World-leading researchers, policymakers, designers, companies share diverse perspectives on topics such as human-machine collaboration and diversity

SEOUL, Jan. 13, 2020 — At CES^® 2021, LG Electronics (LG) president and CTO Dr. I.P. Park and Element AI CEO Jean-François Gagné will unveil AIX Exchange: The Future of AI and Human Experience, a multifaceted digital report that includes in-depth interviews with leading experts in AI, consumer advocacy, design and business. AIX Exchange builds on the Levels of Artificial Intelligence Experience (AIX) Framework, which launched at CES in 2020, and proposes a shared definition for advancements in consumer AI while maintaining a focus on human-centric design.

The multimedia report explores AIX design across six core themes titled Public Perception, Ethics, Transparency, User Experience, Context and Relationships, each with multiple sub themes that interlink, such as the importance of user interface for building transparency and how a clear purpose for AI products can support adoption by end-users. To ensure it appeals to all stakeholders, there is also an Understanding AI section that helps public audiences follow along with some of the technical aspects of the discussion.

“We felt like there were many different discussions happening from different stakeholders across different platforms and we wanted to create an accessible way for the industry to explore these important topics in one place,” explains Dr. Park. “This effort isn’t about answering questions but to ask them in the frame of the end-user. We hope that by raising the issues and opportunities presented by AI, we can better understand what is at stake and help shape the future through collaboration.”  

The report comes at an important time for a technology that is increasingly finding itself in our homes, our cars and our pockets. McKinsey estimates AI techniques have the potential to create between USD 3.5 trillion and USD 5.8 trillion ¹ in value annually while PwC estimates that 30 percent of jobs are at potential risk of automation by mid-2030s. ²

“AIX Exchange was created to bring together a wide range of expert perspectives on the future of AI and its application for human spaces, such as in the home, the car, at work and in public,” says Gagné. “Many in the industry see the overwhelming potential of the technology but also the perils and the need to come together to help shape and safeguard our future.”

Interviews were conducted and captured over Zoom between September and November 2020 and included talks with:

• Yoshua Bengio, Scientific Director of Mila and recent Turing Award winner
• Rodney Brooks, robotics entrepreneur who founded iRobot Corp., inventor of the Roomba robot vacuum
• Dr. Christina J. Colclough, global policymaker focused on workers’ rights and the impact of technology
• David Foster, Head of Lyft Transit, Bikes and Scooters
• Dr. Yuko Harayama, who helped develop Japan’s Society 5.0 roadmap as Executive Member of Japan’s Council for Science, Technology and Innovation
• Charles Lee Isbell Jr., Dean of Computing at Georgia Tech
• Helena Leurent, Director General of global consumer rights group, Consumers International
• Bo Peng, Portfolio Director at renowned design agency IDEO
• Jeff Poggi, Co-CEO of the McIntosh Group
• Sri Shivananda, SVP and CTO at PayPal
• Dr. Max Welling, VP Technologies at Qualcomm Netherlands and research chair in Machine Learning, University of Amsterdam
• Alex Zafiroglu, Deputy Director at the 3A Institute (3Ai, Australian National University

Interviews can be watched or listened to through the AIX Exchange YouTube channel or through the report itself, which also includes references to recent developments in the industry, sharable consumer-friendly content such as an infographic on the History of AI and even an AI-generated conversational research report that uses natural language processing and deep learning to observe the different ways stakeholder groups are talking about AI.

Customers or researchers are encouraged to visit www.AIXexchange.com to discover the perspective of AI experts and leaders in various fields such as design, anthropology, policy, consumer and employee advocacy.  Visit LG’s virtual CES 2021 exhibition to see LG’s CTO speak about the importance of open innvation and partnerships at LG Future Talk.

# # #

¹  www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/artificial-intelligence/notes-from-the-ai-frontier-applications-and-value-of-deep-learning

²  www.pwc.co.uk/services/economics/insights/the-impact-of-automation-on-jobs.html 

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer goods with a presence in almost every country in the world and a diverse workforce of 74,000. LG is composed of five companies – Home Appliance & Air Solution, Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Vehicle Component Solutions and Business Solutions. With 2019 global sales of USD 53 billion, LG is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of products from TVs, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, mobile devices, digital signage and automotive components. LG is also known for its premium LG SIGNATURE and advanced LG ThinQ brands, which feature the company’s artificial intelligence technology. For more news on LG, go to www.LGnewsroom.com.

About Element AI

Element AI is a global developer of artificial intelligence-powered (AI) software solutions. Created in Montreal – Canada’s deep learning hub – it launched with a unique vision:

• Democratize AI with a non-predatory and totally collaborative model for commercializing AI
• Drive cutting-edge research that makes AI accessible, scalable, and trustworthy
• Transform work around human-machine collaboration

With 350 people across offices in five cities in North America, Europe, and Asia, EAI enables the world’s most innovative companies to reinvent the way they do business.

Award winning studio Massive Entertainment to lead development of  a new story-driven open-world Star Wars adventure

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – January 14, 2021 – Ubisoft today announced it is collaborating with Lucasfilm Games on a new story-driven open-world video game set in the beloved Star Wars galaxy.

Headed by Massive Entertainment, Ubisoft’s critically-acclaimed AAA studio based in Malmö, Sweden, the project gathers some of the most experienced, innovative talent in the video games industry and will make the most of Massive’s cutting-edge technologies, including the Snowdrop engine, to deliver a groundbreaking Star Wars adventure.

“The vast Star Wars lore is an incredible source of inspiration for our teams,” said Yves Guillemot, co-founder and CEO of Ubisoft. “This is the beginning of a long-term collaboration with Disney and Lucasfilm Games, and we are pleased to be working hand-in-hand to build upon the incredible legacy of Lucasfilm to create a game that we know Star Wars fans will love.”

“Ubisoft have a unique talent for crafting immersive worlds so we’re thrilled to work with them on this project”, said Douglas Reilly, VP, Lucasfilm Games. “We are inspired by the passion and talent of the team at Massive, and together we share a vision for the type of original stories we want to tell with our players in this expansive galaxy. They have the creativity, experience, and community understanding to bring awe-inspiring authenticity, depth and innovation to this new Star Wars game.”

“In the Star Wars galaxy and beyond, we work with the best teams in the industry to create world-class games that push the boundaries of the medium,” said Sean Shoptaw, SVP, Disney Games and Interactive Experiences. “Lucasfilm Games and Massive Entertainment together can create something truly unique for our fans across the globe.”

As Creative Director for the game, Massive’s Julian Gerighty says, “This is a lore that we love, and we want to do it justice with a game and story that bring both lifelong and new fans on an immersive and outstanding journey that will stay with them for years.”

Massive is actively recruiting for the best and brightest talents to join this career defining project. Candidates interested in joining the team can apply to open positions at https://www.massive.se/career/. More information about the game and the release date will be shared at a later stage.

About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a leading creator, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry^®, For Honor^®, Just Dance^®, Watch Dogs, Tom Clancy’s video game series including Ghost Recon^®, Rainbow Six^® and The Division^®. The teams throughout Ubisoft’s worldwide network of studios and business offices are committed to delivering original and memorable gaming experiences across all popular platforms, including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and PCs. For the 2019-20 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €1,534 million. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.

© 2021 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & ™ 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

Super Bernie World Devs in Collaboration with 2064: Read Only Memories Studio Reveal Kitsune Tails

Magic, Queer Romance Will Drop on PlayStation, Steam, itch.io in Q1 2022

SAN FRANCISCO – 13 Jan. 2021 – Developer Kitsune Games unveils their follow up to Super Bernie World, which has more than 250,000 downloads across Steam and itch.io, made in collaboration with 2064: Read Only Memories studio MidBoss and console publisher Ratalaika Games. Kitsune Tails, a platformer styled after beloved classics steeped in Japanese mythology and diverse relationships, will arrive on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 as well as Windows PC and Linux via Steam and itch.io in Q1 2022. 

Run, jump and dash across five worlds inspired by Japanese mythology as Yuzu, a young and inexperienced member of the fox people called kitsune serving as a divine messenger of the goddess Inari. Follow her destiny and prove even a half-kitsune with a human father can master adorable elemental outfits bestowing powerful abilities including ground pound attacks, running on water, shooting fireballs, and freezing enemies solid.

A mishap on Yuzu’s first outing leaves her in serious trouble. Fortunately the friendly healer Akko saves the kitsune from a dire fate. Perhaps this turn of events was written in the stars, as a budding romance develops between the two young women. Unfortunately, Yuzu’s childhood friend and mentor has other plans, and with the help of a special amulet gifted to Yuzu by her goddess she must rescue Akko from her former mentor before it’s too late.

Earn even more special abilities by finding hidden outfits or stealing them from monsters. Ride a giant boot, become an invincible rainbow fox, or use an antique samurai spear to scale walls. Fend off unfriendly ghosts with the warm light of paper lanterns in search of secret doors. Retrace Yuzu’s footsteps through earlier areas with newfound powers to find optional story content and unlock the best ending.

“Secrets are a staple of classic platformers, and we wanted to use that as a vehicle for telling a story of complicated relationships and self discovery,” said Emma ‘Eniko’ Maassen, Kitsune Games founder. “Only by using all of the skills imbued by Yuzu’s adorable outfits and other tools she’ll collect on her journey can you really get the whole tale, but Kitsune Tails will have plenty of accessibility options allowing players to define the depth of challenge.”

A Kickstarter campaign for Kitsune Tails will run in mid 2021 ahead of its release on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 as well as Windows PC and Linux via Steam and itch.io in Q1 2022. Players can enjoy Kitsune Tails in English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Japanese.

To learn more, visit Kitsune Tails website or follow @KitsuneGamesCom, @MidBoss, and #KitsuneTails on Twitter.

About Kitsune Games

Kitsune Games is an inclusive indie video game development studio led by Emma ‘Eniko’ Maassen and James Yarrow. Set apart by its queer founder, the studio strives to make the world a better place by offering quality entertainment with representation of people from all walks of life.

For more information, visit the Kitsune Games website or follow @KitsuneGamesCom on Twitter.

About MidBoss

Based out of San Francisco (although not the Neo kind), MidBoss aims to make the world better, safer and more inclusive for marginalized people, especially those across the gender and sexuality spectrum, by creating cool experiences through games and other forms of media which diversify representation, as well as becoming a platform for queer content around the world.

To learn more about MidBoss visit the studio’s Midboss website, @MidBoss on Twitter, and the MidBoss blog.

About Ratalaika Games S.L.

Based out of Spain, Ratalaika Games is an indie developer and publisher of 2D games for consoles and PC. Focused on helping other indie creators, the company offers console porting, localization and promotion services to spread the word about smaller studios to gamers all over the world.

Please visit the Ratalaika Games website, like the Ratalaika Facebook page, and follow @RatalaikaGames on Twitter for more information.

30XX Wall-Jumps onto Steam Early Access 17 Feb. 2021

20XX successor debuts on Windows PC with all-new level editor

POST-HUMAN EARTH – 13 Jan. 2021 – 30XX, the new Megaroguelike action platformer from Batterystaple Games, follows in the footsteps of its acclaimed predecessor enjoyed by more than 200,000 players on Feb. 17, 2021, by springing into Steam Early Access. 

Alongside the classic roguelike Arcade Mode and permadeath-free Mega Mode campaign, 30XX empowers fans to design the levels of their dreams with Maker Mode. Modeled after the tools used to develop the game, this level editor allows the community to craft custom stages and share them with the world.Popular player-made creations will be vetted by Batterystaple Games and other adventurers will have the option to shuffle these gauntlets into their journeys, helping keep the experience fresh and new for millennia to come.

The Steam Early Access release debuts with six level themes to sculpt and explore. These include Penumbra, a cathedral with reflective surfaces that encourage explorers to utilize their surroundings to take down foes, as well as the twitchy thrill ride Deepverse, a synthwave holo-jungle with intense timing-based hazards that test precise mastery of 30XX’s crisp controls. 

Hi-bit pixel art from art director Glauber Kotaki (Rogue Legacy, Chasm) ties the aesthetic of one stage to the next along with an energetic chiptune soundtrack that propels the action forward. No matter the arena, 30XX’s heroes have a myriad of ways to tackle the obstacles ahead. Harness abilities from vanquished bosses using Nina’s new Power Fusion system, synthesizing them into 64 hybrid moves to surmount any stumbling block. Alternatively, wield Ace’s fearsome Techniques to chain together devastating combos and slice through anything in his way.

“Early Access was hugely influential in shaping 20XX into something special, and our team can’t wait to invite the community back into the process to help us reach new heights with 30XX,” said Chris King, founder, Batterystaple. “Thankfully, that time isn’t far off now and we’ll be doing just that on Feb. 17, 2021. We look forward to fans leaving their mark on the game with feedback and their own designs in Maker Mode and hope to have you along for the ride.”

To learn more, please check out the 30XX Steam page or the official Batterystaple Games website, and join the 20XX series community on Discord, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

About Batterystaple Games

Batterystaple Games is an independent developer founded by Chris King. Scattered across the globe, the team aims to create crisp, satisfying action games that players can enjoy with friends and continue to come back to for years to come. The studio’s first project, 20XX, has sold more than 200,000 copies across Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The team also published Jamestown+, the revival of Final Form Games’ classic bullet hell shooter.

To learn more, check out the official Batterystaple Games website.

About Kowloon Nights

Founded in October 2017, Kowloon Nights is a global video game investment fund dedicated to independent developers. Its members and advisors include Alexis Garavaryan, Jay Chi, Keizac Lee, Lindsey Rostal, Sam Lee, and Ryan Payton. All lifelong gamers, their combined experience in the industry spans several decades and covers all aspects from content strategy, publishing, operations, global business to product development. 

For more information, please visit the official Kowloon Nights website.

MONTREAL, Canada – January 13, 2021 – Octobriana. The Russian Devil-Woman. Superhuman freedom fighter for the oppressed. Controversial underground comic book icon since 1971. To celebrate her 50^th anniversary, new comic book publisher Dead Good Media has announced OCTOBRIANA WITH LOVE: an all-new, full colour, 64-page anthology releasing summer 2021.
 
Vikings, World War II, dinosaurs, 1980s TV evangelists, time travel, Billy Idol, a near future Britain and Baba Yaga… strap yourself in for a wild ride across seven off beat tales, showcasing unique takes on Octobriana by an exciting mix of creative talent.
 
The first creators to be confirmed for the anthology are Stephanie Phillips (Harley Quinn, Butcher of Paris), Marc Laming (Star Wars: Boba Fett, James Bond 007), Simon Fraser (Doctor Who, Judge Dredd), Andrea Towers (Geek Girls Don’t Cry, Entertainment Weekly), Stephen Byrne (Justice League/Power Rangers, Wonder Twins) and Stu Taylor (2000AD, Octobriana: Filling in the Blanks), who are joined by fan favourite cover artist Marguerite Sauvage. More creators are set to be announced in the coming months.

Even though the bizarre circumstances of her publishing origins are mired in deception and controversy, Octobriana has achieved underground cult status by the fact that she is still appearing in comic books, graffiti, art installations, etc, 50 years on from her creation. And that’s not including the fact that David Bowie was going to make a movie about her, or that 80s rocker Billy Idol proudly has a tattoo of the Russian Devil-Woman.

Stu Taylor, Editor and Curator, OCTOBRIANA WITH LOVE, said:
“It’s an unbelievable eight Star Wars movies ago since I last wrote Octobriana, and this anthology – which began as unfinished business – has quickly morphed into an all-star showcase of what makes this character so iconic. Octobriana is back. With love. Come with her if you want a revolution.”

The oversized 50^th anniversary special OCTOBRIANA WITH LOVE features:

• Octobriana and the Underground clash with an immortal nemesis over the skies of a near future Britain in Baba Yaga’s Cruel Britannia.
• Take a trip behind enemy lines in fast-paced, World War II romp Night Witches of the Eastern Front.
• Grab a bottle of bourbon for The La Brea Tar Beast of Sunset Strip, the absolutely (not) true account of how Billy Idol got his Octobriana tattoo.
• America. 1980. Corrupt TV evangelist Jimmy Vue is selling the end of the world, but gets more than he bargained for in A Vue To A Satanic Panic.

Dead Good is launching a Kickstarter campaign for OCTOBRIANA WITH LOVE this spring, with a planned release during summer 2021.

Dead Good also announced that it is releasing two “digital-first” OCTOBRIANA titles:

• OCTOBRIANA: FILLING IN THE BLANKS – REDUX EDITION by Stu Taylor, Dave Roberts and Sofie Dodgson. A reprint of the 1997/98 mini, this five-part series begins in February 2021, with each digital issue priced at $1.50, and the final issue including new material.
   
• OCTOBRIANA: THE LIVING SPHINX collects one of the original black and white strips from the 1971 Octobriana and the Russian Underground book. The Living Sphinx of the Kamchatka Radioactive Volcano is presented in a traditional American format comic for the first time. Launching Spring 2021, it features colour work by Pippa Bowland and will be released as a free digital download.

 Learn more about OCTOBRIANA WITH LOVE at the official website and store, or follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Octobriana
Equal parts opportunism, inspiration, and art theft, the origin of Octobriana saw the arts world collide with the Cold War political backdrop of the 1970s, resulting in the creation of one of the most bizarre pop culture characters of our time.
​The unconventional nature of her origin means that Octobriana is a rare public domain character: she’s been stolen so many times that no one truly owns her!
David Bowie was going to make a superhero movie about her. Billy Idol has a tattoo of her. But chances are that even though she is celebrating her 50th anniversary in 2021, Octobriana is one of the most enigmatic comic book characters that you’ve never heard of. www.octobrianacomic.com

Little Nightmares II Ushers in the New Year With Trailer, Console Demo, and More

Little Nightmares Comic, Digital Pre-orders for Switch Digital, Console Sweepstakes, Little Nightmares STEAM Code Giveaway, and New Apparel to Be Available This Month

Today, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. has released a new trailer showcasing the various themes and areas throughout Little Nightmares II. To coincide with the new trailer, a downloadable demo of the game is now available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Fans on Nintendo Switch can download the demo and preorder the game on the Nintendo eShop starting today, January 13 at 9:00 AM PST. Further celebrations of Little Nightmares II include a console sweepstakes running January 13 – February 11, a giveaway of Little Nightmares (the previous title) on STEAM, the launch of the Little Nightmares Comic app, and a new set of branded apparel on the official BANDAI NAMCO Store. Little Nightmares II will launch in the Americas on February 11, 2021 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch consoles and PC Digital, and later in 2021 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X with a free upgrade for owners of the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One version. 

The new 90-second trailer takes viewers on a journey through the various areas of Little Nightmares II, such as “The Pale City” and “The School”. Offering a glimpse at new protagonist Mono and returning character Six, the video portrays a sneaky escape from a grotesque family dinner, foreboding classrooms, and mysterious ghoulish figures. Clever puzzle-solving and beautifully macabre environments of Pale City await gamers as the February 11 launch date of Little Nightmares II draws ever closer and closer.

In addition to the new trailer, Little Nightmares II is celebrating with the following activities:

• Console Sweepstakes – From Wednesday, January 13 to Thursday, February 11, the BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America team will be giving away a custom Little Nightmares II branded console. More information is available at the following link: https://www.bandainamcoent.com/landing/ln2-giveaway

• Demo for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One – A downloadable demo will be available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One now.

• Demo and Digital Pre-Orders for Nintendo Switch – A downloadable demo will go live as digital pre-orders begin on Nintendo Switch starting Wednesday, January 13 at 9:00 AM PST.

• Little Nightmares STEAM Code Giveaway – PC gamers can experience the game that started it all. A giveaway for the first game in the series will run Wednesday, January 13 until Sunday, January 17. For more information on the free game giveaway, please visit the following page: https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/little-nightmares-2

• Little Nightmares Comic – The Little Nightmares Comic app is a free interactive comic for Little Nightmares II created by Plastiek will be available on the App Store and Google Play. The first two episodes are available today!

• Little Nightmares II Apparel Collection – On the official BANDAI NAMCO store, gamers will be able to purchase four new items of Little Nightmares II-branded apparel. More information is available at the following link: https://www.bandainamcoentstore.com/little-nightmares 

For a look at the Little Nightmares II trailer, here it out here:

Produced in partnership with Tarsier Studios, Little Nightmares II follows the story of Mono, a young boy trapped in a world distorted by the humming transmission of a distant Signal Tower. Together with Six, the girl in a yellow raincoat, he sets out to discover the grim secrets of the world whilst fleeing from the monstrous residents out to capture him.

Vancouver, Canada – January 13, 2021 – Embark on an extraordinary adventure filled with platforming challenges, diverse enemies, quests, collectibles, and more in Indie World title Blue Fire from Graffiti Games and Robi Studios. Today, the two companies announced that the highly-anticipated 3D action adventure game is launching on Nintendo Switch™ and PC on February 4, 2021 for $19.99 USD.

In Blue Fire players journey through the desolate kingdom of Penumbra to discover the hidden secrets of this long-forgotten land. Explore mystical temples, where players will need to master the art of movement to survive increasingly difficult 3D platforming challenges. Along the adventure, players will slash their way through daunting adversaries, encounter survivors and take on strange quests to collect valuable items.

“If you’ve been clamoring to play a new challenging 3D platformer then Blue Fire is for you, and we’re thrilled to announce that you can play it very soon,” said Gabriel Rosa, CEO of Robi Studios. “Nintendo has a storied history of awesome 3D platformers and we think Blue Fire will be the newest game to be part of the pedigree of titles. And if you don’t have a Switch, Blue Fire also plays amazing on PC. We just recommend using a controller.”

Blue Fire’s features include:

• Hardcore Platforming – Leap through deadly traps and master movement to navigate gradually demanding platforming challenges.
• Lost in the Void – Far from Penumbra, there is a lost land called The Void. Find Void entrances throughout the world to uncover abstract platforming challenges that require great mastery to gather the valuable rewards hidden inside.
• Slash Your Way Through Great Adversaries – Encounter dangerous enemies with distinct fighting styles and partake in intense combat-platforming boss fights.
• A Haunting World – Travel through the perished world of Penumbra to explore unique areas filled with diverse enemies, sharp 3D platforming challenges, quests, collectibles and more.
• Encounter Peculiar Survivors – A long time has passed since Penumbra fell into darkness, but those that survived the kingdom’s fall will aid your journey to unlock valuable rewards.
• Collectibles – Once a rich and lush kingdom, Penumbra is filled with many collectibles and items to discover, loot, collect, sell, trade and purchase.
• Upgrades – No great warrior can battle the dangers lurking in Penumbra without the proper equipment. Upgrade your swords, collect valuable amulets and unlock new abilities to transform into a fierce fighter.

For more information regarding Blue Fire please visit Graffiti’s Twitter page, Robi’s Twitter page or the Blue Fire Discord.  

About Graffiti Games
Graffiti Games is a video game publisher comprised of industry veterans that understand what it takes to launch a successful game. We view game publishing as a collaborative effort between our team and developers and strive to ensure everyone benefits from a game’s success. To find out more about Graffiti and our titles please visit www.graffitigames.com.

About Robi Studios
Robi Studios is a game development company based in Cordoba, Argentina. We’re a young and very passionate team dedicated to game development on PC and console. To find out more about Robi Studios please visit https://www.robistudios.com/.

Neat’s Groundbreaking Technology and Coming 2021 Product Pipeline Address the Growing Gaming, Streaming, Podcasting, Recording, and Audio Conferencing Markets

Acquisition Accelerates Turtle Beach Growth by Adding Neat’s Accomplished Leadership Team & Innovative Product Line Focusing on Thriving $2.3B Global Microphone Market

San Diego, CA – January 13, 2021 – Leading gaming accessory company Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR) today announced the acquisition of Neat Microphones. Neat creates, manufactures, and sells high-quality digital USB and analog microphones that embrace cutting-edge technology and design. Neat’s accomplished leadership team includes the former founders of Blue Microphones, inventors of the first high-performance USB microphone, and pioneers behind other award-winning microphones that have revolutionized how professionals and consumers capture their voice, music, and more. The acquisition also enables Turtle Beach entry into the $2.3 billion global microphone market, which is experiencing rapid growth in the digital/USB accessories segment where Neat’s product innovation is focused.

“We are entering the growing global streaming and microphone market with two significant advantages – the visionary leadership and engineering expertise behind some of the most renowned mics of the past 30-plus years, and Neat’s impressive 2021 product lineup,” said Juergen Stark, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “Neat is a great fit with Turtle Beach’s 45-year legacy of audio innovation and expertise, and we’re thrilled to welcome Skipper Wise, Martins Saulespurens, and the rest of the Neat Microphones team to the Turtle Beach family.”

Stark continued, “This is another significant milestone for Turtle Beach. Entering the global microphone market with Neat diversifies our product portfolio into new categories, while complimenting Turtle Beach and ROCCAT’s offerings in console and PC accessories. The total addressable market for our diversified products and brands expands from $5.1B to $7.4B with this acquisition. Turtle Beach is already well-known for the excellent mic performance in our gaming headsets, and Neat’s technology will further enhance our future industry-leading Turtle Beach and ROCCAT products. Additionally, the Neat brand expands our reach beyond gaming with a broader assortment of consumer and prosumer audio products.”

Skipper Wise, President of Neat Microphones, added, “We are absolutely thrilled to bring our team’s 100+ combined years of expertise to Turtle Beach to create groundbreaking microphone products. The market is ready for a new, high-quality, easy-to-use portfolio of digital microphones. Neat is the digitally native microphone brand that, with Turtle Beach’s extensive retail relationships and best-in-class global distribution, can bring this innovation to more people all over the world.”

Wise continued, “2020 showed all of us – family and friends, coworkers, musicians, gamers, streamers, podcasters, creators, influencers, educators and students – the importance of our voices being heard more than ever before. In 2021, Neat will launch new, updated versions of some of our most popular analog and digital microphones. We’re also currently developing the next generation of our products to meet the growing demand for high-quality, affordable microphones.”

The Neat Microphones team is comprised of the best microphone creators in the world, and between them they have launched over 60 products since originally founding Blue Microphones in 1995. Through this acquisition, Turtle Beach adds nearly 40 Neatpatents and nearly 70 Neattrademark registrations to its overall portfolio. With decades of knowledge in the engineering, design, and production of microphones for studio and home, the Neatteam changed the way people view, use, and value quality recording tools, and they are set to do it again in 2021 and beyond as part of Turtle Beach.

For the latest information on the Neat Microphones lineup of professional and consumer microphones, visit https://www.neatmic.com/. 

For the latest information on Turtle Beach products, accessories, and stories, visit the Turtle Beach website at www.turtlebeach.com and the Turtle Beach Blog at https://blog.turtlebeach.com. Fans can also follow Turtle Beach on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on ROCCAT’s lineup of high-quality, German-engineered PC gaming accessories, visit https://roccat.org.

About Turtle Beach Corporation

Turtle Beach Corporation (corp.turtlebeach.com) is one of the world’s leading gaming accessory providers. The Turtle Beach brand (www.turtlebeach.com) is known for pioneering first-to-market features and patented innovations in high-quality, comfort-driven headsets for all levels of gamer, making it a fan-favorite brand and the market leader in console gaming audio for the last decade. Turtle Beach’s ROCCAT brand (www.roccat.org) combines detail-loving German innovation with a genuine passion for designing the best PC gaming products. Under the ROCCAT brand, Turtle Beach creates award-winning keyboards, mice, headsets, mousepads, and other PC accessories. Turtle Beach’s shares are traded on the Nasdaq Exchange under the symbol: HEAR.

Bounty Hunter Week in Red Dead Online Bonuses for all Legendary Bounties, Special Discounts and More

This week Red Dead Online is honoring the hired guns who aid overburdened lawmen in apprehending the frontier’s most notorious fugitives, dead or alive. Earn Double Role XP on all Legendary Bounties this week and take home Double RDO$ on all Prestigious Legendary Bounties, namely the dandy Gene “Beau” Finley, the dead-eyed murderess Carmela “La Muñeca” Montez and the cult leader Virgil “Shepherd” Edwards. Plus, get a 50% RDO$ bonus on the original 10 Legendary Bounty targets.

Get out there and bring these outlaws and criminals to justice however you see fit – all players who jump into Red Dead Online this week will receive a Reward good for 1,000 Bounty Hunter XP, and 100 rounds of Express Repeater Ammo.

DISCOUNTS

Before you set off in pursuit of some toothless felon, you’d best kit up. There are a murderer’s row of Bounty Hunter discounts and sales through January 18th, including knocking 5 Gold Bars off the cost of both Bounty Hunter Licenses, half off all Bounty Hunter Outfits and Emotes and much more. See below for the complete list.

• 5 Gold Bars off the Bounty Hunter License
• 5 Gold Bars off the Prestigious Bounty Hunter License
• 50% off all Bounty Hunter Outfits and Emotes
• 30% off all Bounty Hunter Weapon Variants
• 30% off all Bounty Wagon Tints
• 30% off all Bounty Hunter Accessories
• 30% off all Bounty Hunter Saddles, Gun Belts and Off-Hand Holsters
• 30% off the Schofield Revolver, Bolt-Action Rifle and all Repeaters

PRIME GAMING
Red Dead Online players who connect their Rockstar Games Social Club account to Prime Gaming will receive Rewards for:

• A free Bounty Hunter License
• An Award for the Trimmed Amethyst Bounty Wagon Livery

In addition, players who connect to Prime Gaming before January 18th will receive a Reward for a Free Ability Card Upgrade and an Offer for 50% off a Weapon Pamphlet at the Fence.

Check Rockstar Support for details and limitations.