Available on Switch, Xbox and PlayStation, Physical & Collector’s Editions coming to Switch, PS4 and PS5

Boulder, Colo. (Dec. 22, 2022) — Serenity Forge (Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!) and LimboLane today announced during Nintendo’s Inside the House of Indies: Holiday Event that Smile For Me is launching across Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S in Spring 2023. Also revealed is the game’s brand-new Physical and Collector’s Editions coming to Switch, PS4 and PS5:

In this offbeat point-and-click adventure, you don’t speak a single word. Instead, you nod and shake your head through various situations. Make friends, help them solve their problems to make them happy and… prepare for “The Big Event?”

Not all is as it seems in this abstract world called the Habitat. If you hope to make it in this mysterious place, you must de-mask the mysterious Doctor Habit before all is lost…

Originally released on Steam in 2019, Smile For Me’s 2023 release will be accompanied by new features including a remastered soundtrack, controller support, motion controls on Switch and PlayStation consoles, easter eggs, UI updates and new languages. Smile For Me’s Steam release has now been updated to include the above features save for new languages, which will launch in tandem with the console release. 

Alongside the digital release, Serenity Forge will also be releasing Physical and Collector’s Editions of Smile For Me.

The Physical Edition includes:

• A copy of the game
• Eight stylized random Habitician trading cards
• A high-quality 13-Sticker Sheet featuring characters and items from the game
• A soundtrack download card for all those remastered tunes

The Collector’s Edition includes:

• A copy of the game
• Four Acrylic Standees
• A soundtrack download card for all those remastered tunes
• Happiness Fakts full-fledged desk calendar
• Two inked stamps
• Smile For Me branded microfiber cloth
• All 24 Habitician Trading Cards
• Nine unique window cling stickers
• A high-quality 13-Sticker Sheet featuring characters and items from the game
• Double-sided acrylic charm of Kamal
• A gorgeous lenticular art card
• A stand-out Collector’s Edition box

Stay in the loop on all things Serenity Forge by visiting the team’s website and Twitter page.

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About Serenity Forge

Based in Boulder, Colorado, video game development and publishing studio Serenity Forge prides themselves on the care and dedication they put into their work, creating meaningful games that challenge the way you think. Firm believers in the artistic, cultural, and educational power of video games, Serenity Forge aims to craft unique interactive experiences to broaden players’ horizons and expand their perspectives. Learn more at http://serenityforge.com/.

About LimboLane LimboLane is a queer-run games studio founded by game designer Day Lane and indie animator Yugo Limbo. LimboLane makes unique games that squish and bounce! Their work features strange places, lovable characters, and compelling stories. Folks of all sorts are invited into their weird and wacky worlds!

PlayStation Australia is excited to announce that the biggest promotion of the year has arrived at PlayStation Store, the January Sale sees discounts across a vast number of games and DLC for a limited time*.

Here’s a taste of some of the titles on offer…

• FIFA 23 Standard Edition
• Horizon Forbidden West Standard & Deluxe Editions
• Elden Ring Standard & Deluxe Editions
• Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales
• Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II – Cross-Gen Bundle**
• The Last of Us Part PS5 Standard & Deluxe Editions
• NBA 2K23 for PS5
• LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
• GTA Trilogy PS4 & PS5 Digital Bundle
• Gran Turismo 7 Standard Edition (PS5)
• Destiny 2: The With Queen Standard & Deluxe Editions
• Dead by Daylight: Special Edition PS4™ & PS5™

To check out the entire list of titles (there’s thousands) head to the PlayStation Blog, or PlayStation Store to find out your regional discount.

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

Simultaneously Docking onto Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Mac, Linux

SEATTLE – Dec. 21, 2022 – Sail Forth, a quirky, breathtaking sailing adventure, charts a surprise course to launch today during Nintendo’s Holiday House of Indies Event, with no prior release date announcement. Developer Festive Vector and publisher Quantum Astrophysicists Guild, known for best-selling titles like The Bridge (4M units) and Cozy Grove (500k+ units), uncovered charming treasures today on Nintendo Switch, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, as well as PC, Mac, and Linux via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Humble Bundle.

Awaken upon the remains of yer shipwreck with no memories n’ direction. Tie together the remains of yer vessel to craft a makeshift sailboat n’ seek answers across the Deepblue, embarking on a weighty quest where yer world’s fate hangs in the balance. Master accessible, semi-realistic wind sailin’ physics to navigate a wide, expansive ocean littered with six distinct island biomes.

Discover uncharted regions like the ice-filled Frigid Sea, ancient stone structures in the Green Ruins, or impenetrable treelines of Pine Peaks. Scan the coastlines fer upgrade materials, landlubber recruits, skulking Skull Clan bases, ability-locked containers (or contain’arrs?), among tons of other seafarin’ activities. When yer treasure hoard runs dry, take on more than 30 side quests or challenge other swabs to a variety of mini games includin’ boat racin’, target shootin’, card gamin’, fishin’ contests, or photo collectin’.

S’not all fun ‘n games though, matey, as ye transform yer frail dingy into a fearsome fleet with over 40 weapons, 20 ships, plus eight types of stat alterin’ crewmates to choose from. Befriend somber sailors or accept the apologies of remorseful renegades post sea skirmish to expand the crew into a full fleet of ships, formin’ various attack or navigation strategies. Bring together the denizens of this here shimmerin’ turquoise world to save the planet from seven deep sea baddies corrupted by a mysterious substance known, arr… The Deadrock.

“Holiday cheer has sailed to the high seas and brought the gift of Sail Forth!!” said Michelle Lega, Producer, Quantum Astrophysicists Guild, “We are also stoked to reveal two new modes to expand accessibility, Auto Sail and Free Sail. Auto Sail mode provides easier navigation for struggling sailors and Free Sail mode only offers the company of the open ocean and endless horizon. We appreciate everyone’s patience this past year as we worked hard to ensure this adventure will be enjoyed by both realistic sailing fans and casual captains. Thank you all!”

Sail Forth is available today on Nintendo Switch, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, as well as PC, Mac, and Linux via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Humble Bundle for $19.99 with English, Simplified Chinese, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, and Simplified English language support.

For more information on Sail Forth, please visit the official website and join the community by following @sailforthgame and @festivevector on Twitter, or search for #SailForth on social media.

About Festive Vector

Festive Vector is a one-person development studio (AKA David Evans) based in Seattle, Washington. From inception, David’s projects focus on creating feelings of positivity, hope, and just good ol’ fun. After some time spent at Microsoft he sought to develop his first title, Bicyclism Extra Pedal. Since then, David’s sophomore project, Sail Forth, has won various awards leading up to its release including EGX Official Selection 2019, Dreamhack Best Action Adventure 2019, and Seattle Indies Expo Official Selection (2019, 2020).

For more information, visit the official Festive Vector website.

About Quantum Astrophysicists Guild Quantum Astrophysicists Guild (QAG) is a Seattle, Washington-based publishing and development company working in the gaming industry for over a decade after its founders left Microsoft. Its name, meaning the research of very small and very big things, encapsulates the group’s goals of publishing and developing any and every kind of project, ensuring the highest quality. QAG is responsible for numerous award-winning projects that have sold millions of copies including The Bridge (4M units) and Tumblestone (1.5M units)

LOS ANGELES – December 21, 2022 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, announced a global update for the mobile role-playing game Seven Knights 2 is available today just in time to celebrate the holidays with a new hero and special events.

Song of Hope Serena (Legendary) enters the game with various abilities as a Utility Healer and also a Specialized Buffer in Guild Raids. Her ability to increase movement speed, ATK and Ignore DEF Efficiency make for convenient scoring. Song of Hope Serena also specializes in long-time battles with a ‘Climax’ effect which strengthens all skills over time.

To get players in the holiday spirit and introduce Serena, a special V-log can be viewed here:

Additionally, it wouldn’t be the holidays without special events and rewards to celebrate:

• Christmas Festival Check-in Event (Dec 21 – Jan 4): Players will receive Christmas Coins for each check-in for a limited time and can receive 1,000 Rubies for the 14th day they check in.
• Frosty Shoot & Loot Event: Christmas Coins can be obtained here for a limited time and can be exchanged for items including Serena Soulstone, Christmas-themed Profile & Frame, Legendary Pet Summon Piece, Legendary Jewel Summon Voucher, Summon Tickets and more.

The official sequel to Seven Knights, a game enjoyed by 60 million players globally, Seven Knights 2 takes place 20 years after the original and introduces beautiful open world gameplay. The story centers on the Daybreak Mercenaries who embark on a journey to find the last member of the Seven Knights, “Rudy,” after a series of events involving a mysterious girl named Phiné. Stunning cinematics and graphics powered by Unreal Engine 4 will immerse players in this epic game story filled with unique characters and powerful bosses. Players can collect and develop their heroes and experience a new combat system with powerful ultimates and suppressors.

Seven Knights 2 is available now for download on Google Play, App Store and Windows PC (beta).

More information on Seven Knights 2 can be found on the official Facebook page, YouTube and forums or by visiting Netmarble’s Global YouTube channel.

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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The Sandbox, a leading decentralized gaming virtual world and a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, today announced a partnership with The Smurfs’ Society.

The Smurfs’ Society is rewarding The Sandbox’s community with 3,000 exclusive Smurf NFTs for a selection of Smurfs Voxel holders and some community members of The Sandbox. These NFTs will grant their holders early access to the Smurfs’ Society platform and a scavenger hunt experience in The Sandbox. 

The Smurfs’ Society is a Web3 project empowering their community to create a new era in The Smurfs’ history, based on decentralization and creativity through a gamified on-chain adventure. This PFP collection includes 12,500 NFTs featuring 250 unique Smurf characters with over 350 individual rarity traits and a handful of renowned artist collaborations.

Part virtual real estate, part amusement park, The Sandbox fully embraces the idea of the metaverse as a continuous shared digital space where worlds and heroes collide to make magic. Over 400 partners have joined The Sandbox, including Warner Music Group, Sueco, Ubisoft, The Rabbids, Tony Hawk, Gucci Vault, The Walking Dead, Snoop Dogg, Adidas, Deadmau5, Steve Aoki, Richie Hawtin, The Smurfs, Care Bears, Atari, ZEPETO, and CryptoKitties, all following The Sandbox team’s vision of empowering players to create their own experiences using both original and well-known characters and worlds.

Find more information on The Sandbox on our Medium page: https://medium.com/sandbox-game

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Catastrophe looms after the Eden Treaty incident – Check out the Arius District Exploration Guide Task and rewards

New Arius Satellite School Affiliated Students, Misaki and Hiyori arrive

SEOUL – Dec. 21, 2022 – On Wednesday, Dec. 21, NEXON Korea Corp. (CEO: Jung-Hun Lee) released a new story event for subculture hit Blue Archive, developed by their subsidiary company Nexon Games (CEO: Yong-Hyun Park). This release will be titled “Kyrie of the Forgotten Gods.”

The Main Story update explores the aftermath of the Eden Treaty. Players will fight to prevent catastrophe and maintain the peace when Seia suddenly loses consciousness.

In addition, it’s time for the Arius District Exploration Guide Task. Complete Main Stories, Missions, and Lessons to earn Old Arius Badges. Collect 100 to earn Pyroxene x1,200 as a gift.

New students affiliated with Arius Satellite School and Arius Squad, Misaki and Hiyori, will be added. Misaki is an Explosive-type Striker whose EX Skill deals damage over time that is proportional to her ATK to enemies within a circular range. Explosive-type Special Student Hiyori’s EX Skill fires artillery that deals damage proportional to her ATK to the first enemy it hits, decreasing that enemy’s DEF against every Arius Squad student in the unit.

Also, Commissions with currency dungeon content now have K difficulty, and the max account level has been raised to 80. Main Story Mission Chapter 19 and T7 Equipment like the Bucket Hat and Arm Warmer have also been updated.

Until Tuesday, Jan. 3, Nexon will be holding five Double Rewards Campaigns, such as Lessons and Scrimmages, to celebrate the Main Story Update.

You can find details about Blue Archive‘s Event Story update by visiting the official homepage and community pages.

Eden Treaty Chapter 4 PV Video:

Blue Archive Official Twitter: [LINK]

Blue Archive Official Facebook: [LINK]

About NEXON Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1994, NEXON Co., Ltd. (Nexon) (3659.TO) is a company engaged in the production, development and operation of online games and Virtual Worlds. First listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December 2011, Nexon was placed on JPX400 in 2015 and added to the Nikkei Stock Index 300 in 2017. In 2020, Nexon was added to the Nikkei 225. Nexon currently has more than 45 live games on multiple platforms including mobile and available in more than 190 countries. Major game franchises include MapleStory, KartRider and Dungeon&Fighter. In 2021, Nexon completed the acquisition of Embark Studios AB, a company based in Stockholm, Sweden, developing multiple projects for global release.

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Almost 800 new jobs were created in the past year due to the success and popularity of Australian video games. 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 19 December 2022 – The Australian video game industry has more than doubled in size in the last six years, according to the sixth annual Australian Game Development Survey (AGDS) from video games peak industry body, the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA). With over 770 new jobs in the last year alone, the local games industry is expected to grow further this financial year due to increased revenue from existing and new products, and expanded state and federal government support which brings games into line with other creative screen sectors. 

Since the commencement of the survey in 2016, the Australian video game development industry has seen a 148% increase in revenue with Australian studios reporting a 26% growth over the previous year alone. This has encouraged a sharp rise in employment to 2,104 employees, with 69% of developers expecting to hire this financial year, creating a minimum of 300 new jobs. 

“The growth in revenue, employment and confidence in the local game development sector is fantastic. Businesses are maturing, studios are performing well, development teams are expanding and international companies and investors are taking notice of Australia.” said Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA. “State and federal governments are recognising the positive impact the local games industry has on the economy and are supporting the sector with tangible benefits such as the Federal Government’s Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO).”

The development and maturation of the Australian game development ecosystem are highlighted by the age of local studios and the ability to expand teams and launch globally successful products. While one quarter (27%) of Australian studios are less than five years old, most local studios are between 6 – 9 years (48%), with 28% being ten or more years. Over 80% of the Australian video games industry has created at least one game. 

“We see smaller studios comfortably expand into medium-sized studios, and larger studios grow to over 100 employees. Australia finally has the capacity to build and nurture a thriving games industry and game development ecosystem; however, these expanding studios are facing the key hurdles of gaining access to mid to senior talent, which is essential for these expanding studios and dedicated financial support,” said Curry.

According to the AGDS, the greatest challenge facing Australian game developers in the last financial year was hiring employees with specialised skills, potentially limiting the sector’s growth. Programmers and engineers are in the highest demand – heavy STEM-focused roles that require skills valued by other industries, including science, research, and education. Artists and designers were also among the top five roles sought after in the past year, and these roles are also in high demand from the broader, creative screen industry. 

“To immediately address skills shortages in the local industry, we need to tap into overseas talent. Recent improvements to the worker migration system, commitment to the local games industry and the abundance of opportunity available offer strong reasons for skilled migrants to choose Australia. We also need to consider our future pipeline of talent. Students and school leavers should consider the games industry as part of their career path as it offers a diverse range of roles and pathways into other industries such as healthcare, technology and resources, all with huge global opportunities.” said Curry.

The survey also highlighted the lack of early-stage development funding, and funding more broadly, as a barrier to growth this past year. State organisations such as Screen Queensland have implemented grants for small-scale businesses, including the Games Grant, or the Originate Games fund from VicScreen. Still, the industry would benefit from further support to boost growth. Since the announcement in May 2021, the impact of the DGTO has been immediate, with the Australian development industry experiencing increased interest from international business, local developers confidently opening more roles across the market and increased investor engagement. 

“In 2021 and 2022, Australia has seen continued international success with unique games and IP developed by independent or international studios in Australia. We look forward to seeing the Australian games industry develop and grow further, supported by the government and the right talent.”

To learn more about the AGDS 2022, visit the IGEA website or download the report and infographic here.

Permanently available collaboration offers up to 4,000 Chronos Stones as limited-time rewards

TOKYO – 21 Dec. 2022 – Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space today launches a new crossover event with Tales of Symphonia and Tales of Arise simultaneously worldwide. In celebration of the permanently available collaboration, developer and publisher Wright Flyer Studios kicks off a special campaign where players can receive up to 4,000 Chronos Stones through Wednesday, January 11.

While the crossover event is a permanent addition to the game, a series of limited-time rewards offering up to 4000 Chronos Stones begin today. New players can start playing at any point before Wednesday, January 11 to earn 1000 Chronos Stones, and all players can earn another 1000 Chronos Stones by starting Symphony: Crown of the Pale Dawn. Earn 100 Chronos Stones by logging in each day, up from the standard 20, until Sunday, January 8. Find a treasure chest containing Green Key x4 and Red Key x2 in the Spacetime Rift each day until Wednesday, January 4.

Experience a story featuring Tales of Symphonia protagonists Lloyd and Colette and Tales of Arise protagonists Alphen and Shionne, the first time the latter two protagonists have appeared in another game. Called out from a faraway universe, the heroes from another world encounter a girl who could be the key to humanity’s salvation as they face the question: “Can we live in a world without pain?” Complete Symphony: Crown of the Pale Dawn to unlock the four heroes for use in other chapters of the game.

Play with new mechanics inspired by the collaboration titles, such as Concerto Artes, special combo attacks that can be activated by certain character combinations. Search for burrowing owls throughout the campaign to discover hidden treasure. Get to know the characters, including other series characters like Genis, Zelos, Rinwell, and Dohalim, through fully-voiced “Skit” conversations with branching dialogue choices.

Legendary anime studio Production I.G produced the opening animation for “Symphony: Crown of the Pale Dawn.” KANKAKU PIERO, who wrote the opening theme for Tales of Arise, returns with a new opening theme for the crossover.

Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space and the Symphony: Crown of the Pale Dawn collaboration are now available on Steam for PC, iOS via the App Store, and Android via Google Play.

For more information on Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space, please visit the official website and follow the game on Twitter and Facebook.

All-new trailer teases a look at what’s to come in the award-winning action banger from developer Sloclap

PARIS (Dec. 20, 2022) – Sloclap announced today that Kung-Fu revenge epic Sifu is set to debut its stylized and celebrated martial arts combat on Xbox and Steam this March in a colossal free update that includes a challenging new Arenas mode and more. A sizzling new trailer was released today showcasing what fans can expect to see when the content update goes live this spring. Wishlist it on Steam now.

The new Arenas mode will sport nine stylish new maps, each featuring exclusive new challenges of varying difficulty levels, adding multiple hours of the classic Sifu gameplay fans have come to love. Successfully completing the arenas will progressively unlock a massive new modifiers batch, which doubles the current game’s amount and notably brings alternative moves to the Kung-Fu palette of our main character. Completing the new Arenas challenges will also unlock new cheats and exclusive new outfits

Sifu is one of 2022’s most successful games both commercially and critically, with 1.5 million copies sold to date and several Game of the Year nominations across respected international media outlets. Lauded for its attention to detail and fast-paced, precise animation, Sifu is a game like no other, and now students and masters can enjoy one of the year’s best games on the platform of their choice: PC (Epic and Steam), Xbox One/X|S, PlayStation (4/5) and Nintendo Switch. 

Earlier this month, Sloclap revealed the fall update, providing fans looking to share their coolest moves with a Replay Editor – a complete set of recording tools that allows fans the ability to create cinematic replays from within the game. The fall update also rolled out several new challenges, cheats and modifiers, including coveted new outfits for players looking to deck themselves out in stylish new duds. 

Xbox and Steam fans can look forward to a story of revenge and redemption when they get their hands on Sifu early next year. Set to the backdrop of a fictional Chinese city, players uncover an ancient mystery via a series of difficult confrontations that test the limit of their skills. To overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, fighters need to rely on their mastery of Kung-Fu and a magical pendant that revives them after death. The cost of magic is dear, however, and drastically ages a fighter with each revival: time is the price paid for revenge. 

Sifu will be available for $39.99 USD for Xbox and Steam when it launches in March. The Steam Deluxe Edition will be available for $49.99 USD. It is currently available on PC (Epic Game Store), PlayStation (4/5) and Nintendo Switch.

More information on the March update will be revealed closer to its release with deeper looks at the new mode and content coming in the update – fans can stay up to date by checking www.sifugame.com and @sifugame on Twitter.

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About Sloclap

Sloclap is an independent video game studio founded in Paris in 2015. Comprising more than 80 team members, the studio focuses on innovative projects that mix various genres and offer deep and challenging gameplay systems. Sloclap’s debut project, Absolver, is an online multiplayer open world that enables players to compete with each other using combinations of different martial arts techniques. Released in August 2017, the title achieved a player base of more than 3 million people worldwide. The team’s sophomore title, Sifu, has sold more than 1.5 million copies and has been lauded by international critics around the world.

Save the Date to Attend July 18 – 20, 2023, in New York City

Over the past two decades, the annual Games for Change Festival in New York City has become the must-attend gathering for changemakers, developers, executives, and fans who believe in the impact potential of gaming and immersive media. Since then, Games for Change’s mission to elevate and drive real-world change through video games has spread worldwide, capturing the public’s imagination, inspiring cross-sector collaboration, and sparking widespread innovation.

Celebrate 20 years and counting with the global Games for Change community at the organization’s flagship festival, Tuesday, July 18 through Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the Times Center in New York City. During the multi-day in-person event, industry experts will share research and retrospectives on the evolution of impact gaming, perspectives on where we are now, and predictions for the global future of games and immersive media across education, health and wellness, civic engagement, environmental sustainability, and more. This year, the XR for Change Summit will also return as a full-day event, highlighting the cutting-edge immersive experiences that are unlocking new pathways for social impact.

The portal to submit speakers and session ideas is open now, and submissions for the 2023 Games for Change Awards will open on January 5, 2023. Festival registration will open in early 2023. Subscribe to the G4C newsletter and follow G4C on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Instagram channels to be alerted when tickets go on sale.

For additional questions: [email protected]