It’s that time of year again, where the fogs descends upon the land, people dress up as sexy versions of things and act outside of their normal social spectrum. It’s Halloween, in short. Companies have started bombarding us with considerations for this event, so we thought we’d pick some and pass them on to you.

First off, Guild Wars 2 has launched their global themed event all over the world of Tyria. The Halloween setting will unfold in 4 acts, set around The Shadow of the Mad King. During this period, players can use the Black Lion Trading Company to obtain new themed items and upgrades. More so, each Black Lion Chest opened will have a 5% chance to yield 6 weapon skins, until the special’s end on November 2, 2012.

The first act is already on its way and features strange Haunted Doors, scattered all throughout Tyria. Additionally, a new event story line will be available at the scholars of the Durmand Priory. The next acts will unlock on October 26, 28 and finally on October 31, the spookiest date of them all.

Another title thrown at us is The Grinns Tale. This pun title featuring wide-smiling characters in a city builder simulation that allows players to create their own little town, craft items and weapons to then take this equipment to battle in the world. It’s nothing out of the ordinary, but its spooky art style is quite quirky. More so, it’s a free title available on Facebook that mentions it does not force people into social interaction usually coerced into players. It’s currently in Beta and can be played here.

Further scoring on clever release dates, Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller will launch its first episode for Pc on October 30, 2012. As mentioned, an episode will cost $9.99, while there is a discount for people that purchase a season pass. It’s available from numerous digital platforms. The hook here is that the titular character has visions and paranormal activity ensues.

However, this can’t hold a candle to that other title releasing on October 31, 2012. The fierce remake Painkiller Hell & Damnation will launch its PC version first, with console versions to follow. You’ll be hard fought to find a clearer hook than one that gores legions of hellish creatures with a set of gruesome weapons.

Konami has announced a special Halloween sale for a select amount of titles on Playstation Network. Starting today, you can get Castlevania: Harmony of Despair and Zombie Apocalypse: Never Die Alone for half the price on the digital network, as well as their downloadable content. The same is true for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow’s DLC, but the same does not apply for the game itself, since it’s not available for download.

A last item perhaps not directly related, but adeptly timed with costume festivities, is the announcement for new DLC in Tropico 4. The builder sim released Pirate Haven. This download content adds new buildings traits and actions that all focus on piracy. A Smuggler’s Hut allows you to bypass international trade sanctions, while your goons can resort to some muscle to obtain currency through ship hijacking, ransoms and plundering. It’s available for $4.99. the Xbox 360 version will have this DLC later this year.