just dropped its fourth major update, World Collision, and it’s packed with content. Here’s what’s new in this highly anticipated update:
New map, area, and event: Players can explore fresh battlegrounds while battling through waves of enemies.
New units and evolutions: Fan favorites from series like Naruto and Bleach get upgraded with new abilities.
Blessings and crates: The update introduces exclusive bundles, a bingo event with a unit prize, and new-year-themed currency.
Gameplay improvements: The notoriously tough Winter Mayhem mode has been rebalanced to make it more accessible, and multipath gameplay now fully supports features like Tsunamis and Crystal Servants.
Anime Reborn continues to thrive as a hub for anime fandom, combining beloved characters with strategic gameplay. The new additions give players plenty of reasons to stay engaged.
Thoughts on Roblox Collabs
With Anime Reborn cementing itself as a standout Roblox experience, updates like this reinforce Roblox’s ability to serve niche fandoms while creating room for constant evolution. And while World Collision is just the first update of 2025, it sets the bar high for what’s to come in anime-inspired gaming.
Paris Saint-Germain Enters the Roblox Universe
In an unexpected but thrilling crossover, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the iconic French football club, has debuted on Roblox with a limited-time game, PSG Obby.
Running from January 10 to February 7, this game immerses players in a virtual Paris backdrop while combining sports culture, fashion, and interactivity. Here’s what players can expect:
Obstacle courses (Obbys): Navigate challenging levels while collecting feathers for rewards.
Exclusive UGC items: Weekly unlockable cosmetics to personalize avatars.
Interactive community features: Surveys let players vote on future items and participate in PSG-themed discussions.
After just three days, the experience has already racked up 604,000 visits with an impressive 98% user rating. The move is part of PSG’s strategy to connect with younger audiences through digital platforms, joining other sports giants like FIFA, NFL, and the NBA in Roblox's growing sports metaverse.
Why PSG's Move Is Smart
Fabien Allègre, PSG's Chief Brand Officer, nailed it when he said this initiative "blurs the lines between athletic culture, luxury fashion, and next-gen self-expression." By launching on Roblox, PSG is cementing its status as a forward-thinking brand willing to innovate in how it connects with global audiences.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Rumor Mill Heats Up!
The gaming world is buzzing as fresh rumors about the Nintendo Switch 2 suggest that its official reveal might be closer than ever. With leaks about the console’s price, launch lineup, and even its announcement date, fans are bracing themselves for what could be Nintendo’s most ambitious release since 2017. Let’s break down the latest whispers from the rumor mill.
Price Point and Launch Details
According to leaks from a Discord server, the Nintendo Switch 2 might retail for €400 in Europe, approximately $430 in the U.S. This positions it slightly above the current Switch OLED but well below competitors like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. If true, this pricing strikes a balance between premium hardware and Nintendo’s traditionally family-friendly market.
But what’s really turning heads is the rumored launch lineup. The console could debut with at least 25 titles, including third-party and first-party games. One exciting rumor is the potential inclusion of a Super Mario Galaxy 3, a sequel fans have been dreaming of since the Wii era. However, whispers also suggest that the pricing for these games might climb, with some titles potentially reaching €69-€79, putting them on par with AAA PS5 games. If accurate, this would be a historical shift in Nintendo’s historically modest pricing strategy.
Mark Your Calendars: January 16 Reveal?
The official unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 might be just days away. Reliable sources, including the leaker NateTheHate, claim Nintendo will announce the console on Thursday, January 16. This would align with Nintendo’s history of using Thursdays for major announcements, like the original Switch reveal back in 2016.
It’s also possible Nintendo could release a teaser on social media ahead of the reveal, offering a glimpse of the hardware and a date for a full-fledged event. Given how leaks have dominated the conversation for months, from its rumored magnetic Joy-Cons to an 8-inch LCD display, fans are eager to see how much of the speculation is accurate.
Hardware and Gameplay Innovations
While much of the Switch 2’s hardware remains under wraps, recent rumors paint an exciting picture. The console is said to be slightly larger than the current Switch OLED, featuring an upgraded 8-inch LCD screen. New magnetic Joy-Cons might replace the current slide-in design, with at least one controller boasting a mysterious "C" button. Could this be tied to a rumored pointer mode? Only time will tell.
What the Switch 2 Needs to Succeed
With the gaming industry being more competitive than ever, Nintendo must address a few key points to ensure the Switch 2’s success:
Strong Launch Lineup: Titles like Super Mario Galaxy 3 could make or break early momentum, but Nintendo will also need robust third-party support to compete with Sony and Microsoft.
Affordable Accessibility: A €400 price tag feels reasonable, but pushing game prices to €79 could alienate core fans accustomed to Nintendo's more accessible pricing.
Hardware Upgrades: Enhancements like better battery life, improved Joy-Cons, and stronger online capabilities would elevate the Switch 2 above its predecessor.
The Switch 2 rumors have created a palpable buzz, and with a possible announcement this week, fans may finally have answers to their burning questions. Will the Switch 2 live up to the hype? Can Nintendo replicate the magic of the original Switch? One thing’s for sure. January 16 could be a game-changing day for Nintendo enthusiasts worldwide.
Illuvium’s NPCs Are About to Get Smarter (and More Personal)!
Imagine a game where every interaction feels unique, every quest tailored to your playstyle, and NPCs that not only react to your actions but remember them across games. That’s the vision Illuvium is bringing to life with its groundbreaking partnership with Virtuals, an AI protocol behind some of the most innovative AI agents in gaming and beyond.
Dynamic NPCs for Infinite Possibilities
Through this collaboration, Illuvium’s trio of blockchain-based games (Overworld, Arena, and Zero) will implement Virtuals’ G.A.M.E AI framework to power their NPCs. These aren’t your typical quest-givers who repeat the same lines, they’re adaptive, "emotional", and unpredictable. NPCs will now respond dynamically to player actions, altering quests, dialogue, and even the game world itself.
Take this example from the Virtuals team: You walk into a bar, and the bartender NPC dreams of being the most devoted husband. In a traditional game, you’d order a drink or chat briefly. In Illuvium’s world, you could insult his wife and trigger a dramatic chain of events, possibly even a bar fight. Conversely, kindness might unlock a rare quest or reward.
Illuvium co-founder and CEO Kieran Warwick describes this approach as creating "infinite stories" within their universe. “Multiply this emergent complexity across every agent, in every scenario, and you get a gaming experience filled with infinite stories,” Warwick said.
Safeguards and the Bigger Picture
But what about rogue AI? Warwick assures players that Illuvium’s NPCs will operate within predefined boundaries. Behavioral guidelines, fail-safes, and constant monitoring will ensure the AI remains on track, preventing it from drifting into chaotic or nonsensical behavior.
To start, these dynamic NPCs will debut in Illuvium: Overworld, a third-person exploration game where players (as rangers) collect creatures called Illuvials. Once refined in Overworld, the technology will expand to Illuvium’s other titles: Arena, a creature-battling strategy game, and Zero, a base-building resource generator.
Why This Matters for Gaming
This partnership could be a glimpse into the future of immersive gameplay. By combining blockchain technology with adaptive AI, Illuvium is creating not just a game but an evolving narrative that reacts to its players. Virtuals’ tech also holds the potential for cross-game NPC continuity, meaning the same AI companions could remember interactions from one game (or even platform) to the next.
Virtuals Protocol co-founder Ether Mage summed it up best: “Earlier this year, while pioneering Agentic NPCs in Roblox, we envisioned a future where AAA games like Illuvium could harness this technology to fuel an explosion of dynamic content.” And with Illuvium as its first major gaming partner, the possibilities are staggering.
The Rise of AI-Driven Gaming
Virtuals’ native token (VIRTUAL) has skyrocketed, increasing nearly 9,900% in late 2024, driven by its potential to transform gameplay. With the ability to transcend platforms and genres, Virtuals’ AI agents could soon become a staple of next-gen gaming, assisting players in Elden Ring, Minecraft, or even Dota matches.
Illuvium’s collaboration with Virtuals isn’t just about smarter NPCs; it’s about redefining what interactive storytelling means in gaming. The potential for emergent gameplay, infinite narratives, and unforgettable NPC interactions could set a new standard for immersion in the blockchain gaming space and beyond.
Thoughts
Fortnite’s grandiose collaborations, Roblox’s boundless creativity, the whispered promise of the Switch 2, and Illuvium’s quest to redefine AI-driven storytelling. it becomes clear that gaming is no longer just about playing. It’s about becoming.
We are not merely players but architects of our experiences, co-creators of narratives that blur the line between what is scripted and what is emergent. Every update, every partnership, and every new technological innovation serves as a reminder that gaming, at its core, is a celebration of human imagination.
Epic Games’ fight against gatekeepers, Illuvium’s integration of adaptive AI, and Roblox’s ability to merge brands and culture all hint at a deeper truth: the industry is evolving into a metaverse of ideas, a space where reality and virtuality coexist. In this space, the boundaries we once accepted between player and creator, story and gameplay, platform and community, are dissolving.
As Alan Watts once said, “You are an aperture through which the universe is looking at and exploring itself.” Gaming reflects this beautifully. Through our avatars, our decisions, and the worlds we shape, we aren’t just consuming entertainment; we’re exploring the infinite possibilities of identity, creativity, and connection.
As 2025 unfolds, we stand on the precipice of what gaming can truly be a mirror to our collective imagination, a playground for our wildest dreams, and a testament to the endless potential of human ingenuity.
Until next week, keep playing, keep dreaming, and keep redefining what it means to be a gamer.
That's all for now.
See you next time.