ALLIANCE DIGITAL MEDIA TO LAUNCH COSMO D’S SURREAL ADVENTURE GAME THE NORWOOD SUITE FOR WINDOWS PC ON OCT. 2

NEW YORK – Aug. 18, 2017 – Alliance Digital Media has announced it will publish indie developer Cosmo D’s latest offbeat adventure game, The Norwood Suite, on Windows PC on Oct. 2 via Steam, GOG.com and itch.io for $9.99.

Set in the same dreamlike universe as Cosmo D’s debut cult-hit, Off-Peak, The Norwood Suite takes players to the secluded Hotel Norwood on a simple package delivery that quickly unfolds into something much more. Filled with bizarre characters and objects, this mysterious resort is a dense, open-ended world teeming with hidden passages and secrets to discover.

Peer into the lives of the hotel’s guests and staff, explore and interact with surprises behind every door, and piece together a non-linear narrative that rewards your curiosity. The Norwood Suite features surreal art design, as well as an original atmospheric score, composed by Cosmo D, that’s integrated directly into the game world.

For the latest updates as The Norwood Suite nears, visit https://cosmoddd.itch.io/the-norwood-suite, and follow Cosmo D on Twitter (@Cosmoddd).

About Alliance Digital Media

It’s a golden age for games – but harder than ever for independent developers to thrive. Alliance Digital Media exists to disrupt this trend. We believe that great games are good business. From publishing, marketing, PR and influencer outreach services to financing and development support, we give exceptional game makers the organization, expertise and retail muscle necessary to succeed. www.AllianceDigitalMedia.com

About Cosmo D

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

With assistance from NYU Game Center’s Incubator program, publisher Alliance Digital Media, as well as the New York game development scene at large, Cosmo D is now ready to release the follow-up, The Norwood Suite.

SWORD ART ONLINE: FATAL BULLET TO BRING THIRD-PERSON SHOOTER ACTION AND ROLE-PLAYING GAME DEPTH TO BELOVED ANIME GAME SERIES

New Installment in Action RPG Series to Feature Shooter Gameplay for the First Time, Arriving on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PCs via STEAM in Early 2018

Santa Clara, Calif., (August 18, 2017) – BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., the premier publisher of anime video games today, announces Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet, the newest entry in the Action Role-Playing Game (RPG) series based on the popular anime franchise Sword Art Online. For the first time in series history, Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet introduces third-person shooter action along with the RPG gameplay that fans know and love. The title will be available in early 2018 for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and for the first time on Xbox One, and PCs via STEAM®.

Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet brings an exciting twist to the popular action RPG series by adding third-person shooter elements into the game, forming a unique hybrid shooter/RPG/action title that balances gun and sword play with skill and gadget combat to create a new dynamic experience. Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet will feature an engrossing, original story supervised by Sword Art Online creator Reki Kawahara, that takes players into the world of “Gun Gale Online,” from the popular Sword Art Online II season of the series. Players will be able to dive right into the immersive landscape developed by Dimps, and enjoy robust environments and textures powered by Unreal Engine 4. Using agile double jumps, air dashes, wall-to-wall repelling, and quick weapon swapping, players will engage in brisk platforming and shooting gameplay as they embark on epic adventures. Rounding out the package, full multiplayer cooperative and competitive modes will let two to eight players collaborate and compete against one another online.

“For the first time in the history of the franchise, Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet presents the compelling universe of the Sword Art Online series with exciting new third-person shooter action, creating a unique experience that truly stands out in the series,” said Eric Hartness, Vice President of Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “The Sword Art Online universe continues to grow in popularity among audiences in the Americas and its evolution has provided us with a great canvas from which to develop new and exciting experiences for Sword Art Online and RPG fans to enjoy.”

For more information on BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. game titles and products, please visit http://www.bandainamcoent.com/ or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS or join the conversation on Twitter 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 http://www.bandainamcoent.com, www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS or https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

BURN RUBBER IN THE CREW^® 2’S AMERICAN OPEN WORLD WITH EXCLUSIVE* HARLEY-DAVIDSON^® MOTORCYCLES

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — August 18, 2017 — Ubisoft^® and Harley-Davidson^® have announced that players will be able to cruise the open highways of America in The Crew^® 2 with several exclusive* Harley-Davidson^® motorcycles. The collaboration joins Harley-Davidson’s legacy of speed and supremacy in American motorsports with the motor spirit culture celebrated in The Crew 2, the newest iteration in the revolutionary open-world driving franchise The Crew.

First to appear in the game is a Harley-Davidson^® Iron 883™ motorcycle, with bare-knuckle minimalism and garage-built style. The Iron 883 is a nimble urban machine that kicks asphalt. Additional models will be integrated over time for The Crew 2 players to pick up their favourite Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle and shine in a near limitless world built for motorsports. Celebrated as a historic American brand, Harley-Davidson^® motorcycles echo The Crew 2’s vision to bring players the ultimate US motorsports spirit experience.

“We are thrilled to partner with Harley-Davidson^® in The Crew 2. Harley-Davidson^® is a legendary, global brand, deeply rooted in American culture,” said Ahmed Boukhelifa, Ivory Tower Studio Managing Director. “The partnership was a natural fit as Harley-Davidson^® represents the same thirst for unrestrained exploration and the American passion for all things motorized that has inspired our vision for The Crew 2.”

“Harley-Davidson^® has a storied past of celebrating the American spirit, freedom and love of the open road. For almost 115 years, our customers have explored American cities and roadways with our motorcycles. With the launch of The Crew 2 we hope to inspire more people, young and older, to engage in the sport of motorcycling” said Heather Malenshek, Vice President Global Marketing & Brand for Harley-Davidson^® Motor Company.

More than two years after the launch of The Crew, Ivory Tower, a Ubisoft studio based in Lyon (France)**, returns with a sequel that lets players experience the thrill of the American motorsports spirit inside a fully redesigned USA. The Crew^® 2 takes the game experience beyond driving. Fans test their skills, solo or with friends, in non-stop competition and exploration, featuring a variety of cars, bikes, boats, and planes, to become the greatest champion of all motorsports.

The Crew 2 will be released worldwide early 2018 for PlayStation^®4 Pro computer entertainment system, PlayStation^®4, Xbox One, Xbox One X and Windows PC. Players can sign up right now for The Crew 2 Beta, and a chance to play early here: http://thecrewgame.com/beta

For the latest news on The Crew^® and all of Ubisoft’s games, please visit www.ubiblog.com. For more information about The Crew^® 2, please visit http://thecrewgame.com/ and please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecrewgame/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TheCrewGame or hashtag #TheCrew2.

*exclusive to the racing category for one year
**Associate studios are Ubisoft Bucharest, Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft Shanghai, Massive, a Ubisoft studio 

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, Tom Clancy’s video game series, Rayman, Far Cry and Watch Dogs. 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 2016-17 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,460 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoft.com.

ABOUT HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

Since 1903, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom with cruiser, touring and custom motorcycles, riding experiences and events, and a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise, riding gear and apparel. For more information, visit www.h-d.com.

First installment of the highly-anticipated WWE 2K18 Official Roster Reveal

In the first installment of the highly-anticipated WWE 2K18 Official Roster Reveal, 46 WWE Superstars have been announced for inclusion in the forthcoming franchise’s worldwide release. WWE’s Renee Young and WWE Raw commentator Corey Graves, with the help of WWE Superstar Goldust, teamed up to reveal the first group of Superstars confirmed to appear in WWE 2K18.

The installment brings the following Superstars to WWE 2K18’s extensive roster: Akira Tozawa, Alexander Wolfe, Alundra Blayze, Andre the Giant, Bam Bam Bigelow, Baron Corbin, Big Boss Man, Big Show, Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt, Bret Hart, Brie Bella, British Bulldog, Buddy Roberts, Bushwhacker Butch, Bushwhacker Luke, Cesaro, Dean Ambrose, Diamond Dallas Page, Diesel, Dolph Ziggler, Dusty Rhodes, Emma, Eric Young, Erick Rowan, Hideo Itami, Jinder Mahal, Kalisto, Kane, Karl Anderson, Killian Dain, Konnor, Lita, Luke Gallows, Luke Harper, Mark Henry, Nikki Bella, Nikki Cross, Paige, Sami Zayn, Sawyer Fulton, Sheamus, Sin Cara, Summer Rae, Undertaker, Viktor.

Developed collaboratively by Yuke’s and Visual Concepts, a 2K studio, WWE 2K18 is not yet rated by the Australian Classification Board and the Office of Film and Literature Classification. WWE 2K18 is currently scheduled for worldwide release on October 17, 2017 for the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, as well as this Fall 2017 for Nintendo Switch. Early Access players will receive their copies and in-game bonuses beginning four days early on October 13, 2017. For more information on WWE 2K18 and 2K, visit wwe.2k.com, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #WWE2K18 and #BLN1 or subscribe on YouTube.

Sony Interactive Entertainment has today revealed the features to be included in the next major PlayStation 4 system software update 5.00, with beta trials to begin today for selected testers.

The new update brings with it a number of exciting features for PlayStation 4, including Family Accounts, as well as updates and improvements to friend list management, broadcast, messaging, the introduction of virtual surround on PlayStation VR and much more.

Families on PlayStation Network
The existing master/sub-account system is being redesigned to be more family friendly. This new “family on PSN” system will offer a more flexible experience, make it easier to set up PSN accounts for children, and customize parental control settings for each family user.

Friend list management
In place of the current ‘Favourite Groups’ tab, a new ‘Custom Lists’ tab on the ‘Friends’ screen is being added. This will allow users to create and edit custom lists of your friends and arrange them into specific groups, based on the games you play, or groups of friends you like to hang out with online.

Broadcast feature updates

Communities
Users can now link their community to their live gameplay broadcast. When a broadcast is linked to a community, the community button appears on the ‘Live from PlayStation’ spectator screen, allowing any spectator to jump directly into a user’s community page to check out the details or join.

PlayStation VR
A PlayStation VR: ‘Display Message to Spectators and Spectators’ Comments’ setting has been introduced. Once this is enabled, spectator comments sent during a broadcast are displayed not only in cinematic mode, but also in VR mode – so users will be able to read comments and interact with spectators from within your PS VR headset.

PlayStation 4 Pro
Good news for Twitch users: with this update, PS4 Pro will support 1080p 60fps streaming on Twitch.

Virtual surround sound on PS VR
PlayStation VR now supports 5.1ch and 7.1ch virtual surround sound through headphones when watching Blu-rays and DVDs in Cinematic Mode, making for an even more immersive viewing experience.

For the full list of upcoming features for system software update 5.00, please head to the PlayStation Blog.

For the latest PlayStation news, follow PlayStation Australia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Quake Champions Heads to Early Access August 23 

Next Wednesday, August 23, id Software’s incredible multiplayer fragfest, Quake Champions, will officially exit the Closed Beta phase and enter into Early Access on Steam and through the Bethesda.net launcher, bringing with it a host of new content, including new maps, features, and a special new Champion – the mighty DOOM Slayer from id Software’s hit game, DOOM. 

Players who want to jump in and frag their way to global dominance will be able to buy the Champions Pack, which will unlock all current and future Champions as well as other exclusive in-game bonuses for $44.95 AUD/$54.95 NZD, $10 off the final retail price of $54.95 AUD/$64.95 NZD.

“With a fast, skill-based game like Quake Champions, nothing is more important than continual testing and refining, based on player feedback, to ensure the game is balanced, optimised, and fun for all levels of players, from pro to new,” said Tim Willits, Studio Director, id Software. “The Early Access version of Quake Champions is, obviously, a work-in-progress, but represents a solid and robust version of the game, with four modes, 11 Champions, a variety of maps, and a thriving community of fans. Early Access will allow us to work closely with players to improve the game and add additional features before the official launch of Quake Champions in the coming months.”

The Champions Pack

To play Quake Champions during Early Access, players can buy the Champions Pack, which includes:

• All 11 current Champions, including Ranger, Visor, Scalebearer, Nyx, Anarki, Clutch, Sorlag, Galena, Slash, BJ Blazkowicz from id Software’s Wolfenstein, and the new DOOM Slayer
• All future Champions, including at least six additional Champions expected to release before the end of 2018, and any that follow
• An exclusive Early Access skin for series diehard Ranger, available only during the Early Access period for Champions Pack players
• Three Reliquaries (loot chests containing three in-game items for profile, Champion, and weapon customisation, like skins, shaders, nameplates, and more)

Quake Champions’ free-to-play version will launch at a later date. However, players who previously redeemed a Closed Beta key will be able to continue playing Quake Champions in free-to-play mode, only via Bethesda.net. These players will play on the same servers as Champions Pack owners and have the option of upgrading to the Champions Pack or buying additional Champions at any time. Players new to Quake Champions will need to either buy the Champions Pack or wait until free-to-play mode launches at a later date.

Put a little DOOM in Your Quake!

Quake Champions’ newest playable Champion, DOOM Slayer, comes straight from the depths of hell to the Arenas, wielding his pounding fists and a deadly hunger for blood. Fans of DOOM can run amok using DOOM Slayer’s Active Ability – Berserk – smashing enemies into bloody piles of gibs with his bare hands. DOOM Slayer’s passive will also be familiar to DOOM fans — Double Jump — allowing him to jump a second time while in the air.

Additional Content and Features Going Live at Early Access

Quake Champions Early Access will also introduce a host of new content and features for players, including:

• Two New Maps: Church of Azathoth and Tempest Shrine
• The New Champion: DOOM Slayer
• Rune Challenges: Players will be rewarded for completing new Rune Challenges found in backpacks
• Lore System: Players will find Lore Items hidden throughout Arenas in vases. By collecting all 10 Lore Items for a specific Champion, they will unlock that Champion’s high-end Lore Skin
• Improved New Player Onboarding: New features to help get fresh fraggers up to speed include a movement tutorial, shooting gallery, and the ability to choose a skill level
• New Customisation Options: New options include new Champion skin sets and weapon shaders
• In-Game Voice Chat

THE RENOWNED LAYTON SERIES RETURNS TO NINTENDO 3DS AS LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY^TM: KATRIELLE AND THE MILLIONAIRES’ CONSPIRACY LAUNCHES ON 7^TH OCTOBER

An all-new adventure packed with puzzles, mystery and humour introduces Katrielle Layton, daughter of the famous professor, and her canine sidekick Sherl

18^th August, 2017 – Solving mysteries runs in the family! With Professor Layton’s whereabouts unknown, it’s time for his daughter Katrielle to take centre-stage in LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy, coming to Nintendo 3DS family systems in Australia and New Zealand on 7^th October 2017. Developed by LEVEL-5 Inc. and distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Nintendo, this new adventure marks the tenth anniversary of the popular mystery-puzzle game series.

The Nintendo 3DS version of the game includes more puzzles than any game in the Layton series thus far, and what’s more, bonus puzzles will be available to download daily for one year, starting from launch day*. With additional minigames to round out the package, puzzle fans will find plenty to keep their brains occupied as they explore the charming and visually rich world of LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy.

The story this time begins with Katrielle setting up the Layton Detective Agency on Chancer Lane, determined to prove her worth and hoping that the exposure will help her to uncover clues regarding her missing father’s whereabouts. Whizzing around London on her trusty bicycle, solving case after unlikely case, Katrielle will become embroiled in a quizzical quest that eventually leads to her unwitting discovery of the Millionaires’ Conspiracy. But she’s not alone in her endeavours – a young Gressenheller student by the name of Ernest Greeves joins the agency as her assistant, and the team quickly grows to three when Sherl, a talking dog, becomes Katrielle’s first client and subsequently a trusty sidekick.

With the intuitive, Touch Screen-based gameplay that fans know and love, LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy is as easy to pick up and play as any of its predecessors, and can be enjoyed on any system in the Nintendo 3DS family, including the recently-released New Nintendo 2DS XL. Layton diehards, casual puzzle-solvers and newcomers alike will quickly become immersed in the brain-teasing adventure as they help Katrielle discover clues, solve puzzles and ultimately deduce the truth. Fashion-conscious players can also redecorate the agency and dress Katrielle in various different outfits to suit the case at hand.

With the most puzzles ever included in a Layton game, a colourful cast of new characters, a hatful of humorous dialogue and an intriguing new storyline, it’s time to say hello to a new heroine and a new era for the Layton Series! Will Katrielle and her friends ever be able to find her missing father? Discover the truth for yourself when LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy comes to Nintendo 3DS family systems on 7^th October.

Additional Links:
LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy official website http://laytonseries.com
LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy on Twitter https://twitter.com/LaytonSeries
LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LaytonSeries/
LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laytonseries/
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

COOK AND SERVE JAPAN’S FINEST DISHES IN MESHI QUEST: FIVE-STAR KITCHEN TODAY

Impress Customers and Compete Worldwide in On-the-Go Gourmet Game

SYDNEY, 18^TH August 2017 – Square Enix Ltd., today have announced that MESHI QUEST: FIVE-STAR KITCHEN™, the new mobile restaurant management game, is available to download now on iOS and Android devices in more than 150 countries worldwide. By working quickly, and wisely managing time to cook, plate, and serve a wide variety of dishes, players aim to satisfy customers in exciting fast-paced rounds.

MESHI QUEST: FIVE-STAR KITCHEN features over 200 delectable dishes from an array of global cultures, where they must cook increasingly challenging meals from Japanese ramen and curry rice to burgers and Chinese cuisine. Players can earn stars and gain experience points by completing various stages. Players can use these experience points to unlock new restaurants to create the ultimate gourmet town.

With a robust ranking system, players can compete with friends and other towns worldwide and climb any of over 500 leaderboards, and even share their culinary progress with their friends by connecting on Facebook.

MESHI QUEST: FIVE-STAR KITCHEN is available in English, Japanese, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Traditional Chinese, Thai and Korean.

MESHI QUEST: FIVE-STAR KITCHEN is available for download from the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and on Google Play for Android devices.

Related Links:

Official Website: http://www.jp.square-enix.com/meshiquest/en/
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MeshiquestEN/

Devolver Digital And Sloclap Detail ‘Absolver’ Online Features And Post Release Update Plan New content including new gameplay modes, features and moves coming post launch to Absolver

PARIS – The clenched fists at Sloclap and drunken boxers of Devolver Digital have detailed the online multiplayer features in their forthcoming melee combat game Absolver with the new ‘Friends & Foes’ video feature. The development team has also announced the first post-release content in a set of free updates scheduled to happen over the next six months including new gameplay modes, new features, and new moves to expand players’ customizable Combat Deck.

The core of Absolver’s gameplay is its deep fighting mechanics and online combat. Prospects will enter the plains of Adal alone and encounter both AI-controlled opponents and live players through Absolver’s shared online experience structure. Players will roam the world as their own independent ‘server’ as the game seamlessly introduces other Prospects into their game experience. Once players encounter one another they will have a choice to engage in friendly sparring, more aggressive PvP combat, or cooperative PvE play with up to three players at once. Through online cooperative play each Prospect will be able to learn new moves from one another, progress on their path to Absolution, and gain experience points that can be spent on one of six attributes to improve their skills.

Absolver also features unique fighting school mechanic where more advanced players can create their own school of combat that other players may join. The school creator effectively becomes a mentor to these students and this relationship allows for the mentor’s students to use their Combat Deck and the more robust catalog of more advanced moves that comes with it.

Sloclap has announced the first in many free content updates to the game to continue to expand the world of Absolver and cater to the wishes of the community. Through extensive testing and a closed beta, early players have requested features like 3 versus 3 mode, ranked matches, and a spectator mode to watch the action and jump in when it is your turn to battle. These three features will be some of the first implemented in a series of free content updates alongside new Combat Styles and moves for players’ Combat Decks.

Absolver fights its way onto PC and PlayStation 4 on August 29. For more information on Absolver visit absolvergame.com and follow @Absolver on Twitter.

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Absolver – Web Links
Purchase: absolver.devolverdigital.com
Website: absolver.com
Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/473690/Absolver/