Software Engineer Intern - Game Development

Introducing Connected Play Events: friendly competition on your family's schedule. By Arleigh Greenwald October 14, 2026 By Arleigh Greenwald October 14, 2026 Earlier this year, Nex Playground gave you a first look at Connected Play, a way for families to play together between Nex Playgrounds with adults fully in control. Since then, a small group of beta families has been testing the experience and sharing feedback to help Nex Playground improve it. Now, Nex Playground is testing the next feature: Connected Play Events, a way to enjoy friendly competition with Trusted Connections whenever your family has time to play. What are Connected Play Events? Finding a time for two families to play together live isn't always easy. Connected Play Events give families another way to join the fun. Instead of arranging a live Playdate, families can join an event that runs for a set period, typically a few weeks. Each household plays on its own schedule and can compare scores and standings with its Trusted Connections throughout the event. Built on the same foundation of trust. Events follow the same principles as the rest of Connected Play: * Always opt-in. Adults decide whether their family joins Connected Play. Nothing is turned on without adult consent. * Trusted Connections only. You only compete with families you've connected with through the passcode-protected Family Tools in PlayOS Settings, where both adults approve the connection. You can review or remove connections at any time. * No chat. There's no video, voice, or text communication. Families connect through play. Its first event: Nex sports day. October 15 - November 15, 2026 Its first test event brings a little friendly sports competition to Connected Play Beta. Families earn points across three challenges: This first event will help Nex Playground understand how families join, follow their standings, and fit friendly competition into busy weeks. Their feedback will help shape future events and the broader Connected Play experience. Help shape what comes next. Connected Play Events are still in beta. Nex Playground'll continue testing, listening to families, and improving the experience before a wider release. Interested in joining Connected Play Beta? At Nex, trust, safety, and privacy are foundational to every experience Nex Playground create. Nex Playground is excited to keep building Connected Play alongside its community, and Nex Playground look forward to sharing more soon!

Nex has launched PAC-MAN on NEX, a motion-controlled version of the classic arcade game for its Nex Playground active play system. The game allows players to control PAC-MAN using arm movements instead of traditional controllers, transforming the 45-year-old franchise into a physical activity experience. The release includes three game modes: Classic Mode reimagines the original gameplay with motion controls, Showdown Mode offers competitive play for up to four players, and Team Chomp Mode provides cooperative challenges for two to four players. Players can unlock themed mazes and power-ups as they progress. PAC-MAN on NEX is available exclusively through Play Pass, Nex Playground's content subscription service. The launch includes single-player mode, with multiplayer features planned to follow shortly. The collaboration with Bandai Namco Entertainment aims to introduce the iconic game to new generations whilst offering longtime fans a fresh experience.

PAC-MAN chomps onto Nex Playground. September 23, 2026 Today, Nex Playground launched PAC-MAN on NEX, a new motion-powered take on PAC-MAN(TM). Designed for Nex Playground, the game transforms the iconic Maze-chase gameplay into an active experience where players use their own movements to guide PAC-MAN through the Maze. More than 45 years after PAC-MAN first arrived in arcades, PAC-MAN on NEX gives longtime fans a new way to experience a gaming classic while introducing it to a new generation of players. Instead of using a joystick or controller, players move their arms to steer PAC-MAN through the Maze, collecting PAC-Dots, grabbing Power Pellets, and dodging Team Ghost: Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. The result keeps the familiar strategy and High-Score chasing at the heart of PAC-MAN while turning it into an active experience designed for the living room. PAC-MAN on NEX will feature three distinct game modes, giving players different ways to experience PAC-MAN on Nex Playground, from the classic Maze-chase gameplay fans know and love to new competitive and cooperative experiences designed for active family play: * Classic Mode: The original PAC-MAN experience, reimagined with motion controls. Players use arm movements to guide PAC-MAN through the Maze, collecting PAC-Dots and Fruit, grabbing Power Pellets to turn the tables on Team Ghost, and chasing a High-Score while clearing each stage. * Showdown Mode: A new, fast-paced competition where up to four players share the Maze and compete across three rounds to outlast their opponents and earn the highest score. Showdown also introduces a new Jump mechanic, allowing players to dodge Ghosts, other players, and attacks. When a player is eliminated, they return as a controllable Ghost, keeping everyone in the action until the round ends. * Team Chomp Mode: A co-op mode for two to four players that challenges families and friends to clear the Maze together. Players caught by a Ghost become trapped in a cage, leaving their teammates to race to their rescue and work together to complete the stage. Beyond the three modes, PAC-MAN on NEX gives players more to discover as they play. Progressing through Classic Mode unlocks new themed Mazes for the other game modes, transporting PAC-MAN from the familiar arcade Maze to environments inspired by jungles, oceans, desert temples, frozen tundras, and cherry blossom gardens. Showdown also introduces new power-ups - including Jelly Balloon Drop, Slime, and Speed Boost - that add new twists to the competition. "PAC-MAN is a game so many of us grew up with, which makes it especially fun to now see kids experience it in a completely different way," said David Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Nex. "We wanted to preserve everything that makes PAC-MAN immediately recognizable while asking what the game could feel like if you could control it with your own movement and play it with the whole family. Working with Bandai Namco gave us the opportunity to turn a classic people have loved for generations into something families can rediscover together." PAC-MAN on NEX and how it reimagines the original game with motion controls and multiplayer modes is a truly innovative way to experience the arcade classic again for veteran gamers or discover the joy of it for new fans. Susan Tran, Sr. Director of Brand Development for PAC-MAN at Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. "PAC-MAN has become an ambassador for video games as an icon that crosses generational boundaries and represents the wholesome fun that games can deliver," said Susan Tran, Sr. Director of Brand Development for PAC-MAN at Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. "PAC-MAN on NEX and how it reimagines the original game with motion controls and multiplayer modes is a truly innovative way to experience the arcade classic again for veteran gamers or discover the joy of it for new fans." Players can experience PAC-MAN on NEX exclusively on Nex Playground through Play Pass, the content subscription service that unlocks the full catalog of games and experiences on Nex Playground. The game launches with single-player Classic Mode, with multiplayer experiences for up to four players planned to follow shortly after launch. Explore all games