CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF ATELIER MAGIC WITH ATELIER MARIE REMAKE: THE ALCHEMIST OF SALBURG

Return to the Royal Academy of Magic in this Carefree, Cozy RPG Adventure

Hertfordshire, 21^st February 2023 – In celebration of the 25^th Anniversary of the beloved Atelier game series, KOEI TECMO Europe and developer GUST Studios revealed a return to their magical roots with Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg. This re-imagined take on the classic title includes all-new graphics along with plenty of new elements to enhance the gaming experience. Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is currently in development and will be available digitally 13^th July 2023 on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and Windows PC via Steam®.

In Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg, players are reintroduced to Marie, a struggling student at the Royal Academy of Magic, whose teacher gifts her an alchemy atelier for her upcoming graduation exam. Marie’s ultimate goal is to create an item within five years that will satisfy her teacher, but to do this, she’ll need to improve her alchemy skills, gather materials, and earn money for reference books and tools, as well as hire adventurers. Where to start is up to the player, as they’ll be able to navigate the game at their own pace in this carefree adventure, with the ultimate goal to graduate from the academy. 

All-new graphics brighten the screen using modern techniques to bring Marie and her friends to life. Character and event stills are newly illustrated, with 2D animations of character stills being freshly implemented. Brand-new 3D character models and stages have also been added to the remake, along with cute “chibi”-style character models that players will discover when exploring the world.

In addition, this Atelier series origin story not only maintains the simple and highly flexible playability of the original game, but also the tutorial and guidance of moving around town and collecting items has been expanded and modified, to help the remake become even more comfortable and easier to play. This includes improved mini-game controls and gameplay along with balance adjustments and enhanced comfort and presentation of both synthesis and battles.

Many new elements have been added for fans of the original version as well as those new to the Atelier series. In Unlimited Mode, players can now take their time without the deadline of needing to graduate in five years, benefitting those who want to enjoy a relaxing atelier life without being driven by deadlines. Additional social events have been added, enabling players to interact with the main characters, uncovering new aspects and charms that were not included in the original game. Also added is the always helpful “Professor Ingrid’s Tasks”. These tasks help act as a guide, as the question “what should I do next” can be solved immediately, a unique feature for RPGs with this high degree of freedom.

KOEI TECMO Europe announced that a special Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg Digital Deluxe Edition will be available at launch. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes all of the content and DLC of the base game along with original full game “Atelier Marie Plus”, an extra BGM pack, and the “Another Look” costume set.

For more information on Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg, be sure to visit the official site, Like us on Facebook, and Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI TECMO’s best known for their signature ‘one versus thousands’ Warriors series, the fan-favourite Ninja Gaiden and fighting entertainment title Dead or Alive. Through collaboration with strong existing franchises, such as A.O.T. Wings of Freedom (Attack on Titan), has brought fan-favourite shows to life in video game form. The company’s desire for innovation and diversity has seen the creation of the critically acclaimed dark-samurai action title Nioh, which takes on new and unique gameplay styles. The company’s acquisition of GUST, developer of a variety of heart-warming titles, has seen their flagship Atelier series span generations of consoles and fans alike. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com 

©KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. All rights reserved. GUST is a trademark of KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. The KT logo is a trademark of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

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

Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. ©2023 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Experience a dark and deadly world featuring a rich and immersive story in Early Morning Studio’s new party-based RPG

Stockholm, Sweden – February 21st, 2023 – Thunderful and Early Morning Studio are pleased to announce that Vendir: Plague of Lies is available now on iOS and Android ahead of a PC and consoles release later this year. Building on Early Morning Studio’s established RPG-pedigree, Vendir delivers tactical turn-based combat, a cast of fascinating characters to recruit and interact with, and a deep and storied world to explore.

Drawing on the rich-history of classic RPGs, Vendir: Plague of Lies’ party-based combat uses a turn-based system to create intriguing tactical battles. Your party will be composed of a cast of compelling characters who will add to the game’s story as much as they do your prowess in combat, interjecting themselves in your conversations with NPCs to create a tapestry of conversational options. This feeds into a splintering narrative where your choices have a long-lasting impact on the story.

The once-great kingdom of Vendir is now under the tyrannic King Elrik who rules with an iron fist, his judgements harsh and his punishments torturous. When discovering an ancient prophecy promising the end of Elrik’s reign, two siblings must make their way from one muddy end of the Kingdom to the other- inciting Elrik’s wrath every step of the way. Challenge the truth in a Kingdom drowning in a plague of lies.

Expect to encounter an intricately crafted world, steeped in history and brought to life through a carefully crafted atmosphere and the stories of the people that inhabit it. It is a world where your decisions will have real weight and consequence – in conversation, combat, crafting and every other aspect of this old-school RPG created by a studio with a true passion for the genre. 

“We have put everything we have learnt from the success of our previous titles, Vampire Fall Origins and Champions of Avan, into creating our biggest and best title yet in the form of    Vendir: Plague of Lies,” said Emir Kuljanin, CEO and Co-Founder at Early Morning Studio. “I’m really excited for players to begin exploring the game today and discover for themselves why we say this is a game where your choices, in everything from combat to conversation, really matter.” 

To wishlist on Steam visit: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1478850/Vendir_Plague_of_Lies/

About Thunderful
Thunderful Group is a group of companies that develops, publishes and invests in games as well as distributes Nintendo products, games, game accessories and toys. Founded in 2017 Thunderful Games is one of the two business segments in Thunderful Group, the other being Thunderful Distribution. Over the last few years Thunderful Games has, organically and via acquisitions, grown into a global organization with eight development studios and over 300 employees. Besides the award-winning internal development pipeline, Thunderful Games also publishes a large number of third-party titles and invests in external game projects.

About Early Morning Studio
Founded in 2010, Early Morning Studio is a Swedish indie developer with a passion for creating high quality old-school RPG games without any hand-holding. Their title Vampire’s Fall: Origins was released on mobile in 2018 to great success which led to its launch on Steam in January, 2020 with a review rating of Very Positive. Early Morning Studio was acquired by Thunderful in 2021 and will continue on its mission of creating high-quality old-school titles with the support of its new partner.

Brand-New Charity Single from Artist Ivar & The Horde in partnership with War Child Revealed 

Watford, UK, 21st Feb 2023: Publisher Wired Productions and Australian Game Development Studio, Epiphany Games, are proud to announce that Tiny Troopers: Global Ops, will be launching on 9th March, 2023. Coming to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, players will deploy into cross-play co-op action in the Troopers’ greatest ops yet. In addition, Wired and Black Razor Records have teased the reveal of a charity music single in partnership with War Child, from artist Ivar & The Horde, releasing soon.

In explosive bite-sized action, Tiny Troopers: Global Ops hosts an epic campaign with over 40 missions set in all corners of the globe. Battle the toughest enemies with a lethal arsenal of weapons including machine guns, flamethrowers and rocket launchers, or mount-up in vehicular combat. You can take on the challenge alone, or team up in couch or online co-op with friends on any available format to take on the Tiny Troopers: Global Ops world leaderboards.

Watch the new ‘Welcome to T.A.L.O.N’ Release Date Trailer:

Tiny Troopers: Global Ops Features 

• Lead your Tiny Troopers to victory in 40+ explosive missions!
• Defeat hordes of heavily armed enemies from all corners of the world.
• Join forces with up to 4-Player Couch or Cross-Play Co-Op Action!
• Complete wide-ranging military objectives and upgrade your troopers’ abilities and appearance.
• Unleash a devastating arsenal of quick-fire weaponry.
• Ride in a helicopter to take out anti-aircraft guns or jump on a Humvee and man a heavy machine gun.
• Experience non-stop arcade action that is easy to pick up and play.
• Be the best with Global Leaderboards.
• Dynamic twin-stick shooter movement and firing mechanics.

Releasing after a two-year marketing campaign with delays due to the horrendous invasion of Ukraine, music label Black Razor Records and Wired Productions are proud to announce a brand-new single coming soon from Ivar & The Horde, with all proceeds going to War Child. 

This follows Wired’s $75,000 donation across numerous Ukrainian appeals including The Red Cross and Unicef. As the next chapter starts for the Tiny Troopers franchise, Wired wanted to further support those affected by the conflict. More details will be released in the coming weeks and fans can follow the teases via the Black Razor Records social channels.

Tiny Troopers: Global Ops will be releasing for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Utomik on March 9th, 2023 while PC (GOG / EPIC) and PlayStation 4 will be announced at a later date.

Sydney, Australia – February 21^st, 2023: Become a graduate of the Wildlife Trooper School on February 23^rd (February 24^th AEDT)! Protect the natural resources of Aurora Shores as you explore untouched nature and choose from a broad selection of hunting equipment to score the top trophies – Alaska and all its natural wonders await. Experience Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and the diverse wildlife in the upcoming expansion for Way of the Hunter: Aurora Shores!

The Aurora Shores DLC for Way of the Hunter is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on February 23^rd , 2023 (February 24^th 2023 AEDT).

As a newly graduated Wildlife Trooper, your mission is to preserve the region’s natural resources. Immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness and encounter 14 different species, from Kodiak Bears to Roosevelt Elk and beyond. As a trooper, it’s up to you to manage the delicate ecosystem by controlling the population of certain species for the benefit of others. Discover the diverse beauty and open-world habitats of Aurora Shores, from verdant grasslands to soaring mountaintops and lush rainforests. Despite the harsh Alaskan winter, the region boasts breathtaking landscapes year-round. Explore the Nianuk Rise peaks and the sprawling Aivuk Rainforest, and be captivated by the idyllic charm of this unique wilderness.

Free DLC content available
With the Aurora Shores DLC comes a free content patch for the Way of the Hunter base game, which introduces a new weapon class: Crossbows! These are the perfect weapons to hunt silently without disturbing other animals in the vicinity.
Also completely free is the UTV DLC, which was released on January 19^th, claim your free ride here:
Steam: https://thqn.net/woth-utv-steam
Xbox: https://thqn.net/woth-utv-xbox
PlayStation: https://thqn.net/woth-utv-psn

Way of the Hunter – Aurora Shores is coming soon to PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S. The base game of Way of the Hunter is required to play. Way of the Hunter is available now for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Get the game here:
PS5:
EB Games: www.ebgames.com.au/search?q=Way+of+The+Hunter
JB HIFI: www.jbhifi.com.au/products/playstation-5-way-of-the-hunter
Digital: https://store.playstation.com/en-au/product/EP4389-PPSA05732_00-WAYOFTHEHUNTER00

XBOX:
EB Games: www.ebgames.com.au/product/xbox-series-x/283356-way-of-the-hunter
JB HIFI: www.jbhifi.com.au/products/xbox-series-x-way-of-the-hunter
Digital: https://www.xbox.com/en-AU/games/store/way-of-the-hunter/9NCR68J4R20V

PC:
Steam: https://thqn.net/woth-steam
GOG.com: https://thqn.net/woth-gog
Epic Game Store: https://thqn.net/woth-egs

For more info:
Website: http://wayofthehunter.com
Discord: https://discord.gg/wayofthehunter

Follow Way of the Hunter on social media:
https://facebook.com/WayOfTheHunterGame
https://www.instagram.com/wayofthehunter
https://twitter.com/THQNordic
https://www.youtube.com/THQNordic  
https://www.tiktok.com/@thqnordic

About Way of the Hunter – Aurora Shores DLC
The grasslands of Aurora Shores are full of life and wonder. Gray wolves and red foxes, surf scoters and wild ducks, even Alaska’s own moose… Here any hunter can find prey worth their shot.

Aurora shores’ incredible diversity is fully present here in the highlands. Hunters will not only be challenged by fierce weather conditions but by an array of rare prey, such as Roosevelt elk and wood bison, waiting to be found by both seasoned hunters and vicious predators alike.

Features:

• 14 majestic species of animals to encounter
• A new landscape to discover – Aurora Shores offers a wide area, 64 square km / 24,7 square miles big
• New environment types: enjoy rainforests or icy mountain peaks
• A new storyline to follow: take over the duties of a Wildlife Trooper

Way of the Hunter Website

Notes for Editors:

About THQ Nordic

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

THQ Nordic Website

About Nine Rocks Games
Nine Rocks Games is a game development studio headquartered in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. “The team consists of veteran game developers with great experience in making successful games, including global hits like DayZ, Soldier of Fortune: Payback, Chaser, or many of the multimillion-selling Cabela’s line of hunting games, including Big Game Hunter and Dangerous Hunts.

Nine Rocks Games Website

Sydney, Australia – February 21^st, 2023: THQ Nordic GmbH and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) revealed a brand new AEW: Fight Forever match featuring Hangman Adam Page vs The American Dragon Bryan Danielson as a part of IGN Fan Fest.

Developed by YUKE’s Co. Ltd, AEW: Fight Forever is the arcade wrestler that harkens back to the Golden Age of wrestling games. Players can look forward to pulling off the most current wrestling moves seen on wildly popular AEW programming. This, in addition to innovative tandem offensive moves. Online co-op wrestling is going completely next level with Tag-Team matches that feature sequences of team manoeuvres performed with simple commands. A long roster of the most popular AEW wrestlers, deep career mode, wrestler customization, signature AEW arenas, multiple match types and even some good ol’ fashioned, unsanctioned fun await! 

AEW: Fight Forever is coming soon to to PS4™, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo® Switch. Follow @aewgames for news and updates!

For more info visit: https://aew.thqnordic.com

Visit AEW on Twitch: http://twitch.tv/aewgames

Follow AEW on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AEWGames

About AEW: Fight Forever

Features:

Match Types
Single Matches
Tag-Team
3-Way
4-Way
Ladder Matches
Casino Battle Royale
Falls Count Anywhere
Unsanctioned Lights-Out (allows use of weapons)
Exploding Barbed Wire Death Matches
Career Mode
Wide Range of Customisation Modes
Custom Wrestlers (attire and appearance)
Custom Move-Sets
Custom Entrances
Custom Teams
Custom Arenas
Online Multiplayer
Leaderboards

About THQ Nordic

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

About AEW

Founded by CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan in 2019, AEW is headlined by CM Punk, Jon Moxley, Thunder Rosa, Chris Jericho, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), Adam Cole, Sting, FTR, Jungle Boy, Jade Cargill, Dr. Britt Baker, Scorpio Sky, Hangman Page, Sammy Guevara, Matt Hardy, Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland, Miro, Lucha Bros., PAC, Wardlow, Darby Allin, Nyla Rose, Red Velvet, Ruby Soho, Toni Storm, Hikaru Shida, Athena, Malakai Black, Andrade El Idolo, Christian Cage, Eddie Kingston, Ethan Page, Orange Cassidy, Ricky Starks, Powerhouse Hobbs, Luchasaurus, Lance Archer, Keith Lee and many more. For the first time in many years, AEW is offering an alternative to mainstream wrestling, with a roster of world-class talent that is injecting new spirit, freshness and energy into the industry.

“AEW: Dynamite” airs every Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. ET on TBS and attracts the youngest wrestling audience on television. The fight-forward show “AEW: Rampage” airs every Friday from 10-11 p.m. ET on TNT. AEW’s multi-platform content also includes “AEW Dark” and “AEW Dark: Elevation,” two weekly professional wrestling YouTube series, “Being the Elite,” a weekly behind-the-scenes YouTube series, and “AEW Unrestricted,” a weekly podcast series. For more info, check out:

Twitter.com/AEW

Instagram.com/AllEliteWrestling

YouTube.com/AEW

Facebook.com/AllEliteWrestling

https://www.allelitewrestling.com/

About YUKE’S Co., Ltd.
After developing the world’s first 3D wrestling video game engine for the PlayStation, YUKE’S has continued to lead the world in fighting game technology. YUKES’ main expertise lies in having the foresight and planning ability to methodically research the subject matter of an upcoming title to be able to transform the product into the optimal consumer gaming experience, and having the technology at hand required to do so. YUKE’S has undertaken the planning & development of numerous game titles which have been released across markets worldwide. We will continue to
provide entertainment, dreams, and profound inspiration to people around the world through the creative expression of innovative ideas.

https://www.yukes.co.jp/en/

Sydney, Australia – 21^st February 2023: Today, SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio launch their highly anticipated samurai epic Like a Dragon: Ishin! for PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One. The game is available in stores now.

Check out our review for Like a Dragon: Ishin! Here!

In this historical adventure, 1860s Japan is plagued by widespread inequality, and one swordsman will change the course of history in the sunsetting era of the samurai. Follow the tale of Sakamoto Ryoma, a dishonored swordsman in search of his master’s assassin to clear his name, whose actions set in motion a revolution.

Like a Dragon: Ishin! Key Features:

• Over the top action and diverse weaponry: Engage in visceral combat that combines feudal-era firearms and swords as players switch between four different combat styles: Swordsman, Gunman, Wild Dancer and Brawler. A deep roster of varied weaponry marks the historic transition between classic sword fighting and modern armed warfare as players train and upgrade skills to unlock even more powerful abilities.
• Trooper Cards: Players can collect and level up Trooper Cards – items that grant temporary power-ups or special abilities, such as new attacks or stat boosts. Several of these cards feature cameo appearances from special guests like wrestling icon Kenny Omega, actor Rahul Kohli, and more. All special guest Trooper Cards are available worldwide on all platforms as free downloadable content.
• Historical samurai epic: An optional in-game glossary supplements context to the historical basis of the people, places, and events featured within Like a Dragon: Ishin!
• Old meets new: Like a Dragon: Ishin! expands upon its 2014 Japan-exclusive predecessor with localisation support, all-new content, exquisitely remastered graphics and enhanced capabilities for modern platforms in Unreal Engine 4.

Players can purchase the Physical Standard Edition for AUD $99.95

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 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™, Like a Dragon™, Virtua Fighter™, Super Monkey Ball™, and Phantasy Star Online™, along with Atlus’ Persona™ and Shin Megami Tensei™ series. Since its debut more than three decades ago, Sonic has become a pop culture icon featured in dozens of games, TV series, and movies, with a new major motion picture currently slated for release later this year. SEGA of America has offices in Irvine and Burbank, California. Visit www.sega.com.

ⒸSEGA. All rights reserved. SEGA is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. SEGA, the SEGA logo and LIKE A DRAGON ISHIN are registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA CORPORATION. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are property of their respective owners.

VANCOUVER, Canada — Feb. 18, 2023 —Bare Butt Boxing, the comically chaotic multiplayer brawler from AAA visual effects studio Tuatara Games, prepares to enter the PC ring via Steam Early Access on Thursday, May 4, 2023, followed by the full 1.0 release across PC, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4|5 later this year. 

Travel the Earth and beyond as a gaggle of mischievous aliens with a taste for chaos and a killer competitive nature. Punch, pummel, and uppercut up to 5 fellow extraterrestrial brethren in local or online multiplayer matches. Sabotage friendships in vibrantly designed arenas and reign supreme as the true heavyweight champion.

Defy the laws to the land, gravity, and boxing by collecting various power ups to shock, explode and catapult opponents, leaving them seething with rage. Romp and bobble around obstacles, then strategically, or spasmodically, throw hands to deliver an instant K.O. Be the best butt standing when the bell sounds to rise to the top of the leaderboards, then gloat in the group chat.

At the core of Bare Butt Boxing is a powerful physics mechanic capable of sending foes thrashing across the map. Learn from every hearty blow to build a winning strategy that sends fellow opponents down for the count! Put loyalty and friendships to the test, in an amusing adventure that is fun for everyone!

“Get ready for a gleefully chaotic, free-for-all party brawl with all your mates in Bare Butt Boxing just in time for summer break,” said Klemen Lozar, founder of Tuatara Games. “Hours of laughter, and screaming, await in the high-energy scuffles that are about to ensue. The entire team is ecstatic for all of our fans to experience the intensely enjoyable matches that we’ve had developing over the past few years”

Wishlist Bare Butt Boxing now ahead of itsSteam Early Access launch, and follow Tuatara Games across Twitter, YouTube, and Discord to stay up-to-date with news and console launch updates. To check out the rest of Tuatara Games’ portfolio, head to the official website. 

About Tuatara Games

Tuatara Games delivers stunning results in the field of visual effects for AAA studios like Riot Games (Valorant), Epic Games (Fortnite), Counterplay Games (Godfall), and many more, but their passion doesn’t stop there. By supporting small indie developers and developing their own original experiences and games, Tuatara keeps experimenting and pushing interactive entertainment forward. Their first self-published game, Bare Butt Boxing, embraces chaos and whimsy in a world that often feels like the former, but could use more of the latter.

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK LIFTS LID ON DISCRIMINATION IN AUSTRALIAN GAMING INDUSTRY

Maybelline New York has today launched a campaign, Through Their Eyes, to showcase the lived experience of the alarming discrimination facing women, non-binary people and other LGBTQIA+ communities in Australian online gaming.

The #1 makeup brand in Australia is lifting the lid on the devastating impacts discrimination is having on gamer mental health, as part of their Brave Together program — a global initiative committed to destigmatising the conversation around anxiety and depression, and increasing accessibility of support for all impacted.

The campaign comes off the back of a 2023 Bastion Insights National Gamer Survey looking into the level of discrimination across all genders in the Australian gaming space which sparks serious concerns about the safety and inclusion of gaming environments, particularly for female-identifying players.*

Results from the survey revealed 83% of female-identifying gamers have directly

experienced and/or observed offensive behaviour or language while online gaming, 73% would consider the harassment they receive online as severe, and 76% of female-identifying gamers feel harassment and discrimination in online gaming is unsafe.

Maybelline Marketing Director, Alexandra Shadbolt said the discrimination facing women, non-binary people and other LGBTQIA+ communities in Australian gaming is alarming.

“Data from Digital Australia’s 2022 Report showed us that women over the age of 18 make up 46% of Australia’s gamers, so we know female identifying make up a significant amount of Australia’s gaming space,” Ms Shadbolt explained.

“It’s unfair that such a significant portion of this community, along with non-binary and other LGBTQIA+ players, are facing the wrath of constant discrimination, bullying and harassment in an environment that should be bringing them fun and enjoyment.”

The Bastion Insights National Gamer Survey also revealed that more than 50% of female-identifying gamers feel the harassment they receive online gaming has a negative effect on their mental health, and more than 75% feel this impacts their enjoyment of gaming.

Tracey Campbell, Director of Marketing and Fundraising at ReachOut said online spaces can be positive places for young people but can also breed discrimination, bullying and harassment.

“Online spaces can be positive places for young people to learn, relax and connect with their communities. And, we know that gaming has many positive impacts on the lives of so many young people across Australia that love it. However, young people also tell us at ReachOut that they also experience things like discrimination, bullying and harassment online.

“ReachOut continues to call on online platforms to do more to make their products safer spaces for young people.

“We also encourage young people and their parents to take a proactive approach to staying safe while gaming, and to seek support if they need it from places such as Kids Helpline, ReachOut and the eSafety Commission.

Despite being one of Australia’s most prominent female gamers, 26-year-old Amber — best known by her gaming username “PaladinAmber” — is aligned with the 55% of female-identifying players surveyed who admitted to turning off their microphones when playing to avoid harassment.

“I’d say I have experienced hate in gaming ever since I started playing first-person shooter games back in highschool,” Amber explained.

“We’d often play in teams of three or four and it was unheard of for one of those players to be female. I used to wonder why, until I would see female-identifying players booted from group games with abuse rallied at them from the other players. Since witnessing this, I just got into the habit of playing under aliases so people couldn’t see my gender.

“It’s really heartbreaking to see a space that I just love playing in and brings me so much joy, also be able to bring me so much resentment and sadness. The sorts of comments thrown at women, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ just wouldn’t see the light of day in so many day-to-day environments but from behind the security of being online, the abuse can be horrible.”

To showcase the reality of these findings for the campaign, Maybelline ran a simulation with prominent Australian male gamers, Joel “JoelBergs” Bergs and Drew “DrewD0g” Warne. The two players participated in a first-person shooter game with female-altered voices and fake female profiles to see the experience through female eyes. Within less than two hours of game play with altered voice, the male players are bombarded with abusive comments whilst well-known female-identifying gamers watch on, finding similarities to the discrimination they face in their own experiences.

To learn more about Maybelline New York’s Through Their Eyes campaign and view the film, visit maybelline.com.au/throughtheireyes.

Young people concerned about their mental health can call a crisis service such as Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), visit ReachOut.com for information and support, or make an appointment with a GP or mental health professional.

*Survey conducted by Bastion Insights in February 2023 across over 600 Australian gamers

aged 16+.

Safe Reporting

Media are encouraged to refer to the Mindframe guidelines when reporting about mental ill health.

About Maybelline New York

Maybelline New York is the number one makeup brand in the world** and is available in over 120 countries. By combining technologically advanced formulations with on-trend expertise and New York edge, Maybelline New York’s mission is to offer innovative, effortless, and affordable cosmetics for every one.

Maybelline New York’s brand purpose is to give everyone self-confidence to express their beauty, to play and to make change. Through their Brave Together initiative, Maybelline are committed to destigmatising the conversation around anxiety & depression, whilst increasing accessibility of support to all; in conjunction with their NGO partner Reach Out.

L’Oréal Groupe’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mission

Maybelline New York is part of the L’Oréal Groupe. The L’Oréal Groupe’s objective is to be the most inclusive beauty leader and contribute to a society in which everyone can live safely, peacefully and equally. For over a century L’Oréal has been dedicated to one sole vocation: creating beauty. Our goal is to offer each and every person around the world the best of beauty: for all skin and hair types, all genders, all identities, all cultures, all ages.

● It means developing formulas that ensure quality, efficacy, and safety for all of our consumers and their specific needs
● It means celebrating the infinite diversity of beauty in our advertising
● It means working to eliminate bias in algorithms
● It means recruiting diverse teams and prioritising inclusive leadership and management
● It means partnering with responsible suppliers who share our commitments

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fuel the innovation, inspiration, and ambition that help us to create the beauty that moves the world.