Rocket Panda Flies into Action: This Jumbo Jetpack Confectionary Adventure Launches on Kickstarter on February 15th

[Pittsburgh,PA], [February 15, 2024] — Get ready to take to the air in this journey through a world where danger meets sweet treat delight in Rocket Panda, the upcoming video game set to launch on Kickstarter on February 15th. Developed by Space Pants Games, this thrilling jetpack adventure invites players to assume the role of Rocket Panda, guiding him through a terrifyingly tasty world filled with dangerous mazes and punishing enemies.

Rocket Panda faces a cake load of challenges in this whimsical universe, including Flying Pigs, Mines, Toasters, Tanks, UFOs, and other treacherous creatures, all under the command of the nefarious Biscuit Head. The mission? To rescue plucky rebel Badgers who join our hero in the fray and shield him from the forces of evil.

Rocket Panda embraces a nostalgic Sega gaming experience by launching fans into this 16-bit classic console experience. The game will be developed for Sega Genesis and Mega Drive, promising an authentic retro journey for enthusiasts of these iconic platforms. As a special treat, backers can also opt for the ROM version of Rocket Panda, ensuring compatibility with various emulators and providing a digital piece of gaming history. The Kickstarter campaign offers an array of exciting tiers, featuring exclusive Rocket Panda-themed items. From limited-edition pins and captivating art prints to unique collectibles, backers can choose a tier that not only supports the game’s development but also rewards them with tangible memorabilia inspired by the portly and lovable Rocket Panda. Fans will not want to miss the chance to secure these one-of-a-kind items and be a part of Rocket Panda’s journey into the hearts of Sega Genesis and Mega Drive enthusiasts worldwide.

Key Features of Rocket Panda Include:

• Blast through Hordes of Enemies: Take on the forces of evil led by the notorious Biscuit Head, confronting Flying Pigs, Mines, Toasters, Tanks, UFOs, and other dangerous creatures.
• Collect Biscuits and Power Up: Gather all the biscuits for the highest score and power up your dash move by sipping on a cup of tea.
• Face Formidable Bosses: Challenge and defeat seven bosses, each more formidable than the last, including a giant Teacup, Dragon, Mega Toast, and Cheese Ball.
• Explore 7 Unique Worlds: Jet through over 60 colorful levels across seven distinct worlds, ranging from Biscuit City to the Ice Cream Archipelago, the Chocolate Mountains, Candy Catacombs, and more.

The Kickstarter campaign, launching on February 15th, aims to bring Rocket Panda to life with the support of gaming enthusiasts, collectors, and backers. This exciting adventure promises not only hours of entertainment.

Join the Rocket Panda community on Kickstarter starting February 15th and help Rocket Panda soar to new heights in the world of gaming.
We invite gamers, retro supporters, and jetpack enthusiasts to join our Kickstarter campaign and be part of bringing Rocket Panda to life. Find our Gleam contest link here for fans to have a chance to win an exclusive prototype CIB copy of the game.

For more information about Rocket Panda and its Kickstarter campaign, please visit the Mega Cat Studios website or follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest news and updates. 

The Fight For All Humanity is Coming…Just a Bit Later

D3Publisher Inc., a leading Japanese games publisher, has announced that Earth Defense Force 6, the latest entry in the popular action-shooter series, will now be released for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, and PC via Steam in summer 2024 for Western audiences. Previously announced for a spring launch window, developer SANDLOT and publisher D3PUBLISHER have decided to extend the launch window to add finishing touches and finalize preparations for its Western launch.

For additional information on Earth Defense Force 6, please visit the official website, follow the game on X (formerly Twitter), the community page on Steam, and D3PUBLISHER Inc. to keep up with upcoming content and news.

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The second in a series of developer diaries giving an insight into the behind the scenes development of upcoming atmospheric narrative adventure, A Void Hope, has been released today. In the new dev diary, Lead Programmer Isac Degerborg talks about automating systems, the differences between Elden Pixels previous Alwa’s Legacy games and A Void Hope and more. A Void Hope is hitting PC and Switch on February 29th.

This dev diary follows the first entry featuring game designer Mikael Forslind discussing A Void Hope’s design, showing off early prototype footage and explaining how the game found its direction.

A Void Hope follows a couple trying to find a cure for an unknown affliction that seems to affect people’s memories, forcing them to venture into dark and dangerous streets and explore abandoned buildings in a collapsing city filled with delightfully detailed degradation rendered in Elden Pixels’ gorgeous retro-inspired pixel art style. A Void Hope’s haunting aesthetic is aurally enhanced thanks to Elden Pixels’ collaboration with renowned synthwave artist Waveshaper, who previously worked on the soundtrack for Furi, features sound design from Little Nightmares Audio Designer Christian Björklund and a story by science fiction and horror writer Frida Windelhed, creating a seductively chilling ambiance that is as emotionally engaging as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Play the A Void Hope demo and wishlist now on Steam.

What would you do to bring back someone you love?

Barcelona, Spain – February 12th, 2024

Barcelona-based indie developer Grimorio of Games is announcing that Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection, the 3D remake of the original Sword of the Necromancer is coming soon to PC and consoles. Previously planned as a stretch goal in the sequel’s Kickstarter campaign, this remake will now instead be released prior to Sword of the Necromancer: Revenant to give more time to the latter’s development.

Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection will be a reimagining of the original monster-summoning dungeon crawler game, which featured top-down pixel art graphics. Based on Revenant‘s engine, players will be able to relive Tama’s quest to resurrect her lover in 3D, with exciting new ways to battle and renewed mechanics and systems, including the possibility of customizing the summoned monsters’ AI. This remake will also feature remastered high quality illustrations and voice acting (both in English and Japanese) and new scenes to delve deeper in Tama and Koko’s tragic love story.

Beating Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection will also unlock rewards in Revenant once it’s available, like the possibility of summoning the bosses of the remake as special summons (the titular Revenants). Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection will be developed for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series.

The Steam Store page is up, and players can wishlist the game already!

About Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection

Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection is a third-person 3D Action Dungeon Crawler where you can revive your defeated enemies to make them fight alongside you. Turn your foes into allies using the forbidden powers of the Sword of the Necromancer and help the rogue Tama reach the dungeon’s depths to obtain the power to bring her beloved priestess Koko back from the dead. Assemble a small army of monsters, equip yourself with weapons and relics, and level up to take on the guardians that stand between you and your goal.

Key features:

• Turn your foes into allies: Use the Sword of the Necromancer to revive defeated monsters and make them fight alongside you.
• Plan your battles, control the dead: Customize your summons’ behaviour with the Tactics feature.
• New dimension, new battle system: Improved combos and a new companion AI system.
• Level up: Enhance your character and your monsters by fighting together.
• Relive the journey: Discover Tama and Koko’s past as you advance through the dungeon.
• Local co-op play: Play with a friend in local co-op.

About Sword of the Necromancer: Revenant

Sword of the Necromancer: Revenant is a third-person 3D Action RPG with Dungeon Crawling and city building, and the sequel to Sword of the Necromancer. Revive your enemies once again and make them fight alongside you!

With a completely renewed battle and companion system, travel the continent, restore the Sacred City of Euda to its former glory and vanquish the ominous threat that looms over the world. Gather the powers of the Revenants, forgotten heroes of old times and create a little army of dead to defeat the Necromancer once and for all.

Key features:

• Turn your foes into allies once again: use the Sword of the Necromancer to resurrect defeated monsters and make them fight alongside you.
• Use the power of the Revenants: once ago great heroes, their spirits now wander the world. Defeat them in battle and unleash powerful summons.
• Improved and customizable AI: set your monster’s Tactics to get the most of each one
• New battle system: improved battle system with new possibilities like air combos. Swap characters at any moment and continue chaining hits!
• Play solo or in local co-op: play the whole game with an AI companion or lend a controller to a friend to play together in split-screen co-op.
• Leave the dungeon: travel the world and help its people, explore cities, towns and open fields. Delve into procedural dungeons filled with enemies, loot and challenges.
• Restore Euda to its former glory: reconstruct a ravaged town, recruit people and get new functions and services like shops, a forge, cook…

About Grimorio of Games

Grimorio of Games is a small team based in Barcelona. After developing the hyper-active action platformer Super Hyperactive Ninja, Grimorio of Games released Sword of the Necromancer, a top-down 2D Action RPG with roguelike elements, in 2021.

The game was released digitally on January 2021 for PC, Xbox One, PS4 and Nintendo Switch, and had a physical release in Europe for PS4 and Switch in September. In November, the game received PS5 and Xbox Series versions, thus being released in all current platforms.

Sword of the Necromancer previously had a very successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over €200K with more than 5500 backers.

Guangzhou, China – February 9th 2024. Following the fantastic community feedback from this week’s Steam Next Fest, Indie publisher 663 Games and developer Unstable Games have today released the Lotus Lantern: Rescue Mother Steam Developer Broadcast for fans to watch on YouTube.  

Inspired by Chinese mythology, Lotus Lantern: Rescue Mother is a top-down roguelite action game which immerses players in the fantastic journey of Chenxiang as he embarks on a mission to rescue his mother, Sanshengmu, from her incarceration for violating celestial laws. 

Fans can tune in and join Tim, the Head of Unstable Games, as he plays through the Steam Next Fest demo and shares some additional insights into Lotus Lantern: Rescue Mother. The PC demo is available to download on Steam now. 

Watch the Steam Next Fest gameplay Broadcast below:

About Lotus Lantern: Rescue Mother

The sincere effort opens even the hardest stone. 

Sanshengmu, a goddess from the celestial court, has been imprisoned beneath Mount Hua for violating celestial laws by giving birth to a boy named Chenxiang with a mortal. When Chenxiang came of age and learned the truth, he vowed to rescue his mother. 

With the assistance of Sun Wukong and other powerful immortals, Chenxiang must overcome numerous trials and defeat formidable enemies to finally be reunited with his mother. 

• Rich combinations of sects and magical treasures – Multiple sect systems will enhance various combat styles. Create your own magical combat abilities by combining a dazzling array of magical treasures with cultivating dozens of items. In each challenge, you always harvest new surprises.
• Encounter well-known deities and immortals – On your perilous journey, you will meet many characters from Chinese mythology, such as Sun Wukong, the Eight Immortals, Erlang Shen and Nezha. Be they foes or friends, they will join you in crafting this gripping and suspenseful tale.
• An ancient artefact and mystical powers – In addition to the real-time action combat, players can utilise the Lotus Lantern, an ancient artefact to unleash divine abilities like Time Manipulation and Bullet Time. The Lotus Lantern can also permanently enhance your abilities, aiding you in overcoming indomitable enemies!
• An unpredictable adventure – As you encounter numerous random events throughout the game, will you challenge yourself or seek stability? It’s all up to you! 

Lotus Lantern: Rescue Mother will be released in early 2024 on PC via Steam. Fans can wishlist the game on Steam now.

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About 663 Games 

663 Games is a newly established publishing label committed to premium and indie game publishing on PC, consoles, and mobile platforms. The company, headquartered in China, was founded by a team of passionate gamers and industry veterans. The team had a proven track record of achieving global success with several titles previously, offering extensive experience and resources for worldwide publishing, along with unique advantages for a strong presence in the Chinese market. The team empathises with the financial challenges that independent developers and small teams often encounter, and 663 Games is dedicated to providing them with funding support to help bring their creative visions to life. As a new, ambitious and trustworthy global publisher, 663 Games collaborates closely with developers to ensure commercial success.

Control a new Divine Spirit, discover fresh storylines, and do battle against the best of the best!

Hertfordshire, 9^th February 2024 – Today, KOEI TECMO Europe and developer Omega Force, alongside collaborators TYPE-MOON and Aniplex Inc., announced that the first DLC for their action RPG, Fate/Samurai Remnant,is now available on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™, and PC Windows via Steam®. The DLC Vol.1 “Record’s Fragment: Keian Command Championship” adds all new story elements and controllable characters to the mix as Masters and Servants team-up to compete in the ultimate tournament against some of Fate’s greatest fighters.

Discover the trailer of Fate/Samurai Remnant DLC vol.1 on YouTube

In “Record’s Fragment: Keian Command Championship”, the boss of Babyloni-ya summons Masters and Servants to a mysterious arena, where he suddenly announces the commencement of the Keian Command Championship. In addition to Iori and Saber, players will be able to control the other characters, including the newly playable Rider, enabling everyone to experience the tournament from different perspectives that were not depicted in the main story. Between matches, players will discover new cutscenes and learn more about the characters – and if they manage to win the tournament, players will unlock an ending sequence unique to each team.

In addition to the seven different teams already participating, a new Servant will join the Keian Command Championship: the Divine Spirit Ibuki-Douji. Depending on the team players choose to play as, they may also be able to directly control Ibuki-Douji and fight their way to victory. And once players meet a certain condition, they will be able to recruit Ibuki-Douji and the boss of Babyloni-ya as Rogue Servants in the main story.

Fate/Samurai Remnant is available to purchase in both Standard and Digital Deluxe editions. The Digital Deluxe Edition features the base game, a digital artbook and soundtrack, the Fate/Samurai Remnant Season Pass that includes three DLC sets, and the Season Pass Bonus item “Hallowed Relic Sword Mountings”.

The Fate/Samurai Remnant DEMO is also currently available on all platforms. Starting from the encounter between the protagonist, Miyamoto Iori, and his Servant, Saber, to their first battle against Rider and Lancer, this demo version includes thrilling action as the team explores the town of Asakusa. Save data from the demo can be carried over to the full version*.

For more information on Fate/Samurai Remnant, be sure to visit the official site, Like us on Facebook, Join us on the KOEI TECMO Europe Discord server, and Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI TECMO’s best known for their signature ‘one versus thousands’ Warriors series, the fan-favourite Ninja Gaiden and fighting entertainment title Dead or Alive. Through collaboration with strong existing franchises, such as A.O.T. Wings of Freedom (Attack on Titan), has brought fan-favourite shows to life in video game form. The company’s desire for innovation and diversity has seen the creation of the critically acclaimed dark-samurai action title Nioh, which takes on new and unique gameplay styles. The company’s acquisition of GUST, developer of a variety of heart-warming titles, has seen their flagship Atelier series span generations of consoles and fans alike. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com

©KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. All rights reserved. Omega Force is a trademark of KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. The KT logo is a trademark of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

©TYPE-MOON/KOEI TECMO GAMES All rights reserved.

Production Cooperation Aniplex Inc.

“PlayStation”, “PS5”, and “PS4” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.

©2024 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

NEW STUDENT HANAKO (SWIMSUIT) MAKES EXPLOSIVE DEBUT IN TACTICAL RPG BLUE ARCHIVE

Highlights:

• Hanako (Swimsuit) arrives alongside powerful Striker Wakamo, now back in Recruitment
• Triple Reward Campaigns guarantee extra rewards and double EXP earnings – useful for new and returning players

SEOUL – Feb. 9, 2024 – Renowned RPG Blue Archive is opening its doors for a mischievous new student, Hanako, just in time for the game’s Triple Rewards Campaign designed to boost all players regardless of skill level, experience, or familiarity with the game. Additionally, Wakamo, the troublemaking Striker makes her explosive return to Blue Archive.

Strategic combat and cute, charismatic characters are at the heart of this RPG from NEXON Korea Corp. Players take on the role of Sensei, a teacher with a troubled past, as they mobilize a veritable army of eccentric students for combat against various mysterious forces threatening the academy city of Kivotos. During Recruitment, events and main story updates, new students will join the ranks for players to get acquainted with and recruit for battle, offering a blend of tactical planning and real-time action with a light-hearted, emotional center.

Decked out in summer style, Hanako (Swimsuit) is a refreshing addition to any team and a deadly force on the battlefield, available now through Fest recruitment. A Sonic-type Striker from Trinity General School, she can charge up to two Water Gauges that increase her attack damage when an ally uses an EX Skill. She can use her own EX Skill immediately if she has at least one Water Gauge charged for an even more devastating effect.  

By Hanako (Swimsuit)’s side is the infamous “Fox of Calamity” Wakamo, returning for Recruitment as one of the Seven Prisoners, a group of extremely dangerous students. A Mystic-type Striker, Wakamo is known for stirring up trouble affecting huge areas of Kivotos. Her EX Skill deals damage to a single enemy proportional to her attack damage by accumulating damage dealt by allies to the target for 10 seconds, then dealing that accumulated damage to the target as additional Mystic damage.

Two powerful new students, Mika and Hoshino (Swimsuit) are also available through Fest Recruitment, and bring a new campaign, perfect for new and returning players in need of an extra boost. Blue Archive’s Triple Reward Campaigns runs until Monday, Feb. 19 at 6:59 PM (UTC). Rewards will be tripled for Lesson and Scrimmages content during the event to help players grow faster. Account experience earnings will be doubled from Saturday, Feb. 3 until Saturday, Feb. 17 at 6:59 PM (UTC) as well.

Players can download Blue Archive for free on Android and iOS. For more information about Blue Archive, players can visit the official communities and the links below:

• Blue Archive Official Webpage: [LINK]

About NEXON Co., Ltd. https://company.nexon.co.jp/en/

Founded in 1994, NEXON Co., Ltd. (Nexon) (3659.TO) is a company engaged in the production, development and operation of online games and Virtual Worlds. First listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December 2011, Nexon was placed on JPX400 in 2015 and added to the Nikkei Stock Index 300 in 2017. In 2020, Nexon was added to the Nikkei 225. Nexon currently has more than 45 live games in more than 190 countries on PC, console, and mobile. Major game franchises include MapleStory, KartRider and Dungeon&Fighter. In 2021, Nexon completed the acquisition of Embark Studios AB, a company based in Stockholm, Sweden, developing multiple projects for global release.

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Acquisition announced following continuous growth of leading British developer and publisher

Friday 9th February 2024, Cambridge, UK: Global private equity and investment advisory firm CVC Capital Partners (CVC Funds) and Haveli Investments today announced it has agreed to acquire Jagex, a leading developer and publisher of video games. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

Headquartered in Cambridge, Jagex employs over 700 people worldwide and creates forever games for PC, Mobile and Console that empower its communities. RuneScape, its flagship franchise has generated more than $1.5 billion in lifetime revenue, over its 23-year history. Jagex acquired Pipeworks and Gamepires in 2022, expanding its cross-platform capabilities and bringing its expertise in creating forever fans to SCUM, an open-world survival title in Steam Early Access.
Jagex enjoyed a hugely successful 2023, with record subscribers for its RuneScape and Old School RuneScape titles and building its strong partnership with Gamepires ahead of Scum’s PC and Console launch in 2024. 

CVC Capital Partners, headquartered in Luxembourg, is one the world’s largest private equity firms, with over €188bn assets managed within its portfolio. With investments in the global sports field, such as the Gujarat Titans, LaLiga, Lique De Football Professionnel, Premiership Rugby and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), CVC Capital Partners has rich form in growing fan-focused businesses on the global stage. CVC Capital Partners will support Jagex by leveraging its expertise and resources to assist the company’s continued subscriber and revenue growth, alongside its community driven philosophy as it looks to build upon the success of RuneScape and Old School RuneScape and create more forever games under the Jagex brand.

Haveli Investments is an Austin-based private equity firm that seeks to partner with innovative companies, entrepreneurs and management teams. Haveli’s Gaming Fund has previously invested in London-based Omeda Studios, whose title Predecessor is currently in Early Access, Montreal-based Behaviour Interactive, the developer and publisher behind the hit online, genre-leading horror game Dead by Daylight and Tel Aviv-based Candivore, the developer and publisher of the category leading mobile hit Match Masters.
Jagex was acquired by Carlyle in 2021, supporting Jagex with the acquisitions of Pipeworks and Gamepires in 2022, while Jagex continued to deliver year-on-year performance gains.
 
Phil Mansell, CEO, Jagex, said, “I’m delighted to welcome CVC Capital Partners and Haveli Investments as strategic partners for Jagex. CVC and Haveli will help Jagex build on our portfolio of forever games, furthering our aims of supporting and growing our community of forever fans. Together we’ll create more of the experiences our fans love, innovate to empower our players further, and build new forever games that capture imaginations.” He continued, “The support from Carlyle has been exceptional, and that success has positioned Jagex for the future. With the continued growth of our flagship RuneScape franchise, we’re crafting more adventures to delight our forever fans, and we’re excited about the future, as we create new experiences that play to our strengths of putting our communities at the heart of everything we do.”

About Jagex  

A leader in creating deep and engaging live games on PC and mobile, Jagex’s flagship MMORPG, RuneScape, has welcomed over 320 million player accounts to its world and is a $1.5 billion lifetime revenue franchise. Today the RuneScape franchise exists beyond live operations; our titles are forever games that connect and inspire millions of players, with content and experiences both inside and outside of inexhaustible game worlds. Both RuneScape and Old School RuneScape, on PC and mobile, offer ever-evolving, highly active worlds and our community-focussed development ethos empowers players to have a real say in how each game is shaped. 

Jagex has expanded with the acquisitions of Pipeworks and Gamepires, bringing its expertise in building forever games to SCUM, a multi-million selling open-world survival title in Steam Early Access. Jagex employs more than 700 people globally, and is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom.