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The Italian games industry celebrates the 10th Italian Video Game Awards winners with gusto!

Hot Wheels Unleashed, Martha is Dead, Vesper, Nacon Studio Milan and Ivan Venturi crowned the best in their categories.

Milan, 6 July 2022: Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association (IIDEA), Italy’s video game trade association representing the national games industry, is pleased to announce the winners of the 10th Italian Video Game Awards, as streamed on the opening night of First Playable, Italy’s premier B2B video game industry event.

Viewers of the Italian Video Game Awards ceremony, streamed by international media partner Video Games Chronicle, were treated to an evening of celebration with international hosts Aoife Wilson and Elle Osili-Wood as they bestowed awards to our 2022 winners and interviewed guests showcasing upcoming releases from the Italian video game industry.

From the colourful delights of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope by Ubisoft Milan, to the dark mysteries of indie title Vesper by Cordens Interactive, the Italian video game development scene boasts a broad and diverse range of games. “Our main objective at Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association is to encourage the growth of our national video game industry and to share it internationally, and the Italian Video Game Award ceremony has succeeded in that”, said Thalita Malagò, General Manager at IIDEA. “Every year we are so impressed with the variety of submissions we receive and this year was no exception. We are extremely grateful to our diligent judges for contributing to such an event.”

In addition to the awards themselves, the Italian Video Game Awards ceremony was an opportunity to see some hotly anticipated titles. Recently announced SBK 22 by Milestone, Batora: Lost Haven by Stormind Games, Soulstice by Reply Game Studios, Project Galileo by Jyamma Games, Redout 2 by 34BigThings and Haunted Space by Italian Games Factory added to the hype of the evening’s proceedings. Meanwhile a message from the Creative Director of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, Davide Soliani, completed one of the strongest showcases the Italian industry has seen in recent years.

For more information including all the nominees and judges for the 10th edition of the Italian Video Game Awards head to www.firstplayable.it/italian-video-game-awards/.

Here are the 2022 winners:

Best Italian Game
Hot Wheels Unleashed by Milestone

Best Italian Debut
Vesper by Cordens Interactive

Best Innovation
Martha is Dead by LKA

Outstanding Italian Company
Nacon Studio Milan

Outstanding Individual Contribution
Ivan Venturi

The nominees and winners of each category were decided by our panel of esteemed jury, whom we thank for their participation in judging the Italian Video Game Awards 2022: Hollie Bennett, Vikki Blake, Jon Goddard, Rami Ismail, Sam Loveridge and Richie Shoemaker.   

About Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association
Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association (IIDEA) is the Italian games industry association representing all sectors of the games industry, from publishing to development. IIDEA serves the shared interests of all industry players and works to promote the growth of the games industry in Italy and to increase its international competitiveness.

Aliens with Benefits: Co-Op Trailer for Destroy All Humans! 2 Releases!

Sydney, Australia, July 6th, 2022 – Citizens of planet Earth, it is time to test the boundaries of your friendship and see how many people will go down this time around! A new co-op trailer for Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed packed with double the fun has released. Lend your Furon mate a hand when things get messy!

Destroy All Humans 2! – Reprobed releases on August 30th, 2022 for PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series S/X. The SRP for the standard edition is $59.95 AUD ($39,99 USD). The Dressed to Skill edition is available at an SRP of $77.95 AUD ($54,99 USD).

Playable Pre-Order, anyone?
Yes, puny humans, believe it! If you pre-order Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed now, you’ll instantly be rewarded with the multiplayer, stand-alone spin-off Destroy All Humans! Clone Carnage. In Clone Carnage, 4 players can wreak havoc online or 2 players can destroy in local multiplayer. Clone Carnage is also available for separate purchase on PC, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series S/X, and Xbox One today!

Check out the Clone Carnage Trailer:

Get it now:
PlayStation: https://store.playstation.com/en-au/concept/10004750/
Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-au/games/store/destroy…
PC – Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1872550/Destroy

While Destroy All Humans! Clone Carnage will be available for download immediately upon digital preorder, everyone pre-ordering the “Dressed to Skill” Edition will also receive a skin pack, to make Crypto look all so shiny, as well as the “Challenges DLC” expected to launch in Q4 2022. For PC players, the Official Orchestral Score, as well as the Digital Art Book, will also be part of the “Dressed to Skill” Edition.

Pre-Order now!
Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed is now available for digital pre-order on PC and consoles.

PlayStation 5: https://store.playstation.com/en-au/concept/10003868/
Xbox Series X/S: https://www.xbox.com/en-au/games/store/destroy-all-humans-2-reprobed/9nxgkxk6rd72
PC – Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1266700/Destroy
PC – Epic Games Store: https://store.epicgames.com/p/destroy-all-humans-2
PC – GOG.com: https://www.gog.com/game/destroy_all_humans_2_repr

About Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed
Crypto is back with a license to probe. The alien invader returns, groovier than ever and now with genitals! Experience the swinging ‘60s in all its chemical-induced glory and take revenge on the KGB for blowing up your mothership. As you uncover the schemes of your enemies, you’ll have to form alliances with members of the very species you came to enslave.

Features:

  • Show those hippies who’s boss using classic weapons and new technology like the Meteor Shower
  • Explore 1960’s Mother Earth and unload your trusty saucer all over her fictional cities
  • Defend a much larger, much more open world from those who seek to undermine your mission
  • Hoover up humans from different countries and grind them up into DNA cocktails to upgrade your skills
  • Invite a friend over for a twosome and enjoy the full story in local 2-player split screen co-op

Destroy All Humans! Website

About THQ Nordic

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

THQ Nordic Website

Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: PowerWash Simulator, Last Call BBS, Escape Academy, and More

by Megan Spurr, Community Lead, Xbox Game Pass

We’re back and we’ve got more games to announce (act surprised)! Some are available on day one, some are returning fan favorites (looking at you Yakuza!), but most importantly they are all coming soon (yes, even “today soon”). Let’s jump in!

Available Today

Last Call BBS (PC) ID@Xbox
Available on day one with PC Game Pass: Boot up your Z5 Powerlance and dial into Last Call BBS, the last game from Zachtronics! The Barkeep’s loaded up his retro computer with a full set of puzzle games for you to download and play. No need to worry about copy protection, they’re all fully cracked and ready to enjoy.

Yakuza 0 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
The glitz, glamour, and unbridled decadence of the 80s are back in Yakuza 0. Play as Kazuma Kiryu, a low-ranking yakuza, who gets caught in a world of trouble when a simple debt collection goes wrong. Then, step into the silver-toed shoes of Goro Majima and explore his “normal” life as the proprietor of a cabaret club.

Yakuza Kiwami (Cloud, Console, and PC)
1995, Kamurocho. Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima, takes the fall for the murder of a crime boss to protect his sworn brother, Akira Nishikiyama, and his childhood friend, Yumi. Experience the story that kicked off the legendary Yakuza series, with all the drama, action, and hilarious minigames you’d expect.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
An assassination threatens to erupt an all-out war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance. Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima, must travel to Sotenbori, Osaka to broker peace between the rival clans, but Ryuji Goda, the Dragon of Kansai, will stop at nothing to get his war.

Coming Soon

DJMax Respect V (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – July 7
DJMax Respect V is the latest installment from the creators of the critically acclaimed rhythm game franchise DJMax. Experience tracks from popular artists such as Marshmello, Porter Robinson, and Yukika, exclusive Full HD Music Videos, online multiplayer, new game modes, and more!

Matchpoint: Tennis Championships (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – July 7
Available on day one with Game Pass: Matchpoint: Tennis Championships is a modern take on tennis, featuring a true-to-life on-court experience supported by a deep career mode and unique rivalry system. The game places a strong focus on tactical realism, positioning and aiming, allowing the player to move their superstar in exactly the right way to get the most out of their shots.

Road 96 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 7
On this risky road trip to the border, you’ll meet incredible characters, and discover their intertwined stories and secrets in an ever-evolving adventure. But every mile opens a choice to make. Your decisions will change your adventure, change the people you meet, maybe even change the world.

Escape Academy (Console and PC) ID@Xbox – July 14
Available on day one with Game Pass: You’ve just arrived at Escape Academy, a school where promising students train to become the ultimate Escapist. Play over a dozen masterfully hand-crafted rooms, designed by experienced experts in the field of real-life escape rooms.

My Friend Peppa Pig (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 14
Start a fun-filled adventure with Peppa Pig! Create your character, ring the doorbell, and step into the TV show. Peppa suggests activities everywhere you go, from the Museum to Potato City. Help find Daddy Pig’s glasses, follow forest tracks, splash in muddy puddles, and more. Every playtime is different!

Overwhelm (PC) ID@Xbox – July 14
You’re outnumbered, low on ammunition and the paranoia sets in. Overwhelm is an action horror-world platformer where enemies get power ups and you don’t. Explore the oppressive caverns of the hive, guided only by a sparse map. As you defeat each of the five unique bosses, their abilities get distributed to the enemies of the world with escalating difficulty.

PAW Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 14
A big city means a bigger adventure! When Ryder and the PAW Patrol learn that Mayor Humdinger has taken over a buzzing metropolis, they must race into action to save Adventure City from his selfish scheming. The pups need you to join Team PAWsome!

PowerWash Simulator (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 14
Available on day one with Game Pass: Release the pressure with PowerWash Simulator and wash away your worries with the soothing sounds of high-pressure water. Fire up your power washer and blast away every speck of dirt and grime you can find. Lose yourself to the simple satisfaction of power-washing to a sparkling finish.

In Case You Missed It

House Flipper (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – Available now
This is where your interior design imagination meets gaming! Reach for your best decor, furnishing, and color scheme ideas. As a professional flipper, you’ll be met with tons of makeover opportunities, clients with sublime requirements, and a handful of tools suitable for every job. Learn more here.

DLC/Game Updates

Marvel’s Avengers Introduces Jane Foster as The Mighty Thor – Available now
Jane Foster joins the Marvel’s Avengers roster as the Mighty Thor in a free update.  She possesses all the strength and power of a God of Thunder, but with human touches all her own. This update adds to a game already packed with content, including a sprawling single-player story campaign, ten playable heroes, and endless multiplayer action for up to four players. Learn more here.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

Fall Guys: Robo Rabbit Costume – Available now
Battle bizarre obstacles, shove through unruly competitors, and overcome the unbending laws of physics as you stumble towards greatness. Hop your way towards the Crown as Robo Rabbit, the adorable android bunny! 

FIFA 22: Supercharge Pack – Available now
Boost your Ultimate Team with the Supercharge Pack, featuring 10 players rated 80 or above and a choice of one of four Team of the Season Loan Players rated 95 and above for five games to help you dominate on the pitch!

MLB The Show 22: Summer Bundle – July 12
Celebrate summer at the ballpark! The MLB The Show 22 Summer Bundle is here, with one Diamond Cover Athlete choice pack, one Diamond Ballplayer Pack, and five The Show Packs. That’s 29 total items!

Halo Infinite: Pass Tense Rocket Warthog Bundle – July 13
Customise your Season 2: Lone Wolves arsenal with the exclusive “Pass Tense” Rocket Warthog Vehicle Coating, four 2XP Boosts and four Challenge Swaps!

Century: Age of Ashes – Krød Slaglands Dragon Bundle – July 14
Unleash the dragons for Season 1! Claim your Krød Slaglands dragon, Armour, Player Icon and XP Booster.


Leaving July 15


The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon, so be sure to jump back in and tie up any loose ends before they go. Of course, you also have the option to save up to 20% on your purchase to keep them!

  • Atomicrops (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Carrion (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Children of Morta (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Cris Tales (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Lethal League Blaze (Cloud, Console, and PC)

That’s a nice collection of games coming to the library if I say so myself. Let us know what you’re looking forward to the most over at @XboxGamePass or @XboxGamePassPC and stick around to the Wire or keep an eye on the Xbox Game Pass Mobile app for updates for when these games are available. Catch you next time!

North Sydney Sentinels take the crown at World of Tanks ANZ Premier League Season Four Finals

July 6th, 2022 — The North Sydney Sentinels are Australasia’s crowning World of Tanks champions after defeating the South Sydney Skorpions at the World of Tanks ANZ Premier League Season Four Finals at Fortress in Melbourne.

Competing in front of a crowd of over 100 people and with 4,000 viewers tuning in live via the online broadcast in two languages, the North Sydney Sentinels dominated the finals which culminated in a 4-1 indisputable win.

The Season Four winners were awarded with $10,000 in prize money and premium swag from Noble Chairs, PC Case Gear, and HyperX. Second place winners, the South Sydney Skorpions, received $5,000 in prize money and HyperX gear.

Kevin Zhu, World of Tanks ANZ Community Evangelist, says the two Sydney teams have had fierce head-to-head clashes before, and it was no surprise that the series final was going to be a nail-biter.

“The Sentinels pulled out a crucial 2-0 lead at the beginning of the match, but the tenacity from the Skorpions meant the Sentinels had to fight for every single tank and victory. Ultimately, the Sentinels just proved how much of a powerhouse they were, with a 4-1 victory over the Skorpions, and a third trophy in the four seasons of ANZPL!”

“To add to the celebrations, I’m proud to confirm that ticket sales from the finals have contributed towards a total fundraising donation of $8,854.99 for GameOnCancer. Thanks to everyone who has donated to this worthy cause,” said Kevin.

The World of Tanks ANZ Premier League (ANZPL) is a 5v5 competitive World of Tanks mode, featuring state-based teams, a double round robin group stage, a grassroots league in the ANZBL, and an offline LAN final to determine the best team across Australia and New Zealand.

Season Five will commence on August 26th  2022, with the finals culminating on November 26th  2022.

For more information on World of Tanks, the World of Tanks ANZ Premier League or to download World of Tanks for free, visit www.worldoftanks.asia.  The official World of Tanks Twitch channel is https://www.twitch.tv/worldoftanksanz 

###

About World of Tanks

World of Tanks is the first team-based, massively multiplayer online action game dedicated to the golden age of tank-engineering. Immerse yourself in epic tank battles with gamers all over the world. Your arsenal includes over 600 armoured vehicles from 11 nations, carefully detailed with historical accuracy.

Official website: www.worldoftanks.asia

About Wargaming

Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus. Operating since 1998, Wargaming has grown to become one of the leaders in the gaming industry with 17 offices around the world, including studios in Chicago, Prague, Shanghai, Tokyo and Vilnius. Millions of players enjoy Wargaming’s titles across all major gaming platforms. Our flagship products include the free-to-play hits World of Tanks, World of Warships and World of Tanks Blitz.

Official website: wargaming.com

This Month in Red Dead Online: Call To Arms and Free Roam Mission Bonuses, Free Community Outfit, and More

Save Allies from Peril in Call to Arms and Get Double XP and Gold – Plus Bonuses on Free Roam Missions and All Bounties, a Free Community Outfit, and More

The frontier is a dangerous place — waves of evildoers are roaming in search of vulnerable outposts, laying siege, and raising hell wheresoever they can. Bring the enemy forces to heel, and it’ll be made worth your while. Defending allies against malcontents in Call to Arms will pay out double the usual XP and Gold, all month long.

2X RDO$ and XP on Free Roam Missions

It’s worthwhile to get acquainted with any Strangers you find and completing Free Roam Missions this month will dole out 2X RDO$ and XP for the next four weeks.

Assemble This Month’s Community Outfit, The Rambler

Redditor DonSoIo calls this month’s community outfit “The Rambler,” and Red Dead Online players can assemble The Rambler’s signature look by claiming the following by visiting local Tailors or directly through the pages of the Wheeler, Rawson & Co. Catalogue:

  • Brown Cayuga Hat
    • Blue-Brown Hartman Jacket
    • Brown Lancer Vest (male) or Buckskin King Vest (female)
    • White Everyday Shirt (male) or Casual Shirtwaist (female)
    • Black Rifleman Gloves
    • Black or brown Deadboot Gun Belt and Off-hand Holster
    • Black Lightfoot Pants
    • Dusty brown Worn Roper Boots
    • Brown Gerden Deluxe Spurs

2X Character and Role XP on all Bounty Hunter Missions

Dispensing frontier justice in all Bounty Hunter Missions at any point before August 1 — including Legendary Bounties — will result in 2X Character and Role XP.

3X XP on Gang Hideouts

Smashing any Gang Hideouts you happen upon during your travels will result in 3X XP, all month long.

3X RDO$ on Featured Series

Jumping into the fray of the Featured Series at any point over the next four weeks will pay out triple the usual RDO$, along with a host of special weekly bonuses outlined below. All Rewards and Offers will be delivered within 72 hours of completion.

July 5 – July 11: Explosive Series                                                       

  • Taking up weapons and participating in Call to Arms this week will reward you with an Offer for 50% off the Lemat Revolver
  • Reaching Wave 8 or higher in any Call to Arms Map this week will yield an Offer for a free Varmint Rifle

July 12 – July 18: Hardcore Most Wanted Series

  • Defend innocent bystanders and allies from waves of attackers in Call to Arms this week to receive an Offer for 40% off any Shotgun
  • Criminals who venture on the foul side of the law and complete at least one Blood Money Contract and one Opportunity this week will receive the red Gardenia Hat for their troubles

July 19 – July 25: Hardcore Plunder and Spoils of War Series

  • All willing and able participants in Call to Arms this week will receive an Offer for 30% off any Weapon for standing their ground against the hordes of outlaws
  • Intrepid travelers who participate and complete 2 Free Roam Events will receive a new jacket: the blue Charro Jacket for Males and the blue Ballard Jacket for Females.

July 26 – August 1: Hardcore Last Stand Series

  • Finish the month on a strong note by playing Call to Arms to get your hands on a Reward for a free Weapon Component
  • Players who link up with a Permanent Posse to play Call to Arms will receive the red Shaffer Chaps for throwing themselves in the line of duty

Monthlong Incentives

Red Dead Online players will receive 15 Dynamite and 3 Gravesend Bolas for logging in this month, and those who reach Rank 10 or above at any time over the course of this month’s event will receive 100 rounds of Splint Point Rifle Ammo and 50 shells of Incendiary Buckshot Shotgun Ammo. Players already above Rank 10 will receive these as well within 72 hours of login.

Completing 5 Role Challenges during any week this month will land you the blue Carbow Double Bandolier and win 3 rounds of a Showdown Mode during any week this month to receive an Offer for 50% off any Weapon. Plus, Rank locks on all Holsters and Off-Hand Holsters have been removed.

Discounts

  • 25% off All Role Outfits
    • 40% off Role Weapon Variants
    • 30% off Improved Bow Variants (from Gus’ Store)
    • 40% off Gun Belts
    • 40% off Off-Hand Holsters
    • 40% off Saddlebags
    • 50% off All Ammo
    • 30% off Multi-Class Horses
    • 40% off Fast Travel Camp Upgrade
    • 30% off Hats
    • 40% off Gloves

Prime Gaming Benefits:

Red Dead Online players who connect their Rockstar Games Social Club account with Prime Gaming before August 4 will get the Cougar Snarl Emote for free, 5 Gold Bars, and Rewards for a free Navy Revolver and Vest.

Check Rockstar Support for details and limitations.

VALKYRIE ELYSIUM TO LAUNCH ON CONSOLES ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2022, AND ON STEAM ON NOVEMBER 11, 2022

SYDNEY (July 6, 2022) SQUARE ENIX® announced today that VALKYRIE ELYSIUM™, an all-new action-RPG in the VALKYRIE series, will release on September 29, 2022 on PlayStation®5 (PS5™) and PlayStation®4 (PS4™) consoles, and on November 11, 2022 on STEAM®. Developed by Soleil Ltd., VALKYRIE ELYSIUM draws on the richness of Norse mythology to present an original story set in a world on the brink of destruction, full of danger and fast-paced action combat. A digital port of the PSP classic, VALKYRIE PROFILE®: LENNETH, will also be released on the 29th of September for PS5 and PS4.
 
Watch the VALKYRIE ELYSIUM | New trailer | PS5, PS4, PC Steam here:

VALKYRIE ELYSIUM will be available as a physical and digital Standard Edition on PS5 and PS4, with a digital-only Standard Edition available on PC via STEAM. A Digital Deluxe Edition will also be available on all platforms.
 
The PS5 and PS4 Digital Deluxe Editions include the following:

  • 72-hour early access to the full game
  • In-game item “Svartaljr: Sword of the Goddess of the Underworld”
  • A digital version of VALKYRIE PROFILE: LENNETH (PS4/5 version*), the beloved first entry in the VALKYRIE series available at last on modern consoles.

The STEAM Digital Deluxe Edition includes an in-game item, “Svartaljr: Sword of the Goddess of the Underworld.”

SQUARE ENIX have also offered pre-order bonuses for each platform, as follows:

  • PS5 and PS4:
    • In-game item “Alscir: Sword of the God of Light” **
    • VALKYRIE ELYSIUM Avatar.***
  • STEAM:
    • 72-hour early access rights
    • Original wallpapers

Additionally, customers who purchase VALKYRIE ELYSIUM for PS4 can also download the PS5 version of the game****.

For more information, visit: https://valkyrieelysium.square-enix-games.com/
For the latest assets, visit: https://press.square-enix.com/

* VALKYRIE PROFILE: LENNETH will also be available as a separate purchase 
**Exclusive PSN digital pre-order incentive
 
*** Exclusive physical pre-order incentive; not included if pre-ordering a digital copy of the game. A physical PS5/4 version of the game can be pre-ordered through select retailers.
 
**** Purchasing a digital version of this game will allow you to download both the PS5™ and PS4™ versions of the game. If you already own either the physical or digital PS4 version of this game, you can get the PS5 digital version at no extra cost. Owners of a PS4 disc copy must insert it into the PS5 every time they want to download or play the PS5 digital version. PS4 game disc owners who buy the PS5 Digital Edition disc-free console will not be able to get the PS5 version at no extra cost.

About the VALKYRIE Series
The VALKYRIE series is a long-running RPG series that has drawn on inspiration from Norse mythology to create unique worlds and complex narratives. The series began with VALKYRIE PROFILE®, released in the year 2000 in the west, and tells the story of the Valkyrie Lenneth and her various companions who embark on a mission to prevent the destruction of Asgard. The series is also renowned for its music, composed by series regular Motoi Sakuraba. Releasing in 2022, VALKYRIE ELYSIUM is the latest instalment in the series and will deliver a fresh and exciting gameplay experience to existing fans and newcomers alike.

About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal®. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 168 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 84 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 88 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.https://square-enix-games.com/

VALKYRIE ELYSIUM © 2022 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.

VALKYRIE PROFILE: LENNETH © 1999, 2006, 2022 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Original version developed by tri-Ace Inc./Character design: PRODUCTION I.G

VALKYRIE ELYSIUM, VALKYRIE PROFILE, LENNETH, CRYSTAL DYNAMICS, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, EIDOS MONTREAL, FINAL FANTASY, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. Steam is a registered trademark of Valve Corporation. “PlayStation,” “PS4” and “PS5” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

CHRIS FORSBERG JOINS THE CREW 2 IN SEASON 6 EPISODE 1: DOMINION FORSBERG, AVAILABLE TOMORROW VIA FREE UPDATE

Try the game for free from July 7th to July 13th

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 6th, 2022 – Today, Ubisoft announced that The Crew® 2 Season 6 Episode 1: Dominion Forsberg will be available tomorrow on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, the Epic Games Store, and Steam. Players can also subscribe to Ubisoft+ on PC. To celebrate this first season of Year 5, The Crew 2 brings one of its most ambitious updates since release. Players will be able to try the full game for free, from July 7th to July 13th.

Designed in collaboration with 3-times Drift World Champion Chris Forsberg and his Forsberg Racing team, Season 6 Episode 1: Dominion Forsberg adds 6 new playgrounds in the world of The Crew 2. Under Chris Forsberg’s guidance and during 9 brand-new thematized events, players will have to push their precision driving skills to the limit and compete to beat his records and become a true precision driver. This new episode also comes with numerous Quality of Life improvements for all players. Highly requested by the community, a new 60 FPS option will now be available on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X, along with a visual overhaul of color grading and weather on all platforms. The complete list of improvements is available on the game’s website.

Season 6 Episode 1: Dominion Forsberg will be accompanied by a brand-new Motorpass: it will propose 50 tiers of new exclusive rewards, both free and premium, including vehicles such as the Forsberg Racing Gold Leader Z (Street Race), the Forsberg Racing Nissan 370Z East African Safari (Rally Cross), the Forsberg Racing Nissan 350Z Roadster (Drift) as well as vanity items, outfits, currency packs (Crew Credits and Bucks), and more. New vehicles, such as the Nissan 350Z Roadster (Street Race) or the Forsberg racing Nissan 370Z Pro Drift (Drift), will be available in the shop starting from July 6th.

The LIVE Summit experience also continues during this brand-new season, with a new batch of weekly iterations. During LIVE Summits, there is only one objective: getting as high up the leaderboard as possible. Each week, the best players will be rewarded with exclusive items and vehicles based on their ranking.

For more information about the collaboration between Chris Forsberg and Ivory Tower, please read the interview with Producer Olivier Gueydon.

For more information about The Crew® 2, please visit thecrewgame.com and please follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/thecrewgame.usa and on Twitter at twitter.com/TheCrewGame or #TheCrew2.

ABOUT THE CREW® 2

Developed by Ubisoft Ivory Tower, a studio based in Lyon, France, The Crew® 2 lets players experience the thrill of the American motorsports spirit inside a fully redesigned USA. The game’s playground pushes physical boundaries to let driving and open world fans test their skills in nonstop competition and exploration. From coast to coast, drivers can explore America and compete to become the greatest motorsports champion by collecting a wide variety of exotic cars, bikes, boats and planes, and dominating the motorsports scene on land, on water and in the sky. They can find challenges and inspiration among four different motorsports families: street racing, off-road, pro-racing and freestyle, and will be given a broad set of options among a wide selection of vehicle types.   Now in its fifth year of live content, The Crew 2 stays committed to its seasonal cycle, centered around Motorflix, a fictional TV production company known for creating the very best motor-fueled action flicks. Players are recruited to play the starring role in different TV series, with new themed episodes per Season. Every Season lasts four months and is comprised of two successive Episodes running for two months.

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.

Michael Jordan unveiled as NBA 2K23 Cover Athlete

The Year of Greatness: Michael Jordan Unveiled as NBA® 2K23 Cover Athlete Across Two Special Editions of This Year’s Game

Player who needs no introduction – Michael Jordan – returns to grace the cover of the NBA 2K23 Michael Jordan Edition and the limited NBA 2K23 Championship Edition

2K today announced that 14-time NBA All-Star, five-time Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, six-time NBA World Champion and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, Michael Jordan, will appear on both covers of the NBA® 2K23 Michael Jordan Edition and the ultra-premium NBA® 2K23 Championship Edition.

Jordan’s career transformed the NBA into a global phenomenon, making him a household name and leaving an undeniable impact on the basketball world. For the 24th year of NBA 2K, Jordan is the perfect embodiment of this year’s campaign theme: Answer the Call. As an athlete who always rose to the occasion, Jordan returns to star on two NBA 2K23 covers, giving an opportunity for old and new fans alike to celebrate a talent who left the world in awe throughout his career.

“After making 23 the most recognizable number in sports, it was only fitting that for NBA 2K23 we introduce the Michael Jordan Edition,” said Alfie Brody, Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy for NBA 2K. “Additionally, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand new premium edition of the game with the NBA 2K23 Championship Edition, as no other player embodies the word ‘champion’ like Jordan. This limited-edition version will also offer players the opportunity to catch on-court action throughout the season with a 12-month subscription to NBA League Pass* included. We look forward to celebrating this game with the community when it’s released on September 9.”

Along with Michael Jordan returning to grace the covers of NBA 2K23 this year, the game will also reintroduce The Jordan Challenge, which encourages players to recreate 15 iconic moments from Jordan’s illustrious career. All ten of the original Challenges from NBA 2K11 have been completely rebuilt from the ground up and will make their return this year – alongside five new iconic Jordan moments – for an entire new generation of players to experience. These Challenges take advantage of more than a decade of technological leaps to provide a completely new way to play through Jordan’s accomplishments – all housed within its own game mode.

The Jordan Challenge also elevates an array of spellbinding performances across Jordan’s college, NBA, and Team USA Basketball careers that players can experience across all 15 Challenges and includes unique video vignettes that come with special commentary from an array of NBA luminaries: Jordan’s teammates, opponents, and other sports personalities, who saw him do it live and can bring to life his legacy to a younger generation of NBA fans. More details on The Jordan Challenge in NBA 2K23 will be released later this winter.

Michael Jordan is one of the most decorated athletes in the NBA and NBA 2K history, and the NBA 2K23 Michael Jordan Edition and NBA 2K23 Championship Edition collectively mark his fourth time headlining an NBA 2K cover. He was previously on the cover for NBA 2K11, NBA 2K12, and the NBA 2K16 Special Edition. Stay tuned for more cover athlete reveals, along with the release date and pricing when pre-orders go live on July 7.

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

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

*Offer only available with purchases of the NBA 2K23 Championship Edition. Championship Edition (Digital) only available for pre-order. The Championship Edition (Physical) will be available in select regions and select retailers while stocks last. Pre-order to guarantee a copy. Not available on Nintendo Switch. NBA League Pass code will be delivered to the email address associated with the NBA 2K Account with which the Championship Edition Bonus Content was redeemed within 5 days of redemption (but no earlier than September 27, 2022) and must be redeemed by December 31, 2022. NBA League Pass valid for 12 months from redemption and auto-renews monthly unless cancelled prior to renewal date at the then-current published MSRP for NBA League Pass in your territory. Availability restrictions apply. See nba.2k.com/2K23/league-pass for full terms, availability, redemption and cancellation instructions.

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POWERWASH SIMULATOR WASHES UP ON GAME PASS JULY 14th

Release the Pressure in the Super Soothing Simulator with Game Pass for PC and Console

SYDNEY (6th July 2022) – Square Enix Collective® and FuturLab are excited to announce that POWERWASH SIMULATOR, will be available with Game Pass for PC and console on July 14th. The super soothing simulator will also be available for purchase on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10, alongside a full release on Steam® that day.

Watch the announcement trailer here:

POWERWASH SIMULATOR encourages players wash away their worries with the soothing sounds of high-pressure water. With power washer in hand, they can experience the unique views and bizarre happenings of Muckingham while blasting away every speck of dirt and grime they can find. Players build up their own successful power-washing business, unlocking new tools and upgrades to help clean more efficiently – all with the simple satisfaction of power-washing to a sparkling finish. POWERWASH SIMULATOR promises and delivers the kind of good, clean fun that puts the power of relaxation into the hands of the player.

“POWERWASH SIMULATOR is so uniquely satisfying that we want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy it.” said FuturLab COO Chris Mehers. “Game Pass is the ideal way of making that happen.”

We’re delighted that POWERWASH SIMULATOR will become part of Game Pass, so that millions more gamers will be able to experience the soothing gameplay.” added Phil Elliott, studio head at Square Enix Collective®.

Alongside its Game Pass release, POWERWASH SIMULATOR is also scheduled to leave Early Access on Steam® to a full release on the platform on July 14th, 2022; and it will be available on the Microsoft and Windows store for purchase on the very same day.

From casual, clean freaks to players looking to get into the nitty-gritty, everyone can pick up and play to feel immersed – relaxation, satisfaction, guaranteed. Square Enix Collective® and FuturLab are excited to further expand the game with regular updates and much more to come!

About FuturLab

FuturLab is a boutique, award-winning game studio based in Brighton, UK. FuturLab has developed and published remarkable games on PC and console since 2003. The game studio is best known for Velocity 2X, Tiny Trax, Mini-Mech Mayhem and Peaky Blinders: Mastermind and is currently working on the highly anticipated PowerWash Simulator.

About Square Enix Collective®

Square Enix Collective® is a London-based division of Square Enix Ltd. The Collective programme was launched in 2014 to assist indie game developers build community awareness for hundreds of games pitches and has helped teams to raise in excess of $1.2 million via Kickstarter campaigns. Collective has now published and distributed a range of indie titles since April 2016 and is on the look-out for great new projects and talented teams to work with globally – whether it’s publishing support for a development that’s already funded, or investment to help the creation of a game.

About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal®. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 168 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 84 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 88 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
CRYSTAL DYNAMICS, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, EIDOS MONTREAL, FINAL FANTASY, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners

SOLASTA: CROWN OF THE MAGISTER IS NOW AVAILABLE ON XBOX GAME PASS WITH PC CROSSPLAY

The award-winning cRPG arrives for Xbox Series X / S and Xbox One

Monday, July 5, 2022 (Paris, France) – Tactical Adventures’ award-winning, team-based tactical fantasy cRPG, Solasta: Crown of the Magister, is now available on Game Pass for Xbox Series X / S and Xbox One.
 
Following its release on PC and Mac, it’s time now for Xbox gamers to prepare to think in three dimensions in an epic team adventure that stays true to the tabletop experience. The dynamic and mysterious world features elements of verticality, allowing players to use their surroundings as an element of strategy. Solasta: Crown of the Magister has been optimized for the Xbox family of consoles, featuring a redesigned interface, control pad integration and the ability to play in co-op online, allowing cross-play with PC or cross-platform with other Xbox versions.

The Xbox version also makes available the community dungeons created in Solasta’s  Dungeon Maker PC tool and uploaded on Mod.io for console players to download, for free, both in single player and multiplayer.
 
As well as the Solasta: Crown of the Magister base game, all previously released DLCs are also now available on the Xbox Store (additional purchase necessary). The Primal Calling DLC features a new Half-Orc ancestry, two additional Barbarian and Druid classes, and an original two-hour “Wanderer” quest. The Lost Valley DLC campaign delivers an entirely new 20-hour+ story arc that runs parallel with the original Crown of the Magister campaign that players can jump right into at level 1.
 
Want to play DLC content in multiplayer with friends who don’t have it? Not a problem. Tactical Adventures’ DLC philosophy is that all users will be able to play DLC content for free as long as the host has it installed.
 
An Epic Team Adventure
Discover the shattered world of Solasta: explore ruins and dungeons for legendary treasures, learn the truth of an age-old cataclysm – and stop it from happening again. Create your very own party of adventurers with our Character Creation Tool in the classic tabletop RPG tradition.
 
Discover a Mysterious & Dynamic World
Delve into long forgotten dungeons to unearth ancient artifacts. Fight monsters in squad-level, turn-based, tactical combat. Solasta’s dynamic environment offers some interesting tactical options.
 
Prepare to Think in Three Dimensions
The dungeons in Solasta are more than flat game-boards. Climb, jump, or fly around obstacles. Evade or surprise foes from above or below. Push them into chasms or drop things on their heads. Position yourself on high grounds to start the fight with an advantage.
 
True to the Tabletop
Wizards of the Coast granted Tactical Adventures a license to use the Dungeons & Dragons SRD 5.1 content and ruleset furthering the vision of making the most faithful video game adaptation with the Tabletop ruleset!

For more information on Solasta: Crown of the Magister visit the websiteSteam pageGOG pageMicrosoft Store, or Humble store. Players can also follow on TwitterInstagram, like on Facebook, watch on YouTube and Twitch, and join the conversation on Discord or the official forums.

About Tactical Adventures
Tactical Adventures is a videogame development studio, created in 2018 by Mathieu Girard, who previously co-founded Amplitude Studios. Located in the heart of Paris, Tactical Adventures is a self-published studio, aiming to create immersive & tactical videogames within the RPG genre. One of the key strengths of the studio’s philosophy revolves around the recruitment of experienced team members, organized into agile teams, whose development process & decisions will be made in collaboration with their community.