Photo Mode, more costumes, and improvements are coming!

Sydney, Australia, September 14, 2023: Attention! Attention! We interrupt your current activity to bring you this news blast! THQ Nordic’s bubbly underwater adventure “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake” is getting a Gen9 version on October 16, 2023!

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/8TLpJkTnEGg

But what’s exactly new, I hear you ask? We did the research: Those who own the game already will get a free Gen9 upgrade! Besides, it seems there are additional updates incoming via patch:

PlayStation 5 + PlayStation 4:

• New Feature – Photo Mode! Apply one of 19 different filters to enhance your pictures.
• New Costumes
  • New costume “King Doubloon” for collecting all doubloons is now available.
  • New costume “Plush Gary” for unlocking all awards is now available.
• Improvements (PS5 only)
  • Support of DualSense controller audio output when picking up items.
  • Support of DualSense adaptive triggers when using reef blower and swinging hook actions.

Xbox Series X|S + Xbox One:

• New Feature – Photo Mode! Apply one of 19 different filters to enhance your pictures.
• New Costumes
  • New costume “King Doubloon” for collecting all doubloons is now available.
  • New costume “Plush Gary” for unlocking all awards is now available.

PC (Steam, GOG, Epic)

• New Feature – Photo Mode! Apply one of 19 different filters to enhance your pictures.
• New Costumes
  • New costume “King Doubloon” for collecting all doubloons is now available.
  • New costume “Plush Gary” for unlocking all awards is now available.

Nintendo Switch

• New Feature – Photo Mode! Apply one of 19 different filters to enhance your pictures.
• New Costumes
  • New costume “King Doubloon” for collecting all doubloons is now available.
  • New costume “Plush Gary” for unlocking all awards is now available.

Bug Fixes (all platforms)

• Fixed a rare bug where saving stopped working.
• Fixed a bug where the playtime did not pause while on a loading screen.
• Many general bug fixes to improve stability and playability of the game.

Now, back to what happened! SpongeBob’s and Patrick’s shenanigans have thrown Bikini Bottom into disarray: Innocent citizens and beloved landmarks have disappeared into strange, magical portals!

Will our heroes brave the many dangers of the fantastical WishWorlds? Will they rescue their friends and bring them home safely? And will the Chum Bucket serve something edible for a change? Bikini Bottom is counting on you! If you want to learn more, check our footage directly from the scene:

Watch the trailer on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8TLpJkTnEGg

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is in development for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X/S™, and already available on PC, PlayStation®4, Xbox One™, and Nintendo Switch™.

Order here:
PlayStation 4:

• PlayStation Store: https://store.playstation.com/en-au/concept/10003866/

Xbox One:

• Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-au/games/store/spongebob-squarepants-the-cosmic-shake/9PPCX102XB7W

Nintendo Switch:

• EB Games: https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/nintendo-switch/278593-spongebob-squarepants-the-cosmic-shake
• JB HIFI: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/nintendo-switch-spongebob-squarepants-the-cosmic-shake
• BIG W: https://www.bigw.com.au/product/spongebob-squarepants-cosmic-shake-nintendo-switch/p/189375

PC Steam: https://thqn.net/sbcs-steam

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SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is out now for Nintendo Switch™, PC, PlayStation®4, and Xbox One.

Since its launch on July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the most-watched animated series for 22 consecutive years, while generating a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base. SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the most widely distributed properties in Paramount International history, seen in more than 170 countries, translated in 29+ languages, and averaging more than 100 million total viewers every quarter. SpongeBob SquarePants was created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif. The character-driven cartoon chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurable optimistic and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends.

About SpongeBob SquarePants – The Cosmic Shake

Wish-granting Mermaid’s Tears in the hands of SpongeBob and Patrick… What could possibly go wrong? Sure, the very fabric holding the very universe very together could come very undone, opening up portals into Wishworlds full of knights, cowboys, pirates, and prehistoric snails. But that’s nothing everyone’s favourite sponge can’t handle – with the right cosmic costume! Everybody do the Cosmic Shake!

Features:

• Unlock classic and new platforming skills like the Fishhook Swing and Karate Kick
• Don more than 30 F.U.N.tastic costumes like SnailBob and SpongeGar
• Travel to 7 distinct Wishworlds like Wild West Jellyfish Fields and Halloween Rock Bottom
• Experience all the buddy movie banter with SpongeBob’s permanent companion Balloon-Patrick
• Meet all your favourite Bikini Bottomites from the series, voiced by their original actors
• Enjoy the in-game soundtrack featuring 101 songs from the series, including Sweet Victory

SpongeBob SquarePants – The Cosmic Shake Website

About THQ Nordic

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

THQ Nordic Website

About Nickelodeon

Now in its 43rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films.

Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.

Nickelodeon Website

Sydney, Australia – 14^th September 2023: SEGA has released a new Sonic Frontiers animated comic, giving fans and players a glimpse into the additional narrative introduced in the Final Horizon Content Update.

The Final Horizon Content Update is Sonic Frontiers’ third free content update releasing later this year on the 28^th September. Players can look forward to new story content, challenges and the ability to play as Tails, Amy and Knuckles in this epic update.

Check out the animated comic below!

Sonic Frontiers is available now across PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch™ family of systems.

To stay current on Sonic the Hedgehog™ news, follow Sonic on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, like him on Facebook, and subscribe to the Twitch channel and the YouTube channel. For more information, please visit frontiers.sonicthehedgehog.com

PlayStation Australia is excited to announce a new State of Play broadcast streaming tomorrow, Friday, 15 September at 7 AM AEST.

Tomorrow’s broadcast will focus on updates to previously announced games coming to PlayStation consoles. From indie and PS VR2 highlights, to major upcoming titles from our third-party partners, our latest show has something for everyone!

PlayStation Australia’s vision is to be the best place to play, and publish, great games, and because there are thousands of developers and publishers all around the world constantly making great games, the PlayStation team has their work cut out for them.

It all begins Friday, 15 September at 7 AM AEST on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok.

PlayStation Australia has an exciting wave of upcoming game releases in the lead up to Christmas, PlayStation is pleased to roll out an all-new PS5 system software update globally that will give players all new options.

Thanks to support from PlayStation’s beta participants, this update includes a number of features from the latest PS5 beta, including:

• New accessibility features, such as using a second DualSense controller for assistance
• New audio options that allow 3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech to be enjoyed on compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices
• New ways to connect with other players and customise your multiplayer sessions
• Support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs (up to 8TB).

Additionally, PlayStation are also introducing new features like support for PS Remote Play on more Android devices alongside some new enhancements coming to PS App in the coming weeks. See below for the highlights: 

PS Remote Play support on additional Android devices

Starting today, the PS Remote Play app will be available on devices running Android TV OS 12, these include Chromecast with Google TV (4K model) and BRAVIA XR A95L model. To use Remote Play on these devices, search for the PS Remote Play app on your Android device to download and install the app. 

New PS App enhancements

Later this month, PlayStation will gradually roll out some new features for PS App globally, on iOS and Android. Just like the PS5 console updates, players will be able to react to messages with emojis and see a preview of someone’s Share Screen before joining the party on PS App.

New accessibility features

Players can now assign a second controller to one account as an assist controller, and use two controllers to operate your PS5 console as if you were using a single controller. This feature introduces a new way for players to enjoy games collaboratively with others or help a friend or child navigate a particularly challenging section of a game. 

Players also now have the option to turn on haptic feedback effects while navigating their PS5 with their DualSense controller, DualSense Edge controller, or PS VR2 Sense controller. When enabled, system sound effects for certain events will also be reflected physically through haptics, such as moving focus, reaching the end limit of a scrollable section, checking a box, or when receiving a notification or starting up a game. This optional feature enhances immersion and is particularly useful for players with some level of sight or hearing disability, who appreciate the additional feedback on their inputs.

Social feature enhancements

Players can now invite a player into a closed party without automatically adding the player into the group or creating a new group. Additionally, players can now send open or closed party invitations to groups instead of only individual players.

When someone’s sharing their screen in a party that players can join, players will now see a preview image of their Share Screen, even before they enter the party.

Players can now easily see which of their friends are in an activity they can join under the ‘Friends’ tab. The Joinable icon will be displayed next to friends who are playing a game they can join. Players can join a friend’s game directly by pressing the options button and selecting ‘Join Game’, or by selecting the ‘Join’ button on their profile card.

Other additions include, seeing how many tournaments players have entered and the highest place achieved, reacting to messages with emojis, searching for games in library, Game Help improvements, and the ability to mute or adjust the volume of the PS5’s beep sound when turning it on or off. 

To see more details on the upcoming State of Play event, head to the PlayStation Blog.

To see the full list of the new updates, head to the PlayStation Blog.

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

A new month means a fresh selection of games joining the PlayStation Game Catalogue. All the titles will be playable from Tuesday, September 19. Let’s dive in. 

PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe | Game Catalogue

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… | PS4

Fight back against dreadful enemies with a visceral, uniquely customisable blend of swordplay and powerful magic in this enthralling action RPG, a one-of-a-kind prequel to the critically-acclaimed masterpiece NieR: Automata. In a distant, apocalyptic future, humanity is on the brink of extinction, threatened by strange beasts and a deadly black scrawl disease. Follow a brother’s quest to save his sister Yonah – his only blood relative – who has fallen ill to the Black Scrawl. Uncover the truth behind the world of NieR as you journey alongside an unlikely group of allies through a ruined world, plagued by sickness and monstrous horrors.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim | PS4

Vanillaware, the storytellers behind Odin Sphere and Dragon’s Crown, craft a sci-fi mystery epic spanning thirteen intertwining stories in 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. Uncover the truth and delve into a 2D side scrolling adventure featuring gorgeous art and environments. Then, battle the kaiju in fast-paced, top-down combat. Customise the Sentinels with an arsenal of mech suit weaponry, and fight to defend humanity. 

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI | PS4

Originally created by legendary game designer Sid Meier, Civilization is a turn-based strategy game in which you attempt to build an empire to stand the test of time. Explore a new land, research technology, conquer your enemies, and go head-to-head with history’s most renowned leaders as you attempt to build the greatest civilization the world has ever known.

Star Ocean The Divine Force | PS4, PS5

Square Enix and Tri-Ace present an action-packed science-fiction RPG, packing in a lavish, story-driven space opera, innovative traversal mechanics, and fast-paced combat. While it’s the sixth entry into the franchise, it works as a standalone adventure, with the entire narrative from start to finish contained within the game. Pick from two main characters at the game’s start and recruit various allies, all with their own distinct personalities and combat styles. All are playable, and you can switch between them seamlessly, both in and out of combat.

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 | PS4, PS5

Take on the role of Raven, Contract Sniper Assassin, as he embarks on a new series of contracts in a lawless region in a dramatic single-player campaign. Tasked with a seemingly impossible task, your mission is to topple an insidious criminal syndicate and bring them to justice. Experience high-pressure tactical combat, deep inside enemy territory. Equipped with all-new equipment, each highly replayable contract can be completed in a variety of ways. Replay the mission with a different approach to complete all objectives, ready to spend your earnings on improved gadgets and weaponry.

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir | PS4

Experience the world of Erion as it hurtles towards the end of days as warring kingdoms clash for control in this 2D action RPG. Take control of the magnificently hand-rendered characters in the enchanted realm of Erion, filled with mythical beasts and gargantuan monsters. Five character plots intertwine with each chapter centering on a unique protagonist and their struggles. Choose Refined Mode to play the game with more scenes, new monsters, and an updated battle system. Or, revisit Classic Mode to experience the 2007 version of the game with updated graphics. 

Unpacking | PS4, PS5

Unpacking is a zen game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking. Over the course of eight house moves, you are given a chance to experience a sense of intimacy with a character you never see and a story you’re never told.

Planet Coaster: Console Edition | PS4, PS5

Surprise and delight crowds as you build the coaster park of your dreams and manage a truly living world with unparalleled attention to detail. Whatever your skill level, bring your ideas to life. Take advantage of Blueprints to quickly place over 700 pre-made objects, including coasters, facilities and scenery; build from the ground up with detailed piece-by-piece construction; or transform the ground itself with terrain-altering tools. Looking for inspiration? Discover the Frontier Workshop and harness the world’s best designs in your expanding empire. Download coasters, scenery, buildings, and entire parks, or grow a following by uploading your own creations. 

This War of Mine: Final Cut | PS5

In This War Of Mine, you do not play as an elite soldier, rather as a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city; struggling with a lack of food, medicine and constant danger from snipers and hostile scavengers. During the day you need to focus on maintaining your hideout: crafting, trading and taking care of your survivors. At night, take one of your civilians on a mission to scavenge for items that will help you stay alive. 

Cloudpunk | PS4, PS5

In this story-based exploration game, a neon-noir story in a rain-drenched cyberpunk metropolis, you will meet a diverse range of characters including androids, AI and unscrupulous humans at every level of society. Your name is Rania. This is your first night working for Cloudpunk, the semi-legal delivery company based in the sprawling city of Nivalis. You go everywhere, from the Marrow below to the spires that pierce the grey clouds high above before scraping the edge of the troposphere. No delivery job is too dangerous, and no one is faster than a Cloudpunk driver.Everyone has a story, and in the course of one night in Nivalis, everything will change.

Contra: Rogue Corps | PS4

The  action-packed series returns with epic battles, customisable gear, gigantic bosses and explosive multiplayer action. Play locally or online for up to four players, picking from 4 outrageous characters, each with their own weird style and colourful attitude and build over 100 weapons and augment your character with bionic body parts earned in-mission. 

Tails Noir | PS4, PS5

Tails Noir is a post-noir narrative adventure. Become raccoon private eye Howard Lotor and explore dystopian Vancouver inhabited by animals as you uncover a deeply personal story of change and transformation. Make meaningful connections with a diverse cast of characters in pursuit of truth, shape and express your identity through dialogue choices and explore and experience both downtrodden and flourishing districts of a strange, yet familiar version of Vancouver. 

Call of the Sea | PS4, PS5

Immerse yourself in a story-driven adventure full of emotion, suspense and surreal surprises. It is 1934, in the far reaches of the South Pacific. Norah has crossed the ocean following the trail of her missing husband’s expedition and finds herself on a lush island paradise – a nameless, forgotten place, dotted with the remnants of a lost civilization, fantastic sights… and occult mysteries. Investigate the clues left by a previous voyage, piece together what happened, and solve a variety of clever puzzles.

West of Dead | PS4

Step into the boots of the dead man William Mason (voiced by Ron Perlman) and descend into the grim and gritty world of Purgatory in this fast-paced cover shooter which combines the fluidity of twin-stick controls and tactical cover usage. Put your skills to the test – Dodge behind cover as you try to outgun your enemies in the unknown procedurally generated hunting grounds. 

Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness | PS4

The epic sci-fi RPG saga makes its triumphant return with this fifth instalment in the series. The Pangalactic Federation is nearing the fulfilment of its mission to bring peace and order to the galaxy.However, the embers of conflict begin to stir once again, six thousand light years from Earth on the planet of Faykreed, as a mysterious young girl is found amongst the wreckage of a downed spacecraft.

PAW Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls | PS4, PS5

Adventure City, here we come! Be your favourite pups including Chase, Skye, Marshall, and new streetwise city girl, Liberty – and use their unique abilities in high-adrenaline rescue missions. Use next-level gadgets and vehicles to explore all-new locations from PAW Patrol: The Movie. And have fun with minigames like Pup Pup Boogie, Runners, and more. You can play solo, or in couch co-pup mode with a friend, in this fun-for-all 3D platforming adventure.

*All PlayStation 5 game versions are download only.  

PlayStation Deluxe | Classics

Star Ocean First Departure R | PS4

From 16-bit RPG, to PSP remake, and now a PS4 HD remaster – find out how the illustrious sci-fi RPG series began in this enhanced reimagining of the very first title. . 

Star Ocean: Till the End of Time | PS4

The series made its debut on PS2 for its third release, retaining the sci-fi elements and real-time combat of its predecessors in an all-new, standalone adventure. 

Star Ocean: The Last Hope – 4K & FHD Remaster | PS4

The fourth title in the series debuted on PlayStation in the form of this PS4 remaster, originally released in 2017, with the game’s story set before the events of the original game. 

Dragon’s Crown Pro | PS4

Regardless if magic or steel is your fancy, this 2D action RPG offers a variety of ranged and close combat options for this classic, side scrolling, beat ‘em up. Band together, or journey solo, as one of six playable classes and explore a winding dungeon with new adventures at every turn.

Learn more about the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for September and new pricing changes to PlayStation Plus 12-Month plans by visiting the PlayStation Blog. 

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

It’s almost time to ride into a new Dinotastic adventure based on the hit animated series, Dino Ranch! Will you join the adventure on October 12th?

Sydney, Australia – September 14^th, 2023 – Attention all fans of adorable dinosaurs! Microids has released a teaser and first-look images from its upcoming video game, Dino Ranch – Ride to the Rescue, based on Boat Rocker’s hit animated preschool series, Dino Ranch. Get ready to immerse yourself in this epic adventure where you’ll encounter thrilling mini-games and have a roaring good time with your favourite Rancheroos.

Watch the teaser trailer here: https://youtu.be/21c0PzhDouA

Developed by Redox Interactive, Dino Ranch – Ride to the Rescue will be available October 12, 2023 on Nintendo Switch in physical and digital editions.

***

About Dino Ranch – Ride to the Rescue

The Dino-mite eggs have disappeared from the hatchery and the harmony of the Ranch is at stake. Only YOU can help our roarsome trio of Rancheroos, Jon, Min and Miguel, 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 the 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?

***

Features

• YOUR FAVOURITE HEROES: Join 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 they zoom 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!
• AS FEATURED IN THE SERIES: Listen to the authentic voice of Pa (also known as Bo), the Ranch’s leader and father to Jon, Min, and Miguel, as he narrates the entire game. Professionally voiced by the official actor in French, Italian, Spanish, and German, the game ensures even the youngest Rancheroos can engage without the need for reading.

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

***

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), Downey’s Dream Cars (Max), 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).

About Redox Interactive

Redox Interactive is an independent game development studio based in Salzburg – right on the edge of the Austrian alps. By combining our creativity, dedication and passion for games, we are creating extraordinary gaming experiences with a real impact for a global audience. Our reliable development workflows, combined with our team culture, have already enabled us to successfully release more than 100+ games, mostly featuring big IPs and renowned brands.

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.

Explore every aspect of car culture from behind the wheel of more than 600 vehicles in this brand-new racing game from Ubisoft Ivory Tower, available now with a free trial running from September 14 to September 17!

Sydney, Australia – September 14^th, 2023 – Today, Ubisoft announced the launch of The Crew™ Motorfest, the ultimate open world driving experience! The game is now available on PlayStation^®5, PlayStation^®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, in digital and physical editions, as well as Windows PC through the Epic Games Store and the Ubisoft Store (digital only). Players can also play the Ultimate Edition of the game with a Ubisoft+ subscription, on Xbox, Amazon Luna* and PC via Ubisoft Connect. A new Live Action Trailer was also released to celebrate the game’s release:

Watch Live Action Trailer below

In The Crew Motorfest, players can explore the Hawaiian island of O’ahu and participate in Motorfest, a festival designed for all car enthusiasts. At the heart of the event, they can discover the very best of car culture through a selection of 15 thematic campaigns, called Playlists. Each with their own atmosphere, music, objectives, gameplay, and rewards, the Playlists fully immerse players in these unique car culture universes and allow them to explore the legacy of iconic brands or master different driving styles: from underground street racing in the Made in Japan Playlist to American Muscle cars, off-road, open-wheel racing, drift, and more!

Electric supercars have their own Playlist all about raw power and energy management, and vintage classics have one too, with entirely different gameplay settings, removing GPS and assisted driving to bring back the feeling of legendary vehicles from the past. Of course, car culture is not only about cars, but also about people. To give players as many different experiences as possible, some of the biggest names in the car-loving scene have contributed directly to The Crew Motorfest, including professional drivers, tuners, and content creators. Several Playlists will feature their talents at launch:

• Rule the Streets, featuring popular US network Donut Media putting the hottest cars to the test in James Pumphrey’s signature challenges.
• Dream Cars, with world-famous car enthusiast Supercar Blondie (Alexandra Hirschi), bringing her curated selection of the most unique and innovative concept cars ever seen on the road.
• LBWK, immersing players in the vision of Wataru Kato, founder of the Japanese car shop Liberty Walk, and his passion for tuned and customized cars.

And this is only the beginning: new Playlists and new experiences are just around the corner! Each visit to Motorfest is another chance to hop into a new weekly theme, drive new vehicles, and win rewards. Starting at launch on September 14, Season 1 is putting the spotlight on what makes an iconic car in different regions of the world: America, Japan or Europe. And in December, Season 2 will then welcome one of the most famous brands in Car Entertainment: Hoonigan, bringing their special project vehicles to the game!

The best part? Starting today, players can test The Crew Motorfest for free for 5 hours, on PlayStation, Xbox and PC until 6pm, September 18 AEST! If they wish to continue their adventure, every unlocked item and progression will be carried over upon the game’s purchase. By getting the game before the end of the Free Trial, they will benefit from the Early Adopter offer and unlock the Liberty Walk Pack, including the Toyota GR Supra 2021 LBWK Edition.

For The Crew® 2 owners who dedicated time and energy building their perfect vehicle collection, The Crew Motorfest also brings a feature unique to the market: the Collection Import, allowing willing players to import most of their vehicle collection from The Crew 2 to The Crew Motorfest for free! Most vehicles and vanities purchased or unlocked before the end of The Crew 2 Season 8 can be imported, and eligible vehicles & vanities from Season 9 will also be added to the feature at a later date. For players who prefer to start a fresh Motorfest experience, this feature is totally optional, and can be activated at any moment.

The Gold and Ultimate Editions of The Crew Motorfest include the Year 1 Pass on all available platforms. The Year 1 Pass will gradually unlock up to 25 additional cars, starting with 3 vehicles today as part of Season 1: the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody (2023), Chevrolet Chevelle SS (1970) and BMW M4 Competition Coupe (2021). Players will then obtain 2 cars each month, until the total of 25 cars over the whole year. On top of that, the Ultimate Edition offers access to the Ultimate Pack, which contains many exclusive customization items for the player’s avatar and vehicles and is included in Ubisoft+ subscriptions via Ubisoft Connect, Xbox and Amazon Luna*.

For more information about The Crew Motorfest, please visit thecrewgame.com and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/thecrewgame.usa, on Instagram at instagram.com/thecrewgame, on TikTok at instagram.com/thecrewgame and on Twitter at twitter.com/TheCrewGame or #TheCrewMotorfest.

For the latest news on The Crew Motorfest and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com. To order, visit store.ubisoft.com.

*Ubisoft+ on Luna requires account linking and a Multi Access plan. Territorial restrictions apply.

About The Crew™ Motorfest 

Developed by Ubisoft Ivory Tower, a studio based in Lyon, France, The Crew™ Motorfest lets players fulfill the driving bucket list of their dreams in one of the most exhilarating and vibrant open worlds ever created. Motorfest is a car-culture infused festival organized in one of the world’s most breathtaking locations: O‘ahu, one of the main islands of the Hawaiian archipelago. On their own or with friends, players can explore this galvanizing tropical playground behind the wheel of hundreds of the most legendary vehicles ever built. At every corner of the island, the festival offers infinite opportunities for pure fun, all forms of driving challenges, and invites them to explore incredible landscapes: from big city streets to volcano slopes, lush rainforests, idyllic beaches… They are free to follow the roads or forge their own path! 

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 €1.74 billion. 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.

20^th release in FM series highlighted by Japanese debut and arrival on Netflix

Sydney, Australia – 14^th September 2023: The product of two decades of dedication and commitment to a vision of achieving complete football authenticity, Football Manager 2024 debuts globally from the 6^th of November.

The 20^th release in Sports Interactive™’s and SEGA©’s iconic franchise also heralds an important milestone for the studio and wider SEGA family as it marks our official debut in Japan.

Watch the official announcement trailer here

Football Manager 2024 Console is being readied to return for the new season on both Xbox and, following an incredible debut campaign, PlayStation 5. FM24 Console (Xbox), as well as FM24 (PC/Mac), will also both be available once again via Xbox Game Pass. Football Manager 2024 Touch Nintendo Switch™ is preparing for the new season, with feature information to be unveiled in late October ahead of its November release.

The brand-new ability to transfer careers* from Football Manager 2023, FM23 Console and FM23 Touch is just one of this year’s headline developments. Many are influenced by the ever-evolving world of football as well as expert insight from new and existing partnerships within the professional game.

In a first for the studio, today’s official announcement trailer concludes with a roadmap previewing all of the key feature drops and reveal dates across our suite of titles, including new additions for FM24 Console that will be revealed during the week commencing on the 22^nd of October. Upgrades to the PC/Mac title, including a Set Pieces refresh and smarter transfers and finances, will be detailed throughout the remainder of September.

Also joining the FM line-up this year is Netflix, the home of Football Manager 2024 Mobile. Whether they’re an established Football Manager fan or a first-time player, Netflix members around the world will now have access to FM in the same app as their favourite films and TV shows. More detail on the move to Netflix is available on the Football Manager website. 

Sports Interactive’s Studio Director Miles Jacobson said: “Having seen FM23 hit the incredible, record-breaking milestone of six million players last month, I’m proud to be confirming today the release of Football Manager 2024.

“FM24 is the 20^th game in the Football Manager series and it’s a love letter to football. It’s the closing of this chapter of our history and the most complete version we’ve ever produced.

“Having been part of the SEGA family for two decades, the whole team are thrilled to be releasing in Japan and including Japanese language for the first time. That debut, plus the fact more than 230 million people around the world will now have access to our already popular Mobile series through their Netflix memberships, means we’re tremendously excited about the potential for our player base to keep growing.

“Our June Development Update blog showcased the studio’s drive for greater transparency and that continues with our feature roadmap at the end of today’s announcement trailer. Keep your eyes out for those feature blogs, as well as further development updates touching on new partnerships.”

From today until launch, fans who pre-purchase FM24 (for PC and Mac) and FM24 Console (Xbox and PlayStation 5**), from a SEGA-approved digital retailer*** will receive a 10% discount.

Those pre-purchasing on PC and Mac can kick-off their managerial career ahead of schedule with Early Access to FM24. Early Access will be available via Steam and the Epic Games Store circa two weeks**** prior to the official street date, and single-player careers started in that period can be carried across when the game updates for launch on the 6^th of November.

*The ability to transfer save games to FM24 Mobile is not possible at this time.

**On PlayStation, this discount is only available to PlayStation Plus subscribers.

***Early Access is available from SEGA-approved digital retailers only; please check here for an exhaustive list of digital retailers and more details as to what constitutes a SEGA-approved retailer.

****Early Access may go live at different times on different platforms.

About Sports Interactive

Sports Interactive (SI) is the world’s leading developer of immersive sports management simulations. Founded in 1994, SI became a wholly owned subsidiary of SEGA in 2006. Based in Stratford, East London, the SI team takes on the gaming genre through a diverse array of disciplines powered by more than 290 full-time staff members and support from a large global network comprising roughly 1,400 researchers.. SI is an official partner of many major football clubs, leagues and organisations, including Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, UEFA, the Bundesliga, LFP, the EFL and the League Managers Association, as well as numerous charities and not for profit organisations.

About Football Manager

Football Manager (FM) is the world’s leading football management simulation title and our iconic, award-winning series has captivated a global pool of players for two decades. FM takes players to the heart of the beautiful game and lets them create their own football story and live out their dreams as manager of their favourite club. With more than 50 of the top footballing nations to manage in and a database of more than 800,000 active players and staff from around the world of football, the game offers an unrivalled simulation experience. The game tasks players with making the key decisions at their club and forces them to responsible for them including transfer recruitment, tactical development and player development. Players must navigate the pressures of modern football by meeting their owner’s objectives and handle both the media and fan scrutiny that comes from performance on Matchday. FM has grown to become more than just a game and is now deeply embedded in the football industry with the FM database now powering the recruitment strategies of professional clubs around the world of football. The game has become an integral part of modern fan culture, shaping the discourse around the professional game. It has been the inspiration for several books, a stand-up comedy show and even a feature-length documentary. For more information on Football Manager, visit footballmanager.com.

About SEGA® Europe Ltd

SEGA® Europe Ltd. is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA CORPORATION, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe. SEGA wholly owns the video game development studios Two Point Studios, Creative Assembly, Relic Entertainment, Amplitude Studios, Sports Interactive and HARDlight.

Overnight, Xbox announced additional titles that will be coming to Xbox Game Pass Core, which launches tomorrow (September 14).

When announced last month, Xbox shared that this membership would come with more than 25 high-quality games from the Xbox Game Pass library. With today’s announcement, Xbox will now be offering 36 games available to play starting tomorrow for Xbox Game Pass Core members.

This includes titles like Fallout 4, Grounded, Elder Scrolls Online, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Vampire Survivors, Stardew Valley, Gang Beasts, Golf With Your Friends and more!New titles will be added 2-3 times a year.

Xbox Game Pass Core is the latest evolution of Xbox Live Gold. Members will have access to our multiplayer network and exclusive member deals & discounts, all for $10.95 AUD per month. Current Xbox Live Gold members will not need to make any adjustments to their account, and everything will be updated automatically at launch. For more details on Xbox Game Pass Core and full collection of games included, check out Xbox Wire here.

Sail in style with several celebratory anniversary additions, dive into the Dockyard for destroyer construction of Lüshun, and set out to sea with Spanish cruisers in World of Warships’ September content update

14 September – Wargaming, the publisher and developer of the top naval combat game World of Warships, are celebrating eight years on the high seas! Marking the occasion, plenty of anniversary content and bonuses have been added to the game. On top of these festivities, World of Warships Update World of Warships sees major improvements and overhauls to graphics and audio in-game since 12.7, and now the addition of Airship Escort mode to Random Battles and a fleet of Spanish cruisers leaving Early Access. This update also welcomes Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova- back to the game, four new Brawls to get in on and continued construction of a Tier X destroyer in the Dockyard.

All aboard for the eighth anniversary of Warships

Celebrating eight years since the launch of World of Warships, Update 12.8 is ready to get the party started. Kicking off 14 September, players can unlock a number of rewards in the form of battle performance bonuses and festive tokens. These tokens can be redeemed for the player’s choice of reward, which include camouflages, discounts for Tier VIII ships, the French Tier VIII cruiser Bayard, Containers and Super Containers, as well as a host of common, special and rare economic bonuses. Birthday celebrations don’t stop there though, Warships welcomes Tier IX European battleship Karl XIV Johan to the game! Alongside this new ship comes a designated permanent camouflage, three Commanders each with a unique voice over, and of course, its own flag and a patch.

Airship Escort makes its way to Random Battles

After two previous iterations as a distinct Battle Mode, a new and improved Airship Escort drops into Random Battles to change up combat. Available in 12-on-12 formats for ships of all classes spanning Tier VII to Superships, players will guide their allied airship along a fixed route, beating the rival team to the destination or destroying their convoy in order to claim the win. This overhauled version of this mode sees updated routes and spawn points changed across a number of maps, a number of new indicators for airship speed and location, and new rewards in the Random Battles economy.

Graphics Updates

Since the Update 12.7, World of Warships has upgraded with major improvements for its graphics and audio. High-detail textures have been incorporated across several maps, including New Dawn, Polar, and Islands maps. This hyperrealism extends into water, which welcomes improved animations for the waves that splash onto ships, and better splash quality. Animals also get improvements, as well as an increase in numbers, with more fish, birds, dolphins and sharks appearing across maps. Several islands see improved collision models, preventing passing ships from coming into contact. Beyond these environmental updates are improved combat effects of both graphic and audio varieties. Shots fired from main, secondary battery and AA guns, alongside explosions welcome improved effects that vary by the target ship’s speed and the shell’s calibre. This impact is accompanied by improved audio to mimic the effect of combat from a distance. On top of this, the soundscape of Warships adapts to the battle situation, ranging from battle sounds during battle with enemy ships to ambient sounds emanating during the calmer moments of combat.

Spanish Cruisers and Arpeggio of Blue Steel returns

Closing out this update’s brand new content, Spanish cruisers leave Early Access becoming available to all players, and Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova- comes back to Warships’ waters to face off against the Fleet of Fog once more. 12.8 also welcomes four new Brawls that take place with their own unique division formats, and sees the continued construction of Tier X Pan-Asian destroyer Lüshun in the Dockyard. This update also brings a number of bug fixes, upgrades and balance changes across the game. You can find the full patch notes here.

About World of Warships

World of Warships is a free, historical, online combat PC game from Wargaming. With its massive fleet of most iconic war vessels, including five different ship classes and strategically designed environment, World of Warships provides the ultimate naval warfare gaming experience, suitable for everyone. Thanks to its largest collection of historically accurate ships available to play, World of Warships prides itself as a digital ship museum and a focal point for naval history enthusiasts. New thematic content and innovative game modes are being added on a regular basis, providing a diverse and exciting gameplay to its broad player base.

One franchise – multiple platforms

After the successful launch of World of Warships on PC, its unique gameplay and design has been adapted to bring free massive naval battles to other platforms with World of Warships: Legends available on PlayStation and Xbox and World of Warships Blitz on iOS and Android mobile devices.

Official website: http://www.worldofwarships.eu

About Wargaming

Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus. Operating since 1998, Wargaming has grown to become one of the leaders in the gaming industry with 16 offices around the world, including studios in Chicago, Prague, Shanghai, Tokyo, Vilnius and Belgrade. Millions of players enjoy Wargaming’s titles across all major gaming platforms. Our flagship products include the free-to-play hits World of Tanks, World of Warships and World of Tanks Blitz.

Official website: wargaming.com

Private Dicks Doinksoft (Devolver Bootleg) and Columbo enthusiasts Devolver Digital (Devolver Bootleg) don their dirty raincoats for an imminent downpour of noir-punk side-scrolling action with the launch of Gunbrella, available now on PC Steam (AU$21.95) and Nintendo Switch (AU $22.20). For gumshoes with a few more cases under their belt, The Gunbrella Deluxe Edition bundles the game with an exclusive digital comic written by Maurizio Furini and Federico Chemello, and the 53-track OST composed by Doinksoft’s Britt Brady and Hyperstepp for $36.50 (AUD). 

The Gunbrella digital comic features 30 pages of full colour illustrations by artists Alberto Massaggia, Giulia Giacomino, and Genny Ferrari. The three stories collected in this short anthology delve into the past of the games’ most mysterious villains and offer a glimpse of the crude truth about their ambitions and obsessions.

Gunbrella is a gritty side-scrolling adventure set in a world dependent on a rapidly diminishing natural resource. Fill the rain-soaked boots of a gruff woodsman on a quest for revenge, entering an unfamiliar town armed only with the titular Gunbrella, a high-calibre firearm that doubles as an umbrella.

Engage in side-scrolling action combat while exploring a diverse assortment of locations and interrogating bizarre characters. Use the Gunbrella to glide, swing, dash, and dive, and gather scrap and spare parts to trade for different munitions and upgrades. 

But mastering the Gunbrella is only the tip of the iceberg, as your hard-nosed investigation soon becomes entangled with the inner workings of a creepy cabal of ghouls and gangsters, cops and cultists, and the fallout of corporate exploitation.