From 23 to 27 August Swiss indie developers are presenting their games

Zurich, Switzerland, 27 June 2023 – This year, SwissGames will once again be on site at gamescom in Cologne. 22 Swiss studios will be there to present their current projects. As part of the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, SwissGames is an initiative to promote Swiss game developers at home and abroad.

Impressions of gamescom 2022:

The line-up is once again a diverse mix of 2D and 3D games, from hand-drawn artistic single-player experiences to brightly coloured multiplayer titles.

Some highlights of the games presented this year are the action rogue-lite Munch by Mac n Cheese Games, the whimsical spooky-noir game Tom the postgirl by Oopsie Daisies, the party racing game Ultimate Godspeed by Ninoko and the charming third-person RPG Wéko the Mask Gatherer.
Munch is an action rogue-lite set in a dark fantasy world. Players defeat enemies and then eat them in the spirit of the game’s title. This allows them to take on new forms and learn new abilities. That way, they keep evolving based on what they eat – true to the motto “You are what you eat”.

Tom the postgirl is a hand-drawn 2D adventure game with a healthy dose of dark humour and (questionable) decisions. Players follow Tom, a girl who is not very good at her actual job of delivering packages. But Tom is all the better at stalking the villagers. In the game, players make decisions that have dramatic consequences.

Ultimate Godspeed is a party racing game that players can play on their own, with or against their friends. To win, players either build shortcuts with ramps or platforms, or they try to eliminate the competition with well-placed traps. They just have to be careful not to end up in these traps themselves!

Wéko the Mask Gatherer is an action adventure about the gecko Wéko, who collects masks in an atmospheric world and uncovers dark secrets in the process. The charmingly designed world invites exploration and gradually opens up to players. The challenging gameplay includes battles, the use of the masks collected by Wéko and the abilities they grant him.

The following titles will be at gamescom 2023 as part of the SwissGames line-up:

Bold Beasts by 5am Games
Rottenburg by Dama Dama Games
Plank Builders by Diditopia Games
Aestik by Hooded Traveler Games
Pocket Oasis by knit’n’purl game studio
Pool Party by Lakeview Games
Castle Come by lauflauf
Munch by Mac n Cheese Games
Flying Legends by Momento Games
Don’t be Estranger by Naraven
Psychotic Bathtub by natsha
Ultimate Godspeed by Ninoko
Echo of the Waves by Oneira Games
Tom the postgirl by Oopsie Daisies
Wéko the Mask Gatherer by SIRO GAMES
Grimoire Groves by Stardust
Crow’s Nest by Strangers
Truth Detectives by Studio ZB
Seven Dwarfs: Legends Untold by Surprised Turtle Studios
Circle of Kerzoven by Kerzoven
Turtles by Twisted BrainZ 
LightClash AR by Vizar Technologies

Studios Stardust, SIRO GAMES, Ninoko, Team Kerzoven and Diditopia Games will be exhibiting at the Indie Arena Booth.

Those who would like to see the games for themselves and meet the developers will find the SwissGames booth in Hall 4.1, booth number C050g – B041g, in the Business Area of gamescom. On Wednesday, 23 August from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., the Business Breakfast will take place.

Registrations for this can be made via [email protected].

Another opportunity for networking (no registration required) will also be offered on Thursday, 24 August from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with Swiss Drinks. The latest information on SwissGames is always available on the Website and the official Twitter account.

Explore. Survive. Discover.

Madrid, Spain – 27th June 2023. Publisher Serenity Forge is thrilled to announce that the boxed Special Edition of the roguelike action adventure game BELOW for PlayStation 4 is now available across European retail stores. 

Developed by Capybara Games and published by Serenity Forge, BELOW is a solitary journey through the haunted depths of a forbidden island filled with deadly wildlife, terrifying traps and a foreboding presence lurking in the darkness.

Meridiem Games is responsible for the design and manufacture of the boxed Special Edition of BELOW for PlayStation 4, as well as its distribution across European specialised stores. The Special Edition boxed release will include a map of the mysterious island detailing the different areas to explore, as well as a concept art book where you can delve into the inspiration, conception and creation of the game.

Test your senses in the underground labyrinths of The Island, a shifting terrain full of life, mystery, and death. Explore a cavernous, interconnected world filled with intelligent wildlife and lethal traps as a presence lurks in the shadows. Survive the dangers of The Depths and discover what lies below… or die trying.FEATURES:

• Explore the vast subterranean underworld of The Isle: a dangerous, unfathomable deep. Choose your path through a labyrinth crawling with deadly monstrosities, traps and hazardous environments. Death awaits at every false step, and there are no hints to guide you.
• Survive spelunking through The Depths of BELOW is a treacherous endeavour, with death around every corner. The world is alive with flora & fauna, and there are many ways to scavenge materials and harvest ingredients to create life-saving remedies or useful survival tools.
• Discover what lies below? Only the bravest wanderers will find out. The Depths are filled with secrets and danger. BELOW embraces the idea that players enjoy discovering secret areas, finding hidden passageways, and unravelling the deepest mysteries hidden in the darkness…

Watch the Special Edition announcement trailer for BELOW here

The boxed Special Edition of BELOW is now available for PlayStation 4 across European retail stores.

For more information, please visit www.meridiem-games.com

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About Meridiem Games

Meridiem Games is an independent video game publisher and distributor for all platforms. The entire Meridiem Games team is focused on meeting the demand of players who are fond of physical editions, titles such as Fahrenheit 15Th Anniversary PS4, KUNAI Day One Edition NSW, Daymare: 1998 Black Edition PS4, Pang Adventures Buster Edition PS4 / NSW, etc. They have come out in their physical edition thanks to Meridiem Games.

About Serenity Forge

Based in Boulder, Colorado, video game development and publishing studio Serenity Forge prides themselves on the care and dedication they put into their work, creating meaningful games that challenge the way you think. Firm believers in the artistic, cultural, and educational power of video games, Serenity Forge aims to craft unique interactive experiences to broaden players’ horizons and expand their perspectives.

About Capybara Games Capybara Games is an award-winning, independent video game studio based in Toronto Canada. Known for their distinct style and keen eye for quality, CAPY’s games include Grindstone, BELOW, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP, Super Time Force Ultra, Critter Crunch, OK K.O.! Let’s Play Heroes, and Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes

The cinematic shooter extends its plot and pimps the experience with a new area, new enemies, new weapons and a new ability.

Sydney, Australia – 27^th June 2023: Focus Entertainment and studio Mundfish have announced the first DLC for Atomic Heart, the action RPG set in the mad utopia of fictional 1955. Atomic Heart: Annihilation Instinct will release on the 2^nd of August, with a look at the new content in a powerful new Release Date Trailer. This first DLC is packed with all types of new content to keep the experience as thrilling as ever: a new area, new weapons, new enemies, and a new glove ability. Focus Entertainment and Mundfish are also excited to announce the immediate availability of the highly requested New Game+ mode!

Watch the Annihilation Instinct DLC Release Date trailer online here.

An explosive DLC crafted to bring out your Annihilation Instincts

Continue the story in the Annihilation Instinct DLC and learn what happened to this dystopian world after the climax of Atomic Heart. Prepare to embark on a journey through the new mind-bending Mendeleev Complex and its surrounding swamps and discover the truth about NORA as Major P-3 is pulled back into Facility 3826. Survive vicious, shape-shifting new enemies and take them down using two cunning new weapons – ranged one the Secateur and melee one the Klusha – as well as your glove’s new Techno-Stasis ability, allowing you to manipulate time itself.

Meet a new enigmatic character, as well as returning ones in surprising circumstances and dive deep into the AI’s insanity to curb its Annihilation Instinct.

New Game+ mode is designed to test skills and enhance the experience.

For more player happiness, the New Game+ mode is available now for free along with the latest update. In the most difficult game mode yet, players will need all of their previously unlocked skills and arsenal to deal with the strongest enemies Atomic Heart has ever unleashed, thanks to their new specific resistances and attack effects, which will be reflected in the different colours of the enemies’ aura.

Atomic Heart is out now on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The Atomic Heart: Annihilation Instinct DLC releases on the 2^nd of August.

Help the Smurfs save their village from the clutches of the evil Stolas on November 2^nd!

Sydney, Australia, June 27^th, 2023 – Publisher Microids and IMPS unveil a first teaser and new screenshots for The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone, a 3D adventure/platform video game. Developed by OSome Studio, The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone is an all-new story releasing November 2^nd, 2023, both in retail and digital versions for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Watch the trailer here.

About The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone:

Handy Smurf has created a revolutionary invention: SmurfoMix! However, it’s missing a key ingredient, the Green Stone, which lays in the greedy clutches of Gargamel.

He sets off on a mission to retrieve the famous Green Stone, a key ingredient that would greatly help him improve his invention, from Gargamel’s laboratory. But a fatal misstep causes it to explode, its fragments scattering throughout the Cursed Land. In addition to unleashing into the wild its incredible powers to copy and decompose matter, the Green Stone has set free the evil Stolas, a new order bent on creating a reign of terror.

A crack team of four Smurfs must then adventure to save the Cursed Land from the mighty Stolas! Well equipped, the Smurfs can count on the SmurfoMix and an unexpected ally… Gargamel himself!

Key features:

• Meet the team of four iconic Smurfs: Handy Smurf, Brainy Smurf, Dimwitty Smurf, and Smurfstorm.
• An accessible and intuitive gameplay that will delight both Smurf fans and action/platforming fans.
• Enjoy dynamic gameplay with exploration, platforming, and even more intense combat thanks to the SmurfoMix!
• For the first time in a video game, collaborate with Gargamel! Use his teleporters to travel through the Cursed Land and discover three brand new unexplored regions.
• Collect various resources to improve the Smurfomix throughout your adventure!
• Embark on the adventure with a friend or family partner in co-op mode.
• A new story which respects the license, set in a beautiful, well-crafted colourful universe!

The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone will be available on November 2^nd, 2023 both in retail and digital versions for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

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2023 marks the Smurfs’ 65^th anniversary! Stay tuned for upcoming cool Smurfs-related news by following them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or by checking out their website!

Smurf Microids on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Discord and Linkedin or on http://www.microids.com/

The Smurfs: www.smurf.com

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About Microids

Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Revolution Software, Sloclap, Oddworld Inhabitants, Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Go Nagai, Charles Cecil, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset…), Microids has become a major player in international video games. Taking inspiration from legendary titles, Microids reaches a wide audience and creates original adventures which give gamers the chance to play as some of their most beloved characters.

About Peyo, IMPS (International Merchandising Promotions & Services)

IMPS is the world license holder for The Smurfs. Ever since its establishment in 1984, IMPS has worked closely with its teams worldwide to develop with success many merchandising programs, retail operations, publishing activities, broadcasting offers, theme parks, shows, video games, online games, official Smurfs license soundtrack… All of which played a part in the global success of the franchise. IMPS is managed by Véronique Culliford, Pierre Culliford’s daughter, the Smurfs’s creator, better known by his pseudonym Peyo.

©2023 Microids SA. All rights reserved. Developed by Osome Studio. Edited by Microids SA. All rights reserved.

Peyo – 2021 – Licensed through I.M.P.S. (Brussels) – www.smurf.com

Drive Pass Season 1 features 100 tiers and new content inspired by the Fast and the Furious Saga, including new vehicles from Dodge and Nissan

Today, 2K and the LEGO Group, in collaboration with Universal Games and Digital Platforms, revealed that the first Drive Pass* Season is coming to LEGO 2K Drive this Wednesday, June 28. All players can play through 100 tiers, earn additional free in-game rewards, and discover all-new free challenges across Bricklandia.

For those who purchase the Premium Drive Pass for Season 1, which is included in the Year 1 Drive Pass, new content includes:

• 10 New Vehicles -As seen in the Fast & Furious films, the 1970 Dodge Charger R/T** and the Nissan Skyline GT-R*** can be unlocked within Season 1. Both rides are just what players need to experience your next quarter-mile race in style.
• Bricklandia’s Fast Crew -A new group who is making their mark across Bricklandia. Sisters Rita and Lita Malachi are pros behind the wheel, backed up by their pilot Doug and resident techie Ronnie. Players with the Premium Drive Pass can add the Fast Crew to their collection of Minifigure Drivers.
• Brick Packs, Stickers and More – Players can take their creativity in the Garage to new heights with new packs, stickers, flairs and more.

There are no time limits for LEGO 2K Drive Seasons so players can pick up and play each Season at their own pace. Players that have been enjoying the Free version of a Season and decide to upgrade to the Premium version of Drive Pass Season 1 will instantly unlock all the Premium in-game rewards they have earned based on their current level.

LEGO 2K Drive is rated E10+ by the ESRB. For screenshots, key art, and other visual assets, please visit newsroom.2k.com. To learn more, please visit https://lego.2k.com/drive/ and follow on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Online Account required to access online features. See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details.

Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*Year 1 Drive Pass included with LEGO 2K Drive Awesome Edition and Awesome Rivals Edition. Also available for individual purchase. Base game, 2K Account and internet connection required. For digital orders, Year 1 Drive Pass content will be automatically delivered in-game. For physical orders, Year 1 Drive Pass content will be delivered via a code in box to be redeemed in game.

** Dodge and related logos, vehicle model names and trade dress are trademarks of FCA US LLC and used under license by Take-Two Interactive. ©2023 FCA US LLC.

*** Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. trademarks, designs, copyrights and/or other intellectual property rights are used under license.

Fast & Furious Franchise (c) 2023 Universal City Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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It’s time to ride into a Dinotastic adventure based on the beloved animated series, Dino Ranch!

Sydney, Australia – June 27^th, 2023 – Microids is thrilled to announce the video game Dino Ranch – Ride to the Rescue. Join the exciting world of Dino Ranch, the animated series that has captured the hearts of millions of children around the globe and get ready for an experience jam-packed with dinotastic fun! Immerse yourself in this epic adventure where you’ll encounter thrilling mini-games and have a roaring good time with your favourite Rancheroos.

Dino Ranch – Ride to the Rescue will be available October 12, 2023 on Nintendo Switch both physically and digitally.

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About Dino Ranch – Ride to the Rescue

The Dino-mite eggs have disappeared from the hatchery and the peace of the Ranch is at stake. Only YOU can help our roarsome trio of Rancheroos Jon, Min and Miguel to search for the stolen eggs and bring them back to the Ranch. But be careful, the mischievous Tinhorns may have something to do with all this trouble…

With the help of your favourite rancheroos, embark on an exciting journey while exploring the Dino Ranch, completing missions full of twists and turns, and hatching new dinosaur eggs! Sprint with Jon, nurture and take care of dino-mites with Min, and build and repair tools with Miguel to solve the mystery of the stolen eggs!

Ready to get your claws into the fun by exploring the world of Dino Ranch and have a roar-some time?

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Features

• JOIN YOUR FAVOURITE HEROES Jon, Min, and Miguel to discover a world full of cowboys and dinos and play funny and dino-driven mini-games!
• EXPLORE & TAKE ACTION: Race alongside Jon and Blitz as he zooms through the ranch and its surroundings at a lightning speed. Engage in dynamic mini games to find the lost eggs and show off your amazing lasso skills!
• NURTURE & HATCH: Step into the shoes of Min and Clover, the Dino doctor and caretakers of the hatchery. Show your love and care for the adorable dinosaurs as you nurture them and experience the pure joy of hatching newly found eggs.
• BUILD & REPAIR: Every great adventure requires ingenuity. Team up with Miguel to construct and repair essential tools and overcome obstacles with the explosive Tango and her mighty strength!

Dino Ranch – Ride to the Rescue will be available October 12, 2023 on Nintendo Switch in retail and digitally.

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About Microids

Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Revolution Software, Sloclap, Oddworld Inhabitants, Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Go Nagai, Charles Cecil, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset…), Microids has become a major player in international video games. Taking inspiration from legendary titles, Microids reaches a wide audience and creates original adventures which give gamers the chance to play as some of their most beloved characters.

About Boat Rocker

Boat Rocker (TSX: BRMI) is the home for creative visionaries. An independent, integrated global entertainment company, Boat Rocker’s purpose is to tell stories and build iconic brands across all genres and mediums. With offices around the world, Boat Rocker’s creative and commercial capabilities include Scripted, Unscripted, and Kids & Family television production, distribution, brand & franchise management, a world-class animation studio, and talent management through Untitled Entertainment. A selection of Boat Rocker’s projects include: Invasion (Apple TV+), Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields (Hulu), Slip (Roku), Orphan Black (BBC AMERICA, CTV Sci-Fi Channel), Dear… (Apple TV+), Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry (Apple TV+), The Next Step (BBC, Corus, CBC), Daniel Spellbound (Netflix), and Dino Ranch (Disney+, Disney Junior, CBC). For more information, please visit www.boatrocker.com.

Dino Ranch – Ride to the Rescue © 2023 Microids SA. All right reserved. Published by Microids SA. Game developed by Redox Interactive. All rights reserved.

Dino Ranch © 2023 Boat Rocker Rights Inc. TM & © 2023 Boat Rocker Rights Inc. All rights reserved.

The title track from the upcoming PlayStation 5 game, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, is available now to listen to on major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music). The new music track, “Greater Together”, is composed by John Paesano, who continues his close collaboration with Insomniac Games, PlayStation, and Marvel Games, on producing epic music well suited for the Marvel’s Spider-Man series. 

“Greater Together” debuted last night during a special live performance by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at The Game Awards 10-Year Concert at the iconic Hollywood Bowl music venue. 

In Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, return for an exciting new adventure in the critically acclaimed franchise. Swing, jump, and utilise the new Web Wings to travel across Marvel’s New York, switching between both Spider-Men throughout the story, each with their own epic powers, as the iconic villain Venom threatens to destroy their lives, their city, and the ones they love.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will release on Friday, October 20, 2023 for PlayStation 5 and is available now for pre-order. 

For full information on the available game editions (Standard, Digital Deluxe, Collector’s Edition) and pre-order details/incentives, please visit the PlayStation Blog.

For the latest PlayStation news, follow PlayStation Australia on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. 

EA SPORTS™ has revealed its official prediction of the USA to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™, defeating Germany in the final match. The prediction was made through a simulation of all 64 matches in the EA SPORTS™ FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ Tournament mode, available to play from the end of June as part of a free update to the game*. 

For the coveted Golden Boot, the EA SPORTS™ FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ simulation found three of the deadliest strikers topped the list, with USA’s Alex Morgan accompanied by Spain’s Alexia Putellas and Germany’s Alex Popp at the top. Putellas took home the award having provided more assists throughout the tournament, alongside six goals in just four matches. 

Fans are invited to have their say with the EA SPORTS™ FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ Predictor at https://www.ea.com/games/fifa/fifa-23/womens-world-cup/predictor.  

*Requires FIFA 23 (sold separately), all game updates, internet connection & an EA Account.  

Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S Releases Planned for 1.0

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – 26 June 2023 – One Lonely Outpost, the wholesome space farming simulator set on a desolate alien planet from developer and publisher Freedom Games, has successfully landed on PCs via Steam Early Access today, with ports for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on the horizon alongside the future 1.0 launch.

Take the first steps into a charming new world filled with potential and mysteries to uncover. As the first pioneer, make the rusty-hued planet of Calypso hospitable for civilization with the help of Qwerty, a trusty robot companion and the only other Earthly being to make the journey. Terraform the dry desert landscape, mine for resources, and build a bustling community from the ground up.

Plant the seeds of a new colony from reserves stored in the Space-RV. Tend to the brave little seedlings that will provide new oxygen and soon make the air breathable. Harvest and amass a stable food supply to ensure the survival of future colonists, cultivating the planet and learning from it too. Explore the rocky landscape of Calypso and record existing life, weather, minerals, and more in the Omniac. 

Gaining an understanding of this new home will be vital to humankind’s harmonious survival. As the planet becomes more fit for society, curious travelers will make this lonely outpost not-so-desolate. Build a utopia together, welcoming company and connecting with the new denizens as they experience their own fresh starts. Form close-knit friendships and find a budding romance among the colonists. The future of human civilization lies upon the robustness of this community!

“The virtue of working together to build something new can be found at the core of any healthy society,” said Bryan Herren, Director of Marketing, Freedom Games. “One Lonely Outpost honors the strong communities that come together to build something larger than themselves, including our own. I’d like to thank our wonderful community for following along our journey thus far. We can’t wait to show you what’s to come for 1.0!”

One Lonely Outpost is now available on PC and via Steam Early Access. For more information about One Lonely Outpost, set sights on Freedom Games’ official website, follow @1LonelyOutpost on Twitter, join fellow pioneers on the official Discord server, and search #OneLonelyOutpost on social media.

About Freedom Games

Freedom Games is a publisher dedicated to offering best-in-class services to partners and providing players around the world with unique and memorable experiences. With over 50 years of combined industry experience at the executive level, Freedom Games seeks to leverage its expertise to facilitate great games and even better publishing experiences.

For more information, visit the official Freedom Games website.