Ubisoft and Riot Games Announce the “Zero Harm In Comms” Research Project – To Detect Harmful Content In Game Chats

This first cross-industry research initiative to fight disruptive behavior is conducted by Ubisoft and Riot Games

SYDNEY – November 17, 2022 – Today, Ubisoft and Riot Games announced the “Zero Harm in Comms” research project, a technological partnership to enhance the reach of their artificial intelligence-based solutions in order to prevent harmful player interactions. This research initiative aims to create a cross-industry shared database and labeling ecosystem that gathers in-game data, which will better train AI-based preemptive moderation tools to detect and mitigate disruptive behavior. Both active members of the Fair Play Alliance, Ubisoft and Riot Games firmly believe that the creation of safe and meaningful online experiences in games can only come through collective action and knowledge sharing. As such, this initiative is a continuation of both companies’ bigger journey of creating gaming structures that foster more rewarding social experiences and avoid harmful interactions.  

“Disruptive player behaviors is an issue that we take very seriously but also one that is very difficult to solve. At Ubisoft, we have been working on concrete measures to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences, but we believe that, by coming together as an industry, we will be able to tackle this issue more effectively.” said Yves Jacquier, Executive Director, Ubisoft La Forge. “Through this technological partnership with Riot Games, we are exploring how to better prevent in-game toxicity as designers of these environments with a direct link to our communities.” 

Through the “Zero Harm in Comms” research project, Ubisoft and Riot Games are exploring how to lay the technological foundations for future industry collaboration and creating the framework that guarantees the ethics and the privacy of this initiative. Thanks to Riot Games’ highly competitive games and to Ubisoft’s very diversified portfolio, the resulting database should cover every type of player and in-game behavior in order to better train Riot Games’ and Ubisoft’s AI systems. 

Disruptive behavior isn’t a problem that is unique to games – every company that has an online social platform is working to address this challenging space. That is why we’re committed to working with industry partners like Ubisoft who believe in creating safe communities and fostering positive experiences in online spaces,” said Wesley Kerr, Head of Technology Research at Riot Games. “This project is just an example of the wider commitment and work that we’re doing across Riot to develop systems that create healthy, safe, and inclusive interactions with our games.”  

Still at an early stage, the “Zero Harm in Comms” research project is the first step of an ambitious cross-industry project that aims to benefit the entire player community in the future. As part of the first research exploration, Ubisoft and Riot are committed to sharing the learnings of the initial phase of the experiment with the whole industry next year, no matter the outcome. 

To learn more about the “Zero Harm in Comms” research project go to Ubisoft News and Riot Games’ blog. 

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About Ubisoft 

Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed®, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew®, Tom Clancy’s The Division®, and Watch Dogs®. 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 2021–22 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €2,129 million. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.  

About Riot Games 

Riot Games was founded in 2006 to develop, publish, and support the most player-focused games in the world. In 2009, Riot released its debut title, League of Legends, to worldwide acclaim. League has gone on to be the most-played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. With League in its second decade, Riot is continuing to evolve the game while delivering new experiences to players with Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, VALORANT, League of Legends: Wild Rift, Riot Forge, and multiple work-in-progress titles. Riot is also expanding the world of Runeterra through multimedia projects across music, comic books, board games, and Arcane, its Emmy-winning animated series. 

Founded by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, and led by CEO Nicolo Laurent, Riot is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and has 3,000+ Rioters in 20+ offices worldwide. 

© 2022 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries. 

What is Fun? Let me spell it out for you! New Trailer for SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake released!

Sydney, Australia, November 17^th, 2022 – Meet all your favourite Bikini Bottomites from the series, voiced by their original actors! Voiced languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Polish, Hindi, Indonesian.

Pre-Order The BFF Edition
The “BFF Edition” for SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is ready for pre-order now at EB Games, at an SRP of $399.95 . Included in the collector’s edition is:

• Cosmic Victory Statue – 25cm / 9.8″
• Inflatable Patrick – 50cm / 19.7″
• BFF Amulet with Necklace
• 4 Costume miniature bouncing balls
• 4 placemats
• Standard copy of the game on the chosen platform
• Costume Pack DLC

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is in development for Nintendo Switch™, PC, PlayStation®4, and Xbox One and will be out in 2023 – when it’s ready!

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.

Get the game here:
PlayStation 5: https://store.playstation.com/en-au/concept/10003868/
Xbox Series X/S: https://www.xbox.com/en-au/games/store/destroy-all-humans-2-reprobed/9nxgkxk6rd72
PC – Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1266700/Destroy…
PC – Epic Games Store: https://store.epicgames.com/p/destroy-all-humans-2…
PC – GOG.com: https://www.gog.com/game/destroy_all_humans_2_repr…

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 Website

WWE® SuperCard® Season 9 Tags In, Available Now

All-new TLC game mode, three new card tiers, official match commentary and special equipment headline the match card of an exciting new season

To new contenders and seasoned Legends, the ring awaits in WWE® SuperCard Season 9!* 2K today announced a thrilling new era of the collectible card-battling game from Cat Daddy Games is available now as a free downloadable update on the Apple App Store for iOS devices; the Google Play Store and Amazon Appstore for Android™ devices; and Facebook Gaming. WWE SuperCard Season 9 was announced with an electrifying live action trailer starring WWE Superstars Bianca Belair and The Miz.

Season 9 introduces the new Tables, Ladders and Chairs (TLC) game mode, where players are challenged to find and uncover their opponent’s three game pieces, the aforementioned Table, Ladders and Chairs, before they do the same in this WWE-themed twist on the classic grid-based predictions board game.

Three new card tiers – Octane, Extinction and Pixel – add more than 200 cards in WWE SuperCard Season 9 for players to unlock and advance. New cards represent past and present WWE Superstars, including The Tribal Chief and Undisputed World Champion Roman Reigns, Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, and the Baddest Woman on the Planet, SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey. Newcomers making their WWE SuperCard debut include NXT Superstars Blair Davenport and Meiko Satomura.

WWE SuperCard matches in Season 9 will now include commentary from WWE Universe-favorite announcer, Michael Cole, so players can plan on cranking up the volume. Season 9 will also feature Special Equipment for players to leverage in battle. By equipping Special Equipment to the associated WWE Superstar, players can enjoy a sizable boost to the card’s stats and overpower the competition across existing and new game modes.

Watch parties will continue throughout WWE SuperCard Season 9, allowing players to flex their skills as fantasy bookers and chat with other players during select WWE events. While a Watch Party is active, players can try to predict match results using their own cards. The more correct predictions they make and the better the cards they use, the better their chances of receiving rewards.

For more information on WWE SuperCard and 2K, visit the game’s website at WWESuperCard.com, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on Twitter and Instagram or subscribe on YouTube.

*WWE SuperCard requires iOS 12.0 or later for iOS devices, including iPhone and iPad, and requires Android 5.0 and up for Android devices. App includes optional in-game purchases.

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

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

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Long May It Reign: Grand Strategy Game Knights of Honor II To Launch December 6th 2022 AD

Sofia, Bulgaria / Sydney, Australia, November 17^th, Anno Domini 2022: Well, well, well … there you are. Just crowned as King of France. It could be such a nice life now, but your royal court demands your attention: England is amassing troops in Aquitane – again! First, you’ll send out a spy to find out what they are up to, and maybe to talk to some important nobles with rebellious ideas. For this, however, money is needed. A new trade agreement with Flanders will help. And, as if the English weren’t nerve-wracking enough, that fool of a Pope is calling for a new crusade. Denying the request will cool down our relations… we need to send a cleric to Rome to negotiate. And now, bring in my marshalls, it’s time to muster our armies and strike at the English. They will soon learn that challenging the mighty kingdom of France has consequences!

This is just one of many stories, you can experience in Knights of Honor II: Sovereign, THQ Nordic’s first step into the Grand Strategy genre.

The game is releasing on December 6th for PC and was created in cooperation with the veteran game developers at Black Sea Games. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign offers all the depth players expect from a medieval grand strategy game plus high approachability: You will not have to spend 10 hours just to learn how the game works.

Check out the latest trailer for Knights of Honor II: Sovereign:

If you want to deep-dive into every aspect of the game, check out our Dev-Streams on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3Wvt5EO

Choose one of over 200 medieval kingdoms, duchies, sultanates, margraviates, caliphates, tzardoms, or an early republic and lead it to glory or ruins. Manage the economy, develop your cities and towns, and guide your people’s religion. You can wage medieval total war or become a renowned crusader king or become a wise diplomat – it’s up to you, to establish a legacy that will live across the generations!

Knights of Honor II: Sovereign is launching on PC on December 6^th, 2022.

Get it on Steam: https://thqn.net/koh2-steam

About Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
Choose your kingdom and be the king as you wrestle over control of Europe in this fresh take on medieval real-time grand strategy. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign includes all the depth players desire while being the gate-way game to the grand strategy genre, presenting the world as a living, breathing miniature, alive and ripe for the taking. Choose your royal court carefully and determine the destiny of your people, be it riches, conquest, intrigue, trade, or defeat! Raise armies to defend your lands or take war to the enemy – even jump into battle directly in action-packed RTS combat. The path is open: become the true Sovereign of your people.

Features:

• Accessible Grand Strategy – From religion to city development, experience exciting depth with better approachability than ever
• Real-Time Gameplay – Medieval Europe comes alive, no turns needed
• Royal Court – Appoint Marshalls, Clerics, Merchants, Diplomats, and Spies to exert your will across the land
• RTS Battles – Directly lead your armies in riveting RTS combat
• Robust Multiplayer – Join with multiple friends to take on the challenges of medieval Europe

Notes for Editors: Review codes for Knights of Honor II: Sovereign are now available, please get in touch with us to request yours!

About Black Sea Games

Black Sea Games® Ltd. is an independent game development company based in Sofia, Bulgaria, founded in November 2016. Their mission is to create hard-core games that will entertain you over and over again. Black Sea Games believes the best gaming experiences are coming from challenging the players with meaningful choices, while giving them the freedom to create (and share) their own in-game stories. Whether it is a “sandbox” or an “open world”, these are just words. You would know they did their job right, when you feel like: “Ah,… just one more hour”.

Black Sea Games Website

About THQ Nordic

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

THQ Nordic Website

PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC receives new content through two DLCs releasing today, adding a Jukebox feature to the game along with the popular PAC-MAN Chogokin Chrome Noir Skin cosmetic upgrade.

• PAC-MAN Chogokin Chrome Noir Skin DLC

The Chrome Noir skin can now be purchased stand-alone as a fun cosmetic upgrade for PAC-MAN. Players who purchase this DLC can transform their character into a shiny black robotic PAC-MAN once they gain the in-game Metal power-up, unlocking the ability to walk underwater and butt-bounce on enemies that would otherwise cause damage.

• PAC-MAN Jukebox DLC

The Jukebox DLC adds an actual jukebox to the beach in PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC’s in-game hub area of Ghost Island. Players can choose to listen to more than 50 songs including the game’s complete soundtrack as well as the English, Japanese, and Chinese language versions of the song “We Are PAC-MAN.”

PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

For more information onPAC-MAN WORLD RE-PACand other products from Bandai Namco Europe. Please visit: www.bandainamcoent.eu. Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/officialpacman

LOS ANGELES – November 16, 2022 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, has released a new update for Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds that kicks off the 5vs5 player Temple Team Arena regular season. In addition, the latest update introduces special Black Friday events and a new World Boss.

Following a pre-season, the 5vs5 Temple Team Arena’s regular season has officially begun for players to earn Temple Points and buffsby defeating monsters. Through PvP, players can take their opponents’ Temple Points until the team with the higher Temple Score wins the battle. Throughout the official season, players can acquire Asterite, an in-game currency.

To celebrate the Black Friday update, players will have the opportunity to participate in additional limited-time events including special rewards:

• Find the Black Higgledy Coins – Players can complete a number of missions such as throwing coins into the fountain to obtain Black Higgledy Coins. The Black Higgledy Coins can be exchanged for many rewards including Magic Tome Selection Chests, and a 4★ Darkness Weapon/Familiar Selection Chest is granted once all the items have been exchanged for. Players can choose either a 4★ Darkness Normal Weapon or 4★ Darkness Normal Familiar.
• Power Up Dungeon Double Up Event – Fire Temple and Familiars’ Cradle entry counts have been increased, and more rewards are available from Goldbeard’s Pirate Ship.
• Muse’s Thank-you Gift – Muse the Traveling Merchant has an increased appearance rate and various items’ stock counts have been doubled!

The World Boss Acteon is also introduced in today’s update. This giant insectoid Earth element World Boss mainly uses a powerful physical attack and moves swiftly thanks to the wings on its back. Players that defeat Acteon can earn various rewards, including Acteon Accessories.

Developed based on Level-5 and Studio Ghibli’s original fantasy RPG series ‘Ni no Kuni,’ Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds is available on mobile platforms and playable on PC using cross-play.

For the latest game info and updates, visit the official website (https://ninokuni.netmarble.com/) and follow the game’s Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Discord channels.

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 at http://company.netmarble.com

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Sydney, Australia – November 17th, 2022 – Microids is delighted to announce that Arkanoid Eternal Battle is now available worldwide on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One consoles, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Developed by studio Pastagames, Arkanoid Eternal Battle invites players to discover or rediscover the iconic block breaker in a fully modernised and revamped version where players can compete online with up to 24 others in the Eternal Battle mode.

Check out the game’s explosive launch trailer here

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Dive back into the 80’s Arcade frenzy with the game’s retro retail editions, now available!

The Limited Edition includes:

• The full game for PS5, PS4 or Nintendo Switch
• A 3D lenticular
• A 16-page instructions booklet
• The original soundtrack (digital format)
• A sheet of stickers
• Exclusive in-game bonuses

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Arkanoid Eternal Battle marks the return of the emblematic block breaker game in a surprising, renewed version with four game modes:

• Retro: Teleport to an old-school arcade parlor back in 1986 and enjoy the original game!
• Neo: This solo mode expands on the classic gameplay with brand-new levels, sounds, a modern and stylish art direction, as well as new unique blocks, bonuses and effects!
• Versus: Play locally with two to four players on the same screen!
• Eternal Battle: For the very first time, 25 players can challenge each other online in an exclusive Battle Royale mode! Use power ups to gain advantage and be the last one standing to win the game!

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About Microids

Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Revolution Software, Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset, Philippe Dessoly and Pierre Adane), 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 Taito

TAITO Corporation (TAITO) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. With headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, TAITO operates core businesses such as game arcade operations, manufacturing coin-operated game machines, and mobile phone content services. A seminal part of gaming history, TAITO caused a worldwide sensation with its arcade legend, SPACE INVADERS, and developed such fan favorites as PUZZLE BOBBLE (BUST-A-MOVE) and ARKANOID. Today, TAITO continues to thrill game lovers of all generations by offering both classic and new family-oriented titles on the latest gaming platforms. TAITO delivers a wide range of entertainment experiences with the goal of providing consumers with fresh surprises and new discoveries.

More information on TAITO can be found on the Internet at https://www.taito.co.jp/en

“Arkanoid” is a registered trademark or trademark of TAITO Corporation in Japan and/or other countries.

About Pastagames
Pastagames has been handcrafting video games since year 2000, mixing work for hire for the big cheeses (Sony, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft, etc.) and homemade creations, more on the indie/weird side (Pix the Cat, Maestro Jump in Music, etc.).

Embark on an epic open world equestrian adventure!

Sydney, Australia – November 17^th, 2022 – Microids is pleased to announce the release today of Horse Tales – Emerald Valley Ranch on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch and PC. Developed by the studio Aesir Interactive, the game invites players to saddle up in a full-on equestrian open world adventure.

Check out the game’s launch trailer!

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Check out the game’s retail Limited Edition, now available!

The Limited Edition includes:

• The standard edition of the game for PS5, PS4 or Nintendo Switch
• An embroidered patch
• 3 post cards
• Stickers
• A set of exclusive digital bonuses:
  • An additional horse breed, the ‘Irish Cob’
  • 3 “Knight” Style Tack Sets
  • A unique avatar hairstyle in three colour variations
  • 3 exclusive outfits for your character

Players who have pre-ordered the game at participating retailers will get access to 3 Unicorn Style tack sets, exclusive in-game cosmetic content to dress up your horses!

Additionally, all the digital bonuses from the Limited Edition and the pre-order content will also be sold separately as a DLC on digital stores.

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About Horse Tales – Emerald Valley Ranch

In Horse Tales – Emerald Valley Ranch, players will be tasked with restoring their family’s run-down estate back to its former glory. This quest will set them on a delightful open world adventure where they’ll explore the peninsula’s gorgeous and varied landscapes, from the colourful seashore of Coral Lagoon to the lush forest of Birchwoods.

They will make many friends along the way, including the nearby residents and of course… horses! Tame, breed, and establish a strong bond with your equine companions, as each is unique and possesses distinct abilities, personality traits, preferences, and training needs.

Make Emerald Valley your own by customising your adventure: dress up your horses and your avatar with a wide variety of clothing and ornament options, and take part in rebuilding and decorating various buildings, stables, and horse care facilities.

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Game features:

• An equestrian adventure in a captivating open world: set off on an epic adventure and relish the feeling of total freedom in a vast open world. Gallop through various enchanting landscapes, along the seashore, in the forest, near a coral lagoon, and more. Who knows, you might discover a few secrets along the way!
• Tame, breed and care for your horses: learn how to tame and mount the wild horses you encounter, train and take care of them, and compete in numerous races! Get familiar with all your horses as each one is unique and possesses distinct abilities, personality traits, preferences and training needs. By breeding them strategically, you will also be able to enhance their abilities and obtain unique coat colours for your horses.
• Rebuild and customize your ranch: restore your run-down family estate back to its former glory by rebuilding, improving and customising it with various structures, stables, horse care facilities, supplies and decorations.
• Take part in numerous missions: gather resources, meet new friends, and complete quests to save your family’s legacy.

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About Microids

Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Revolution Software, Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset, Philippe Dessoly and Pierre Adane), 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 Aesir Interactive

Aesir Interactive is a renowned development studio based in Munich, Germany. A passionate team of more than 50 highly skilled designers, artists and programmers lay the foundation for captivating games and innovative interactive applications.

Smurf Your Engines as Smurfs Kart Launches on Nintendo Switch Available Now

Race friends as your favourite Smurf

Sydney, Australia – November 17^th, 2022 – Publisher Microids and IMPS, the Smurfs license holder, are thrilled to celebrate the release of Smurfs Kart with an explosive launch trailer. Developed by Eden Games and well-known for their iconic racing games (Gear.Club Unlimited, Test Drive Unlimited, V-Rally), Smurfs Kart is available now on Nintendo Switch.

It’s time to make engines roar. Choose a Smurf with their individual kart and unique super power, and get ready for some frantic races with the whole family!

Want to be the fastest Smurf in the village?

Get a head start, take shortcuts, master the Smurf’s super powers and use bonuses to rise in the rankings. Alone or with others, new beginner, or experienced driver… Everyone can win the Smurf place and drive wild races with friends and family!

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Check out what’s included in the retail Turbo Edition!

• A physical copy of Smurfs Kart for Nintendo Switch
• An embroidered Papa Smurf patch
• Two sticker sheets

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Key features:

• 12 tracks set in the Smurfs’ universe: The village, the forest, the dam, the swamps… even Gargamel’s house!
• 12 iconic playable Smurfs: Handy, Hefty, Smurfette, Papa Smurf, Jokey… choose your favourite Smurf and get ready to race! Each Smurf has their own kart and a very handy special item to help you breeze past your opponents.
• Use the world around you: Bonus items, boosts, ramps, destructible boxes, shortcuts and more!
• Finish 1^st in the races where 8 Smurfs compete in frantic races.
• Smurf together: Play solo or with family and friends, with support for up to four players in split-screen local multiplayer!
• “Time Challenge” mode: Try to beat every Smurf at their own racetrack and reach the top of the online leaderboard with your quickest time!
• Unlock bonuses as you play and try to Smurf them all in your personal album!

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

Smurf Microids on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Discord and Linkedin
Or on http://www.microids.com/
Check out all our videos on Youtube

The Smurfs: www.smurf.com

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About Microids

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

About Peyo, IMPS (International Merchandising Promotions & Services)

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

About Eden Games

Eden Games was founded in Lyon, France, in 1998, to develop one of the most successful game franchises on PlayStation systems: V-Rally.In 2000, the studio expanded its racing expertise with the development of Need For Speed: Porsche for EA. Eden Games experimented in other genres before returning to its roots with Test Drive Unlimited, the first massive open world racing game franchise. Eden Games today is an independent game studio managed by two of its original co-founders, David Nadal and Jean-Yves Geffroy. The studio is composed of both experienced veterans and highly talented young developers, all driven by the same passion for cars, high-end design and technology.

London (November 16, 2022) During today’s Monster Hunter™ Rise: SunbreakDigital Event, the valiant knight Dame Fiorayne announced that Free Title Update 3 arrives on Nov. 24, 2022 for Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, the latestmonster hunting expansion that has sold more than four million copies. This update features three new challenging foes for hunters to overcome; even more options for customizing the appearance and performance of weapons and armor; plus changes for Anomaly Investigations, Anomaly Quests, and the Follower system.

The November Digital Event can be found on the official Monster Hunter™ YouTube channel.

Attention Hunters! Kingdom scouts have observed three new threats prowling the areas surrounding Elgado Outpost: Chaotic Gore Magala, Risen Teostra, and Risen Kushala Daora. Gore Magala repeatedly shed their skin until they eventually mature into Shagaru Magala, however sometimes a defect can occur during the molting process. This deformation traps the Gore Magala halfway between its adolescent and mature state, creating the Chaotic Gore Magala variant. Their dual nature allows these incredibly powerful creatures to use the attacks of both Gore and Shagaru Magala, however their stunted growth also causes them intense agony. Hunters above MR10 able to quell the chaos will be rewarded with materials for new weapons and armor boasting unique skills.

Despite the utmost efforts of both Kamura and the Kingdom, the affliction continues to claim new hosts. Sightings of Risen Teostra and Kushala Daora require an immediate response from the coalition’s most skilled hunters. While both monsters are already seen as forces of nature, their Risen forms have the capacity for even more widespread destruction. Beware their angered state, as there is no telling what devastating attacks they will unleash. Hunters must first achieve the rank of MR120 prior to facing off against Risen Kushala Daora and MR140 for Risen Teostra, but the reward for braving the elements is access to materials capable of crafting weapons and armor with new skills.

Hunters looking for even more ways to sharpen their skills will be able to tackle the new A7★ Anomaly Quests, featuring Flaming Espinas, Scorned Magnamalo, and Seething Bazelgeuse. Additionally, the Anomaly Investigation system will raise the level cap to 200, with the added ability to lower the level of individual quests hunters already possess. Materials from Anomaly Investigations can also be used for new augment categories for both weapons and armor. With the ability to pick from “Defense” or “Skills” for armor augments, there are even more opportunities for hunters to build their ideal armor set.

Hunters who have grown attached to the villagers and knights of Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak can now bring their Followers with them on almost every Master Rank quest, including Anomaly Quests and Investigations. Be sure to complete all of the available Follower Quests so you can spend more time with your favorite companions no matter the challenge. Title Update 3 also includes a variety of new paid DLC, including new gestures, stickers, music, player voices, and the “Hinoa” layered armor set. Fashion hunters who fancy cuddly creatures as much as Dame Fiorayne will also be able to purchase either individual weapons or the full collection of the plush “Stuffed Monster Series,” alongside an expanded list of other unlockable layered weapon options.

New Event Quests will continue to reward players with new equipment, stickers, poses, and other fun items, in addition to the new “Kagami” character voice being released as a Free DLC. This energetic Dual Blades user leads the Royal Secret Service in the Kingdom, and is a close friend to Master Utsushi. Please stay tuned for future title updates, as new monsters and more await just around the corner with  Free Title Update 4 launching in Winter 2023 and Free Title Update 5 in Spring 2023.

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