Salt and Sanctuary Invites Daring Adventurers On Nintendo Switch™Today

SEATTLE, Wash. – 3 AUGUST 2018 – Salt and Sanctuary, Ska Studios’ brutal hand-drawn 2D Soulslike platformer with over 800,000 downloads, releases today on the Nintendo Switch with the help of porting specialist BlitWorks.

After a confrontation with an eldritch beast from the dark depths of the sea slaughters a pirate crew, a lone survivor washes ashore. An old man proffers ominous riddles to this person, calling them the Saltborn. Seeking answers, the Saltborn arms themself and sets out across an island haunted by all manner of undead monstrosities.

Create a character, customizing everything from physical appearance to weapon choice, and explore this forgotten land either alone or with another Saltborn via local co-op. Make a character build ranging from a measured, patient swordswoman who cuts only at opportune times to a wicked spellcaster that manipulates the elements to their advantage. Sixteen weapon types, more than fifty sets of armor that offer stats, abilities, and change appearance, and a massive skill tree offer the chance to survive Salt and Sanctuary in near-infinite ways.

The cruel, aberrant creatures that prowl these cursed lands stop at nothing to purge the Saltborn from their territories. Over twenty brutal bosses, from the jawless Queen of Smiles to the dreaded Witch of the Lake, eviscerate interlopers on sight. Cautious adventurers can best these challenges in tough-but-fair combat however they wish. Dodge, block, cleave, and scorch adversaries in hopes of revealing the horrifying secrets of the island and its drowned denizens.

Even after discovering the truth, sinister tribulations provide reasons to play Salt and Sanctuary multiple times. Difficult New Game+ and Challenge Modes including permadeath mean that masochists always have a thrilling trial ahead.”

“Together, we’ve crafted a dark world that both tests and rewards those daring enough to enter,” said Michelle and James Silva, co-creators at Ska Studios. “Welcome, Switch adventurers, to our ghoulish island, where mystery and death loom.”

Salt and Sanctuary is available digitally for $17.99 USD for Nintendo Switch on the Nintendo eShop in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Leadman Games’ Salt and Sanctuary: Drowned Tome Edition for Nintendo Switch will be coming to retail stores this holiday. More details can be found at the Drowned Tome Edition’s page on Leadman Games’ site.

To learn more, please visit the game’s official site, or follow Ska Studios on Twitter and Facebook.

About Ska Studios
Ska Studios is a wife-and-husband team ran by Michelle and James Silva (and their cats, Neko and Gato, who deserve just as much credit). The two of them enjoy making games as a hobby but it also happens to be their career. They wish to always focus on the game first, and if they make money on the side, it’s a welcome bonus.

To learn more about Ska Studios please visit the studio’s official website.

PUBG MOBILE RAISES THE STAKES EVEN HIGHER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARAMOUNT PICTURES’ AND SKYDANCE MEDIA’S NEW THEATRICAL FILM, “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT”

The Original Battle Royale Mobile Game, PUBG MOBILE, gets All-New Movie Tie-In Content Starting Today

LOS ANGELES – Aug. 2, 2018 – As part of an unprecedented month-long campaign for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBG MOBILE), Tencent Games has partnered with the new movie, “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” in theaters July 27, to deliver all-new in-game content inspired by the film. This update, available now, comes just in time for PUBG MOBILE players.

“Nothing is impossible for PUBG MOBILE, the world’s most popular mobile battle royale game –  not even a partnership with an iconic movie franchise such as “Mission: Impossible,” said PUBG MOBILE team General Manager Vincent Wang. “After only a few months on the market, we continue to build our player base for PUBG MOBILE – now over 100 million strong – while growing our brand with innovative partnerships such as this special in-game event to appeal to a broad range of gamers worldwide.”

Also, PUBG MOBILE will deliver a “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” in-game theme and several new in-game features with its latest update, including:

• “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” Takeover – Players will experience all-new background music and customizable parachutes themed to the film;
• Special In-Game Rewards – Players can exchange themed items for “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” outfits to use during the promotional campaign;
• All-New Challenges – Players can compete in themed challenges for Team Rush, Survival and First-Person Perspective modes to earn various rewards.

Players can experience the world of “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” on their Android and iOS devices in PUBG MOBILE with new items, challenges and other recognizable content straight from the film.

PUBG MOBILE is available to download for free on the App Store and Google Play.

PUBG MOBILE is developed by Tencent Games and PUBG Corp. and based on PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, the original PC and Xbox One gaming phenomenon that took the world of interactive entertainment by storm in 2017. Up to 100 players parachute onto a remote 8×8 km island to do battle in a winner-takes-all showdown. Players must locate and scavenge their own weapons, vehicles and supplies, and defeat every player in a visually and tactically rich battleground that forces players into a shrinking play zone.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation: Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

About Skydance Media: Skydance is a diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create high quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across its feature film, television, and interactive platforms. Its feature films include Annihilation, LIFE, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, Star Trek Beyond, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Terminator Genisys, World War Z, Star Trek Into Darkness, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Jack Reacher, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, and True Grit. Skydance’s next feature film to release is Mission: Impossible – Fallout on July 27, 2018. In 2017, Skydance formed an animation division to develop and produce a slate of high-end feature films and television series in partnership with Spain’s Ilion Animation Studios. Skydance Television launched in 2013. Its current slate includes Emmy-nominated Grace and Frankie on Netflix, Altered Carbon on Netflix, Jack Ryan on Amazon, Condor on AT&T Audience Network, and Dietland on AMC. Skydance Interactive launched in 2016 to create and publish original and IP-based virtual reality experiences and video games. Skydance Interactive recently debuted its first original title – Archangel, a story-driven VR shooter.

For more information, please visit the official PUBG MOBILE accounts on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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SHAQ FU: A LEGEND REBORN NOW AVAILABLE ON iOS AND ANDROID

Get a Taste of Shaq Daddy for Free in this Action-packed Beat ‘Em Up

MAPLEWOOD, N.J. – Aug. 2, 2018 – Saber Interactive has released Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn today on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets via the App Store and Google Play. Mobile gamers can play through the first level of Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn for free, with the complete game available to purchase for $4.99.

“It’s been a long time coming, but The Diesel is finally here to kick butt around the world on mobile,” said the game’s star, Shaquille O’Neal.

Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn is a side-scrolling beat ‘em up featuring the notorious Shaquille O’Neal. With the world on the brink of disaster, play as the Big Diesel himself and journey to faraway locations to avenge your destroyed home and kung fu master. Use deadly combos and special power-up attacks to fight off enemy hordes and epic boss battles.

Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB. It is a co-production of Saber Interactive and Big Deez Productions, in partnership with Mad Dog Games. For more information, visit www.alegendreborn.com.

Store Links
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shaq-fu-a-legend-reborn/id1255910488?mt=8
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maddog.shaqfu

About Saber Interactive
Based in the U.S., Russia, and Spain, Saber Interactive is an independent developer whose credits include Quake Champions, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo: Master Chief Collection, and others. Saber’s NBA Playgrounds is one of the best-selling digital console titles of 2017. The company has multiple development studios across the world making great games and bringing fun interactive experiences to life.

DEAD OR ALIVE 6 ADDS TWO INTENSE FIGHTERS TO LINE-UP!

Team NINJA Bolsters Hard-Hitting Roster, Introducing Two New Playable Characters at Evo 2018

Hertfordshire, 2^nd August 2018 – KOEI TECMO Europe announced today the addition of two more fighters to the DEAD OR ALIVE 6 roster, including returning antagonist Rig, as well as Diego — a fascinating and forceful new character to the DOA Universe.  Both combatants will be showcased in the first consumer playable build of DEAD OR ALIVE 6 at the Evolution Championship Series (Evo) 2018 inside the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, on the 3rd-4th August 2018.

Known as “The Uncrowned Street Hero,” Diego makes his DOA debut boasting the raw and brutal skills of a street fighter, utilising everything from headbutts to tackles in taking down opponents. This gritty fighter grew up in the back alleys of New York, earning money to support his ailing mother by competing in many street matches. Long rumoured to be the strongest fighter in his neighbourhood, he is seen by many locals as a hero as he utilises his experience brawling in confined quarters to impact fights with a set of strong-style moves.

Joining Diego is returning taekwondo master Rig, who boasts the “Kicks of Truth and Deceit.” Rig, who originally debuted in DEAD OR ALIVE 5, is a former oil platform worker whose kick-heavy style has evolved to incorporate more acrobatic manoeuvres. To kick-off their confrontation in DOA6, the formidable brawler Rig challenges Diego in a New York alley, and the two decide the time for conversation is over; it’s time to fight!

Diego and Rig join the six playable characters previously announced (Helena Douglas, Hayate, Ryu Hayabusa, Zack, Kasumi, and Jann Lee), as fans in attendance at Evo will be able to test out the latest build of the game while winning exclusive swag, including DOA6 shirts, tote bags, and lanyards.

To celebrate the reveal of this fascinating new character, KOEI TECMO Europe released a reveal trailer showcasing the iconic meeting between Diego and Rig, alongside a selection of new assets showing the Training Mode for the first time!

DEAD OR ALIVE 6 is currently in development for the PlayStation®4 Computer Entertainment System, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and digitally on Windows PC via Steam®, and is slated for release in Early 2019.

For the latest information on DEAD OR ALIVE 6, please visit our official website at http://www.teamninja-studio.com/doa6, Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/DeadorAliveGame, and Follow us on Twitter @DOATEC_OFFICIAL.

ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI TECMO’s best known for their signature ‘one versus thousands’ Warriors series, the fan-favourite Ninja Gaiden and fighting entertainment title Dead or Alive. Through collaboration with strong existing franchises, such as A.O.T. Wings of Freedom (Attack on Titan), has brought fan-favourite shows to life in video game form. The company’s desire for innovation and diversity has seen the creation of the critically acclaimed dark-samurai action title Nioh, which takes on new and unique gameplay styles. The company’s acquisition of GUST, developer of a variety of heart-warming titles, has seen their flagship Atelier series span generations of consoles and fans alike. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com

Xbox Game Pass: Hitman Season 1, Ruiner, Ryse: Son of Rome, and More August 1

Xbox Game Pass members, get ready for action as a variety of new titles for gamers of all ages are on their way. In addition to the more than 100 great games already included in your membership, starting today journey to the ancient Roman Empire with Ryse: Son of Rome; stop a cyberpunk conspiracy in Ruiner; fight two distinct flavours of zombie from the gory hordes in Dead Rising 2 to the 8-bit walkers in The Escapists: The Walking Dead; take an assassination contract in Hitman: Season 1, or leap into metroidvania-style action in Dandara. Finally, enjoy a game with the whole family in Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure, the remastered Xbox 360 Kinect-supported classic.

Starting today follow @XboxGamePass on Twitter and Instagram for upcoming news and titles joining Xbox Game Pass

Let’s check out today’s new additions in more detail:

Hitman Season 1
Welcome to the World of Assassination. You are Agent 47, the world’s best assassin.

As an agent of the International Contract Agency (ICA), you are tasked with taking out hard-to-reach, high-profile targets in exotic locations all around the world. You’ll need to use your wits and creativity to find ways in eliminating your targets in densely detailed and intricate sandbox levels with complete freedom of approach. Where to go, when to strike, what to use, and how to kill is all up to you.

Ruiner
It‘s the brutal world of 2091. Ruiner immerses you in a cyberpunk dystopia, where you take on the role of a wired sociopath out to uncover the truth about the corrupt system and to retrieve his kidnapped brother. This brutal action shooter immerses you in Rengkok City, from its shady back-alleys to its towering corporate titans. Get ready to experience a game carved from the mold of the best cyberpunk anime.

Ryse: Son of Rome
Ave! Join the legions of ancient Rome as Marius Titus, a centurion on the rise. Sword-and-sandals meets action combat as you battle with the unique flow system, allowing you to seamlessly weave your battle between enemies. Prepare to immerse yourself in this alternate history, where the battles you fight will determine the fate of an empire.

Dead Rising 2
The sequel to the smash hit features Chuck Greene, a motorcycle stuntman truly racing against time as he fights through hordes of zombies to keep his daughter alive. With loads of customised and constructible weapons, 2-player co-op, 4-player gladiator battles, and all DLC costumes included, players can rip through the undead horde in gory-ous 1080p at 60fps.

Dandara
Dandara is an exciting evolution to the metroidvania platformer genre. Take control of the mystical heroine Dandara as she leaps from the floor to walls to the ceiling, unhindered by gravity. Discover allies and mysteries hidden throughout as she fights to free the land of Salt from the oppression of the Eldarian Army.

The Escapists: The Walking Dead
8-bit pixels meet biting zombies in The Escapists: The Walking Dead. The pixel art style familiar to fans of The Escapists brings the world of “The Walking Dead” to glorious un-life as you take on the role of Rick Grimes as he fights an endless horde of walkers let loose upon the world. Lead characters to safety while avoiding (and destroying) the undead.

Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure
This Xbox 360 title, newly remastered for the Xbox One, now features controller support as well as support for the Kinect Sensor. Create your avatar and jump between the worlds of Pixar films like “Up,” “Cars,” “Ratatouille,” “Toy Story,” and “The Incredibles.” The remastered version features an all-new level based on “Finding Dory.” Unlock secret areas, new characters, and more as you master more than 15 fully-voice-acted levels!

With over 100 great games available for one low monthly price, including highly-anticipated new Xbox One exclusives the day they’re released, plus more games added all the time, Xbox Game Pass gives you the ultimate freedom to play. If you haven’t tried Xbox Game Pass yet, you can start your 14-day free trial now.

For all the latest Xbox Game Pass news, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Until next time game on!

MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY COMMEMORATES SECOND ANNIVERSARY WITH ‘WONDERFUL’ FINAL FANTASY X COLLABORATION

New FINAL FANTASY X Storyline, Ultimate Heroes Tidus and Yuna, Second Anniversary Items and More Await Players throughout August and September.

SYDNEY, 2^nd August 2018 – Square Enix Ltd., have today announced that the award-winning mobile RPG MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY™ celebrates its two year anniversary with exciting content and a new collaboration with the beloved classic, FINAL FANTASY® X. Starting today, players can access an all-new chapter in the FINAL FANTASY X story, in addition to a new Ultimate Hero Summon featuring Tidus, new quests, special in-game bonuses, and more.

From now until 30^th November 2018, the FINAL FANTASY X collaboration includes the following:

• Continuation of the FINAL FANTASY X story – “DREAM WITHIN A DREAM – Prologue” will be available from 1^st August, “DREAM WITHIN A DREAM – Episode 1” will be available from 15^th August, with additional parts to be released at future dates.
• New Ultimate Heroes – Players can take on the appearance of Tidus by obtaining the new Ultimate Hero, which is available for summon beginning today. A second Ultimate Hero, Yuna, will be available to summon in September.
• New Auron-themed WoL Job – Beginning today, “Legendary Guardian,” a new Legend Job, is available through the Greater Summon.
• New Rikku-themed Sarah Job – “Al Bhed Huntress,” a new Legend Job, will be available to summon beginning in September.
• New Sin-themed Supreme Card – “Sin: FFX” debuts as the latest Supreme Card.
• “FFX Blitzball” Ranking Event – Hardcore players can take on the Blitzball-themed event and climb the rankings to receive in game rewards from 23^rd August – 1^st September.
• Special In-Game Bonuses – All players that log in throughout the collaboration will receive the Tidus & Yuna: FFX ability card and Magistral Rod weapon, exclusive for WoL.

The second anniversary celebration kicks off with the following content for all players:

• Special Login Bonus – Players who log in during the month of August can receive up to 14 free Summon Tickets and two Growstars.
• Mobius Week – Players will receive Mobius Day bonuses from today until 13^th August, such as double stamina received from elixirs, increased fusion success rate, an increased chance of unlocking Extra Skills and a skillseed bonus for all elements in exploration regions.
• Welcome Back Campaign – Invite your friends back to play for big rewards between today and 16^th August. All players will be awarded a free Greater Summon and up to 8 free daily summons based on based on how many inactive players log in.
• 2nd Anniversary Commemorative Stamp – All players who log in during August will receive a commemorative 2nd anniversary stamp which can resurrect themselves in multiplayer once per battle.
• Ultimate Heroes & Supreme Card Summon – For a limited time, players who purchase more than 12,000 magicite will receive two Supreme Tickets and 240 Ability Tickets. Players can use these Supreme Tickets to summon once from special Ultimate Heroes and Supreme Card banners. Additional information on this promotion can be found here: http://sqex.to/BRd
• VIP Mode – Players who purchase a total of 1,500 magicite or more per month will qualify for VIP Mode, which eliminates the skillseed cost of setting custom skill cards, increases the rate at which extra skills are unlocked, and other useful boosts for thirty one days following the magicite purchase. VIP Mode will be implemented after the next maintenance.

Additionally, the first EX Job, Ascetic, will be available to summon from 11^th August 2018. EX Jobs are a new powerful type of job exclusive to MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY.

MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY is available now from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and STEAM now. For more information, visit: http://www.eu.square-enix.com/mobiusff/

Related Links:
Official Website: http://www.eu.square-enix.com/mobiusff/
STEAM: http://store.steampowered.com/app/536930
Apple App Store https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/mobius-final-fantasy/id1091974564?mt=8
Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.android_googleplay.mobiusff_ne
Official MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MobiusFinalFantasy
Official MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY Twitter: https://twitter.com/mobiusFF_NE
FINAL FANTASY Portal Site: https://eu.finalfantasy.com/

PlayStation Australia has today revealed the line-up of PlayStation Plus monthly games for August! Joining the roster are two critically acclaimed titles for PS Plus members on 8^th August; Mafia 3 and Dead by Daylight Special Edition.

Mafia 3:
After years of combat in Vietnam, Lincoln Clay knows this truth: family isn’t who you’re born with, it’s who you die for. When his surrogate family, the black mob, is wiped out by the Italian Mafia, Lincoln builds a new family and blazes a path of military-grade revenge through the Mafioso responsible.

Dead by Daylight Special Edition:
Dead by Daylight is a multiplayer (4vs1) horror game where one player takes on the role of the savage Killer, and the other four players play as Survivors, trying to escape the Killer and avoid being caught, tortured and killed.

On top of the standard PS Plus Monthly Games, starting in August PlayStation Australia will also be re-introducing two bonus games: PS VR compatible title Here They Lie, (available between 7th August – 2nd October) and PlayLink title Knowledge is Power (available in PS Plus between 7th August – 6th November.)

PlayStation Plus members will also have access to PS3 titles; Bound By Flames and Serious Sam 3: BF3 and PS Vita titles; Draw Slasher and Spacehulk.

PlayStation Plus lets you unleash the full power of PlayStation 4. Players can get even more out of their favourite games with online multiplayer, joining millions of other players and exploring new worlds with friends. Members can make big savings with the biggest and best deals reserved exclusively for PS Plus members on PlayStation Store. And of course, PS Plus monthly games means you’ll never run out of games to play, with members getting two PS4 games to download every month.

Head to the PlayStation Blog to find out more about the full line up of PS Plus games for August.

UFC AND BETHESDA SOFTWORKS ANNOUNCE NEW INTERACTIVE PARTNERSHIP IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker to serve as Bethesda Softworks Brand Ambassador during partnership

SYDNEY – UFC^Ò, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, and Bethesda Softworks^Ò, a ZeniMax^Ò Media company, today announced a partnership in the non-sports gaming space in Australia and New Zealand.

With this collaboration, UFC and Bethesda will work on various initiatives throughout the Oceanic region while aligning to celebrate the launch of Fallout 76^Ò, the online prequel where every surviving human is a real person, set for release on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.

In conjunction with this partnership, UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, a lifelong gamer, has been selected as a new brand ambassador for Bethesda in Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re very excited to be working with UFC, and we’ve always been a huge fan of Rob, so when we found out that was mutual, an ambassadorship seemed to be the perfect fit,” ZeniMax Australia Managing Director, Simon Alty, said. “Rob’s at an incredibly exciting time of his career and Bethesda is also in the process of announcing and releasing game-changing titles, so we can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

“It’s an honour to partner with Bethesda Softworks, as I’ve always been a fan of their games such as Fallout and The Elder Scrolls,” said Whittaker. “UFC is both a physical and mental battle and I’ve always turned to gaming as a way to unwind after a fight and stay focused during my recovery. I look forward to collaborating with Bethesda as they reveal more details about their upcoming releases and sharing this excitement with my followers and their community.”

Whittaker has already begun streaming via his profile on live streaming video platform Twitch, and he will also be involved in various activities Bethesda are hosting around Australia.

For more information about Fallout 76, please visit https://fallout.bethesda.net/

About UFC^®
UFC^® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Celebrating its 25^th Anniversary in 2018, UFC boasts more than 284 million fans worldwide and has produced over 440 events in 22 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 160 countries and territories to 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS^®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ZeniMax Media Inc.
ZeniMax Media is a privately owned media organization headquartered outside Washington DC with international publishing offices in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Eindhoven, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Sydney. Through its subsidiaries, ZeniMax Media creates and publishes original interactive entertainment content for consoles, PCs, and handheld/wireless devices. ZeniMax Media divisions include Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, Escalation Studios, id Software, Arkane Studios, Tango Gameworks, MachineGames, ZeniMax Online Studios, ZeniMax Europe Ltd., ZeniMax Asia K.K., ZeniMax Asia Pacific Limited, and ZeniMax Australia Pty Ltd. For more information on ZeniMax Media, visit www.zenimax.com.

About Bethesda Softworks
Bethesda Softworks, part of the ZeniMax Media Inc. family of companies, is a worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software. Titles featured under the Bethesda label include such blockbuster franchises as The Elder Scrolls®, DOOM®, QUAKE®, Fallout®, Wolfenstein®, Dishonored®, The Evil WithinTM, Prey® and RAGE®.  For more information on Bethesda Softworks’ products, visit www.bethsoft.com.

Sci-fi Arcade Runner ZIQ Crosses the Finish Line Onto PC and Mac Today

PORTLAND, OR – 2 August, 2018 – ZIQ, the frenetic sci-fi arcade runner from Midnight Sea and 3D Realms, zooms onto PC and Mac today.

An ancient, malevolent AI named Swarm wages war on all organic life and narrowly escapes his own destruction. To prepare for his revenge, he diverts all resources into the construction of his unstoppable armies, including his latest prototype: Z series IQ nanite (ZIQ). Poor ZIQ exists solely to suffer through Swarm’s constant experimentation in the form of deadly obstacle courses.

Drive ZIQ to perfection through continuous, dangerous tests designed to challenge even the most advanced neural network. More than 25 different obstacles dot his path, creating hundreds of possible configurations through seven themed procedurally-generated stages. Quick reflexes and ZIQ’s ability to switch between two polarities helps him bypass traps specifically designed for his downfall. Swap polarities at just the right moment to avoid destruction by way of threats including deadly pools of acid and tricky pop-up walls.”

The best-performing ZIQs gather charge cores to garner favor with Swarm in the form of extra points. Continue to chain charge cores seven times to become Overcharged, gaining the ability to crash through traps of any polarity for even more points. Show just how good ZIQ is, from good to perfect, by grabbing pickups at the right time to score even more points. Perfect ZIQ and snag a spot on the global leaderboard atop the pile of crushed nanites!

While ZIQ may seek approval from his creator, Swarm doesn’t care. Voiced by YouTube’s Dash Star, Swarm just can’t stop insulting the little guy. One would think Swarm would want ZIQ to do well! But no, if ZIQ performs too well, Swarm cranks up the nanite-squishing powers of his insidious levels! Survive the constant berating with expressive dark synth music and traverse the wondrous, but unforgiving, sci-fi stages.

“In addition to making an addictive runner that was easy to pick up and play, we wanted to create a world that justified the gameplay,” said Josh Ryan, co-founder of Midnight Sea. “We think players will really enjoy ZIQ’s tenacity and Swarm’s propensity for put-downs.”

ZIQ is available digitally in English on Steam for $9.99 USD.

To learn more, please visit ZIQ’s official site, or follow the game on Twitter and Facebook.

About 3D Realms / Midnight Sea
Founded 30 years ago as Apogee Software, 3D Realms published classics such as Wolfenstein 3D before creating their own seminal first-person shooters, Duke Nukem and Shadow Warrior.

To learn more about 3D Realms please visit the studio’s official website.

Midnight Sea Studios is an independent games studio based in Portland, Oregon that consists of two Joshs. They met over a decade ago playing online games and now, after being lifelong consumers they want to create their own games and, in a sense, give back to their favorite community.

To learn more about Midnight Sea please visit the studio’s official website.