Sale of Limited-Edition Prints to Benefit Girls Make Games Scholarships

LONDON (February 14, 2022) – As a part of Crystal Dynamics’ ongoing effort to encourage under-represented communities to join the game development industry, the company today announced a charity drive in collaboration with Girls Make Games, celebrating 25 years of Tomb Raider and Lara Croft’s birthday.

Available exclusively from the Square Enix Store, gamers can purchase a complete set of 15 prints of reimagined Tomb Raider box art created by legendary artists from around the world for a limited time for only £39.99 (plus shipping). All proceeds from the sale go to Girls Make Games, a program dedicated to inspiring the next generation of game designers, creators, and engineers.

Artists were chosen to ensure a diverse array of styles and were given full freedom to reimagine the series’ box art, resulting in Lara Croft portrayed in comic, anime, whimsical, realistic, and surrealistic styles.

“No matter the genre or medium, as a pop-culture icon of 25 years, Lara Croft is instantly recognizable throughout this incredible art series,” said Scot Amos, Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics. “Girls Make Games is an amazing program and we are proud to partner together on this charity fundraiser. Our hope is that it will translate into hundreds of girls getting the chance to attend Girls Make Games summer camps, workshops, and other outreach activities.”

Among the accomplished and supremely talented crew of artists were Marvel Studios’ Visual Development Supervisor Andy Park, legendary Japanese artist, character designer, and illustrator Yoshitaka Amano, Batgirl, Gotham City Sirens, and Overwatch graphic novel artist Babs Tarr, and Crystal Dynamics’ own Art Director Brenoch Adams, who kicked off the initiative with his take on the original Tomb Raider’s box art and followed up with an original version of Tomb Raider: Anniversary. All 14 artists crafted unique takes on the box art for each game through their own lens, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular.
Participating artists include:

• Tomb Raider: Brenoch Adams
• Tomb Raider II: Babs Tarr
• Tomb Raider III: Paul Kwon
• Tomb Raider IV: The Last Revelation: Andy Park
• Tomb Raider: Chronicles: Megan Lara
• Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness: Stephanie Rew
• Tomb Raider: Legend: Nagu
• Tomb Raider: Anniversary: Brenoch Adams
• Tomb Raider: Underworld: Laura H. Rubin
• Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light: Monster Draw
• Tomb Raider (2013): Yoshitaka Amano 
• Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris: Adam Hughes
• Rise of the Tomb Raider: Akihiko Yoshida 
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Ross Tran/Ross Draws 
• Tomb Raider: Reloaded: Melanie Herrmann

The full set of prints can be seen here
To buy the print set, visit this link to the Square Enix Store

More information about the 25^th anniversary celebration of Tomb Raider and its amazing history can be found at https://tombraider.com/25.

Official Homepage: www.TOMBRAIDER.com
Official Twitter: @TOMBRAIDER
Official Facebook page: http://facebook.com/TOMBRAIDER
Official Tumblr: http://officialTOMBRAIDERblog.tumblr.com/
Official YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/TOMBRAIDER

About TOMB RAIDER
The TOMB RAIDER® franchise, which recently celebrated its 25^th anniversary, has sold over 85 million copies worldwide. The franchise’s popularity has exploded into a series of blockbuster films based on the original Tomb Raider game and 2013 reboot. Its protagonist Lara Croft® has been a contemporary global icon for over two decades. The most recent release in the world-famous franchise, Shadow of the Tomb Raider™, has received numerous “Best of” nominations and awards and is the remarkable conclusion to Lara Croft’s origin story. All of this continues to make TOMB RAIDER a destination brand for action-adventure.
 
About Crystal Dynamics
Crystal Dynamics® has developed and published more than 30 award-winning titles during its 30-year adventure. Some of the company’s beloved franchises include Gex®, Legacy of Kain® and most recently, TOMB RAIDER® which has sold more than 85 million copies worldwide. With over 20 video game titles released and hundreds of awards, the heroine Lara Croft® has been a cultural icon for 25 years and has made an indelible mark on virtually every facet of entertainment. In addition to their headquarters in San Mateo, CA, Crystal Dynamics has two additional studios: Crystal Northwest™ in Bellevue, WA, and Crystal Southwest™ in Austin, TX.
 
For more information on Crystal Dynamics, please visit http://www.crystald.com/, their Twitter account, Facebook page, or their LinkedIn page.

About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix, Inc. is affiliated with 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 164 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 83 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com

Magic: The Gathering’s newest set blends tradition with modernity in its first futuristic sci-fi plane

Friday 11 February, 2022 — Wizards of the Coast today released Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, the newest set for the world’s oldest and best trading card game, Magic: The Gathering (MTG). A long-awaited return to the plane initially seen in the original Kamigawa block released in 2004, Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty transforms the feudal Japan-inspired setting into a bright, futuristic neonscape. The set contains 302 cards and releases on MTG Arena today and for tabletop on 18 February.

In a city of looming skyscrapers and vibrant cherry blossom trees, cyber ninja Kaito Shizuki searches for the missing Emperor of Kamigawa. With returning Planeswalkers Tamiyo and The Wanderer by his side, Kaito must journey through the neon Undercity to investigate an unfolding mystery; one that threatens the spiritual world of Kamigawa and the delicate balance between soul and machine.

Set 1,200 years after the events of the original Kamigawa story, Neon Dynasty merges old with the new as it transforms returning mechanics and introduces never-before-seen abilities. The new mechanic, Reconfigure, imbues creatures with the ability to equip themselves to other creatures and confer new bonuses. Double-faced cards return and are key to changing the tides of battle, with Sagas that turn into enchantment creatures to offer player’s additional unique abilities. Channel also returns in Neon Dynasty, allowing players to discard a card with the ability to get a temporary effect. Another returning mechanic, Ninjutsu, allows Ninja creatures to slip past an opponent’s defences: cards with Ninjutsu can be put into play already attacking by returning an unblocked creature to its owner’s hand. 

Legendary creatures of Kamigawa make a comeback with the highlight being five legendary Spirit Dragons who are central to the plane. Samurai and Ninja creatures also return with various cool new iterations for players to collect.  

Taking inspiration from traditional Japanese iconography, Neon Dynasty features 10 “Ukiyo-e” basic lands with each basic land type getting two different pieces of woodblock art available in foil and non-foil versions.

The new set also brings modernity to feudal aesthetics with Ninja and Samurai showcase frames, styling these specific creature types with elegant and futuristic borders. 

In a special collaboration with prominent Japanese artists Hara Tetsuo (Fist of the North Star), Yoji Shinkawa (Metal Gear Solid), and many more, Neon Dynasty features some exquisite works of full-art cards that showcase certain Legendary creatures and Planeswalkers from the set as dazzling, vibrant pieces.  

Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty will be available in regular Draft Boosters, Theme Boosters, Collector Boosters, Set Boosters, as well as the Neon Dynasty Bundle and two Commander decks.

For more information on Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, view the official cinematic trailer, or visit https://magic.wizards.com/en/products/kamigawa-neon-dynasty. 

About Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering’s compelling characters, fantastic worlds, and deep strategic gameplay have entertained and delighted fans for more than 25 years. Fans can experience Magic through the tabletop trading card game, the new digital game Magic: The Gathering Arena, a New York Times bestselling novel, critically acclaimed comic book series, and professional esports league. With over 40 million fans to date, Magic is a worldwide phenomenon published in eleven languages in over 70 countries.

About Wizards of the Coast

Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc., is an award-winning developer and publisher of tabletop and digital games that ignite a sense of adventure in passionate players around the globe. Best known for publishing groundbreaking fantasy franchises, MAGIC: THE GATHERING® and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS®, Wizards is dedicated to bringing together world-class talent to create unforgettable play experiences at its headquarters in Washington and studios in Austin and Montreal. Learn more at www.wizards.com.

HyperX Launches Cloud Core Wireless Gaming Headset with DTS^® Headphone:X^®

Australia – 15 Feb, 2022 – HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, today announced the release of the Cloud Core Wireless gaming headset in Australia and New Zealand. The latest addition to HyperX’s extensive headset lineup, Cloud Core Wireless features DTS^® Headphone:X^®1 spatial audio and offers signature HyperX comfort and durability engineered to elevate gaming sessions.

Designed for immersive in-game audio experiences, Cloud Core Wireless is equipped with DTS^® Headphone:X^® spatial audio and 53mm drivers to deliver clear and accurate positional sound for gaming. This new gaming-grade wireless headset broadcasts at 2.4GHz and offers up to 20 hours² of battery life and 20 meters of wireless range.

“HyperX is dedicated to providing the ultimate audio experience for gamers and the new Cloud Core Wireless gaming headset delivers with DTS® Headphone:X^® and signature comfort at an affordable price point,” said HyperX. “Cloud Core Wireless gaming headset is an excellent option for gamers that desire a more immersive in-game experience with the freedom and flexibility to play without cables.”

The Cloud Core Wireless gaming headset is certified by Discord and TeamSpeak^™ for seamless chat compatibility. The headset offers a flexible detachable noise-canceling microphone that reduces background noise and provides clearer voice quality for improved in-game chat.

Aligning with the high-quality build of its predecessors, Cloud Core Wireless utilises an aluminum frame construction with an adjustable headband that provides long-lasting durability and stability. The headset also features soft leatherette and plush memory foam for signature HyperX comfort.

Availability

The HyperX Cloud Core Wireless gaming headset is available at select retailers for AU$159 in Australia and NZ$169 in New Zealand. For more information on the HyperX Cloud Core Wireless gaming headset, please visit the HyperX product page. Retailers’ pricing may vary.

HyperX Cloud Core Wireless Gaming Headset Specifications:

Part Number
HHSC1C-CG-BK/G (legacy part number)
4P5D5AA (HP Inc. part number)

Headphone
Driver: Dynamic, 53mm with neodymium magnets
Form factor: Over ear, circumaural, closed back
Frequency response: 10 Hz – 21 kHz
Impedance: 60 Ω
Sensitivity: 99 dBSPL/mW at 1 kHz
T.H.D.: ≤ 1%
Frame type: Aluminum
Ear cushions: Memory foam

Microphone
Element: Electret condenser microphone
Polar pattern: Bi-directional, Noise-cancelling
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 6.8 kHz
Sensitivity: -44 dBV (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz)

Connections and Features
Audio connection: Wireless USB
USB audio format: Stereo
USB specification: USB 2.0
Sampling rates: 48 kHz
Bit-Depth: 16 bit
Included virtual surround sound: DTS Headphone:X
Audio controls: Onboard audio controls

Battery
Type: Rechargeable lithium-polymer
Battery life: 20 hours
Charge time: 3 hours

Wireless
Type: 2.4 GHz
Wireless range: Up to 20 meters

Physical
Weight: 283g
Weight with microphone: 294g
Cable length(s) and type(s): 0.5m USB charge cable

¹ DTS, DTS:X, DTS Sound Unbound, Headphone:X, the DTS logo, and the DTS:X logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of DTS, Inc. in the United States and other countries. © 2020 DTS, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
² Tested at 50% headphone volume. Battery life varies based on volume and usage

About HyperX

For 18 years, HyperX’s mission has been to develop gaming solutions for every type of gamer and the company is consistently recognised for delivering products that provide superior comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. Under the tagline of “WE’RE ALL GAMERS,” HyperX gaming headsets, keyboards, mice, USB microphones, and console accessories are the choice of everyday gamers as well as celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, tech enthusiasts, and overclockers worldwide because they meet stringent product specifications and are built with best-in-class components. 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/hyperx 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hyperxanz 

About HP Inc.

HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP Inc. is available at http://www.hp.com. 

#  #  #

HyperX and the HyperX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of HP Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.
All registered trademarks and trademarks are property of their respective owners.

New Demo Hunts Steam Next Fest, Debuts New Locations, Gameplay Mechanics

PRAGUE, Czech Republic – February 14, 2022 – Expedition Zero, an intense survival horror experience, asks who will hunt or be hunted when it ambushes PC via Steam on Thursday, March 24, 2022. Developer Enigmatic Machines and publisher tinyBuild invites survivors turned stalkers to experience the grotesque voyage’s new demo, showcasing new areas and gameplay features, starting Monday, Feb. 21, during Steam Next Fest.

Explore the frozen expanse of rural Siberia as the last person standing from a scientific survey gone awry. Trapped in an abandoned military research zone surrounded by inescapable walls, freezing life-threatening temperatures, biting blizzards, lack of resources, and hunger soon become the least of the researcher’s worries. Far-fetched growls in the dark reveal a gruesome flesh-eating forest monster and other corrupted creatures hungry for blood. 

Avoid a horrendous demise at all costs. Establish new safe points for agonizing moments of uneasy rest, oftentimes the difference between life and death. Run away, become prey, or fight back with a potentially mighty mecha-suit. Loot and craft useful devices and modules to upgrade the suit, transforming it into all-powerful armor against the dangers lying in wait.  

Get stronger with each passing day while discovering the weaknesses of the wicked beast to face it in a deadly duel. One of these nights, the prey could finally become the hunter, with the right resources and knowledge.

Survey long-abandoned scientific labs, rural dilapidated houses, forsaken churches, and the frightful forest, examining every nook and cranny to uncover the dark truth about a top-secret military operation and the horrific experiments on animals and humans. 

A horror-stricken tale of survival against all odds, Expedition Zero is an extreme experience told with stunning cinematic visuals, bringing one’s worst nightmares to life. 

“We created a realistic setting for an immersive–and dreadful–experience capable of petrifying even the most seasoned of horror fans,” said Pavel Necas, Lead Designer, Enigmatic Machines. “Expedition Zero combines elements of exploration, sci-fi, survival, and even sandbox, encouraging outside of the box thinking to help our sole survivor break out of the deadly nightmare he has been stuck in for years.”

Expedition Zero arrives on Windows PC via Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store on Thursday, March 24, for USD $19.99 / €16.79. It supports English audio only, with English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Italian, German, Spanish (Spain), Japanese, Korean, Russian, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified) text.

For more information, wishlist Expedition Zero on Steam, follow @ExpeditionZero and @tinyBuild on Twitter, and join the mission via Discord.

About Enigmatic Machines

Spread across Europe, Enigmatic Machines is a small team of four eclectic friends who share a passion for horror games and the special tension only they can provide. The studio’s focus on creating special gaming experiences with a unique blend of realistic post-Soviet settings and Slavic mythology. Expedition Zero is the studio’s first game.

About tinyBuild

tinyBuild is a Seattle-based indie label behind the Hello Neighbor franchise and over 30 renowned titles, including Graveyard Keeper, SpeedRunners, and Party Hard. With additional development offices in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Riga, Latvia, tinyBuild is rapidly building a portfolio of fun, high-quality games across multiple platforms.

Sentinels – strike early and ascend the Tower of Babel to achieve greatness!

SYDNEY (Feb. 15, 2022) – SQUARE ENIX® announced during a live stream that PlayStation owners will have access to a free downloadable demo of BABYLON’S FALL™ beginning on February 25, 2022.

The demo gives PlayStation®5 and PlayStation® 4 players access to the opening section of the game where both single player and four player cross-play co-op can be experienced for free. All progress and achievements will be carried over to the full version of the game on PlayStation platforms following the official launch on March 3. SQUARE ENIX also announced that all players of BABYLON’S FALL will get the Premium Battle Pass for free during Season 1.

Developed in partnership with renowned action specialists, PlatinumGames Inc., the demo provides multiple hours of story content and limitless multi-player to give players a significant head-start for strengthening their Sentinel. The early stages of the game will introduce players to the immense power a Sentinel wields on the battlefield, but also the burden and unwanted responsibility they carry for saving the city that surrounds the Tower. It quickly becomes apparent that only through a Sentinel’s efforts and sacrifices will the secrets and treasures of the Tower be unveiled.

Featuring fluid co-op-combat, powerful weapons and a unique, striking art style, the epic world of BABYLON’S FALL can be played solo or in parties up to four*. Following the launch, BABYLON’S FALL will continue to be supported with new game modes, ongoing story content, and additional weapon types at no additional cost. BABYLON’S FALL is launching worldwide on the PlayStation®5 (PS5™) console, PlayStation® 4 and PC on March 3, 2022.

* Requires a persistent broadband internet connection in order to play the game. Free Square Enix account required.

ABOUT BABYLON’S FALL

In BABYLON’S FALL players become a group of warriors known as the sentinels, bonded with special equipment called Gideon Coffins, and throw themselves into an odyssey to overcome the titanic Tower of Babylon, within which sleeps a great legacy.In addition to weapons wielded in both hands, characters can use the power of their Gideon Coffin to equip two more, allowing for combinations of up to four weapons at once. The capabilities of different equipment will also bring endless variation to the strategy that can be employed.The game’s visuals are achieved using a newly developed “brushwork style” to create a unique fantasy setting with a medieval oil painting aesthetic.

Related Links:
Official Website: www.babylonsfall.com
Twitter: @BabylonsFall_EN
Instagram: @BabylonsFall_EN
Facebook: @BabylonsFallthegame
YouTube: youtube.com/squareenix
#BabylonsFall

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  163  million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 83 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over  84 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

Techland’s open-world action-RPG takes the first step on its post-launch journey with the first free DLC available now.Wrocław, Poland — 15 February 2022 — This Valentine’s Day, Techland brings survivors the gift of the first free DLC for Dying Light 2 Stay Human. Previously announced in the future content roadmap, this factions-inspired DLC is already available for free across all platforms.

Starting today, players can redeem the first part of the first free skin pack, Authority, with the skin pack Ronin coming right around the corner. The packs will grant items for the chest, legs, and foot gear slots, and after a few days, new redeemable items will be unlocked. Which faction will you represent while roaming The City? 

*Authority Pack* – Trailer available here

Bring law and order back to The City and enforce the rules with the Authority pack, coming in three parts as free DLC. Collect all three parts to get a full outfit and a unique hammer.

The first part (available from today) contains:

• Intimidating Jacket—Put on this jacket and fight for justice!
• Intimidating Cargo Pants—They’ll hold everything you’ll need to enforce the law.
• Intimidating High-tops—Stand up for what’s right with these unique high-tops.

The second part (available Feb. 16) will contain:

• Intimidating Gauntlets—These may not restore law and order in a flash, but they’ll definitely make it easier.
• Intimidating Windbreaker—Bring down the rule breakers with this windbreaker.
• Intimidating Leather Guards—Use these leather guards to help you keep the peace.

The third part (available Feb. 18) will bring: The two-handed Authority hammer—With this in your arsenal, they’d better follow the rules.

To unlock the Authority pack, visit the platform store’s product page, claim the DLC, and download it to represent the faction with style.

*Ronin Pack* – Coming soon! Roam The City as a masterless samurai with the Ronin pack, coming in three parts to download as free DLC. Collect them all to get a full outfit and a unique sword.

Dying Light 2 Stay Human Contest – Win Dope Prizes!

To celebrate a successful launch, Techland kicked off another contest for Dying Light 2 Stay Human fans, and the grand prize is a powerful, customized PC (RTX 3090 FE + i9-12900k) created by PC gaming masters Nate Gentile—tech, design, modding, and hardware enthusiasts who create computer science content to entertain, teach, and advise! If you want to know how the customized PC was made, watch this video created by Nate Gentile.

Participants may also win Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 chairs themed with Dying Light 2 Stay Human, branded BenQ monitors, and HyperX headphones.

Visit Techland’s Twitter account or dl2.dyinglightgame.com to learn more about the contest rules, and visit TechlandGG for more details about upcoming events.

This custom-made powerful setup contains:

• CPU: Intel i9-12900k
• GPU: RTX 3090 FE
• Motherboard: ASUS ROG Z690-F
• Cooling system: Corsair Hydro X Series (customized with other Corsair elements)
• Power supply: Corsair RM1000x 80 PLUS Gold

How to enter

For a chance to win amazing prizes, record a 30-second video of your most spectacular clip from Dying Light 2 Stay Human and upload it to Facebook, Twitter, or VK with #DyingLight2 and #DL2Contest by Feb. 19 at 5:00 PM CET. That’s all!

1st Prize:

– Customized Dying Light 2 Stay Human themed PC

– “Secretlab” TITAN Evo 2022 – Dying Light 2 Stay Human Edition gaming chair

– Dying Light 2 Stay Human themed BenQ Mobiuz

2nd Prize: 

2 WINNERS!

– “Secretlab” TITAN Evo 2022 – Dying Light 2 Stay Human Edition gaming chair

– Dying Light 2 Stay Human themed BenQ Mobiuz

3rd Prize: 

20 WINNERS!

– 2-month GeForce Now Priority Subscriptions – HyperX Cloud II themed headphones for Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Dying Light 2 Stay Human, published by Techland, is out now on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S.

Band together with fellow survivors on Discord, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

###

About Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Dying Light 2 Stay Human is a story-driven open-world action role-playing game, a sequel to the critically acclaimed Dying Light published in 2015, which has been played by over twenty five million people all over the world. This time players are visiting the City – mankind’s last stronghold in the fight against the virus. Developed parkour mechanics enable players to explore the vast open world and master tactical combat. This lost civilization, a world set in the modern dark ages, requires creative approaches to finding items and crafting gear. Gameplay shifts during a day and night cycle, so players can dare to plunder abandoned lairs of the infected at night and discover the dark secrets of those in power by day. Players must choose which side they want to take and write their own story.

About Techland

Founded in 1991 in Poland, Techland is a renowned independent game developer and distributor for all leading platforms, including PC, Sony PlayStation, and the Xbox family of devices. Techland is best known for the original Dead Island games, the Call of Juarez series, and the Dying Light franchise, a global phenomenon played by over 20 million unique players to date. To top that, Techland’s experienced teams allow the developer to work on two of its own AAA titles at the same time. Comprising over 400 professionals across three offices in Poland, the company is committed to delivering unforgettable experiences and using the latest technology for innovative entertainment, which includes the proprietary C-Engine. For more information about the company itself, visit the official website at: www.techland.net.

All product titles, publisher names, trademarks, artwork, and associated imagery are trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or copyright material of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Spend Valentine’s Day breaking hearts and bones in this upgraded, classic co-op beat-’em-up

Valencia, Calif. – February 14, 2022 – It’s time to brawl like it’s 1994! Independent game studio WayForward, in conjunction with Arc System Works, is delighted to announce that the 16-bit beat-’em-up, River City Girls Zero, is now available digitally on Nintendo Switch. Launching just in time for some Valentine’s Day local co-op combat, this previously Japanese-exclusive entry in the River City/Kunio-kun series is now ready to download from the Nintendo Switch eShop, priced at $14.99 and rated T by the ESRB.

Originally published in 1994 on Super Famicom under the name Shin Nekketsu Koha: Kunio-tachi no Banka, River City Girls Zero lets players hit the streets with series mainstays Kunio and Riki alongside hot-blooded heroines Misako and Kyoko in one- or two-player action. Armed with an arsenal of punches, kicks, slams, stomps, and character-specific special moves, the quartet dishes out justice to countless criminals as they attempt to clear Kunio and Riki of a heinous crime. Along the way, they’ll visit a variety of locales — including a crumbling school, a casino, and an amusement park — and even fight from the back of a motorcycle.

While the classic graphics, soundtrack, and gameplay remain true to their original forms thanks to Limited Run Games’ Carbon Engine, the game delivers several new features, including new opening and closing motion-comic cutscenes, a new animated intro, and brand-new music by River City Girls composer Megan McDuffee and rapper DEMONDICE. River City Girls Zero also features both classic and RCG-style English translations, as well as language options for Spanish, French, German, and Italian, plus the original Japanese.

Following the game’s release on Nintendo Switch, River City Girls Zero is planned to launch digitally on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, the Xbox family of systems, and PC in spring 2022. Additionally, physical editions of the Switch, PS4, and PS5 versions — including Standard, Classic, and Ultimate Editions — as well as a variety of River City Girls Zero merchandise, are available to preorder on limitedrungames.com from now through March 13, 2022. For further news on the River City Girls series, as well as information on other WayForward titles, please visit www.wayforward.com and follow @wayforward on Twitter and Facebook.

Key Features

• The classic 16-bit beat-’em-up, Shin Nekketsu Koha: Kunio-tachi no Banka, officially translated and released in the West for the first time ever!
• Switch between four playable characters, each with unique special moves!
• Compelling story that inspired River City Girls 1 & 2!
• Deep combat: Unleash an arsenal of punches, kicks, jump attacks, grabs, and more!
• 1p or 2p local co-op gameplay!
• A variety of environments: high school, the docks, an amusement park, a casino, and more!
• Battle while riding motorcycles in “Mode 7”-style vehicle stages!
• Image gallery featuring vintage box art, manual images, and cartridge art!
• New motion-comic cutscenes, new animated intro, and new music by River City Girls composer Megan McDuffee and DEMONDICE!

Summary
Name: River City Girls Zero
Publisher: WayForward
Developer: WayForward/Limited Run Games/Technos
Release Date: February 14, 2022
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Players: 1 or 2
Price: $14.99

About WayForward

Based in Valencia, California, WayForward was founded in 1990 and has remained an independent game developer for more than 30 years. It is home to many talented individuals including programmers, environment artists, animators, modelers, illustrators, audio wizards, designers, and team leaders. With new avenues for distributing games directly to fans, they are finally able to make the games they have always wanted to.

About Arc System Works

Arc System Works is a developer and fighting game specialist from Japan — best known for the Guilty Gear series of games and, more recently, the BlazBlue series — that has garnered international critical acclaim for its innovative fighting system and spectacular 2D artwork. For more information, please visit the official website at www.arcsystemworks.com.

The Chinese Room presents Dear Esther’s tenth anniversary developer diary and makes the award-winning narrative adventure free to download on February 14 and 15

Brighton, United Kingdom – 14 February 2022. The Chinese Room, and publishers Secret Mode are pleased to announce they will celebrate the tenth anniversary of Dear Esther by making the genre-defining 2012 narrative exploration game free to download from Steam on 14 and 15 February.

Dear Esther’s tenth anniversary arrives just two weeks ahead of The Chinese Room’s latest tale, Little Orpheus, which arrives on PC and consoles on 1 March.

On 14 February 2012, Dear Esther immersed players in its stunningly-realised world – a remote and desolate island somewhere in the Outer Hebrides. Abandoning traditional gameplay for a pure story-driven experience, Dear Esther combined beautiful environments with a breath-taking soundtrack to tell a powerful story of love, loss, guilt and redemption.

Dear Esther has won multiple awards since its release in 2012, including the prize for “Excellence in Visual Arts” at the 2012 Independent Games Festival, “Best Use of Narrative” at the 2012 Develop Awards, “Visual Design” and four more awards at the 2012 TIGA Awards, and five nominations at the 2012 BAFTA awards.

“It was a joy working on Dear Esther with such a creative, talented and inspiring group of developers, and we’ve been delighted and humbled by the warmth of the gaming community over the last ten years,” said Dan Pinchbeck of The Chinese Room. “We are thrilled to offer Dear Esther to a new generation of players for its tenth anniversary, and I’m personally looking forward to hearing from those players who are able to explore Dear Esther’s island today for the very first time.”

Dear Esther is usually £7.99 on Steam but is available to download for free from 14 to 15 February. Dear Esther is also available for purchase on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and iOS devices.

The Chinese Room’s other titles include Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, and Little Orpheus – launching 1 March for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Steam, Epic Games Store and Nintendo Switch.

Follow The Chinese Room on Twitter or visit TheChineseRoom.co.uk for more details.

About The Chinese Room
Founded by Dan Pinchbeck in 2010, The Chinese Room – a Sumo Digital Studio – is the Brighton-based award-winning developer of Dear Esther, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, and Little Orpheus. We strive to spin worlds, sculpt characters and weave narratives that are compelling, rich and emotive. As humans, we’ve always told stories and played games. What we get to do, every day, is amazing.

About Secret Mode
Greetings from The Bunker! Secret Mode is the newly founded publishing wing of the award-winning Sumo Group Plc. Our goal is to publish internally developed projects from any of our 11 game development studios across the UK, US, Europe, and India, as well as third party independent game developers. We believe that games are for everyone, and that creativity has no limits. We believe quality and fun are everything. 

Wield your weapon of choice and jump into NARAKA for all its exciting upcoming events!

Hangzhou, February 14th 2022 | Leading Chinese developer 24 Entertainment are pleased to be able to provide new players with the chance to try out NARAKA on its free weekend, special event sales & a brand new season update, all appearing in-game soon. 

Free weekend – 08:00 2/18 – 08:00 2/22 PST

Special sale 30% off – 08:00 2/18 – 08:00 2/25 PST

Players are able to jump into NARAKA: BLADEPOINT’s free weekend between February 18th until February 22nd, giving everyone the chance to try out the exhilarating battle royale, along with the new season known as Echelon. A special sale will also be taking place until February 25th, offering players the chance to grab NARAKA: BLADEPOINT at a huge 30% discount.

Starting on February 13th, Echelon will introduce an electrifying fire and ice theme, teasing the arrival of a new female hero, Justina Gu, who will launch later into the season. Alongside this, the new seasonal event Spring Blooms will also be available, allowing players to collect Blossom Branches by completing in-game missions, which can be redeemed for exclusive Valentine’s Day rewards, including the special emote Envy, and Avatar Fate Entwined: Dawn/Fate Entwined:Eventide.

A new season pass introduction video can be seen here:

New hero Justina Gu animation trailer can be seen here:

Additionally, a Duo Mode is now available in ranked following the massive demand from fans. Big changes to the Souljades system have also been made, with more Souldjades joining NARAKA: BLADEPOINT. These include exciting changes such as a Souldjade which can save players from death, steal health, or even cast thunder when dodging attacks.

New season Souljades update video can be seen here:

All of this content will be available in the new Echelon update on February 13, signaling a thrilling future for NARAKA: BLADEPOINT.

Make sure to keep up to date with all the latest NARAKA: BLADEPOINT action on the NARAKA site, Twitter, Facebook, Twitch, Steam, and Discord.

About 24 Entertainment
24 Entertainment is a Chinese game studio founded by a group of artists, engineers, and designers; who are all gaming industry veterans. We have a shared vision of introducing global players to Eastern cultures through cutting-edge gaming technology.