Mattel and Milestone announce the Monster Trucks Expansion for Hot Wheels Unleashed™

Sydney, Australia, January 28, 2022 – Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and Milestone, a leading global racing game developer, announce today the HOT WHEELS™ – Monster Trucks Expansion for Hot Wheels Unleashed™ will be available starting from April 21, 2022 (April 22, 2022 AEST).

The Monster Trucks Expansion takes races to a literally extra-large dimension with five new vehicles, a themed Track Builder Module, themed customisations items for the Basement and the Player’s Profile, and a new environment where players can race and build amazing tracks: the Stop Motion Studio. This brand-new environment is a shooting studio with four dioramas where to unleash the power of those 4-wheels monsters: the Jungle, the Quarry, the Desert and the Ice Mountain.

Watch the HOT WHEELS™ – Monster Trucks Expansion here:

The Monster Trucks Expansion is included in the HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 2 or can be purchased separately from April 21, 2022 (April 22, 2022 AEST). Together with the Monster Trucks Expansion, the HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 2 also includes 9 vehicles, 3 Themed Customisation Packs and 3 Track Builder Modules and can be purchased from February 17, 2022 (February 18, 2022 AEDT). The HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 2 isalso included in Hot Wheels Unleashed™ Ultimate Stunt Edition, available on digital stores only, together with the HOT WHEELS™ Pass Vol. 1.

For more information, visithotwheelsunleashed.com. Drivers can also join the #HotWheelsUnleashed conversation online at Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

###

About Milestone

Founded in Milan in 1996, Milestone S.r.l. is one of the leading and longest established racing game developers in the world.  The 200+ people team is responsible for hit series like MotoGP™, MXGP and Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame, as well as RIDE and Gravel, Milestone’s own IPs.

For more information, please visit  www.milestone.it

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and e-commerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED™ © 2021. Published and Developed by Milestone S.r.l. All rights reserved. HOT WHEELS™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel. ©2021 Mattel. All manufacturers, accessory suppliers, names, tracks, sponsors, brands and associated imagery featured in this game are trademarks and/or copyrighted materials of their respective owners.

by Joe Neate, Executive Producer, Rare

Summary

• See what the future holds for Sea of Thieves in 2022 in an extensive video preview.
• Prepare for new narrative experiences in Adventures and Mysteries, and get a glimpse of what’s in store for Season Six.
• Sea of Thieves is available free for all players with Xbox Game Pass and across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10 and Steam.

After an action-packed 2021 for Sea of Thieves, we’re planning another exciting year in 2022 for all those players who sail together with us. We hit some big milestones last year, passing 25 million total players and selling five million copies on Steam alone – so we’ve got a real mission ahead, but what sort of pirate crew doesn’t welcome a challenge?

Rather than revealing our plans one content update at a time, we’re doing something a little different this year. To unveil our intentions for Sea of Thieves in 2022, we’ve put together a special video where our Creative Director Mike Chapman and some other Rare faces explain the next steps in our grand pirate odyssey. So settle in, get some popcorn and a drink, and we’ll show you the direction in which we’re headed.

Going on an Adventure

With Seasonal updates still forming the skeleton for Sea of Thieves, one of our main goals for 2022 is to flesh out our pirate world and make it feel more dynamic. Stories, whether they’re the ones we tell or those that our players create themselves, are at the very heart of Sea of Thieves, so we want to inspire new tales of derring-do and comradery.

Enter Adventures and Mysteries: these story-focused events are designed to complement Seasons, providing regular narrative-driven content for players to dig into alongside the other gameplay features brought in by our Seasonal content drops. Adventures are time-limited, arriving on a roughly monthly schedule and running for 2-3 weeks, with each one forming a chapter within an overarching narrative. Accompanying cinematics will help set up the story, and a finale Adventure will cap off each narrative arc. Our first Adventure, ‘Shrouded Islands’, is currently set for release on February 17th. Set your pocket watches now!

Mysteries will run alongside Adventures and remain part of the world for longer, relying on the community to solve clues and riddles both inside and outside the game to move the story forward. These will play their own part in making the world of Sea of Thieves feel richer than ever before, and while the subjects of these Mysteries could be anything, we can tell you that the first one will see players attempting to solve a murder…

A Fortuitous Arrival

Seasons will continue to bring in new features and content, along with new Seasonal rewards, Pirate Emporium stock and optional Plunder Passes to boost the rewards you receive on the climb to level 100. Kicking off in March, Season Six will be headlined by a new combat and exploration experience: Sea Forts.

Six Sea Forts will appear around the world, drawn through from the Sea of the Damned and protected by patrolling Phantoms. You’ll battle through these ghostly foes and collect keys to fully explore the Sea Fort, eventually taking down its toughest defenders and claiming the loot within the treasury. The Sea Forts are also intertwined with the action that unfolds during our first set of Adventures, so stay tuned to discover more about these new locations manifesting on the Sea of Thieves.

In the latter half of Season Six, we want to introduce something that’s long been requested by the community: new content for Pirate Legends! This is planned to take the form of a new, Legend-exclusive Voyage packed with story beats and a series of challenges that change each time you set sail. We don’t want to reveal too much of what you’ll be doing just yet, but expect to explore new locations and seek treasure with special maps…

A Farewell to Arms

Along with this exciting new content, we as a team are working hard to implement feedback on some of the community’s hot button topics, devoting as many resources as we can to improve features that matter most to the players. However, shifting the focus fully onto making Adventure mode the best it can be means that we do have to make difficult decisions elsewhere. So, after lengthy internal discussions, we have made the tough call to close down Sea of Thieves’ Arena mode within the next few months.

With the scope of Sea of Thieves growing larger and larger, the huge task of maintaining QA and bug fixes for both Adventure and Arena modes has become something we can no longer justify. We’re proud of what we achieved with Arena, but ultimately it wasn’t as successful as we had hoped, and a bespoke competitive mode with few dedicated players is hard to align with our future vision for Sea of Thieves. We want to offer heartfelt thanks to the hardcore Arena communities for their creativity and passion during Arena’s run of nearly three years, and you can find a news post covering this decision in more detail over on the Sea of Thieves website.

And that’s an overview of our focus for Sea of Thieves as we head into 2022! Of course, we still have many more secrets and surprises hidden away in the cargo hold, but we hope this first look at what’s coming has sharpened your appetites for the year ahead. Rest assured things are not slowing down on the seas, so as always, stay tuned to our social channels for announcements as they happen and all the information on monthly updates as they launch.

New to Sea of Thieves? Find out about the latest free content updates on our What’s New page and pick up some tips from our Pirate Academy, which provides invaluable information on topics ranging from sailing to swordplay as you prepare for your maiden voyage. Learn more about Sea of Thieves here, or join the ongoing adventure at SeaofThieves.com where you can embark on an epic journey with one of gaming’s most welcoming communities!

Your Chariot Has Arrived: The Declasse Granger 3600LX, Available Now

Plus, Double Rewards on The Contract Finale, Biker Bonuses, and More

The heavyweight champ of Los Santos’ newly minted hustlers, the Declasse Granger 3600LX has so much interior room, you won’t catch a hint of the gasoline and candy bars on your passenger’s breath. But, if you still want to keep distance, you can always have your associates hang off the sides.

Purchase a stock variant of the Declasse Granger 3600LX from Southern San Andreas Super Autos and install bespoke modifications — such as the Missile Lock-on Jammer — at the Agency Vehicle Workshop.

2X GTA$ and RP on The Contract Finale

Tie up all the loose ends in The Contract by completing the Finale and getting to the bottom of the data leak once and for all.

Once you retrieve the tracks and bring Dr. Dre home, you’ll be rewarded with 2X GTA$ and RP, plus the Low Santos Fitted Cap as a commemorative souvenir. This cap will be delivered to all eligible players by February 10.

Biker Bonuses: Bike Races Pay Out Triple, while Biker Businesses and Club Work Dish Out Double

Some people are allergic to the punch-clock rhythm of the nine-to-five workday, preferring instead to make a living on the other side of the law. Luckily for these outlaws, the black market is looking more bullish by the minute. Motorcycle Club Presidents can earn 2X GTA$ and RPon MC Club Work, as well as Weed and Document Forgery Sell Missions through February 2.

Sometimes four wheels is two too many while two is just enough. Pop a wheelie and fishtail to victory to earn 3X GTA$ and RP on all Bike Races for the next week.

3X GTA$ and RP on Every Bullet Counts

Tight quarters, limited munitions, and only one chance to emerge on top – Every Bullet Counts ratchets up the suspense of the usual Last Man Standing with devastating effect. Miss your shots and you’ll be forced to fight it out at close-range. Triple payouts in GTA$ and RP sweeten the deal, stressful though it may be.

Free Nagasaki White Hoodie for All Associates, Bodyguards, and MC Prospects
Players who enlist their services this week as an Associate or Bodyguard to the executive evildoers of Los Santos — or join up as a Motorcycle Club Prospect —will land themselves a Nagasaki White Hoodie, free of charge.

This Week’s Prize Ride: Karin Previon
Dominant LS Car Meet members who place in the Top 3 in the LS Car Meet Series for three days in a row will earn a set of keys for the Karin Previon for them to upgrade as they see fit. See you at the starting line.

Try Out the Pfister Growler, Dinka Jester RR, and Annis Euros on the Test Track
Give the formidable trio of the Pfister Growler, Dinka Jester RR, and Annis Euros a preliminary spin between the columns of the LS Car Meet’s Test Track at no cost to you this week.

This Week on the Podium: Progen T20
Leave the keys to your latest splurge with the valet, grab yourself a drink (or three) at the bar, and give the Lucky Wheel a spin to win GTA$, RP, clothes, accessories, snacks, and more. This week’s top prize is the Progen T20, a hybrid hypercar that roars threateningly at top speed, like a massive bumblebee with a fiberglass chassis.

Discounts:
Considering the boom on the city’s black market, there’s a range of discounts for Biker Businesses and properties relevant to those sorts of criminal pursuits, as well as a range of vehicles, both two-wheeled and not.

Biker Real Estate and Businesses

• 40% off Biker Clubhouses
• 50% off Motorcycle Turbo Tuning
• 50% off Forgery Business
• 50% off Forgery Business Upgrades
• 50% off Weed Farms
• 50% off Weed Farm Upgrades

Vehicles:

• 60% off Declasse Voodoo Custom
• 60% off Albany Buccaneer Custom
• 40% off Hakuchou Drag
• 50% off Nagasaki Stryder
• 50% off Pegassi Vortex
• 30% off Enus Jubilee

Prime Gaming Limited-Time Benefits

GTA Online players who successfully connect their Rockstar Games Social Club account with Prime Gaming will get GTA$100K just for playing anytime this week.

To ensure access to future benefits, make sure to visit Prime Gaming and sign up.

Check Rockstar Support for details and limitations.

DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT Treks onto PC For Steam, Epic March 30

Upgrade to DIRECTOR’S CUT for $9.99*; Base Game Discounted 70% for Steam Lunar Sale

CALABASAS, Calif. – Jan. 27, 2022 – DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT, the definitive version of the genre-defying action game directed by Hideo Kojima and starring Norman Reedus, launches onto PC for both Steam and the Epic Games Store Wednesday, March 30th, 2022 for $39.99*, courtesy of global publisher 505 Games in partnership with KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. 

Owners of DEATH STRANDING can upgrade to the DIRECTOR’S CUT for the discounted price of $9.99 by installing the current game and purchasing through the in-game storefront. Those who still need a copy of the base game can find it at a discounted rate of 70% off during Steam’s Lunar Sale (Thursday, Jan. 27th through Thursday, Feb. 3rd, 2022).

DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT on PC further enhances KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS’ stunning visuals with higher frame rates, ultrawide monitor support, and a feature-rich photo mode to better capture the sweeping vistas. 

As legendary porter Sam Bridges, roam the remnants of an America ravaged by the Death Stranding, a phenomenon rife with mysterious explosions and supernatural events. Deliver hope on a journey westwards and defy humanity’s extinction. The definitive DIRECTOR’S CUT enriches the groundbreaking adventure with an expanded storyline, new stealth missions, combat abilities, equippable items, buildable structures, cosmetic options, and much more. 

Players can wish-list DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT now for PC from Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1850570/

For more information about DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT on PC, please visit the PC DEATH STRANDING website:https://505games.com/games/death-stranding

*$9.99 upgrade pricing / $39.99 base game pricing may vary by region and country on both Steam and Epic Games Stores.

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 HIDEO KOJIMA / KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS

Hideo Kojima is a world-renowned game creator and auteur known for pushing the boundaries of the video game medium. Widely considered the father of the stealth genre, he is also credited with innovating both story-telling and cinematic presentation in video games at large. 

On December 16th, 2015 Hideo Kojima established his own studio called KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, under the banner of “From Sapiens to Ludens”. On November 8th, 2019, the studio released its first title, DEATH STRANDING, starring Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux and Lyndsay Wagner for PlayStation® 4, PC and DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT was released for the PlayStation® 5. 

Since its release, DEATH STRANDING has received numerous game awards and achieved worldwide acclaim. 

In 2020, Hideo Kojima received the BAFTA® Fellowship, the highest accolade bestowed by BAFTA® upon an individual in recognition of exceptional contribution to film, games or television. 

For more information, please visit: www.kojimaproductions.jp

© 2022 Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. / KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS Co., Ltd. / HIDEO KOJIMA. PC version published by 505 Games. 505 Games and the 505 Games logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of 505 Games SpA or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. DEATH STRANDING is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. 505 Games and the 505 Games logo are registered trademarks of 505 Games S.P.A. Appearance in this game does not imply sponsorship or endorsement.

PlayStation Plus February line-up is here with three adventurous titles available to add to your game library. From Tuesday, 1 February, challenge yourself to enter the octagon in EA Sports UFC 4, storm castles in Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep: A Wonderlands One-shot Adventure or build parks in Planet Coaster: Console Edition.

Let’s take a closer look at the games…

EA Sports UFC 4 | PS4

EA Sports UFC 4 puts you at the centre of every fight. Develop and customise your character through a unified progression system across all modes. Go from unknown amateur to UFC superstar in the new Career Mode, or challenge the world in new Blitz Battles or Online World Championships* to become the undisputed champ. Fluid clinch-to-strike combinations offer more responsive and authentic stand-up gameplay, while overhauled takedown and ground mechanics deliver more control in those key phases of the fight.

Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep: A Wonderlands One-shot Adventure | PS4**

Smash skeletons, defeat dragons, and battle giant golems in this first Wonderlands adventure inspired by Borderlands. Experience the acclaimed 2013 quest that started it all in this standalone campaign jam-packed with fantasy, fun, and mountains of magical loot! Pick from six unique Vault Hunters, each with their own signature abilities and powerful builds, and jump into chaotic fantasy battles in solo or co-op**. Use souped-up firearms to blast your way through treacherous forests, spooky crypts, and fearsome fortresses. Be warned though: your journey can change in an instant on account of Tina’s gleefully chaotic whims.

Planet Coaster: Console Edition | PS5***

Surprise and delight crowds as you build the coaster park of your dreams and manage a truly living world with unparalleled attention to detail. Whatever your skill level, bring your ideas to life. Take advantage of Blueprints to quickly place over 700 pre-made objects, including coasters, facilities and scenery; build from the ground up with detailed piece-by-piece construction; or transform the ground itself with terrain-altering tools. Running your park is just as easy. Guests react in real-time as you set prices, place scenery, and install exciting new attractions. Keep them entertained so attendance figures – and profits – skyrocket. Looking for inspiration? Discover the Frontier Workshop and harness the world’s best designs in your expanding empire. Download coasters, scenery, buildings, and entire parks, or grow a following by uploading your own creations. From stunning firework displays to sprawling cruise ships, there’s no limit to creativity.

EA Sports UFC 4, Planet Coaster: Console Edition, Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep: A Wonderlands One-shot Adventure will be available to download from Tuesday, 1 February to Monday, 28 February.

And remember, players still have time to download January’s PlayStation Plus games line-up, with Persona 5 Strikers, Dirt 5 and Deep Rock Galactic available until Monday, 31 January. 

To learn more about the PlayStation Plus lineup for July, head to the PlayStation Blog.

For the latest PlayStation news, follow on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Bethesda ANZ is bringing a piece of High Isle to the Australian summer to celebrate the reveal of The Elder Scrolls Online’s 2022 Chapter. In collaboration with Australian cosplay and propmaker masters, Scrap Shop Props, Bethesda has produced limited edition ‘Chilly Chests’, themed after chests adventurers can find throughout this year’s Breton adventure.

The specific style is modelled after relics of the Bretons of High Isle – a key location the heroes of Tamriel will visit throughout their 2022 year-long adventure. Created from recycled materials, these super limited-edition chests are both a gorgeous collectible, and a functional drink cooler that makes for an incredible companion to your next backyard BBQ. The Chilly Chest comes complete with a key, which doubles as a handy bottle opener, to keep things secure as well.

Available for fans of The Elder Scrolls franchise to win via Bethesda ANZ social pages, the chest itself is not just good for keeping drinks cool in the never-before-seen Systres Archipelago. A few lucky winners will also receive one packed full of glorious ESO summer treasures. The masters of mystical concoctions at Bert’s Soft Drinks have whisked up some Breton Bitters, a delicacy from High Rock best enjoyed chilled to quench your thirst during hot island days. The Elder Scrolls ‘Breton Society of Steadfast’ themed beach towel rounds out the summer loot haul found inside this hand-crafted trove.

The Elder Scrolls Online ‘Chilly Chest’ is a limited edition item, but one lucky fan will get the chance to unearth one of their own by visiting the Bethesda ANZ social channels – with more to win throughout the year. Images of the ‘Chilly Chest’ can be found here.

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle Chapter is available on June 6^th for PC/Mac and June 21^st for Xbox and PlayStation. Check out the reveal stream for a recap of all the recently revealed information, and visit www.elderscrollsonline.com to read more.

For more information head over to the Bethesda News site.

BRING LIGHT TO THE DARK DOMAIN IN MARVEL FUTURE REVOLUTION’S LATEST UPDATE

New Netherworld and Niffleheim Regions, New Blitz level and Other In-Game Enhancements Await Agents of Omega Flight

LOS ANGELES – JAN. 27, 2022 – The next chapter for MARVEL Future Revolution, Netmarble and Marvel Entertainment’s first open world action RPG on mobile, is now live and introduces two new deadly regions within the Dark Domain for players to conquer. The chapter introduces the Netherworld,ruled by the Ruler of Hell Mephisto, and Niffleheim, governed by the Queen of Death, Hela. Players can now continue the game’s epic storyline to restore peace to Primary Earth.

Today’s update also introduces the new Blitz level for players to take on featuring Mephisto. Now players can face this super villain via new Blitz: ‘Devil’s Reign’. Players with level 115 or above are exclusively permitted to enter this battlefield, stronger equipment can be obtained upon clearing the stage.

Other enhancements made to MARVEL Future Revolution include:

• Raid / Specialization Enhancement – Two additional difficulty levels for Raid content will be added for Agents of Omega Fight to enjoy
• New companions – Ghost Rider, Baron Mordo and Blue Bamf are here to assist in most vigorous combat
•  

And more events to come!

• Dark Domain 14 Day Log-In Event – Get a total of 1,000 Crystals, 4-star Region Costume Selection Box, and more by checking-in 2 consecutive weeks
• Conquer the Dark Domain Event: Get Companion Baron Mordo, Dark Domain Treasure Box
• Lunar New Year Craft Event: Collect Lunar Tokens (2022) to craft various items and more

Developed by Netmarble Monster, MARVEL Future Revolution is the second collaboration between Netmarble and Marvel Entertainment, and a successor to the long-running hit mobile game MARVEL Future Fight, enjoyed by more than 120 million people worldwide. MARVEL Future Revolution is available now as a free download on the App Store and Google Play. For the latest news on MARVEL Future Revolution, please visit the official website (https://marvelfuturerevolution.com) and follow #MARVELFutureRevolution across all social channels:

• Facebook: Marvel Future Revolution
• Twitter: MarvelFutureRev
• Instagram: marvelfuturerevolution
•  YouTube: Marvel Future Revolution

# # #

ABOUT MARVEL Future Revolution

MARVEL Future Revolution is Marvel’s award-winning open world action RPG for mobile devices, featuring AAA-quality, 3D graphics in an original, high-stakes, adventure-driven storyline by well-known Marvel writer Marc Sumerak (Spider-Man, the Avengers and more). After numerous Earths converge in the multiverse to form an entirely new ‘Primary Earth’, players will join the newly formed ‘Omega Flight’ Super Hero team to serve as the last line of defense against a never-ending series of threats and nefarious Super Villains. With eight playable characters outfitted in iconic costumes from throughout the Marvel Universe, along with more than 400 million costume combinations per hero to choose from, players can meticulously personalize their ideal Super Heroes look while exploring archetypal locations in an open world of massive proportions.

Since launching in August 2021, MARVEL Future Revolution has been recognized by Apple as the 2021 ‘iPad Game of the Year,’ by Google Play as the ‘Best Competitive Game’ of 2021, and by The Game Awards – receiving a nomination for ‘Best Mobile Game’ in 2021.

For more information and to join the MARVEL Future Revolution movement, please visit: https://marvelfuturerevolution.com/

About Netmarble Corporation

Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a top developer and publisher pushing the boundaries of the mobile gaming experience with highly innovative games including Marvel Future Revolution, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, Lineage 2: Revolution, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, Blade & Soul Revolution and Marvel Future Fight. As a parent company of Kabam, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble strives to entertain audiences around the world with a variety of mobile games based on its powerful franchises and collaborations with IP holders worldwide. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.
For more information visit marvel.com. © 2022 MARVEL

Presentation to take place at D.I.C.E. Awards ceremony on Feb. 24 in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 27, 2022) — The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) today announced Ed Boon, chief creative officer at NetherRealm Studios and Mortal Kombat, will be inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame. Boon, co-creator of the storied Mortal Kombat and the Injustice franchises, will be honored at the 25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards ceremony at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas and livestreamed by IGN. Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, will present the 2022 Hall of Fame award to Boon.

“We are thrilled to have Ed be inducted into our Hall of Fame,” says Meggan Scavio, president of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. “From his early work on pinball machines to his monumental achievements co-creating the Mortal Kombat franchise, Ed’s dedication and perseverance to the craft and art of games has left an incredible legacy for fans and game developers alike.”

“I met Ed on my very first day in the game industry at Midway and had the good fortune to watch him lead the creation of Mortal Kombat and work with so many talented people to grow it into an iconic, worldwide franchise. Ed epitomizes the best of what a game designer can be: big ideas, a great sense of humor, clear focus, and the ability to bring people together as a team. He has created not only a string of hit games but has also supported countless people on their own paths in the game industry,” says Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios.

After graduating from the University of Illinois, Ed Boon started his career at Williams Electronics programming pinball machines. He eventually moved over to the video game division where he worked on his first title, High Impact Football, and its sequel Super High Impact. In 1991, he began work on Mortal Kombat, which became a smash hit in arcades and grew into a global phenomenon selling more than 75 million units to date, as well as spawning three feature films, animated movies, multiple television series, and comic books. Today, Mortal Kombat continues to grow in popularity with each new release. In addition, Boon and NetherRealm Studios created the best-selling and critically acclaimed Injustice games, which have also branched out into chart-topping comics, an animated feature film and mobile games.

The AIAS Hall of Fame honor is bestowed on game creators who have been instrumental in the development of highly influential games and moving a particular genre forward. These individuals demonstrate the highest level of creativity and innovation, resulting in significant product influence on a scale that expands the scope of the industry. Past AIAS Hall of Fame recipients include Connie Booth (2020), Bonnie Ross (2019), Todd Howard (2017), Hideo Kojima (2016), Leslie Benzies (2014), Dan and Sam Houser (2014), and Tim Sweeney (2012). Additional Hall of Fame honorees can be found at: http://www.interactive.org/special_awards/index.asp.

Tickets to the 2022 D.I.C.E. Summit and 25^th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards can be found at www.dicesummit.org. Stay up to date on all AIAS news by following @Official_AIAS on Twitter and Instagram.

In line with recommendations from public health authorities and to facilitate a safe environment, attendees and staff will be required to show proof of a U.S. FDA- or WHO-recognized vaccine against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test prior to the event. For additional information and updates, check here.

About Academy of Interactive Arts and Science
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) was founded in 1996 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of the interactive arts. The organization has more than 30,000 members. The mission of the AIAS is to promote and advance the worldwide interactive entertainment community; recognize outstanding achievements in the interactive arts and sciences; and host an annual awards show, the D.I.C.E. Awards, to enhance awareness of the interactive art form.

The prestigious D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit brings together the top video game designers and developers from around the world and business leaders from all major publishers to discuss the state of the industry, its trends and the future.
 ###

Classic Rhythm and Beat Game Available Now!

IRVINE, Calif., (January 27, 2022) – Leading video game publisher and developer BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announced Taiko no Tatsujin™: The Drum Master is now available for purchase digitally in the Americas for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PCs (supports Xbox Play Anywhere). Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master marks the first time a taiko rhythm and beat game being released on the Xbox Series X|S and supported on Xbox Game Pass. 

In Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master, players can drum along and ride into the rhythm with Taiko no Tatsujin’s iconic note characters, Don-chan and Katsu-chan, lighting their drumming spirit on fire. Players will be delighted while being challenged with performing an extensive library of over 70 songs, ranging from classical to popular hits including, Homura, Into the Night, and MEGALOVANIA.

Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master supports local multiplayer matches for up to two players. Players can reach euphoric levels of rhythmic synchronicity by performing cooperatively together or compete head-to-head for the highest score in Score Battle mode. Additionally, players can compete in Ranked Matches, pitting themselves against other players in 1 vs. 1 performance battles to take their spot on the Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master online global leaderboard and see who the best Taiko no Tatsujin drummer in the world is.

Lastly, as players progress in the game, they’ll be able to acquire custom avatars and costumes for Don-chan, showing off their unique personality and accomplishments to players around the world. 

“The Taiko no Tatsujinseries has been a long-running and cherished franchise for BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, providing decades of fun rhythmic gameplay to millions of players around the globe,” said Lin Leng, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “Bringing Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master to the Xbox Series X|S platform, for the first time ever, delivers a family-friendly and unique gaming experience to a whole new audience who will surely enjoy the high-energy beats of taiko..”

Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master is available now for purchase digitally in the Americas for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PCs. 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

###

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. 

Taiko no Tatsujin™: The Drum Master! & ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

Press Release © 2022 BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

In case you missed the news, Binge.com, the highly anticipated streaming platform creating original series and shows inspired by popular video games, announced today that Greg Russo (Mortal Kombat) will write and direct the previously revealed live-action System Shock series — based on NightDive Studios’ critically acclaimed System Shock franchise.

Greg Russo, who penned New Line Cinema’s 2021 hit film Mortal Kombat, will also act as an executive producer alongside Binge’s Allan Ungar and Nightdive Studios’ Stephen Kick (CEO and Founder) and Larry Kuperman (Director of Business Development). 

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to work alongside the fantastic team at Binge and Nightdive Studios to bring the iconic System Shock franchise to life,” said Russo. “I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to make my directorial debut, and I finally found it.”

“Greg is a superbly talented screenwriter who possesses an unmatched knowledge and passion for gaming,” said Ungar. “His artistic approach to storytelling and his deep understanding of the source material will undoubtedly get fans excited about this new franchise. We’re thrilled to be bringing him on board and can’t wait to share his vision with audiences worldwide.”

“I’ve always believed that a live-action adaptation of System Shock would be the perfect medium to retell the harrowing story of Citadel station and its rogue AI that subjects the crew to unimaginable horror,” said Stephen Kick, CEO and Founder of Nightdive Studios. 

He added, “With Greg Russo and the rest of the talented team at Binge behind the wheel, our excitement for the live-action series has only gotten stronger. We can’t wait to see what grotesqueries and frights await!”

Announced in late 2021, the live-action System Shock series will stream exclusively on Binge.com. To learn more, please visit http://www.binge.com/mediacenter.

Nightdive Studios’ System Shock: Enhanced Edition and System Shock 2 are available to purchase for Windows PCs on various digital storefronts. A complete remake of the original 1994 System Shock is in development by Nightdive Studios and will be published by Prime Matter for release on Windows PC and consoles later this year.