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THE DARU DEBUT IN ARCHEAGE’S SUMMER UPDATE, LIVE NOW

Summer brings the dawn of the Daru, flag feuding, and unites players across the globe

Amsterdam, The Netherlands — June 22, 2023 | Kakao Games and XLGAMES are thrilled to announce the arrival of ArcheAge’s Summer Update, which is available for players to enjoy now. ArcheAge’s second sizable content update of 2023 marks the arrival of all-new transformation, the Daru, a global arena beta service that will bring players together from across the world, and newly introduced 10v10 Flag Wars where the gloves are off and the flags are out. 

Here’s what players can expect in ArcheAge’s brand-new content update:

  • The resourceful Daru: A never before seen transformation. As lovers (of money) and not fighters, the Daru are adept swimmers and well-equipped for trading, farming, mining, running auction houses, and more. Players willing to sacrifice previous racial skills, some combat abilities, and the option to enter instances can step into the boots of a Daru using a “Daru Transformation Scroll”, and explore ArcheAge like never before
  • 10v10 Flag Wars: A new arena mode where teams of ten can fight it out for flags, utilise Blessing area buffs, and unleash surprise attacks to gain the upper hand and walk away with a 250 point victory
  • Global Arena Beta: The “Make a Splash” global arena beta service is also available. Marked with a globe icon within the Instances UI, here players across the four service regions (Korea, Asia, North America and Europe) can form alliances and participate together
  • Improvements and skill balancing: The Summer Update also welcomes a number of quality of life improvements so players may enjoy an overall smoother ArcheAge experience

Twitch Drops Event

To celebrate the arrival of the Summer Update, from today (until July 20) players can participate in a Twitch Drop event. Those that tune in have a chance to bag some useful in-game items, including Angel Wing Elixirs and Manastorm Crystals, as well as a fancy Daru Pocket Watch and a Sealed Shining Daru Costume Box. The longer you watch, the greater the rewards.

For more information on ArcheAge and the Summer Update, please visit the official site. You can also follow ArcheAge on Discord.

About Kakao Games

Founded in 2016, Kakao Games is a leading publisher of online and mobile games, responsible for releasing titles including: Pearl Abyss’ Black Desert Online (serviced in North America and Europe until early 2021), KRAFTON’s PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (serviced in Korea), XLGAMES’ ArcheAge, Survival MOBA Eternal Return (serviced in North America, Europe and Oceania), Kong Studios’ Guardian Tales (serviced in North America, Europe, Latin America and Oceania), Cygames’ World Flipper and XLGAMES’ Moonlight Sculptor (serviced in North America and Europe).

About XLGAMES

XLGAMES was established in 2003 by Jake Song, the developer behind the classic MMORPG, Lineage. In 2006, it developed XL1, an online racing game, and in 2013, the online MMORPG ArcheAge, currently in service worldwide. In 2019, Moonlight Sculptor was released in Korea, based on the light novel The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor, successfully reiterated into a mobile game. Moonlight Sculptor was released globally in 2021. XLGAMES has a vision of linking the beginning and the end of RPG games, and hopes to achieve its mission of enriching lives through its games.

Ex-Leaders from Funcom, Lockwood, and Bohemia Secure $5M to Evolve the Hardcore Survival Genre with New Studio ‘Red Rover Interactive’

Naked and Hungry: Ex-Leaders from Funcom, Lockwood, and Bohemia Secure $5M to Evolve the Hardcore Survival Genre with New Studio ‘Red Rover Interactive’

Industry Vets Look to Unlock New Possibilities in Multiplayer Gaming, Fueled by Behold Ventures, The Games Fund and Lifelike Capital

Newcastle, UK – June 22, 2023: With the goal of creating truly captivating multiplayer experiences and shaking up the survival genre in the process, brand new studio Red Rover Interactive can today lift the lid on its future plans.

The new outfit – which has already established bases in the Norwegian capital Oslo and Newcastle in England’s North East – has been founded by games industry veterans who collectively worked on series such as Conan Exiles, Dune Awakening, DayZ, Avakin Life, Crysis 2, Ryse, and Ghost Recon, amongst others.

Red Rover’s goals? Initially, to utilise the studio’s considerable collective experiences working with successful multiplayer-focused IP to catapult the survival genre in a new direction, placing player agency and drama front and centre. And more long term? In the developer’s own words, to “create the most novel and engaging multiplayer experiences on the market.”

“We believe multiplayer interactions are fundamentally more powerful than PVE ones,” says Red Rover Interactive CEO Fred Richardson. “This is something most persistent online games don’t leverage, often being built as single player experiences that support many players. We plan to lean into this, starting with the survival genre which we are intimately familiar with, taking it in a genuinely new direction.”

Red Rover Interactive is headed up by: – 

  • CEO Fred Richardson (Funcom, Ubisoft Reflections)
  • COO Joe Stevens (Lockwood Publishing, Ubisoft Reflections)
  • Design Director Marek Zilavy (Bohemia Interactive, Funcom)
  • Technical Director Daniel Ratzer (Funcom)
  • Art Director Sebastian Zimmermann (Nordeus, Jagex, Crytek)

Red Rover Interactive is focused on cultivating mid-sized, close-knit, co-located teams. This begins with the foundational team of 17 members, most of whom have collaborated previously, leveraging their significant shared experience. From a creative standpoint, the studio aspires to produce titles designed for infinite engagement, perfectly suited to the age of content creation.

The studio has already secured significant seed investment from Behold Ventures and The Games Fund, as well as other participating investors such as Lifelike Capital, GEM capital, Acequia Capital, and a suite of angel investors, coming in at just under $5 million.

Now, with its sights set on the horizon, Red Rover Interactive is calling on fearless developers with a thirst for the extraordinary to join its ranks. Developers ready to shape genre-defining projects in Oslo or Newcastle are invited to step into the ring.

Red Rover Interactive is open to interviews at this stage. Please make contact through our PR.

About Red Rover Interactive

Red Rover Interactive Limited is an independent UK based video game developer founded in February 2023. The company has offices in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK and Oslo, Norway, and focuses on development of large scale persistent online titles.

About Behold Ventures

Behold Ventures is a Nordic-based, early-stage, venture capital fund, focused on investing in startups in the video games industry. Founded in 2021 by games industry veterans Karl Magnus Troedsson, Sigurlina Ingvarsdottir and Magnus Kenneby, Behold Ventures financially supports, and strategically advises, entrepreneurs during the first steps of launching their own businesses. The fund makes equity investments in startups driven by ambitious and creative founders and is always looking for talented teams which are absolutely hellbent on creating the most amazing, interactive entertainment experiences of tomorrow.

About The Games Fund

The Games Fund (TGF) is one of the top early-stage gaming VC funds with offices in New York, Los Angeles and Cyprus. TGF is founded by hardcore gamers and industry veterans, invests in future leaders worldwide, and focuses on connecting game developers with the global entertainment ecosystem, providing support and personal touch to founders from the very beginning.

Final Fantasy XVI – Gameplay

The Final Fantasy series has undergone many changes but this time around Final Fantasy XVI has seen the most in the series in quite some time. Watch as we experience Clive’s journey through tragedy and experience some of the new action packed battle system in Square Enix’s latest entry in the Final Fantasy series.

For centuries, people have flocked to her Mothercrystals to partake of their blessing—the abundant aether that fuels the magicks they rely upon in their everyday lives. As the aether begins to fade and the lifeless deadlands spread ever further, so too does the struggle for possession of the final flickers of the Mothers’ light grow ever more fierce. Yet amidst the gathering storm, there are those who believe that the legacy of the crystals has shaped mankind’s destiny for long enough.

Final Fantasy XVI
Developer: Square Enix, Creative Business Unit III
Publisher: Square Enix
Platform: PlayStation 5
Release Date: June 22, 2023

Available at: https://na.finalfantasyxvi.com/

Summary:

Recommended – Final Fantasy XVI is an incredible action game that offers an epic tale with gorgeous visuals and an amazing soundtrack but lacking content will be noticeable to fans of the series.”

Check out our review of Final Fantasy XVI here!

Check out all the latest in the world of video games, anime, and entertainment at Capsule Computers:

Website: https://www.capsulecomputers.com.au/
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Persona 5 Tactica Pre-Orders Available Now for Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch!

Today ATLUS announced that pre-orders are now live for their upcoming strategy RPG Persona 5 Tactica, which will launch on 17th November 2023. Fans can pre-order the game for Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.

Pre-order Bonus Information:

Launch Edition Contains (RRP $99.99)

  • Free Orpheus Picaro + Izanagi Picaro DLC (pre-order only)
  • Free Gift – Set of two exclusive coasters at selected retailers (while supplies last at participating retail stores)

Watch the Persona 5 Tactica trailer here

After a strange incident, the Phantom Thieves wander into a bizarre realm where its citizens are living under tyrannical oppression. Surrounded by a military group named Legionnaires, they find themselves in grave danger until a mysterious revolutionary named Erina rescues them and offers an enticing deal in exchange for their help. What truth lies behind Erina and the deal she offers to the Phantom Thieves?  

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: THE DARK PRINCE LAUNCHES WORLDWIDE ON DECEMBER 1, 2023

The long-awaited return of the beloved DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS series releasing for Nintendo Switch™

SYDNEY (22 June 2023) SQUARE ENIX® announced that DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: THE DARK PRINCE is launching worldwide on December 1, 2023, on Nintendo Switch™. DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: THE DARK PRINCE gives players the power to command and recruit various types of monsters to join them on an epic new adventure.

To view the announcement trailer visit:

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: THE DARK PRINCE features Psaro, the demon prince, whose curse prevents him from harming monsters. As a result, he must become a Monster Wrangler, recruiting, and fighting alongside monsters throughout the various environments of the fantastical world of Nadiria. Over the course of this adventure, the seasons will regularly cycle through Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall, which not only changes the landscape, but also opens new areas and players will encounter different monsters specific to that season.

One of the most powerful tools in the player arsenal is the newly evolved synthesis system which allows players to create completely new monsters by combining those already on their roster. Players can experiment and eventually unlock over 500 monsters, including franchise favourites, dark lords, and completely new creatures. Once players have assembled their dream roster, they can take their teams of powerful monsters online, to  battle against other Monster Wranglers around the world.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: THE DARK PRINCE will be available for Nintendo Switch™ on December 1, 2023. 

About DRAGON QUEST

DRAGON QUEST is a legendary series of role-playing games created by Yuji Horii and beloved by millions both in Japan and around the world. The first DRAGON QUEST was released in 1986, and the game made its US debut in 1989 as DRAGON WARRIOR. The critically acclaimed series has shipped more than 85 million units worldwide, spanning 11 main series titles, many spin-off games, as well as films, anime, novels, manga, merchandise and more. Celebrating its 37th anniversary this year, the wildly popular DRAGON QUEST franchise holds various Guinness World Records including “Longest-Running Japanese RPG Series.”

The visionaries behind the series, Creator and Game Designer Yuji Horii, Character Designer Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragon Ball) and composer Koichi Sugiyama, have long enchanted newcomers and long-time fans alike, with each new entry in the franchise comprising charming visuals, enthralling storylines, and captivating music. The latest instalment, DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of An Elusive Age, was released to much critical acclaim, winning the Metacritic Must-Play game award and becoming Metacritic’s “#2 Best Switch Game of 2019” and “#3 Best PS4 Game of 2020.” It has shipped over 6.5 million units globally to date.

About Square Enix, Ltd.

Square Enix, Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 173 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R

Pre-Orders Kick-Off Today for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4 and PC

SYDNEY (22 June 2023) – Today Square Enix Ltd. announced the highly acclaimed second instalment in the STAR OCEAN series, STAR OCEAN® THE SECOND STORY™ is returning as STAR OCEAN® THE SECOND STORY R. First released in Japan in 1998 on the PlayStation® console, STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R will return as a 2.5D remake, launching on November 2, 2023. The RPG will be available for Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5 (PS5®) and PlayStation®4 (PS4™) consoles, and PC via STEAM®. Pre-orders are available now.

In a new trailer unveiled today, SQUARE ENIX provided fans with a first look at STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R. The trailer showcases the game’s new, stunning visual direction, action-packed gameplay, battle sequences and all-new character illustrations by series veteran Yukihiro Kajimoto, as well as a beautifully rearranged soundtrack by original composer, Motoi Sakuraba.

Watch the Announce Trailer, here:

STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R has been revitalised with a charming 2.5D aesthetic that combines beautiful 3D environments with nostalgic 2D pixel characters, offering players both a classic RPG and modern gameplay experience. Players can expect to find some of the original featuresthat made the original release so memorable alongside brand-new gameplay features including fast-paced, real-time combat and battle mechanics to strategically defeat foes, customisable party progression with an array of skills, including Cooking, Art, Metalcraft, and more. Three new difficulty modes have also been introduced including “Earth” which provides a standard experience, “Galaxy” for those looking for a more satisfying challenge, and “Universe” for seasoned players looking to put their skills to the ultimate test.

The epic story begins with Claude, a Federation officer, who finds himself transported to a undeveloped planet. While searching for a way home, an encounter with a girl named Rena draws them into a quest to save her people, just as an ancient prophecy foretold. Players will begin their adventure with either Claude or Rena, and depending on their choice, the perspectives and the allies’ players recruit will change. Players will get to know party members through the unique ‘Private Actions System’, which will allow them to grow relationships and unlock a variety of different endings.

STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R will launch with Japanese and English text and voiceover language support, with voiceovers performed by members of the original cast. Subtitle support for French, Italian, German, and Spanish will also be available via a software update at launch.

STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R will be available for Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4 and PC via STEAM on November 2, 2023. For more information, visit: https://square-enix-games.com

About the STAR OCEAN Series
Developed by tri-Ace Inc. and published by Square Enix, the STAR OCEAN series is a long-running action-RPG series spanning multiple entries and commemorated its 25th anniversary in 2021. The series is known for its exciting gameplay, epic storylines, diverse cast of characters, as well as its innovative approach to action combat. In 2019, an HD remaster of the first instalment in the series, STAR OCEAN First Departure R, released for the Nintendo Switch™ and PlayStation®4, delivering the classic title with updated visuals, audio, and several quality-of-life improvements to fans around the world. In 2022, STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE, the sixth main instalment in the series, delivered a fresh and exciting gameplay experience. The highly acclaimed second instalment in the STAR OCEAN series is returning as STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R as a 2.5D remake and will release on November 2nd, 2023.

About Square Enix Ltd.

Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 173 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com.

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 will Launch on the 24th of October!

METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 1 will Launch on the 24th of October for Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X

Sydney, Australia – 22nd June 2023: Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. has announced “METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 1” (Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X) will be released on the 24th October with physical pre-orders beginning today at RRP $99.95.

Watch the Game and Platform reveal trailer here

METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 1” contains “Metal Gear Solid,” “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty,” “Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater” and much more bonus content**. Bonus content includes the first title in the METAL GEAR series, a Screenplay Book containing in-game text of each title and a Master Book detailing the story and characters. Also included in the bonus content of the METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 1 will be two digital graphic novels created by award-winning illustrator Ashley Wood. The Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel is a fully voiced, digital comic depicting the events of Metal Gear Solid through beautifully dynamic animated panels, followed by Metal Gear Solid 2: Digital Graphic Novel that expands on the events of the sequel.

Title Lineup

  • Metal Gear
  • Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
  • Metal Gear Solid (Including VR Missions/Special Missions)
  • Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (HD Collection version)
  • Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (HD Collection version)
  • Metal Gear (NES/FC version)
  • Snake’s Revenge

Video

  • Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel
  • Metal Gear Solid 2: Digital Graphic Novel

Digital book

  • Metal Gear Solid: Screenplay Book
  • Metal Gear Solid: Master Book
  • Metal Gear Solid 2: Screenplay Book
  • Metal Gear Solid 2: Master Book
  • Metal Gear Solid 3: Screenplay Book
  • Metal Gear Solid 3: Master Book
  • Metal Gear & Metal Gear 2: Screenplay Book
  • Metal Gear & Metal Gear 2: Master Book

Soundtrack

  • Metal Gear Solid: Digital Soundtrack

**The cartridge size for the Nintendo Switch™ is reflective of the included bonus content. Players can choose which title they wish to install first once they have downloaded it onto their gaming platforms.

For more information on the bonus content, please visit https://www.konami.com/mg/mc/us/en/.

*Nintendo Entertainment System and NES are trademark or registered trademarks of Nintendo.

To stay up to date on news surrounding Metal Gear please follow our official channels:

About Metal Gear

Experience the thrill of tactical espionage action missions, sneaking into hostile environments without being detected by the enemy. This innovative game series was born from the idea of avoiding combat and infiltrating enemy territory undetected, a complete reversal of common action gameplay resulting in the creation of a brand-new game genre: stealth action. The first METAL GEAR game was released in 1987 and the series celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2022.

About KONAMI GROUP

KONAMI GROUP was established in 1973, starting as an amusement machine manufacturer for arcades. Over the years, the company has grown to include different business units across various markets. Currently, KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION includes the Digital Entertainment, Amusement, Gaming & Systems, and Sports Businesses. The company went public on the Osaka Securities Exchange in 1984, the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1988, and the London Stock Exchange in 1999.

About Konami Digital Entertainment

Konami Digital Entertainment, which is the core company of KONAMI GROUP, develops entertaining content for mobile, console and card games. The company is known for global franchises such as eFootball™, Metal Gear, Silent Hill, Castlevania, and Contra, as well as the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game series. www.konami.com/games/corporate/en/

MARIO + RABBIDS SPARKS OF HOPE: THE LAST SPARK HUNTER LAUNCHES TODAY

The Last Spark Hunter Brings An Unfamiliar World and Enemies To Discover.

Sydney, Australia – June 22, 2023 – Today, during the Nintendo Direct, Ubisoft® announced the surprise immediate release of their second DLC for Mario + Rabbids® Sparks of Hope, introducing a new story and a new planet to discover. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is available worldwide, exclusively for Nintendo SwitchTM.

Following its first DLC, The Tower of Doooom, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope continues its journey through epic adventures with this second DLC named The Last Spark Hunter. As they are approaching Cursa’s Stronghold, Mario and his friends detect an anomaly in the Melodic Gardens, an enchanting planet where plants produce mesmerizing music. Suspecting a new Darkmess invasion, the Heroes change their course only to find themselves trapped on a silenced planet. New challenges await our heroes in the shape of Kanya, the Last Spark Hunter, who will stop at nothing to accomplish her nefarious plans and has already created her own terrible weapon: the Mecha King Bob-Omb.  However, Mario will not face this threat alone as he might encounter new allies, including an old friend in danger!

In the Melodic Gardens, players are invited on a journey through music and nature in which they can interact with the musical plants to solve puzzles. In addition to the 9 Heroes of the main game being playable, 5 new Sparks can be recruited to stop Kanya’s schemes – and any help is welcome with new enemies like Fieldbreakers and Golems crossing their path.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope : The last Spark Hunter can be bought standalone or as part of the Season Pass and Gold Edition. For more information about this edition, please visit https://www.mariorabbids.com/buypyt.  

For more information on Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope visit: www.mario-rabbids.com         

About Mario + Rabbids® Sparks of Hope

Only the most extravagant team of Heroes can rekindle the sparks of hope across the galaxy!

Team up with Mario, Rabbid Peach and their friends on a cosmic journey to defeat Cursa and save the galaxy! Explore planets throughout the universe that are filled with strange inhabitants, memorable quests and hilarious secrets! Outwit enemies in an innovative combat system mixing turn-based tactics and real time action. Combine forces with the Sparks’ immense energy and anything becomes possible…for better OR worse!

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed®, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew® and Tom Clancy’s The Division®. Through Ubisoft Connect, players can enjoy an ecosystem of services to enhance their gaming experience, get rewards and connect with friends across platforms. With Ubisoft+, the subscription service, they can access a growing catalog of more than 100 Ubisoft games and DLC. For the 2022–23 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €1,739 million. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.

© 2023 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

MARIO + RABBIDS SPARKS OF HOPE © 2023 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Rabbids, Sparks of Hope, Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered or unregistered trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. Nintendo properties are licensed to Ubisoft Entertainment by Nintendo. SUPER MARIO characters © Nintendo. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.

Celebrate Sonic’s Birthday With A Must-See Speed Running Fundraiser

Join in the fun at Fortress Sydney or watch online @ /AusSpeedruns

With the launch of Sonic Origins Plus tomorrow, some of Australia’s best speed runners are going to be putting the game through its paces to see if they can win the The Sonic State of Origins Plus Speedrunning Competition. Team Sonic, representing NSW, and Team Knuckles, representing Queensland, will be facing off against each other to raise money for Game on Cancer.

Taking place at Fortress Sydney, tickets are still available and can be purchased through Eventbrite for $10. https://bit.ly/45Yc2QI

For gamers who can’t make it to Sydney the clash between states will also be simulcast across the /AusSpeedruns channel so that fans from everywhere can see some of Sonic’s greatest adventures being completed in speeds that Sonic himself would be proud of.

Private Division and Evening Star Announce Penny’s Big Breakaway

From the team that brought you Sonic Mania comes an all-new 3D platforming game with plenty of tricks up its sleeve. Ready, set, YO!

June 21, 2023Private Division, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), and Evening Star today announced an imaginative new platforming action game, Penny’s Big Breakaway, coming to Nintendo SwitchTM, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC early next year. Prepare yourself for a beautifully stylised, colourful adventure in which you play Penny, the ‘yo-tagonist’ escape an endless, bumbling penguin army as you swing, dash, flip, zip, and trick your way through a variety of challenging levels. 

Check out the announcement trailer for Penny’s Big Breakaway on YouTube.

In Penny’s Big Breakaway, you play as Penny, an aspiring court performer who is on the run after her yo-yo created quite the commotion during her audition at the royal palace. In response, Eddie the Emperor commands his loyal penguin forces to capture Penny and her stringed companion, Yo-Yo. The chase is then on, and it is up to you to help our hero escape capture over the course of 12 vibrant, geometric worlds!

“At Evening Star, we have a deep passion for expressive, character-driven games that focus on a concise and satisfying move-set. For our debut title, we challenged ourselves to bring that approach into not only a new IP, but to an entire 3D world,” said Christian Whitehead, Creative Director at Evening Star. “Penny’s Big Breakaway has been a wonderful opportunity for our team to grow creatively and technically as a studio, and we can’t wait for players to perform plenty of slick tricks with Penny and Yo-Yo!”

Built on Evening Star’s proprietary own Star Engine, Penny’s Big Breakaway provides non-stop action as you try to escape the impending penguin horde in each level. These waddling, avian adversaries will burst from walls, rush over cliffs, and attempt to dogpile you in an attempt to stop your progress at every turn. But don’t fret– Penny is an agile and acrobatic aerialist. You will jump, spin, and ride over a variety of brightly coloured and complex terrain, featuring steep ramps, sharp ledges, massive cliffs, and more. Each obstacle is an opportunity to increase your speed and gain a bit of breathing room from those flightless assailants in hot pursuit. Be sure to keep up your momentum while playing, because in addition to Story Mode, Penny’s Big Breakaway also includes a Time Attack Mode, where you can try and achieve the perfect run and set high scores on the leaderboard for the world to see.

“Evening Star are experts in the platforming genre, having been entrusted with an iconic gaming franchise, and delivered one of the best platforming experiences in recent years,” said Michael Worosz, Chief Strategy Officer, Take-Two Interactive, and Head of Private Division. “Penny’s Big Breakaway is an exciting debut title that brings an all-new protagonist to life in a memorable world, and it has an enormous opportunity to be a smashing success due to its broad appeal.”

Penny isn’t the only star of this show: her trusty partner Yo-Yo, while largely to blame for causing this chase, provides plenty of abilities to assist in your getaway. Throughout the game, you can find tasty treats which her yo-yo can snack on. When consumed, these delicious items will temporarily unlock new power ups such as increased movement speed, a protective shield, and more. In addition to powerups, Penny’s yo-yo can pick up a variety of single-use tools, which can be used to bust down an area revealing secret treasure or magnetically pull in collectibles just outside Penny’s reach. Her versatile yo-yo might be hungry for chaos, but it could also be just the trick to clear her name and absolve her of this massive mix-up.

Penny’s Big Breakaway is planned to release for Nintendo SwitchTM, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC early next year during Take-Two’s Fiscal Year 2024. Penny’s Big Breakawayis not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on Penny’s Big Breakaway, subscribe on YouTube, follow us on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, follow on Instagram, and visit www.pennysbigbreakaway.com.

Private Division is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO).

About Evening Star

Evening Star is a boutique game studio founded in late 2018. Based in Los Angeles, with additional operations in London and Melbourne, Evening Star’s mission is to design fresh, fun games that stand the test of time. As a distributed team, a key tenet of Evening Star’s studio culture is strong communication. Though we may be separated by two oceans, we endeavour to foster a close-knit collaborative environment. We boldly explore new and exciting directions that push the boundaries of what Evening Star can achieve, while being mindful that good creativity comes from healthy and sustainable working practices. Above all, our passion for games and our unique backgrounds drive us to craft games imbued with our signature sense of style. Our team develops custom game engines that we use to create our games: the Star Engine and the Retro Engine. For more information, please visit www.eveningstar.studio.

About Private Division

Private Division is a developer-focused publisher that partners with the finest creative talent in the video game industry, empowering studios to develop the games that they are passionate about creating, while providing the support that they need to make their titles critically and commercially successful on a global scale. The Label publishes the Kerbal Space Program franchise, Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey from Panache Digital Games, The Outer Worlds from Obsidian Entertainment, OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome from Roll7, After Us from Piccolo Studio, Penny’s Big Breakaway from Evening Star and more. Private Division has future unannounced projects in development with Moon Studios, Yellow Brick Games, Wētā Workshop, Game Freak, and other esteemed independent developers. The Label publishes the physical retail edition of Hades from Supergiant Games on PlayStation® and Xbox consoles. Private Division continues to build its internal studio capacity, with Roll7 and Intercept Games as internal developers for the Label. Private Division is headquartered in New York City with offices in Seattle, Las Vegas, and Munich. For more information, please visit www.privatedivision.com

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. The Company develops and publishes products principally through Rockstar Games, 2K, Private Division, and Zynga. Our products are currently designed for console gaming systems, PC, and Mobile including smartphones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms, and cloud streaming services. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.