gaming
FAZE CLAN WELCOMES STRANGER THINGS ACTRESS AND TWITCH STREAMER GRACE VAN DIEN
INTRODUCING FAZE BLUEFILLE;
FAZE’S NEWEST GAMER GIRL IS ON A MISSION TO BRING FEMALES TO THE FOREFRONT
LOS ANGELES /PRNewswire/ — Today, FaZe Clan Inc. (“FaZe Clan”), the lifestyle and media platform rooted in gaming and youth culture, announced the newest addition to their roster, Grace Van Dien aka FaZe Bluefille [pronounced /bloo · fee/]. Well known for her role as Chrissy Cunningham in season four of Stranger Things, Grace is taking the industry by storm and giving her community a whole new look into her life by channeling her gaming skills and becoming a dedicated Twitch streamer (streaming today on twitch.com/bluefille).
Check out “Meet FaZe Bluefille” and hear from Grace herself on her plans to impact the gaming world and why she’s ready for the fight that comes with being a female in a male dominated industry. Grace is also celebrating her announcement with a content piece featuring an anime version of FaZe Bluefille sharing the news with close friends Valkyrae, Pokimane, DisguisedToast, Amouranth, Tarik and Sykkuno – watch HERE.
“Ever since my first meeting with FaZe, we shared the same vision in working together to create lasting change for female gamers in this industry,’ said Grace Van Dien aka FaZe Bluefille. “We picked each other for a reason and I’m excited to take on an important role in bringing women to the forefront. This is not just about the announcement of me joining FaZe, it’s what we’re going to do together.”
“I’m stoked to have Grace on board with us, she’s been a friend for a little while now and is genuinely one of the kindest people I know,” said FaZe Nate Hill. “She’s also super talented – people know her as an actress but she’s carried me on Valorant more than a few times. Grace adds another element to the team and she’s a great fit for the future of FaZe Clan.”
Born and raised as a California native, Grace grew up on video games from watching and playing classic shooters as a kid with her Dad, Casper Van Dien. Now, with over 6.2M followers across all platforms and over 106M social views and engagements in 2022, Grace is ready to add herself to the growing list of iconic female gamers and build a fanbase that embraces the fun and feminine side of gaming. She’s focused on creating content surrounding her everyday life and VALORANT gameplay with popular streamers including Valkyrae, Pokimane, DisguisedToast, Amouranth and more.
“Grace exemplifies the unwavering personal identity and resilience required to help pave the way in the necessary evolution of female gamers,” said FaZe Clan President, Erik Anderson. “We are thrilled to collaborate with her in our ongoing mission to empower women in their roles as gamers, streamers, creators and esports professionals.”
FaZe Bluefille joins the ranks of FaZe Clan’s female members following FaZe Kalei, a highly-skilled gamer with a provocative personality to match, and most recently, FaZe’s Female Valorant team competing in the 2023 Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Game Changers Series.
FOLLOW FAZE BLUEFILLE: INSTAGRAM TWITTER TWITCH YOUTUBE TIKTOK
ABOUT FAZE HOLDINGS INC.
FaZe Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: FAZE) (“FaZe Clan”), is a digital-native lifestyle and media platform rooted in gaming and internet culture, reimagining traditional entertainment for the next generation. Founded in 2010 by a group of kids on the internet, FaZe Clan was created for and by gamers and today operates across multiple verticals with transformative content, tier-one brand partnerships, a collective of notable talent, and fashion and consumer products. Reaching over 500 million followers across social platforms globally, FaZe Clan delivers a wide variety of entertainment spanning video blogs, lifestyle and branded content, gaming highlights and live streams of highly competitive gaming tournaments. FaZe Clan’s roster of more than 100 influential personalities consists of engaging content creators, esports professionals, world-class gamers and a mix of talent who go beyond the world of gaming, including NFL star Kyler “FaZe K1” Murray, LeBron “FaZe Bronny” James Jr., Lil Yachty aka “FaZe Boat”, Offset aka “FaZe Offset” and Snoop Dogg aka “FaZe Snoop.” Its gaming division includes 15 competitive esports teams who have won 40 world championships. The content of any website referenced or hyperlinked in this communication is neither incorporated into, nor part of, this communication. For more information, visit www.fazeclan.com, investor.fazeclan.com and follow FaZe Clan on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:
The information in this communication includes “forward-looking statements” pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this communication, regarding the company’s strategy, future operations and financial performance, market opportunity prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “budget,” “could,” “forecast,” “future,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seem,” “seek,” “strive,” “would,” “should,” “may,” “believe,” “intend,” “expects,” “will,” “projected,” “continue,” “increase,” and/or similar expressions that concern strategy, plans or intentions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on the management’s belief or interpretation of information currently available.
These forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified herein, and on the current expectations of management and are not predictions of actual performance. Because forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results and condition (financial or otherwise) to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of the company. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. While FaZe Clan may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, FaZe Clan specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing FaZe Clan’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.
SOURCE FaZe Clan
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LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS used GDC 2026 to spotlight the next phase of its “Original IP Initiative,” outlining a proprietary development framework aimed at building high-end, original AAA games for a global audience. The studio said the initiative, first introduced at GDC 2025, now includes active development of a new globally driven blockbuster title and a more formalized system for shaping future intellectual property.
A major part of that strategy came from newly appointed Creative Director Feng Zhu, who described a structured approach to original game creation centered on strong visual identity, disciplined worldbuilding, and repeatable production methods. During his GDC session, Zhu introduced the studio’s “90:10 Balance” philosophy, where 90% of a game is grounded in real-world references like authentic locations, historical context, and realistic proportions, while the remaining 10% is used to deliver the creative hooks, tension, and storytelling elements that define the title’s identity.
LIGHTSPEED also emphasized its investment in production infrastructure, including a purpose-built in-house motion capture facility in Los Angeles. Led by Motion Capture Studio Manager Kristin Gallagher, the studio says the facility is designed to handle complex performance capture with greater efficiency, supported by a custom API and advanced technical pipeline developed jointly by teams in LA and across the company’s global network.
The announcement reinforces LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS’ broader ambition to grow beyond service and co-development work into a stronger portfolio of original blockbuster properties. Best known as a co-developer of PUBG MOBILE and the developer of the upcoming Last Sentinel, the company says its long-term focus is on delivering cinematic, culturally resonant game experiences built for players worldwide.
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video games
Basic Fun! Unveils Category-Defining Home Arcade Collection for Fall 2026
Basic Fun! is launching a new Arcade1Up home arcade collection for Fall 2026, featuring PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN cabinets, alongside the first-ever SONIC THE HEDGEHOG cabinet marking a partnership with SEGA. The lineup aims to deliver authentic arcade experiences without quarters, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new players.
Last Updated on March 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Basic Fun! is hitting “start” on a new chapter for home arcade.
In a Feb. 14, 2026 announcement, the Boca Raton-based toy and consumer products company revealed its first new Arcade1Up home arcade collection since acquiring select assets of the brand in 2025. The Fall 2026 lineup is anchored by two heavy hitters: PAC-MAN (including Ms. PAC-MAN) and the first-ever SONIC THE HEDGEHOG home arcade cabinet.
Basic Fun! says the new cabinets are built to deliver the authentic arcade feel fans expect—powered by iconic franchises, premium features, and classic arcade attitude—no quarters required.
What’s in the Fall 2026 Arcade1Up lineup
PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN cabinets
Basic Fun! is leaning into the foundation of arcade nostalgia with PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN home arcade cabinets.
The company notes it is the anchor electronics licensee for PAC-MAN home arcade products through a licensing agreement with Bandai Namco Entertainment. The new machines are positioned for both longtime fans and a new generation of players—built to honor the legacy that helped define the golden age of arcades.
Sonic makes his home arcade debut
The bigger “first” in this release: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG is getting his first-ever home arcade cabinet.
Basic Fun! says Sonic’s debut comes via a multi-year partnership with SEGA, timed to the franchise’s 35th anniversary. The featured product is the Sonic Supreme Series Arcade Game, described as a premium, full-size standing cabinet built for speed, style, and nostalgia.
Basic Fun! also teased that this is the first of multiple Sonic titles planned for the collection.
What to watch for
- Arcade1Up’s next era: This is Basic Fun!’s first major statement since acquiring select Arcade1Up assets in 2025—so the build quality, features, and pricing strategy will matter.
- Sonic’s pipeline: The company is calling this the first of multiple Sonic titles. If that holds, Sonic could become a recurring pillar alongside PAC-MAN.
- Retail rollout: Basic Fun! says the collection will debut at major retailers this fall, which should make availability less of a scavenger hunt for fans.
Quote
“For many years, Arcade1Up has been at the heart of the retro arcade community, and we’re honored to build on that legacy,” said Dan Westcott, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Basic Fun!. “Our focus is simple: authentic gameplay, nostalgic design, and premium features that capture the true arcade-at-home experience for fans of all kinds. No quarters required.”
Where to see the lineup
Media, influencers, and industry partners can get a first look at the new home arcade lineup at Toy Fair®, running February 14–17 at the Javits Center in New York City.
Basic Fun! also shared booth details here: https://tfny2026.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=61755
About Basic Fun!
Basic Fun! is a global designer and marketer of classic and innovative entertainment products, distributed across 50,000+ retail locations and online channels through 2,500+ retailers, distributors, and family entertainment venues in 60+ countries. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, with offices in the UK and Hong Kong.
For more information, visit basicfun.com.
PAC-MAN™ & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Ms. PAC-MAN™ & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
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Smart Gaming: How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe Online
Parents can enhance kids’ safety during online gaming by using privacy settings, researching games, enabling age checks, keeping personal information private, and utilizing parental controls and security tools.
Last Updated on March 14, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Smart Gaming: How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe Online
(Family Features) Playing video games can be a fun, social experience. However, online gaming also poses real risks, especially for kids. As a parent, you don’t necessarily need to be a gamer yourself to help keep your children safe when the controller is in their hands.
Consider taking proactive steps like these to create a healthy online gaming environment for kids of all ages.
Check System Privacy Settings
As a first line of defense – before your child even starts gaming – spend some time in the device or console privacy settings. Here you can turn off sharing, disable location tracking, limit microphone and camera access and restrict how other users can interact with your child’s profile. Similarly, many games and platforms include built-in privacy settings that can be tailored to your child’s age and online experience. These settings may allow you to limit who can view your child’s profile or send a friend request, message or voice chat.
Research Games
Because not all games are created equal, look up game ratings through a service such as ESRB before buying or downloading to understand the maturity level of the game and determine if it’s appropriate for your child. To take it a step further, read reviews from other parents or watch gameplay videos to see if you deem not only the content but also the social interaction acceptable.
Use Facial Age Estimation
Online platforms are increasingly looking for ways to keep users safe, and that includes added levels of verification. As part of a multilayered approach to safety, Roblox is the first online gaming platform to require age checks for users of all ages to access chat features, enabling age-appropriate communication and limiting conversations between adults and minors. These secure age checks are designed to be fast, easy and secure using Facial Age Estimation technology directly within the app.
“Our commitment to safety is rooted in delivering the highest level of protection for our users,” said Matt Kaufman, chief safety officer at Roblox. “By building proactive, age-based barriers, we can empower users to create and connect in ways that are both safe and appropriate.”
Once age-checked, users are assigned to one of six age groups: under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20 or 21 and older, ensuring conversations are safe and age appropriate. Age checks are optional; however, features like chat will not be accessible unless an age check is completed. Chat is also turned off by default for children under age 9, unless a parent provides consent after an age check.
Keep Personal Information Private
It’s seldom a bad idea to be extra cautious when interacting with strangers online, even if they seem friendly enough while playing the game. Teach children what information not to share, including their full name, address, birthday, school name, phone number, email address, passwords or any photos that may contain any personal information (like a house number or school logo) in the background. Also encourage a screen name and generic avatar for added privacy.
Turn on Parental Controls
Designed to allow parents a supervisory role in their child’s online gaming experience, parental controls on many platforms include the ability to set schedules and limit playtime, restrict access to certain content or social features, require a password for purchases or set a spending limit.
Avoid Clicking Unfamiliar Links
Player profiles and in-game chats may include links to external sites, including those promising rewards or cheat codes. Because they can be used to gain access to personal information, remind your children to ask an adult before clicking any unfamiliar links while gaming so they can be verified as trustworthy.
Employ Privacy and Security Tools
While system or console-specific settings allow parents to set content restrictions, approve downloads, manage friends lists and more, additional layers of security are sometimes necessary. Extra safeguards such as antivirus and internet security software, DNS (domain name system) filtering and two-factor authentication can also be enabled to help keep kids safe online.
For more tools to help parents make informed decisions and support their children’s gaming experience, visit corp.roblox.com/safety.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (father and daughter playing video game)
SOURCE:
Roblox
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