Discover How Award-Nominated Developer Brought a Crumbling Psychiatric Asylum to Life for Psychological Thriller, The Town of Light

Bridge the Gap Between Past and Future; Real and Virtual in Video Featurette, “Building The Town of Light” 

Navigating the corridors, rooms and grounds of the Italian psychiatric asylum Ospedale Psichiatrico di Volterra today elicits a very different atmosphere to when it was still fully operational – right up until the late 1970s. Its walls have succumbed to nature and its roofs no longer protect from the elements, yet remnants of the pain once suffered on its grounds are still palpable in the air.

In the haunting behind the scenes video ‘Building The Town of Light,’ game developer LKA.it explores the asylum, its surroundings and the emotional scars it left upon its inhabitants, highlighting how LKA digitally restored it for the award winning, first-person psychological adventure game, The Town of Light. Other discussion points include the challenges of development, the endeavor’s jarring subject matter, and how the importance of the narrative meant LKA.it were determined to overcome anything to deliver one of the most compelling stories of recent times.

Winner of the indieDB Editor’s Choice 2015 award for “Best Visuals” and Game Connection Paris 2014 award for “Best Narrative,” The Town of Light is a first-person, story-driven adventure game set in the Volterra Psychiatric Asylum. The asylum was shut down in the late 1970s due to an Italian law that instructed all asylums to close completely and give back patients their civil rights.

Developed by LKA.it and co-published with Wired Productions, The Town of Light is out now on PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and Windows PC in physical and digital formats for SRP $19.99/€19.99/£15.99. The Town of Light has been rated “M for Mature” by the ESRB.

CipSoft’s new multiplayer game Panzer League is coming to iOS and Android

Regensburg, Germany; 18 July, 2017 – This year the German games developer CipSoft is planning the worldwide release of the first mobile multiplayer online battle arena for tanks, available on the App Store and on Google Play. Panzer League is currently in soft launch and can already be tested in select countries in Southeast Asia. The free-to-play game is based on a successful prototype, which was launched in 2014, and has been continually perfected ever since. Two four-player teams meet in action-packed battles to fight for victory on the battlefield and to improve their war machines.

Players can currently choose from 18 unique tanks out of four different classes. Each machine features different abilities and can be adapted to the players’ individual combat styles using numerous upgrades – invisibility, healing abilities, or raw firepower are all possible! During matches, teams must use their resources wisely, and they can purchase new items to specialize their tanks. After every round, everything can be reconfigured and upgraded in order to get even more out of the mobile fortresses.

However, simply attacking opponents is not enough! To win, players will have to use team spirit and the right strategy to conquer important control points or research stations. They can play against the computer in solo or co-op mode or challenge other players from all over the world. Teams will have to arm themselves and cleverly play to their strengths, because from now on, PvP means Panzer versus Panzer!

For more information on the game, visit panzerleague.com.

WORLD PREMIER PLAYSTATION®4 FOOTAGE REVEALED FOR SUDDEN STRIKE 4

New Gameplay Trailer Shows off Legendary World War II RTS Series Debut on Console 

RIDGEWOOD, NJ (July 18, 2017) – Kalypso Media is thrilled to reveal today world premier gameplay footage of Sudden Strike 4 on PlayStation®4. For the first time, the legendary World War II Real-Time-Strategy series will make its debut on consoles, offering its renowned historically-inspired strategic gameplay to an entirely new audience. The all-new footage offers a glimpse of Sudden Strike 4’s finely-tuned PlayStation®4 controls that allow players to issue detailed commands to their units amidst heart-pounding clashes inspired by World War II’s most defining battles.

Best known for its rich palette of historically-inspired simulation and strategy titles, prolific publisher Kalypso Media and Hungarian developer Kite Games crafted the fourth entry in the iconic Sudden Strike series to please existing fans and act as a fresh introduction to newcomers. Sudden Strike 4 pursues the series’ vision of offering a chess-like strategic experience – where each unit is extremely valuable – on both PC and PlayStation®4, with its trademark focus on careful unit preservation and tactical exploitation of strength vs. weakness. The optional  “pause and play” system also returns to the single-player mode, allowing players to briefly suspend the action and perform calculated maneuvers or react to contact with the enemy at any time.

https://youtu.be/75Bt-x-B-7c

About Sudden Strike 4

Developed as a fully-fledged series entry and not a remake or reboot, Sudden Strike 4 sends you off on three extensive campaigns set amongst the battlefields of World War II. Commanding the British and American, German or Soviet armies, you will lead over 100 different units into battle, including the German Heinkel He111 bomber, the Russian T-34 tank, the British Hawker Typhoon fighter plane and even the notorious German Panzerkampfwagen VI “Tiger”.

In a first for the Sudden Strike series, you can now choose from one of nine individual commanders, such as George Patton or Bernard Montgomery, whose unique military doctrines unlock valuable command and combat abilities for your troops.

Prove your tactical expertise in over 20 demanding single player scenarios, the challenge-focused skirmish mode, and the competitive multiplayer mode. A new reward system awards the player for clever play with skill points and bonus unlockable content.

Sudden Strike 4 offers countless ways to vanquish your opponents. Exploit the weak spots of tanks, set up an ambush, occupy buildings with infantry and snipers, outmaneuver the enemy with clever positioning or unleash devastating air support – how you approach each mission is up to you!

Sudden Strike 4 is scheduled for a worldwide release on Steam on August 11, 2017 as well as retail and the PlayStation® Store in UK and European export territories, followed in North America on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 for retail and the PlayStation® Store.

About The Kalypso Media Group 

Celebrating its 10th year in the video games industry, the Kalypso Media Group is a global, independent developer, marketer and publisher of interactive entertainment software with close to 100 employees worldwide with seven offices across Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. Kalypso Media also enjoys very strong global digital distribution through its Kalypso Media Digital Ltd. subsidiary, owns two development studios – Realmforge Studios GmbH and Gaming Minds Studios GmbH – and works with multiple leading independent developers. In 2015, Kalypso Media Mobile was founded in Hamburg, Germany to deliver great games globally for mobile devices.

Kalypso Media‘s titles include the critically acclaimed Tropico 3, Tropico 4, Tropico 5 (PC, Xbox 360, PS4), Vikings – Wolves of Midgard (PC, PS4, Xbox One), Dungeons and Dungeons 2. Upcoming titles include, Sudden Strike 4 (PC, PS4), Shadow Tactics – Blades of the Shogun (PS4, Xbox One), Blackguards 2 (PS4, Xbox One), Dungeons 3 (PC, Xbox One, PC), Railway Empire (PC, Xbox One, PS4) and Tropico 6 (PC, PS4, Xbox One). Further information about Kalypso Media is available at http://www.kalypsomedia.com.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE REVEALS MAIN CHARACTER CAST OF NIGHTS OF AZURE 2: BRIDE OF THE NEW MOON 

Pre-Order Bonuses and Limited Edition Also Unveiled for GUST Studios’ Newest JRPG Adventure. 

Hertfordshire, 18^th July 2017 – KOEI TECMO Europe revealed further in-depth information on the diverse characters and demon-ridden world of Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon alongside a brand-new trailer. Slated for release on 27^th October 2017 for the Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC via Steam®, the sophomore release of the ‘Nights of Azure’ IP explores the strong relationship between childhood friends Aluche, Liliana, and Ruenheid, who find themselves tangled in an intricate web of fate.

When the evil Moon Queen threatens humanity, the young priestess Liliana is destined to become the Bride of Time, a sacrifice to save the world. This brings her two best friends at odds and during their altercation Aluche, the protagonist, is killed by a mysterious demon.

Aluche is resurrected some time later as a half-demon hybrid and, still struggling to come to terms with her new abilities, sets off to the ruined city of Eurulm, the girls’ hometown, to discover Ruenheid battling a swarm of fiends. Reunited beyond all hope, the pair decides to put aside their differences and fight for a joint cause: to save Liliana and defeat the Moon Queen.

On their perilous quest Aluche and Ruenheid are assisted by a unique bouquet of allies including the mysterious New Curian doctor Camilla Alucard, Aluche’s role model and ex-Curian Knight, Muveil Folin Lou, a half-demon assassin, Veruschka, and the powerful Nightlord, Arnice.  Fighting alongside these ‘Lilies’ sows the seeds of unlikely friendships that blossom into unbreakable bonds and awaken impressive latent abilities for all characters.

Human companions are not the only ones to help in the war against the Moon Queen, as Aluche is also able to forge contracts with reliable fiends known as Servans, like her long-time friend, Nero, the electrifying mutt, Scharf, the fairy-like companion, Feuille, the Shikigami wielding Kaede, the beautiful butterfly, Farfalla, a shadowy fiend, Hexer, and the dolphin-shaped, Perle. These Servans are classed in two categories: Strikers who are used specifically for their strong attacks and ability to transform into weapons, and Trickers who can use their powers in the overworld to remove blockades and open up new paths!

To showcase Aluche’s trusted companions and offer a deeper look into the game’s dark, treacherous world, KOEI TECMO Europe released an all-new trailer and a rich selection of new assets, including images of the bonus DLC available to those who pre-order Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon on both the Nintendo Switch™ and PlayStation®4 via participating retailers.  Specifically, pre-orders will receive a special pack of bonus content that includes three Servans and a special costume for Aluche. Players who purchase the game digitally via the PlayStation™Network within the first four weeks following launch will receive an exclusive Custom Theme as well as the bonus DLC provided by retailers!

Pre-ordering both upcoming GUST Studios titles – Blue Reflection and Nights of Azure 2 – will unlock special collaboration costumes for both games. Aluche of Nights of Azure 2 will receive Hinako’s outfit from Blue Reflection, and Hinako of Blue Reflection will receive Aluche’s outfit from Nights of Azure 2. Players can obtain the DLC bonuses from both games either through pre-ordering retail versions and/or purchasing each title digitally during their respective early purchase periods.

Lastly, for the most devoted fans, a Limited Edition version will be available via the NIS America Europe Online Store from Thursday 20^th July 2017 at 12pm noon BST, including a hardcover Art Book, three beautiful cloth posters, an Official Soundtrack CD, the bonus pre-order DLC, and a physical copy of the game in a stunning Collectors’ Box.

For more information on Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon, please visit the official website at www.koeitecmoeurope.com/nightsofazure2, like us on www.facebook.com/ateliergames and follow us on twitter @koeitecmoeurope.

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. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive® and Ninja Gaiden® series. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. On April 1, 2009, KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD was established as a result of the TECMO, LTD. and KOEI Co., Ltd. merger. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com 

Game of Thrones on Foxtel

Game of Thrones, is a global television phenomenon and the launch of Season 7 was the most anticipated television event of the year.

The number of Australians subscribing to Foxtel’s streaming service, foxtel now leapt by 40% in the 48 hours prior to last night’s screening of Episode 1. We expect a record audience of 1.5 million Australians to watch this episode via an iQ box, Foxtel Now or the Foxtel App.

The combination of new foxtel now customers signing up and existing customers upgrading to get the Drama Pack so they could watch the show, put unprecedented pressure on our technical operations. Foxtel’s Identity Management System (IDM), which verifies customers’ entitlement to view content, which usually handles around 5,000 processes a day was hit with 70,000 transactions in just a few hours.

Unfortunately, due to this massive surge in demand, a significant number of customers experienced difficulty logging in to foxtel now and the Foxtel App. The system was unable to verify some customers’ entitlements. We are unable to say exactly how many customers were affected because the system is unable to separately identify customers who have a problem logging in but later successfully manage to do so.

We had anticipated heavy usage for last night’s premiere; however, the traffic that eventuated far exceeded expectations. Foxtel’s engineers are examining what steps can be taken to mitigate any recurrence.

Given that the problems were driven by the volumes of people who sought to sign up on the day of broadcast Foxtel advises others who wish to sign up before next week’s episode to do so a few days in advance.

We note that problems were experienced in the USA, India and Latin America, also driven by the extraordinary surge in demand for the program.

The system is now working and customers are able to watch the episode either on demand or at an encore screening. Encores are scheduled for today Tuesday, at Midday, and 9.15pm, on Wednesday at 1.20pm, Thursday at 10.10pm, Friday at 11.25am and Saturday at 8.30pm. Foxtel will also add multiple repeat screenings of the episode on the showcase channel.

Foxtel unreservedly apologises to customers who were affected by this issue.

We truly appreciate our customers’ patience during last night’s outage and will do everything possible to ensure that this does not occur again.

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About Foxtel

Foxtel is one of Australia’s most progressive and dynamic media companies, directly employing around 2,800 people and delivering a diverse subscription television service over cable, satellite and broadband distribution. Foxtel effortlessly connects Australians to all the stories they love by offering a better entertainment experience every day to more than 2.8 million subscribing homes through delivery of new and inspiring programming across all genres, the world’s most popular channel brands, and investment in high quality local content. As constant champions of innovation we have brought customers the iQ personal digital recorder; Australia’s largest HD channel offering; the Foxtel App for tablets and mobile devices; internet TV service, Foxtel Now; and television, broadband and home phone bundles with Foxtel internet and voice services delivered over Australia’s largest telecommunications network. Foxtel is owned by Telstra Corporation Limited ACN 051 775 556 (50%) and News Corporation (50%).

XSEED Games Breathes New Life into Ys SEVEN with Upcoming Windows PC Release

Developer Nihon Falcom’s Much-Lauded Action RPG to Make the Jump from PlayStation®Portable to HD, 60fps Glory this Summer

Torrance, Calif. — July 17, 2017 — XSEED Games, the independent-minded console publishing brand of Marvelous USA, Inc., today announced that Ys SEVEN, developer Nihon Falcom’s first entry in a new generation of its beloved series of action RPGs, is headed to Windows PC via Steam, GOG, and The Humble Store by Humble Bundle this summer. Originally released for the PlayStation®Portable (PSP®) handheld system in 2010, Ys SEVEN will arrive on Windows PC with all the features of a modern PC release, including full HD, a smooth 60fps framerate, plug-and-play controller compatibility, and achievements on applicable platforms such as Steamworks and GOG Galaxy.

Offering satisfyingly fast-paced, real-time action, Ys SEVEN features a combat system that involves a three-member battle party with the ability to swap among characters at will. Series veterans and newcomers alike can expect to be immersed in a rich, vibrant world containing over 30 hours of action-packed gameplay and an epic storyline wherein players must reunite the estranged five tribes who serve and protect the Five Great Dragons – deified beings who may well be the world’s last hope. Ys SEVEN was the first title in the long-running action RPG franchise to reach a wide mainstream audience in the West, and the first title in this historically PC-centric series to be developed from the ground up for a console or handheld system since the mid-‘90s.

Ys SEVEN is developed by Nihon Falcom and is published worldwide for Windows PC by XSEED Games. The PSP®system release has been rated “T for Teen” by the ESRB. The Windows PC version of the game is not rated by the ESRB.

For more information on XSEED Games products, please visit www.xseedgames.com. Fans can also follow XSEED Games on Facebook at www.facebook.com/XSEEDGames and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/XSEEDGames.

Fantasy MMO Albion Online Launches Across PC, Mac and Linux

Whether you aspire to be a wandering highwayman, exploring the world and providing for number one, or dedicate yourself to the needs of your Guild, supplying the highest quality ore in the realm, the wait is over and Albion Online is here to help make those fantasies a reality!

Find out how you fit into the world of Albion Online

BERLIN, GERMANY – July 17, 2017 – Developed by Sandbox Interactive, fantasy MMORPG Albion Online has officially arrived on PC, Mac and Linux, bringing with it a community of dedicated MMO fans. Kicking off their adventures with a clean slate after the beta server wipe, Legendary Founder and Legendary Starter Pack owners have already begun taking their first steps in the sprawling land of Albion, staking their claim on the untamed wilds and free markets therein.

Epic Founders and Starters will be the next group to enter the fray, joining Albion’s servers on July 18th at 13:00 UTC, followed by Veteran Founders and Starters on July 19th at 13:00 UTC. Can’t wait to start forging out on your own adventure? Download the client and grab a Legendary Starter Pack to dive in right away!

Featuring a player-driven economy and the flexibility of its “You Are What You Wear” class system, Albion Online delivers a unique MMO experience that shines a spotlight on the actions of its community. Borders fluctuate as guilds vie for land in an unending PvP struggle. Player-crafted goods and equipment populate the realm’s vendors. Enterprising individuals corner local markets with their own storefronts. Rangers can trade in their bows for axes as they collect lumber to fuel their guild’s war effort.

Everyone – be they warriors, gatherers, crafters, merchants or bandits – matters in the forging of Albion Online’s rich and living history. So whether you’re ready to strike out with a group of likeminded adventurers or retreat to your own personal island home, the wilds of Albion are yours to explore and shape.

View the full details on Albion’s Website here

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Albion Online Features:

• Tell your story: Inhabit a persistent world where you decide what your legacy will be. Will you take up the mantle of a legendary warrior? What about a world-renowned armorsmith?
• Player-driven economy: From shopkeepers’ wares to every item that mobs drop, players craft the goods that keep Albion’s economic wheel spinning.
• Change the game. Go classless: Don’t feel burdened by your role. Embrace Albion’s “You Are What You Wear” system and shift your role with ease.
• Represent your guild: Connect and coordinate with other players to expand your territory on an ever-shifting map as you take on rival guilds and shape Albion in your image.
• Be part of a community: Join over 250,000 dedicated players in the beta alone.

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About Sandbox Interactive

Sandbox Interactive is an independent development studio founded in January 2012 and is based in Berlin, Germany, currently employing 52 full-time and more than a dozen freelance programmers and designers on their cross-platform sandbox MMO Albion Online. Sandbox Interactive follows the mantra that the creation of your world and interact with other players are paramount to entertainment – and that these ideas are truly brought to life in the sandbox genre. With Albion Online, they are making a game with compelling gameplay and the player’s experience squarely in the foreground.

Social Links
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