LIONSGATE ANNOUNCES LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP WITH OVERWATCH LEAGUE™ CLUB LOS ANGELES VALIANT TO PROMOTE STARZ ORIGINAL SERIES ASH VS EVIL DEAD

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 22, 2018) – Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) today announced a partnership with the Los Angeles Valiant of Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch League™ to promote season three of the Starz Original Series Ash vs Evil Dead. The partnership, which will see Ash vs Evil Dead become the Valiant’s sole and exclusive jersey sponsor through at least Stage 2 of the inaugural season of Overwatch League, is a unique example of a true content brand sponsorship in professional sports.

Ari Segal, LA Valiant’s President and COO, said, “Ash vs Evil Dead is a content property that is highly contextual to gaming and to our core demo and fan base. By creating truly unique, money-can’t-buy experiences for our fans around that property, we elevate the fan experience to something that aims at more than merely being a fan of a team; instead, we’re building a real community of people that activates around not only the Valiant, but also other properties or events from which it derives value and enjoyment.”

Peter Levin, the LA Valiant’s Chairman and Lionsgate’s President of Interactive Ventures, Games, and Digital Strategy, continued, “The Valiant’s audience, the audience for Overwatch League and esports generally, is one of the most elusive and yet highly sought after demographics. At both Lionsgate and the LA Valiant, we continue to think three dimensionally about how to reach and authentically connect with that constituency.”

As part of the sponsorship, Valiant fans will be given unprecedented access to Ash vs Evil Dead experiences, including exclusive screenings at Lionsgate’s studios in Santa Monica, Q&A/AMAs with creative voices behind the franchise, meet-and-greets, and more.

LA Valiant CEO Noah Whinston added, “This jersey sponsorship is a message to our fans that we will continue to work with partners and brands that look to add value to the fan experience. Lionsgate is completely aligned with us on this philosophy, as evidenced by this landmark partnership, and we will continue to create and integrate brands, events, and content to push the frontier of how teams create differentiated and lasting connections.”

The new Ash vs Evil Dead-sponsored jerseys will debut in competition during the first week of Overwatch League’s Stage 2, when the LA Valiant play the Shanghai Dragons at 5:00 PM PST on Saturday, February 24, 2018. Broadcast details can be found on The Overwatch League website, www.overwatchleague.com, and on Twitch at Twitch.tv/overwatchleague.

The third season of Ash vs Evil Dead will premiere Sunday, February 25, 2018, on Starz.

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About the Los Angeles Valiant

Los Angeles Valiant, one of the 12 inaugural teams for Overwatch League, is owned and operated by Immortals and CEO Noah Whinston from its home in Culver City, California. Immortals was founded in 2016 with an unprecedented dedication to fan support and player well-being. Committed to creating a long-lasting community of professional gamers, aspiring players, and passionate fans, Immortals and the L.A. Valiant are united by our commitment to camaraderie and competitive excellence. Always remaining true to our values and ethics, the team takes pride in providing an authentic brand that fans can be proud to cheer on to victory.

About Lionsgate

The first major new studio in decades, Lionsgate is a global content platform whose films, television series, digital products and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next-generation audiences around the world. In addition to its filmed entertainment leadership, Lionsgate content drives a growing presence in interactive and location-based entertainment, gaming, virtual reality and other new entertainment technologies. Lionsgate’s content initiatives are backed by a 16,000-title film and television library and delivered through a global licensing infrastructure. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring and ground-breaking content created with special emphasis on the evolving patterns and diverse composition of the Company’s worldwide consumer base.

OVERWATCH, OVERWATCH LEAGUE, BLIZZARD, and BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT are trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Crytek Launches Hunt: Showdown Into Early Access

Hunt: Showdown is available today through Steam Early Access

FRANKFURT, Germany – Feb. 22, 2018 – The wait is over: Crytek has announced that Hunt: Showdown is now available via Steam Early Access, priced at 29.99 EUR/USD and 25.99 GBP. Hunt: Showdown is a competitive multiplayer bounty hunting game that combines PvP with PvE elements in a handcrafted sandbox environment.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everybody who participated in closed alpha testing,” said Hunt Producer Fatih Özbayram. “It was essential for us in our continuing developments, and we are grateful to have such a dedicated community this early in the game.”

“Early access is a big milestone for the team, and we are all excited to finally be releasing Hunt: Showdown out into the wild,” said Hunt: Showdown Creative Director Magnus Larbrant. “With Hunt, we wanted to make the game that we, as gamers, have always wanted to play ourselves: tense, dark, addictive, terrifying—a real adrenaline-pumping experience. We have the foundations laid out, and now with the support and input of the community during early access, we can polish that experience together.”

About Hunt: Showdown

Hunt: Showdown is a competitive first-person bounty hunting game with heavy PvE elements from the makers of Crysis. Set in the darkest corners of the world, it packs the thrill of survival games into a match-based format. Hunt’s competitive, match-based gameplay mixes PvP and PvE elements to create a uniquely tense experience. At the beginning of each match, up to five teams of two set out to track monstrous targets. Once they’ve found and defeated one of these they will receive a bounty—and instantly become a target for every other hunter left on the map. The higher the risk, the higher the reward–but a single mistake could cost everything.

About Crytek

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

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

http://store.steampowered.com/app/594650/Hunt_Showdown/

GameChanger Charity Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary as 2018 Donations Surpass $18 Million, Treyarch Chairman Mark Lamia Joins Board of Directors

GameChanger Charity and Former Twitch EVP Jonathan Shipman Reveal ZOTT, a New Web-based Content Platform Revolutionizing Patients’ Freedom to Play, Learn and Socialize

MENLO PARK, Calif. – Feb. 22, 2018 – GameChanger Charity, a global non-profit enterprise providing aid and relief for young people battling life-threatening illnesses, as well as their families and caregivers, is commemorating its 10th anniversary with the news it has already secured donations valued over $18 million for 2018. The lion’s share of this achievement is thanks to a generous in-kind gift from Microsoft of one-year Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, which will be distributed to patients in children’s hospitals around the world and help further drive GameChanger’s outreach efforts.

“As a young cancer patient, I was stunned by the lack of entertainment, education and social interaction available in hospitals, as well as by the devastating effects this absence of communal and intellectual stimulation can have on kids and young adults,” said Taylor Carol, who co-founded GameChanger Charity with his father, Jim Carol, in 2007 after his own experience with childhood leukemia. “GameChanger was born from the belief that every person has a right to play, learn and socialize. We’re immensely grateful for every opportunity we’re given to bring even a moment of joy into the lives of those who fight the impossible each and every day.”

In addition, GameChanger Charity has announced that Mark Lamia, Chairman and former Studio Head of Treyarch, an award-winning development studio in the Call of Duty® franchise, has joined GameChanger Charity’s board of directors. This is the latest creative addition to the board, which includes massively popular YouTuber Jordan Maron, also known as CaptainSparklez.

“Ever since I learned about GameChanger’s mission, I have been inspired by their work to join their calling, which proves the power that human connection and play can have for those facing the unthinkable,” said Lamia. “Today I’m honored to join the passionate people who have made this force for good possible, as we look forward to the next decade of gaming and giving.”

GameChanger Charity is also proud to reveal a new venture called ZOTT (www.zott.tv), a private, for-profit subsidiary of GameChanger Charity created to advance its mission to improve the lives of patients around the world through technology and innovation. ZOTT is an over-the-top (OTT), multi-channel media distribution platform with a network of highly curated entertainment and educational content services for patients and administrators in hospitals. ZOTT has appointed Jonathan Shipman, a founding member and former executive vice president of broadcaster product development and video platform technologies at Twitch, as the company’s new president.

“I know from my own son’s experience the positive impact meaningful opportunities to play, learn and socialize can have for those fighting through a life-threatening illness and the ensuing recovery, especially at a young age,” said Shipman. “ZOTT is a new leap forward in patient engagement and support, with the power to scale GameChanger’s founding mission for socioeconomic good upward around the world. You’ll be hearing a lot more from us in the coming year.”

ZOTT is currently in pilot programs at a number of prominent pediatric facilities around the United States, including Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. ZOTT has also partnered with the University of Michigan School of Public Health and Children’s Hospital Colorado to measure the platform’s impact on patients in a wide range of developmental and rehabilitative categories as it grows further.

About GameChanger Charity

GameChanger Charity’s mission is to leverage innovation and technology to empower patients to play, learn, and socialize. Taylor Carol co-founded GameChanger Charity with his father, Jim Carol, in 2007 after his own experience with childhood leukemia. GameChanger has delivered programs to over 100 hospitals and 25,000 pediatric hospital rooms in the past four years alone. https://gamechangercharity.org

NI NO KUNI II™: REVENANT KINGDOM HAS GONE GOLD

Ni no Kuni II: REVENANT KINGDOM Begins Manufacture for March 23rd Release

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (February 22, 2018) – BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announces that Ni no Kuni II™: REVENANT KINGDOM has gone gold and is preparing for manufacture for its March 23, 2018 release date across the Americas. Ni no Kuni II: REVENANT KINGDOM will be available for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and STEAM® for PC. Developed by world-renowned video game studio LEVEL-5 Inc., with participation from former Studio Ghibli animator Yoshiyuki Momose and music composed by Joe Hisaishi, Ni no Kuni II: REVENANT KINGDOM is ready to enchant gamers across the world in an epic role-playing game.

A treacherous coup has dethroned Evan Pettywhisker Tildrum, the young ruler of Ding Dong Dell. Evan – along with the help of his friends; Roland, Tani, Batu, Lofty, and many others they’ll meet along their journey – will build a new kingdom free of strife while uniting the whole world of Ni no Kuni. Across Evan’s grand adventure, players can explore a beautifully crafted world filled with exotic locations, a wide cast of characters to encounter, dangerous foes, and plenty of allies eager to help. Supporting Evan on his adventure will be natural phenomena known as Higgledies. The Higgledies will provide invaluable support during battles including offensive and defensive buffs, increasing special attack power for Evan and his friends, and assist in attacking enemies. There are 100 unique Higgledies to collect, each with its own special powers. Mix and match different combinations of Higgledies during combat to strategically secure the upper hand in battles.

Ni no Kuni II: REVENENT KINGDOM provides two additional game modes for players to engage in as they progress through the game’s main story. As Evan reclaims his crown in the newly formed kingdom of Evermore, he must manage all aspects of daily life within its borders. Players will erect shops, farms, barracks, and a host of other facilities to increase the economy of Evermore and provide new equipment for Evan and his allies as they venture further into the world. Hire residents to staff these shops and research new items and abilities to increase Evermore’s influence across the land. Evan will also lead an army into skirmish battles. These large-scale battles against other armies will test the resolve of Evan’s military might.  Recruit new generals with special abilities to take down the opposing forces and claim victory!

“Ni no Kuni II: REVENANT KINGDOM is an incredibly special game crafted by some of the most talented individuals across video games, anime, and music,” said Stephen Akana, Brand Manager for BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “Its unique environments, charming story, and action-packed combat are sure to ignite the imaginations of gamers around the world.”

Ni no Kuni II: REVENANT KINGDOM launches in the Americas on the PlayStation 4 system and PC via STEAM on March 23, 2017 with a MSRP of $59.99. For more information regarding Ni no Kuni II: REVENANT KINGDOM or other titles from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/ni-no-kuni-ii, https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS, or join the conversation at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

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About BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for all major video game consoles, iOS, Android, and online platforms. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises including PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. is the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime based video games including NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL Z®, and ONE PIECE®. More information about the company and its products can be found at https://www.bandainamcoent.com or https://www.facbook.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

Press Release © 2018 BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

RACERS, REV YOUR ENGINES! NEW COOPERATIVE ARCADE RACING GAME TRAILBLAZERS COMING SPRING 2018

Rising Star Games and Supergonk reveal first details on ground-breaking racing title coming soon to all major gaming formats 

LONDON, UK – 22 February 2018 – Videogame publisher Rising Star Games, in partnership with new UK-based independent game developer Supergonk, today announced that Trailblazers, the world’s first true, second-to-second co-operative arcade racing game, will be unleashed across all major gaming platforms from Spring 2018.

Trailblazers is a fresh new co-operative racing title with an innovative on-track game mechanic: paint the track, boost on your colour and work as a team to win! Racing in teams of up to three-versus-three, players paint the track as they race, capturing key areas to dynamically change the racing line, then boosting on their team’s colour. Racers who drive with flair and style will also amass skill points to blaze their way to victory! Players can experience the blistering high-speed action with up to six players online, or locally via split-screen for up to four local players with additional online or CPU-controlled challengers.

“The Supergonk team is proud to announce Trailblazers: our vision of true co-op racing designed from the ground-up with team play at its core”, said Ben Ward, founder of Supergonk. “The brand new paint/boost mechanics introduce a fresh layer of second-to-second strategic thinking which can’t be found in other racing titles. As huge racing game fans, we feel that the genre often hasn’t been as innovative as we’d like. Our aim with Trailblazers is clear: create a brand new IP to reinvigorate the genre and build an unexpected new racer that we ourselves want to play”.

Loaded with multiplayer thrills and a series of single-player challenges across an extended campaign mode, Trailblazers is an audio-visual onslaught of retro-futuristic style and attitude. The game takes place in a lavishly presented world from the creative mind of BAFTA award winning artist Will Milton. Players race through expansive and stunning scenic tracks set across locations ranging from mountain tops to lush forests and arid desert valleys. Aural soundscapes are provided via the officially licensed soundtrack featuring leaders of the Future Funk genre, including Get On Up by Skope, Bad King Kong by The Derevolutions, and Dead Ringer by A.Skillz.

In Trailblazers players will race as, and alongside, a diverse cast of characters. Each driver plays a vital role in the racing community and unfolding story of the Trailblazers world, and each has a unique role and driving behaviour. Players can also choose from a showroom of the fastest race cars in the galaxy, each with customised stats to fit every play style and track type.

“We are thrilled to have worked alongside Supergonk to help realise their vision”, said Martin Defries, Managing Director of Rising Star Games. “The game is superb, the ambition high and the opportunity vast. We are keen to show the gaming community across the world just how great this game is”.

Trailblazers, developed by Supergonk and published digitally by Rising Star Games, will be available globally from Spring 2018 across all major gaming platforms. Keep your engines running for incoming additional information about gameplay modes and features of this ground-breaking new arcade racing title, by following Rising Star Games on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or visit the Trailblazers website.

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ABOUT SUPERGONK

Supergonk is an exciting new independent game developer, located in the vibrant creative hub of Guildford, UK. It is formed of industry veterans with over 10 years of top-flight game development expertise at studios such as Codemasters, Bizarre Creations and Lionhead. Supergonk creates extremely high-quality indie racing titles, and prides itself on creating innovative new experiences and never-before-seen game mechanics. www.supergonk.co.uk

ABOUT RISING STAR GAMES
Rising Star Games is a privately held video games publisher with a global reach. With operating offices in Europe and USA the company publishes video game entertainment across all gaming platforms from Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo and via Steam. With decades of combined experience and a genuine passion for interactive entertainment, Rising Star Games is proud of its ever-expanding and enormously diverse catalogue of over 130 titles. www.risingstargames.com

‘Spellsworn’ PvP Brawls Hit the Arena on March 13

Frogsong Studios Celebrates ‘Spellsworn’ Upcoming Launch with FREE Weekend on Steam

Malmö, Sweden — February 22, 2018 — Swedish developer Frogsong Studios today announced that their PvP arena brawler, Spellsworn, will move out of Steam Early Access into a free to play commercial launch on March 13th. From today through to February 25th, players can enter fast-paced spellcasting matches in the Spellsworn Arena on Steam for free.

“The game is in the final development stages, and so we are excited to invite everyone this weekend to experience intense battles of wizardry in the Spellsworn arena free of charge”, said Stefan Jonsson, CEO of Frogsong Studios. “After the official release, we will introduce a Founders Edition, which new players can purchase in order to get two Legendary Skins and two Legendary Staffs. Early Access supporters will automatically become the Founders and as a token of gratitude will get two additional items, exclusive to our pre-launch players.”

In Spellsworn, players rely upon tactics and quick reflexes to outsmart and obliterate opponents, using a well thought out combination of spells across different disciplines. Players battle it out in teams or free-for-all over intense five-round matches for up to eight players. Between each round, the magic arsenal can be customized by trading or upgrading spells to switch up strategy and mess with the minds of rival wizards. The magic mayhem reaches another level once the hazardous environment begins wreaking havoc on the playable field, causing damage over time to each player pushed off of the arena. With an ever-changing environment that poses as much of a threat as the enemy, adaptation is just as important as a quick hand and mind. In a world gripped by a war of magic, only the skilled and strong will be victorious!

Spellsworn is available on Steam Early Access for $9.99/€9.99/£9.99
Official website: https://www.spellsworn.com
Follow Spellsworn on Twitter and Facebook

About Frogsong Studios

Founded in late 2014, Frogsong Studios is an independent games studio based in Malmö, Sweden. With a goal of creating engaging and unforgettable gaming experiences, Frogsong maintains close contact with its fans and community to provide the best entertainment experiences. The studio is working on its debut title, Spellsworn, which released on Steam Early Access in 2015 and is gearing up for a free to play commercial launch on Steam in Q2, 2018.