NETMARBLE REVEALS FINANCIAL EARNINGSFOR THIRD QUARTER OF 2022
LOS ANGELES – NOVEMBER 18, 2022 –Netmarble Corp, a leading developer and publisher of mobile games, reported $547.50 million in revenue and $16.42 million in EBITDA for the third quarter of 2022. Overseas sales accounted for 83% ($456.86 million) of total global sales, and the company reported an operating loss of $30 million, with a net loss of $218.75 million.
“For three consecutive quarters, we’ve been balancing increased costs and rising exchange rates, with delays in new game launches and underperformance of select titles, such as Seven Knights Revolution,” said Young-sig Kown, CEO of Netmarble. “We’re optimistic we can drive improved results and strengthen Netmarble’s competitive edge with the THE KING OF FIGHTERS ARENA and Charlotte’s Table launches in Q4 and participation in global game shows, beginning with Korea’s G-STAR in November, where we will preview an array of upcoming titles, including Solo Leveling: Arise and Arthdal Chronicles, as well as anticipated PC titles Paragon: The Overprime and HypeSquad.”
Netmarble’s Q3 and accumulated 2022 results include:
Between the first and third quarters, Netmarble earned an accumulated $1.57 billion in sales and $69.38 million in EBITDA. The company reported a total net loss of $66.71 million.
North America led revenues (48%) with diversification across other key territories as follows: Korea (17%), Europe (13%), Southeast Asia (9%), Japan (7%),and other regions (6%).
Netmarble’s portfolio showed genre diversification across Casual Games (47% of revenue generated), RPGs (24%), MMORPGs (21%) and other genres (8%).
Top performing titles for the third quarter included: MARVEL Contest of Champions (11%), Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds(8%),Cash Frenzy(8%),Jackpot World(8%),Lotsa Slots(8%) andThe Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross(6%).All other games contributed to 51% of the company’s earned revenue.
A breakdown of the total financial earnings is below:
7/1/22 – 9/30/22 actuals
YoY Changes
QoQ Changes
Total Sales
$547.50 million
+14.4%
+5.1%
EBITDA
$16.42 million
-64.4%
-3.3%
Operating Loss
$30.00 million
–
–
Net Loss
$218.75 million
–
–
For details on Netmarble’s quarterly performance and to listen to the earnings call, please visit the company’sInvestor Relations page.
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About Netmarble Corporation
Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a top developer and publisher pushing the boundaries of the mobile gaming experience with highly innovative games including Seven Knights 2, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, MARVEL Future Revolution, Lineage 2: Revolution, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, Blade & Soul Revolution and MARVEL Future Fight. As a parent company of Kabam and SpinX Games, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble strives to entertain audiences around the world with a variety of mobile games based on its powerful franchises and collaborations with IP holders worldwide. More information can be found athttp://company.netmarble.com
CRUNCHYROLL ANNOUNCES HIME’S QUEST, A LONG-LOST 8-BIT ADVENTURE TO STOP Y2K
Coming Physically to Nintendo’s GAME BOYCOLORfrom Limited Run Games, Pre-orders Open November 18 with Free Browser Version and Downloadable ROM Available Later This Year
Culver City, California (Nov. 18, 2022) – Crunchyroll, the premiere anime brand worldwide, is announcing Hime’s Quest… 23 years late.
Crunchyroll mascot Crunchyroll-Hime once went 8-bit on the most beloved gaming handheld of 1999 in an action-adventure to save the world’s electronics from Y2K. One issue, Crunchyroll didn’t exist to release it—our bad! Hime’s Quest for Game Boy Color will be available for a limited time only via pre-order beginning November 18th on the Crunchyroll Store and Limited Run Games in available territories. You can pick between Crunchyroll Orange, exclusive to the Crunchyroll store, or Limited Run Blue, exclusive to LimitedRunGames.com. The window for pre-orders and adventure remains open until December 23rd. For fans without a Game Boy Color, Hime’s Quest will be free-to-play and download on supported browsers later this year.
Ahead of the launch later this year, fans can finally see a glimpse of Crunchyroll-Hime pixelated and in-action in a trailer by gaming comedy troupe Mega64. Fans eager for adventure but feel it’s dangerous to go alone, can join up at the Crunchyroll Booth (#526) at Anime NYC this weekend to play a Hime’s Quest demo.
“Crunchyroll wanted to capture the nostalgia of 90s pop-culture, a shared touchstone for anime fans, and we are thrilled to transport Crunchyroll-Hime to that era in an adventure developed on fan-favorite hardware from that time. Hime is our beloved princess mascot, and we are excited to see her lore expanded in ways that speak to fans’ love for anime and gaming with Hime’s Quest.” said Terry Li, Senior Vice President of Emerging Business, Crunchyroll.”
Here’s what you might have read on the back of the game box circa 1999:
Take control as Crunchyroll-Hime to save the anime club from Y2K in her first-ever video game: Hime’s Quest. Set in 1999, something electric is in the air. A malevolent force has crept into New Crunchy City, wreaking havoc on its technology, and tragically destroying the Anime Club’s precious DVD/VCR combo player. Can you root out the dastardly cretin brazen enough to ruin their meeting?
Adventure through haunted forests, mirage-filled deserts and more in Crunchyroll-Hime’s largest quest yet.
Hack and slash your way through dungeons and face-off against totally buggin fiends in league with Y2K.
Kick-back with Crunchyroll-Hime’s friends in the anime club or pay a visit to spooky manga creator Junji Ito who is currently OBSESSED with spirals.
Some games let you pet the dog, this one lets you *try* to pet the cat. Can you succeed and give Crunchyroll-Hime’s best friend Yuzu a pat on the head?
PLAY IT LOUD! with a chiptune soundtrack by future (time paradox averted) award-winning 8-bit composer and musician Protodome.
About Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories with the content and experiences they love. In addition to free ad-supported and subscription premium content, Crunchyroll serves the anime community across events, theatrical, games, consumer products, collectibles and manga publishing.
Anime fans have access to one of the largest collections of licensed anime through Crunchyroll and translated in multiple languages for viewers worldwide. Viewers can also access simulcasts — top series available immediately after Japanese broadcast.
The Crunchyroll app is available on over 15 platforms, including all gaming consoles.
Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between US-based Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.
About Limited Run Games
Limited Run Games is a subsidiary of “Freemode”, an operative group comprised of gaming and entertainment companies owned by Embracer. Limited Run Games is the industry leader in the production and distribution of premium physical video games. Limited Run seeks to celebrate the legacy of gaming through its award-winning collector’s editions. Founded in 2015, they have published over 1,000 physical games, exclusive merch, and collectables. Limited Run is the gold standard in bringing digital games to physical form and now re-releasing retro titles on modern platforms via their proprietary Carbon Engine.
Visit limitedrungames.com for the latest offerings and to learn more about Carbon Engine development. Follow the brand on your social media platform of choice for all LRG-related updates: @limitedrungames.
Touhou DANMAKU KAGURA: Phantasia Lost Reveals Nintendo Switch Version
New content en route for beloved rhythm game saved by Touhou enthusiasts
TOKYO – November 18, 2022 – Touhou DANMAKU KAGURA Phantasia Lost, the rhythm game set in the Touhou Project universe developed by Unknown X, announces a Nintendo Switch version will join the updated and expanded Steam for PC release in 2023.
Thanks to Touhou and Danmaku fans, the Campfire Japanese crowdfunding campaign achieved its 15 million yen goal within 30 minutes, with more than 80 million yen pledged to date. Thanks to this support, Unknown X announced its commitment to a Nintendo Switch version also set to release in 2023.
Additionally, fans will get to enjoy a new theme song by Kishida Kyoudan & THE Akeboshi Rockets x Kayoko Kusano. Unknown X will also add additional supported languages, and an implementation of both the Mitama Card Index and a Music Cover Art Index within the PC and Nintendo Switch versions.
The beat goes on, with the campaign continuing until Monday, January 9, 2023, with additional stretch goals now available. Upcoming goals include a new rhythm-action game mode, and a possible physical release for Nintendo Switch.
Touhou DANMAKU KAGURA Phantasia Lost rose from the ashes of the shutdown of DANMAKU KAGURA on mobile platforms. Tap notes to the beat as they fly down increasingly difficult note charts, with boss fights presenting particularly fiendish challenges for rhythm game fans. Enjoy controls adapted for controller or keyboard setups, with a brand new story mode exclusive to the PC version written by Jin Fujisawa and Wakano Takeda of Story Note Co.
“We’re honored by the fan support to continue DANMAKU KAGURA in this new form on Steam and Nintendo Switch,” said JYUNYA, founder, Unknown X. “We haven’t just seen support from console and PC rhythm and Touhou fans, but also from players of the mobile version that told us this was the first time they ever paid for a game that wasn’t free-to-play!” Unknown X, a group founded by JYUNYA (director of Touhou Genso Wanderer) that helps oversee the Touhou Project with the help of series creator ZUN, will publish the title worldwide. They are doing so in collaboration with Ryu’s Office, who helped with the promotion of Danmaku Kagura on mobile, and will continue to assist with the Steam version of the game.
Touhou Project, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the “most prolific fan-made shooter series,” is a collection of games set in the world of Gensokyo and using a recurring cast of familiar characters. Predominantly consisting of vertical shooters, the Touhou Project games are developed by the original creator, one-man studio Team Shanghai Alice.
About Unknown X
Founded by Aquastyle game developer JYUNYA and composed of handpicked members of the DANMAKU KAGURA development team, Unknown X aims to enhance Touhou Project and propulse its recognition in the world. Unknown X’s current name was created by none other than the original Touhou Project creator himself, ZUN.
About Ryu’s Office
Ryu’s Office offers in-depth marketing solutions for smartphone, console, arcade, and PC games in Japan. They are particularly focused on the planning and production of numerous live broadcasts based out of Japan for the gaming industry.
When it comes to farming life sims there are certain series that immediately spring to mind that have been around for decades and when you combine them with fantasy action, there are even more that have combined RPG elements with farming to relatively great success. In recent years many new entries in this once small genre have appeared and now it is time for Square Enix to take a crack at things with Harvestella. Offering a new take on the fantasy farming RPG genre, is Harvestella worth checking out for fans of the genre?
Story
The world of Harvestella is ruled over by four giant crystals that are called “Seaslights” that control the passing of the seasons and, in recent years, have introduced a new dangerous element into the world. Every time that one season comes to an end and before the next one begins, an event known as “Quietus” occurs and kills everything that is caught outside. On one such occasion players find themselves wandering outside during this day of death and falling ill as a result. They awaken with complete amnesia and are helped by the local village and offered a small house on the outskirts of town where players will begin their journey in finding out just what happened to them and the many mysteries of the world beginning with who the stranger is that crash landed inside a crystalline chunk with a futuristic interior.
Although Harvestella may feature an incredibly generic opening and, unfortunately, does take some time to get rolling, once the story does start building up speed players will find that it has perhaps some of the best storytelling found in the genre. By avoiding the simple trope of being given a farm through inheritance and dropping things there, Harvestella is able to make use of massive amounts of worldbuilding that plays heavily into the various twists and turns that occur throughout the core storyline. In fact, things can often take a far darker tone than one would expect in a game from this genre though that is a bit of a given thanks to the fact that, even as a game with farming in it, Harvestella prompts players to save the world.
Although the game may lack a core set of villagers that players will interact with every day, it makes up for it by offering a more extensive offering similar to what one may expect from a full RPG. As players continue through the game they will travel to multiple towns with each one having a unique set of characters, items to buy, and dungeons to explore. Many of these characters are simple in nature outside of named characters that play a larger role in the story, or as main assistants in a town, or even as party members that will fight alongside the player but that doesn’t mean that they are all one-note villagers. Side-quests in Harvestella often have a simplistic completion requirement such as hunting certain enemies or delivering a set number of items but the story that goes along with most of these side-quests goes a step beyond what one would usually expect. Many of these side-quests even feature continuing storylines that will progress as players complete them, making for some interesting developments.
The various party members that players will be able to bring along with them also come with eventual side-quests that reveal more about their personalities as well as their backstories. It is worth noting that while players can raise their “closeness” levels with party members, unlocking various buffs at the same time, it is not handled the usual way romances are presented in games such as these nor is there any form of real marriage beyond having a chosen partner move in with the player. Named non-party NPCs are especially given plenty of room for growth as well as some great interactions with the player. In fact, a certain unicorn may be one of the best characters in the entire game.
Gameplay
With Harvestella dropping players onto their farm and tasking them with uncovering the mysteries of the world all while trying to prevent its destruction it only makes sense that it tries to find some balance between its farming and action RPG elements. Farming in the game is fairly standard with four seasons lasting thirty days each and players always needing to keep an eye on the clock as time passes through the day. Every action, be it swinging a hoe or a sword takes stamina in some form though players can eat food or drink juice to restore it as well as some health though the game has given players a small limitation of food consumption by having a “fullness” meter that will deplete over time. This works as both a way to passively regain stamina as well as a limitation on how far players can push themselves in a dangerous dungeon as they cannot heal continuously as a result.
As one would expect, players will start with a small plot of land littered with rocks that they must turn into a thriving field by tilling soil, planting seeds, and watering them every day before they are ready for harvest, rinsing and repeating as often as players want to either use their produce as ingredients for dishes, requests, or simply to sell as is. Eventually players will be able to obtain various livestock that they can raise for various things such as milk and eggs as long as they are properly cared for. Unfortunately, it must be said that while the farming mechanics are quite solid in Harvestella, they don’t really stand out in any exceptional way and raising crops always feels simple rather than a fleshed out mechanic compared to other farming games. There is a nice variety to the amount of crops players can raise but not only are many rarely worth it outside of completing certain objectives or tasks but the actual process of improving the farm feels limited thanks to rewards being incredibly specific and offering no way to actually focus on one thing that players may want to improve.
On the other side of things, players will find themselves traveling through fields and dungeons filled with enemies and places to gain various materials. Dungeons in Harvestella are rather massive affairs with a labyrinthine design that fills out a map as players progress through it. Most dungeons are so large that players will need to take multiple days to conquer one even if they are properly equipped as the title offers numerous ways to create shortcuts through a dungeon making return trips easier. Dungeons can also contain special FEAR enemies that are massive foes that are far stronger than anything else in the area, serving as a dangerous obstacle that players will need to avoid the first time they encounter each one, only returning far later and much stronger before even trying to take one down.
Combat takes place in real time and sees the player and their party take part in battles against foes as they are encountered in a field. Each enemy has certain weaknesses that players can target thanks to them having the ability to equip three jobs at a time and swap them on the fly to unleash powerful skills to put down an enemy. The player’s party will act on their own during these fights and it is partially possible to build a party that best fits your playstyle and favorite job, though the classes in the game are not quite balanced the best and often combat is simply too basic to make the most out of what is on offer outside of boss battles. For example, the starting warrior class allows players to take the fight to opponents fairly quickly and can quickly seem to outpace classes that should be stronger but due to their slower nature often don’t feel as rewarding to play as. This is especially true in the case of the Mage class that, while powerful and capable of targeting foes with weakness exploiting spells that attack from a distance, take too long when battling in a party. It is also worth noting that while some character classes eventually gain some defensive abilities, the lack of a dedicated block or dodge for every class is rather shocking.
Visuals & Audio
The Square Enix pedigree shines in Harvestella‘s presentation as the art style chosen for the world is absolutely gorgeous. The areas that players travel through are nicely detailed and there is a great fantasy feeling to the world all heightened by the great designs of the monsters that players face off against in a wide variety of dungeons and other locations. While most NPCs are not given character portraits and instead have simple looking 3D models, those that do have character portraits are extensively detailed and given a wide range of expressions and designs to work with. It is a bit unfortunate however that the Switch does appear to limit the game’s graphical fidelity as most parts of the world and 3D models are a bit fuzzy looking at best and the game does suffer from some stuttering during heavy action in fights.
It is worth noting that there is a bit of voice work in Harvestella but it happens only during exploration which is an odd and incredibly limiting choice. The soundtrack on the other hand is quite impressive as it offers a wide range of musical tracks that fit perfectly for the array of tones and areas that players travel through. This includes some great battle themes as well as relaxing tracks that work great when tilling soil on the farm and feeding your Cluffowls.
Overall
Harvestella feels like a solid first entry for a company not entirely familiar with the farming/action RPG genre mix. The title offers perhaps some exceptional storytelling once things finally get going and has some absolutely wonderful characters to interact with but both its farming mechanics are a bit too simple for those who prefer that side of things. Even then, while the combat is more interesting and offers some strategic elements, especially when it comes to diving into Harvestella’s massive dungeons, it too has a number of poorly thought out elements that stop it from really standing out. As such, Harvestella does its best to create an enticing world for players to get lost in all while offering simpler than expected gameplay elements.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Bandai Namco Europe today released The Dark Pictures Anthology season one finale, The Devil in Me, on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Steam.
In The Devil in Me, players are invited to a stunning recreation of the World’s Fair Hotel built by American serial killer, H.H. Holmes. They control the crew of Lonnit Entertainment, low-budget documentary creators who are lured to the hotel with the promise of something truly unique, something that might just boost the ratings of their true-crime show. Their fate is in the hands of the players, who will have to make impossible decisions under pressure, while their murderous host watches their every move.
As well as a new story and star-studded cast, the Season One finale comes with an array of new gameplay features. Characters can now climb, jump, crawl and run through exploration areas that are larger and more complex than ever. Players will need to keep their cool to solve puzzles and using the new inventory system and special character tools at the right moment can save their lives!
As with all games in The Dark Pictures Anthology, players can face the horror alone or team up with friends in the multiplayer modes: online with a friend or with up to 5 players in couch mode.
Your room is ready, we do hope you enjoy your stay. Check in and watch The Devil in Me launch trailer
The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Steam.
The Dark Pictures Anthology is a series of stand-alone, branching cinematic horror games, designed to present a new terrifying experience on a regular basis. Each game features a brand-new story, setting and new cast of characters.
Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. is a leading global publisher and developer of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC.
Bandai Namco Europe is producing intellectual property for a global audience and is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, PARK BEYOND™, and the upcoming UNKNOWN 9™ Awakening – developed by the recently acquired Reflector Entertainment based in Montreal, QC.
Bandai Namco Europe serves as the Headquarters of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. for mainland Europe, which is known for creating and publishing many of the Toy & Entertainment industry’s top franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TAMAGOTCHI™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, DARK SOULS™ and the recently released ELDEN RING™.
All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
About Supermassive Games
Supermassive Games is a BAFTA-winning game studio, developing innovative storytelling titles. The studio is best known for the critically acclaimed PS4 hit Until Dawn, The Dark Pictures Anthology – a series of stand-alone, horror games – and The Quarry, a teen horror game. Founded in 2008, the studio is now home to over 300 talented individuals working across a range of storytelling titles. In 2022 the studio was acquired by Nordisk Games, part of the Egmont Group, and we look forward to even more exciting times with them alongside us. The studio has received numerous awards, including a BAFTA for Until Dawn and recognition from our trade body TIGA. The studio also works with GamesAid, other charities and educational establishments.
PILGOR’S BAAAAACK! GOAT SIMULATOR 3 HAS ARRIVED ON PC AND CONSOLES
Gather your herd! Pilgor is back and this time she’s bringing friends to rampage through a whole new sandbox world
Sydney, Australia – 18th November 2022 — Coffee Stain Publishing, Coffee Stain North and PLAION are excited to announce that Goat Simulator 3 has been released into the world. It’s too late now; the pen is open, the goats are free.
Goat Simulator 3 is available right now exclusively via the Epic Games Store on PC, as well as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Watch the launch trailer here
Players are invited to crash, grind, drive, wallrun and headbutt their way through the picturesque island of San Angora, a brand new giant sandbox playground covering an area of 1,141,822 Square Goats* (compared to the original Goat Simulator’s mere 60,900 Square Goats – that’s over 18 times bigger in boring language).
Players can either roam solo or herd together for up to four-person multiplayer, competing in minigames, completing quests, and uncovering the mysteries of a secret goat society – just normal goat things.
Key features:
GOATS: You play as a goat! Pilgor, to be exact. However, you’ll also have the chance to wear the skins of many other ‘goats’. Tall goats, tasty goats, angry goats – all the goats you expect and more.
MULTIPLAYER: Your friends play as goats too! Goat Simulator 3 has 4 player co-op, locally or online. You’ll be able to travel through the world together, cause cooperative mischief aplenty, and compete in 7 fun multiplayer mini-games, and then not be friends anymore.
EXPLORATION: Goat Simulator 3’s giant new sandbox has plenty to discover – hidden secrets, quests, collectables and the devs actually bothered to make an ending this time! Use your own four hooves to get around, grind on your butt or buckle up for the ride of your life as all goats can drive cars*.
CHAOS AND REACTIVITY: Cause all manner of mayhem as you lick, headbutt, crash and explode your way across the map, leaving no NPC unannoyed. Toy with the universally recognised four elements (Fire, Electricity, Oil and Alien Goo), test the limits of the world’s physics and interact with suspicious objects for… surprising results.
CUSTOMISATION: Players can fully customise their goat’s Head, Back, Feet, Body, Horns and Furs with over 300 different gear parts to choose from – from toilet rolls to tea trays… and other actual clothing items, if you want to be like that. Some gear parts will mutate your playstyle by giving you new abilities, all will alter your perceived sense of style.
Santiago Ferrero, Creative Director at Coffee Stain North said: “The time has come for us to ask people nicely to buy our stupid game. I can’t tell you if Goat Simulator 3 is worth the money, but I can tell you we sure spent a lot making it, so toss a coin to a developer and help us out because we have so many more silly ideas we want to unleash onto the world!. On behalf of everyone at Coffee Stain North, we’re sorry or you’re welcome depending on what you think!”
* Yes the devs really measured the map in Square Goats. This technical measurement was achieved by placing repeating character models of the goat protagonist Pilgor nose to tail around the perimeter of the map and then doing some primary school level maths. No, they don’t have anything better to do with their time.
About Goat Simulator
Goat Simulator 3 is a direct sequel to Goat Simulator, a silly game that started life as an April Fool’s joke born out of a game jam. In 2014, Goat Simulator became a true goat simulation sensation, selling millions of units across consoles and PC, as well as ‘earning’ ports to Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, and most-recently Apple Arcade.
Goat Simulator 3 builds on everything fans of the first game loved, raising the baa to brand new heights (sometimes literally). Goat Simulator 3 is coming to PC exclusively on the Epic Games Store, as well as Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 on 17th November 2022.
About Coffee Stain
Coffee Stain is a game developer, publisher and investor with offices in Skövde, Stockholm, Malmö, Trollhättan and Gothenburg. Founded in 2010, Coffee Stain is responsible for Goat Simulator, the Sanctum Games, A Story About My Uncle, Huntdown, and Satisfactory, currently in Early Access. Coffee Stain is also the publisher of popular games such as Deep Rock Galactic, Valheim, Songs of Conquest, and Midnight Ghost Hunt, made by external developers. To support diversity in the industry, Coffee Stain launched Leveling the Playing Field (LTPF) which offers funding to smaller and start-up development teams where at least half of employees are underrepresented minorities.
To find out more about partnerships and opportunities with Coffee Stain, visit the official website or follow Coffee Stain on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Coffee Stain North
Coffee Stain North have their offices in Stockholm and is the team behind first-person platforming adventure A Story About My Uncle, and Goat Simulator DLC’s GoatZ & Waste of Space. Now, they are committed to delivering pure goat simulation to yet another generation of unsuspecting gamers.
About PLAION:
PLAION is a leading independent developer and producer of games and entertainment products, with ten development studios and five publishing units based all over the world. Founded in 1994 as Koch Media, PLAION offers a unique breadth of services and solutions, dynamically growing its business to push ourselves and our partners to the forefront in all the segments we operate in.
PLAION runs a multi-label strategy, with fully owned publishing units, such as Deep Silver, Prime Matter, Milestone, Vertigo Games and Ravenscourt, publishing games for consoles, PC and VR platforms across all physical and digital channels.
Additionally – as a global publishing partner – PLAION has formed long-term multinational publishing collaborations with numerous game publishers including Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, Capcom, Focus Multimedia, Giants Software, Koei Tecmo, Paradox, Sega, SNK, Square Enix, Techland, THQ Nordic, Tripwire, Warner Bros and many others.
With its parent company in Höfen, Austria – and the HQ in Munich, Germany – PLAION owns local publishing companies in Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Australia, the United States as well as Japan and Hong Kong.
PLAION owns ten game development studios: Deep Silver Volition (Champaign, IL, USA), Deep Silver Dambuster Studios (Nottingham, UK), Fishlabs (Hamburg, DE), Warhorse Studios (Prague, CZ), Milestone (Milan, IT), Voxler (Paris, FR) , DigixArt (Montpellier, FR), Flying Wild Hog (Warsaw, Kraków, Rzeszów, PL), Free Radical Design (Nottingham, UK) and Vertigo Games (Rotterdam, Amsterdam, NL). Additionally, PLAION collaborates with numerous independent development studios around the world.
Part of PLAION is also PLAION PICTURES, a leading independent film distributor in Europe with a library of more than 1.400 titles. Further business operations include Sola Media, a sales agency and production company for family entertainment, Spotfilm Networx, a multi-channel streaming network, and a sub-label dedicated to Japanese animation.
PLAION also owns the leading video game merchandise company DPI Merchandising (Denver, Roseburg, USA and Munich, DE) and a Quality Assurance Facility in Olomouc, CZ.
Panther Statue Spotted as The Heists Event Travels to Cayo Perico
Get the Sinsimito Cuban Shirt and Strickler Hat, Plus Double Rewards on The Prison Break and Series A Funding Finales, and More
Visit the tropical shores of Cayo Perico to take advantage of halved prep costs when staking out Juan Strickler’s sun-soaked citadel — and the opportunity to loot the elusive Panther Statue once between now and November 21 — while all GTA+ Members are still guaranteed to encounter the Panther Statue in El Rubio’s inner sanctum every week during the current GTA+ Membership event (ends December 12). The Cayo Perico Series is also offering Double Rewards, while there are additional bonuses for discovering Hidden Caches back in Southern San Andreas.
If you haven’t dipped your toes into this island-based Heist yet, visit The Music Locker located at The Diamond Casino & Resort to get started. Meanwhile, revisiting The Prison Break and Series A Funding Heists will result in double the usual take on the Finales through November 21.
Read on for more and check back on Tuesday, November 22 as The Heists Event reaches its conclusion with a high-stakes Community Challenge.
2X GTA$ and RP on Setup for Classic Heists and 1.5X GTA$ and RP for The Doomsday Heist Prep Missions
As part of ongoing festivities, completing Setup Missions for the original crop of classic Heists will pay out Double Rewards, while Prep Missions in The Doomsday Heist willaward 1.5X GTA$ and RP. Determined types who manage to complete all Heist Finales before November 24 will also receive GTA$2,000,000 to reward their tenacity and courage (delivered within 72 hours of completion).
Collect the Sinsimito Cuban Shirt and the Strickler Hat
Successfully escaping after completing the Finale of The Cayo Perico Heist will get you the rare Sinsimito Cuban Shirt. Those who complete The Cayo Perico Heist Finale using the Velum approach vehicle will be awarded the Strickler Hat, added to your wardrobe before December 2.
Log In to Receive a Bundle of Rare Clothing
Play GTA Online anytime between now and November 21 to receive the Knuckleduster Tee and Baseball Bat Tee to commemorate the 25-year anniversary of Grand Theft Auto.Then see if you don’t feel a pang of longing for a simpler time in your life. You’re welcome.
2X GTA$ and RP on Cayo Perico Series
Tear up the dusty trails and the coastal areas around a remote island paradise in the Cayo Perico Series and you’ll earn 2X GTA$ and RP for taking part.
2X GTA$ and RP on Stunt Races Dodge traffic on the ground and in death-defying mid-air maneuvers in Stunt Races, where the laws of the road and rudimentary physics are cast aside like a used Cluckin’ Bell wrapper. Earn Double Rewards on all Stunt Races through November 21.
GTA$ Bonus for Collecting 30 Hidden Caches It may glitter and sparkle at surface level, but plenty of mystery lurks in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Use the Sonar upgrade aboard the Kosatka, Avisa, or Toreador to locate and collect 30 Hidden Caches to receive a bonus of GTA$100K.
Only on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Premium Test Ride: Coil Cyclone II Visit Hao’s Special Works inside the LS Car Meet to try out his super-enhanced version of Coil’s flagship electric supercar, the Coil Cyclone II.
This Week’s HSW Time Trial Test Hao’s latest innovations against the ultimate opponent: the mercilessly ticking clock. This week’s HSW Time Trial is a point-to-point rush from Sandy Shores to La Puerta.
Premium Deluxe Motorsport Showroom Visit Simeon Yetarian’s Premium Deluxe Motorsport showroom to check out the following vehicles — all procured by totally legitimate (and legal) means, thank you very much. See how they fare in a five-minute test drive, compare their stats, or purchase them outright from the Armenian auto-mogul:
A Classic Black Grotti Brioso 300 (30% off) wrapped in the White Stripes livery
A Metallic Bronze Annis Savestra (30% off)
The Maibatsu Manchez Scout (30% off) in a combination of Matte Lime Green and Green paint and the 90s Sandbox livery
The Överflöd Entity XF (30%) in Torino Red
A Declasse Vamos (30% off) painted Metallic Spinnaker Purple, Pearlescent Bright Purple, and Matte Black — equipped with the Sure It’s Safe? livery
Luxury Autos Showroom Visit the window of the Luxury Autos showroom in scenic Rockford Hills for an up-close-and-personal look at the Grotti Itali RSX (30% off) and Överflöd Imorgon (30% off), scope out their stats and specs, and buy one directly.
On The Diamond Casino Podium: The Gallivanter Baller ST
If you’ve already gone bust elsewhere, try your luck in the lobby of The Diamond Casino & Resort by spinning the Lucky Wheel. Who knows, you might win the luxurious Gallivanter Baller ST, twirling on the podium. It’s so cushy, you’ll barely feel it when you slide into oncoming traffic.
At the LS Car Meet
Visit the Test Track inside of the car meet to give the Declasse Hotring Sabre (30% off), Vapid Peyote Gasser, and Vulcar Nebula Turbo (30% off) a spin between the columns, test their limits in Scrambles and Time Trials, and purchase any of the Test Rides immediately.
The Prize Ride for LS Car Meet members who place in the Top 3 in Street Races for three days in a row is the Lampadati Tropos Rallye, a versatile sports car that can veer off-road and kick up dust with the best of them.
Be on the lookout for Tuesday’s event, which marks the arrival of a wide-bodied variant for a beloved German classic.
GTA+
GTA+ Members can make the most of The Heists Event by claiming a Buckingham SuperVolito, the Penthouse Suite 1 atop Eclipse Towers, and more:
50% extra GTA$ on takes from the classic Heists
Free Utility Vests and Bulletproof Helmets
2X Rep on all LS Car Meet Races
Additional Member benefits
Visit the GTA+ website to check out all the GTA+ Membership Benefits available through December 12. To learn more about how to make the most of your GTA+ Membership, check out the GTA+ Guide.
DISCOUNTS:
Eyeing a trip to the tropics? All setup costs for The Cayo Perico Heist are halved, while the Military Rifle and Combat Shotgun found on the island are both 30% off at Ammu-Nation.
Don’t forget to dress accordingly — Shortsleeve Party Shirts will help you blend in with the permanent vibe on the beach, plus they’re all 30% off at clothing stores citywide.
And if you’re looking to figure out a way to infiltrate that island paradise, the Kosatka submarine and all its Upgrades and Modifications are 35% off this week, alongside a wide selection of vehicles:
RUNE Kosatka – 35% off
RUNE Kosatka Upgrades & Modifications – 35% off
Nagasaki Weaponized Dinghy – 35% off
Överflöd Imorgon – 30% off
Grotti Itali RSX – 30% off
Överflöd Entity XF – 30% off
Annis Savestra – 30% off
Declasse Vamos – 30% off
Grotti Brioso 300 – 30% off
Maibatsu Manchez Scout – 30% off
Declasse Hotring Sabre – 30% off
Vulcar Nebula Turbo – 30% off
Western Company Annihilator Stealth – 30% off
Sparrow – 30% off
Vapid Winky – 30% off
Mammoth Squaddie – 30% off
Dinka Verus – 30% off
HVY Vetir – 25% off
Shitzu Longfin – 15% off
Prime Gaming Benefits GTA Online players who successfully connect their Rockstar Games Social Club account with Prime Gaming will get GTA$125K just for playing anytime this week. In addition, by playing anytime between November 3 and December 7, receive a one-time login bonus of GTA$500K for being a Prime Gaming Member. Those who are also GTA+ Members will receive an additional GTA$500K on top of this bonus.
All bonus GTA$ will be deposited into your Maze Bank account within 72 hours at the start of the next weekly event. To ensure access to future benefits, make sure to visit Prime Gaming and sign up.
Netmarble’s PARAGON: THE OVERPRIMEReveals Early Access Information
LOS ANGELES – November 17, 2022 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, has announced their upcoming free-to-play PC Action MOBA game PARAGON: THE OVERPRIME will be available via Early Access on December 8, 2022.
Early Access to PARAGON: THE OVERPRIME will be available on both the Epic Store and Steam with a roster of 27 heroes. Players will find new characters and original Paragon fan-favorites, as well as Zena – revealed at G-STAR 2022 Korea just in time for Early Access.
Zena is a digital human developed by Metaverse Entertainment, a subsidiary of Netmarble. Dubbed The Light Bringer, Zena is a virtual idol that was summoned by Shinbi’s phantom wolves , from the earth to Planet Prime. Zena moves through the warfield with splendid yet action-packed visuals and attacks enemies with a distinctive sword made just for her. Powered up with Shinbi, they are coming to stop the upcoming crisis in the universe.
The final test for PARAGON: THE OVERPRIME only has a few days left with Early Access on the horizon. Many anticipations were shown as more than 30,000 concurrent players logged on for the final test. Players have been honing their skills throughout the test with two game modes, maps and ongoing quality of life improvements. A ‘Starter Pass’ will also be added for those in Early Access that will offer rewards including new heroes for each day you log in.
For full details players can visit PARAGON: THE OVERPRIMEnow on Steam as well as at the Epic Games Store. To stay up to date with all PARAGON: THE OVERPRIME news and updates follow the official Brand site, Discord, and Twitter.
PARAGON: THE OVERPRIME is a team-based TPS Action MOBA that anyone can play for free on PC. Players are engaged in 5v5 play while working with teammates to conquer the Prime battlefield. The game celebrates strategic actions and fast-paced battles by two teams aiming to eliminate the opponents’ territories. Players can choose from one of the many powerful heroes utilizing their unique skills – Warrior, Support, Ranger, Caster, Tank, and Assassin.
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About Netmarble Corporation
Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a top developer and publisher pushing the boundaries of the mobile gaming experience with highly innovative games including Marvel Future Revolution, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, Lineage 2: Revolution, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, Blade & Soul Revolution and MARVEL Future Fight. As a parent company of Kabam, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble strives to entertain audiences around the world with a variety of mobile games based on its powerful franchises and collaborations with IP holders worldwide. More information can be found athttp://company.netmarble.com
New Trailer Showcases the Terrifying Atmosphere, Tension, and Brutality of Black Iron Prison,Features Exclusive New Track “Lost Again” From Kings Elliot
18th November 2022 – Striking Distance Studios today announced the release of the launch trailer for The Callisto Protocol, a new sci-fi survival horror game shipping for PC and consoles on 2nd December 2022. The trailer showcases thrilling performances from Transformers star Josh Duhamel as Jacob Lee, The Boys star Karen Fukuhara as Dani Nakamura, and Sam Witwer as Leon Ferris. The trailer also features the song “Lost Again”, a dramatic new track from Kings Elliot, written exclusively for The Callisto Protocol.
Set on Jupiter’s dead moon Callisto in the year 2302, The Callisto Protocol challenges players to survive the horrors of Black Iron Prison and uncover the dark secrets of The United Jupiter Company after a mysterious outbreak throws Callisto into chaos.
Today also marks the release of the fifth episode of “The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station” a six-part audio series starring Gwendoline Christie and Michael Ironside. The podcast is a prequel to the events in The Callisto Protocol, following two skip tracers who face unimaginable horrors while on a lucrative, perilous bounty on the derelict Helix Station in the Jovian system. Listen to “The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station at https://the-callisto-protocol-helix-station.simplecast.com/, or wherever podcasts are available.
Fans who missed today’s final installment of the “Engineering Horror” docuseries can also watch all four episodes of the series, featuring icons of horror in movies, TV, games, and comics. Watch all four episodes of the docuseries at www.youtube.com/strikingdistance.
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About Striking Distance Studios
Striking Distance Studios, Inc. is a AAA development studio committed to crafting thought-provoking immersive experiences, driven by a passion for quality and excellence. Based in San Ramon, CA, in the San Francisco Bay Area, Striking Distance Studios is helmed by “Dead Space” and “Call of Duty” veteran Glen Schofield.
A first love and a terrible curse intertwine in this hand-drawn adventure
OSAKA, Japan — November 17, 2022 —Chorus Worldwide today announces that it will publish Maboroshi Artworks’ award-winning Last Time I Saw You, the fully hand-drawn narrative adventure about a cursed love set in late ‘80s Japan, on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5|4, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch in Summer 2024.
Explore the Japanese countryside as Ayumi, a 12-year-old boy on the verge of becoming a teenager. In his dreams, he sees a strange girl who may be responsible for a curse on his town, yet he feels an inexplicable attraction toward her. Unravel the complicated truth on Ayumi’s emotional journey of self-discovery as he marches toward adulthood. Grow and change through the trials and tribulations of a first love.
Embrace a series of existential questions while roaming fantastical hand-drawn environments and socializing with local townsfolk. Step forward into a coming-of-age tale full of forests crawling with helpful creatures, dangerous threats and an unrelenting typhoon. Succumb to a dreamlike mood courtesy of an ethereal ambient lo-fi soundtrack.
“Last Time I Saw You charmed us from the very first time we played the demo,” said Shintaro Kanaoya, founder and CEO of Chorus Worldwide. “This beautiful, haunting, and enjoyably playable adventure will stay in gamers’ hearts for a long time and we’re so excited to work with Juan and the Maboroshi team to bring the game to life.”
“This game was born from a heartbreak that I experienced some years ago,” says Juan Fandiño, creator of Maboroshi Artworks and Last Time I Saw You. “I decided to take all the conflicting emotions I had inside and try to make something useful with them, transforming them into a somewhat healing experience that other people could also enjoy and relate to.”
Founded by Juan Fandiño, the art director of Yume Nikki: Dream Diary, Maboroshi Artworks is a small independent art studio operating out of Osaka, Japan. Their passion for innovative storytelling fuels their creativity as they pursue their mission to create emotional narratives for all to feel and fondly remember. For Maboroshi, telling a unique story is a priority above all else. This approach lead them to work on their first game, Last Time I Saw You, an (already) award-winning narrative adventure set to release in 2024.
About Chorus Worldwide
Chorus Worldwide is a global publisher composed of gaming veterans with experience at world-renowned companies including Microsoft, Supermassive Games, and Electronic Arts. Originally created to guide indie developers into the rapidly growing Asian markets, Chorus now works with talented developers across the world, including Argentina, Indonesia, and Malaysia, finding huge success in titles like the acclaimed Coffee Talk, and the Asian releases of The Room and The Room Two.
