All articles tagged with #skins
Blizzard's Overwatch introduces D.Mon, a MEKA mech-pilot whose exposed cockpit and torso prompt a debate on whether the design prioritizes skins and monetization, while noting the design helps differentiate her from D.Va and may reflect asset reuse rather than a fully new silhouette.
dBrand has released nine new Steam Machine skins—Basketbox, Terminal, Flat Earth, Bricks, White and Black Dice, Package, Orange Box, Touch Grass—joining classic designs and pastel options, with matching Steam Controller skins. Available as faceplate skin ($17.95), full-machine skin ($34.95), or a full kit with the controller skin ($44.95) on dBrand’s site (affiliate links).
Kotaku argues that Call of Duty Mobile's new Persona 5 Royal skins — turning Joker, Ann, Makoto, and Sumire into near-photoreal operators for a July 1 event — exemplify the ongoing crossover fatigue, noting COD’s history of collabs (The Boys, Godzilla) and Infinity Ward’s pledge to avoid clowny skins, and expressing discomfort at how these cross-promotions threaten the games’ identities.
Minecraft's Chaos Cubed update adds six free cosmetic rewards: three Bedrock Edition Jerseys (Brawler TNT-themed, Builder with a golden pickaxe, Rancher featuring the Sulfur Cube) and three Java Edition full-body skins mirroring the same themes. They can be claimed via the Minecraft Marketplace (Bedrock) or a Java download link; none appear to be time‑limited, and players can claim all regardless of edition or Game Pass status.
In Marvel Rivals Season 8’s Savage Adventure, players can unlock the Ultron Cybernetic Drip skin for free by grinding XP to Tier 12 in the event pass (no Premium required). The event offers 24 rewards total, with a Premium VIP pass available for 990 Lattice that unlocks additional cosmetics and items beyond the free tier.
Blizzard says skin availability depends on how well a hero’s design fits cosmetic concepts, not just fan demand; with a more efficient pipeline in 2026 they plan to bring more cosmetics to underserved heroes like Lúcio, including the Sanrio Hello Kitty crossover, while Kiriko, Mercy, and Juno will also continue to receive skins.
Blizzard says its hero roster has trended toward conventionally attractive, tall characters because they’re easier to build cosmetics for and future-proof, but it plans to shift toward more oddball heroes in 2026 as it kicks off a revamp with a new Season One and five new heroes on day one.
Marvel Rivals Season 6 introduces Deadpool as the first hero able to take any of the three roles with a swap option at selection, and launches a Night at the Museum-themed battle pass. The base pass costs 990 Lattice (~$10) and includes 10 skins plus MVP animations, emotes, and sprays; a premium version costs 2,100 Lattice (~$21) and adds Chrono Tokens, token boosts, plus items like Units and Unstable Molecules, with 600 Lattice included in the premium bundle. The season also adds notable skins such as Bucky (Winter Soldier), Vampire Slayer (Blade), Black Panther, Storm, Moon Knight’s King of Clubs, and Human Torch’s Jack of Hearts, with several card-themed skins expected in the in-game shop.
Blizzard teases the next Overwatch 2 hero, Anran, a fire-wielding sister of Wuyang, through an audio drama and datamined voice lines. While some see potential, fans largely react with underwhelm, noting the reveal may advance story momentum without adding a new tank and echoing criticism that the game leans toward skin-focused, east-Asian-leaning designs.
2XKO reveals Season 1 Battle Pass with three tiers—Free, Premium, and Ultra—offering escalating rewards such as Chromacrash skins for Ekko, Jinx, Caitlyn, and Warwick (Ultra adds Arcane Caitlyn and more extras). The Free pass includes Warwick skins and avatar gear, while Ultra packs additional items like 10 level skips and a player card. Prices are expected around Premium $10 (1,000 KO Points) and Ultra $35 (3,500 KO Points), with Season 1 launching January 20, 2026 and lasting about two months as Riot plans five seasons in 2026. Riot has also released related Caitlyn trailers and balance notes for Season 1.
The Call of Duty Fallout event runs until January 29, offering free and paid rewards including operator skins, weapons, and cosmetics themed around Fallout, with players earning rewards through XP grinding across game modes. The event features 20 total rewards, with some exclusive to the paid pass costing 1,100 CoD Points, such as the Maximus and The Ghoul operators, and the Sturmwolf 45 SMG. Players can unlock various skins, blueprints, emotes, and charms by completing challenges and purchasing the premium pass.
dbrand has launched a new 'Sketch 2D' skin design that gives devices like the Pixel 10 a cartoon-like appearance, available for around $25, and is also running a contest where customers can win a Galaxy Z TriFold by placing an order or mailing a ballot before January 3.
Arc Raiders faced backlash over expensive skins and pay-to-win concerns, prompting Embark Studios to lower skin prices, issue refunds, and clarify that upcoming battle pass items will be cosmetic and free for gameplay, while also enabling duo matchmaking to improve player experience.
Fortnite's Simpsons-themed season introduces a new battle pass with 70 tiers of rewards, including five main skins (Homer, Marge, Ned Flanders, Blinky Fishstick, and Springfielder Peely), along with various accessories and styles. The pass features unique items like mundane-themed accessories and new Sidekicks, with Marge and Peels unlocked on the first page. The season also includes Simpsons characters in the item shop, such as Bart, Krusty, Moe, and Lisa in mech suits.
Battlefield 6's Season 1 introduces a new battle pass with seven paths, offering 110 tiers of free and premium rewards including skins, weapons, and tokens. Players can choose their reward paths, unlock new guns, and earn back some of the premium pass cost by completing it.