NEW DETAILS ON CHARACTERS, BOSSES AND LOCATIONS FOR CODE VEIN 

Today, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe introduced two new characters, a new location as well as bosses for the upcoming action-RPG CODE VEIN™.

Yakumo is revealed as a new buddy character. He proves to be an experienced fighter who positions himself in front of the enemy to protect his allies. The Drain Attack, which is performed by his Hounds, makes him a strong companion. Back in the past when he was still human, Mido used him for his cruel experiments. This is why Yakumo despises him even today. Emily Su is also introduced as another new character. She formed a deep bond with Yakumo, because, just like him, she was trapped in the military facility where Mido experimented on her. After she was separated from Yakumo by the Great Collapse, he sets out in search of her.

Moreover, the City of Falling Flame is unveiled as a new location. This city is left in ruins and haunted by an eternal fire. This threat turns everything that is left into ashes. The Thorns of Judgment wind their way through the whole city and players have to avoid obstacles like huge walls of flames and therefore explore everything carefully. The Lost called Blazing Radical, who reminds of a knight, is not the only creature that hides in the flames.

Apart from that, the Successor of the Claw is revealed as a major boss in CODE VEIN. It is a fearsome creature that covers its face with a mask and wields a terrific, burning sword. That’s why it is up to the player to always be on guard and avoid its sweeping attacks. Also, this boss can burn the player if he gets too close to his claws and its two tails.

CODE VEIN is a third-person action RPG that set players into the role of a Revenant. These immortal soldiers were created to counter the threat of mankind that appeared after the Great Collapse, a catastrophic event eradicating most of the population. By injecting human corpses with the Biological Organ Regenerative Parasite, they were brought back from the dead, gaining superhuman capabilities and the ability to revive after death as long their heart stays intact at the cost of losing their memories. Players are tasked to embark into the world with a companion picked from the various residents of Vein to uncover their memories and an exit out of this new demented reality.

CODE VEIN will be available for Xbox One, PlayStation®4, and PC via STEAM® in 2018. For more information about the game and other products from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.com, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoEU, or join the conversation at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoEU.

About BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe S.A.S.

BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe S.A.S. part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc. is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive content for platforms including all major video game consoles, PC and mobile.  The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TEKKEN™, SOULCALIBUR™, DARK SOULS™, NARUTO™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, Dragon Ball, GALAGA™, RIDGE RACER™ and ACE COMBAT™. For more information please visit www.bandainamcoent.eu

ENJOY A FUN-FILLED FAMILY VACATION ANYTIME, ANYWHERE WHEN GO VACATION LAUNCHES FOR NINTENDO SWITCH ON 27^TH JULY

Over 50 different games and activities to discover, including sky diving, snowball fights, beach volleyball, and tennis

18^th May, 2018 – A resort vacation is always at your fingertips with GO VACATION for Nintendo Switch, coming to Australia and New Zealand on 27^th July. From sky diving and beach volleyball to tennis and even snowball fights, Kawawii island offers something for everyone, with more than 50 different games and activities to enjoy.

Created by acclaimed developer BANDAI NAMCO Studios Inc., GO VACATION includes a variety of cooperative and competitive games that can be played solo or with up to four players – via a single Nintendo Switch console or local wireless connection. Several activities offer the option to use motion controls, making swinging your tennis racket and throwing snowballs even more fun and immersive.

Discover new surprises each day as you adventure through the four different resort areas on Kawawii island. While exploring – either on foot, on horseback, on a snowmobile and more – you’ll discover numerous collectibles, challenges and other opportunities to level up and customise your character. Decorate your own villa, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the food trucks, and snap in-game photos of the dozens of adorable animals hiding in each resort. Regular challenges and presents, like special costumes and different dog breeds, will keep players coming back for hours of Kawawii island adventures.

A resort vacation is always at your fingertips with GO VACATION for Nintendo Switch, coming to Australia and New Zealand on 27^th July.

Additional Links:
Nintendo Switch website: http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo-switch/
Nintendo Australia website: http://www.nintendo.com.au/
Nintendo Australia Twitter: https://twitter.com/NintendoAUNZ
Nintendo Australia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NintendoAUNZ
Nintendo AU on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nintendoau

UBISOFT REPORTS FULL-YEAR 2017-18 SALES AND EARNINGS FIGURES

Very solid performance for the fourth quarter and continued excellent execution across the board

2017-18: higher-THAN-EXPECTED PERFORMANCE AND new record-level PROFITABILITY

• Total annual sales of €1,731.9 million, up 18.6% year on year, outstripping target of around €1,640.0 million.

• Continued excellent execution across the board:

• • Far Cry^® 5: Ubisoft’s second biggest release ever with USD 310 million total players spending in the release week[1]

• • Assassin’s Creed^® Origins: record performance for an Assassin’s Creed game in a fourth fiscal quarter

• • Rainbow Six^® Siege: more than 30 million registered players, record engagement in fourth-quarter 2017-18 and esports viewership up by approximately 300.0% for the Six Invitational[2]

• • The Division^®: more than 20 million registered players

• • Ghost Recon^® Wildlands: more than 10 million registered players

• • Record peak concurrent users for the Group in fourth-quarter 2017-18

• • Annual digital revenue up 37.8% to €1,004.7 million (representing 58.0% of total sales versus 50.0% for the previous fiscal year)

• • • Sharp increase in PRI[3]: up 58.7% to €482.5 million (27.9% of total sales against 20.8% in 2016-17)

• • • • Mobile revenue up 66.2%

• • Annual back-catalog sales up 27.2% to €826.0 million (47.7% of total sales compared with 44.5% in 2016-17), confirming the increasingly recurring profile of the Group’s business.

• Non-IFRS operating income up 26.2% to €300.1 million, exceeding target of €270.0 million.

• • Non-IFRS operating margin reaches a record high at 17.3% (16.3% in 2016-17)

TARGETS FOR 2018-19: THE GROUP IS STANDING BY ITS TARGETS FOR NON-iFRS OPERATING INCOME AND FREE CASH FLOW

Sydney, Australia May 18, 2018 – Today, Ubisoft released its sales and earnings figures for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.

Yves Guillemot, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer stated, “Ubisoft ended the fiscal year on a very positive note, with continued excellent execution across the board. The Group further strengthened its brands thanks to the quality of its games, strong live services and a deep commitment to player communities. During the fourth quarter, we reached a record of peak concurrent users thanks to record engagement levels and esports viewership for Rainbow Six Siege, the successful launch of Far Cry 5 – the second biggest launch in Ubisoft’s history – and continued strong performance by Assassin’s Creed Origins, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and our back-catalog titles. As a result, we have outperformed our financial targets, with record-high sales, digital and back-catalog revenues, and profitability.

In the short and medium term, Ubisoft has many growth opportunities to tap and expects further profitability increases. Our digital transformation is progressing at a faster pace than we anticipated. Our potential in the PC and mobile markets is massive, notably in China. Finally, we are continuing to develop and structure our esports offering, which represents a significant opportunity.

Over the longer term, new forms of gaming, enabled notably by streaming, will allow our brands to reach a much wider audience. Consequently, we are investing in our online services platform – which boasted 88 million unique active players[4] – as well as in artificial intelligence in order to better tailor the game experience to each player’s profile and therefore offer them ever-richer experiences.”

Note

Unless stated otherwise, all of the figures in this press release correspond to non-IFRS data, adjusted to exclude non-operating items. The Group presents these indicators – which are not prepared strictly in accordance with IFRS – as it considers that they are the best reflection of its operating and financial performance. The definitions of the non-IFRS indicators with a description of the applicable adjustments, as well as a reconciliation table between the IFRS consolidated income statement and the non-IFRS consolidated income statement are provided in an appendix to this press release.

Income statement and key financial data

Sales

Full-year sales for 2017-18 came to €1,731.9 million, outstripping the Group’s target of around €1,640.0 million and up €18.6% (or 22.9% at constant exchange rates[5]) compared with the €1,459.9 million recorded for 2016-17.

Sales in the fourth quarter of 2017-18 – a period that saw the release of one major game, Far Cry 5 – totaled €540.7 million, exceeding the target of approximately €449.0 million. This fourth-quarter sales figure represents a 16.6% decrease (or 11.2% at constant exchange rates5) versus the €648.6 million recorded for the same period of 2016-17, when two major games were released (Ghost Recon Wildlands and For Honor^®).

Main income statement items[6]

Gross margin rose to 82.9% of sales and €1,435.1 million in absolute value terms (compared with 81.4% and €1,189.0 million in 2016-17).

Non-IFRS operating income came in at €300.1 million, up 26.2% on the €237.7 million recorded for 2016-17.

Non-IFRS net income came in at €220.6 million, representing non-IFRS diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of €1.80, compared with non-IFRS net income of €174.3 million and non-IFRS diluted EPS of €1.46 for 2016-17.

IFRS net income for 2017-18 came to €139.5 million, representing IFRS diluted EPS of €1.18 versus IFRS net income of €107.8 million and IFRS diluted EPS of €0.92 in 2016-17.

Main cash flow statement[7] and balance sheet items

Non-IFRS cash flows from operating activities represented a net inflow of €169.9 million against €149.1 million in 2016-17. This increase reflects higher non-IFRS cash flow from operations (€214.9 million versus €110.2 million in 2016-17) and a €45.0 million increase in non-IFRS working capital requirement (€38.9 million decrease in 2016-17).

At March 31, 2018, Ubisoft had net debt⁷ of €548.1 million versus €80.4 million one year earlier. This rise mainly reflects the purchases and binding purchase commitments of own shares for €411.5 million during the fiscal year and a €100 million deposit related to a total return swap with settlement at maturity for part of the share previously owned by Vivendi. As a reminder the Company free cash flow target stands at around €300.0 million in 2018-19.

Outlook

Full-year 2018-19

Ubisoft is standing by its 2018-19 targets for non-IFRS operating income and free cash flow. As announced on May 9, 2018, in line with the recommendations of the European regulators (ESMA) and the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF), Ubisoft is today introducing a new target for sales calculated in accordance with IFRS 15 as well as a new indicator called “Net Bookings” which corresponds to its sales figure as calculated prior to the Company’s application of IFRS 15 (see Press Release in appendices):

• IFRS 15 sales of around €2,000.0 million[8]

• Net bookings of approximately €2,050.0 million compared with the previous target of €2,100.0 million, calculated based on:

• • The release of three new AAA games (The Crew^® 2, The Division^® 2 and an unannounced franchise title) representing 19 million units (vs the four AAA releases and 23 million units previously announced). In line with previous practices and in view of the acceleration of our digital transformation, growth in back-catalog sales and excellent momentum of recent releases, Ubisoft has decided to give itself more time to develop Skull & Bones^TM to offer players an even more engaging experience. Skull & Bones is now scheduled for release in 2019-20.

• • Digital revenue is expected to represent around 65% of net bookings (compared with approximately 60% previously) and PRI should represent around 30% of net bookings (versus the previous target of over 25%).

• • Back-catalog sales are forecasted to represent approximately 50% of net bookings (versus the previous target of over 45%).

• Non-IFRS operating income (based on net bookings) of around €440.0 million.

• Free cash flow of approximately €300.0 million.

First-quarter 2018-19

For first-quarter 2018-19, the Group expects IFRS 15 sales to amount to around €350.0 million⁸ and net bookings to total approximately €350.0 million (compared with €202.0 million for the same period of 2017-18).

Recent significant events

Sale of Vivendi’s entire stake in Ubisoft, with the transaction structured as follows:

• New long-term investors in Ubisoft, with Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Tencent acquiring 3,787,878 and 5,591,469 Ubisoft shares respectively.
• Share buybacks by Ubisoft: Ubisoft has undertaken to buy back 7,590,909 of its own shares from Vivendi through a structured transaction taking the form of (i) a forward sale of Ubisoft shares by Vivendi to Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB), and (ii) a mechanism involving Ubisoft’s forward buyback of its own shares from CACIB, enabling Ubisoft to defer its buybacks over the period from 2018 to 2021.
• Purchase of Ubisoft shares by Guillemot Brothers SE: Guillemot Brothers SE has undertaken to purchase 3,030,303 Ubisoft shares.
• An accelerated private placement of 13,376,620 Ubisoft shares among qualified investors.

Signature of a strategic partnership agreement with Tencent: Ubisoft has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Tencent which will increase Ubisoft games’ exposure and engagement in China and enable the Company to reach millions of new players on mobile and PC.

Acquisition of 1492 Studio, a game development studio specialized in the development of free-to-play episodic and interactive stories on mobile.

Acquisition of Blue Mammoth Games, a game development studio specialized in free-to-play multi-player games on PC and the PS4.

Announcement of new studios openings in India, Ukraine and Canada: The Mumbai and Odessa studios will be focused on jointly developing AAA games and post-release game support. The Winnipeg studio will play a strategic role in jointly developing AAA titles and will be dedicated to developing tools and technology.

Disclaimer

This statement may contain estimated financial data, information on future projects and transactions and future business results/performance. Such forward-looking data are provided for estimation purposes only. They are subject to market risks and uncertainties and may vary significantly compared with the actual results that will be published. The estimated financial data have been presented and approved by the Board of Directors on 05/17/18 and have not been audited by the Statutory Auditors. (Additional information is specified in the most recent Ubisoft Registration Document filed on July 21, 2017 with the French Financial Markets Authority (l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers)).

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, Just Dance, Watch_Dogs, Tom Clancy’s video game series, Rayman and Far Cry. 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 2017-18 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,732 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com

© 2018 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

APPENDICES

Title release schedule 1^st quarter

(April – June 2018)

Audit procedures were carried out and audit reports are currently being issued

Consolidated income statement (IFRS, audited)

Definitions of Non-IFRS Financial Indicators

Net Bookings: corresponds to the prior sales standard.

Non-IFRS operating income corresponds to operating income less the following items:

• • Stock-based compensation expense arising on free share plans, group savings plans and stock options.
  • Depreciation of acquired intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.
  • Non-operating income and expenses resulting from restructuring operations within the Group.

Non-IFRS operating margin corresponds to the ratio between the Non-IFRS operating income and sales. This ratio reflects the economic performance.

Non-IFRS net income corresponds to net income less the following items:

• • The above-described deductions used to calculate non-IFRS operating income.
  • Income and expenses arising on revaluations, carried out after the measurement period, of the potential variable compensation granted in relation to business combinations.
  • OCEANE bond interest expense recognized in accordance with IAS39
  • The tax impacts on these adjustments.

Non-IFRS diluted EPS corresponds to Non-IFRS net income divided by the weighted average number of shares after the exercise of dilutive instruments rights.

The adjusted cash flow statement includes:

• • Non-IFRS cash flow from operations which includes:

• The costs of internal development and licenses development (presented under cash flows from investing activities in the IFRS cash flow statement) as these costs form an integral part of the Group’s operations.
• Current and deferred taxes.

• • Non-IFRS change in working capital requirement which includes movements in deferred taxes, thus cancelling out the deferred tax income or expense presented in Non-IFRS cash flow from operations.
  • Non-IFRS cash flows from operating activities which includes the costs of internal development and licenses development (presented under cash flows from investing activities in the IFRS cash flow statement and included in Non-IFRS cash flow from operations in the adjusted cash flow statement).
  • Non-IFRS cash used by investing activities which excludes the costs of internal development and the licenses development that are presented under Non-IFRS cash flow from operations.

Free cash flow corresponds to cash flows from operating activities after cash inflows/outflows arising on the disposal/acquisition of other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.

Free cash flow before WCR corresponds to cash flow from operations after cash inflows/outflows arising on the disposal/acquisition of other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.

Net cash (debt) position corresponds to investments and cash and cash equivalents less financial liabilities excluding derivatives.

Reconciliation of IFRS Net income and non-IFRS Net income

Consolidated balance sheet (IFRS, audited)

Consolidated cash flow statement for comparison with other industry players (non audited)

Consolidated cash flow statement IFRS (audited)

APPLICATION OF IFRS 15*

Impact on Financial Communications

Paris, May 9, 2018 – As from fiscal 2018-19, Ubisoft will apply IFRS 15 (the new revenue recognition standard) for the first time. The main impacts that this new standard will have on the recognition of the Group’s sales and on its financial communications are presented below.

Accounting impacts of IFRS 15

The main impact of IFRS 15 for Ubisoft concerns the recognition of sales of games with a service component, i.e. “Live Services” games, which give players access to online services. Under IFRS 15, all of these services – which are accessible at no extra cost for users – constitute a distinct obligation for which the consideration received on the initial delivery of the original game must be recognized in revenue over the estimated period of time that the players use the service.

Under the currently-applicable revenue recognition standard (IAS 18**), the service component is not separated out and the full amount of the revenue received for the game is recognized when the game is delivered. Consequently, the application of IFRS 15 will result in a portion of the revenue generated on these games being deferred beyond their initial delivery date.

Impacts on financial communications

The Group will apply IFRS 15’s revenue recognition rules for the first time as from fiscal 2018-19.

In addition to its financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, Ubisoft will continue to report alternative performance indicators (non-IFRS), with the same level of detail as previously. In order to enable meaningful comparisons with prior-period sales figures, Ubisoft will introduce a new alternative performance indicator in its financial communications called “Net bookings”. This indicator is used by Ubisoft to oversee and measure its business and commercial performance.

Timeline

As recommended by the European regulators (ESMA) and the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF), Ubisoft will issue sales figures that are compliant with IFRS 15 as from the press release on its first-quarter 2018-19 sales.

When it publishes its full-year results for fiscal 2017-18 on May 17, 2018, Ubisoft will report on the following targets:

• 2018-19 sales in IFRS 15 format
• Net Bookings for 2018-19
• Non-IFRS operating income for 2018-19
• Free Cash Flow for 2018-19

* International Financial Reporting Standard 15 – equivalent to US GAAP ISC 606

** International Accounting Standards

[1] Ubisoft estimate, based on observed sales price for main game sell through WW and first parties’ estimates for PRI

[2] Viewership for the Six Invitational – the annual esports final event for Rainbow Six Siege (held in February 2018) – versus viewership for the February 2017 final.

^[3] Player Recurring Investment includes sales of digital items, DLC, seasonal passes, subscriptions and advertising.

[4] On consoles and PC in fiscal 2017-18

[5] Sales at constant exchange rates are calculated by applying to the data for the period under review the average exchange rates used for the same period of the previous fiscal year

[6] For further information on income statement movements and cash flows see the slideshow published on the Ubisoft website.

[7] Based on the consolidated cash flow statement for comparison with other industry players (not audited)

[8] Based on our analysis to date of IFRS 15 (unaudited)

Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles Sows Seeds on Nintendo Switch™ Today

BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND – 17 May 2018 – Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles, the open-world adventure from the former Activision producer and Rocksteady veterans at Prideful Sloth in which players explore the vibrant but troubled island of Gemea, is available today on Nintendo Switch. A Switch-exclusive photo mode will help you capture precious moments and share them with your friends.

As a young, customizable heroine or hero destined for greatness, your journey begins humbly enough as you set sail on the open waters. One surprise storm and shipwreck later you find yourself on the gorgeous island known as Gemea. Yet not all is right here, as a shadowy substance known as Murk has spread throughout the land. Determined to help rid the island of Murk and earn your keep, you must farm, craft, cook, brew, fish, and explore.

The only way to truly dispel Murk is to discover magical sprites hidden throughout the land. Assisting the townsfolk by working the land and providing food for them unveils the sprites’ locations. Once the Murk has been dispelled more of Gemea becomes accessible. Eight beautiful biomes from peaceful plains to frozen valleys with day, night, and weather cycles brim with secrets and even adorable animals to befriend.

Yonder’s pleasant world makes for a perfect portable adventure. Relax at the end of the day in Gemea as you let the troubles fade from your mind. A fully-featured Switch-exclusive photo mode helps you share those tender moments with friends.

“Despite that pesky Murk, Gemea is a land of warmth and tranquility,” said Cheryl Vance, co-founder and director at Prideful Sloth. “We want players to enjoy getting their hands dirty by living off the land from the comfort of their couch.”

Yonder is available digitally for $29.99 USD on the Nintendo eShop, and will be available via physical retail for $39.99 on 12 June in the United States and 15 June in Europe and Australia.

Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is playable in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese.

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

About Prideful Sloth

Prideful Sloth is an Australian team comprised of seasoned developers who have worked on AAA properties including Batman: Arkham, The Elder Scrolls, DMC: Devil May Cry, Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Rome: Total War. The team seeks to utilize their aptitude for crafting rich, visually-stunning worlds packed with compelling content that offers players free agency.

PUBG MOBILE REACHES 10 MILLION DAILY ACTIVE USERS MILESTONE

LOS ANGELES – May 17, 2018 – Tencent and PUBG Corp. announced the wildly popular game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds MOBILE (PUBG MOBILE) has surpassed 10 million daily active users (DAU) around the world (excluding China).

Tencent and PUBG Corp. have announced the impressive DAU milestone for PUBG MOBILE, the mobile version of the massively popular game, that was released on the App Store and Google Play Store internationally on March 19th. In addition, PUBG MOBILE has claimed the most downloaded spot in more than 100 countries and areas. It took PUBG MOBILE less than a week to become one of the fastest games to achieve this performance.

PUBG MOBILE has already received high praise since its release. The game has been nominated for “Best Breakthrough Hit” and “Best Community Building Game” at the 2018 Google Play Awards, and was the only game nominated for two awards.

The PUBG MOBILE development team is focused on delivering the original PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds PC version’s core excitement to mobile, optimizing the user interface so that mobile players can play as intended. The team paid special attention to the controls and optimization to give players a smooth, intuitive and immersive experience. The team is also working hard to consistently update the game with new content every month.

Most recently, PUBG MOBILE transported players to the harrowing terrain of the Miramar battleground. Set in a rugged desert with expansive cities designed for epic battles, Miramar offers players fast-paced combat in the palm of their hands. For more information about the May Miramar update, watch this video update from PUBG MOBILE featuring Jeff Kang, Lead Artist of PUBG MOBILE:

PUBG MOBILE has been met with a positive response from players and critics alike. And its developers keep interacting with players to generate high-quality content.

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

About PUBG MOBILE

PUBG MOBILE is based on PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, the original PC and Xbox One 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 fight 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.

# # #

TEAM UP FOR THE TAKEDOWN IN ONRUSH  WITNESS THE DEVESTATION IN NEW ONRUSH GAMEPLAY TRAILER

SYDNEY, 18^th May 2018 – Codemasters have today released a takedown focussed gameplay trailer for ONRUSH, the action packed, arcade racer that will smash its way onto the PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One on 5^th June 2018.

The new trailer, showcases how teamwork can enable players to complete a variety of stunning takedowns and cause complete devastation to take the win.

The ONRUSH open beta is currently active on both the PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, and will conclude at 7pm (AEST) on Monday 21^st May.

ONRUSH pitches you into dramatic 6v6 team racing battles where team play is essential if you want to come out on top. Different vehicles and play styles are better suited to certain roles and opportunities than others. You will have to work together as a team to work out who should attack and who should defend in each of the unique game modes.

Each of the eight vehicle classes in ONRUSH has unique abilities that intensify the fight. For example the larger vehicles, such as the Titan and Enforcer give you dominance on the ground, while the bike-style Outlaw class has the ‘Slam’ RUSH ability which allows you to perform insane takedowns from above.

Takedowns are core to the ONRUSH experience but the Stampede ensures that you are always in the thick of the action. When you get taken out the game will throw you right back into the crowd at full speed meaning that you are always in the fight and that you can immediately seek revenge.

ONRUSH will launch on PS4 and Xbox One on 5^th June 2018. For more information about the game, visit www.onrushgame.com. Fans can keep up to date with all the latest news by joining our communities on Facebook, Twitter and Reddit.

Critical Force is happy with the success of Battle Royale games

Finnish mobile game developer Critical Force develops the mobile esports shooter game Critical Ops. They have reached over 38 million downloads with one million daily active players.

Critical Force has recognized the explosive success of the Battle Royale games on mobile devices. The company thinks that the success of shooter games on mobile will lead to a positive outcome for Critical Ops.

Here’s how the company sees the current situation and differences between Battle Royale games and tactical first person team shooters like Critical Ops.

Similarities
Critical Ops gameplay is based on an existing PC experience, so it is very much in the same boat as the Battle Royale games. It’s all about taking that experience and tweaking it so that it feels as smooth as possible on mobile without losing the fun and challenging elements.

With the success of Battle Royale games there is going to be an increase of players that are more familiar with the control schemes on mobile that are inherently different than on PC. This can lead to a larger influx of players to Critical Ops who are familiar with shooter games and the controls. In a while players may be looking for a more fast-paced, fair, balanced and highly competitive shooter.

Game design
The vast levels seen in Battle Royale games cause challenges to network traffic and the graphics engine. The developers must think closely how to send and show the optimal amount of data and graphics to the players.

There’s a lot more going on in the Battle Royale games. Inventories with different items, vehicles, building mechanics, etc are all things that come with the genre. All this simply requires more development in many aspects.

Battle Royale games are primarily developed PC first. This is a disadvantage for the mobile experience because game session lengths for Battle Royale games are the same on PC, consoles and mobile. This is extremely demanding for mobile phone batteries. Critical Ops has shortened session lengths from its’ peers in the PC platform somewhat but have been keeping an ear for the community who seem to want a bit longer sessions.

Esports
It’s interesting to see when the Battle Royale games will make their debut in the mobile esports scene where Critical Ops is one of the pioneering and strongest games.

Although the Battle Royale ruleset doesn’t lend itself to esports quite as well as traditional team-based shooters, anything very popular is bound to attract competition. The watchability and overall randomness in Battle Royale games is the biggest question mark in regards to them being esports.

Pretty much any game can be played competitively, whether it’s actually 1v1 or a single player game. It’s not so much about the game itself, it’s about the meta built around it.

Mobile shooters growing
The success of mid- to hardcore gaming experiences will make the mobile more serious alternative to the PC and consoles as a gaming platform. It helps putting the mobile platform as a proper gaming platform in the market.

Battle Royale games will introduce plenty of people to mobile shooters and also win over some skeptics. This bodes well for mobile shooters as a whole, as the genre’s massive potential is recognized by an increasing amount of players.

Veli-Pekka Piirainen, CEO of Critical Force concludes: “The massive onslaught of Battle Royal shooter games to mobile is a very good thing for us. It shows that shooter games can rise to the top of the sales charts. It also brings many new players to shooter games on the mobile platform. In the long run, we will benefit from it because at some point players will get burnt out playing Battle Royal games and they will start looking for more challenging and skill based alternatives like our Critical Ops game.”

More info
www.criticalforce.fi
http://bit.ly/2k6o32v (images and videos)
https://youtu.be/4eN6u7iLKyE (new Road to Critical Ops video)

Critical Force
Critical Force is a game developer from Finland focusing on competitive multiplayer games for mobile. The company’s first game is a mobile FPS title Critical Ops. It has been downloaded over 38 million times and over one million people play this pioneering mobile esports game every day. The company received a $4.5 million seed investment from Korean game publisher conglomerate NHN Entertainment in 2016. Critical Force has offices in Finland and South-Korea. Critical Force was also awarded the best Finnish game developer of 2016.