Juan Manuel Correa joins Giovinazzi for Chinese Virtual Grand Prix

Hinwil, 17 April 2020 – Antonio Giovinazzi and Juan Manuel Correa will represent Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN in Sunday’s Chinese Virtual Grand Prix as the team aims to continue its strong streak of results in Formula One’s series of simracing events.

The duo will face strong opposition, with a total of six current Formula One drivers scheduled to take part in the race alongside celebrities, young talents and legends of the sport. Broadcast for the race will start at 7:00pm (CEST) on Sunday, 19 April, and will be available on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch, Weibo and Facebook channels.

Antonio Giovinazzi, fresh from his fifth place in the Virtual Grand Prix in Melbourne, his first race on the F1 2019 game, will return with two more weeks of practice under his belt – including his participation in the popular #RaceForTheWorld series, organised by a group of Formula One drivers themselves to raise funds for the fight against Covid-19. A keen simracer, the Italian will aim to improve on his strong debut.

Alongside him for the first time will be Juan Manuel Correa. The Ecuadorean-American driver, who competed in F2 and tested for the Hinwil team in 2019, will take part in his first official Formula One simracing event this weekend, but comes with plenty of experience in virtual racing, including several appearances in the esports events that took place in recent weeks.

The Virtual Grand Prix will be followed, once again, by the F1 Esports Pro Exhibition race. As in Melbourne, Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN will be fielding the competitive duo of Daniel Bereznay and James Baldwin. Following an unlucky outing in Australia, where both drivers were innocent victims in lap one incidents, Daniel and James will be aiming to turn their fortunes around and return to the dominant ways they have shown in a range of simracing events so far in 2020.

The F1 Esports Pro Exhibition race will begin at 6:00pm (CEST) and will be broadcast on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels as well as selected TV broadcasters.

About Sauber Group of Companies: The Sauber Group of Companies is composed of three operational entities: Sauber Motorsport AG, which operates and manages the Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN Formula One team; Sauber Engineering AG, which focuses on prototype development and additive manufacturing; and Sauber Aerodynamik AG, which conducts full and model-scale testing in the factory’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel and creates ground-breaking innovations in the field of aerodynamics. The companies collaborate closely and share know-how to apply the expertise of more than 500 dedicated individuals at the headquarter in Hinwil, Switzerland, to all internal and external projects. Since its founding in 1970, the passion for racing has been at the heart of Sauber.

For over 45 years, the innovative Swiss company has been setting standards in the design, development and construction of race cars for various championship series, such as Formula One, DTM, and WEC. Following its own Formula One debut in 1993, Sauber Motorsport AG has established one of the few traditional and privately held teams in the sport. After 25 years of competition in Formula One, the company launched a long-term partnership with Alfa Romeo in 2018 and enters the 2020 championship under the new team name Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN.

Super Buckyball Tournament Playable Now in Open Development

Play on Steam Today with One New Character, Two Additional New Characters Coming Soon

Chongqing, CHINA — April 16, 2020 — Super Buckyball Tournament, the cyberpunk 3v3 street sports game starring larger-than-life champions from Pathea Games, developer of My Time at Portia, is now playable for everyone on PC via Steam while in open development with new character Lang, and two additional new characters make their explosive debut soon.

In the near future, Buckyball reigns supreme as the ultimate sport. This no-holds-barred hybrid of soccer and basketball fully embraces a changing cyberpunk world by allowing gadgets and superpowers to augment the action. Rip across the field as four champions from a growing roster, strategically employ game-changing abilities and ultimates, and destroy the competition. 

Two new characters join the fray soon. Manipulate water itself as Eriel and fend off competition using a giant fish as a weapon. Junkyard hero Bubba comes equipped with a makeshift shield built out of a car door, making him a great choice for goalie. Available now, new character Lang debuts with a soaring double jump and can whip up destructive tornadoes. Each character brings a beautiful new flourish to SBT’s free-spirited, imaginative art style.

Lightning-enhanced poster boy Pai quickly darts around and can teleport short distances. His impressive ultimate curves the ball towards the goal like a guided missile. Pink’s mechanical knowledge lets her overtune her gravity glove for her ultimate, generating a gravity beam capable of both making shots from a distance and stunning opponents. Bulky robot R47 wields a steel girder: time his ultimate properly for an almost-guaranteed long-range goal.

SBT’s assisted passing system lets players pass the ball at the touch of a button, allowing for a greater emphasis on teamwork. Five power-ups on the field inject chaos: create ice walls to re-shape engagements, use a bubble shield to repel opponents, or turn ball to iron to briefly keep it from moving. Practice against AI bots or against full 3v3 teams to learn the whole kit and ascend the competitive ranking system.

“Our fans and followers have wanted to be part of our development, and we’re welcoming them aboard,” said Aaron Deng, vice president of Pathea Games. “Lang brings new challenges to Buckyball that we’re eager to see our players explore, and soon Eriel and Bubba expand the possibilities even further.”

Super Buckyball Tournament is now available in open development in English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese. Anyone with Steam is invited to play and can download the demo here. For more information on Super Buckyball Tournament please visit the official website and follow SBT on Twitter, Facebook and Discord.

About Pathea Games

Pathea Games is a small game development studio who previously created My Time at Portia, which sold over 1 million copies worldwide and received an award for “Best Kids and Family Game” at Casual Connect Asia 2019. Super Buckyball Tournament won “Best Multiplayer Game” at GameDaily Connect Asia 2019.

For more information on Pathea Games, please visit their official website.

Outta Our Shells Quadruples Kickstarter Goal, Launches Later This Year

DIY Cards and Fifty New Cards Available to Backers

LAHAINA, HAWAII, 17 April 2020 — Outta Our Shells, the new family-friendly ice-breaker card game developed by Greg Johnson, co-creator and designer of ToeJam & Earl, smashed through its original funding goal and wraps up its Kickstarter campaign with two fully funded stretch goals and launches later this year.

The charming, conversation-starting Outta Our Shells has raised over $41,000 over the course of its Kickstarter. Inspired by this reaction, Johnson has decided to add additional artwork to the front of the Question and Fortune cards. Thanks to hitting the $25K and $30K stretch goals, the game will now include 50 brand new cards to help flesh out the game even further, as well as do-it-yourself cards to add some personal flair to each session.

DIY cards spice up the game however players see fit. Write out special Questions to delight and entertain friends and family. Create Cat or Rat cards that offer choices that feel relevant and resonate with the people in your close circle. Formulate Fortunes, either or Good or Bad, that you feel should be in the game and will make others laugh.

Each game includes three decks of cards featuring adorable art. Draw Question cards to learn more about each player using prompts designed to inspire storytelling. Glean new details from each anecdote to learn what they like, then try to guess those inclinations with Cat or Rat cards. Trade in Cat or Rat cards for Fortunes until players obtain three Fortune cards they are satisfied with. Ultimately, the real goal is to get to know each other and have a great time.

“Running a Kickstarter is always exciting,” said Greg Johnson. “You never know what’s going to happen. Still, the really exciting part starts once the game gets into the people’s hands and they start enjoying it and talking about it. That’s really the part I can’t wait for! I am so excited that Outta Our Shells is finally getting out there after all of these years of playing it with my friends.”

Outta Our Shells will be available in English this year for $24.99 at local retailers and available online. Each box includes 250 cards, along with 6 Blank DIY cards for custom cards. The final version of the game launches later this year so players can forge new friendships or cement existing relationships.

To learn more, please visit Outta Our Shells’pledge page, watch for updates on the ToeJam and Earl Twitter and Facebook, or interact with Greg directly on his Twitter.

About Greg Johnson

Greg began making games in 1982, with his first game Starflight, and has been making games ever since as an indie developer. One might say he is one of the original indie game devs in the industry. Greg’s M.O. is to make games that bring warmth, laughter, creativity, and connection into people’s lives. His games include ToeJam & Earl, Doki Doki Universe, Starflight, Orly’s Draw-A-Story, and many others.

Signs of the Sojourner Speaks Through the Cards May 14 for PC and Mac

Nintendo Switch Joins the Conversation Late 2020

LOS ANGELES – 16 April, 2020 – Signs of the Sojourner, an introspective narrative from Echodog Games about learning the art of human connection through an emotive deck of cards, hits the road bound for PC and Mac via Steam on Thursday, 14 May, 2020, with Nintendo Switch arriving later in the year.

A coming-of-age tale in a near-future world ravaged by climate change, Signs of the Sojourner explores how relationships form, break, and mend. Left in charge of your mother’s shop after her passing, venture out into an eccentric land, seeking treasures to sell in her store and keeping your town afloat. Join and grow a caravan by playing cards with charming characters or venture off on your own, forging bonds and changing the story to come.

These card encounters, where the objective is to try and match symbols for empathy, logic, and other approaches, can create friendships, build alliances, or introduce new antagonists. Every conversation bestows a new experience—the true-to-life gift of having spoken to someone new or considered a different perspective. These encounters change your deck, asking you to leave something behind while moving on with something new from your exchange.

Along the way, conversations shape your journey by unlocking special paths forward or new items to bring home to the shop. Experience optimism, compassion, and delight amidst hardship and adversity in a challenging but hopeful world. An array of possible endings await, reflecting every card played, choice made, and friendship saved or left behind.

Bask in beautiful, hand-drawn environments evoking a ravaged world still gripping tightly to its color and vibrant life. Follow the thread of conversations to a tranquil, mellow soundtrack while deciding what cards to play. The caravan’s journey feels serene, with a spirited message about playing the hand we’re dealt.

“We each embark on a journey of life, forever changed by the people we meet and the choices we make,” said Dyala Kattan-Wright, lead designer. “Signs of the Sojourner uses cards to explore communication, personal growth, and how relationships change us in a friendly, accessible way. We can’t wait to see what decks players build from their experiences on this adventure.”

Signs of the Sojourner begins its journey May 14 on Steam for PC and Mac for $19.99 USD.

For more information, visit the Echodog Games official website join their Discord community, and follow Echodog Games on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Echodog Games

Based out of Los Angeles, Echodog Games is a three-person studio that aims to make thoughtful and inclusive games that inspire open-mindedness. The scrappy trio values personal experiences seeking to deliver life lessons, reflected in their own projects that don’t shy away from social issues and modern challenges.

CRYTEK REVEALS CRYSIS REMASTERED

Remaster of the original landmark FPS coming to PC, Xbox One, PlayStation®4 and Nintendo Switch this summer

FRANKFURT, Germany – April 16, 2020 – Crytek has announced a remaster of the classic first-person shooter Crysis will be available this summer for PC, Xbox One, PlayStation®4, and Nintendo Switch. Co-developed on CRYENGINE with Saber Interactive, Crysis Remastered features the action-packed gameplay, sandbox world and epic battles of the original blockbuster title, with remastered graphics and optimizations for the latest modern hardware.

“We are excited to be working on the Crysis franchise again, and to bring all the Crysis fans a remaster worthy of their passion for the game,” said Crytek CEO Avni Yerli. “It’s an exciting opportunity to be able to bring Crysis back to PCs and current consoles – even Nintendo Switch – so that a whole new generation of players can experience the thrill of a battle in the Nanosuit!”

Crysis Remastered will feature the original game’s single-player campaign alongside high-quality textures, an HD texture pack, improved art assets, temporal anti-aliasing, SSDO, SVOGI, state-of-the-art depth fields, new light settings, motion blur, parallax occlusion mapping, and particle effects (where applicable). Further additions like volumetric fog and shafts of light, software-based ray tracing, and screen space reflections deliver a major visual upgrade to this classic FPS experience.

The original Crysis arms players with the powerful Nanosuit on the battleground of a new war against alien invaders. The Nanosuit’s speed, strength, armor and cloaking allow creative solutions for every fight, with a huge arsenal of modular weaponry to give you incredible control over your play style. Become invisible to stalk enemy patrols, boost your strength to lay waste to vehicles, and deflect damage to dominate your enemies in this enormous sandbox world.

About Crytek

Crytek is an independent videogame developer, publisher, and technology provider dedicated to pushing the boundaries of gaming with its cutting-edge 3D game development solution CRYENGINE. With headquarters in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) and studios in Kiev (Ukraine) and Istanbul (Turkey), Crytek has created multiple award-winning titles, including the original Far Cry, the Crysis series, Ryse: Son of Rome, Warface, The Climb, Robinson: The Journey and Hunt: Showdown. Crytek delivers fun and innovative gaming experiences for PC, consoles, and VR and continues to grow its reach in the games-as-a-service market. Every Crytek game is created with CRYENGINE, which can be used by anyone to create games.

For more information, visit www.crysis.com, www.crytek.com and www.cryengine.com.

Devolver Digital Publisher Weekend Blatant Smokescreen For Ill-Conceived Podcast

– Up to 90 Percent Off Games You Should be Embarrassed Not to Own –

AUSTIN (April 16, 2020) – The Devolver Digital Publisher Weekend has taken over Steam with obscenely generous discounts on Devolver Digital games, even the ones you promised your concerned parents that you would never buy. Now is your chance to correct the wrongs of the past by purchasing each and every Devolver Digital game at a fraction of their intended price.

This year’s unprecedented annual Devolver Digital sale features games from the label’s eclectic roster including the award-winning and critically acclaimed GRIS, Ape Out, Observation, My Friend Pedro, Enter the Gungeon, The Talos Principle, Shadow Warrior 2, Broforce, and the Hotline Miami series. 

In an entirely separate move born out of entirely original thoughts, the fully integrated media and entertainment company has also branched out into the lucrative world of podcasting with the newly announced Devolver Digital Forkcast. Emanating from a secret and, frankly, nauseating location, The Devolver Digital Forkcast will be available every Thursday from forkcast.devolverdigital.com and wherever people who like podcasts find their podcasts.

Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/devolver/

“If Elon Musk can smoke a marijuana cigarette on a podcast, so can I,” noted Devolver Digital CFO Fork Parker.

Consumers can dispose of their disposable income during the Devolver Digital Publisher Weekend on Steam from April 16 – April 19.

Weird, Wonderful, Jazz-Infused Tales From Off-Peak City Vol. 1 Headed to Steam on May 15

Cosmo D Studios Follows Critically-acclaimed The Norwood Suite with IGF-nominated Successor; New Screens & Gameplay Trailer Showcase Unique Tone and Environments

Brooklyn, NYC, United States — April 16, 2020 — Cosmo D Studios, today announce that its IGF-nominated first-person adventure title, Tales From Off-Peak City Vol. 1, is headed to Steam (Windows, Mac & Linux) on May 15, priced $9.99 – with a 10% discount available at launch.

Set in the same universe as the critically-acclaimed The Norwood Suite and Off-Peak, Tales From Off-Peak City Vol. 1 will see players visit the unforgettable street corner of July Avenue and Yam Street, as they plot to obtain a saxophone from longtime pizza-maker (and former saxophonist) Caetano Grosso. This instrumental pursuit will set off a chain of events across the neighborhood, taking players deep into the hidden worlds and private lives of the people living there.

Filled with memorable characters, secrets and hidden agendas, this open-ended locale is rife for exploration – players will make pizzas, take photos, push buttons, open drawers they’re not supposed to – all while losing themselves in an atmospheric score that’s directly integrated into the game world.

An acclaimed cellist, Cosmo D composed the unique soundtrack for Tales From Off-Peak City Vol. 1, which will also be available at launch, either separately, priced $6.99 or as a Deluxe Bundle (Game + Soundtrack) for $12.99.

Volume 1: Caetano’s Slice is the first game of many in the anthology of Tales. While each ‘Volume’ is its own self-contained story and experience, taken together, they build towards the larger overarching narrative of what’s really going on at the corner of July Avenue and Yam Street and what role you ultimately play in its fate.

Head over to the Tales From Off-Peak City Vol. 1 Steam store page to get the low down, before the game releases on May 15.

About Cosmo D

Cosmo D is a game designer based in New York City with a background in cello performance and music composition. One rainy night in June 2013, he was struck by a car while crossing the street and found himself unable to play or make music for several months. While convalescing, he took it upon himself to learn the Unity Engine. The result was Off-Peak, released in 2015. A homage to Cosmo D’s home city of New York, as well as a commentary on the commodification of art and music in the urban space, Off-Peak gained a cult following, with hordes of press nods, let’s plays on YouTube, and a fanbase eagerly awaiting the follow-up. With assistance from NYU Game Center’s Incubator program, publisher Alliance Digital Media, as well as the New York game development scene at large, Cosmo D released a sequel, The Norwood Suite, in October 2017.

Building on the momentum from developing and releasing The Norwood Suite, Cosmo D started work on Tales From Off-Peak City Vol. 1 in Spring of 2018. Visit the official website at cosmod.net

STAR WARS™ EPISODE I: RACER TO LAUNCH ON NINTENDO SWITCH AND PLAYSTATION 4 ON MAY 12 

Two Engines. One Champion. No Limits. 

AUSTIN, Texas, April 16, 2020 – Get ready to shout – “Now, this is podracing!” 

Aspyr announced today that the classic Nintendo 64 racing game, Star Wars™ Episode l: Racer, will arrive for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 on May 12 for $14.99. Fans can take control of a podracer speeding through flaming methane lakes, Tusken Raider assaults, anti-gravity tunnels, and much more in a pulse-pounding, do-or-die fight to the finish line. 

Star Wars Episode l: Racer, the classic sci-fi racing game based on the podracing sequence in the film Star Wars™: The Phantom Menace™, is back with modernized controls.  

• Twenty-five (25) playable racers including Anakin Skywalker, Sebulba, and Ratts Tyerell
• Race tracks spanning eight unique worlds including Tatooine, Baroonda, and Malastare
• Players can work with pit droids to upgrade podracers for higher top speeds and acceleration
• Discover short-cuts and secrets to master lap times
• Play single player campaigns or multiplayer via split-screen

“Star Wars fans can soon go full throttle with Aspyr’s update to the classic, fan-favorite, Star Wars Episode l: Racer,” said Elizabeth Howard, vice president of publishing at Aspyr. “The beloved game has been modernized for the most optimal gaming experience on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. Star Wars fans should get ready to steer their racer to victory and leave their opponents in the dust.”

Star Wars Episode l: Racer will be available for purchase on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 on May 12 for $14.99 USD. Sign up for the latest news via aspyr.com/StarWars. 

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

About Aspyr
Aspyr is a leading video game publishing and development partner focused on maximizing the potential of games across all platforms and for all players. Today, the company supports a growing network of partners that includes many of the industry’s leading entertainment IP holders, publishers, developers, and technology providers. Aspyr is based in Austin, TX. For more information, visit www.aspyr.com.