Unleash New Divine Powers in a Breath-Taking World of Contrasts and Surrealism. Embrace Your Destiny as Odin and Complete Your Legendary Viking Saga in the Dwarven Kingdom of Svartalfheim

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – March 10, 2022 – Today, Ubisoft announced that Assassin’s Creed^® Valhalla’s third major expansion, Dawn of Ragnarök, is now available across all available platforms.  For the first time in an Assassin’s Creed game, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is getting a second year of content, starting with the most ambitious expansion in the history of the franchise: Dawn of Ragnarök. In addition, new seasonal content free for all players will continue to enrich the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla experience during this second year.

With development led by Ubisoft Sofia, in Dawn of Ragnarök Eivor must embrace their destiny as Odin, the Norse god of Battle and Wisdom. The dwarven kingdom of Svartalfheim is crumbling, and amid the chaos, Odin’s beloved son, Baldr, has been taken prisoner by the unkillable fire giant, Surtr. Players will be able to unleash new divine powers as they continue their legendary Viking saga by embarking on a desperate rescue quest through a mythological world of contrasts.

The expansion brings new features and content to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla:

• Discover a fresh new gameplay system, allowing players to harness the powers of their enemies. These are the Powers, which can be used to match any gameplay style, including versatile combat and stealth options, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Players can take possession of the powers of fallen enemies and use them to shape-shift into a raven for spectacular assassinations, infuse their weapon with ice to unleash devasting strikes, or even resurrect defeated enemies to fight on their side.
• Battle and defeat new enemies, among them are the fire giants from Muspelheim: the Muspels. They provide fresh gameplay challenges and encourage players to use the Powers to tackle them efficiently.
• Explore the vast landscapes of Svartalfheim and uncover dwarven shelters that will serve as the starting point of Odin’s quest to rescue Baldr, acting as hubs for players progression.
• Take on the Valkyries’ challenge in a new fighting arena, where players will be able to prove their combat prowess.
• Enjoy a variety of new gear and weapons, including a new unique weapon type which allows special combos, a new divine quality level for all gear, and more customization options for Eivor’s tattoos, hair, and settlement decorations.

Dawn of Ragnarök is designed to offer a true progression for our existing players and is positioned as endgame content. The recommended power level to play the expansion is 340, but new players can still dive right into the expansion and experience Odin’s story. For Valhalla players that haven’t reached the power level of 340, they can boost their character’s stats and gear inside the Dawn of Ragnarök content.

Dawn of Ragnarök is available as a separate purchase for $59.95AUD for all owners of the main game. Dawn of Ragnarök can also be purchased as part of the Ragnarök Edition of the game, which includes the main game and the expansion; or as part of the Digital Complete Edition of the game, which includes the main game, the Season Pass*, the Ultimate Content Pack and Dawn of Ragnarök. All players purchasing Dawn of Ragnarök until April 9, 2022, will receive the Twilight Pack which will be immediately unlockable in the main game**. This exclusive bonus includes the Dellingr’s Envoy Raven Skin, the Havardr Lynx Mount, the Twilight Gear Set and the Algurnir Dane Axe Weapon***.

Dark Horse Comics will release ‘’Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Forgotten Myths’’, a comic series written by Alexander Freed, illustrated by Martin Tunica, and colored by Michael Atiyeh. In this prequel to Dawn of Ragnarök, follow Baldr, the valiant son of Odin, on his quest to forge a lasting peace among the realms. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Forgotten Myths #1 (of three) will be available on March 16th, 2022.

With development led by Ubisoft Montreal****, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers players the captivating experience of playing as Eivor, a legendary Viking warrior, driven from Norway by endless wars and dwindling resources in ninth century AD. Players can relive the ruthless fighting style of Viking warriors with a revamped dual-wielding combat system and experience new gameplay features such as raids, assaults, and the settlement, as well as a revamped progression and gear upgrade system. Political alliances, combat decisions and dialogue choices can influence the world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, so players must choose wisely to protect their clan’s home and their future.

For more information about Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, please visit assassinscreed.com.

For the latest news on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.

*The Season Pass includes two major narratively driven expansions: Wrath of the Druids and The Siege of Paris as well as an exclusive quest The Legend of Beowulf.  

**Immediacy only applies to pre-order or purchase of digital version. Offer ends on April 9, 2022.

***The Twilight Pack can be unlocked immediately in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla by all players who pre-order or purchase the new expansion digital version. For players who pre-order or purchase the physical version, Twilight Pack will be accessible from March 10, 2022, upon release of Dawn of Ragnarök expansion 

****Associate Ubisoft studios are Sofia, Singapore, Montpellier, Barcelona, Kyiv, Bordeaux, Shanghai, Chengdu, Philippines, Quebec, Bucharest, Saguenay, Winnipeg and Pune. Additional help provided by external partner Sperasoft. 

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  About Assassin’s Creed  

Since it first launched in 2007, the Assassin’s Creed series has sold more than 155 million games worldwide. The franchise is now established as one of the best-selling series in video game history. Recognized for having some of the richest, most engrossing storytelling in the industry, Assassin’s Creed transcends video games, branching out into numerous other entertainment media.

About Ubisoft   

Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed ®, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew®, Tom Clancy’s The Division®, and Watch Dogs®. Through Ubisoft Connect, players can enjoy an ecosystem of services to enhance their gaming experience, get rewards and connect with friends across platforms. With Ubisoft+, the subscription service, they can access a growing catalog of more than 100 Ubisoft games and DLC. For the 2020-21 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €2,241 million. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.

SYDNEY – Mar. 9, 2022 – Catie in MeowmeowLand, the comical point-and-click adventure based on Alice in Wonderland from ARTillery and publisher Blowfish Studios, embarks on a surreal trip on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Mac via Steam and GOG on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.

Follow the mysteriously quick white cat and dive into fantastical adventures. After being dragged down a rabbit hole by a giant limb, Catie explores a hallucinatory storybook world filled to the brim with outlandish creatures and flabbergasting puzzles. Backgrounds, foregrounds, and midgrounds are chock-full with interactables providing useful items or nonsensical animations only found in the miraculous MeowmeowLand. 

Tackle point-and-click brain-teasers across fantastical environments such as a vibrant mushroom forest, ironic underground astronomy tower, mysterious magical lake, and lofty stalactite-like fountains atop the cave’s roof. Interact with wondrously weird characters like the Giant Cheshire Cat, Waring Pirate Fish, or Crazy Blue Elephant that bring this stylized storybook to life. Guide Catie throughout her journey safely and ensure she makes it back home safe and sound.

“Catie in MeowmeowLand is our own kooky take on this classic story full of outlandish characters,” said Marek Hlavaty, Lead Artist, ARTillery. “Making ourselves laugh with this project has been such a joyful experience and it captures the magic of the original Alice in Wonderland!”

Catie in MeowmeowLand will be available for $14.99 / £9.99 / €11.99 with support for English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Slovak, Japanese, and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) language options.

For more information, please visit the official Catie in MeowmeowLand website and join the Blowfish Studios community on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as search for #MeowmeowLand on social media.

About ARTillery

Based in Bratislava, Slovakia, ARTillery is a small six person team, with experience working on AAA projects like Mafia III, that enjoys being big kids that don’t take themselves too seriously. The team aims to inject their sense of humor into everything they create, hoping to not only make themselves laugh, but all of their players as well.

To learn more about ARTillery, please visit their official website.

About Blowfish Studios

Blowfish Studios is an award-winning game developer and publisher based in Sydney, Australia. The studio strives to release original multi-platform games, while also collaborating with developers from around the world. As developers first, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to any partnership. The studio provides development services to get the game release ready, porting to all major platforms, platform approval, marketing, and promotion to the world. Blowfish Studios is a part of Animoca Brands gaming focused endeavors.

To learn more about Blowfish Studios please visit the team’s website as well as follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Animoca Brands

Animoca Brands, ranked in the Financial Times list of High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2021, is a leader in digital entertainment, blockchain, and gamification. Animoca Brands develops and publishes a broad portfolio of products including the REVV token and SAND token; original games including The Sandbox, Crazy Kings, and Crazy Defense Heroes; and products utilizing popular intellectual properties including Formula 1®, Marvel, WWE, Power Rangers, MotoGP™, and Doraemon. Animoca Brands’ portfolio of blockchain investments and partnerships includes Sky Mavis (Axie Infinity), Dapper Labs (CryptoKitties and NBA Top Shot), OpenSea, Harmony, Bitski, and Alien Worlds. Its subsidiaries include The Sandbox, Blowfish Studios, Quidd, Gamee, nWay, Pixowl, Bondly, and Lympo.

For more information visit the team’s website or get updates by following Animoca Brands on Facebook or Twitter.

LOS ANGELES – MARCH 9, 2022 – Following its March 2020 global launch, Netmarble is thrilled to celebrate two years of service for The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross’ global build with a new character, events, and content that is now live for players.

Starting today, fans of The Seven Deadly Sins character Diane can look forward to collecting [Waves of the Earth] Queen Diane – the first festival hero for that character. In addition to past festival heroes like [Invincible Avatar] Escanor “The One”, [Immortal’s Return] Purgatory Ban, and [Protector King] Fairy King Harlequin returning to the game’s pick-up draw, players who achieve 900 Loyalty Points via 7DS 2nd Anniversary Festival Draw can collect one of four festival heroes for immediate use. There is also a new Baruja event boss to defeat, where winners can collect a hero costume for Diane by redeeming points earned from defeating the boss.

Other anniversary content players can check out include:

• Story Chapter 22.5 is now added
• Player Rank is expanded from 90 to 100
• Global 2nd Anniversary Special Draw – Starting from March 08, players who log in during the 28-day-long attendance event will receive prizes, including up to 220 free draws 2nd Anniversary Special Tickets for hero acquisition and much more. During the anniversary period, any of the 12 SSR-grade Giant heroes (Diane, Matrona, Drol, etc.) received from the Pick-Up Draw start out at the UR grade, are fully awakened, and start out at Level 80. Based on their Loyalty Points achieved, players can choose a [Halloween] Protective Heart Diane, or a [Halloween] Mercenary Matrona to add to their roster

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross translates the storytelling and adventures of [The Seven Deadly Sins] into a highly engaging and entertaining mobile gaming experience. The game features stunning, high-resolution 3D graphics, more than 100 dramatic cutscenes, and is brought to life with the cast of the original Japanese voice actors reprising their characters.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, please visit the game’s official website and Facebook.

Based on the manga “Nanatsu no Taizai” by Nakaba Suzuki originally serialized in the weekly SHONEN MAGAZINE published by Kodansha Ltd.

©Nakaba Suzuki, KODANSHA/The Seven Deadly Sins: Revival of the Commandments Project,MBS. All Rights Reserved. ©Nakaba Suzuki, KODANSHA/The Seven Deadly Sins: Imperial Wrath of the Gods Production Committee,TX
 
©Netmarble Corp. & Netmarble F&C Inc. All Rights Reserved.

# # #

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

Possess your enemies and command the undead in gruesome, over-the-top co-op multiplayer action on consoles and PC on May 13

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — March 9, 2022 — Saber Interactive and Boss Team Games have released a new trailer narrated by Bruce Campbell for the co-op PvP and PvE multiplayer action title Evil Dead: The Game, this time revealing the unique gameplay behind the most horrifying force of evil ever to torment the living: the vile Kandarian Demon.

With terrifying possession powers and an army of darkness at its command, the Kandarian Demon is a powerhouse to be feared as it flies through the woods chasing survivors. Hunt down enemy players yourself or command ravenous Deadites to attack. Take control of your Deadite minions, environmental objects (including those infamous trees!), and even the survivors themselves to frighten and vanquish any mortal who stands in your way. Choose the physical form of the Kandarian Demon that fits your playstyle, each with different enemy types and bosses including Henrietta, Eligos, and Evil Ash.

Inspired by the iconic horror, humor and action of the “Evil Dead” franchise, Evil Dead: The Game brings the series’ biggest characters together in a pulse-pounding battle with the forces of darkness. Work as a team of four survivors, including Ash Williams, Kelly Maxwell, Pablo Simon Bolivar, Scotty, Lord Arthur and more, to kick Deadite butt and banish the vile Kandarian Demon. Or become the Demon yourself, using your powers of possession to stop the good guys dead and swallow their souls! Battle with more than 25 hard-hitting weapons and a variety of skill trees in multiplayer and bonus single-player missions to survive the night.

Evil Dead: The Game is available to pre-order now for release on May 13, 2022, on PC via the Epic Games Store, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4, and Xbox One. Pre-ordering any version of the game grants two bonus Ash outfits: the Ash Williams S-Mart Employee Outfit and Ash Williams Gallant Knight Outfit. The game’s Deluxe Edition includes the Season Pass 1, featuring four upcoming DLC packs. Evil Dead: The Game has also been announced for future release on Nintendo Switch.

Evil Dead: The Game is officially licensed by Boss Team Games from Renaissance Pictures, STUDIOCANAL, leading entertainment company Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), and global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) to develop the first multi-platform console and PC game based on “The Evil Dead,” “Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn,” and “Army of Darkness” films and the STARZ “Ash vs Evil Dead” television series. The game is being developed and published by Saber Interactive and Boss Team Games.

For more information, visit www.EvilDeadtheGame.com, and follow the action on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvilDeadTheGame, Twitter @EvilDeadTheGame and Instagram @EvilDeadTheGame.

About Saber Interactive

An Embracer Group company headquartered in the U.S., Saber Interactive is a worldwide publisher and developer consisting of 21 studios in the Americas and Europe. Creating games for all major platforms based on original and licensed IPs, Saber’s titles include Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, World War Z, SnowRunner, Evil Dead: The Game and A Quiet Place. Founded in 2001, Saber is known for two decades of development partnerships with AAA publishers, producing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for Nintendo Switch and next-gen consoles, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Crysis Remastered, and many others.

About Boss Team Games

Boss Team Games, LLC focuses on console, PC, and mobile games based on iconic characters and franchises. In addition to Evil Dead: The Game, the company recently released the hit mobile game Cobra Kai: Card Fighter and is working on other titles adapted from popular film and television franchises. Follow Boss Team Games on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @bossteamgames.

About Renaissance Pictures

Renaissance Pictures was formed in 1979 by Sam Raimi, Robert Tapert and Bruce Campbell.

About Creative Licensing

Located in Los Angeles, Calif., Creative Licensing is a full-service independent merchandise licensing agency that specializes in long-term brand development. Founded in 1982, Creative Licensing currently represents a large catalogue of classic films and properties, including STUDIOCANAL for this project.

http://www.creativelicensingcorporation.com

About STUDIOCANAL (a CANAL+ Company)

STUDIOCANAL, a 100% affiliate of CANAL+ Group held by Vivendi, is Europe’s leader in production, distribution and international sales of feature films and series, operating in all four major European markets – France, United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain – as well as in Australia and New Zealand.  It finances and produces around 30 films per year, distributes around 50 films per year and owns one of the largest film libraries in the world, boasting nearly 6,500 titles from 60 countries. STUDIOCANAL also produces more than 200 hours of TV series each year at an international level, either directly or through its award-winning network of European production companies (TANDEM Productions, RED Production Company, URBAN MYTH FILMS, BAMBÚ PRODUCCIONES, STUDIOCANAL ORIGINAL, SUNNYMARCH TV, SAM Productions).

About Metro Goldwyn Mayer

Metro Goldwyn Mayer is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content across all platforms. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content. In addition, MGM has investments in numerous television channels. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world.  The Company’s film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a 17,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.

THE EVIL DEAD™ and its related characters are copyrighted trademarks of Renaissance Pictures, LTD. exclusively licensed to Diversion3 Entertainment, LLC. EVIL DEAD is a registered service mark of Renaissance Pictures LTD. All rights reserved. EVIL DEAD 2: DEAD BY DAWN™ is a trademark of STUDIOCANAL S.A.S. All Rights Reserved. © 2022 STUDIOCANAL S.A.S. All Rights Reserved. ARMY OF DARKNESS © 1993 Orion Pictures Corporation. ARMY OF DARKNESS and its related trademarks, logos, characters, and other materials ™ Orion Pictures Corporation & © 1993-2022 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. ASH VS EVIL DEAD © 2022 STARZ Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved. EVIL DEAD: THE GAME programming and content is © 2022 Evil Dead GameCo, LLC, assigned under license to Boss Team Games, LLC Additional Game Design ™ and © Diversion3 Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

PlayStation Australia has today announced its newest State of Play! Tomorrow, 10 March, a State of Play broadcast will include new reveals and eye-catching updates for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 titles. 

The show will run for around twenty minutes, with a special focus on some of the exciting games launching from beloved Japanese publishers.

A quick note: this showcase will not include updates on PlayStation VR2 titles or hardware.

Be sure to tune in on Thursday, 10 March at 9:00 am AEDT to watch the episode live on Twitch and YouTube.

For more information on the upcoming State of Play episode, head to the PlayStation Blog.

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

Xbox Celebrates International Women’s Day in Support of Women in Gaming

by Louise O’Connor, Executive Producer, Rare

In honour of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month 2022, Xbox will celebrate the important role of mentorship — to uplift and support the next generation of women in gaming. As a champion and member of the fellowship of the Women of Xbox UK initiative, I had the opportunity to help connect the community of women who work across our UK studios. This includes game designers, engineers, audio/sound experts, and producers to share their knowledge and experience with young women encouraging them to pursue a career in the gaming industry. One of the greatest joys I have found through mentoring other women is what I call the “Leveling up Moment” — when the culmination of their hard work and resilience meets with breakthrough and success.

We know that while according to the ESA, 45% of gamers identify as women, there is an underrepresentation of women characters in gaming. Additionally, among video game developers, only 30% identify as women globally. By increasing diversity and representation in the people who make games, we can create new and unique gaming experiences for everyone. While there is more work to do, at Xbox we are proud that women make up over half of our gaming leadership team and are forging the future of gaming and at Microsoft, women now represent 29.7% of the core global workforce. This is also true of my team at Rare, where half of our design and production team are women because of our investment in making inclusivity and diversity core to how we build teams, and we remain committed to this goal. It’s also imperative to continue to support women once they’re part of the industry, and at Xbox, the Women in Gaming group provides career development, networking opportunities, mentoring and more to encourage retention.

Mentorship and leading from a place of empathy encourages a culture of women uplifting and supporting other women, and I hope to inspire others to do the same. Xbox is committed to building a community where everyone is welcome to play, and to creating a space where it is safe to do so. It is in this spirit of mentorship that we hope to see more women become part of the games industry so that they can see themselves as the hero in the games they play and in their own lives. 

Join us as Xbox celebrates the voices of women during International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month and beyond:

Connect and Impact

Introducing a Mentoring Program by Xbox

Introducing a mentoring program for everyone aimed at partnering women in gaming careers across Xbox’s diverse range of studios and products with aspiring talent, giving them the chance to access to valuable 1:1 coaching sessions with key leaders in select markets such as the US, UK, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and Korea with additional markets to follow. 

It is our hope that this program generates meaningful engagements with tangible and purposeful actions to help foster career development in the games industry. With the program available in multiple markets kicking off this month, Xbox is opening up their world to inspire and support the next generation of women leaders in gaming. More details will follow mid- March.

Game Developers Conference 2022: Inclusive Leadership @ Xbox Game Studios

(Pre-recorded Sessions – March 23-24)

Join our esteemed panel of tech leaders at Xbox Game Studios, as they share their career journeys and lived experiences at Xbox during the upcoming Game Developers Conference. Our session includes Mary McGuane, Xbox studio manager (Obsidian, Double Fine and InXile); Kate Rayner, head of technology for The Coalition; Shannon Loftis, former studio head for World’s Edge; Helen Chiang, corporate vice `president, Minecraft franchise; Kim Swift, senior director of Cloud Gaming at Xbox Game Studios Publishing; and Bonnie Ross, studio head for 343 Industries. This powerhouse line-up will share their unique perspectives on the evolution of game development teams, and what is expected on the horizon, as we navigate dynamic shifts in business culture, inclusive hiring and community support across our Xbox Game Studios teams. Learn more.

Microsoft Rewards on Xbox: Donate Points to Organizations Supporting Women in Gaming 

Microsoft Rewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting women in gaming with Xbox. The below organizations will be featured on console throughout March:  

• Girls Who Code: Girls Who Code is a non-profit organization working to close the gender gap in tech by equipping students who identify as girls or nonbinary with the necessary computing skills to pursue 21st century opportunities.
• Games & Online Harassment Hotline (via Feminist Frequency): The Games and Online Harassment Hotline is a free, text message-based, confidential emotional support hotline, created specifically for the gaming community. Whether you’re a player, a developer, a streamer, a competitor — any part of this community —we’re here for you, whether that means offering emotional support or finding the referrals and resources that you need. 
• ReDI School of Digital Integration: ReDI School of Digital Integration is a non-profit tech school for people, mainly refugees and migrants, without access to digital education to support them on their integration journey, including upskilling-programs for women, children and teens.
• PretaLab: PretaLab’s mission is to work toward diversity and inclusion in the Technology sector, promoting the employability of Black Brazilian women through a platform that connects Black women in technology and companies.

Xbox gamers can earn Microsoft Rewards points in various ways, such as playing or purchasing games after downloading the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox. Earn points and redeem them for real rewards. Join us today and donate through Xbox. 

Discover

Xbox Ambassadors Spotlights Stories about Representation in Gaming 

Throughout Women’s History Month, we will be spotlighting stories about representation in gaming from women gamers in the Xbox Ambassadors community. These are their stories.

Xbox Plays will Feature Women Streamers, Game Creators, and Non-profits

Throughout March, the Xbox Plays team will be streaming on the Xbox Twitch channel and feature programming celebrating Women’s History Month. Each week will have a different theme, featuring Women Streamer Takeovers, Women Game Creators and showcase nonprofit organizations supporting women to pursue technology and gaming as careers.

Gears 5 Women’s Tournament Coming March 26

The fifth quarterly Gears 5 Women’s Tournament will take place on Saturday, March 26. You are invited to watch 32 of the best all-women teams in Gears 5 as they battle it out for $5,000 in prizing. Learn more.

Watch here starting at 10 a.m. PT on March 26 to see all the action, receive exclusive Gears 5 in-game items and your chance to win Astro Gaming prizes. Watch the broadcast.

“Women of Xbox UK” Podcast

The “Women of Xbox UK” Podcast will be returning for Season 2 this year, with a brand-new line up of empowering and inspirational leaders. The podcast will continue to spotlight phenomenally talented women from a wide spectrum of roles within the games industry that work closely on Xbox first- and third-party titles, with the aim to encourage young women to start or further a career within the games industry.

Season 1 content found here: YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts 

Explore

Discover Games, Movies, and TV Curated by Women at Microsoft

This March, celebrate women in entertainment with Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass through robust collections of games, movies, and TV curated by women at Microsoft.  From game studios led by women to blockbuster movies with a focus on women’s stories, discover exciting and authentic experiences that bring focus to women creators, main characters and opportunities for individual expression.

A few highlights from the full Xbox games and Windows games collections spanning creators, main characters, and character creation options include:

Games

• SkateBird – From women led game studio Glass Bottom Games
  You’re a lonely lil’ skateboarding bird, and your Big Friend has hung up their board for good. Their job sucks, and lately, they’re barely ever home to play with you. You’re gonna fix all that – with the power of skateboarding! 
• Unpacking – From creator Wren Brier
  Unpack like never before in this zen puzzle game where you’ll learn about a character through a variety of moves. Unpacking weaves together a story through the everyday and sentimental belongings you’ll encounter as you decorate and organize each new space throughout the game.
• It Takes Two – The Game Awards: Game of the Year 2021
  Play as the clashing couple Cody and May, two humans turned into dolls by a magic spell. Trapped in a fantastical world, they’re reluctantly challenged with saving their fractured relationship by the suave love guru Dr. Hakim. 

Movies & TV

• Encanto – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ENCANTO tells the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the Colombian mountains. But when Mirabel, the only ordinary family member, discovers the magic surrounding their home is in danger, she decides that she might just be her exceptional family’s last hope.
• Beans – Written and directed by Tracey Deer, an Indigenous creator, this film follows a preteen’s involvement with protests during a government standoff to protect Mohawk burial grounds in Kahnawake, Canada. 

View the collections in all Xbox regions. Visitors to both the Xbox and Microsoft Store on Windows can find community picks from women at Microsoft at any time by searching for “Women’s History” and related terms. Content subject to availability by country. 

Play

Active Citizen launched by Minecraft: Education Edition in partnership with Nobel Peace Center

Last week, Minecraft: Education Edition launched Active Citizen, a new learning experience created in partnership with the Nobel Peace Center. Players can walk in the shoes of four Nobel Peace Prize laureates and learn the skills needed to drive positive change in the world. Two of the Nobel Peace Prize laureates featured as non-player characters in the Minecraft world are Malala Yousafzai and Wangari Maathai, who have both championed women’s and girls’ empowerment. Players also meet Alfred Nobel and the 14^th Dalai Lama and Fridtjof Nansen, both Nobel Peace Prize laureates.

Active Citizen is the first collaboration between the Nobel Peace Center and Minecraft: Education Edition, and the first time the Nobel Peace Prize is part of a gaming activation of this scale. Active Citizen is available in 29 languages for all Minecraft: Education Edition players and in mid-March as a free demo. Read more about the project in this Microsoft blog by Head of Minecraft, Helen Chaing.

Halo: Happy Women’s History Month, Spartans!

343 Industries is celebrating Women’s History Month with our Team Xbox Community! In Halo: Infinite, 343i is hitting the battlefield with some community Spartans for a special play session with Big Team Battle action!  Follow @Halo on Twitter for more details! Also, throughout March, 343i will be re-releasing the Spartan Kat nameplate in Halo: The Master Chief Collection, awarded to all MCC players during the month! Happy Women’s History Month, Spartans!

Celebrating Women’s History Month with Forza Motorsport 7

Celebrate women and their contribution to motorsport by joining racecar driver Shannon McIntosh for the Forza Motorsport 7 “Women in Motorsports” Rivals Event from March 3-15. Also, just for setting a time in the event, players receive an event inspired livery and if you finish in the top 40% on the leaderboard, you get very rare Forza driver gear. For additional information, follow @ForzaMotorsport on Twitter and head over to @Turn10Studios on Twitter to learn about women who have made impactful contributions throughout the automotive industry.

Microsoft Casual Games Celebrates Women Worldwide!

From the inventions brought to life, to the art created – women have made our world a more beautiful place. In March, we celebrate women and their accomplishments through the release of 3 in-game items that were inspired by their strength, skills, and impact on our world. For release details, click here.

Age of Empires Honours Women’s History Month with New Content, Community Stories & Events

Travel through history with Age of Empires as we highlight women both past and present. Visit our Sage of Empires as they highlight stories of extraordinary women from across the world and their contributions to the development of their region. Watch the Queens’ Clash, where women players will battle it out in epic show-matches featured by Age of Queens, a women-led group from the Age Community. Check out the special in game event for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, including the first female explorer customizations highlighting Ada Lovelace and Elisabet Ramsey in style. All this and more coming up as we celebrate the women of AoE! Learn more.

Xbox Honours Women’s History Month with a New Gamerpic, Profile Theme, and Avatar Items!

In partnership with the Women in Gaming community at Xbox, we’re introducing a new gamerpic, profile themes, and avatar items! The gamerpic and profile theme will be available on console and the Xbox PC app. The profile theme and gamerpic will be visible on all platforms (including mobile and Game Bar), but gamers can change the profile theme on the console and the Xbox app on PC. Get your avatar items here.

Pre-Load GTAV and GTA Online on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S – Plus Details on the New GTA Online Career Builder

Pre-loading for Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online is now available for those who’ve pre-ordered digitally through either the PlayStation 5 console store or Microsoft Store.

These new versions of GTAV and GTA Online launch on March 15 and feature new graphics modes including up to 4K resolution, a framerate of up to 60 frames per second, improved texture qualities, HDR options and ray tracing, faster loading times, immersive 3D audio, platform-specific features, and more.

Plus, you can transfer Story Mode progress from your PS4 or Xbox One now by uploading a save to the Rockstar Games Social Club, and you’ll be able to migrate your GTA Online character* on March 15. Those eager to continue their journey on the latest generation consoles will also get a fully converted Karin S95 souped up by the experts at Hao’s Special Works, along with a Hao’s Special Work Racing Outfit and set of new Chameleon paints usable on all vehicles.

The Career Builder

As mentioned last week, GTA Online on the newest generation of consoles will feature the Career Builder. This is designed to give new players — or anyone who wants to reset their character and get a fresh start — a helpful leg-up in the criminal world of Southern San Andreas.

With the Career Builder, you’ll enter GTA Online with a business property, a vehicle, and a weapon — with room to add useful upgrades and a little extra GTA$ to begin.

Choose from a selection of the most popular criminal career paths in GTA Online: Biker, Executive, Nightclub Owner, or Gunrunner. From there you’ll receive a GTA$4,000,000 bankroll to put towards acquiring the essentials. Picking one of these four careers will ensure you have a business property and a huge range of missions and gameplay to embark upon immediately — and you can of course expand and dabble in new careers as you progress.

After selecting a career, use your newfound GTA$4M windfall to acquire start-up essentials from across a wide range of properties, vehicles, and weapons. You can select from the basics — a non-upgraded business property, alongside a simple weapon and vehicle combination — or you can opt for business properties complete with upgrades and customizations, high-end vehicles, and enough weapons to fill a Gun Locker. It all depends on how you want to spend your dispensation, and you can bring a maximum of GTA$1,000,000 from this with you into GTA Online.

Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online will be available digitally on March 15 through the PlayStation 5 console store and the Microsoft Store, with physical releases coming in April. Stay tuned for more details.

*For GTA Online platform migrations, purchased GTA$ can only be transferred between platforms of the same family (PS4 to PS5, Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S). All earned GTA$ will transfer regardless of platform.

New trailer shows off endlessly replayable dungeon that changes with every run

Today, 2K and Gearbox Software unveiled Chaos Chamber, the endlessly replayable core endgame experience for Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands®. Within the mythical Chaos Chamber is an ever-shifting portal into a randomized dungeon, full of unique variables, killer enemies, and methods to make your run more or less challenging, depending on how brave you’re feeling.

Check out the new trailer below for a direct look at the Chaos Chamber and the latest Dev Diary for perspectives from the Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands development team on the trials awaiting players, how to get a leg up against enemies, and more.

A Chaos Chamber run consists of three randomized dungeon rooms, a mini-boss fight, three more dungeon rooms, and a main boss fight. Players will work through the Chaos Chamber, selecting between two portals after each room to determine what awaits in the next. Additional factors include:

• Crystals: During the Chaos Chamber run, players can collect and utilize Crystals to earn more rewards. Players can amass Crystals by smashing a crystalline, rainbow-glowing die that spawns after completing a room, and by completing optional side objectives that are randomly assigned to each room;
• Blessings: By collecting enough Crystals to activate an altar, players can receive Blessings, ranging from increased critical damage or ammo capacity, to melee attack and movement speed buffs, and more;
• Curses: The polar opposite of Blessings, Curses are debuffs that last the rest of the run and can make it that much harder for players to survive—but with higher risk comes better rewards.

After completing the Chaos Chamber, a chest full of desirable loot for the taking awaits in the Loot of Chaos area. You’ll also earn Moon Orbs, an in-game currency you can spend at an Enchantment Re-roller station to fine-tune your favourite gear. For dedicated loot grinders though, the real Chaos Chamber payout might be hiding in the bellies of the spined, slightly disturbing rabbit statues that will barf up gear when fed enough Crystals.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands will launch on March 25, 2022 across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and PC via the Epic Games Store exclusively at launch, and on other PC digital storefronts later in 2022. Pre-orders are now available across all launch platforms, and players can also visit playwonderlands.com to register for the game’s newsletter.

Developed by Gearbox Entertainment, the OFLC rating for Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is M. For screenshots, key art, and other visual assets, please visit newsroom-anz.2k.com.

To learn more, please visit playwonderlands.com and follow @PlayWonderlands on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Online Account (13+) required to access online features. See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details.

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

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Following the successful release of MY LITTLE PONY: A NEW GENERATION on Netflix which debuted as the #1 Kids Title in 86 countries, an all-new My Little Pony console game brings adventure to a new generation of fans

Outright Games, the leading publisher of family- friendly interactive entertainment, in partnership with Hasbro, revealed today that My Little Pony is heading to consoles and PC for the first time in over five years with My Little Pony: A Maretime Bay Adventure. Introducing a whole new generation to one of the world’s most enduring entertainment franchises, this all-new adventure will allow fans to play together in the magical world of Equestria and will release this spring on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and followed by Xbox Series X|S and PS5 versions as a free upgrade later in 2022.

Discover the next generation of ponies and their enchanting world Equestria in this new exciting single player adventure. Play as the curious and determined leader of the Mane Five, Sunny Starscout, and help her discover her powers whilst getting to know her friends: the courageous Zipp, creative Izzy, kind Hitch, and confident Pipp as they come together to organise the best festival ever!

If that’s not enough fun, collect accessories to customise the ponies and play together across mini games and in party mode!

Key features:

• Explore a rich and interactive world full of life and adventure.
• Feel the magic of Equestria and meet its different inhabitants.
• Enjoy five fun Minigames in single player or with a buddy!
• Experience an all-new exciting story.

From its toy launch in 1983, MY LITTLE PONY has catapulted from iconic toy into a worldwide entertainment universe. In September 2021, MY LITTLE PONY: A NEW GENERATION launched on Netflix and introduced a new generation of ponies to a new generation of kids. The feature-length film became the #1 kids property at launch and was awarded the Common Sense Media Seal for Families. The movie kick-started a new era for the brand, with a focus on inspiring todays’ kids to explore, express and celebrate what makes them unique. This new generation of ponies has its own fresh toy line and licensed consumer products across multiple categories, with a wealth of content set to launch in 2022. MY LITTLE PONY has aired in nearly 200 territories and over 350 episodes and three feature films have been produced.

Terry Malham, CEO of Outright Games said ‘’We’re delighted to continue our strong partnership with Hasbro and this time on the phenomenon that is My Little Pony. We’re incredibly excited they’ve entrusted us to bring the magic of the brand back to consoles and PC for the first time in five years. The game is going to  be full of all the elements that make the brand so popular – fun, colour and friendship. We can’t wait to share it with everyone later this year’’

Richard Cleveland, Vice President of Licensed Digital Gaming from Hasbro said ‘’We’re thrilled to bring the fifth generation of ponies to consoles and PC this year with our long time partners, Outright Games. After the great success and reception of the new toys and film last year, we’re excited to bring the new world of My Little Pony to life for our fans with new adventures and fun gameplay.’

‘My Little Pony: A Maretime Bay Adventure’ releases this spring on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Xbox Series X|S and PS5 versions with a free upgrade coming later in 2022.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World’s Best Play and Entertainment Experiences. From toys, games and consumer products to television, movies, digital gaming, live action, music, and virtual reality experiences, Hasbro connects to global audiences by bringing to life great innovations, stories and brands across established and inventive platforms. Hasbro’s iconic brands include NERF, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS, as well as premier partner brands. Through its global entertainment studio, eOne, Hasbro is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for all children and all families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked among the 2020 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past nine years, and one of America’s Most JUST Companies by Forbes and JUST Capital for the past four years. We routinely share important business and brand updates on our Investor Relations website, Newsroom and social channels (@ Hasbro on Twitter and Instagram, and @HasbroOfficial on Facebook.)

About Outright Games:

Outright Games is a global video games publisher with a focus on quality family entertainment to a worldwide audience. Founded in 2016, Outright Games has established its place in the market delivering engaging interactive games of beloved entertainment licenses globally. Outright Games brings stories and characters to life with titles including favourites such as Jumanji: The Video Game with Sony Pictures, Paw Patrol: On a Roll with Nickelodeon, Ben 10 with Cartoon Network, and Dragons: Dawn of New Risers with NBC Universal. With an Outright Games title there will be fun for all the family to enjoy. For more information please visit: www.outrightgames.com

Find out more:

Website: Outright Games
Twitter: @Outright_Games
Facebook: Outright Games Ltd
Instagram: Outright_games

About Meltbot

Melbot Studios is an Fun-forward, Art-Driven, video game studio founded in Barcelona in 2017. Seasoned professionals from Games, Film and Technology got together to create the Melbits IP and combine innovation, storytelling and interactivity with sleek visuals and tons of heart. Their first IP Melbits racked up over half a million players worldwide and growing. They work closely with Big players in the entertainment industry in order to create outstanding and authentic games for world class franchises.

Honoring the History of Video Games and the People Behind Them, Atari Vows to Contribute to the Growth and Success of the Popular Video Game Database 

New York, NY (March 8, 2022) – Atari® — one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers — has announced that the acquisition of long-standing video game database MobyGames has been completed following a $1.5 million purchase from AntStream. 

MobyGames is a renowned video game database resource for video game information spanning back to the late 1950s and serves as the authoritative source for information about video games and the individuals or organizations behind them. Similar to the television- and film-centric IMDb database, MobyGames provides in-depth and accurate video game credits and information for titles ranging from Triple-A to obscure independent projects. Thanks to its dedicated community and contributors, the MobyGames database is routinely updated and moderated.

“The MobyGames community has played a sustained and important role in the documentation, celebration, and preservation of video games, and supporting MobyGames allows us to give back to the community and contribute to its growth and success,” said Atari CEO Wade Rosen. “It’s important to Atari that MobyGames retains every bit of its integrity, and we’re committed to supporting the site in ways that improve the experience for both contributors and users.” 

“In Atari, MobyGames has found a partner that will provide the investment and support we need to complete long-planned site improvements,” said Jeremiah Freyholtz, General Manager MobyGames. “I am confident this transition will allow MobyGames to remain an important community-driven project and that Atari’s involvement best positions us for long-term stability and success.”

Jeremiah Freyholtz, who has been running MobyGames since 2013, will remain in his role as General Manager.

To stay up-to-date on all things Atari and retro pop culture, follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Visit the MobyGames database to learn more at mobygames.com. 

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®. Atari has offices in New York and Paris.

©2022 Atari Interactive, Inc. Atari wordmark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.