CD PROJEKT RED announces the launch of the next-gen version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition, now available as a digital download on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store.

Harnessing the power of next-gen hardware, the updated version of CD PROJEKT RED’s trilogy-concluding role-playing epic comes as a free download for owners of the original release of the game, featuring a wide variety of visual and performance improvements. These include real-time ray tracing for PC, Performance and Ray Tracing modes on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and Performance and Quality modes on Xbox Series S, support for DLSS on PC and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution across all next-gen platforms, faster loading times, and more. Furthermore, the next-gen version introduces content and quality of life additions: items and quest inspired by the The Witcher Netflix show, new camera options, quick Sign casting, Photo Mode, cross-platform progression, map and UI tweaks, a selection of community-created mods integrated into the experience — among many others. The Complete Edition also comes with all previously released content for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — the award-winning Hearts of Stone & Blood and Wine expansions, as well as 16 pieces of extra content.

The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt have also received a new update today. It introduces a selection of the numerous quality of life additions coming to next gen — more information can be found in the official patch notes. It will also come with all the new content inspired by Netflix’s The Witcher — new swords and armor for Geralt, alternative looks for Dandelion and Nilfgaardian armor, as well as a brand new quest. This update is also coming to Nintendo Switch at a later date.

The next-gen version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Gamers who previously purchased any version of the title for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC can upgrade to the next-gen update for free via an update. A dedicated next-gen release for the game is also available for purchase digitally via PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store, with a disc version releasing at a later date.
For more information on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition and The Witcher series of games, visit the official website.

About CD PROJEKT RED

Established in 2002, based in Warsaw and with offices in Kraków and Wrocław, Poland, CD PROJEKT RED was born out of raw passion for video games. After the success of the first installment of The Witcher, the studio set sail for bigger leagues and began working on a sequel. Hitting PC in 2011 and Xbox 360 a year later, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings became one of the most critically acclaimed role-playing games in the genre’s contemporary history. What started out as a small, skeleton-crew studio is now a premiere RPG developer, employing over 800 people from all around the world and setting standards for the whole industry in terms of quality of games and the approach to gamers. Today, CD PROJEKT RED is known around the world for its critically acclaimed games including The Witcher series, GWENT: The Witcher Card Game, and Cyberpunk 2077.

PGA TOUR® 2K23 x NBA® 2K23 Bundle Goes Above the Rim and Under Par This Holiday Season

Limited-time introductory pricing makes for the perfect last-minute gift for every sports fan on your shopping list

2K lines up the perfect putt and slam dunks the game-winner this December with the PGA TOUR 2K23 x NBA 2K23 Bundle. The ultimate gift for any sports fan, athlete or gamer, the digital bundle is available for a special introductory holiday price of $74.97 for PlayStation® Plus and Xbox Live Gold subscribers and $62.47 on PC via Steam from December 13 through December 27, 2022*. The perfect last minute gift is available now and features a combined cover depicting stylized images of PGA TOUR 2K23 icon Tiger Woods and NBA 2K23 superstar Devin Booker.

NBA 2K23

Rise to the occasion and “Answer the Call” to greatness with NBA 2K23. The award-winning NBA basketball sports video game simulation series features all-new gameplay innovations and animations, iconic fan-favourite teams and an authentic and hyper-real basketball experience with online community features and upgraded game modes. This year, fans can relive their favourite and most memorable moments from Michael Jordan’s storied career in the revamped and groundbreaking Jordan Challenge sports game mode.

PGA TOUR 2K23

Bringing “More Golf. More Game.” to the virtual course, PGA TOUR 2K23 features several new additions and improvements sure to delight franchise veterans, dedicated PGA TOUR fans and casual golfers alike. The title offers playable pros in-game, including iconic cover star and 2K exclusive athlete Tiger Woods, the franchise’s first female pros, as well as some familiar celebrity faces including Michael Jordan and Steph Curry. Gamers can discover the brand new Topgolf mode, more licensed courses, a choice between the optional new 3-Click or returning analogue stick swing for seamless swings, player archetypes, customizable balls and gear, club fitting, the franchise staple Course Designer, and more!

Also during the holiday season, the Tiger Woods Signature Sunday Pack, which includes a red polo, black pants, black hat, Nike TW Golf shoes, Nike TW Golf belt, and Bridgestone Golf TOUR B XS Tiger Edition Golf Ball** will be available for 25% off on Sony PlayStation® platforms November 28, 2022 through January 2, 2023, and 25% off on Xbox platforms December 16, 2022 through January 2, 2023.***

PGA TOUR 2K23 Deluxe Edition, Tiger Woods Edition and Standard Edition are also available now for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation®5 (PS5™), PlayStation®4 (PS4™) and Steam. NBA 2K23 Championship Edition, Michael Jordan Edition and Standard Edition are also available now on PS5 and PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S required to play the new-generation version of NBA 2K23.

​​For more information on PGA TOUR 2K23, visit https://pgatour.2k.com/2k23/, become a fan on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube, follow the game on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and use the hashtag #PGATOUR2K23.

Follow NBA 2K on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook for the latest NBA 2K23 news.

*Special Introductory price available through 10:00 a.m. PT on December 27, 2022 on Xbox and Steam platforms and 11:59 p.m. local time on Sony. After this introductory period ends, the suggested retail price will be $149.99 on Sony PlayStation® and Xbox platforms and $124.95 on PC via Steam. Price based on 2K’s suggested retail price. Actual retail price may differ. See platform store for pricing and terms.

**Red polo, black pants and Nike TW Golf belt cosmetic items are not available for use with female MyPLAYERs. The Tiger Woods Signature Sunday Pack is included in the Tiger Woods Edition.

***Discount based on 2K’s SRP. Offer ends: January 2, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. local time. Digital only. Terms apply.

HB Studios and Visual Concepts are 2K studios. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

GTA Online: Los Santos Drug Wars Now Available

Take the First Dose in This Opening Chapter of a New Multi-Part Story Update, and Much More

Introducing Los Santos Drug Wars, the opening chapter in a mind-expanding new GTA Online story update featuring a ragtag crew of new arrivals led by Dax, a man-on-the-edge with high hopes of dosing the world, getting rich, and climbing to the top of the Southern San Andreas criminal food chain.

Experience six wild new story missions as you help an outlandish group of new arrivals to Southern San Andreas establish a fledgling business venture running high-grade hallucinogenics out of a new mobile headquarters. Plus, expand your fleet of classic and contemporary rides, and so much more in the first part of Los Santos Drug Wars — now available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.

First Dose

Dax and his group of hard-partying nonconformists, the Fooliganz, are looking to establish their position by setting up shop in Blaine County. Embark on the trip of a lifetime and join the troupe at a new base of operations — The Freakshop — and take on The Lost MC and other adversaries to dominate the illicit drug trade. Complete the First Dose in six new missions and acquire the necessary lab equipment to unlock access to an Acid Lab in the rear of the new MTL Brickade 6×6. Then establish your new mobile business with your own brand of mind-bending substances.

Get started by answering a call from Ron Jakowski and meeting up with the Fooliganz above Liquor Ace in Sandy Shores. Through December 22, earn 2X GTA$ and RP on all these new missions as you help Dax and the Fooliganz establish their foothold.

Meet The Troupe

Dax is many things to many people: the San Andreas Department of Corrections knows him as a repeat customer, a recently released violent, lewd, and lascivious offender. The Fooliganz in the troupe, on the other hand, recognize him as their leader, hero, narcotic messiah, and dude willing to go all the way for the cause. Dax will be your primary contact through First Dose.

The Fooliganz see themselves as less of a gang, and more of a tight-knit family of misfits that includes ravers, addicts, and outcasts of all stripes — including Luchadora, a metalhead wrestler who found a community in the Fooliganz and rose through the ranks to become Dax’s loyal second-in-command.

Good collaborations are all about chemistry. The Fooliganz are going to need help setting up and maintaining distribution throughout Los Santos and Blaine County. Labrat, The Freakshop’s resident chemist, will help you get the operation up and bubbling.

Ron Jakowski is so paranoid that friends say he lines the inside of his bucket hat with aluminum foil, but Nervous Ron is onto something for real this time. With Trevor gone, he’s discovered the seedy psychedelic underworld of the Fooliganz. He’ll be in touch shortly with an invitation, and you’ll get a chance to join the circus.

The Acid Business

Looking to get into the wide world of psychedelics? Complete all of the missions in First Dose to stealthe MTL Brickade 6×6, a heavy-duty vehicle that includes the Maibatsu Manchez Scout C motorcycle, which can be requested in Freemode and is used to deliver Acid Product.

Once you acquire the necessary lab equipment, the Brickade 6×6 will become your HQ to make your very own party drops on the go, and the talented Mutt will help you get your new business up and running. Install the Acid Lab upgrade at The Freakshop and source the ingredients, either by ordering supplies or procuring them using brute force, then manufacture and sell your product to those looking to open their third eye just a little bit wider.

Sourcing supplies can be as easy as paying Mutt to order them, or you can get your hands dirty by reclaiming runoff from Humane Labs, stealing grain and volatile chemicals. Rolling up your sleeves and putting in a short shift will even boost production speeds. Once cooked, the final product will need to be delivered to prospective buyers and kept out of the hands of the authorities.

The Freakshop

The troupe is a circus so huge that no tent in the world could cover it. But the Fooliganz hang out, cook up, and trip at The Freakshop, a psychedelic haven under the Los Santos Highway. Here, you’ll be able to take advantage of access to a Weapon Workshop to upgrade your arsenal, as well as modify your MTL Brickade 6×6 and Maibatsu Manchez Scout C.

Your newly acquired Brickade 6×6 may resemble a rolling cinder block but stowing it in The Freakshop will allow you to extensively modify and customize it to your liking. Tune the engine, armor, brakes, and more to transform your mobile business into an unstoppable force on the road — and slap on a decorative livery for good measure. Mod your new Manchez Scout C motorcycle to deliver product even faster, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the most reputable name in hallucinogenics.

Fool Around and Find Out

A lot changed while Dax was in prison, and he’s dealing with a bit of culture shock adjusting to the outside: everyone vapes now, weed is legal, and all sorts of gangs moved in on the markets the Fooliganz used to run.

Help him make the FIB’s watchlist for activities that include running interference, sabotaging rival drug operations by poisoning crops, planting remote-controlled bombs, and other schemes. After joining the troupe and meeting their illustrious leader, pick up your phone and get in contact with Dax to request Fooligan Jobs that are kicking back 2X GTA$ and RP all week.

Five New Rides This Week

Överflöd Entity MT

Överflöd’s quest to build a hypercar capable of reaching dizzying speeds while remaining firmly on the tarmac may have reached its pinnacle with the Entity MT Super car, available now from Legendary Motorsport and the Luxury Autos showroom.

But remember — where some mod shops shoot for the moon, Hao’s Special Works hurtles straight into the center of the sun. Players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S can apply unique HSW upgrades at the LS Car Meet to experience the Entity MT’s true final form.

Annis 300R

After four decades of pushing tech and perfecting performance, Annis presents the ultimate mega mix of their greatest hits. And if its throwback touches don’t persuade you, head to your Agency Garage to add some Imani Tech Upgrades in the form of a Missile Lock-On Jammer, Remote Control Unit, Slick Mines, and Armor Plating.

The Annis 300R Sports car is available from Legendary Motorsport, but only through December 28. You can also get up close and personal with the 300R and take it for a test drive at Simeon’s Premium Deluxe Motorsport showroom.

Declasse Tulip M-100

Everyone remembers the backseat of the four-door Tulip Muscle car — the sincere heart-to-hearts with cab drivers, the drunken rants, projectile vomiting on the dashboard without bias. Well, now’s your chance to sit up front for a change and, with only two doors, the good news is that nobody can pull the crap you used to pull.

The Declasse Tulip M-100 is now available via Southern San Andreas Super Autos.

Zirconium Journey II

The Journey II Van was designed with cross-country travel in mind, but then the housing crisis crushed most people’s dreams of ever owning a home — and suddenly living in a recreational vehicle looks appealing.

Indulge your mid-life crisis with the Zirconium Journey II, available now at Southern San Andreas Super Autos, and to test drive at Premium Deluxe Motorsport.

BF Surfer Custom

In the middle of the previous century, an entire generation of would-be Yuppies dropped out of polite society to wear tie-dye, burn incense, and piss off their parents. The BF Surfer was their vehicle of choice. This new-and-improved Custom version of the beloved camper gives that hippie mainstay a 21^st-century facelift and an engine refresh to match. Think of it like a former burnout with a great credit score.

The BF Surfer Custom Van is available now at Southern San Andreas Super Autos and to test drive at Premium Deluxe Motorsport.

And as part of Los Santos Drug Wars, look forward to a dozen additional new vehicles debuting at retailers in the coming weeks and months.

Hundreds of New Clothing Items

From Freakshop-ready Fatal Incursion ink and Logger Boots to snug new Onesies and colorful Ugglies, new clothing and ink has arrived at local shops across San Andreas, with hundreds of new items to offer. Plus, be on the lookout for a huge variety of patterned, embroidered, and unique clothing items in the events over the coming weeks and months.

Experience Improvements

Today’s update also introduces increased payouts in Smuggler’s Sell Missions as part of ongoing economy balancing, and a range of improvements based largely on player feedback including launching Business Sell Missions from the Benefactor Terrorbyte in all Session types, taking on Agatha’s Casino Story Missions solo, and more.

Players keen to trim down their iFruit’s Contact list and get to their favorite Contacts faster can now select which names to show/hide by pulling up the Interaction Menu, selecting Inventory and Phone Contact Favorites.

And So Much More…

Beyond psychedelic trips and crop-dusting runs, Los Santos Drug Wars will continue over the coming weeks and months to deliver new vehicles, world events, and gameplay updates — beginning with new festive encounters and collectibles starting next week. Early next year, expect Downtown Cab Co. to be looking for new recruits, a traveling Gun Van offering exclusive items, street dealers looking to pay premiums for your product, a new garage with the most vehicle storage yet, and much more.

Stay tuned in to the Newswire for the latest and greatest, and be prepared for the Last Dose to kick in just when you least expect it…

Heists Challenge Award

The GTA Online community continues to astound and amaze in equal measure. The collective success of operators coming together to take down over GTA$4 trillion over the course of this year’s Heists Challenge sets the bar even higher, quadrupling 2020’s Heist Challenge total.

As a reward, all GTA Online players will be able to pick up the brand-new Declasse Tahoma Coupe Muscle car for free from December 16 through December 18, after which the Tahoma Coupe will be made widely available for purchase from Southern San Andreas Super Autos.

Create Your Own Hao’s Special Works Races

As we continue to improve on and expand the tools available to our talented community of creators, the HSW Race Creator is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Create custom tracks for the highest performance vehicles in Southern San Andreas — or convert any of your existing Races into an HSW Race. Prove you’ve got what it takes by completing Hao’s Intro Race to unlock access to the HSW Race Creator.

In Showrooms This Week

Visit Simeon’s Premium Deluxe Motorsport Showroom to get a closer look at three of the new vehicles this week — the Zirconium Journey II and BF Surfer Custom Vans, and Annis 300R (Sports) — as well as the pacey Benefactor Krieger (Super) and Karin Everon (Off-Road).

Meanwhile, the window display of the Luxury Autos Showroom is showing off the new Överflöd Entity MT (Super) available for HSW upgrades, and the Progen Itali GTB (Super: 30% off) for all to admire.

Other Vehicle Offerings Citywide
Spin the Lucky Wheel at The Diamond Casino & Resort — and if you’re supremely lucky you’ll walk away with the keys to the new Zirconium Journey II Van on the podium.

Visit the LS Car Meet’s Test Track anytime this week to give the Benefactor Stirling GT (Sports Classic: 30% off), Pfister Growler (Sports), and Vapid Dominator ASP (Muscle) preliminary trial drives, while determined competitors who finish in the Top 3 in Street Races for three days running will earn the Enus Windsor Drop (Coupe).

And bolster your roster of vehicles with 30% off the Progen Itali GTB (Super), Karin Kuruma (Sports), and Buckingham Vestra (Plane) this week.

GTA+
GTA+ Members enjoy exclusive benefits for the massive new multi-part Los Santos Drug Wars update that help you get your psychedelic manufacturing operation up and running, including the Acid Lab upgrade for the new MTL Brickade 6×6 upon completing First Dose – Off the Rails and obtaining the necessary lab equipment, as well as:

• Buckingham Alpha-Z1 Plane from Elitás Travel
• Hangar A17 at LSIA or relocate there for no additional cost
• 50% Faster Acid Production Speeds
• 1.5X GTA$ and RP Bonuses on New Story Missions, stacking with this week’s bonuses for 3X GTA$ and RP
• 1.5X GTA$ for Payphone Hits and completing respective Assassination Bonuses
• Free Holiday Clothes, including the Have You Seen Me? Sweater, The Red-nosed costume, and The Nutcracker costume
• 50% off all Armor Upgrades, and more

For full details, visit the GTA+ website.

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.   

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.  

Check Rockstar Support for details and limitations.

PlayStation Australia is pleased to announce that the 2022 Wrap-Up is here. Players can relive their epic gaming moments and celebrate the year, whether that included exploring the nine realms with Kratos or Atreus, or navigating a unique dystopian world as a stray cat. 

Starting today through Friday, 13 January 2023, PS4 and PS5 console users* can access and share their 2022 Wrap-Up highlights, including number of earned trophies, number of games played, total hours played across PS4 and PS5 games, and number of PlayStation Plus monthly games downloaded if they are a PlayStation Plus member. Stats will continue to update through the end of 2022, so be sure to check back in the new year.

Players can also view the monumental stats achieved collectively by the global PlayStation community in 2022, including the number of Thunderjaws felled in Horizon Forbidden West, total miles driven in Gran Turismo 7, and the total number of axes thrown in God of War Ragnarök.

At the end of the 2022 Wrap-Up experience, players will receive a Summary Card that they can share and compare with other players.

PS5 and PS4 console users* who click through all of the 2022 Wrap-Up sections can also receive a voucher code to redeem one of six Astro Bot avatars that reflects their PlayStation gaming achievement this year. Each avatar voucher code can be redeemed by other players within their region, meaning users can share the code with friends and keep an eye out for the different avatar codes that are available to redeem. 

For more information on the 2022 Wrap-Up visit playstation.com.

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

PARIS — Dec. 13, 2022 — Warstride Challenges, the high-octane, high-speed FPS developed by Dream Powered Games and published by Focus Entertainment, just released a new major update full of content, adding a real-time multiplayer mode and additional features for the level editor. Discover it all in the game’s newest trailer now!

A New Multiplayer Mode & More!

This new update introduces a live multiplayer mode for real-time speedruns for up to eight players, giving the Warstride community yet another opportunity to challenge each other as they compete simultaneously through cups, a playlist of levels.

Fresh Warstride experiences don’t stop there: players can now access an exciting new array of options brought to the level editor. An ever-improving feature of the game thanks to the community’s active feedback and creations, the level editor continues to extend its functionality with map curation and decorative objects.

An Early Access Full of Content

Previous Warstride updates have already added 60 levels, six bonus levels, and ten Big Fun levels including new powers such as the Stomp and Grappling Hook to kill your enemies with style. With all the improvements added to the level editor, players can also enjoy new levels and share their creations with the community. The devs are always working to continuously improve the game experience and integrate community feedback before the 1.0 release.

To celebrate the new update, Warstride Challenges is available now on Steam Early Access for 25% off for a limited time. Join today to enjoy the latest content and blast hordes of demons at lightning speed in bloody gunfights across a series of increasingly intense trials!

This World Needs a New Hero – Experience the Legend of Zack Fair Today!

LONDON (December 13, 2022) – SQUARE ENIX® announced that the much-anticipated remaster, CRISIS CORE™ –FINAL FANTASY® VII– REUNION, launches today on PlayStation®5 (PS5™) console, PlayStation®4 (PS4™) console, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, Nintendo Switch™ system, and PC. Unravel the stories of Zack, Cloud, Sephiroth, Aerith, Tifa and more in this generously remastered companion to FINAL FANTASY VII.

View the CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION Launch Trailer:

“Bringing this long-awaited remaster of CRISIS CORE to life has been an absolute delight,” said Executive Producer Yoshinori Kitase. “For many years, our passionate community has been asking us to bring an updated version of CRISIS CORE to current platforms, and we’re thrilled to be able to finally deliver on that request. With the complete overhaul of many elements of the game, we hope that new and returning FINAL FANTASY fans enjoy experiencing the story of Zack Fair as much as we had developing CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION”

Nearly 15 years after the release of the PlayStation®Portable exclusive, CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION brings new life to the fan-favorite story of SOLDIER operativeZack Fair with a complete HD graphics overhaul of the character models, UI and background, a newly arranged soundtrack by original composer Takeharu Ishimoto, fully voiced dialogue in English and Japanese, featuring key members of the voice acting cast of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, and an updated action combat system, with the option to trigger Limit Breaks and Summons, and a streamlined “Digital Mind Wave” (DMW) system. CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION maintains the heart of the beloved PlayStation®Portable classic, while utilizing modern technology for a more appealing, immersive and engaging overall gameplay experience for new and existing fans alike.
 
The story of CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION begins seven years before the events of FINAL FANTASY VII, following Zack Fair, a young, optimistic Shinra SOLDIER operative. As Zack and SOLDIER 1^st Class Sephiroth team up to search for a missing SOLDIER operative Genesis Rhapsodos, he uncovers the dark truths of Shinra’s experiments and the monsters they create. When betrayals and secrets hit too close to home and cause him to question everything and everyone he knows, Zack must forge his own path as a hero to protect the ones he loves and defend the one thing he has left – his SOLDIER honor.
 
CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION launches today on PlayStation®5 (PS5™) console, PlayStation®4 (PS4™) console, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, Nintendo Switch™ system, and PC.

Additionally, Zack’s high-quality action figure, otherwise only available as part of the game’s Japanese Hero Edition, is exclusively available at the Square Enix Store. CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION PLAY ARTS KAI Action Figure – ZACK FAIR SOLDIER 2nd CLASS can be pre-ordered here: https://sqex.link/szo8

About FINAL FANTASY VII
First released in 1997 on the PlayStation® computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY VII is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2022. The game is universally regarded as a hallmark title of the RPG genre. The original title received high praise for its epic storyline, unique characters, and movie sequences that utilized the most cutting-edge technology of the time. Since then, the game has sold over 13.9 million copies worldwide and continues to receive widespread acclaim from critics and fans around the world. The popular game has even expanded into spin-offs, films, and merchandise.
 
The first game of the FINAL FANTASY VII remake trilogy project, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE released in 2020 has been praised by both players and critics across the globe, earning more than 20 perfect scores from media, and was selected as a PlayStation® “Editor’s Choice” pick. The game also became the highest-selling digital release on the PlayStation® platform in SQUARE ENIX’s history, exceeding more than five million shipments and digital sales worldwide since its release. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, the second game in the trilogy is now in development for the PlayStation®5.
 
About Square Enix, Ltd.
Square Enix, Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 173 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
 
More information on Square Enix, Ltd. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com
 
# # #
 

CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION © 2007, 2008, 2022 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA

A FESTIVE SIGHT FOR SWORD EYES TREE SCULPTOR AND FINAL FANTASY FAN CARVES CHRISTMAS TREE IN HOMAGE TO HIS FAVOURITE VIDEO GAME FRANCHISE

LONDON (Dec. 13, 2022) – Today, SQUARE ENIX® unveiled a one-of-a-kind tree carving of their legendary Buster Sword to mark the launch of the modern version of the cult classic CRISIS CORE™ –FINAL FANTASY® VII– REUNION, out now on PlayStation®5 (PS5™) console, PlayStation®4 (PS4™) console, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, Nintendo Switch™ system, and PC.

Working in collaboration with Simon O’Rourke, a renowned UK based tree sculptor and self-confessed video game enthusiast, the striking design took 30 hours to create. This unique take on the franchise’s infamous Buster Sword, an acclaimed weapon from CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION, was created to celebrate the launch of the game and to mark the festive season.

For this stunning creation, Simon stripped off the outer layers of the tree with his collection of chainsaws of different shapes and sizes, simultaneously visualising the sculpture as he worked his way around it. Once the foundations of the Buster Sword design were finished, he then worked his way in to the finer details of the sword and handle using smaller tools, such as the grinder, drill, and rotary tool to finesse the final details. Within the intricate woodwork of the sculpture, he used metal inserts to strengthen fragile areas and then delivered the finishing artwork using a chisel and smaller power tools, before staining and colouring to complete the Buster Sword Tree.

For the Buster Sword Tree, Simon lit the branches with LED lights, and he plans to have it on display, pride of place on his front lawn for the duration of December. The Blue Atlantic Cedar tree used for the sculpture was felled in a suburban area earlier in the year owing to a common place fungal disease.

Simon O’Rourke said, “I’ve been waiting in anticipation for months to showcase to the world my homage to the Buster Sword, and I hope the fans of the franchise will feel that I’ve done the video game justice! With the release of CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION on December 13th, I thought I would surprise my family with a Christmas tree with a difference. I spoke to SQUARE ENIX and we collaborated to bring my vision of the tree to life.”

Simon, whose previous work has been displayed across the United Kingdom, is part of several sustainability and planting programmes to which SQUARE ENIX have now donated in recognition of Simon’s work and to offset the tree he has used. To find out more information on the creative process for the Buster Sword Tree carving and Simon’s sustainability practises, please visit the SQUARE ENIX official blog, which has an exclusive interview with him:
https://weblet.square-enix.com/geojmp.php?d=BLOG&l=CRISIS-CORE-TREE

For further examples of Simon O’Rourke’s work, please visit https://treecarving.co.uk/

15 years after the release of the PlayStation®Portable exclusive original game, CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION features a complete HD graphics overhaul, newly arranged soundtrack, fully voiced dialogue in English and Japanese, and an updated combat system.

CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION launches on PlayStation®5 (PS5™) console, PlayStation®4 (PS4™) console, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, Nintendo Switch™ system, and PC on December 13, 2022.  

The game can be pre-ordered here: https://ffvii.square-enix-games.com/games/crisis-core

About FINAL FANTASY VII
First released in 1997 on the PlayStation® computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY VII is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2022. The game is universally regarded as a hallmark title of the RPG genre. The original title received high praise for its epic storyline, unique characters, and movie sequences that utilized the most cutting-edge technology of the time. Since then, the game has sold over 13.9 million copies worldwide and continues to receive widespread acclaim from critics and fans around the world. The popular game has even expanded into spin-offs, films, and merchandise.

The first game of the FINAL FANTASY VII remake trilogy project, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE released in 2020 has been praised by both players and critics across the globe, earning more than 20 perfect scores from media, and was selected as a PlayStation® “Editor’s Choice” pick. The game also became the highest-selling digital release on the PlayStation® platform in SQUARE ENIX’s history, exceeding more than five million shipments and digital sales worldwide since its release. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, the second game in the trilogy is now in development for the PlayStation®5.

About Square Enix, Ltd.
Square Enix, Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 173 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Ltd. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com

# # #

CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION © 2007, 2008, 2022 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA

Unravel a Mystery of Lost Memories and Moonlit Spirits

BURLINGAME, Calif. – Dec. 13, 2022 – Today, KOEI TECMO America revealed the latest details on the frightening setting and eccentric cast of characters in their remastered classic, FATAL FRAME: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse. Featuring a spooky infirmary and a scream-inducing sanatorium, their revival of the cult-favorite Japanese horror adventure will be available digitally March 9, 2023 for Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC via Steam®.

FATAL FRAME: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse takes place on a Rogetsu Isle in southern Japan, a decade after five young girls mysteriously disappeared at a moonlight festival. When two of the girls are found dead days apart ten years after the initial vanishing, the remaining three teenagers head back to the haunted island to solve the mystery of their friends’ deaths and their hazy memories, while encountering the frightening spirits that inhabit the land. 

Along the way, they will enter the Haibara Infirmary. This old hospital is now in ruins, but is the site where Dr. Haibara’s trials to cure “Moonlight Syndrome” eventually turned deadly. The girls will also return to Rogetsu Hall, a sanatorium built for the treatment of “Moonlight Syndrome”. It’s a hotel-like building attached to Haibara Infirmary where only “special guests” can be admitted. Locals refer to Haibara Infirmary as the “old building” and Rogetsu Hall as the “new building”. 

Other important locations to explore include the Cape Tsukiyomi Lighthouse and the Yomotsuki Residence. The closest point to the moon on the island, the lighthouse has special meaning for the residents who worship the moon. An ancient shrine has been relocated to the top of the lighthouse. Meanwhile, the Yomotsuki Residence is the birthplace of one of the missing girls, Ruka Minazuki, and visiting this house brings back a flood of important memories. It’s also the home of Ruka’s father, the venerable mask-maker named Soya Yomotsuki. Soya is obsessed with perfecting the “Mask of the Lunar Eclipse” and has been accused by Ruka’s mother, Sayaka Minazuki, of playing a part in Ruka’s disappearance! To reveal the truth behind their disappearance and the shocking deaths, Ruka and friends will need to fight off ghostly spirits and a wanted murderer on their quest to uncover the secrets of their lost memories.

Alongside the standard version of the game, KOEI TECMO America will also release a special FATAL FRAME: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse OP.Available digitally, this unique edition of the game includes the Rogetsu Isle Dinner Party Costume Set, and a digital art book (original soundtrack included).

In addition, anyone who purchases the digital copy of the game by March 22, 2023 will have the ability to download the early purchase bonus: Ruka Exclusive Costume “Marie Rose Outfit” from the Dead or Alive series. Fans who preorder the game by the release date will also receive a variety of costumes, including the Ruka Limited Edition Costume “Fox Mask” (white/red), the Misaki Limited Edition Costume “Fox Mask” (black/scarlet), the Choshiro Limited Edition Costume “Fox Mask” (black/blue), and the Ruka Misaki, and Choshiro Limited Edition Costume “Spirit Stone Flashlight Hat”. There will even be a special save bonus costume for fans who have already played FATAL FRAME: Maiden of Black Water. Play FATAL FRAME: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse on the same device that has saved data from FATAL FRAME: Maiden of Black Water saved to receive the Save Data Bonus, the “Camera Obscura Hat”.

For more information on FATAL FRAME: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, including more information on the locations and characters featured in the game, please visit the official site, Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/koeitecmous and Follow us on Twitter @koeitecmoUS.

ABOUT KOEI TECMO AMERICA CORP.

KOEI TECMO AMERICA CORP. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Burlingame, California. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive®, Ninja Gaiden®, Tecmo Bowl®, and Fatal Frame® series.

###

©2008-2022 Nintendo / KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. ©2008-2021 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.

“PlayStation”, “PS5”, and “PS4” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox One X, Xbox Live, the Xbox logos, and/or other Microsoft products referenced herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.

©2022 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

SEGA CORPORATION (HQ: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, President COO: Yukio Sugino, hereinafter SEGA) — Today, SEGA announced that Netflix’s animated Sonic the Hedgehog Series, Sonic Prime, co-produced with WildBrain, makes its global debut on December 15.

The 24-episode first season animated adventure for kids, families and long-time fans draws upon the keystones of the brand and features the “Blue Blur” of video game fame in a high-octane adventure where the fate of a strange new multiverse rests in his gloved hands.

The series will be animated at WildBrain’s Vancouver studio, and SEGA and WildBrain will jointly participate in production, distribution, and licensing. Man of Action Entertainment, creators of Ben 10 and the characters and team in the Academy Award-winning feature Big Hero 6, have been brought on as showrunners and Executive Producers for the series.

SEGA’s newest 3D Sonic game, Sonic Frontiers, sells over 2.5 million copies worldwide

‐More Sonic Frontiers free content coming your way in2023!

Sonic Frontiers, the Blue Blur’s first open-zone, action-adventure platforming game released worldwide on November 8, 2022, has sold over 2.5 million copies*1 worldwide.

In Sonic Frontiers, Sonic, Tails, and Amy set off on a new adventure in a mysterious new land searching for the missing Chaos Emeralds. Players will battle hordes of powerful enemies as they explore a breathtaking world of action, adventure, and mystery. Sonic fans can accelerate to new heights and experience the thrill of high-velocity, open-zone platforming freedom as they race across the Starfall Islands with no predetermined path. Within the open-zone landscape, players can complete side quests, solve puzzles, scale enormous structures, go fishing, and test their 3D platforming skills in Cyber Space.

With nothing but a handful of questions and a disembodied voice to guide him, Sonic sets out to save his friends and the enigmatic inhabitants of the Starfall Islands from a colossal, mechanized threat.

In addition, to make Sonic Frontiers more exciting, SEGA will provide multiple free DLC that will add many new elements, playable characters, modes, and costumes. The first piece of DLC will be Sonic’s Holiday Cheer Costume, free on December 21, 2022. SEGA is committed to making every effort to ensure a long and enjoyable experience for our players.

Sonic Frontiers is the newest addition to the growing portfolio of Sonic media initiatives, including projects like the upcoming Netflix animated series Sonic Prime, Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog films, and a collection of high-speed action games since 1991.

——–

*1 SEGA internal data: sales figures represent the sum of sales of physical and downloaded titles and those deployed across all platforms.

About Sonic the Hedgehog series

The Sonic series is collection of a high-speed action games that first released in 1991. The series offers exhilarating super-speed action and a beginner-friendly gameplay system that allows you to face against enemies or traps fearlessly with the help of its iconic gold rings. It has been supported by players of all ages for many years and has recorded 1.51 billion sales/DL*² to date. The Sonic series offers a breadth of gameplay varieties, including 2D action, 3D rearview action, as well as multiple spin-off titles. In addition to game titles, SEGA has also expanded the series globally in a range of areas, including film, animation, music, and merchandising.

*² Includes downloads of Free to Play (F2P) titles

About SEGA CORPORATION

SEGA CORPORATION is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company offers a variety of game contents for console, PC, wireless devices including planning, development, sales and operation, and amusement machine including planning, development, and sales. Moreover, it provides game content developed by studios in countries around the world through global publishing bases.

About SEGA of America, Inc.:

SEGA of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA CORPORATION, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment. Established in 1986, SEGA of America publishes and develops innovative interactive entertainment experiences for console, PC, mobile and emerging platforms. In 2020, SEGA ranked #1 among Metacritic’s Annual Game Publisher Rankings. Its globally beloved franchises include Sonic the Hedgehog, Yakuza, Virtua Fighter, Super Monkey Ball, and Crazy Taxi, along with Atlus’ Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series. Since its debut more than three decades ago, Sonic has become an entertainment icon featured in several dozen games, TV series, movies, merchandise and more. SEGA of America has offices in Irvine and Burbank, California.

About WildBrain 

At WildBrain we inspire imaginations to run wild, engaging kids and families everywhere with great content and beloved brands. With approximately 13,000 half-hours of filmed entertainment in our library—one of the world’s most extensive—we are home to such treasured franchises as Peanuts, Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, Inspector Gadget and Degrassi. Our integrated, in-house capabilities spanning production, distribution and licensing set us apart as a unique independent player in the industry, managing IP across its entire lifecycle, from concept to content to consumer products.

At our state-of-the-art animation studio in Vancouver, we produce award-winning, fan-favourite series, such as The Snoopy Show; Snoopy in Space; Sonic Prime; Chip and Potato; Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City; Carmen Sandiego; Go, Dog. Go! and many more. Enjoyed in more than 150 countries and on over 500 streaming platforms and telecasters, our content is everywhere kids and families view entertainment. WildBrain Spark, our AVOD network, has garnered over 1 trillion minutes of watch time on YouTube, offering one of the largest selections of kids’ content on that platform. Our leading consumer-products and location-based entertainment agency, WildBrain CPLG, represents our owned and partner properties in every major territory worldwide. Our television group owns and operates some of Canada’s most-viewed family entertainment channels.

WildBrain is headquartered in Canada with offices worldwide and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: WILD).