Abu Dhabi Gaming, a government-backed initiative aimed at advancing the UAE’s gaming industry, is excited to partner with Ubisoft to unveil the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows in the UAE. The launch event will take place at Ramadan Arcade in Manarat Al Saadiyat from March 20–23, 2025, offering a captivating experience that immerses attendees in Japan’s late Sengoku period—the backdrop for the latest chapter in this legendary franchise.

As part of the celebration, Ramadan Arcade will host an Assassin’s Creed Shadows zone, where visitors can step into a beautifully recreated 16th-century Japanese environment. Guests will enjoy hands-on gameplay, interactive activities, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, making it an unmissable event for gamers, franchise fans, and pop culture lovers.

This latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed series marks its first foray into Feudal Japan and introduces dual playable protagonists. Players can take on the roles of both Samurai and Shinobi, navigating a sprawling open-world adventure packed with action, stealth, and strategic gameplay. Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches globally on March 20th for PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox. Ramadan Arcade will serve as the ultimate regional hub to celebrate the game’s release in an immersive and culturally authentic setting.

“We are excited to collaborate with Ubisoft to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience in Abu Dhabi,” said Marcos Muller-Habig, Director of Abu Dhabi Gaming. “Ubisoft has been a valued partner of Abu Dhabi Gaming, and together, we are committed to bringing world-class gaming experiences to the region. Ramadan Arcade provides the perfect platform to launch Assassin’s Creed Shadows, blending cultural celebration with a unique and immersive gaming showcase.”

Ubisoft has been a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s gaming ecosystem for more than a decade. Since establishing its regional hub in the emirate in 2011, the globally renowned publisher has grown its Abu Dhabi studio to a team of over 60 professionals specializing in development, programming, design, and more.

“We are absolutely thrilled to offer our fans in Abu Dhabi an exclusive opportunity to immerse themselves in the next generation of Assassin’s Creed,” said Gareth Evans, Ubisoft MEA & Türkiye Territory Director. “With our ever-evolving partnership with Abu Dhabi Gaming, we’re bringing a new Assassins Creed experience to the region with Assassins Creed: Shadows. This collaboration not only highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing influence as a gaming hub, but also offers players cutting-edge gameplay, groundbreaking graphics, and an unforgettable Assassin’s Creed world to explore.”

The launch event offers fans an exclusive opportunity to be among the first in the region to dive into Assassin’s Creed Shadows during its release week. Attendees can gain behind-the-scenes insights into the game’s development and creative vision while enjoying a range of themed activities that bring the immersive world of Assassin’s Creed to life.

Thrustmaster is entering the space simulation market with the launch of the Sol-R series, featuring the Sol-R 1 Flightstick and Sol-R 2 HOSAS Space Sim Duo. Designed specifically for space combat and exploration, these joysticks set a new standard for interstellar spacecraft control.

With over 25 years of expertise in creating accessories for civil and military flight simulation, Thrustmaster has earned recognition as an industry leader. Its widely popular T.16000M joystick has become a go-to choice for beginner SpaceSimmers. The introduction of Sol-R signals Thrustmaster’s dedication to enhancing space simulation with specialized equipment tailored to the needs of avid spacecraft pilots.

The Sol-R 1 Flightstick is perfect for both space dogfighting enthusiasts and explorers of distant galaxies. With 44 assignable actions on its ambidextrous grip and base, the joystick offers efficient and intuitive spacecraft management. The Sol-R 2 HOSAS Space Sim Duo, a set of two joysticks, caters to advanced pilots who seek total control over their vessels.

The Sol-R 1 Flightstick features 21 action buttons on its grip, including dual-position triggers, hat switches, a mini-stick, and a scroll wheel—allowing quick access to essential ship controls like power distribution and menu navigation. Its X, Y, and Z axes utilize H.E.A.R.T. (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) magnetic sensors for seamless, precise maneuvers, ensuring long-lasting accuracy.

Ambidextrous design and interchangeable ergonomic supports provide comfort during extended gameplay. The joystick also includes additional stability supports for players who prefer dynamic maneuvers. The Sol-R series boasts an iconic grey, black, and orange aesthetic inspired by science fiction, complemented by customizable RGB LED zones for a unique personal touch.

Thrustmaster ensures compatibility across its devices to deliver a comprehensive and immersive experience. The Sol-R base supports current and future grips, including the Viper, Hornet, and AVA base attachments. Priced at $219.99 for the Sol-R 1 Flightstick and $399.99 for the Sol-R 2 HOSAS Space Sim Duo, the Sol-R series combines high performance with exceptional style to bring the ultimate space simulation experience to gamers.

To combat the surging issue of scalping in the incredibly popular Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), Pokémon Center stores are escalating their tactics. Following the lead of most Pokémon Centers in Japan, the Singapore store has become the first location selling English TCG products to remove the outer plastic wrapping from sealed booster boxes at the time of purchase.

This strategy aims to deter scalpers who buy at retail price only to resell at inflated prices. By removing the plastic, it makes it harder for secondary market buyers to trust the integrity of the boxes.

For regular Pokémon TCG enthusiasts buying cards at official stores, this packaging removal has no real impact, as the individual card packs inside remain sealed and untampered with. While some collectors of sealed products have expressed disappointment, the move is largely seen as a positive step by the majority of consumers frustrated by the prevalence of scalping in the TCG market.