Combat Flight Sim

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe TODAY announced the worldwide launch of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, the first mainline entry in the acclaimed ACE COMBAT flight shooting series in seven years. Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE elevates the franchise to new heights, leveraging Unreal® Engine 5 and proprietary technology to deliver breathtaking visuals, immersive aerial combat and thrilling high-speed action. Players can also experience the series’ biggest multiplayer offering to date, with cross-platform play connecting pilots across the globe. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is available now on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.

Soar through the skies and rise above every challenge to earn your place among the elite. Engage in intense aerial combat to dominate the battlefield with powerful weapons. Experience a breathtaking campaign filled with high-stakes missions, hard choices, and deep squad connections.

More game information is available on the ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE official website or on Steam.

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe today announced the worldwide Early Access launch of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, the first mainline entry in the acclaimed ACE COMBAT flight shooting series in seven years. Players who digitally pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition can access the game now through Early Access on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, ahead of its worldwide launch on 2 October 2026.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Launch Trailer

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE elevates the flight shooting franchise to new heights with an ultra-realistic aerial thrill ride powered by Unreal Engine 5 and Bandai Namco Aces Inc.’s proprietary technology, delivering the series’ biggest multiplayer experience yet with cross-play, a wide range of real-world fighter jets, finely rendered terrain and environments, and first-person cinematic sequences.

Set in the series’ fictitious universe, the game follows the fall of the Federation of Central Usea (FCU) under occupation by the Republic of Sotoa. Players take on the role of the “Wings of Theve”, ace pilots fighting to reclaim their homeland, confront overwhelming enemy forces and determine the future of the FCU through the choices they make on the battlefield.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE also features the largest online multiplayer experience in the series’ history. Players can customise their mercenary pilot, connect with other pilots from around the world through the Air Base hub and take part in a variety of cooperative and competitive online modes.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is available now in early access, and launches worldwide on 2 October 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.

iEntertainment Network, through its wholly owned subsidiary iMagicGames, proudly announces the launch of its Fall Special Events Series for WarBirds. The series begins September 27, 2026, at 8:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and will feature four special events recreating some of the most significant aerial battles and campaigns of World War II.

The inaugural events will focus on the Battle of Britain and The Blitz, bringing virtual aviators together for historically inspired combat in the online world of WarBirds on TotalSims.com. The series marks another milestone in WarBirds’ 30th successful year.

Take to the Skies

Axis pilots will be able to fly some of the most iconic German aircraft of the Battle of Britain era, including:

• Bf 109E
• Messerschmitt Bf 110
• Junkers Ju 88
• Junkers Ju 87 Stuka

Allied pilots will take to the skies in historically appropriate British aircraft, including:

• Hawker Hurricane
• Supermarine Spitfire Mk I

Players will experience the aerial struggle from both sides as Allied pilots attempt to defend Britain against the Luftwaffe.

Recreating a Historic Air Campaign

The Battle of Britain and The Blitz were pivotal military campaigns of the Second World War. The Royal Air Force (RAF), supported by the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) of the Royal Navy, defended the United Kingdom against large-scale attacks by Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe.

The Battle of Britain was the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces. Britain officially recognizes the Battle of Britain as lasting from July 10 through October 31, 1940. This period overlaps with The Blitz, the sustained German bombing campaign against Britain that began on September 7, 1940, and continued through May 11, 1941.

Through WarBirds, players can experience these historic aircraft and aerial battles in an interactive online combat environment.

More Special Events Coming

The Fall Special Events Series will continue with additional historically themed campaigns and engagements. Planned events from September 2026 through June 2027 include:

• Battle of Midway
• Battle of the Coral Sea
• Bombing Raids into Europe
• Crimea
• And more

The series is designed to give WarBirds players a continuing schedule of major historical air combat events throughout the season.

Join the Battle

Virtual aviators can participate in the special events by downloading WarBirds 2026 from Steam.

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe today revealed that ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is inviting ACE pilots from around the world to prepare for the most exhilarating multiplayer aerial combat experience ever at launch. Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the long-awaited sequel will take to the skies with early access for Deluxe Edition owners from 29 September 2026, ahead of its full launch on 2 October 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.

The new “Online Overview” trailer for the game reveals new online game modes, progression and rewards, and a range of new content that is accessible via a new Air Base virtual lobby that can host up to 100 players from around the world. The online mode in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE features the same stunningly realistic visuals and intense battles as Campaign Mode, but with its own progression system, separate save data, and the thrill of fighting alongside ACE Pilots around the world and against foes regardless of their platform, with cross-play functionality.

Watch the new ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE trailer HERE.

Players enter online mode in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE as a mercenary pilot, with a customisable avatar that they can continue to personalise with unlocked rewards and cosmetic items. Once outfitted, they enter an interactive Air Base that acts as an online lobby, where they can meet and chat with pilots worldwide. The game features two main online multiplayer modes. Co-p Assault mode is focused on PvE combat, where two teams of four players compete for high score in missions that feature a variety of enemies and objectives. Co-Op Warfare is the game’s PvPvE mode, pitting two teams of four against each other, along with NPC units. You can enjoy strategic gameplay centred around “Threat Level” and “Aces.” The team with the highest total score at the end wins and earns more rewards.

As players progress in online mode, two additional special emergency missions will appear for a limited time. Scramble missions promise pulse-pounding dogfights, where a team of 4 player take on a formidable NPC rival air squad. Emergency Sortie missions deliver a challenging treat to new and returning players, with eight pilots taking on iconic colossal weapons from the series and, for some, reliving legendary ACE COMBAT boss fights. Limited time PvP events will also make an appearance in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE online mode, including both 4v4 team and 8-player deathmatch.

The Air Base lobby is a big part of the experience in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE online mode, where players can matchmake and launch sorties or participate in military training mode with up to four players. They can also just hang out to interact with pilots worldwide via chat, play classic Bandai Namco arcade games in the virtual arcade, or play the Jukebox to hear memorable soundtracks from prior ACE COMBAT games. There is also a supply shop as well as the ACE COMBAT STORE, where players can use in-game currency earned through missions to purchase aircraft, cosmetics for customisation, or special in-game boosts and other items. As players progress, they will also unlock gates that take them to other Air Bases that act as online mode lobbies. For ACE PASS holders, playing online mode counts towards their progress.

Pre-Purchase the game on the ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE official website or on Steam.

Bandai Namco has released ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE | Strangereal Evolution Episode 3, a trailer chronicling the epic narrative of the Strangereal universe. Spanning the timeline of stories from across the series, from ACE COMBAT all the way to ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, the trailer looks back at the history that has shaped the world of Strangereal and sets the stage for its next chapter.

View the Strangereal Evolution Episode 3 trailer HERE.

Soar through the skies and rise above every challenge to earn your place among the elite. Engage in intense aerial combat to dominate the battlefield with powerful weapons. Experience a breathtaking campaign filled with high-stakes missions, hard choices, and deep squad connections.

More game information is available on the ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE official website or on Steam.

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. today released a new systems walkthrough trailer, offering a deep-dive into the high-stakes aerial combat, robust aircraft customization, and colossal superweapon battles awaiting players in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™. The trailer breaks down the core systems that define the flight shooting experience in the long-awaited sequel, from intense dogfights to new strategic combat mechanics against massive enemies. Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is the first mainline entry in ACE COMBAT™ in seven years, taking players back to the franchise’s legendary fictitious setting of Strangereal and harnesses the power of Unreal® Engine 5 to deliver an ultra-realistic aerial thrill ride. The title will take to the skies with Early Access available for Deluxe Edition holders on September 29, 2026, and launch for all players on October 2. Preorders are available now on PlayStation®5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC via Steam® in Standard and Deluxe Editions.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Walkthrough Trailer

The walkthrough trailer breaks down the core systems that players will want to learn and master as they take on the role of an ace pilot in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. Delivering a fast-paced aerial combat experience built around complete 360-degree flight freedom and dynamic weather effects, the game puts players in the cockpit to engage in intense dogfights. The series’ signature intuitive controls and easy to understand systems drive the high-speed action, where staying on target to achieve objectives while evading incoming missiles with defensive maneuvers, including high-G turns performed in the heat of battle, are the keys to victory. Wingmen also play an important role in combat in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, with players issuing tactical commands such as attack and cover orders in real time.

Beyond the action in the skies, preparation plays a key role before every sortie. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE features a wide selection of real-world aircraft along with original aircraft. Players are encouraged to consider the mission objective and their playstyle to pick the best aircraft for the job and can build fighters tailored to each mission by customizing with upgrade parts and special weapons. Mission briefings provide strategic insight, encouraging players to adapt their aircraft and tactics to each combat scenario.

The trailer also showcases massive enemy superweapons that dominate the battlefield with overwhelming offensive and defensive capabilities. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE introduces new gameplay mechanics that allow players to damage these colossal targets outside designated target zones. In addition, the giant targets can now strike areas beyond their designated target containers and destroying them can trigger chain reactions as the wreckage of downed enemy weaponry collides with nearby targets, taking out surrounding foes. Players will also face elite ace squadrons that employ coordinated aerial tactics and relentless attacks, creating high stakes encounters that demand precision piloting, strategic thinking, and mastery of aerial combat.

For more information, visit the games official website, or on Steam.

Rise Above’ as the thrilling sequel to the Series that defined the aerial combat genre returns, with pre-orders now Live with bonuses including ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR

Storm the seas, fly through stunningly realistic cities and landscapes, and ‘Rise Above’ as Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe today announced the launch date, preorder bonuses, and the first-ever Premium Ace Pass for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™. The long-anticipated sequel will take to the skies with early access available for Digital Deluxe Edition holders on 29 September 2026 and launch for all players on 2 October 2026. Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the first mainline entry in ACE COMBAT in seven years promises to elevate the flight shooting franchise to new heights, harnessing the power of Unreal® Engine 5 and proprietary technology to create an ultra-realistic aerial thrill ride represents system “Cloudly”. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is available now for pre-orders at participating retailers on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam® in Standard and Deluxe Editions.

Watch the ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE release date trailer HERE.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE features a deep engaging campaign, promising to deliver the most cinematic experience yet in the series. The story puts players in the role of an ace pilot in an emotionally charged story of identity and duty, fighting for the survival of their homeland. Returning to the series’ legendary fictitious setting, Strangereal is now a world at war, with the nation Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its military shattered. With the prospect of war for survival as the only option, players enter the cockpit under the name Wings of Theve, taking on the role of a legendary ace with their name tied to Theve, the capital of the FCU, and becoming the symbol of hope for every citizen in their imperiled nation. Joined by a squadron of three allied pilots, theirs is a flight against all odds to repel the Republic of Sotoa’s vicious attack and reclaim their lost homeland.

The new trailer released today gives a glimpse of the intense battles players will face. It also reveals more of the epic storyline in the game’s Campaign Mode, introducing the distinct characters forming Wings of Theve’s squadron, Baxter, Tasha, and Coster, together known as the Joker Flight. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will also feature online multiplayer modes, which Bandai Namco will reveal closer to launch.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is available for pre-order now in Standard and Deluxe Editions, with Deluxe Edition owners receiving additional content to enhance their experience from day one. All pre-orders include a digital copy of ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR to be available at launch on 2 October 2026. The celebrated 2006 entry ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR is widely regarded as one of the defining titles in the franchise and features the origin story of the ACE COMBAT universe. The game also introduced the series’ iconic Ace Style gauge system, a dynamic mechanic that shifts based on how players approach each mission and the choices they make in battle, shaping the story’s outcome and their identity as a pilot.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE pre-order offers include a few exclusive bundles such as the Joker Flight Pack, available exclusively at the Bandai Namco Store. The exclusive pack includes everything in the Deluxe Edition alongside The Vinyl Collection, a premium set featuring two LP vinyl records of the soundtrack, an official 200-page artbook “ACES at WAR HISTORY 2029”, a collectible slipcase, and a slipmat.

Bandai Namco is also introducing the first Premium Ace Pass for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE. The pass can be purchased separately and is also included with the Deluxe Edition’s Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher, which unlocks the current season after launch. The Premium Ace Pass grants an instant unlock of 30 Ace Pass levels, giving players a head start to claim the first 30 tiers of seasonal rewards, along with a season long track of bonus rewards including aircraft’s skins, avatar’s costume and the playable ADFX-02 MORGAN -PIXY- additional aircraft.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Deluxe Edition also includes the Customizable Cosmetic Set, which includes skins for both F-4 Mobius Squadron 25th Anniversary & the F/A-18C Team Zvezda aircrafts, as well as the Scarlet Missile Smoke and a Tasha’s Costume.

For more information, visit the games official website, or via Steam.

Bandai Namco has released ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE | Strangereal Evolution Episode 2. Players can take a look at the previous title with Ace Combat 7 and how it differs from the new installment with Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, being made in Unreal Engine 5 to offer unprecedented visuals and fidelity.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve – Strangereal Evolution Episode 2

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is coming to PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam® in 2026. For more information, visit the games official website, or via Steam.

30 years of progress has brought us once more to the skies of Strangereal. What new adventures await for ACE pilots? Bandai Namco has released ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE | Strangereal Evolution Episode 1, a trailer celebrating three decades of the beloved franchise. Featuring iconic clips from across the series, from the original ACE COMBAT all the way to ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, the trailer reflects on the journey that has defined the skies of Strangereal and celebrates the next chapter awaiting ACE pilots.

View the Strangereal Evolution Episode 1 trailer HERE.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is coming to PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam® in 2026. For more information, visit the games official website.

MicroProse is proud to announce that it will publish Gunship: Origins, a new combat helicopter game that places players in the cockpit of some of the world’s most iconic military rotorcraft. Designed as a modern combat helicopter experience, the game combines dynamic missions, cooperative multiplayer, and accessible yet rewarding flight mechanics.

Gunship Origins Announcement Trailer

Take the Pilot Seat
In Gunship: Origins, players step into the role of a U.S. Army helicopter pilot operating in a contested battlefield filled with armored vehicles, missile batteries, convoys, and fortified enemy positions.

Flying iconic helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache, AH-1 Cobra/Viper, and UH-60 Blackhawk, players must plan their approach, use terrain to avoid enemy defenses, and strike quickly before the enemy can respond.

Dynamic Combat Missions
Missions in Gunship: Origins are dynamically generated, ensuring that each sortie presents new tactical challenges. Players may be tasked with destroying armored columns, escorting transport helicopters into hostile landing zones, intercepting enemy convoys, or striking high-value targets deep behind enemy lines.

Careful planning, teamwork, and quick decision-making are essential to completing objectives and surviving the battlefield.

Fly Solo or With Friends
Players can take on missions alone or join forces in cooperative multiplayer with up to eight players. Friends can occupy pilot and copilot/gunner seats within the same helicopter or coordinate as a multi-aircraft flight to complete complex mission objectives together.

AI wingmen can also assist in missions, allowing players to direct their flight and execute coordinated attacks against enemy forces.

Rise Through the Ranks
Beginning as a Warrant Officer Candidate, players progress through training and combat missions to earn promotions through the U.S. Army officer ranks.

Along the way, pilots can earn authentic military medals and awards that reflect their accomplishments and experience on the battlefield.

Accessible and Cross-Platform
Gunship: Origins is designed to be approachable for newcomers while offering depth for experienced players. Helicopters are easy to learn to fly, but mastering combat tactics and mission coordination will require skill and experience.

The game supports a variety of control setups-from keyboard and mouse to advanced flight hardware-and is optimized to run smoothly across a wide range of systems.

Gunship: Origins will support Windows, macOS, Linux, and Steam Deck. Wishlist the game on Steam.