Home Blog Page 1325

FINAL FANTASY XVI STATE OF PLAYREVEALSEPICNEW GAMEPLAY AND RPG ELEMENTS

Popular Singer-Songwriter Kenshi Yonezu Also Confirmed to Sing the Theme Song, Titled ‘Tsuki Wo Miteita – Moongazing’

SYDNEY (14th April 2023) – Today, SQUARE ENIX® unveiled exciting new FINAL FANTASY® XVI gameplay for the latest standalone title in the FINAL FANTASY franchise, through a dedicated PlayStation® State of Play broadcast, revealing further details on role-playing game (“RPG”) elements and impressive Eikon battles players can look forward to when the game releases exclusively for PlayStation®5 on June 22, 2023. Developed as the first full action RPG in the series, FINAL FANTASY XVI is set in an epic dark fantasy world, where the fate of the land is decided by the mighty Eikons and the Dominants who wield them, FINAL FANTASY XVI follows the journey of warrior Clive Rosfield, who has been sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix.

Watch the full FINAL FANTASY XVI State of Play video here:

The footage reveals a host of details about the upcoming game, including:

  • New Hideaway advisors – The Hideaway, which serves as protagonist Clive’s base, will give players the opportunity to discover more about the world of Valisthea, from past to present, by speaking to historian Harpocrates, as well as view the relationship chart of the characters by speaking to military scholar Vivian.
  • New training function – Players can battle in training mode by accessing the ‘Arete Stone’ in the Hideaway. This feature will be useful when wanting to practice a combination of abilities, particularly after learning a new skill.
  • New hunts – More adventures can be accessed from the Hideaway as players can check the Wanted Posters to discover powerful monsters roaming around the world. Defeating these enemies will yield powerful rewards.
  • New battle footage – View newly released footage showcasing a variety of Clive’s combat actions, Eikon battles and more.

SQUARE ENIX also announced that popular singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, whose fame spans generations, and whose single ‘Lemon’ set a record in Japanese music history, has been confirmed to perform the theme song ‘Tsuki Wo Miteita – Moongazing.’

The theme song teaser video can be viewed here:

Yonezu said, “Words cannot express the impact FINAL FANTASY has had on my life. I never thought or imagined that I would ever receive an opportunity like this. I wrote this song especially for this game. Thank you.”

Naoki Yoshida, Producer of FINAL FANTASY XVI said, “When I found out that we’d be able to work with Mr. Yonezu, I was not only surprised, but overjoyed. I’m a big fan of Yonezu’s work, and I know that he has a passion for creating music that resonates across the generations, so I was sure that he’d be able to capture the world, the story, and the themes of FINAL FANTASY XVI. He’s not only an amazing artist, but also an avid gamer and a FINAL FANTASY fan, so please look forward to hearing his theme song!”

For more information on FINAL FANTASY XVI including where to pre-order, please visit the official FINAL FANTASY XVI website: http://www.finalfantasyxvi.com

About Kenshi Yonezu, Musician and Illustrator

After posting a series of Vocaloid tracks under the moniker Hachi, Kenshi Yonezu distinguished himself from the crowd with remarkable results. He later began releasing material under his real name Kenshi Yonezu, in 2012. He has since gained wide-known recognition as a multi-talented creative, not only for his music but also for his album cover illustrations and music productions.

The music video to his smash hit, “Lemon,” is still the most-viewed music video in Japan. The song topped Billboard Japan’s year-end charts for 2 consecutive years, leaving its mark on music history, nationally and internationally. His album, “STRAY SHEEP,” released in 2020, sold over 2 million units. Yonezu remained engaged and productive and produced results throughout the pandemic. He performed in a virtual concert hosted by the online game Fortnite, collaborated globally with UNIQLO on their UT collection, was awarded an AAC Award and Best Newcomer, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Art Department Prize, and was listed in Forbes’ 100 Asian Digital Stars amongst other achievements.

“KICK BACK,” the opening theme to the anime series “Chainsaw Man,” entered Spotify’s Global Top 50, a first-ever by a Japanese artist. Kenshi Yonezu goes from strength to strength, proving he is not just a national superstar but an artist with a dynamic international presence.

About FINAL FANTASY

For over 35 years, the FINAL FANTASY series has delighted generations of gamers and millions of players worldwide through beloved Role-Playing adventures that are built upon the benchmarks of spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds rich stories, memorable characters and technical and gameplay innovation leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from around the world. Each mainline game in the series is a completely new experience, and an ideal entry point to the series. Titles of the series have sold over 173 million units worldwide.

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

New in GTA Online: The Karin Boor, License Plate Creator, Upcoming Improvements, and More

Venture Off-Road in the New Karin Boor – Flex Executive Muscle with Extra Pay on Special Cargo Sales, Plus 2X GTA$ and RP on Tiny Racers, and More

Can’t decide between a compact and a truck? A coupe or a utility vehicle? A pickup or a passenger car? Why not adopt their twisted lovechild and pick up all the best features in one awesome package?

The Karin Boor, a versatile Off-Road vehicle made for the undefinable. It seemed like a mad idea at the time, and the legendary Boor is nothing if not consistent.

Venture off the beaten track in the Karin Boor, available from Southern San Andreas Super Autos and free to GTA+ Members.

Free Karin Tee for Boor Owners

Become a conversation piece at your next car meet by donning the Karin Tee— unlocked for those who purchase the new Karin Boor between now and April 26.

Executive Business Bonuses

These are great times to be a white-collar criminal in Los Santos. Join an Organization — or start your own this week with 30% discounts on Office properties from Dynasty 8 Executive — and benefit from a wealth of incentives.

Get 50% extra GTA$ and RP for completing Special Cargo Sell Missions where you collect and traffic illicit contraband, and receive 2X GTA$ and RP when engaging in cutthroat Business Battles for high value cargo against other Organizations in Freemode.

If you’re not prepared to start your own Organization or are looking to scale up your operations, there are 3X salaries for Bodyguards and Associates. Who says nobody wants to work anymore?

Executive Office Discounts

Any good investment portfolio is diversified with real estate and property holdings, so you might as well take advantage of 30% off all Executive Offices, Office Garages, and Office Customizations this week on Dynasty 8 Executive’s in-game website.

Complete a Special Cargo Sell Mission to Get the White Graphic Smoking Jacket

In addition to extra GTA$ and RP, completing a Special Cargo Sale this week will net you the collectible — and stylish — White Graphic Smoking Jacket.

2X GTA$ and RP on Tiny Racers
Don’t fall behind in Tiny Racers — that’s a shortcut to an explosive demise in this bird’s-eye trip down memory lane. Win or lose, all competitors roll away with Double Rewards for playing this nostalgic Adversary Mode all week long.

Premium Deluxe Motorsport Showroom

Visit Simeon Yetarian’s showroom to peruse his latest curated selection of models. These include the Pegassi Reaper (Super, 30% off), Ocelot Swinger (Sports Classics), Vapid Flash GT (Sports), Übermacht Zion Classic (Sports Classics), and the Pegassi Tempesta (Super).

Luxury Autos Showroom
Take time this week to ogle at the Pegassi Zorrusso (Super, 30% off) and Coil Raiden (Sports) on display in the Luxury Autos showroom window.

Try Out the Albany V-STR, Pfister Growler, and Vulcar Warrener HKR on The Test Track
The Test Track inside the LS Car Meet is the perfect place for vehicular experimentation, whether it’s with a ride you already own or one of the three models available on site to test this week — the Albany V-STR (Sports, 30% off), Pfister Growler (Sports), and Vulcar Warrener HKR (Sedan).

Dodge pursuing officers, outwit your fellow racers, and place in the Top 5 in Pursuit Races for three days running to win this week’s LS Car Meet Prize Ride, the highly customizable Obey 8F Drafter (Sports).

On The Diamond Casino Podium: The Dewbauchee JB 700W
Don your finest smoking jacket, spin the Lucky Wheel, and hope you win big … this week’s top prize on the podium is the Dewbauchee JB 700W (Sports Classics).

Only on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S

Premium Test Ride: Shitzu Hakuchou Drag (Motorcycle)

HSW Time Trial: North Chumash — Palomino Highlands

The New License Plate Creator and Upcoming Vehicle Pricing Adjustments
Starting next week, you’ll be able to add more personality to your favorite rides with a new web-based License Plate Creator for customizing vanity plates in GTA Online. With this new tool you can create up to 30 custom plates by placing orders via desktop or mobile web browsers — and then pick up and apply your plate in game.

As part of our ongoing improvements to the game — like recent changes to First Dose – Fatal Incursion mission difficulty and adjustments on the amount of GTA$ awarded for The Last Dose missions — we are planning a few more changes soon and will continue to observe and balance the experience over time.

Firstly, we will be updating prices for several current vehicles in GTA Online on April 27 to better reflect their value to players. Certain vehicles will see their cost adjusted down to make them more accessible — including some with fun and unique features and counter-attacking capabilities — like the Imponte Ruiner 2000 and Ocelot Stromberg. Conversely, some vehicles with outsized utility, performance, or powerful weaponry will see their prices increased — such as the Pegassi Oppressor Mk II. Check out the full list of vehicle pricing adjustments below and stay tuned as we will continue re-evaluating vehicle pricing as we move forward.

Brute Armored Boxville: GTA$2,926,000 / GTA$1,300,000

Buckingham Akula: GTA$3,704,050 / GTA$4,500,000

Declasse Granger 3600LX: GTA$1,380,000 / GTA$2,000,000

Declasse Scramjet: GTA$3,480,000 / GTA$4,000,000

Dewbauchee Champion: GTA$2,995,000 / GTA$3,750,000

HVY Chernobog: GTA$3,311,700 / GTA$1,500,000

Imponte Deluxo: GTA$4,721,500 / GTA$5,750,000

Imponte Ruiner 2000: GTA$5,745,600 / GTA$3,750,000

Mammoth Thruster: GTA$3,657,500 / GTA$2,500,000

Mammoth Tula: GTA$5,173,700 / GTA$4,100,000

Ocelot Stromberg: GTA$3,185,350 / GTA$2,500,000

Pegassi Oppressor: GTA$3,524,500 / GTA$2,750,000

Pegassi Oppressor Mk II: GTA$3,890,250 / GTA$8,000,000

Pegassi Toreador: GTA$3,660,000 / GTA$4,250,000

Pegassi Weaponized Ignus: GTA$3,245,000 / GTA$4,500,000

RM-10 Bombushka: GTA$5,918,500 / GTA$4,750,000

In response to your feedback, we are also evaluating potential future adjustments, including re-balancing certain aerial vehicles to help protect bystanders in Freemode. We will share more details on this as well as other fine-tuning efforts and service updates soon.

GTA+

GTA+ Members get a wide range of new bonuses, benefits, and more through May 10, including:

  • A free Karin Boor Off-Road vehicle
  • The Paleto Bay Meth Lab with a free staff upgrade
  • Spatter finishes for the Baseball Bat and Knife at the Gun Van
  • New Dark Blue Pearl and Green Prismatic Pearl Chameleon Paints free at Los Santos Customs
  • 50% extra GTA$ and RP for completing Acid Lab Sell Missions

Plus, a bonus GTA$500,000 delivered upon billing and deposited automatically into your Maze Bank account, and more for just $8.95 a month. For full details, visit the GTA+ website.

DISCOUNTS

  • Pegassi Reaper (Super) – 30% off
  • Pegassi Zorrusso (Super) – 30% off
  • Albany V-STR (Sports) – 30% off

Locate the Gun Van this week to shop for weapons (10% off), ammunition, throwables (15% off), and armor (20% off). In addition to a variety of other benefits, GTA+ Membership boosts those discounts.

Gun Van Inventory

Baseball Bat | Knife | Musket | Unholy Hellbringer (50% off for GTA+ Members) | Carbine Rifle (30% off) | SMG | Pump Shotgun | Molotovs | Proximity Mines | Grenades

Ubisoft+ Multi Access Now Available on Xbox

Discover New Worlds and Re-Visit Beloved Franchises Through Ubisoft’s subscription service

Sydney, Australia – April 14, 2023 – Today, Ubisoft announced that Ubisoft+, its subscription service, is now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles through the Ubisoft+ multi-platform model, Ubisoft+ Multi Access, for AUD $23.95 per month*. Ubisoft+ Multi Access gives players the ability to play across multiple platforms with a single subscription, including PC through Ubisoft Connect, Amazon Luna** and now Xbox.

Ubisoft+ brings players a growing library of Ubisoft titles, including the latest releases on day one, DLC and classic games. Subscribers will also receive 10% off on any in-game currency purchases made***.

Subscribers will be able to link their Xbox account to Ubisoft+ Multi Access and have access to premium editions**** of upcoming releases, as well as beloved games from Ubisoft’s catalogue, such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, Far Cry 6, and more. Cross-progression will be enabled for a select number of titles.

“Partnering with Xbox to launch Ubisoft+ Multi Access on Xbox consoles enhances our subscription offering to provide more value and choice to our players,” said Chris Early, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development at Ubisoft.  “Xbox console players can now have unbridled access to discover our worlds through Ubisoft’s extensive game library.”

“Like us, Ubisoft strives to bring more games to more people, and today we’re accelerating that effort together,” said Sarah Bond, Corporate Vice President of Creator Experience and Ecosystem at Microsoft. “By launching Ubisoft+ on Xbox, we’re presenting Xbox console players another vibrant catalogue to explore by subscription.”

To sign up for Ubisoft+ and check out the growing list of titles, check out ubisoftplus.com.*

To learn more about Ubisoft+, please visit news.ubisoft.com

*Plus tax where applicable. Subscriptions automatically renew each month unless cancelled.  Terms, conditions, territorial and age restrictions apply; cancel anytime.  See legal.ubi.com/Ubisoftplusterms/ for more information.

** Amazon Luna is available in US, UK, Canada, and Germany

***Please note that the 10% discount is not available during free trial periods.

****Where premium or special editions of the game are indicated (for example: Ultimate/Gold/Deluxe Editions), editions included in Ubisoft+ may not include all premium content. Offer subject to change. Ubisoft+ for Windows PC requires a persistent Internet connection to download and play the games. This allows us to confirm an active subscription.  

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed®, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew®, Tom Clancy’s The Division®, and Watch Dogs®. Through Ubisoft Connect, players can enjoy an ecosystem of services to enhance their gaming experience, get rewards and connect with friends across platforms. With Ubisoft+, the subscription service, they can access a growing catalog of more than 100 Ubisoft games and DLC. For the 2021–22 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €2,129 million. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.

© 2023 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

EA AND ASCENDANT STUDIOS UNVEIL IMMORTALS OF AVEUM, AN ALL-NEW SINGLE PLAYER MAGIC SHOOTER LAUNCHING JULY 20, 2023

Innovative FPS Experience Featuring Spell-Based Combat Immerses Players in an Unforgettable Cinematic Story set in an Original Fantasy Universe Engulfed in Magic

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – April 13, 2023 – Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and Ascendant Studios announced that Immortals of Aveum™, a groundbreaking single-player, first-person magic shooter, will be released on July 20, 2023 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via EA App, Steam and Epic Games Store.

Watch the Reveal Trailer and Pre-Order Now for an In-Game Item*

Published under the EA Originals label and developed by Ascendant Studios – a new studio made up of BAFTA and Game of the Year award-winning industry veterans – Immortals of Aveum is set in an original fantasy universe engulfed in magic, rife with conflict, and on the edge of the abyss. Players experience this visceral and cinematic, story-driven game through the eyes of Jak, as he joins an elite order of battlemages, masters all three colors of magic – blue, green, and red – and decimates legions of enemies with clever chained attacks and well-timed counters. Combining a modern story within a fantasy setting, the world of Aveum is filled with unforgettable characters, fast-paced action and spell-based combat that defies FPS conventions.

“I’m incredibly excited to finally show the world Immortals of Aveum. It’s been a five year journey for us at Ascendant, and I’m so proud of the team and their commitment to making something great,” said Bret Robbins, CEO and Game Director at Ascendant Studios. “We set out to create a cinematic, thrilling shooter set in a new fantasy world, with fast and fluid combat and an epic story. I can’t wait for everyone to play it.”

“EA Originals champions individuals and teams who have disruptive creative visions for their games,” said Jeff Gamon, General Manager of EA Partners. “Ascendant had us hooked when we saw how they had woven magic so seamlessly through fast-paced FPS combat, set against an action packed story we just wanted to keep reading. Bret built an incredibly talented team whose unrelenting passion for creating original, AAA games, deep lore and telling imaginative new stories is on full display in Immortals of Aveum.”

Having grown up powerless and destitute, Jak is what’s known as an Unforeseen – someone who unexpectedly manifests magical abilities later in life. With his newfound potential, Jak is recruited by General Kirkan to join the Order of the Immortals and is reluctantly thrust into mankind’s endless war for the control of magic. With powerful magic-wielders and legions of soldiers on both sides of the Everwar, Jak and his elite order of Immortals must uncover the mysteries of Aveum’s troubled past, if there’s any hope for saving its future. Immortals of Aveum’s cinematic campaign is brought to life by an incredibly talented cast of AAA celebrities like Darren Barnet (“Never Have I Ever,” “Road House,” “Gran Turismo”) as Jak, and Gina Torres (“Suits,” “Pearson,” “Firefly”) as General Kirkan.

Immortals of Aveum releases on July 20, 2023 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC via EA App, Steam and Epic Games Store for $59.99 USD (PC) and $69.99 USD (consoles). Pre-orders are available now and include the Purified Arclight sigil, which increases the power of Jak’s spells*. Players who purchase the Deluxe Edition for $99.95 AUD (PC) and $119.95 AUD (consoles) will receive a unique sigil, three rings, two bracers and three totems; all valuable pieces of gear in the fight to save Aveum. EA Play Pro members will get access to the Deluxe edition on EA App starting July 20, 2023.** 

For more information and to stay up to date on Immortals of Aveum, visit https://www.ea.com/games/immortals-of-aveum/immortals-of-aveum.

*Conditions and restrictions apply. See https://www.ea.com/games/immortals-of-aveum/immortals-of-aveum/disclaimers for details.

**Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See tos.ea.com/legalapp/eaplay/US/en/PC/ for details.

About Ascendant Studios

We are Ascendant: An independent AAA video game studio with ownership and creative control over our original IP. We’re passionate and creative. Obsessed with originality. Committed to quality. Focused on fun. Determined to rise above the status quo of our industry and live our dreams in an inclusive, collaborative, professional and sustainable work environment.

Founded by Bret Robbins, creative director of the original Dead Space and multiple Call of Duty campaigns, our studio is headquartered in San Rafael, California with the team distributed all over North America. Our passionate and experienced group of storytellers has led the creation of beloved franchises such as Halo, Telltale’s The Walking Dead, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Borderlands, The Wolf Among Us, Mafia, Tomb Raider, Gears of War, Metal Gear Solid, The Elder Scrolls, BioShock and more. Our debut single-player magic shooter and original fantasy IP, Immortals of Aveum, will release on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on July 20, 2023.

About EA Originals
This is EA Originals. A place where we dare to explore new and untold stories with worlds yet to be discovered. We’re driven by a passion for innovative experiences and fresh creative stories. We seek out brave developers with bold artistic vision as we help them reach larger global audiences while enjoying their creative freedom. To discover more, visit www.ea.com/ea-originals.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers.

In fiscal year 2022, EA posted GAAP net revenue of approximately $7 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as EA SPORTS™ FC, Battlefield™, Apex Legends™, The Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Need for Speed™, Titanfall™, Plants vs. Zombies™ and F1®. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS logo, Battlefield, Apex Legends, The Sims, Need for Speed, Titanfall, and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. John Madden, NFL, FIFA and F1 are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. FIFA and FIFA’s Official Licensed Product Logo are copyrights and/or trademarks of FIFA. All rights reserved.

XDEFIANT ANNOUNCES CLOSED BETA NOW OPEN WORLDWIDE BEGINNING TODAY

Crossplay capability will allow players to experience Ubisoft’s Free-to-Play FPS until April 24

Sydney, Australia — April 14, 2023 — Today, Ubisoft announced closed beta dates for XDefiant, a free-to-play, fast-paced arcade shooter developed by Ubisoft San Francisco and featuring factions inspired by some of Ubisoft’s beloved franchises. The closed beta begins today and will run until April 24 AEST. Crossplay will be enabled for the Closed Beta, so players can enjoy XDefiant from their PC, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. Players can register for a chance to participate in the closed beta on www.playxdefiant.com.

The closed beta will introduce players to the XDefiant arena, including features that will be available at launch:

  • All 14 maps that will be available at launch
  • Four Ubisoft franchise-inspired factions
  • 24 weapons
  • 44 attachments
  • Five explosive devices

Players can experience playing as one of four Ubisoft franchise-inspired factions: The Cleaners (The Division), Libertad (Far Cry 6), Echelon (Splinter Cell), and Phantoms (Ghost Recon Phantoms). Each faction includes three characters, but only one will be unlocked from each faction. The others are unlockable through missions.

While players will not be able to keep their progression at launch, they will be able to keep up to 10 exclusive cosmetic items at release.

XDefiant commemorated the start of today’s Closed Beta with a showcase on Ubisoft’s official Twitch and YouTube channels, which included a deep dive into the game, seasonal roadmap, a Q&A session with Executive Producer Mark Rubin and a special ranked mode showmatch led by streamers Patrick “Aches” Price and Jonathan “Pacman” Tucker.

For more information on XDefiant please visit www.playxdefiant.com.

For more information about other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.

# # #

About XDefiant

Led by Ubisoft San Francisco, XDefiant is a competitive fast-pace arena FPS, where players will face off in 6v6 Player-vs-Player (PvP) matches in unranked and ranked modes. Players can play as factions inspired from other Ubisoft titles and can customize their characters with a variety of weapons, attachments, abilities and ultras. Maps on XDefiant are also inspired by maps from other Ubisoft titles. Adapting your squad and teamwork tactics can be all the difference when competing in the various modes on XDefiant

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed®, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew®, Tom Clancy’s The Division® and Watch Dogs®. Through Ubisoft Connect, players can enjoy an ecosystem of services to enhance their gaming experience, get rewards and connect with friends across platforms. With Ubisoft+, the subscription service, they can access a growing catalog of more than 100 Ubisoft games and DLC. For the 2021–22 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €2,129 million. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com

© 2015–2023 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Tom Clancy’s, the Soldier Icon, XDefiant, Ubisoft, and the Ubisoft logo are registered or unregistered trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the US and/or other countries.

Spider-slaying Simulator Kill it with Fire VR Creeps Onto VR Today

Abolish arachnids at all costs on Meta Quest, SteamVR

AUSTIN, TEXAS — April 13, 2023 — Kill It With Fire VR, the first-person spider-hunter from developer Casey Donnellan Games and publisher tinyBuild, crawls up the water spout and onto Meta Quest 2 and SteamVR today. PlayStation VR 1 & 2 will join the hunt later in 2023. Players that already own the original game on Steam will enjoy a permanent 25% discount to purchase the VR version.

The neighborhood is under attack, and it’s time to eradicate and exterminate some not-so-itsy bitsy spiders with the only logical weapon: fire… and shurikens, frying pans, and maybe a vacuum cleaner. Just about anything in sight to put an end to their seemingly never-ending reign of terror, really.

From common household items and office supplies to military-grade artillery, take up arms as a licensed Kill It With Fire exterminator and track down eight different species of arachnids with the handy dandy tracker and your VRachnid gloves to end things once and for all. Combine brains and brawn to solve tricky environmental puzzles, all while getting physical with the eight-legged freaks in a procedurally generated world where no encounter is ever the same.

Search for clues and spiders high and low in a vibrant, whimsical VR environment filled with familiar locales like the kitchen, office, and even the local gas station. Nowhere is safe from the wrath of these creepy crawlies. Brave all odds to complete special challenge missions, unlock an all-new secret ending, and step into the Arachno-Gauntlet for a true test of spider-slaughtering skills.

“Spiders can be frightening, but there’s nothing more satisfying than ridding our own homes, stores and neighborhoods of their presence,” said Casey Donnellan, solo developer of Kill It With Fire. “I’m thrilled to bring the Kill it with Fire experience to the immersive realm of VR, where you can very safely exterminate the little abominations with absolutely nothing to fear… right?”

Kill It With Fire VR launches today on Meta Quest 2 and SteamVR for USD $14.99 / €.14.99. It offers English, French, Italian, German, Spanish (Spain), Dutch, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese language support.

To stay up to date with the latest updates, visit Kill It With Fire’s official website and follow @tinyBuild and @KIWF_Game on Twitter.

About Casey Donnelan Games

Casey Donnellan is an independent game developer and former AAA developer. After graduating from SMU Guildhall in 2012, he spent several years as an engineer at Certain Affinity before helping to found Rooster Teeth Games. Shipped titles include DOOM (2016), RWBY: Grimm Eclipse, Vicious Circle, and Age of Booty: Tactics. Casey lives with his wife, dog, and two cats in Austin, Texas. He does not like spiders.

About tinyBuild

tinyBuild is a global video game publisher and developer focused on creating long-lasting, sustainable franchises across multiple media formats. Responsible for over 70 titles including Hello Neighbor, Graveyard Keeper, and Potion Craft, the company has a dozen development studios spread across the US, EU, Serbia, and Ukraine.

Call of the Sea VR Out Now on Meta Quest 2

Immerse yourself in a stunning tropical paradise carefully redesigned for virtual reality

STOCKHOLM – April 13, 2023 – Indie developer Out of the Blue and publisher Raw Fury have launched the critically acclaimed puzzle adventure game Call of the Sea VR on Meta Quest 2 today for $19.99. The BAFTA-nominated tale of mystery and self-discovery has been rebuilt from Unreal Engine 4 to showcase the full capabilities of Meta Quest 2, bringing the game’s beautiful world to life like never before.

Call of the Sea VR brings players to the far reaches of the South Pacific in the 1930s. Take control of Norah (voiced by Cissy Jones: Firewatch, The Walking Dead), a lone woman on the trail of her husband’s missing expedition. Journey across a lush island world, where you’ll uncover and investigate the remnants of a lost civilization. What secrets does this forgotten land hold, and what will you unearth in your quest for the truth?

Explore the game’s gorgeous tropical environments in virtual reality for the first time while taking in fantastic sights, lost ruins, and subaquatic landscapes. Search for clues and solve a variety of clever puzzles to piece together what really happened.

Previously released on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, the original Call of the Sea was nominated for Best Debut Game at the 2021 BAFTA Games Awards. Call of the Sea VR was nominated for Best Immersive Game at the 2022 Raindance Immersive Awards.

Call of the Sea VR features full voice-over in English, French and Spanish, plus localized support for Japanese and German. More languages will be added post-release. For more information, visit the official website, and follow the game on Twitter.

About Out of the Blue

Out of the Blue is an independent game development studio based in Madrid, Spain. Composed of industry veterans, the studio’s purpose is to develop puzzle and narrative adventures with quality, attention to detail, lively stories, and worlds that resonate with players. After releasing its debut title – the BAFTA-nominated Call of the Sea – Out of the Blue is now working on its next game: American Arcadia.

About Raw Fury

Raw Fury is a boutique indie (un)publisher founded in 2015 by Jonas Antonsson, Gordon Van Dyke, and David Martinez. We do not care about genres or mechanics. We care about experiences and emotions. We want to help developers make magic.

Experience a Story of Insecurities, Depression and Friendship when Duru – About Mole Rats and Depression Arrives on PC May 5, 2023

BERLIN – April 13, 2023 – Duru – About Mole Rats and Depression, the 2D puzzle platformer exploring mental health and friendship from developer Twisted Ramble Games, arrives on Steam for PC and Mac on Friday, May 5, 2023 with a Nintendo Switch version planned following launch.

Tuli, a mole rat entrenched in colony life in the South African plains, serves as a gatherer responsible for securing the food and resources her community needs to survive. Her fulfillment comes from seeing friends and family thrive due to her hard work, made even harder by a mysterious black creature following her every move and making even the most straightforward task feel impossible.

Guide Tuli on a journey through her colony’s tunnels with Bel, her dark shadow always in tow. A manifestation of Tuli’s developing depression, Bel often works against Tuli by moving objects, eating items, and manipulating the gatherer in unpredictable ways. To lift her spirits, Tuli must run, jump, and paint her way across the landscape while learning to overcome the desires of Bel and honing them to Tuli’s advantage.

Draw objects and items, painting them into beautifully illustrated and animated locations. Learn to balance Bel’s destructive behaviors in a positive way to solve puzzles and progress through the colony. Rebel against the insecurities and depression hanging over Tuli on a heartfelt adventure presented in a wordless format that speaks to everyone, regardless of language.

“Duru – About Mole Rats and Depression has a human heart at its core,” said Kerstin Schütt, Narrative Designer, Twisted Ramble Games. “We hope Tuli’s struggles and her path to overcoming them in our debut title will resonate with players across the world and remind them hope springs eternal when it comes to Steam on May 5.

Duru – About Mole Rats and Depression will launch on Steam for Windows PC and Mac on Friday, May 5, 2023 for $19.99/19,99€. A Nintendo Switch version is also planned.

For more information, visit the official website.

###

About Twisted Ramble Games

Twisted Ramble Games is a Berlin-based independent developer with a mission to explore stigmatized topics through the lens of video games. With an emphasis on addressing mature subject matter in an approachable, language-free manner, Twisted Ramble Games aims to cross cultural and social boundaries with their work.

The Hunt Begins in The Cycle: Frontier’s New “HOWLERBUSTERS” Community Challenge, Available Today Through April 30

Earn unique items and compete in limited-time leaderboards to immortalize your hunt!

BERLIN — April 13, 2023 — “HOWLERBUSTERS,” the first community challenge of The Cycle: Frontier‘s third season, kicks off on Steam and the Epic Games Store today. Season 3 introduced the deadly Howler, Fortuna III’s first flying enemy. Now the hunt is on to take down as many of the beasts as possible in this limited-time community challenge, which adds new rewards for players daring enough to accept the challenge.

From today until April 30, players can compete in limited-time leaderboards for a chance to immortalize their accomplishments on Prospect Station.

Key Details:

  • Competitive Leaderboards: The first 100 players who manage to kill a Howler on Bright Sands or Crescent Falls will be featured on a global leaderboard. The top five players will even get a shout-out in a news post!
  • A Deadly Challenge: Hunters must keep their weapons at the ready and their eyes peeled to survive against this overwhelming danger.
  • Earn Unique Rewards: Players who kill 10 or more Howlers during the community challenge will receive a unique Howler-themed vanity item – the banner “Howler Jar.”
  • Immortalize Your Hunt: The top 10 hunters over the course of the community challenge will have their in-game names immortalized in Prospect Station.

So grab your weapons – and let the hunt begin!

About The Cycle: Frontier

Available on Steam and the Epic Games Store, The Cycle: Frontier is a free-to-play PvPvE extraction shooter driven by suspense and danger. Prospect for resources and other riches on an abandoned alien world ravaged by a deadly storm, inhabited by monsters, and frequently raided by other ambitious Prospectors.

For more on The Cycle: Frontier, visit https://thecycle.game. Keep up with the latest updates by following the game on Twitter and YouTube, and join the conversation with the devs on Discord.

About YAGER

YAGER was founded in 1999 by five enthusiastic developers and artists, focusing on creating immersive and thrilling games. Making beautifully crafted games that amaze players with the richness of their worlds, where there are multiple ways to succeed and progress their characters, and where all of this continues to evolve after launch, where novelty and drama are just around the corner, making our games immensely fun to play, talk about and watch. Today, 22 years after our founding, a highly skilled international team of game enthusiasts is working to build YAGER’s vision of immersive and engaging games.

Gripping new Military Outpost scenario arriving for all players with the launch of Stranded: Alien Dawn on April 25

Stranded: Alien Dawn players can discover new ways to play at launch thanks to a brand-new Military Outpost scenario arriving on day one. The thrilling planet survival simulation launches in full on Tuesday April 25 across PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4, and Xbox One.

Arriving at launch on all platforms, the exciting new scenario invites players to select up to six team members, who will be dropped in an unexplored location far from the civilised galaxy. Their mission? To establish a foothold in their unforgiving new surroundings, in order to construct an Ansible Relay and enable interstellar communications.

Throughout the scenario, players must equip and protect their team of adventurers, soldiers, and scientists, in order to defend the base from the threat of increasingly hostile alien wildlife. A new survivor, Ember Griffin, will bring ample military experience to the group as a Tactical commander – ideal for keeping the base secure while the Ansible Relay is constructed and attempts to establish connection.

The Military Outpost scenario also brings new research options, including two types of Mech which once crafted will maximise the group’s combat capabilities, plus force field barriers and gates for added protection – all of which will be available in all scenarios.

Alongside these, players can harness new technologies to improve resource availability. Fabricator matrixes can now be researched and are key to constructing new fabricating devices that can transform energy into physical matter. The food fabricator uses energy to create meals without ingredients, while the material fabricator can create raw materials such as wood, stone, metal alloys, liquid fuel, and silicon.

Stranded: Alien Dawn launches in full on April 25 on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One for a suggested retail price of £29.99/$34.99/€34.99. PC players can play now in early access via Steam to take advantage of a reduced price of £24.99/$29.99/€29.99.

Follow Stranded: Alien Dawn on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, or visit www.strandedaliendawn.com for more information.

For full details of the update, visit: https://www.strandedaliendawn.com/news/military-outpost-scenario-landing-launch.