PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, Oculus, and HTC Vive to arrive 2023 alongside PC’s 1.0 update

MELBOURNE – Nov. 30, 2022 – 22 Racing Series, the real-time physics-based racing playground set in the 22nd century, drifts onto Steam Early Access today courtesy of developer GOATi Entertainment, a team comprised of AAA veterans involved with creating some of the industry’s biggest titles such as LA Noire, The Darkness 2, and Darksiders 2.PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, Oculus, and HTC Vive versions will be available in 2023 alongside the 1.0 update on PC.

As the world hovers on the brink of total climate collapse a century in the future, daredevils, speed freaks, and adrenaline addicts turn to a virtual future physics racing (FPR) sphere for sport and entertainment accessible to all.

Leave the shackles of peril behind as vehicles tear and speed through twisted tracks based on real locations from around the world. Master traditional racing modes like Time Trials, Circuit Racing, Elimination Rounds, and Point-to-Point Racing. Expand horizons in modern multiplayer-inspired modes like Sector Captor, a vehicular spin on capture the flag, and the massive Race Royale featuring 100 to 1000 players.

22 Racing Series’ RaceHub makes racing technology, infrastructure and marketplace accessible to everyone. Try out track, vehicle, race and tournament builders, as well as RTS resource management and build mechanics. Modders can build any racing experience they like, from future racer, to karting, sim, arcade, maglev, magrip, drones, and bikes. In collaboration with global automobile manufacturers, drive licensed next generation vehicles including GT by Citroën, Citroën Revolte, DS E-tense Performance, and classic heritage vehicles such as MGB-GT and Austin-Healey 3000.

Join a community of fellow racers and modders as they bring their racing visions to life with dream vehicles, tracks, race rule sets, and tournaments to share with other racers to enjoy. 

“Building a group of people around a next generation collaborative racing experience has been a tremendously fulfilling adventure,” said Garth Midgley, Managing and Creative Director of GOATi Entertainment. “We hope 22 Racing Series brings racing enthusiasts from all walks of life together.”

To stay up to date with all things 22 Racing Series, speed over to the official website, Twitter, and YouTube pages.

About GOATi 

GOATi Entertainment is a AAA game development company specializing in engine technology, physics simulation, blockchain integration, and global microtransaction business models for games and esports. Built upon their proprietary engine ‘RevGen’, they have developed globally recognized and award-winning emergent AI simulation programs and the world’s first RTS-Racing game ’22 Racing Series’. They have pioneered the development of Smart NFT blockchain technology, and in April 2020, they released ‘Pavillion Hub’, the world’s most advanced blockchain gaming platform, which is environmentally friendly and carbon neutral, and was purpose- built with ease of use sign-on, transact, play, and cross-platform connected features that make the mass adoption of blockchain technology in AAA games a near reality..

Castle Renovator and Ship Graveyard Simulator make their debut on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. The former is a unique medieval renovation and building simulator, while the latter allows you to play as a ship-breaker, which is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Castle Renovator is to be released on November 29, while Ship Graveyard Simulator will launch on December 2.

Castle Renovator and Ship Graveyard Simulator first came out on PC. Ultimate Games S.A. is in charge of producing and releasing both of the games for Xbox One. The backward compatibility feature ensures that the games are also playable on Xbox Series X|S.

Castle Renovator

In Castle Renovator, you play as a medieval renovator and builder who completes various commissions by renovating buildings and castles while freely expanding your own village. By progressing through the game, you will be able to access new skills and additional tools.

In the game developed by Pyramid Games S.A., you can visit several highly diverse locations, which include not only castles but also mansions, palaces, and even pirate ships. You can also create your own structures and, for example, build houses intended for rental.

Castle Renovator – Trailer (Xbox):

Ship Graveyard Simulator

In Ship Graveyard Simulator, you will find yourself in the world’s largest ship graveyard, with hundreds of wrecks lying lifelessly on the beach. The game allows you to become a worker who dismantles such steel giants for a living. It is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world.

In the game developed by Games Incubator, your job is to break up the indicated pieces of ships by cutting, demolishing, and welding. The parts and valuable resources that you recover can later be sold in order to acquire funds for upgrading your equipment. At the same time, you will need to be aware of the danger of being exposed to toxic substances, as well as many other risks.

Ship Graveyard Simulator – Trailer (Xbox):

Submissions are now open!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Japan Independent Games Aggregate (JIGA) and the BitSummit organizing committee, are pleased to announce BitSummit 2023, titled “BitSummit Let’s Go!!,” will be held on Friday, July 14th, through Sunday, July 16th at the Kyoto International Exhibition Hall, Miyakomesse. The first day specializes in B2B, focusing on attending developers, publishers, media, and sponsors, while the second and third day welcome general attendees.

Submissions are now open through January 31st, 2023 to developers looking to enter their games into the show. More information on the application process is available on the BitSummit website, and developers can begin the submission process here.

BitSummit will again be open to the public. Thanks to relaxed travel restrictions, this year we’re happy to welcome back developers, publishers, and sponsors from outside of Japan! We will continue to follow coronavirus measures to ensure BitSummit continues to be as safe as possible.

Thanks to our experience hosting BitSummit X-Roads last year, we plan to increase the number of ways for fans to participate online. Fans will connect with each other and developers via the BitSummit Discord and other social media channels. The accompanying live stream during BitSummit will highlight game reveals, plays, and panels led by industry-leading talent.

Finally, to facilitate more opportunities for people to connect, BitSummit will again partner with MeetToMatch to help coordinate B2B connections between developers, publishers, and media.

BitSummit is sponsored and produced by Japan Independent Games Association (JIGA) along with The Kyoto Prefecture, and KYOTO CMEX (Cross Media Experience).

Expect the unveiling of additional information regarding special guest speakers, musicians, and sponsors in the coming months. Please bookmark the Official BitSummit website or follow our Twitter or Facebook channels for the latest announcements.

For more information regarding sponsorship, game submissions, news, and more, please visit the BitSummit website.

ABOUT BitSummit

BitSummit is an annual festival based in Kyoto, celebrating independent game developers and development in Japan. Founded in late-2012 to support, unify, and evangelize the vibrant and innovative Japanese independent game development scene to the world at large, BitSummit has established itself as Japan’s premier independent gaming event, attracting thousands of visitors annually, as well as a notable, international media presence. BitSummit has been covered by every leading gaming website worldwide and featured in print publications such as Weekly Famitsu, Dengeki PlayStation, Games™, EDGE, and more. BitSummit has also been the focus of panel discussions at the Game Developers Conference, IndieCade, IndieCade East, and CEDEC. BitSummit continues to grow alongside the burgeoning Japanese independent development scene in its tenth year running.

New Trailer Showcases a different side of Detective Doe

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 30 November 2022 – Get ready to unravel the mysteries in Mato when the visual-novel-inspired JRPG releases on 10 March next year. 

A new trailer revealing a different side of Detective Doe in the game can be viewed here:

Playing the role of Detective Doe, users need to fight their way across Mato – a neo-futuristic megalopolis in the orient – investigating strange happenings across the city and uncovering secrets along the way, eventually meeting a great cast of friends.

However, not all is as it seems as players unravel the truth about Detective Doe and his eccentric and lone wolf ‘partner in crime’ .

The game will release on PlayStation® 4, PlayStation® 5, Xbox One, X Box Series X | S , Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam) – both physical and digital – 10 March 2023.

About Arrowiz

Established in 2016 by creatives and executives from CCP, Take-Two, Marvel Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Arrowiz is a global video game developer with offices in Shanghai, China and Irvine, California. Initially established to develop products for the VR market with BEATS FEVER (published by Sunsoft in Japan and by Arrowiz globally), the team reimagined its focus towards story-driven video games, with its initial launch HERMITAGE: STRANGE CASE FILES (published by Bilibili for China and by Giiku Games globally) becoming the bestselling Chinese visual novel on Steam in 2019. Arrowiz aims to create innovative, original games and transform world-famous stories into wonderful experiences for global audiences.

About Prime Matter:

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Prime Matter the premium gaming label dedicated to delivering a range of diverse and immersive games from amazing gaming development talent all around the globe.

Working across projects of all styles, scopes and sizes, single-player, co-op to live ops, from producing to publishing, from ambitious teams taking their first step that need full support without compromising their dream to larger established successful studios searching that next step in the global market and building of brands.

Prime Matter looks to lead through creativity, expression and passion, with games that will grip and enchant with enthralling story-telling, winning an audience with its incredible moments and larger-than-life experiences. Prime Matter is a proud member of the PLAION Group, formerly known as Koch Media.

The global cinematic phenomenon has, to-date, grossed over $1.48B in worldwide box office
& become the 3rd highest grossing film of all time in Australia, grossing over AU$92.7 million

The re-release commences December 1

Paramount Pictures today announced that Top Gun: Maverick will be re-released in cinemas nationwide, for a limited time, beginning December 1.

The film has become the 3^rd highest grossing film of all time in Australia grossing over AU$92.7 million at the Australian box office, and over US$1.48 billion at the global box office.

Tickets for Top Gun: Maverick are on sale now through participating exhibitors. 

“Top Gun: Maverick truly epitomizes the magic of the moviegoing experience, and we wanted to provide fans the opportunity to once again enjoy this cinematic spectacle as it was meant to be seen,” says Chris Aronson, President of Domestic Distribution for Paramount Pictures. “This feels like the perfect time to bring Top Gun: Maverick back to theaters so audiences everywhere can once again experience how special this film is.”

The filmhas been celebrated by critics and audiences alike, receiving an A+ CinemaScore, and earning a 97% critics’ score and 99% audience score from Rotten Tomatoes. In addition to marking Tom Cruise’s biggest opening and highest-grossing film ever, it also opened domestically to the largest Memorial Day Weekend of all time; is Paramount Pictures’ highest-grossing domestic release ever; is the first movie ever to be #1 at the box office for both Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend; and is the highest-grossing film for Skydance, one of the film’s producers, followed by Mission Impossible: Fallout.  

The film’s soundtrack also reached #1 album and soundtrack on iTunes, the #1 soundtrack on Amazon, and the #2 album on Spotify; with Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand” and One Republic’s “I Ain’t Worried” breaking through top 50 lists across the music charts.

Top Gun: Maverick is produced by Paramount Pictures, Skydance and Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Directed by Joseph Kosinski from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger and Eric Warren Singer and Christopher M^cQuarrie, story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks, and based on characters created by Jim Cash & Jack Epps, Jr., the film stars Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm along with Ed Harris and Val Kilmer.  

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About Paramount Pictures 

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Paramount Pictures has some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, and Paramount Players. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

Bounty Hunter Bonuses, Plus Holiday Cheer Coming to Red Dead Online – Triple Rewards on Bounties and A Merry Call to Arms, Plus a Festive Community Outfit Giveaway, and More

Soon the hills and valleys of the five states will be covered in snow — first arriving in a light fall mid-month, and then later a heavy flurry. Bounty Hunters out braving the cold to enforce justice are being rewarded, while the chill also brings with it the warmth of holiday spirit.

Both Legendary and Infamous Bounty Missions are paying out 3X RDO$, XP,and Gold, dead or alive. Dogged Bounty Hunters who complete 3 different Legendary Bounties during any week in December will also receive a red colorway of the Folwell Hat.

New players can begin their law enforcement career by visiting the Sheriff’s Office in Rhodes and purchasing the Bounty Hunter License directly from him, or from any Bounty Board afterwards. Intrepid Bounty Hunters can then claim 10 Gold Bars off the Prestigious Bounty Hunter License to show their dedication to wrangling those disturbing the peace.

3X Character and Role XP on Player Bounties

Help balance the scales of justice and keep the frontier a safer place during the holiday season by completing Player Bounties to earn 3X Character and Role XP through January 2. Bring in any Player Bounty dead or alive to get a Reward for a free Treasure Map leading to a haul near Burned Town.

2X RDO$ and XP on The Covington Emerald Blood Money Opportunity

The Covington Emerald strikes envy deep into the hearts of all who behold it — that’s why Senator Ricard has made it the centerpiece of his showcase at the States’ Fair in Sacramento, and why outlaws must figure out how to sneak it out from under the nose of the Saint Denis authorities. Successfully pilfering the green gem will net you Double Rewards now through January 2.

Holiday Cheer in Red Dead Online

When snow arrives to Red Dead Online, a warming holiday cheer is also expected, rivaling the ferocity of inclement weather. Saint Denis will be adorned with a spectacle of decorations and lights, while carolers promenade the streets. Christmas Trees are being displayed by local Traders, and Gunsmiths keenly advertise the Krampus Shotgun, returning to local shelves with no Rank lock between December 13 – January 2.

3X RDO$ and XP on Call to Arms

Some things should be sacred: a holiday ceasefire sounds safe and sound, but the mid-December snow brings a tide of miscreants with it. Beginning December 15, A Merry Call to Arms brings evil to settlements and holdouts decorated with gingerbread, candy canes, and other ornaments.

Be wary of blizzards, packs of wolves, and the dreaded Christmas Train bearing down on your allies with automatic weaponry. Survive to the end or get gunned down in a blaze of glory, either outcome earns 3X RDO$ and XP through January 2.

Seasonal Gifts and Items

As a holiday gift, all players who log in to play Red Dead Online between December 13 and December 26 will receive the Winter variant of the Evans Repeater.

Log in anytime this month to receive a Reward for a free Off-Hand Holster. Naturalists who sell a Sample to Harriet any time before January 2 will also receive a pair of green Salter Shoes.

December 6 – 12:

• Log in to receive a Reward for a free Coat

December 13 – 19:

• Log in to receive a Reward for 2,000 Bounty Hunter Role XP

December 20 – 26:

• Log in to receive a Reward for a free Ability Card and 3 Gold Bars
• Complete a Moonshiner Sale to receive the red version of the Leavitt Jacket
• Reach Wave 7 in any A Merry Call to Arms Map this week to receive a green version of the Morales Vest

December 27 – January 2:

• Log in to receive a Reward for a free Emote
• Visit Gus’ store to receive an Offer for 50% off select Weapons
• Complete a Role Challenge to receive a bonus of RDO$100

Featured Series Calendar

• November 29 – December 5: Hardcore Elimination Series
• December 6 – 12: Gun Rush Teams (Hardcore) 
• December 13 – 19: Festive Series 1
• December 20 – January 2: Festive Series 2

Community Holiday Outfit

It’s been a full calendar year since flubbie1 shared this festive outfit with the r/reddeadfashion community on Reddit — a perfect getup for decking the halls and caroling — and it’s about the perfect time to share an inspired ensemble for free for the entire month. ‘Tis the season of giving, after all.

Assemble it by claiming the following items from participating Tailors and the Wheeler, Rawson & Co. Catalogue, all December long:

• Grayshott Pants (Male) or Prairie Skirt (Female)
• Sobol Hat
• Collar Overshirt (Male) or Huerta Shirtwaist (Female)
• Crutchfield Suspenders
• Neckerchief

Discounts:

• 10 Gold Bars off the Prestigious Bounty Hunter License
• 50% off all Novice, Promising, & Established Bounty Hunter Role Items
• 50% off – Rifles
• 50% off – Breton Horses
• 40% off – Arabian Horses
• 50% off – Bounty Hunter Wagon
• 50% off – Trinkets from Gus’ Store
• 50% off – Shirts
• 50% off – Gloves
• 50% off – Corsets
• 50% off – Dresses
• 50% off – Hats

Prime Gaming Benefits

Red Dead Online players who connect their Rockstar Games Social Club account with Prime Gaming will receive a gift consisting of 5 Gold Bars, a green Somerdale Jacket, a red version of the Hopsmere Cardigan, and the Tough Guy Nod Emote.

Final Marvel’s Midnight Suns Prequel Short – Nico TV – Available to Watch Now!

All five Marvel’s Midnight Suns Prequel Shorts now available to watch on Marvel Entertainment YouTube

2K and Marvel Entertainment debuted the fifth and final Prequel Short for Marvel’s Midnight Suns today via the Marvel Entertainment YouTube channel. Titled “Nico TV,” this Prequel Short features Nico Minoru, a young witch and wielder of the Staff of One who tries to befriend the rest of her fellow Super Heroes. 

For “Nico TV,” 2K and Marvel Entertainment worked with German artist Eileen Steinbach, applying a signature minimalist style for this unique poster.

With the release of “Nico TV,” all five Marvel’s Midnight Suns are now available to watch on Marvel Entertainment’s YouTube channel.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns Prequel Shorts is being animated by the talented teams at Sun Creature Studio and DIGIC Pictures; each video is currently scheduled to be released weekly.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns Prequel Shorts is a set of five short videos that provide backstory on how Lilith became the Mother of Demons, and how Super Heroes like Blade, Magik, Ghost Rider and Nico Minoru came together to form the young core of the Midnight Suns. 

Marvel’s Midnight Suns is available for pre-orders today and will release globally on December 2 on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5*. 

For more information on Marvel’s Midnight Suns, visit www.midnightsuns.com, become a fan on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube, follow on Twitter and Instagram, and join the conversation using the hashtag #DarknessFalls.

*Launch timing for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch versions of the game will be shared at a later date.

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Warner Bros. Games and DC has announced the release of two new modes for Gotham Knights – Heroic Assault and Showdown – which are both available now as a free update for all main game owners.

Heroic Assault is an online co-op mode that allows players to team up in squads of four and venture into the depths below Gotham City to face off against enemies and complete challenges across 30 action-packed floors. As seen in a newly revealed trailer, the mode features a new threat who is at the source of the chaos – the highly advanced alien lifeform Starro, the Conqueror,as well as the formidable half-human/half-bat hybrid Man-Bat, who is under Starro’s control.

Showdown is a two-player online co-op mode where players can confront supercharged versions of the game’s main DC Super-Villains, including Mr. Freeze, Harley Quinn, Clayface and Talia al Ghul. Defeating these bosses in Showdown mode will earn players new legendary gear blueprints and unique suit and Batcycle colorways for every enemy overcome.

Heroic Assault and Showdown are standalone online co-op modes accessible as a free update for all Gotham Knights owners. Heroic Assault mode becomes available to players upon reaching Case File 05 in the main campaign, and Showdown mode is unlocked once players have defeated the boss in each main villain Case File.

For more details about Heroic Assault and Showdown modes, visit: Gotham Knights FAQ

Gotham Knights is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Developed by Warner Bros. Games Montréal, Gotham Knights features the Batman Family as players step into the roles of Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood and Robin, a new guard of trained DC Super Heroes who must rise up as the protectors of Gotham City in the wake of Batman’s death. From solving mysteries that connect the darkest chapters in the city’s history to defeating notorious villains in epic confrontations, players will tackle an array of challenges as they evolve into their own version of the Dark Knight.

To learn more about Gotham Knights, visit GothamKnightsGame.com or connect with us online via Twitter (@GothamKnights), YouTube (GothamKnights), Instagram (@GothamKnights), Facebook (GothamKnights) and Discord (GothamKnights).

To learn more about the game’s backstory, check out DC’s official six issue prequel series, Batman: Gotham Knights – Gilded City. Each physical issue includes a code for a redeemable in-game item. Subscribers to the DC UNIVERSE INFINITE digital subscription platform will receive each issue day and date with its print counterpart and is the only digital path to receiving the in-game items. The platform also includes a wide-ranging selection of stories featuring all of the Gotham Knights videogame characters. For more information and a free trial (where applicable), check out DCUniverseInfinite.com. Please note, DC UNIVERSE INFINITE is not intended for children and is not available in all countries.

GOTHAM KNIGHTS software © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Developed by Warner Bros. Games Montréal.

LOS ANGELES – November 29, 2022 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, commemorates the 3.5th Year Anniversary of The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross with “Grand Cross 3.5th Anniversary the Ultimate One” game update. Players can experience a new playable hero, in-game events, and more.

“Grand Cross 3.5th Anniversary the Ultimate One” game update includes various themed-events and special rewards that all players can enjoy including:

●     Grand Cross 3.5th Anniversary Ultimate Festival Draw: Players will have the chance to earn the new playable hero, [Fire of Life] “Ultimate” Escanor as well as other festival heroes including [Holy Warrior] Traitor Meliodas and [Restored Memories] Elizabeth of Eternal Rebirth. SSR heroes are guaranteed at 300 and 600 mileages while [Fire of Life] “Ultimate” Escanor is guaranteed at 900 mileages.

●     Grand Cross 3.5th Anniversary Ultimate Jump Box Event: Boxes containing special items can be purchased utilizing rewards earned during gameplay. Players can obtain a maximum of 9 top rating heroes including festival hero, which a player can choose 1, and a new hero [Knight of the Holy War] Guardian Griamore. All heroes are available at UR 90 level (fully awakened). A maximum of 14 equipment sets can be earned, with completed upgrades.

●     Grand Cross 3.5th Anniversary the Ultimate One Check-in (Event I and II): Event I (28 day period) offers check-in rewards and a maximum of 200 Diamonds can be earned. Event II (28 day period) offers check-in rewards and a maximum of 280 tickets for the Grand Cross 3.5th Anniversary Ultimate Jump Box.

●     Grand Cross 3.5th Anniversary the Ultimate One Event Mission: Comprising 7 missions, players can earn rewards by clearing each mission. Rewards include the One-step Evolution Bonus, a total of 140 Grand Cross 3.5th Anniversary Ultimate Jump Box tickets, and more.

●     Grand Cross 3.5th Anniversary the Ultimate One Operation: Clear Liones: The event features the story of Escanor and Hawk to find Merlin’s Poem. Players can experience the event by occupying 4 main bases. Items for growth such as Diamonds, SSR Evolution Pendant, and the 3.5th Anniversary Card Pack among others can be obtained by participating in the event.

●     Event Boss Battle – Indigenous Purgatory Creature: Players can battle the boss, Indigenous Purgatory Creaturein this new event. Various rewards can be obtained including a costume for Escanor, Grand Cross 3.5th Anniversary Ultimate Jump Box tickets, and a 3.5th Anniversary Card Pack.

●     Grand Cross 3.5th Anniversary Eve Special Jump Step Up Draw: Starting on Nov. 22, players are guaranteed to receive a total of 110 free draws and 6 UR 90 level heroes.

●      Other New Content: New Story Chapter 25 has been added

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross translates the storytelling and adventures of [The Seven Deadly Sins] into a highly engaging and entertaining mobile gaming experience. The game features stunning, high-resolution 3D graphics, more than 100 dramatic cutscenes, and is brought to life with the cast of the original Japanese voice actors reprising their characters.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, please visit the game’s official website and Facebook.

Based on the manga “The Seven Deadly Sins” by Nakaba Suzuki originally serialized in the weekly SHONEN MAGAZINE published by Kodansha Ltd. Based on the manga “The Seven Deadly Sins” by Nakaba Suzuki originally serialized in the weekly SHONEN MAGAZINE published by Kodansha Ltd.

©Nakaba Suzuki, KODANSHA/The Seven Deadly Sins: Revival of the Commandments Project,MBS. All Rights Reserved.

©Nakaba Suzuki, KODANSHA/The Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon’s Judgement Production Committee, TX

©Netmarble Corp. & Netmarble F&C Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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About Netmarble Corporation

Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a top developer and publisher pushing the boundaries of the mobile gaming experience with highly innovative games including Marvel Future Revolution, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, Lineage 2: Revolution, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, Blade & Soul Revolution and MARVEL Future Fight. As a parent company of Kabam, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble strives to entertain audiences around the world with a variety of mobile games based on its powerful franchises and collaborations with IP holders worldwide. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com

AUSTRALIAN HIP HOP ARTISTS AT THE FOREFRONT OF SPECIAL COLLABORATION WITH GLOBAL GIANT NBA® 2K23

Today, NBA® 2K23 the latest iteration of the NBA video game simulation and Universal Music Australia announced a special partnership with Australian recording artists; Chillinit, Sahxl and Barkaa. The exciting collaboration titled Court in Session is a unique musical performance series that puts Australia’s best hip-hop artists alongside the beats created from the self-expression of the basketball players within the basketball video game, NBA 2K23. 

For over 20 years the soundtrack has become an annual ‘greatest hits’ of today’s top hip-hop artists, and today the brand further substantiates its footing in the local Hip Hop scene with the launch of its new cultural platform, Court in Session.

Stood upon a basketball court (their stage), today’s most exciting Hip Hop artists will perform a bespoke track inspired by the game. Performing alongside huge vertical screens that sync game footage to the beats, the artists will MC over unique beats crafted from basketball sound effects. Ball bounces become beats, bleacher stomps become heavy drums and shoe squeaks become record scratches across the three original tracks.

The music videos have been directed by acclaimed twice ARIA-nominated music video and commercial director, Gabriel Gasparinatos. Gabriel has recently directed films and commercials for Adidas, Beats by Dre, Spotify, Google and the A-Leagues.

Gabriel said, “It’s been so fun getting back to my rap video roots on this project, it’s highly technical with massive LED screens, an enormous lighting set and motion control rigs but working with DOP Tyson Perkins and bolt operator Max Pepper from Cinoptix on it has been super rewarding. Pulling inspiration from 2K gameplay highlight reels and modern rap clip sensibilities we had a blast pulling these individual videos together. It’s so cool to see such exciting, global brands willing to invest in & give a platform to Australian hip hop artists.”

NBA 2K23 offers an authentic and true-to-life gameplay with best-in-class visual presentation, improved player AI, up-to-date rosters and historic teams, the game has never felt more real and complete than it does in NBA 2K. The original music from Australian artists will also be available via all streaming platforms from today.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with such great local talent and to be able to be facilitators of taking them to a global audience through our game,” said David Kelley at 2K Games. “NBA 2K has always prided itself in being central to Hip Hop culture and with Court in Session in collaboration with BRING, we are proud to have created a platform that majestically combines our game, Hip Hop and basketball in a truly authentic & ownable way to appeal to a new audience.”

One of the most dominative names in the Hip Hop community is Sydney rapper Chillinit, who has thrived on building his career through social media platforms to become one of the country’s most prominent rappers with his 420Family. With an ARIA Gold album, two Double Platinum and eight Gold singles under his belt, ChillinIt is one of Australia’s most decorated artists.

The Court in Session campaign was extremely attractive to the young rapper who has always promoted his music in a non-traditional forum.

“I have always been a huge fan of the NBA and the video game, as a kid I would play for hours, then fast forward years later to see my own billboard within the game while I play with my own little brothers is surreal.

“It’s been such an honour to work with the team at 2K and to be a part of a game that I genuinely love and grew up playing. I can’t thank the team enough and can’t wait to welcome you all to the 2K with

‘Big Swish’,” said Chillinit.

Also joining the collaboration is 19-year-old vocal prince, Sahxl who has been primed as one of Australia’s next breakout stars, teetering the line between R&B and Hip-Hop with brazen conviction, honest story-telling, and undeniable melodies.  At the age of 13, Sahxl caught the attention of APRA Billion Stream award-winning producer Khaled Rohaim (Rihanna, Polo G, The Kid LAROI, OneFour) and has been steadily ascending since.

On the collaboration, Sahxl says, “When I collab with brands, it has to be authentic. I play NBA 2K all the time in the studio, so for me this project just made sense. It was a bit of a challenge producing the beat with my producer Sid Mallick, as it was our first-time using basketball sound effects to put together a song, so it was a really different process. The final track sounded dope though, and it was fun experimenting with new experiences and themes to help this song come together. It was a pleasure being invited!”

Hailed “the new matriarch of Australian rap” by GQ Magazine, Barkaa is a Malyangapa, Barkindji woman from Western New South Wales, now living in South West Sydney on Gandangara land. Music to Barkaa has been part of her journey to express herself, the truth and issues impacting First Nations people. Since her 2020 debut single, “For My Tittas”, Barkaa has swiftly climbed to the top as one of Australia’s most respected voices, named as one of the top rappers in the country by triple j and Red Bull respectively.  Most recently, Barkaa was announced as part of The #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2022, appearing on billboards across Times Square and Los Angeles, Barkaa’s star power is fast rising.

“The song “Ball On ‘Em” is a track that I wrote that was intended on amping people up and a shout out to haters that they couldn’t stop nothing. Referencing brother Patty Mills this is dedicated to him for defying all odds, somebody we as a First Nations community are constantly inspired by and in awe of. The lyric “pass it to them young ones, they gon’ run the game strong” is saying that this is and has always been bigger than us… We got to pass that torch over to our youth when our time is up and know that our future is in good hands, I’ve got to give a massive shout out to Rhyan Clapham (DOBBY) for going ham on the beat, we had so much fun in the studio working on this track,” said, Barkaa.

Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K23 is rated PG by the Australian Classification Board. For more information on NBA 2K23, please visit https://nba.2k.com/2k23/.

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