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Put the Pedal to the Bricks: LEGO 2K Drive Is Available Now in Australia and New Zealand

The highly anticipated title evolves the LEGO games experience with a vast open world, high octane racing and deep customisation system

Last Friday, 2K Games and the LEGO Group announced LEGO® 2K Drive, the ultimate AAA driving adventure game, is available in Australia and New Zealand for Nintendo SwitchTM, PlayStation®5 (PS5™), PlayStation®4 (PS4™), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Check out the high octane launch trailer packed with LEGO fun here.

From an incredible team of genre experts at Visual Concepts, LEGO 2K Drive combines the best elements of open world driving and fast-paced competitive racing, along with a diverse vehicle customization system. Made to be played solo or together, the game offers robust co-op and thrilling competitive multiplayer with crossplay, allowing players to group up together across platforms, on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.* Online, local co-op, and local wireless play with friends is also available on Nintendo Switch. More information on game modes, ways to play together, customisation, and more, can be found here.

LEGO 2K Drive launches with incredible value, with a vast trove of playable (and replayable!) content that will continue to grow post-launch with four unique, Drive Pass Seasons***. Additional details on the Drive Pass Seasons can be found here.

“We’ve arrived at the first step in the multi-title partnership between 2K and the LEGO Group and we could not be more thrilled,” said Tina Walsh, Head of LEGO GAME Marketing. “With LEGO 2K Drive, Visual Concepts and 2K have taken the LEGO games experience fans know and love and evolved it in an exciting new way, delivering a game that both existing and new LEGO audiences will want to dive into.”

LEGO 2K Drive is a dream project come to life for our team at Visual Concepts, who are deeply passionate about driving and open world games,” said Greg Thomas, President of Visual Concepts. “Regardless of playstyle, there is so much packed into Bricklandia for fans to discover, and we can’t wait for them to experience our take on a world only made possible through LEGO magic.”

Three editions of LEGO 2K Drive are available:

  • The Standard Edition is available for $89.95 AUD / $99.95 NZD** on Nintendo SwitchTM, PlayStation®4 (PS4™), Xbox One and PC, and $99.95 AUD / $109.95 NZD** on PlayStation®5 (PS5™) and Xbox Series X|S in both physical and digital formats.
  • The Awesome Editionis available for $149.95 AUD / $159.95 NZD** and includes a new vehicle, vehicle flair, and an in-game LEGO minifigure. Players will also receive the ‘Year 1 Drive Pass’ which is a bundle that includes the Premium versions of Seasons 1-4 of the Drive Pass, the Awesome Pizza Vehicle and 550 Coins.***
  • The Awesome Rivals Editionis available for $179.95 AUD / $189.95 NZD** and includes multiple new vehicles, a vehicle flair, and in-game LEGO minifigures. Players will also receive the ‘Year 1 Drive Pass’ which is a bundle that includes the Premium versions of Seasons 1-4 of the Drive Pass, the Awesome Pizza Vehicle and 550 Coins.***

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).

*Crossplay not available on Nintendo Switch. Certain features and online play require Internet connection and 2K Account. Online console play requires paid subscription.

**Based on 2K’s suggested retail price. Actual retail price may vary. See local store for info.

***Drive Pass rewards require unlocking with gameplay. Year 1 Drive Pass includes the Premium versions of Seasons 1-4 of the Drive Pass which unlocks additional premium rewards through gameplay. Year 1 Drive Pass is 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 more information on the Drive Pass, go to https://lego.2k.com/drive/drive-pass/.

About LEGO

The LEGO Group’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in LEGO® bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine. The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, which mean “Play Well”. Today, the LEGO Group remains a family-owned company headquartered in Billund. However, its products are now sold in more than 140 countries worldwide. For more information: www.LEGO.com

About 2K

Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices, with product availability including physical retail and digital download. The Company is home to many talented development studios, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber, and HB Studios. 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports, and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA® 2K; renowned BioShock®, Borderlands®, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization® and XCOM® brands; popular WWE® 2K and WWE® SuperCard franchises; as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR® 2K. Additional information about 2K and its products may be found at 2k.com and on the Company’s official social media channels.

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “should,” “will,” or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company’s future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: risks relating to our combination with Zynga; the uncertainty of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken in response thereto; the effect that measures taken to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic have on our operations, including our ability to timely deliver our titles and other products, and on the operations of our counterparties, including retailers and distributors; the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on both consumer demand and the discretionary spending patterns of our customers as the situation with the pandemic continues to evolve; the risks of conducting business internationally; the impact of changes in interest rates by the Federal Reserve and other central banks, including on our short-term investment portfolio; the impact of inflation; volatility in foreign currency exchange rates; our dependence on key management and product development personnel; our dependence on our NBA 2K and Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles; our ability to leverage opportunities on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S; the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games; the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games; and risks associated with international operations.

Other important factors and information are contained in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the risks summarized in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” the Company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the Company’s other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Review

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms:Switch
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $69.99 – Available Here | $89.95 – Available Here

Overview

When The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched for the Switch, it set a new bar for an entire genre, further cementing Nintendo’s famed series as a system seller. Half a decade later, a sequel has been released to attempt to capture some of that magic a second time around. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has everything you could want in a sequel, with ambitious new mechanics and a brand new chapter to dig into, but can lightning strike twice on the Nintendo Switch? Drop your metal items as we take a look and find out.

Story

All is not how you left it. Years after Link’s victory over Ganon – a reawakening takes place that separates Link and Zelda, leaving link with a new arm while the princess disappears. Yeah, on paper the plot follows the general feel for the franchise. Link and Zelda have to take down a new form of Ganon to save Hyrule. Tears of the Kingdom however has expanded the plot by bringing new happenings that must be fixed, such as the Upheaval which has caused chaos to fall over the region, as the world turns to the only hero that can truly stop the terror from plaguing it.

I truly do not think there could be better writing or pacing in any story if Nintendo tried. Rich with lore and a touch of nostalgia, Tears of the Kingdom feels captivating and interesting throughout, bringing so many new story elements that one would have to play through more than once to catch everything that this sequel has to offer. Sequels are already hard enough to remain engaging when set in the same world as the first title, but everything just feels so new and inviting within this title that it feels you’re pushed along effortlessly as you spend countless hours simply exploring. The characters are warm and likable, the setting is gorgeous, and Link’s role feels more important than ever before.

Gameplay

This may a world once traveled, but it certainly will not feel like it this time around. To say the Ultrahand mechanic changes things is putting it lightly. Players now can use Link’s new arm to fuse together almost anything, crafting vehicles, weapons, bridges, and so on, with the main purpose of exploration and puzzle-solving. Need to get across a cliff? Now you can chop down some trees and build a bridge, or maybe instead you can strap a rocket to a cart and zoom over the edge for a quick yet risky thrill. Every objective is left in the hands of the player as they explore this world in their own way, and the open-endedness of these mechanics mean no two people will have the same playthroughs as there never is a wrong solution.

Over a decade ago, Rare dropped Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts, a vehicle builder title with a lot of heart and a large world to make use of your finds. The game had a small following but never seemed to outrun the disappointment from fans that it wasn’t the game they expected to release at the time. Tears of the Kingdom echoes a lot of the same sentiment with its crafting, yet nails the execution as everything feels so second nature for this universe. You will pass by wheels and boards scattered across the lands in common fashion, but are never required to utilize these techniques in any “perfect” fashion, so one can merely take the tools of their choosing to travel and fix puzzles when they want, rather than feel like they are in some sort of forced gimmick.

This title still retains the same energy and quality that we would expect from a Zelda title, as from bombs, to bows, to generally everything else, the combat still feels more of the same. Now, you can upgraded your arsenal with crafting at any given time, and it mostly feels seamless and accessible. The Ultrahand allows players to rotate items and glue them together with a magical adhesive. Players can then add magical elements that act as motors and fans to give them movement, which allows inner creativity to take over as they attempt to solve the many issues happening around them. Combat feels fluid and tight throughout, and the camera does an impeccable job at staying with the player, no matter how hectic the situation.

If I had to name any flaws within this massive experience, it would probably be centered around the Ultrahand’s button mapping, but that can be slightly adjusted as it takes a bit to get used to managing all of the powers that are given to you without accidentally pulling up the wrong one. Even that comes well with practice, and this is an experience that most will be so busy with the most minor of chores that they won’t even realize when they are close to seeing the game end. I know that is an odd bit of praise, but engagement in open world titles matter, and I never wondered to myself “how much more before I beat the game?”, I simply felt like I was in a sandbox of ideas with an epic story unfolding around my hero, as there is so much to do and see that tedium or boredom never really became an issue like it did when I first played other titles within this same franchise.

Visuals

The graphics are much like its predecessor in almost all ways, running silky smooth with a ton of detail and atmosphere throughout. Everything is so well animated that its hard not to get excited when a pile of sticks and boards that you spend ten minutes building on starts to move and take off, granting the player with a firm feeling of satisfaction as their work comes to life. There are a lot of dark corners in Hyrule, but sunlight and beauty is always a small trek away, and the game makes everything fit together like a well-executed puzzle, despite how large this world really is.

Audio

The audio is of course top notch as well, and is sure to be yet another soundtrack that is celebrated for generations. From lively tunes that give the player a chipper tone to the dark and looming suspenseful tracks that quickly create angst, this arrangement is stunning and demands a good pair of headphones or speakers as you move on within the main narrative. The voice acting is also well done, and there is just enough familiarity to always remind you of the franchise you’re in, as at times I think I had to be reminded due to how different this title truly feels compared to not only Breath of the Wild, but all the other games that came before it.

Overall

Tears of the Kingdom is going to be a cornerstone for the Switch. Make no mistake, the game isn’t absolutely flawless, but its ability to bring in such refined and engaging mechanics to an already explored world in such an effortless manner is outstanding and deserves countless praise. Sure, the story is great and there will be a lot for long-time fans to see, but Nintendo have managed to take gimmickry that other developers failed to capitalize on in the past and make it work without any issue in this universe, which is surely to set winds of change in a genre so desperate for it. I have never been a huge Zelda fan, as something never clicked for myself with the storied franchise. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom changed that with this entry, as it really is one of the best titles not just for the Nintendo Switch, but for Nintendo as a whole in their long, illustrious history. Well done, Link.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Monster Menu The Scavenger’s Cookbook – Gameplay

Lost in the dungeon of the Sealed Lands we find ourselves starving and about to die of dehydration when we stumble across the corpse of a strange and massive monster. Not wanting to end up as yet another victim of the dungeons, we eat the decomposing monster only to pass out and wake up somewhere that not only has some supplies but can also be used as a base for future adventures. With a party seemingly out of nowhere the only way to fuel our escape is through defeating monsters and eating them along the way in Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook.

Tighten your pack and loosen your belt before digging into this dungeon-crawling survival adventure! Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook spices up the classic SRPG formula with deliciously fun cooking-based mechanics. Indulge in detailed character creation for your party, gather resources, ingredients, and items while exploring, and fight monsters in tactical combat. Then kick back by the campfire as you use what you’ve collected to cook meals that can give you the edge for your next course of dungeon delving.

Monster Menu The Scavenger’s Cookbook
Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
Publisher: NIS America
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Playstation 5, PlayStation 4
Release Date: May 23, 2023

Available here – https://nisamerica.com/monster-menu/products

Summary:

Recommended – Cooking up monsters in Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook is a delight but simple gameplay and generic dungeons prevent this unique SRPG from making the most of its potential.”

Check out our review for Monster Menu The Scavenger’s Cookbook here!

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

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Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun: Witness Seven Minutes of Frantic Action with the New Extended Gameplay Trailer

The explosive retro FPS launches May 23 on PC and consoles

PARIS May 19, 2023 Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, the bloody and explosive homage to the retro shooters of yore set in Games Workshop’s iconic universe, is just around the corner! To manage your wait before charging headfirst into battle next week, discover the game’s new extended gameplay trailer, showcasing seven minutes of viciously satisfying gameplay footage topped off with a climactic boss fight.

Published by Focus Entertainment and developed by Auroch Digital in partnership with Games Workshop, this deadly stylish indie FPS releases May 23 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Plunge headlong into the grim dark of the future!

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a single-player FPS that delivers a hardcore, neo-retro experience with iconic ‘90s style, putting you in the ceramite-armored boots of the ultimate killing machine: a Space Marine. One week before it launches, get a nice, good look at the devastating, visceral gameplay that will have you obliterating the daemons of Chaos.

The extended gameplay trailer showcases Boltgun’s extremely fluid and modern gameplay, brought to life with glorious, fully 3D, sprite-based visuals. Grab your Boltgun, Chainsword and Grav-Cannon to shoot, shred, slice, and demolish dynamic waves of heretics in pulse-pounding combat through the wide variety of environments of the vibrant Forge World Graïa.

Carve through the hordes of Chaos when Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun releases on May 23 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Pre-orders are open for PC and all Sony and Microsoft platforms.

Sign up as a Focus member to get exclusive news and upcoming special offers for Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun and the whole Focus catalog.

Promised Land Art Festival 2023 Date, Tickets, and First Speakers Announced!

CD PROJEKT RED, the video game development studio behind The Witcher series of games and Cyberpunk 2077, today announced that Promised Land Art Festival will take place September 3rd-6th this year, with Early Bird tickets now available for purchase through the official website.

Aimed at professionals from various creative industries such as film and gaming, Promised Land Art Festival was created to be an opportunity for sharing ideas, networking, and bridging the divide between traditional and digital arts. Lasting four days, the festival will host over 100 hours of activities, including talks, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, portfolio reviews, masterclasses, networking sessions, as well as Q&As with high-profile creators. The event will once more take place at EC a renovated and modernized former power plant that now serves as a center of culture and science.

Last year’s Promised Land Art Festival boasted over 850 participants, as well as 58 speakers, with 42 hours of lectures, 31 hours of workshops, 15 hours of life drawing sessions with professional models, and 18 hours of demos taking place during the four-day event. Speakers and participants came from a variety of companies, including 11 bit studios, Bloober Team, People Can Fly, Platige Image, Techland, Ubisoft, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Riot Games, Wizards of the Coast, Guerilla Games, and many more.

The studio today unveiled the first three speakers to take part in the event: Bastien Lecouffe Deharme, Genci Buxheli, and Ben Erdt. More speakers will be unveiled as the event draws nearer.

Bastien Lecouffe Deharme moved from France to the United States in 2010 where he has continued a career dedicated to every aspect of his art, including painting Magic: The Gathering cards, working with his agency on large-scale projects, and developing his graphic novels & role-playing games. Bastien’s artwork can be seen in publications and exhibitions worldwide, including on the cover of the emblematic Spectrum Fantastic art book.

Genci Buxheli is a lead character artist at Eidos Montreal in Montreal, Canada. He joined the company to work on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, where he had the opportunity to create some of the game’s main protagonists and antagonists — as well as supporting cast members. When creating workflows, Genci often finds inspiration from other departments to help speed up and improve the creation process of character modeling and shading.

Ben Erdt has worked in the industry for over 10 years as a character/creature artist and has previously worked on titles such as Killzone: Shadow Fall, Horizon Zero Dawn, its DLC Frozen Wilds, the early stage of Horizon Forbidden West, NVIDIA’s Project Sol, and Love, Death & Robots. He joined Blizzard Entertainment in 2018 and is currently working on Diablo IV as a lead character artist.

Learn More About the Speakers

Tickets for Promised Land Art Festival are available starting today. Early bird tickets available for 2300 PLN are time limited and will be available until June 12th, or while supplies last. Each ticket grants the owner access to all Promised Land events and includes food & drink vouchers, as well as a welcome pack of physical Promised Land goodies. The ticket also encompasses Open Day, a one-day event hosted the day before the festival’s official opening for creative industry enthusiasts.

Buy Promised Land 2023 Tickets

The festival is held under the auspices of City Council as part of “600 Years of (“600 lat”) and “EC1 – The City of Culture” Miasto Kultury”) promotional programs. Learn more about the festival on the official website.

About CD PROJEKT RED

CD PROJEKT RED is a game development studio founded in 2002. It develops and publishes video games for personal computers and video game consoles. The studio’s flagship titles include The Witcher series of games, Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales, GWENT: The Witcher Card Game, and the futuristic AAA role-playing game — Cyberpunk 2077, upon which the Netflix anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, created by CD PROJEKT RED and Studio Trigger, is based. Together with GOG.COM, a game store offering hand-picked titles for PC and Mac, CD PROJEKT RED is part of the CD PROJEKT Group. CD PROJEKT S.A. is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (ISIN: PLOPTTC00011).

About Promised Land Art Festival

Promised Land Art Festival brings together professionals working in film, gaming, and other creative industries. Focusing on the exchange of knowledge and experience, the event plays host to dozens of activities: from hands-on workshops, talks and demos, to Q&A and networking sessions. Leading and collaborating in these are speakers from some of the most recognizable brands in the industry. The festival is organized by acclaimed games developer CD PROJEKT RED, in cooperation with the city of Poland and EC1 Łódź – City of Culture.

It’s Your Turn: Jagged Alliance 3 Coming to PC in July

Sydney, Australia, May 19th, 2023 – When people talk about turn-based tactics games, very often Jagged Alliance is mentioned as one of the legendary forefathers of the genre. So creating a new instalment in the series, almost 25 years after the first one has electrified gamers around the globe, is not a simple task. With Jagged Alliance 3, developer Haemimont Games and publisher THQ Nordic are proud to finally add the number “3” behind the iconic name – Jagged Alliance 3 shall be a worthy successor and an outstanding strategy game when it releases on July 14th, 2023 for PC.

In the latest trailer, we’re gonna spill the beans on what Jagged Alliance 3 brings to the table, and what it doesn’t. Battle-hardened mercenaries who’ve conquered the previous instalments might scoff and say, “Been there, done that.” But for you unfortunate souls who’ve never tasted the thrill of a Jagged Alliance game yet (shame on you!), this rad new trailer will answer the burning question you’ve been dying to ask.

Check out the Explanation Trailer on YouTube:

Pre-Order now to save big
Jagged Alliance 3 is currently in development for PC and is set to release on July 14th, 2023. The digital pre-order on Steam is now ready and will grant a 20% discount. We’re sorry for not offering some fancy mercenary costumes or a super-duper season pass.

Pre-order here: https://thqn.net/ja3-steam

More information about the game is available in our biweekly Twitch-streams, tune in Thursdays at 11 AM EST / 17:00 CEST (Fridays at 1am AEST) on THQ Nordic’s Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/thqnordic

In case you missed a stream, you can always read all developer diaries here: https://thqn.net/ja3-dd02
… or re-watch the live stream recordings here: https://thqn.net/3nRdvHo

If you want to learn more about the game, make sure to follow on social media or discuss with other fans in the forums or on Discord:

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About Jagged Alliance 3
Grand Chien, a nation of rich natural resources and deep political divides, is thrown into chaos when the elected president goes missing and a paramilitary force known as “The Legion” seizes control of the countryside. Now, the President’s family has pulled together all their resources, including an arrangement with the powerful Adonis corporation, to hire a group of skilled mercenaries tasked with finding the President and bringing order back to the country.

In Jagged Alliance 3, select from a huge cast of mercenaries all with their own unique personalities, quirks, and backstories. Then go out and explore Grand Chien as you meet new people, earn money, grow your team, and ultimately make your own decisions that will decide the country’s fate.

  • Engage in rich, tactical turn-based combat
  • Recruit from a large cast of unique mercenaries, including many familiar fan favourites
  • Loot, salvage, and customise an arsenal of weaponry and equipment
  • Choose from a wide array of special perks to customise your mercs as they level up
  • Decide the fate of Grand Chien in an open RPG structure
  • Control territory, train the locals, command multiple parties, and defend against enemy forces in an alive, active world
  • Experience the campaign with friends in online co-op mode

Jagged Alliance 3 Website 

Notes for Editors:

About THQ Nordic

The THQ Nordic official boiler plate can be found here: https://thqnordic.com/company/about

THQ Nordic Website

WARNER BROS. GAMES ANNOUNCES – MORTAL KOMBAT 1

MORTAL KOMBAT 1

The Mortal Kombat Universe is Reborn, Set in a New Story with Iconic Heroes and Villains Reimagined as They’ve Never Been Seen Before Pre-Order Beginning May 20 to Receive Bonus Shang Tsung Playable Character and Access to Upcoming Beta; Kombat Pack to Include Jean-Claude Van Damme Skin

Sydney, Australia – May 19, 2023 – Warner Bros. Games today announced Mortal Kombat 1, a brand-new title in the acclaimed Mortal Kombat videogame franchise that has sold more than 80 million units since its debut over 30 years ago. Developed by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, the upcoming game will introduce a reborn Mortal Kombat Universe that has been created by the Fire God Liu Kang, featuring reimagined versions of iconic characters as they’ve never been seen before. Mortal Kombat 1 is scheduled to release on Sept. 19, 2023, for PlayStation®5 (PS5™), Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch™, and PC.

The Mortal Kombat 1 Official Reveal Trailer can be viewed and shared here

NetherRealm’s genre-defining Story Mode returns with an immersive cinematic narrative featuring unexpected twists on classic rivalries and original backstories for a wide-ranging cast of legendary fighters, including Liu Kang, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Kung Lao, Kitana, Mileena, Shang Tsung, Johnny Cage, and many others. Mortal Kombat 1 will also introduce Kameo Fighters, a unique roster of partner characters that can assist during matches, creating expanded gameplay possibilities for players.

“With Mortal Kombat 1 we are bringing a reimagined universe to the legendary franchise which has captivated gamers for more than 30 years and continues to top itself,” said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Games. “The talented team at NetherRealm Studios continues to push the series forward in bold ways that have consistently expanded the global audience, and we believe Mortal Kombat 1 will continue to attract new players as well as thrill our core fans.”

Mortal Kombat 1 marks a new beginning for the franchise and we couldn’t be more excited to share this original storyline and fresh take on classic characters with our fans,” said Ed Boon, Chief Creative Officer, NetherRealm Studios and Co-Creator of Mortal Kombat. “We’re also introducing our Kameo Fighter system which brings a unique roster of partner characters into the mix, and we are looking forward to showing this feature as well as more new elements of the game very soon.”

Starting tomorrow, May 20, Mortal Kombat 1will be available for pre-order on all launch platforms*, including:

  • Mortal Kombat 1 Standard Edition will be available physically and digitally on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, including Steam and Epic Games Store.
  • Mortal Kombat 1 Premium Edition will be available physically and digitally on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) and will include all Standard Edition content, along with the Kombat Pack, early access to the game beginning Sept. 14, and 1,250 Dragon Krystals (in-game currency). The Kombat Pack will feature a Johnny Cage character skin with the likeness of famed actor and martial artist, Jean-Claude Van Damme (available at launch), early access to six new playable characters (available post-launch), and five new Kameo Fighters (available post-launch).

All Mortal Kombat 1 pre-orders will receive Shang Tsung as an in-game playable character, and those who pre-order the game for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S will also receive access to the Mortal Kombat 1 Beta, which will be available in August 2023.

To learn more about Mortal Kombat 1, please visit MortalKombat.com or join the community conversation on Instagram (@MortalKombat), TikTok (@MortalKombat), Twitter (@MortalKombat), Twitch (NetherRealm), YouTube (Mortal Kombat), Facebook (MortalKombat), Discord (MortalKombat), or Reddit (MortalKombat).

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About Warner Bros. Games

Warner Bros. Games, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc., is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all platforms, including console, handheld, mobile and PC-based gaming for both internal and third-party game titles. Additional information can be found at WBGames.com.

About NetherRealm Studios

NetherRealm Studios is a leader in the development of interactive entertainment, and the creator of the billion-dollar Mortal Kombat franchise. Mortal Kombat has spawned two theatrical films, multiple television series, and has sold more than 80 million games to date. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the award-winning NetherRealm team has been working and creating games together since 1992. Additional information about NetherRealm Studios can be found at NetherRealm.com.

Mortal Kombat 1© 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Developed by NetherRealm. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Mortal Kombat, the dragon logo, NetherRealm Studios, NetherRealm logo and all related characters and elements are trademarks of © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

WARNER BROS. GAMES LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

(s23)

*Timing for pre-order availability may vary by region and retailer. Please inquire with local retailers for details.

*** These videos/trailers may only be displayed if it is behind an age-gate that: (1) is age-neutral (i.e., requires the user to input their date of birth or select it from a drop-down bar); (2) employs reasonable technical measures to keep underage users from re-entering their age after initially being denied access; and (3) does not display any ACB rating information on the trailer player or the age-gate itself. Failure to implement these requirements may jeopardise your ability to obtain material of this nature from us in the future. ***

First look at new images and UI of the Access controller for PS5, an all-new accessibility controller kit

While accessibility is an important topic year-round, May is always special as Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) recognises the strides made by the accessibility community and the games industry to make gaming more inclusive. The entire SIE team is committed to furthering that mission, and overnight has shared new details and images of the Access controller for the PS5 console.

New details and product images

First revealed at CES this year as “Project Leonardo,” the Access controller for PS5 is an all-new, highly-customisable accessibility controller kit designed to help many players with disabilities play games more easily, more comfortably, and for longer periods.

Developed in collaboration with accessibility experts, the Access controller will include a wide array of swappable button and stick caps so players can freely create different layouts that work for their unique strength, range of motion, and physical needs. Each Access controller will include:

  • Analog stick caps (standard, dome and ball stick cap)
  • Button caps in different shapes and sizes, including:
    • Pillow button caps
    • Flat button caps
    • Wide flat button cap (which covers two button sockets)
    • Overhang button caps (which benefit players with smaller hands as they are positioned closer to the centre)
    • Curve button caps (which can be pushed if placed along the top or pulled if placed along the bottom of the controller)
  • Swappable button cap tags for players to easily mark which inputs they map to each button

In addition, players can use the Access controller on flat surfaces, orient it 360 degrees, or easily secure the controller to an AMPS mount* or tripod. They can also adjust the distance of the analogue stick from the controller.

First look at the Access controller UI

Beyond the wide range of hardware customisation options, the Access controller features a myriad of ways for players to create personalised UI settings and configurations that unlock new ways to play.

Button mapping & control profiles. On the PS5 console, players can select their preferred orientation for the Access controller, map different inputs to the various buttons, toggle buttons on or off, or even map two different inputs onto the same button. They can also create and store their favourite control profiles for different games or genres (such as “combat” or “driving”).

Controller pairing and analogue stick adjustments. Up to two Access controllers and one DualSense (or DualSense Edge) wireless controller can be used together as a single virtual controller, allowing players to mix and match devices, or play collaboratively with others. Similar to the DualSense Edge wireless controller, players can also fine-tune the starting position and sensitivity of input. The ability to adjust dead zones (the distance your analogue stick moves before it’s recognised in a game) and stick sensitivity is particularly helpful for players to improve their fine motor control during gameplay.

Toggle mode. The Access controller also features a toggle mode, which allows players to adjust the behaviour of any button to work like a caps lock key on a keyboard. For example, if you enable toggle mode for the acceleration input in a racing game, the Access controller will accelerate the car without you needing to hold the button down.

Players can enable toggle mode for any programmable input. As an example, if a game only allows you to sprint by holding down “L3” (the left analogue stick), which can be physically challenging, you can change that input to behave like “click L3 to toggle sprint” by enabling toggle mode for the button you’ve assigned to L3.

Read more about the Access controller’s hardware features in the original blog post here, and visit this new web page here, where you can sign up for email updates and be informed when preorders launch, so you can secure your controller at the earliest opportunity.

To see the full list of features, and a video highlighting ongoing efforts across product development and PlayStation Studios teams to make gaming accessible for more players on PS5 head to PlayStation.com.

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This Week in GTA Online: Auto Shop Bonuses, New Community Series Jobs, and More

Snag Souped-Up Los Santos Tuners and Auto Shop Bonuses This WeekTriple Rewards on Auto Shop Client Jobs and Robbery Contracts, Plus New Community Series Jobs, and More

Citizens far and wide can hear the hum of engines inside the LS Car Meet, Los Santos’ hub for all things automotive. Inside this graffitied warehouse is a world of good vibes, stylish vehicular customization, and unrestrained horsepower.

Woven into the underground tuner scene is an entrepreneurial spirit that’s on full display this week, with a host of Auto Shop Bonuses, limited-time event liveries, Double Car Meet Reputation Points, and much more.

3X GTA$ and RP on Robbery Contracts and Auto Shop Client Jobs

Running an Auto Shop (30% off this week) gives you access to your very own mod bay, complete with owner’s rates and the opportunity to do tuning work for others in Auto Shop Client Jobs. Successful deliveries will result in triple the usual GTA$ and RP this week.

As for the Auto Shop’s more unlawful activities, completing Robbery Contracts will net you Triple Rewards, while sourcing coveted vehicles in Exotic Exports will pay out 2X GTA$ and RP this week.

2X LS Car Meet Reputation

Rise through the ranks by increasing your rep to gain access to rare items in the car meet. This week, earn Double Reputation Points by participating in Street or Pursuit Races, driving on the Test Track, and other Los Santos Tuners activities.

Only on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S

Premium Test Ride: Pfister Astron Custom

Hao’s worked overtime on this week’s Premium Test Ride, getting it ready for the masses descending upon the LS Car Meet. Check out a souped-up version of the Pfister Astron Custom (SUV), now prepped for whatever chaos may ensue.

This Week’s HSW Time Trial

Test your ride on the ultimate racetrack — the winding Los Santos freeways — as you zoom between Ron Alternates and Elysian Island in this week’s HSW Time Trial.

Premium Deluxe Motorsport Showroom

Make Simeon Yetarian’s day and visit the Premium Deluxe Motorsport showroom to check out this week’s crop of vehicles, including the Dinka Blista Kanjo (Compact) with the limited time Street Samurai livery, Vulcar Warrener HKR (Sedan), Annis Remus (Sports), Dinka Jester RR (Sports), and the Pfister Comet S2 (Sports, 30% off).

Luxury Autos Showroom

Get a closer look at what lies behind the Luxury Autos showroom display. This week it’s the Emperor Vectre (Sports) wrapped in the limited time Xero 29 livery, and Dinka RT3000 (Sports, 30% off). From there you can check out their stats and buy them outright.

2X GTA$ and RP on Vehicle Vendetta Street

Maneuver your vehicle around enclosed areas, dodge gunfire, and pick up crucial power-ups to succeed in Vehicle Vendetta Street, recently returning to GTA Online. Test your limits in the motorized mayhem to get 2X GTA$ and RP this week.

Car Meet Prize Ride: Übermacht Cypher
Win four Street Races this week to take home the Übermacht Cypher (Sports), a hallmark of German engineering and efficiency, wrapped in the limited time Xero: Team Xero livery.The LS Car Meet keeps on giving this week, and the trio of vehicles available on the Test Track are no exception: the Karin Calico GTF (Sports), Bravado Banshee (Super) with the limited time Weekend Racer livery, and the Vapid Dominator ASP (Muscle, 30% off). Take them for a spin or indulge your competitive urges in a Time Trial or a Scramble.

On The Diamond Casino Podium: Obey Tailgater S
Visit the Lucky Wheel in the lobby of The Diamond Casino & Resort for a chance to take home the Obey Tailgater S (Sedan), the sportier cousin of the original Tailgater, that embodies a work-hard, play-hard ethos.

3X GTA$ and RP on New Community Series
The Community Series features the crème de la crème of Jobs made using GTA Online’s Creator, where technical stunt racing and chaotic melee deathmatches can coexist in perfect balance.

GTA+
GTA+ Members get a wide range of bonuses, benefits, and more through June 12, including:

  • Free Vapid Slamtruck
  • A free Drone Station for your Arcade
  • Two free Chameleon Paints
  • 3X GTA$ and RP on Freemode Events
  • Discounts on Garages and more

All of this and more — including a bonus of GTA$500,000 delivered upon billing — for just $8.95 a month.  For full details, visit the GTA+ website.  

DISCOUNTS

Enjoy a slew of car discounts, and save the time and energy of outsourcing their customization by purchasing an Auto Shop Property and all Upgrades and Modifications at 30% off:

  • 30% off – Auto Shop Property
  • 30% off – Auto Shop Upgrades and Modifications
  • 30% off – Pfister Comet S2 (Sports)
  • 30% off – Dinka RT3000 (Sports)
  • 30% off – Vapid Dominator ASP (Muscle)
  • 30% off – Maibatsu Penumbra FF (Sports)

Gun Van Discounts

Locate the Gun Van for a rotating selection of discounted weapons (10% off) including the Unholy Hellbringer (10% off) and the Special Carbine (30% off), throwables (15% off), and armor (20% off), with even further price cuts for GTA+ Members.

Unholy Hellbringer (35% off for GTA+ Members) | Special Carbine (30% off) | Heavy Revolver | Minigun | Grenade Launcher | Sniper Rifle | Molotovs (15% off) | Proximity Mines (15% off) | Grenades (15% off) | Armor (20% off)

ANYONE CAN BE A TWO-WHEEL LEGEND WITH MotoGP 23

MILESTONE AND DORNA REVEAL THE NEW DESIGN OF THE CAREER MODE

Sydney, Australia, May 19, 2023 – Milestone and Dorna Sports S.L. reveal the updated design of the MotoGP™23 career mode, which has always been one of the most important features of the MotoGP™ videogame franchise. This year, it comes with a renewed and even more realistic, dynamic and social formula. A feature that everyone will be able to fully enjoy, thanks to the new neural aids, a system where realism and approachability meets in perfect balance.

There are many aspects to cover, so let’s go in order.

Watch the latest trailer here

THE NEURAL AID SYSTEM

The much-anticipated MotoGP™23 feature, the Neural Aid System, will help beginners to learn the ins and outs of riding thanks to an advanced AI support system, based on neural network technology. This innovative feature will assist riders with braking, acceleration and handling, for a seamless and more immersive riding experience. The system is carefully calibrated to ensure enjoyment for all, while the players who want to master the game will find in the MotoGP™ Academy the best tools to improve their riding style and performance.

Detailed descriptions will guide the players along the track, teaching them how to ride each section faster and more effectively.

AN APPROACHABLE CAREER

In MotoGP™23, the Career mode starts at the end of a Moto3™ championship. Easier to master compared to the bikes of the MotoGP™, these bikes will allow players to get familiar with the mechanics of this new edition. Depending on the results, players will be able to stay for another season in the same category or move up to Moto2™, or even forge ahead to race directly in MotoGP™. This will satisfy both who wants to experience all the different physics of the bikes and compete against the riders in all three categories, and the players who might prefer to skip directly to the higher class. Before every season players will be able to choose if they want to race a short 10-round calendar or the official one, which includes all the 21* rounds of the world championship.

TURNING POINTS           
MotoGP™23 introduces Turning Points, which are key decision-making moments in the game that will affect players’ career. During each season, players will encounter a variety of scenarios, each with different objective to achieve. Depending on the results obtained on track, each career path will take a different turn; for instance, from the initial tests to the Summer Break, based on their performance, players will be able to decide whether to renew with the same team, stay in their class, or move up. Objectives will not only consist of winning races but will also influence motorcycle development, allowing players to enjoy the game’s nuances. This new career design will thus offer long-term challenges that can only be experienced by playing multiple seasons and exploring all the game’s content.

THE SOCIAL NETWORK, RESPONSIBLY

MotoGP™23 has an innovative career mode that shifts the focus from team manager to rider. The career mode adapts to the players’ performance and features a fictional social network that emphasises their digital personality of their alter ego. The narrative of the game includes comments from opposing riders that are linked to career objectives. The players’ social behaviour will influence the response of the artificial intelligence during the race.

For example, if players are too aggressive on the track, opponents may ask them to behave more appropriately. Players have now the option to comply or to respond aggressively, with the risk to create heated rivalries. This will result in different levels of competitiveness, which will affect the gameplay. In the long term, having a negative relationship with other riders will make it difficult to form alliances. In the end, the game focuses on the consequences of social interactions in the racing world.

TEAM DYNAMICS           

In MotoGP™23, having a good reputation is crucial as it affects, not only the way other riders react, but also the objectives assigned to the players by their team. And beware: failing to achieve them might get you fired at the end of the season! Additionally, the game now offers a more realistic approach when joining a team, with only two spots available, so players will have to compete with the official riders and prove their value. For instance, to join the Ducati team, players must first demonstrate their ability with satellite teams like Team Gresini MotoGP, Pramac Racing, or VR46 Racing.

Another example of the new, emerging dynamics is the inclusion of newly entered teams such as GasGas Factory Racing, whose overall goal will be to finish in the Top 15 at the end of the championship. In case players perform even better and manage to be in the Top 10 before the summer break, a crossroad arises and they will have the opportunity to earn the same bike development upgrades as the KTM official team.

INTELLIGENT DEVELOPMENT

In MotoGP™23, the first rider of each team is responsible for the motorcycle’s development. To make their voices heard, players will have to demonstrate that the role of second rider is just not enough for them. The Turning Points will allow players to climb the ladder and direct the team’s technical development during tests. This applies also to AI-managed teams, whose motorcycles start with basic parameters and progress as technical development advances, which could result in unpredictable consequences for each season’s rankings.

Once in the first rider role, players must analyse not only their own performance but also their most competitive rivals’ and understand how to lead the technical development. Reading the MotoGP™23’s Social Network and the comments of the other riders, players must understand who to keep an eye on. Opponents will change their performances every time, based on the vehicle they are racing on and how they ended the previous season. This will affect the hierarchies within their teams, resulting in each season being different from the previous one.

*Career mode includes Kazakhstan Grand Prix and Indian Grand Prix.

About Milestone

Founded in Milan in 1996, Milestone S.r.l. is one of the leading and longest-established racing game developers in the world. The 200+ people team is responsible for hit series like MotoGP™, MXGP, and Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame, the acclaimed Hot Wheels™ Unleashed, as well as own IPs RIDE and Gravel. For more information please visit  www.milestone.it