Fifth Edition of World’s Biggest Indie Showcase to Return in 2022

TOKYO – Nov. 16, 2021 – INDIE Live Expo Winter 2021, the digital showcase connecting indie game fans worldwide which has highlighted more than 1300 new indie titles across three shows, celebrates a new record with more than 13.9 million viewers from around the world that tuned in for the Saturday, November 6 event on YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, and Bilibili in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

The fourth event in the biannual series of showcases, INDIE Live Expo Winter 2021’s success means the event has achieved more than 42.5 million views across four global broadcasts. INDIE Live Expo will return in the first half of next year with INDIE Live Expo 2022, featuring more INDIE Live Premieres of upcoming games, new information on previously-announced titles, and showcases of hundreds of games from around the world.

Highlights from this year’s event included the first footage of Guns Undarkness, the first indie game from Persona composer Shoji Meguro, features for anticipated indie games like Turbo Overkill, Coffee Talk: Episode Two, Sol Cresta, Unpacking, DEEER Simulator: Your Average Everyday Deer Game, and more. The tradition of surprise releases during the event continued with the Early Access launch of rhythm game Sixtar Gate: STARTRAIL, side-scrolling action game LIBLADE, and a demo for COGEN: Sword of Rewind.

The winners of the 2nd annual INDIE Live Expo Awards were revealed after a nomination and voting period decided by a combination of public voting and input from an esteemed panel of 30 international media outlets. Road 96earned the Grand Prize and Theme of the Year Award, with additional winners including Among Usfor Most Stream-Friendly Game Award, Chicory: A Colorful Talefor Best Characters; Death’s Door for Best “Game Feel” Award; Before Your Eyes for the Rules of Play Award; and 文字遊戯 (Word Game)from Taipei-based Team9 for the Local Cultural Representation Award.

More than 560 games were featured during the show, including more than a dozen INDIE Live Premieres, media-chosen INDIE Picks, and hundreds of 15-second INDIE Waves features of games for console, PC, and mobile. INDIE Live Expo Winter 2021’s sponsors included Cygames, Playstation, 505 Games, Freedom Games, Phoenixx, Kodansha, Hispergames, Inti Creates, Gemdrop Studios, and Why So Serious.

“We could not do this without the support we continue to receive from our sponsors, participating developers, and of course the people who watch,” said Ryuta Konuma, Founder, Ryu’s Office. “We are excited to continue to show the world how vast and amazing the world of indie games can be, and are gearing up to show off even more games in 2022!”

INDIE Live Expo 2021’s full showcase VOD can be rewatched in English via YouTube.

Developers interested in information about future INDIE Live Expo events and opportunities can sign up for the INDIE Live Expo Letter here.

For more information, please visit theINDIE Live Expo website, follow @INDIELiveExpoEN on Twitter, and search for #INDIELiveExpo on social media.

About Ryu’s Office

Ryu’s Office offers in-depth marketing solutions for smartphone, console, arcade, and PC games in Japan. They are particularly focused on the planning and production of numerous live broadcasts based out of Japan for the gaming industry.

To learn more, visit the official Ryu’s Office website.

Yars’ Return™, Aquaventure™, and Saboteur® Physical Atari 2600 Cartridges are Now Available for Preorder from AtariXP.com

New York, NY (November 16, 2021) – Atari® — one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers — today announced the launch of Atari XP, an initiative to bring rare and never-released Atari game cartridges to market. The first cartridge release to kick off the Atari XP initiative includes Yars’ Return, Aquaventure, Saboteur — three rare gems from the Atari IP catalog that were never launched or released in very limited quantities. All three titles will be available in standard and limited-edition versions and ship in iconic Atari 2600-style boxes. Cartridges can be preordered starting today at AtariXP.com.

The limited editions for each game include a newly manufactured, high-quality Atari 2600 cartridge made from special plastics, a premium poster, a printed instructional manual with bonus material, a collectible pin and collectible badge, a certificate of authenticity, and a digital copy of the game playable on the Atari VCS. Only 1,983 copies of each limited edition cartridge will be made, honoring the year in which these games would have been released. The Limited Editions retail for $149.99 USD each, exclusively available on AtariXP.com. Standard edition cartridges, which include only the respective Atari 2600 cartridge, will retail for $49.99 USD.

Atari XP cartridges are manufactured to exacting standards from all new parts and materials, with beveled edges to prevent pin damage, strong gold-plated connectors, and identical power draw to the originals.

Future drops from Atari XP will include previously unreleased titles from Atari’s expansive library, rare-and-hard-to-find Atari IP physical media, and improved versions of classic games with refined mechanics and graphics.

“With our large catalog of classic games, we saw an opportunity to bring high-value, nostalgic content to the very active community of hardcore Atari fans, collectors, and video game enthusiasts,” said Atari CEO, Wade Rosen. “We are confident that fans and collectors alike will be thoroughly impressed with Atari’s reemergence into cartridge production.”

Orders for standard cartridges submitted by December 10, 2021, are expected to be delivered by Christmas. Atari anticipates limited edition cartridges to ship in Q1 2022.

About ATARI

Atari is an interactive entertainment company and an iconic gaming industry brand that transcends generations and audiences. The company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 unique games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon® and has recently launched the all-new Atari VCS videogame computer system. Atari has offices in New York and Paris. Visit us online at Atari.com.

© 2021 Atari VCS, LLC. © 2021 Atari Interactive, Inc. Atari wordmark and logo are trademarks of Atari Interactive, Inc. in the US and other countries. All rights reserved.

Atmospheric soundtrack and music video by Norwegian band Kalandra complete the experience for Kingdom Two Crowns’ first premium expansion

STOCKHOLM (& Midgard) – Nov. 16, 2021 – Raw Fury, the adventurous indie publisher from Sweden, and developer Stumpy🐙Squid are pleased to announce that Kingdom Two Crowns: Norse Lands is now available. Norse Lands, the first premium DLC expansion ever for the award-winning Kingdom Two Crowns, can be experienced on PC, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch™, as well as Android and iOS.

To provide the perfect experience for fans of the game and aspiring Vikings, the Norwegian band Kalandra has written a unique soundtrack exclusive for Kingdom Two Crowns: Norse Lands. What’s more, the band has dedicated their latest song and music video – “My Kingdom” – to the Kingdom franchise!

“We were so excited when Raw Fury contacted us about making music for Norse Lands. As the ‘90s kids we are, gaming was something all of us grew up with,” said Kalandra. “So to be able to score the musical atmosphere for Norse Lands has been a really fun and challenging process for all of us. We hope you will enjoy the playthrough and its musical journey as much as we did compose for it.”

Kingdom Two Crowns: Norse Lands is heavily inspired by Norse culture and mythology, introducing new features, content, gameplay, visuals and challenges into the already extensive world of Kingdom Two Crowns. Players will establish their kingdom, defend it, explore the world, and conquer while facing a powerful new enemy and drawing upon the might of the Norse gods themselves. The scope of Norse Lands will captivate both experienced Kingdom players and newcomers alike.

Features:

• Sit atop mighty Norse steeds and wield the powers of the Norse gods themselves – if you are daring enough to find and wield them.
• New units such as the mighty Berserker, an extraordinary warrior who will fight for you and push back the Greed at all costs.
• To Valhalla! All citizens, whether peasant, vanguard, farmer, archer, or builder, are suitable fighters. They will defend your kingdom to the end.
• New weather effects reflect the harsh north. Experience the unforgiving beauty and nature of the Nordic lands and feel their cold winters to the core.
• New enemies in the form of a new breed of Greed await to be defeated!

Further information can be found on the official website: https://www.kingdomthegame.com.

About Raw Fury

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

About Fury Studios

Fury Studios, founded in 2019 by Raw Fury, is based in Zagreb, Croatia. Almost twenty employees are currently taking care of the development of the Kingdom franchise and West of Dead. In addition, Fury Studios supplies 2D / 3D asset production and animations, technical support, multi-platform porting, code optimizations and quality control for Raw Fury’s various partners and titles.

About Stumpy🐙Squid

Stumpy🐙Squid is an independent games studio founded by Gordon Van Dyke in 2020 with a quest to build games that spark curiosity and ignite imaginations. The team is currently supporting Kingdom Two Crowns with new content and working on an unannounced game.

About Kalandra

Kalandra is an alternative Nordic pop band spearheaded by four Norwegian musicians (Jogeir Daae Mæland, Katrine Stenbekk, Florian Döderlein Winter and Oskar Johnsen Rydh) weaving ethereal melodies into raw and eerie musical landscapes. This is not the first time the band has scored music for the screen. In 2019, they stumbled onto the film set of the HBO Nordic series Beforeigners (season 1) dressed up as Vikings performing various wooden instruments and composed two soundtracks for the series. Perhaps more familiar is their cover of “Helvegen” by Wardruna, which has amassed over three million views on YouTube and counting.

In the Temporal Seam, No One Can Hear Your Screams

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (November 16, 2021) – Leading video game publisher and developer BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announced DRAGON BALL: THE BREAKERS which is scheduled to release in the Americas for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5 (Compatible), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S (Compatible), Nintendo Switch, and PCs via STEAM® in 2022. DRAGON BALL: THE BREAKERS is an eight-person online multiplayer game that combines both cooperative and competitive dynamics to create a revolutionary asymmetrical online survival action experience set in the DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE universe. A Closed Beta Test will be organized on PC, enabling players to get their hands on the game. More details regarding Closed Beta Test registration will be shared soon. 

DRAGON BALL: THE BREAKERS consists of 7v1 matches where seven normal “Survivors” have been sucked into a mysterious phenomenon called the “Temporal Seam” and must contend with the overwhelming power of the eighth player, the franchise iconic rival “Raider,” whose task is to obliterate the Survivor team. The Survivors don’t have any superpowers and must rely on various power-up items, weapons, and pilotable vehicles to battle and evade the Raider while searching for the Super Time Machine to escape oblivion. Concurrently, the Raider will be able to play as Cell, Buu, or Frieza and amass overwhelming power to destroy the Survivor team throughout the match, ensuring complete dominance. 

DRAGON BALL: THE BREAKERS also features a Survivor character customization mode which enables players to design their match avatars by using familiar DRAGON BALL Survivor skins and decorative equipment earned with in-game credits or via optional in-game purchases. Additionally, DRAGON BALL: THE BREAKERS will link save data with DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2. Stay tuned for more updates in the future. 

“The DRAGON BALL series has been a global fan favorite for over 37 years and DRAGON BALL: THE BREAKERS takes the classic over-the-top action formula and offers an innovative twist with its online survival gameplay,” said Lin Leng, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “Both new players and long-time fans can expect an extremely fun and engaging experience; whether playing as a Raider hunting down fellow gamers or as a Survivor, playing cooperatively to team-up against an iconic rival.”  

Steeped in a wealth of DRAGON BALL lore and featuring innovative survival action gameplay, DRAGON BALL: THE BREAKERS will be available in the Americas for purchase digitally and at brick & mortar retailers for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5 (Compatible), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S (Compatible), Nintendo Switch, and PCs via STEAM® in 2022. For information on this and other products from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., please visit www.bandainamcoent.com or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS, or join the conversation on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS

This trailer/video may only be displayed if it is behind an age-gate that: (1) is age-neutral (i.e., requires the user to input their date of birth or select it from a drop-down bar; (2) employs reasonable technical measures to keep underage users from re-entering their age after initially being denied access; and (3) does not display any ESRB rating information on the video player or the age-gate itself. Failure to implement these requirements may jeopardize your ability to obtain material of this nature from us in the future.

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About BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.

BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., part of the BANDAI NAMCO Group, is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for all major video game consoles, iOS, Android, and online platforms. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises including PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. is the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime based video games including NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL Z®, and ONE PIECE®. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcoent.com or www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS

All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners. 

©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION 

©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

Press Release © 2021 BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

Redcatpig and Digital Matters Publishing’s collaboration will have its full launch in early 2022.

Cambridge, UK – November 16th, 2021 – Redcatpig and Digital Matters Publishing are pleased to announce that multiplayer vehicle combat game KEO will be rolling out into the nuclear wasteland on December 9th, entering Steam Early Access. 

Players can pick the vehicle and loadout that suits their playstyle, customising it with an explosive arsenal of weaponry before starting their engines and racing into the battlefield, fighting for supremacy in a number of game modes. 

Earlier this month KEO opened its doors to players via a 24-hour giveaway that saw close to a million users adding the game to their library in a day, with regular beta tests also taking place over the last few months to ensure the best possible experience for launch. 

David Patching, Marketing Director of Digital Matters Publishing, said: “The competitive vehicular combat style of KEO has clearly resonated with a large audience. Even at this early stage, we’re really excited by the interest shown and looking forward to the Early Access release with a development roadmap well into 2022 and beyond.”

For more on KEO head on over to the Steam page

About KEO:  

KEO is a thrilling, fast-paced game of multiplayer vehicle combat for players of all ages and skill levels, with a variety of game modes to suit every taste. Decades after a nuclear apocalypse, what remains of humanity creates a new sport, battling with Radio Controlled Vehicles for control of essential resources. Players choose from one of several vehicles, each with a wide selection of offensive and defensive weapons, and then enter the arena to fight for survival!

About Redcatpig:

Redcatpig is an award-winning team of passionate gamers that embarked on a journey to make their own games, located in Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal.

About Digital Matters Publishing: 

Digital Matters Publishing is a highly experienced and talented team of award-winning publishers who have curated some of the world’s biggest gaming and entertainment brands. Headquartered in the UK with offices across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, Digital Matters Publishing is seeking passionate developers, looking to bring their visions to life across all platforms and territories through their creative excellence and unparalleled reach.

Prideful Sloth Breathes Life into the Cozy Genre Once More

CALABASAS, Calif. – November 16, 2021 – Grow: Song of the Evertree, the breathtaking world-crafting sandbox developed by Brisbane-based Prideful Sloth and published by 505 Games, blooms and spreads world-class adventure with life management and exploration elements on PC, PlayStation® 4, Xbox One™, and Nintendo Switch™ today.

Carrying the weight of the Worlds of Alaria on its burly branches, the majestic Evertree once stood proudly, shrouded in wonder and beauty. Long has this image changed, as its once-dignified presence dwindled into nothing more than a sapling at the hands of a force called the Withering. The Evertree’s final hope for salvation rests with the last Everheart Alchemist, entrusted with caring for the tree.

Following the 2017 release of Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles, Prideful Sloth further embraces the relaxing comfort of the cozy genre flourishing over the last decade with Grow. Set off on a delightful adventure filled with vibrant and spirited surroundings, accompanied by an entrancing soundtrack by BAFTA award nominee composer Kevin Penkin (Florence, Star Wars: Visions.)

Endless paths and opportunities stand before an Everheart Alchemist, from growing fantastic lands on the branches of the Evertree to nurturing communities and fostering friendships. The unique gameplay features unforgettable colors and aesthetics, and encourages diversions from fishing to solving puzzles and exploring caves. In Grow, creative freedom is the very soul of adventure.

Every aspect of Grow’s fantastical world creates an experience worth getting lost in; a comforting place where kindness and consideration are rewarded. A thoughtful mindset extends to the developers as well, as they make contributions to the Arbor Day Foundation based on the number of times Grow was wishlisted on Steam. These contributions will result in the planting of trees around the world.   

“With the launch of Grow on PC and consoles today, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome players to Alaria,” said Cheryl Vance, Game Designer at Prideful Sloth. “Grow is a game about exploring and existing that we view as an inviting and cozy evolution of our previous work. We sincerely hope that Alaria can become a digital home away from home for all who take the time to visit.”

Grow: Song of the Evertree launches on PC via Steam (with a further 10%off discount), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch today, for $24.99/€24.99/£19.99. A physical Nintendo Switch edition will be available in retail stores for $29.99/€29.99/£24.99 in February 2022.

For more information on Grow: Song of the Evertree please check out the official Steam page, follow the game on Twitter @GrowEvertree, join the Grow Discord channel, and use #GrowEvertreeGame on social media.

About 505 Games

505 Games, a Digital Bros’ subsidiary, is a global publisher focused on offering a broad selection of video games for players of all ages and skill levels. The company publishes and distributes premium and free-to-play games on console and PC platforms as well as mobile devices.

Publishing highlights include DEATH STRANDING (PC), Control, Assetto Corsa Competizione, Ghostrunner, Gems of War, Journey to the Savage Planet, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons.

505 Games has offices in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, China, and Japan. For more information on 505 Games and its products please visit 505games.com.

About Prideful Sloth

Prideful Sloth was founded in Australia in 2015 by Joel Styles, Cheryl Vance, and John Northwood as an independent and quality-driven game development studio with a micro-AAA approach to game development. The team focuses on detailed worldbuilding and player-driven narrative experiences. The award-winning team is experienced and production-proven, crafting games that capture players with artistic excellence, charm, and whimsy.

In 2017 they released their first, and flagship title, Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles. An open-world adventure across a beautiful, vibrant island, available on PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.

For more information about Prideful Sloth, please visit Pridefulsloth.com.

The DLC features a new island type, items, enemies and much more!

Gothenburg, Sweden – November 16th, 2021 – Thunderful Publishing and independent developer Maschinen-Mensch are excited to announce that the Highlands Of Avalon DLC for Curious Expedition 2 is out now on PC, priced at $5.99 / €5.99 / £4.99 with a 10% launch discount. The update will be coming to Nintendo Switch early in 2022.

Bringing a brand new island type to Curious Expeditions 2, Highlands of Avalon offers a new set of tiles, a new game mechanic related to traversing hills and valleys, a new tribe called the Picts and new artwork for shrines. The DLC includes eight new recruitable characters  – Grail Knight, the Precious Clydesdale horse, three Kobold variants (Bard, Scoundrel and Shamen, Shaman) and three variants of Picts islanders (Spiritual Druid, Pictish Outrider, Tattooed Warrior). You can also encounter four deadly new enemies, visit six new locations, and kit yourself up with seven new pieces of equipment and five new items. Last but not least, there are four new levels to unlock at the Royal Avalon Society Explorer Club in Paris, giving you access to one recruitable character and three pieces of equipment.

Curious Expedition 2 is like a Jules Verne pulp adventure version of a pen & paper RPG, mixed with narrative roguelike elements, all wrapped up in a streamlined and accessible gameplay experience. Take on the role of an intrepid explorer, assemble your crew and head out into the unknown. On your expeditions you’ll come across all manner of cultures, flora, fauna, treasures and more, ranging from the worldly to the altogether more… curious! Using a combination of hand-crafted and procedural gameplay and story elements, Curious Expedition 2 creates completely unique and epic adventures every time you play. 

“We’re really excited to keep adding to and improving Curious Expeditions 2, this time with the Highlands of Avalon DLC,” said Mascha Camino, Game Designer at Maschinen-Mensch. “We hope our PC players enjoy it on November 16th and we can’t wait to unleash it on Switch and, along with the full game, on PlayStation and Xbox early next year!”

About Curious Expedition 2
In a reimagined late 19th Century mysterious islands shrouded in purple fog have begun to appear in the oceans, only to vanish soon afterwards. The three great Explorer Clubs of Paris are now funding expeditions to these strange islands in a bid to make bold new discoveries. These new treasures will be exhibited in their stands at the upcoming World’s Fair. Will you seek out the legendary Golden Pyramid, or choose to recover the Rainbow Orchid instead? In Curious Expedition 2, a world of unimaginable wonder and surprise awaits!

Purchase Curious Expedition 2 on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1040230/Curious_Expedition_2

Purchase Highlands of Avalon DLC on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1690330/Curious_Expedition_2__Highlands_of_Avalon/

Purchase Curious Expedition 2 on Nintendo eShop: https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/curious-expedition-2-switch/

Thunderful Publishing
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thunderfulgames
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thunderfulgames
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thunderfulgames

Maschinen-Mensch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maschimensch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mschnnmnsch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maschinen_mensch/

About Thunderful Publishing
Thunderful Publishing is a games publishing company, founded in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2017. Part of the Thunderful Group, which also includes development studios Zoink Games and Image & Form, and publisher Rising Star Games, Thunderful Publishing focuses on premium PC and console games for a worldwide audience and is the publisher behind award-winning games such as Steamworld Quest: Hand of Gilgamesh, Lonely Mountains: Downhill and Curious Expedition 2.

About Maschinen-Mensch
Maschinen-Mensch is a Berlin-based studio founded in 2014 by Riad Djemili and Johannes Kristmann, combining 15 years of experience in professional AAA game productions. Among other projects, they worked on the multi-award winning game “Spec Ops: The Line” by YAGER Development. Maschinen-Mensch’s debut title Curious Expedition was first released in 2015 on Steam.

The investment will be used to recruit top EU talent and accelerate the company’s growth.

LYON, France: November 16th, 2021 – French mobile game development studio Million Victories today announced it has raised $3 million USD in a Series A investment round led by Griffin Gaming Partners, an American venture capital fund investing in the global growth of gaming. Million Victories will use this funding to increase the studio’s headcount, scale it’s already quickly growing userbase, and develop new core mobile games to diversify its portfolio. 

Million Victories: A French Success Story

Based in Lyon, France, Million Victories is the development studio behind Million Lords, a multiplayer online strategy war game for mobile devices with more than 500,000 downloads and an average rating of 4.4 on the Apple App Store. The game’s DNA and positioning is unique in the segment of the 4X games (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate). Its seasonal calendar, its gameplay inspired by classic strategy games and its conquest system have earned the game a special place in the hearts of strategy  players worldwide.

Million Lords currently has strong annual growth and high-level engagement from players who spend, on average, 90 minutes per day in the game. Million Lords has also demonstrated  monetization results exceeding the segment’s average for comparable games.

Three Million Dollars for Million Victories’ Development

The funding round allows for stronger investment in marketing and user acquisition, notably through the recruitment of a User Acquisition Manager. Million Victories aspires to make Million Lords an essential title in the strategy game category – a segment achieving revenues of over $1 billion dollars. Initially the studio aims to acquire new users across key markets including the United States, Europe and Asia.

Million Victories will also invest in improvements to provide an even better user experience through live competitive events, a new artistic direction, and deeper social integration features.

Griffin Gaming Partners: The Partner of Choice

“We appreciate Griffin Gaming Partners’ approach and their support during this round. It’s uncommon for an American venture capital fund to support a French company in our sector. It’s with great ambition that we start the next phase of our development, in France as well as in the United States,” explains Benoît Ducrest, co-founder and CEO of Million Victories.

Griffin Gaming Partners is a leading venture capital firm singularly focused on investing in the global gaming market. They are founder-friendly, care deeply for the industry and bring decades of investment, advisory and operational experience. Griffin was founded by Peter Levin, Phil Sanderson and Nick Tuosto.

“We are thrilled to partner closely with Million Victories; Benoît and the team understand what it takes to make a great mobile game and especially in the 4X strategy category. They have quickly proved industry leading metrics with Million Lords, and their roadmap ahead will provide additional exciting experiences for their current title and beyond”, said Pierre Planche, Partner at Griffin Gaming Partners.  

Million Victories is joined by two advisors for this round: Akin Babayigit, co-founder, COO and member of Tripledot Studios’ board, previously at King Digital Entertainment; and Hubert Thieblot, angel investor in the gaming sector as well as founder of Curse.com which was acquired by Amazon/Twitch.

For more information on Million Victories, visit MillionVictories.com.

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Million Victories
Million Victories is an independent game studio created in July 2017 and based in Lyon, France. We set out to create challenging, dynamic and most of all fun MMO games on mobile. Million Victories has launched his first game, Million Lords, on the 12th of September 2019 on iOS and Android.

Griffin Gaming Partners
Griffin Gaming Partners is a leading venture capital firm singularly focused on investing in the global gaming market. We are founder-friendly, care deeply for our industry and bring decades of investment, advisory and operational experience. Griffin was founded by Peter Levin, Phil Sanderson and Nick Tuosto.

ATELIER SOPHIE 2: THE ALCHEMIST OF THE MYSTERIOUS DREAM

Control the Weather to Find New Locations and Uncover a Bounty of Synthesis Materials

Hertfordshire, 16^th November 2021 – Today, KOEI TECMO Europe and developer GUST Studios revealed all-new exploration abilities and two new characters for their heart-warming JRPG, Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream. The latest entry in the beloved Atelier series is scheduled to release across Europe on February 25^th, 2022 for the Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4 Computer Entertainment System, and Windows PC via Steam®. To celebrate the announcement, KOEI TECMO Europe released a brand-new trailer showcasing Sophie’s latest adventure in Erde Wiege.

In Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream players will follow Sophie Neuenmuller in her search for her friend Plachta in the mysterious dream-like world of Erde Wiege. As Sophie makes new friends in town, they set off in search for the missing Plachta. Unfortunately, instead of finding Plachta they uncover a rift in space that leads them to a mysterious location with no inhabitants in sight. Just as they decide to give up on their search and return to town, Sophie hears a familiar voice, but before she has time to investigate, a water dragon suddenly appears and attacks the party. Luckily, thanks to the arrival of aspiring alchemist Ramizel and a former knight named Diebold, they are saved in the nick of time.

As they continue exploring this mysterious new land further, they stumble upon the location of Elvira, the goddess who created Erde Wiege. Here, Sophie is finally reunited with Plachta, but her friend appears to be lifeless. Does Elvira know the secret behind Plachta’s unconscious state?

Throughout the many adventures in Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream,players will encounter environmental obstacles, such as raging rivers, that will stop their progress. Each area of Erde Wiege has pre-determined weather, but thanks to the discovery of the Dreamscape Stones scattered across the land, Sophie and her friends are able to change the weather to help them progress on their journey. Using a Dreamscape Stone to change the weather can drastically change the environment – such as lowering the water level of a once flooded location – as well as uncover new gathering spots with a wealth of unique materials.

When exploring these new locations, players might also discover Major Gathering Spots – spots that allow them to obtain better materials than those found in traditional gathering spots. If the correct gathering tool is equipped when arriving at a Major Gathering Spot, a mini-game will start, and the quality and number of materials gathered will increase according to their results. These mini-games include a fishing rod style game where a certain number of fish must be caught, and a slingshot game where players have to shatter various targets within the time limit. Mastering these mini-games will help in obtaining rarer materials that are extremely useful for synthesis!

To celebrate Sophie’s latest adventure, KOEI TECMO Europe also announced today that those who purchase the game physically on its first-run will receive a special reversible coversheet for their game and a bonus poster with exclusive artwork by NOCO!

The celebrations don’t stop there though, as KOEI TECMO Europe are also offering two delightful special edition versions of Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream, a Premium Box and a Special Collection Box, exclusively available through the KOEI TECMO Europe Online Store. The Premium Box version of the game includes an artbook, a B3 fabric poster featuring an original art piece, an ‘extra tracks’ soundtrack CD, an early-access DLC costume for Sophie, and the game all packed into a charming collectable box. The must-have Special Collection Box version of the game contains all of the contents featured in the Premium Box version, as well as an A1 wall scroll featuring an original art piece, a whale necklace motif metal keychain based on Sophie’s in-game jewellery, a set of two illustrated clear files, and a special large crystal paperweight. Pre-orders for these versions of the game will open soon, with further details to be shared on the KOEI TECMO Europe social channels.

For more information on Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream, check out the official site, ‘Like’ us on www.facebook.com/koeitecmogames, and Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @koeitecmoeurope.

ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.

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

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Developer Vile Monarch’s 1990’s life sim  adds master magicians, super bowlers, and 3 more love interests into the mix.

November, 16th, 2021 – Warsaw, Poland – Vile Monarch announces the latest update for Growing Up will be available on November 24th. Any owner of the basic game can experience an enhanced life in the 90’s with even more to do.

The DLC adds 2 new unusual jobs with unique skill trees to journey of growing up. You can now head down to The Alley Way, find the perfect ball, and give bowling a try. Can you be a pro bowler or even owner of multiple titles? The secret of magic is another mysterious path to follow. Under the wings of equally mysterious and extravagant Daz, you will track down the secret of magic and illusion to develop your own spectacular magic shows in dazzling theaters.

Along with new jobs and skills, fresh friends will also appear as you grow up. Vile Monarch first revealed that Bobbie, a girl who lives for the spotlight, can be a part of your journey set in the ’90s. The developer also mentioned another 2 mystery friends will be added to the game, with each bringing unique timelines and endings. With the addition of this DLC, you can have a total of 21 different pals for knowing, loving, and playing!

To celebrate the DLC’s release, Vile Monarch has also announced discounts for Growing Up. Starting on November 24th, the standard game will enjoy a discount on Steam with a week-long 10% discount. The discount includes Steam community items and the original soundtrack. The OST is packed with 30 original songs created by Jim Guthrie, Pat Robitaille, DJ Eprom, Mikromusic, and Paweł Wawrzeńczyk.

Growing Up is a one-of-a-kind title developed by the all-star dev team Vile Monarch, the creator of Oh…Sir!! The Insult Simulator, Weedcraft Inc, and Crush Your Enemies. Growing up aims to bring you back to the nostalgia of the 1990s. Starting as a crawling baby, you can shape your child’s unique future through the joys and hardships of life via RPG, strategy, visual novel mechanics, and decision making.  

The game is now available on Steam. Console and mobile launch dates will be announced in the near future. For more details, please head to Growing Up’s official Twitter, Facebook, and Steam pages!

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ABOUT Vile Monarch

The Monarch was born in May 2015 and instantly decided to take over the world with the tool he thought most fitting for the task – video games. These included games such as Oh…Sir!! The Insult Simulator, Weedcraft Inc,and Crush Your Enemies. All a little bit crazy, but with a LOT of personality. Vile Monarch’s games have been released on nearly every modern platform, receiving praise both from players and reviewers. Vile’s minions include ruffians partially responsible for such hits as The Witcher 3, Hard West, and Beat Cop. To make a long story short – Vile Monarch are just a bunch of hardcore game dev experts who know how to rock.https://vilemonarch.com/

ABOUT GROWING UP

Growing Up is a lighthearted and nostalgic story-driven journey through the joys and hardships of life, cleverly incorporating RPG, strategy, and visual novel mechanics to deliver a one-of-a-kind gameplay experience.

Rather than following a protagonist’s typical story, here you’ll be shaping it with the choices you make, skills you master, knowledge you gain, jobs you take, leisure activities you choose, friendships you cultivate, and relationships you build.

Balancing doing well in school, meeting your parents’ expectations, working, volunteering, and simply having fun as a kid will be the key to success. Working too hard will put your mental health at risk, while ignoring your responsibilities will make you perform badly on your exams and heavily impact your future.

With a branching narrative, character customization, entertaining minigames, complex skill trees, character development, and a whole set of colorful NPCs, Growing Up will allow you to see the beauty of life in all its complexity. The game is now available on Steam. The console and mobile launch date will be announced in the near future.