Foxtel and NBCUniversal complete new multi-year content agreement

Foxtel and NBCUniversal Global Distribution & International (NBCU) today announced they have completed a new, multi-year agreement covering movies, drama, comedy, entertainment, reality and news for the Foxtel Group’s broadcast, on demand and streaming platforms.

The agreement includes premiere Australian subscription rights for movies from Universal Pictures and a significantly expanded range of titles from the studio’s rich library of blockbusters and evergreen classics. This further strengthens Foxtel Movies’ extensive line-up including hit films from The Fast and the Furious, Jurassic, Bourne and Jaws franchises, in addition to DreamWorks Animation titles.

Foxtel will continue to reimagine its channel offering with NBCU’s highly popular channels – Universal TV, E! and business news channel CNBC.  Universal TV will join Foxtel’s new FOX Crime channel in providing an extraordinary line up of crime and procedural drama including multiple series in the Law & Order and Chicago franchises.  Together with E! and Foxtel’s ARENA, Foxtel’s position will be cemented as the number one destination for reality and Hollywood news with hugely popular franchises such as E!’s Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Real Housewives from Bravo.

The new agreement will also see NBCU continue as a major provider of scripted content for Foxtel’s expanded line-up of FOX-branded channels and on demand platforms.  This includes complete seasons of some of the most popular sitcoms for FOX Funny and FOX Hits including The Office, 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation. The deal also brings Foxtel first run rights to US blockbuster series Chicago P.D. which will premiere on FOX One on November 15.

NBCU will also provide thousands of additional hours of on demand content including movies and both Bravo’s popular reality series and scripted box sets, initially available through the New Foxtel Experience on iQ3s and iQ4s and through Foxtel NOW. These will be joined by season five of locally commissioned hit reality series The Real Housewives of Melbourne, currently in pre-production with NBCU International Studios’ Matchbox Pictures and due on Foxtel screens exclusively in Australia next year.

Foxtel Chief Commercial Officer Amanda Laing said: “Foxtel and NBCU have a long and shared history of bringing iconic and ground-breaking entertainment to Australian audiences. 

“We are incredibly pleased to extend that partnership with this new cornerstone agreement covering movies, scripted content and NBCU channels in a new agreement that reflects Foxtel’s commitment to building strong partnerships with the best content creators in the world.

“This broad, multi-year deal continues to deliver Foxtel subscribers NBCU’s amazing range of top-quality films and series, along with our compelling channel brands,” commented Chris Taylor, Managing Director, Distribution & Networks, ANZ, NBCUniversal. “We look forward to an on-going collaboration with Foxtel as we continue our long-standing, successful partnership.”

Ms Laing added: “Our new deal with NBCU is another step to ensure Foxtel is future fit to deliver on our promise to provide customers with the best of TV and on demand all in one place, at the best value.”

Flagship Microsoft Store Sydney in partnership with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), today announced a series of free autism friendly Minecraft workshops at Microsoft Store for children aged 8 -14 years.

Running from October 2019, the workshops will offer an accessible experience for children on the autism spectrum to explore, build, create and foster social skills through the magic of Minecraft.

The workshops follow a two-month pilot program at Microsoft Store Sydney. Driven by an inquiry from a customer, who was looking for an inclusive space for their autistic son to socialise in, the Microsoft community team created a regular, dedicated event for children on the spectrum to meet and game together. The demand for these weekly sessions moved Microsoft Store to approach Aspect, Australia’s largest national service provider for people on the autism spectrum, to develop an approved workshop format to cater specifically to this audience.

Autism can affect the way a person communicates and interacts with other people and their environment. This can mean children on the spectrum may have social communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviour, making it sometimes challenging for them to engage and interact in group workshops and events.

Marianne is 11 years old and loves art and craft, rollerblading, gymnastics, swimming and playing the piano.  She was also diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum at two years of age. Marianne recently attended one of the autism friendly Microsoft Minecraft workshops, after watching her brother play the game at home.

“We tried to attend a non-autism inclusive Minecraft workshop in the past, but the loud noises and large groups of people were too distressing and distracting for Marianne. At the autism friendly workshop, the smaller group, dimmer lights and awareness of some of the issues that the individual kids in the group faced made it easier for Marianne to concentrate and made me feel more relaxed”, commented Marianne’s mum Meliana.

Microsoft Store Sydney worked closely with Aspect to develop an approved format for the new workshops and to create an inclusive environment within the Store during these times. Changes to the format included dimmed lighting, reduced noise and training of Microsoft Store staff to better understand the needs of kids on the autism spectrum.

The new workshops allow children on the autism spectrum to immerse themselves in Minecraft, meet and have fun with other builders in the area, and stretch their skills with timed challenges.

Matthew Oastler, Aspect Practice Consultant said“Social situations can sometimes be difficult for kids on the autism spectrum due to a range of sensory, social and communication barriers.  Engaging in a game like Minecraft breaks down some of those barriers and provides a great opportunity for kids on the autism spectrum to be creative and have fun in a safe environment, while developing skills in planning, communication and collaboration. We’re really excited to be working with the Microsoft Store Sydney, who are committed to developing and delivering a meaningful program of workshops tailored specifically to kids on the autism spectrum.”

Jessica Erhart, Community Development Specialist at the flagship Microsoft Store Sydney, commented on the workshops saying, “An estimated 1 in 70 Australians are on the autism spectrum. These individuals are a part of our community and we want to provide them with every opportunity that we can.

“Microsoft Store is committed to creating an innovative learning environment where every child feels included, comfortable, supported and empowered. With the training and support from Aspect, Microsoft Store Sydney has developed its autism friendly Minecraft workshops to address the growing need for more inclusive, autism friendly spaces, serving part of its Sydney community.

The first publicly available workshop will take place at Microsoft Store Sydney on Sunday 17 November 2019.

About the workshops:
Date/time: Every fortnight, alternating Saturday and Sunday
Location: Microsoft Store – Flagship on Pitt St Mall, Sydney

Autism Friendly Minecraft Build Challenge

This free Minecraft workshop is hosted specifically for children on the autism spectrum, aged 8 – 14, to create and build in Minecraft.  This workshop is a great way for players to immerse themselves in Minecraft, meet and have fun with other builders in the area, and stretch their skills with timed challenges.

The Microsoft Store will offer a reduced sensory experience inside the Community Theatre for the duration of the workshop, including dimmed lighting and lowered music. These are small group sessions as part of Microsoft Store’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in support of our community. Parents and siblings are welcome to participate.

Register here

About Autism Spectrum Australia:
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)is Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider, with one of the biggest autism-specific school programs in the world. A not-for-profit organisation, Aspect work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum, and their families to deliver evidence-informed solutions that are person-centred, family-focused and customer driven. Their services provide people on the autism spectrum with the opportunity to realise their unique potential, as well as providing much-needed support to their families, carers, friends and colleagues.

About Microsoft Store:

Microsoft Store in Sydney is a retail experience that blends the traditional retail space with the innovative technology and values, that is part of Microsoft’s DNA. Microsoft Store removes barriers between people, their ideas, and ways to pursue them, to create an experience where customer can learn, create, achieve and be empowered. The autism friendly Minecraft workshops are the latest sessions Microsoft Store offer to help children create, learn new skills and achieve more. 

Conquer Lush Voxel Worlds in Riverbond on Nintendo Switch 10 Dec.

Spelunky Crossover, New World Debut on Switch

TORONTO – 6 November, 2019 – Riverbond, the shoot-and-slash dungeon crawler with solo and couch co-op play from Cococucumber, sets out for adventure on Nintendo Switch 10 Dec. 2019 with a new world and Spelunky crossover skin, simultaneously coming to Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Steam for PC as a free update.

The cute characters, vibrant worlds, and streamlined action of Riverbond are perfect for all ages, at home or on-the-go. Bust up enemy creatures and whimsical bosses on a solo or co-op quest for up to four players. Master quirky melee and ranged weapons like giant sticks of ham or powerful ray guns. Delve deeper into a world of colorful cubes just waiting to be smashed. Each area boasts a new objective and ever-better loot awaits those brave enough to face the challenge.

An ethereal adventure awaits on Switch, as the new Crystalwatch levels add a brilliant fantasy world of fearsome lizard foes and peaceful badger monks. Explore nine worlds as dozens of charming character skins, including indie crossovers like Spelunky Guy from Spelunky, who joins Raz Aquato from Psychonauts, The Kid from Bastion, Shovel Knight, and more.

From mysterious airborne castles to haunting underground caverns, Riverbond’s eclectic world welcomes would-be adventurers with diverse environments to explore. Composers Mike Rocha and Ryan Roth (Void Bastards, The Beginner’s Guide, Starseed Pilgrim) punctuates the proceedings with a dramatic, synthesized score elevating the action to thrilling heights.

“We’re inspired by cooperative RPGs and classic action games of yesteryears and look forward to welcoming players with a wonderful and spirited adventure,” said Vanessa Chia, Co-Founder and Art Director, Cococucumber. “Riverbond marries the fast-paced action we’re so nostalgic for with modern gameplay and drop-in-drop-out co-op and, giving friends and families dazzling new worlds to explore together on Nintendo Switch.”

Riverbond will release 10 Dec. 2019 for $24.99 USD/€ 21.99 on Nintendo Switch, joining the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam for PC platforms with game updates and the Spelunky Guy crossover skin debuting on all systems. A 20% discount will also be available on all platforms at launch. Riverbond is available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Spanish (Latin America), Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

To further explore the whimsical world of Riverbond, journey to the official website and catch up with Cococucumber on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Discord.

About Cococucumber

Cococucumber is a Toronto-based independent game studio co-founded by Vanessa Chia and Martin Gauvreau. Their team aims to create original titles across all platforms for players of all ages. Since their journey in game development began, Cococucumber has published two other titles including Bunny Bonker and Planet of the Eyes. 

Build a Transportation Empire to Rival the Ages in Good Shepherd Entertainment and Urban Games’ Ambitious New Tycoon Simulation Game

AMSTERDAM – Nov. 6, 2019 – Good Shepherd Entertainment and developer Urban Games have revealed that Transport Fever 2, the next great tycoon simulation game from the makers of the hit Transport Fever and Train Fever series, will launch on Dec. 11, 2019, for Windows PC and Linux via Steam. Additionally, to celebrate its third anniversary, the original Transport Fever will be available for 80% off on Steam from today until Friday, November 8.

Transport Fever 2 gives you more than 170 years of real-world technology and history to design and master your own transportation empire with a vastly improved feature set, user interface and modding capabilities. Make your fortune creating elaborate new worlds of transport routes and infrastructure over land, sea and air. Choose from over 200 realistically modeled vehicles from Europe, America and Asia, including trains, buses, streetcars, trucks, aircraft and ships, plus modular stations, airports and harbors.

Experience the greatest logistical challenges from 1850 to today across three unique story campaigns featuring voiceovers and cutscenes, and let your creativity run wild through giant sandbox maps in free play mode. Watch your empire boom in beautiful detail with intuitive construction tools and dynamic economy, transportation and city simulation systems. Build a diverse empire by utilizing the game’s new ecosystem options, allowing users to choose from distinct natural environments, each rendered in exquisite graphical detail. You can even create and share your own worlds, missions, landscapes, vehicles and more with the in-game map editor and extensive modding tools and support via Steam Workshop.

For the latest information, follow @GoodShepherdEnt and @TransportFever on Twitter.

About Good Shepherd Entertainment

Good Shepherd Entertainment publishes video games from independent artists worldwide and operates a proprietary investment platform for a growing global network of qualified investors seeking risk-mitigated participation in the $130B video game industry. Originally established in the Netherlands in 2011, operating under the name Gambitious, the Company became a full-featured publisher in 2014. Good Shepherd Entertainment is backed by some of the industry’s most notable names, including Devolver Digital, Croteam and Perfect World, all successful companies in independent game development and publishing. www.GoodShepherd.games

About Urban Games

Urban Games is an independent video game developer based in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Established in 2013, the company shipped the debut title Train Fever in 2014 and its second game, Transport Fever, in 2016. Both games became profitable within the first weeks after launch, and with more than half a million units sold, Transport Fever enabled the company to continue its strong growth. Urban Games’ third title, Transport Fever 2, will launch on Dec. 11, 2019.

Gameplay first look to be revealed at G-Star 2019 in South Korea

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – NOV. 6, 2019 – Netmarble Corp. is proud to announce new details for Magic: ManaStrike, its first-ever game for Wizards of the Coast franchise Magic: The Gathering. Developed under license exclusively by the Netmarble Monster studio, Magic: ManaStrike is a mobile synchronous combat game that brings fan-favorite spells, and characters, such as Chandra Nalaar, Jace Beleren and more – to life in an all-new genre.

Easy to play but hard to master, Magic: ManaStrike offers simple, tactical, and strategic gameplay through its user-friendly interface. Gameplay spotlights many customized strategies between opponents in intense Player vs. Player (PvP) matches. Players can experience Magic: The Gathering’s vast universe of original spells and characters presented with amazing visuals in high-quality 3D, all in the palm of their hand.

“Working with Wizards of the Coast on Magic: ManaStrike was great, and we are proud of the experiences we built together to bring the brand to a whole new genre of gameplay,” said Seungwon Lee, Chief Global Officer of Netmarble. “More details on Magic: ManaStrike will be shared soon. We want to assure fans our game acts as a fresh new addition to Magic: The Gathering, and we are eager to introduce what makes Magic: The Gathering special to even more players.”

Players begin with a detailed tutorial, which guides them through the game’s early stages. After choosing a pre-made deck of cards from one of Magic’s five iconic colors – White, Blue, Black, Red or Green – players will fight against live opponents, where quick tactics and fast play reign supreme on the battlefield. As they progress, players will collect new cards and enhance their units (inspired by Magic: The Gathering’s deep library of creatures) to suit their individual playstyles and strategies.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Netmarble to bring Magic: ManaStrike to mobile gaming fans around the world,” said Eugene Evans, VP, Business Development, Wizards of the Coast. “We were drawn by Netmarble’s reputation as a global leader in mobile games and its known passion for putting a unique twist on the genre. As a new Magic-inspired experience, Magic: ManaStrike is an action-packed way to discover the Magic multiverse, and we can’t wait to welcome new players to the community.”

More details, including a gameplay first look for Magic: ManaStrike will be formally revealed at this year’s G-Star tradeshow in Busan, South Korea available from 14-17 November.

Assets, including logos and screenshots can be found at: https://www.webcargo.net/l/syCcsvCdnU/

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About Netmarble Corporation

Netmarble Corporation strives to entertain audiences of all ages around the world by providing great mobile gaming experiences. Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble is one of the fastest-growing mobile game companies and consistently ranks as a top mobile developer and publisher worldwide. With more than 6,000 employees, Netmarble has been producing and servicing some of the most successful mobile games including Lineage 2: Revolution, Blade & Soul Revolution, MARVEL Future Fight, BTS WORLD, Everybody’s Marble, and Seven Knights. As a parent company to Kabam, a top mobile game developer in massively multiplayer free-to-play games, and the largest shareholder to Jam City, a leading casual social game developer, Netmarble has a strategic partnership with CJ ENM Corporation, Asia’s largest entertainment company, Tencent Holdings, Asia’s largest internet company, and NCsoft, a prominent MMORPG company. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com

About Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering’s compelling characters, fantastic worlds, and deep strategic gameplay have entertained and delighted fans for more than 25 years. Fans can experience Magic through the tabletop trading card game, the new digital game Magic: The Gathering Arena, a New York Times bestselling novel, critically acclaimed comic book series, and professional esports league. With over 40 million fans to date, Magic is a worldwide phenomenon published in eleven languages in over 70 countries.

About Wizards of the Coast

Wizards of the Coast LLC, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS), is the leader in entertaining the lifestyle gamer. Wizards’ players and fans are members of a global community bound together by their love of both digital gaming and in person play. The company brings to market a range of gaming experiences under powerful brand names such as MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, and AVALON HILL. Wizards is also a publisher of fantasy series fiction with numerous New York Times bestsellers. For more information about our world renowned brands, visit the Wizards of the Coast Web site at https://company.wizards.com

“Corrupted” Update 15 brings a whopping 83 changes to the popular roguelite, including a new mini biome, perks for veterans and a new rune

Bordeaux, France – Nov. 6, 2019 – Motion Twin and Evil Empire announced Yet Another Big Update™ for Dead Cells today – the Corrupted Update. The update is now live on PC with Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch to follow in late November.

The Corrupted Update adds a new optional mini biome – mirroring Prison Depths – which offers shorter challenges featuring one cursed chest at the beginning. Additionally, the Corrupted Update introduces Scroll Fragments which can be combined to make a whole triple scroll. Experienced players should also appreciate the Recycling Tubes, a new meta upgrade that is unlockable when beating the Hand of the King for the first time in Dead Cells’ initial unlockable difficulty, BC1.

Specifically for players heading into battle in the higher difficulties, Recycling Tubes replace the starting gear with four sets of five random items (melee, range, shield and two skills) and players can choose which one to start with. This is designed to smooth out the difficulty of the first level for advanced players, giving you a bit of momentum and getting back to that sweet sweet feeling of kicking ass right out of the gate.

Other additions to the game include the Explorer’s Instinct (a new rune which reveals the whole map and points of interest), a complete rebalancing of the biomes and paths, and three new Tactics mutations: Crows Feet, Tactical Retreat and Networking. Crow’s Feet allows you to place up to nine Crow’s Feet on the ground to damage and slow enemies, Tactical Retreat gives you the ability to slow nearby enemies, preventing them from inflicting malaise by dodging them just in time and Networking links all enemies that have a projectile lodged in them, sharing damage taken by one with all linked baddies.

With a ton of quality of life additions straight from the community wishlist, all the details can be found here: https://dead-cells.com/patchnotes.

Dead Cells is an award-winning roguelike metroidvania action platformer. Explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle … That is, assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers. To beat the game, you’ll have to master frantic 2D combat, with the ever-present threat of permadeath looming. Winner and nominee for dozens of Game of the Year awards in 2018, the title has undergone a series of updates and continues to evolve based on its feedback from its awesome community.

To keep up with the latest Dead Cells news and updates, make sure to follow @motiontwin.

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About Motion Twin
Motion Twin is an independent game development studio based in France since 2001 and are the creators of the hit roguelike action game Dead Cells, available for PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch platforms. Motion Twin is a worker cooperative passionate about creating new game experiences. Learn more at https://motion-twin.com/en/.

About Evil Empire

Evil Empire is a new game studio made up of ex-Motion Twin team members and new recruits. We’re really proud to have partnered up with Motion Twin to continue working on Dead Cells and super excited to have the opportunity to work on our own game. We share office space with Motion Twin and regularly win Nerf battles… Soon, world domination!

This past Saturday during its 24-hour livestream for the ExtraLife charity, the Studio Wildcard Team, along with its community and ExtraLife partner team, raised over $91,000 and beat its highest amount raised in 2018 at $76,630.27! This was in great part to the help of the generous ARK community, amazing sponsors, and dedicated partners who signed up to join the fundraising team.
 
Six fundraising milestones were met and as promised, each milestone prompted an opportunity to share sneak peeks at upcoming content, with videos and creative art from the ARK: Genesis DLC coming in January 2020. If you missed the event on Saturday and want a sneak peek of ARK: Genesis check out below all the videos and concept art that was shared during the event.
 
Here are the ARK: Genesis Reveals!

• TEK Shoulder Cannon Weapon Teaser: youtu.be/hojAB4m1tnA
  With potential dangers in every direction, it’s hard to be aware of what may be lurking around the corner. With the TEK Shoulder Cannon, customize what you perceive to be a threat and let it do the rest!
• Fishing Net Item Teaser: youtu.be/sAmdwdpRf6k
  If you’re looking to fish on-the-go and don’t have time to take a seat, the Fishing Net in ARK: Genesis will come in handy. The Fishing Net is a one-time use item that’s convenient to capture multiple fish at once, and offers a chance to give you extra rewards in return.
• Magmasaur Creature Teaser: youtu.be/6IOSL8qKxV4
  Things are heating up in with Magmasaur in ARK: Genesis. With molten fireball attacks and a fiery internal core, this creature is literally a mobile forge.
• Cruise Missile Weapon Teaser: youtu.be/bRhVwxy1T3c
  Want to send someone a message? With a remote-controlled shoulder missile that can be written on, you’re able to do that quite literally. If that message doesn’t go through, feel free to hop on the missile for a ride and deliver it in person!
• Lunar Biome Environment Teaser: youtu.be/351Qdbadyjs
  The Lunar Biome brings new gameplay mechanics and visuals in ARK: Genesis. Experience a low-gravity biome with a perplexing light cycle and irradiating sunlight that’s dangerous if you’re exposed to it. Adapting to the meteor bombardments and electrical storms will be a challenging, but rewarding experience. It is only in the Lunar Biome will you find the elusive Astrocetus.
• Bloodstalker Creature Teaser: youtu.be/70IznAk_OCo
  Get yourself out of a sticky situation with Bloodstalker in ARK: Genesis. Use its otherworldly ability to produce and excrete sticky vines to swing into safety. Be careful when approaching a wild Bloodstalker as it may reel you in for a closer examination of your bodily fluids….

ARK: Genesis is the next chapter of ARK: Survival Evolved delivered in two huge expansion packs which further the ARK storyline while adventuring through unique and diverse biomes via an all new mission-based game mechanic. Discover and tame all-new creatures, including island-sized sea turtles, shapeshifting creatures that transform from small and cuddly to ferocious, and fireball shooting dragon-like beasts that thrive in extreme volcanic environments! Buy ARK: Genesis now on Steam, Xbox, and PS4 to receive an instant download of an in-game cosmetic pet for ARK: Survival Evolved exclusively available with purchase of the ARK: Genesis Season Pass.
  
For the latest updates, follow us on:
 
Twitter at: www.twitter.com/survivetheark
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/survivetheark/
Visit the Website: playark.com
Community Hub: www.survivetheark.com
Subreddit: www.reddit.com/r/playark
Instagram: www.instagram.com/survivetheark
Plus watch us tame and train leviathan creatures: www.twitch.tv/survivetheark
 

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ABOUT STUDIO WILDCARD
Studio Wildcard was co-founded in 2014 by industry veteran Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, former Technical Art Director at Microsoft Game Studios, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions that are designed for core gamers. With a combined 25 years of industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Jeremy and Jesse have teamed up with other veteran developers for Seattle, WA-based and Gainesville, FL-based development studios that also include distributed team members across multiple continents. Wherever talented, driven developers may reside, Studio Wildcard intends to seek out and work with them!