3D Realms and Pet Project Games’ new co-op FPS captures the pure terror and thrill of classic sci-fi horror

AALBORG, Denmark — June 13, 2022 — 3D Realms and indie developer Pet Project Games’ upcoming sci-fi horror first-person shooter RIPOUT has a free PC demo available now as part of Steam Next Fest. This is your first chance to get your hands on the game’s surreal PetGun and take on the terrifying monstrosities that await in the cold, dark depths of space in solo or co-op action for up to three players.

Inspired by classic sci-fi horror like The Fly and The Thing, RIPOUT transports players to 2084 to uncover the mystery behind a genetically engineered bioweapon that has wiped out mankind. Explore a variety of procedurally generated ships and fight to survive against nightmarish creatures that can adapt and reconfigure into even more deadly designs. Every run is unique, with a range of different objectives, enemies and upgrade options.

Here’s a look at what you’ll experience in the RIPOUT Steam Next Fest demo:

• Intense Co-op Action: Embark on two procedurally generated missions, as well as a tutorial level, on your own or as a squad with up to two online co-op teammates.
• Your Weapon Is Your Pet: Play with the unique PetGun, a living being you can transform and evolve with powerful upgrades to take enemies apart in fun ways.
• Monstrous Challenges: Get a taste of RIPOUT’s most grotesque enemies, which can combine with smaller creatures to gain their abilities. Learn and exploit their weaknesses to survive.

Players can look forward to a fully fleshed-out experience when RIPOUT launches later this year, including a gripping story campaign with diverse missions, additional enemy and ship types, complete crafting for suits and weapons, a mission reward system, and numerous PetGun upgrades and behaviors.

The RIPOUT Steam Next Fest demo will be playable until June 20, 2022.

RIPOUT is available to wishlist now on Steam. The game is also in development for PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. For more information, visit https://ripoutgame.com, follow the title on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, and join the community on Discord.

About 3D Realms

Founded 30 years ago, 3D Realms was the publisher, developer, and creator of many legendary gaming franchises, most still going strong, including Wolfenstein 3D, Duke Nukem, Shadow Warrior, Max Payne, and Prey.

To learn more about 3D Realms, please visit the studio’s official website.

About Pet Project Games

Pet Project Games is an indie video game company founded in January 2020. It consists of seasoned developers that have many years of experience in the gaming industry, developing multiple projects together. While working on these projects, they realized they could take the gaming experience to the next level and offer a new game. As passionate gamers and fans of classic video games, they are developing RIPOUT, their most ambitious project to date.

Dying Light 2 Free Gameplay Chapter Adds New Progression System, Recurring Quests; Patch 1.4 Debuts Photo Mode

Survive new Infected in daily and weekly night activities

Wrocław, Poland — June 13, 2022 — Techland expands Dying Light 2 Stay Human’s vibrant, action-packed world with “In the Footsteps of a Nightrunner,” the first free Chapter marking the beginning of Dying Light 2’s five-year support plan. Patch 1.4 debuts this free Chapter on June 14, plus the long-awaited Photo Mode feature and some new in-game content, events, and systems.

CHAPTER TRAILER

Watch the brand-new trailer for the upcoming first Chapter, “In the Footsteps of a Nightrunner.”

NEW CHAPTER – In the Footsteps of a Nightrunner

Your task is to help Harper, a Nightrunner of old, in his efforts to combat the Special Infected that are endangering the City’s people in exchange for access to powerful, never-before-seen equipment.

Chapter Agent — Meet Harper, a former Nightrunner that acts as your link to the new adventure. Find him at the Fish Eye Canteen and assist him in taking down the Special Infected.

New Rank System and Unlockables — Strengthen the bond between you and the agent by carrying out his tasks. With enough reputation points, you can rank up to unlock access to high-end weapons, outfits, and consumables.

Daily and Weekly Bounties — Face the Infected head-on in a series of daily and weekly night activities that will earn you reputation points upon completion.

2 New Currencies — To purchase new items, first collect mutation samples off the Special Infected corpses and acquire unique Harper’s Tokens with each new rank.

New Enemies — Meet the deadly and fierce Mutated Infected, the Volatile Tyrant, and the Volatile Hive.

Chapter Mission — Purchase a special Chapter Mission Ticket from the Chapter Agent and test your mettle against punishing time trials that will test your stealth, parkour, or combat skills to their absolute limit.

New Feature: Photo Mode — Our fantastic community asked for it, so we gladly obliged. The Photo Mode feature is here! Take some photos to commemorate your adventures in the City!

D2K: At The Fish Eye – Photo Mode

Check out the newest episode of the “At The Fish Eye” series, where amazing Lead UX/UI Designer Marcin Surosz talks about the upcoming Photo Mode. You can watch this video here.

Media and content creators are invited to join the Dying Light 2 Stay Human press center at dl2.dyinglightgame.com/press-center/.

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About Techland

Techland is one of the biggest and best-known Polish game developers with studios in Wroclaw and Warsaw. For over 30 years, we’ve carried a tradition of providing gamers with unforgettable experiences. We’re an international team of over 400 highly-skilled professionals driven by a passion for gaming, always striving for the best quality. 

We’re fueled by the support of our global community built on the foundation of successful AAA franchises such as Call of Juarez, Dead Island, or Dying Light. The gamers’ trust in our games has resulted in our newest project, Dying Light 2 Stay Human, selling more than 5 million copies across all platforms within the first month after release. 

On top of continuously growing the world of Dying Light through a robust post-launch support plan for Dying Light 2 Stay Human, we’re also working on an unannounced AAA Open World Action RPG set in a brand new fantasy universe; our biggest project to date. 

Techland’s mission strictly determines every aspect of our work: we want to create unforgettable experiences.

New Turn-Based, Roguelike/RPG space game Brings Fast Paced Tactical Gameplay and Deep Simulation Management

Stockholm, Sweden – June 13th – Independent Publisher Aurora Punks today announced that they will release Relic Space, a turn-based, roguelike/RPG hybrid where you play an elite starship pilot, completing procedurally generated missions for your faction. Developed by Fourfold Games, a solo-dev-studio based in London, run by Jonah Wilberg who previously released sci-fi roguelike ‘Xenomarine’ in 2019.

“It’s fantastic to be partnering with Aurora Punks. Their team has been great to work with right from the start and their marketing, PR and QA expertise among other things will be hugely valuable for Relic Space going forward.” Said Jonah Wilberg

In Relic Space, you help rebuild civilization following a galactic catastrophe. Through a mix of handcrafted and procedurally generated missions you engage in deeply simulated, hex-based combat as an elite starship pilot – all set within an epic sci-fi narrative that you help construct through your choices.

Relic Space combines deep simulation with non linear exploration allowing players to manage their ships heat and energy levels, and realistic combat elements mean that each weapon, engine or utility item can catch fire, leak power, and acquire many more status effects.

With non-linear exploration, players can explore a procedurally generated solar system where factions and NPC’s pursue research, trade, construction projects, and other goals irrespective of your actions.

Key game features

• Hex-based space combat – with fast-paced ‘one-tile-per-turn’ mechanics inspired by traditional roguelikes, but with a fluid, modern feel.
• Detailed ship simulation – manage heat, energy status, and manage damage control elements.
• Randomized missions – Freely traverse a procedurally generated solar system with handcrafted elements.

Relic Space will be released in early access in Q4 2022

PC Players can play the Steam Next Fest demo available now on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1146420/Relic_Space/

About Aurora Punks

Aurora Punks is a collective of independent studios collaborating on brilliant games, from ideation to release. Member studios of The Collective have access to funding, expertise, networking, and resources to develop their games; games that are an exploration between arcade and art, retro and innovation, playfulness and passion

Settle into the demo now during Steam Next Fest and enjoy an early warm welcome with a brand-new gameplay video

Monday, 13th  June 2022 – Team17 and solo developer Ernestas Norvaišas have today announced that Sweet Transit, the cosy, train-led city builder in development by the ex-Factorio 3D artist and developer, will launch into Steam Early Access on 28th July, with a brand-new demo available now during Steam Next Fest.

Home to a world where the railway is king and trains are the sole means of transportation and expansion, Sweet Transit sees players use these mighty iron horses to build new settlements, create intricate production lines, and grow humble villages into thriving metropolises while moving through distinct eras such as the introduction of steam power and the invention of the combustion engine.  

Locomotive legends who can’t wait until early access launch can also enjoy a brand-new gameplay video introducing the game’s core mechanics of city building, logistics and production. 

Welcome to the world of Sweet Transit:

Sweet Transit Key Features

• Cosy train-led city builder: Starting with a single warehouse, build a thriving interconnected world of villages and cities as you expand your rail network and evolve your society
• Customisable rail network: Construct platforms and stations linked by intricate railway routes to help connect settlements and ensure a painless transit for both workers and civilians
• Evolve your industry: From steam to diesel, play through distinct eras of the railway and plan the most economical expansions using the technology at your disposal
• Be a person of the people: Keep a close eye on your citizens and ensure their needs are met as you expand your routes and scale up your settlements
• Full modding support: Create custom content via Steam Workshop, including structures, locomotives, in-game rules, progression markers, and graphics 

About Ernestas Norvaišas 
Ernestas Norvaišas is a solo independent developer based in Lithuania. A strategy enthusiast and former 3D Artist at Wube Software (Factorio), Ernestas is now working on Sweet Transit, his debut title for PC, due to release in Steam Early Access 28 July 2022. 

About Team17 Digital   
Founded in 1990, Team17 Digital is a leading developer, video games label, and creative partner for developers around the world. Part of Team17 Group plc, which floated on AIM in 2018, Team17 Digital has an extensive portfolio comprised of over 120 titles, and fully encapsulates the spirit of independent games. Team17 Digital’s portfolio of multi-award-winning and award-nominated in-house brands include Hell Let Loose, Golf With Your Friends, The Escapists, and the iconic Worms franchise, alongside its games label partner titles, including the award-winning games Blasphemous, Greak: Memories of Azur, and Overcooked! franchise.

Dreamside Interactive’s epic open world survival game in a dying world of dragons comes to Steam Early Access in Fall 2022

Georgia – June 13, 2022 //… Yesterday, during the PC Gaming Show, Dreamside Interactive and Ravenage Publishing released a new gameplay trailer for its long-awaited open world survival RPG Frozen Flame, coming to Early Access on Steam in Fall 2022. 

During Steam Next Fest, all players will have access to the Frozen Flame demo version. In it they’ll start their journey through the cursed lands, once ruled by dragons. The demo includes the entirety of the game’s starting location – the Cradle of Keepers. In addition to the starting location, until June 20th, players will be able to try out the “Survival” mode on dedicated servers. There they’ll unite into parties, claim islands as their own, build fortresses… and wage war on each other.

You can download the Frozen Flame Steam Next Fest demo now from here.Watch the Frozen Flame gameplay trailer now:

Frozen Flame invites you to explore the vast, mysterious, and hostile procedurally generated world of dragons made in Unreal Engine. Ridden by the curse it now beckons for souls capable of harnessing the power of the dragons’ magic. Those who seek to govern over these lands will have to amass power and allies to bring the fight to the Ice Citadel, home of the Faceless that spreads rot over the realm.

Tailored for those who love to explore, Frozen Flame offers so much more than just an open world full of beautiful vistas and ancient ruins riddled with pests. With a fully developed progression system, it’s up to you to take the pass you want to go and endure the harsh world full of mystery, threatening enemies, and gigantic creatures guarding the secrets of this world. Play alone or with friends on locally hosted games, join official online realms, or rent a private server and fully customize your playing experience.

You can keep up with all news on Frozen Flame by visiting the official website or following the game on Reddit, Twitter and YouTube.

About Dreamside Interactive
Dreamside Interactive has been registered with experienced developers creating exploration games for PC and consoles. The flagship project of the company Frozen Flame will launch into Steam Early Access in Fall 2022.

About Ravenage Publishing
Ravenage Games was founded by a team united by one trait: substantial developer relations experience. In this industry, decisions have to be clear and lightning fast in order to build trusting relationships with game creators and deliver quality products. https://ravenage.games/

Best deals with limited stock – Insomnia mechanic returns to GOG Summer Sale

All-time high discounts with limited stock changing every 6 hours • Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse giveaway now available for all • Bethesda classics join Summer Sale with deals up to 80% off •

June 13th, 2022 – The second week of GOG Summer Sale is on and it’s going strong with a new mechanic, new giveaway, and new games on sale – grab your seats and enjoy the ride.

It’s time to brew coffee and stretch your fingers – after a few years of absence, the Insomnia mechanic is back on GOG! This Summer Sale is already full of deep discounts, yet we saved the most delicious treats, especially for this. Starting now, once every 6 hours a new great game will appear, bearing an insanely deep discount. Right now, you can already see the first title – the best-selling strategy game Frostpunk 85% off. But you need to hurry – every game appearing during the event will have limited stock and only 6 hours to catch your attention. After that, a new game will appear, while the former one will get back on our Summer Sale with a lower discount.

So, be on the lookout, because cool titles both new and classic, like Leisure Suit Larry – Wet Dreams Don’t Dry, King’s Quest 4+5+6 and Solasta: Crown of the Magister Supporter Edition, are bound to appear at Insomnia at some point. Take that caffeine shot and be on the lookout for great discounted games!

While you’re waiting for those insanely great deals, why not grab the 3rd (out of 5) free game – Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is available right now on GOG’s front-page till Wednesday June 15th at 1 PM UTC. It is a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the very first game in this high octane, hair-whipping, hip shaking action platformer series.

There are also newcomers joining the sale like today’s addition of the whole catalog of Bethesda classics. Here’s a list of just a few new deals that appeared in the last few days:

• DOOM II + Final DOOM (-70%)
• Fallout (-70%)
• Dishonored: Complete Collection (-75%)
• Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition (-60%)
• Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood (-40%)
• Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen (-85%)
• Songs of Conquest (-25%)

There’s still a lot to see, discover and experience during the Summer Sale on GOG, so be sure to check the special hub page often, until we wrap things up on June 27th at 9:59 PM UTC.

Wired Productions Announces its Summer of Indie Gaming with Debut Demos for The Last Worker and Tin Hearts Available Today!

New trailers for The Last Worker and Gori: Cuddly Carnage also revealed during IGN’s Summer of Gaming and the Guerrilla Collective

Watford, UK, 13th June, 2022 – Publisher Wired Productions today announces its ‘Summer of Indie Gaming’ with a line-up of thrilling demos, game launches, trailers, and so much more from specially curated and original indie titles, beginning now through to the end of August. With news to come on the long-awaited release date of the 90’s fuelled retro adventure Arcade Paradise, the first person narrative adventure The Last Worker and the immersive puzzle adventure, Tin Hearts, and the long-awaited launch of the Black Label Collection this season is truly the Summer of Indie Gaming!

Wired’s Summer of Indie Gaming Schedule Includes:

• 3rd – 10th June – Steam Publisher Sale
• 8th June – OTK Festival [Gori: Cuddy Carnage]
• 9th June – Upload VR Showcase [Tin Hearts]
• 10th June – IGN Summer of Gaming [Gori: Cuddly Carnage and The Last Worker]
• 11th June – Guerrilla Collective [The Last Worker]
• 13th June – Steam Next Fest Debut Demos for The Last Worker and Tin Hearts
• 13th June – AVICII VR Meta Quest 2 Daily Deal (ends midnight)
• 15th June – New trailer for Tin Hearts
• 23rd June – Deliver Us The Moon Next-Gen Launch Day
• 29th June – Something special for Arcade Paradise
• Deals, sales and more to be revealed!

Play The Last Worker Demo now:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1579280/The_Last_Worker/

Play the Tin Hearts Demo now:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1831700/Tin_Hearts/

The Summer of Indie Gaming campaign kicks off with debut demos during the Steam Next Fest for The Last Worker and Tin Hearts. Alongside this, brand-new trailers for The Last Worker and the ultra fast-paced ‘skate-and slash’ Gori: Cuddly Carnage (Angry Demon Studio) were unveiled during the IGN Expo, with The Last Worker also featuring during the Guerrilla Collective 3.

The satirical new trailer from The Last Worker, which made its debut during the IGN Expo, follows a typical day at the The Jüngle Fulfilment Centre (JFC-1), where nothing can stop progress, Kurt (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) and Skew (Jason Isaacs) are faced with the predicament of what to do ‘when nature calls’. As is the case for many warehouse employees, when you have packages to ship, sometimes a bottle is your only option. With a sneak peek of the gameplay and the satirical humor found within The Last Worker, day 9,126 is (unfortunately) an average day like any other at Jüngle.

Watch The Last Worker “When Nature Calls” Trailer:

The Last Worker will be dispatched in 2022 on Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Meta Quest 2. The Last Worker demo is available now via Steam.

The Last Worker was the only game in competition at the 78th Venice International Film Festival (2021), where it introduced the festival’s audience to the game’s opening chapter.

For more information, check out the latest news and Wishlist via Steam, visit the official website

In addition, IGN viewers had the opportunity to meet Gori who isn’t a Stray cat, instead he’s a murder-kitty with a bad cattitude, as he tears through hordes of mutant unicorns on the sentient razor-sharp hoverboard F.R.A.N.K, in this radi-claw new gameplay trailer for Gori: Cuddly Carnage.

Watch the Gori: Cuddly Carnage ‘Bad Cattitude’ Trailer:

The third-person ‘skate ‘n slash’ set in a neon-glowing futuristic world, is filled with intense destruction and fast-paced combat. Join Gori, F.R.A.N.K and CH1-P as they are unwillingly dragged into battle to save their own lives and stop the carnage of the adorable Army and its dark leaders!

Further information about Gori: Cuddly Carnage will be revealed throughout the coming months.

For more information, visit: https://wiredproductions.com/games/gori-cuddly-carnage/

With more news to be revealed throughout Wired’s Summer of Indie Gaming, 2022 will see the launch of Arcade Paradise, Tin Hearts and The Last Worker. Indie fans can stay up to date with all of Wired’s announcements via the Wired Productions Youtube Channel.

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About Wired Productions

Wired Productions is an independent video games publisher based in Watford, UK. Wired has produced and published award-winning titles across all major platforms and its games are curated to deliver on its mantra: ‘Driven by Passion.’ Bringing games to market in both physical and digital media, notable launches to date include Martha Is Dead, The Falconeer, Those Who Remain, Deliver Us The Moon, Close to the Sun, GRIP: Combat Racing, Victor Vran: Overkill Edition, Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and The Town of Light. Recently, Wired Productions announced its upcoming slate of titles during Wired Direct. Upcoming titles include Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles, Arcade Paradise, Gori: Cuddly Carnage, Tin Hearts, Tiny Troopers: Global Ops and The Last Worker.

Deal your own adventure with hereto unseen decksploration mechanics from June 13th-20th

Nantes, France, June 13th, 2022 – Pay heed, for I have a tale for you! Legend has it that indie developer Alkemi, in partnership with Dear Villagers, are releasing a demo for their upcoming narrative card game Foretales. The wise old ones say that this mythical demo can only be accessed from June 13th-20th at 10am PST / 7pm CEST as part of Steam Next Fest. 

In Foretales, narration and experimentation blend with decksploration mechanics to create an all new kind of card game where what happens next is entirely up to you!

Our story begins long ago in the realm, where the avian thief Volepain and his friend were asked to steal a magical lyre. They outwitted the guards with an ace up their sleeve. And by “ace” I mean pocket sand. The point is it worked, and our heroes snagged the lyre undetected. Unfortunately, it was no sooner that they had gotten their hands on the lyre that Volepain began to have terrifying visions of the end of the world!

To combat this catastrophic prophecy, Volepain knew he had to assemble a team of companions. His potential allies included the tiger archer Léo, the gorilla Karst, the elephant Isabeau, and the parrot Pattenbois, among other eccentric allies. He knew each party member came with their own strengths and weaknesses that would have to be deployed strategically if they were to succeed in their quest.

Of course, Volepain and his friends need your helping hand to guide them on their journey. Choose whether to approach a scenario by using stealth, creating a ruse, making a trade, or engaging in good old-fashioned fisticuffs. If you play your cards right, Volepain and his ragtag squad could prevent a terrible fate!

Now it’s up to you to forge your own destiny on this perilous quest, when Foretales comes to Nintendo Switch and PC on Summer 2022.

“We’re thrilled for the general public to get their first taste of actually playing Foretales and seeing how its innovative ‘decksploration’ mechanics work,” said Alain Puget, founder of Alkemi. “We think fans of tabletop RPGs and narrative-based adventures in general will get a kick out of it, and we can’t wait to hear your feedback!”

About Alkemi:
Founded in 2011, Alkemi is a small team of craft people making their own games and other visual products. The studio focuses on medium sized, polished games, with an emphasis on making unique titles that are unlike anything else out there. Its previous works include the horizontal-scrolling shmup / RPG hybrid Drifting Lands, as well as the twin-stick shooter / match-3 mashup Transcripted. Alkemi is now working on its most ambitious title yet with the upcoming narrative-based card game Foretales, due in 2022.

About Dear Villagers:
Dear Villagers is a publishing label of Plug In Digital. It’s a place where talented studios can unleash their creativity and focus on bringing unique single player experiences to players on PC and console, experiences that will stay with them long after the credits roll. Dear Villager’s lineup includes the award-winning The Forgotten City, The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk, ScourgeBringer and Edge Of Eternity.

TEAM17 SIGNS GRITTY DYSTOPIAN ADVENTURE, SUNDAY GOLD

BKOM Studios’ latest title combines stylish turn-based combat, intricate puzzles, and a grungy narrative set against the backdrop of a dystopian futuristic London.

Monday, 13^th June 2022 – Team17 has today announced a partnership with BKOM Studios to publish upcoming dystopian adventure Sunday Gold on PC in 2022. Combining strategic turn-based combat, intricate puzzle solving, and a trio of cunning and cutthroat criminals, Sunday Gold takes place in 2070s London: a bleak and unwelcoming city, rife and riddled with crime, and a corrupt elite who will kill anyone working to uncover their malevolent and illegal secrets.   

Sunday Gold mashes classic point and click adventure mechanics with escape-room-style puzzles, as the three protagonists – Frank (The Vengeful Ex-Con), Sally (The Activist), and Gavin (The Disgruntled Ex-Employee) – unearth and decipher clues in order to escape certain death. Switching between control of the three very different characters, players will engage in stylish turn-based combat, and utilise each of the anti-heroes’ unique skills and attacks, and an arsenal of weapons and consumables, to take down the bad guys.  

Take a butchers at the announcement trailer: 

Against the backdrop of a capital dogged by corruption and dystopian activities the trio attempt to extort a pocket-lining payday from Kenny Hogan, the mysterious and monstrous billionaire CEO of Hogan Industries. Infamous for his involvement in brutal cybernetic dog races with his prize pooch, the eponymous Sunday Gold, the three find themselves embroiled in something more sinister than their typical extortion plans, as they try to keep their cool… and fight for their lives. 

Sunday Gold Key Features:

• Atmospheric action: Immersed in the gritty and unwelcoming world of near-future London, Sunday Gold’s story takes players into the seedy underbelly of the corrupt elite, where secrets are hidden behind every locked door
• Stylish turn-based combat: Comic book inspired sequences, specific skills, attacks, and talent trees, along with as many stolen items the trio can get their thievin’ hands on, makes for a unique turn-based combat experience
• Noggin’ scratching puzzles: Explore each room and solve a combination of observation, deduction, and inventory puzzles; hunt for clues, hack terminals, and even bust down a door (or two)
• Keep your cool: In the face of dead bodies, cybernetic dogs, and psychotic billionaires even the most hardened criminals will start to lose their cool – maintaining the team’s composure with consumables and specific abilities will be key to mission success
• A trio of trouble: Frank, Sally, and Gavin make for unusual comrades, but without each of their unique abilities to lock pick, hack, and rip things open with their bare hands, the mission is doomed to fail.

Sunday Gold is Currently available to Wishlist on Steam, and checking out the Sunday Gold Website.

About BKOM Studios

Founded in 1996, BKOM offers a full range of digital services for state-of-the-art games and interactive experiences for prestigious names in the Games and Entertainment Industry. We also create our own original games and universes, exploring the digital space further and experimenting with cutting-edge technologies. Our headquarters are based in Quebec City but we operate internationally. Our team is made up of more than 120 talented people helping brands develop their presence across multiple platforms including PC /consoles / mobile games, video trailers, social media, marketing campaigns, points of sale, websites, apps, connected toys and AR/VR experiences. 

About Team17 Digital

Founded in 1990, Team17 Digital is a leading developer, video games label, and creative partner for developers around the world. Part of Team17 Group plc, which floated on AIM in 2018, Team17 Digital has an extensive portfolio comprised of over 120 titles, and fully encapsulates the spirit of independent games. Team17 Digital’s portfolio of multi-award-winning and award-nominated in-house brands include Hell Let Loose, Golf With Your Friends, The Escapists, and the iconic Worms franchise, alongside its games label partner titles, including the award-winning games Blasphemous, Greak: Memories of Azur, and Overcooked! franchise.

Manage Customers, Cure Their Ailments, and Deal with Mischievous Yokai in Fast-Paced Arcade-Style Gameplay

Erie, Pennsylvania (June 13, 2022) — Today, Whitethorn Games — publisher of cozy indie hits such as APICO, Wytchwood, and Lake — alongside developer Waking Oni Games invite players to let the soothing waters of Izajima wash over them, when their hot spring customer management game, Onsen Master, releases this summer. The game will be available for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. 

The concept for Onsen Master dates back to 2015, when Waking Oni Games founder Derrick Fields was inspired by his regular rewatches of Spirited Away, specifically a section of the film in which the protagonist is working with spirits at a bathhouse. This formed the basis of Onsen Master’s hot spring customer management gameplay, and also the Japanese setting and aesthetic of the game. After five years of development, a successful Kickstarter campaign and beta period, and the partnership with Whitethorn Games, Onsen Master is finally ready to release this month. 

“As a publisher, we always try to find unique games that can appeal to anyone and everyone,” said Dr. Matthew White, CEO of Whitethorn Games. “Onsen Master fits that criteria, and we’re really proud of everyone at Waking Oni Games for the work they’re doing to bring the game to the finish line.”

“Our studio prioritizes lifting up underrepresented voices, and one of the ways we do that is by working with developers of color,” said Derrick Fields, Founder of Waking Oni Games. “It was great to find a publisher that has the same core beliefs that we do, and it helped reaffirm our mission of representation and cultural intersection.”

A dark cloud hangs over the island of Izajima, its effects weighing heavily on the inhabitants. Mischievous spirits called yokai are running amok within the island’s hot springs. And the great Onsen Master, keeper of the hot springs and healer of ailments, has mysteriously vanished. Players will take on the role of his apprentice, Mu, in order to restore balance and uncover what happened to the Onsen Master.

Onsen Master features arcade-style single and two-player co-op, where players must manage the customers of their hot springs, and prepare and put together the correct ingredients to cure their ailments. Running around the hot springs, wrangling wandering customers, and putting the right concoctions into the right baths can be hectic enough already, but troublesome yokai look to impede players’ excellent service as well. Can Mu overcome obstacles to revitalize and reconnect the communities of Izajima? Spring into action and find out!

Key features of Onsen Master include:

• Spring Fling: Experience a short and sweet story for up to two players, and unveil the island of Izajima in a visual novel style narrative with a cute anime aesthetic.
   
• The Customer is Always Right: Skip the story and dive right in with Arcade Mode! Choose one of the six hot spring levels to put your customer service skills to the test.
   
• The Heat is On: Take on others in a competitive couch multiplayer mode where players must each work to manage their customers within the same hot spring.
   
• Spa Music: An original soundtrack full of tunes akin to a Feudal fairytale, composed by Dorrell Ettienne.

Onsen Master will release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam this summer. 

About Whitethorn Games

We’re an indie game publisher focusing on pleasant, cozy games that can be played in pieces, that require no special skills or knowledge, and that anyone can pick up and play. We’re believers in accessibility, inclusion, and widening the audience that gets to play. We like to consider ourselves the defenders of easy games. While our games might challenge you, they’ll respect your time, they’ll make sure you can play, and most importantly, they’ll never punish you.

About Waking Oni Games

Waking Oni Games is a BIPOC led indie studio, creating experiences that are meant to uplift underrepresented voices while exploring cultural intersections, media, and nostalgia.

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