French Cruisers Rush into World of Warships Today

Prey on carriers and show pesky destroyers who’s boss

April 20, 2017 — Vive la France! A full fleet of ten stylish-looking cruisers sails proudly into World of Warships today, introducing a new nation with rich naval history to the game.

“French cruisers offer numerous tactical options and have tremendous potential to set the tone in combat thanks to outstanding fighting qualities and exclusive consumables,” said Artur Plociennik, World of Warships Executive Producer. “You can swiftly change your position, shine in short-range torpedo exchanges, and turn the table on destroyers. With French cruisers, you’re the hunter.”

The new line possesses powerful artillery and features several specific traits for commanders who appreciate manoeuvrability and tactical versatility. Their high speed is complemented by the special Engine Boost consumable, unavailable to other nations’ warships of the same class. French cruisers have very high anti-torpedo bulkheads, giving them significant advantage against destroyers, and their own torpedo launchers provide the nation with an edge in close combat. They can accomplish a variety of battle objectives, switching flanks rapidly and preying on destroyers, light cruisers, and aircraft carriers, while those belonging to Tiers VI to X can even give some trouble to battleships.

The new branch opens with the speedy and accurate Bougainville that belongs to aviso, a sub-type of cruisers previously not represented in World of Warships. Bougainville-class ships performed well in World War II and remained on active duty until the late 1950s, having participated in wars in Korea and Indochina. Among other significant models are the Émile Bertin—one of the fastest cruisers in the game—along with its descendant, the well-armored and torpedo-proof La Galissonnière.

Grand battles await. En avant, les capitaines!

For the latest information, visit the official World of Warships website:

• http://worldofwarships.asia

###

About World of Warships

World of Warships is a free, historical, online combat game from Wargaming. Command a massive naval fleet featuring some of history’s most iconic war vessels, level up important tech modules and prepare to dominate the oceans in World of Warships.

With four classes of ships, myriad upgrades, and strategically designed environments, the action never ends and every match is a unique experience.

World of Warships brings players endless hours of strategy, tactical gameplay and pulse pounding combat!

About Wargaming

Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher and one of the leaders in the free-to-play MMO market. Founded as a privately held company in 1998, Wargaming has shipped over 15 titles. Currently, Wargaming is focused on its team-based MMO war series dedicated to the mid-20th century warfare that includes the armored World of Tanks, the flight combat World of Warplanes, and the naval World of Warships. The three intertwined titles form a common gaming universe integrated within the portal www.wargaming.net.

As part of its multiplatform line-up, the company has introduced World of Tanks on Xbox and World of Tanks Blitz on mobile platforms, Windows 10 and Mac OS X. Launched in 2014 and 2015, World of Tanks on Xbox introduced epic tank-on-tank battles to console gamers and offers the first cross-platform gaming experience between Xbox 360 and Xbox One. In 2016, Wargaming released World of Tanks for PlayStation®4, continuing its console campaign.

Official website:

• http://www.wargaming.com

Ubisoft^® Expands Its Creative Force With The Opening Of Two New Studios

New Studios in Berlin and Bordeaux Focusing on AAA Game Development

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – April 20, 2017 – Ubisoft has announced that it will increase its creative capacities in Europe with the upcoming openings of Ubisoft Bordeaux and Ubisoft Berlin. The two studios will assist in developing new AAA games for some of Ubisoft’s biggest franchises, and expect to add at least 100 new talents combined to Ubisoft’s creative workforce in their first year of operation.

The new studios demonstrate Ubisoft’s commitment to developing enriching, immersive game worlds and world-class entertainment franchises. They will plug into Ubisoft’s cross-studio collaboration approach, in which Ubisoft studios from across the globe work together on AAA game development, with each studio providing distinct contributions based on their areas of expertise. With four established studios in France and two in Germany, Ubisoft already has a strong presence in the two countries’ videogame ecosystems. By opening these two new studios, Ubisoft is creating additional opportunities for local talent and adding to the expertise of its respective local teams.

“We pride ourselves on attracting and retaining the best creative talent around the world, and on establishing video games as a viable career option and economic contributor in new locales,” said Christine Burgess-Quémard, Executive Director of Ubisoft’s worldwide studios. “Opening new studios in both France and Germany enables us to offer more opportunities to skilled graduates and industry veterans in those regions, who in turn will help our highly-skilled teams in development of some of our biggest franchises.”

France was the location of Ubisoft’s first internal development studio, Ubisoft Paris, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The new Bordeaux studio will report to Xavier Poix, Managing Director of Ubisoft’s French studios, and will be managed locally by Studio Manager Julien Mayeux. The Bordeaux team will collaborate on the development of some of the biggest video game franchises to have originated in France, including Just Dance^®, Steep™, and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® Wildlands. Joining the network of studios in Annecy, Lyon, Montpellier, and Paris, Ubisoft Bordeaux will further strengthen Ubisoft’s presence in France, particularly in the South West. Just two hours from Paris via high-speed train, Bordeaux has a strong digital heritage, a budding video game industry and a high-potential talent pool fueled by local schools and training programs. The city also is a UNESCO world heritage site and an internationally acclaimed hub of culture and gastronomy.

Germany is home to Blue Byte, acquired by Ubisoft in 2001. Reporting to Benedikt Grindel, Studio Manager of Ubisoft Blue Byte, the new Berlin-based studio will work closely with the existing Blue Byte teams in Düsseldorf and Mainz on an unannounced project from within one of Ubisoft’s most popular AAA franchises.  Blue Byte leads development of well-known strategy franchises such as The Settlers^® and Anno^®, and most recently collaborated on the PC version of For Honor™. Ubisoft Berlin’s partnership with these established and highly-experienced teams will help ensure that the new studio integrates quickly and expands the overall expertise of Ubisoft in Germany. The new studio intends to attract both industry newcomers and seasoned video game creators from within Germany and across Europe in order to grow to a team of 50 people in its first year. Berlin is renowned for its distinctive and rich art, fashion, design, and music scenes, and has become a highly-desirable destination in Europe for start-ups and technology companies.
Ubisoft is committed to creating an inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of our player community, and is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, religion, gender sexual orientation, age or disability status. We are currently recruiting for job opportunities in both Berlin (more details here) and Bordeaux (more here).

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 2015-16 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,394 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

MINIATURE MULTIPLAYER MAYHEM UNFOLDS IN THE FIRST MICRO MACHINES WORLD SERIES GAMEPLAY TRAILER

Narrated by Brian Blessed, Micro Machines is Alive!

Larkspur, Calif. –  April 19, 2017 – Codemasters & Deep Silver today released the first gameplay trailer for the hotly anticipated return of the classic gaming franchise, Micro Machines ahead of the release on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC via Steam on June 23. You can watch the miniature mayhem unfold in the first Micro Machines World Series gameplay trailer:

Whether driving the Spy Car destroying a Hovercraft with a NERF Blaster in the Games Room, or the Dump Truck blowing up a Tank with a Dynamite Launcher in the garden, Micro Machines World Series will have players of all ages smiling from ear-to-ear while delivering absolute carnage.

Executive Producer Chris Gray said, “Micro Machines World Series is a fresh new take on the franchise that is great fun for previous players and those new to Micro Machines. It’s a firm fan favorite and we are delighted to be bringing it to the PS4, Xbox One and PC. In addition to the return of the classic Race and Elimination modes, we are extremely excited by the new Battle Arenas. Having 12 players in the same match, all fighting it out with a variety of vehicles and crazy weapons is great fun. Gamers are going to love it.”

Players will take on a whole new way of racing in Micro Machines World Series. Not only will players be able to burn rubber across the Kitchen table in familiar 4 player ‘sofa style’ local races but also enter into larger 12 player online races. With such a large number of players on one screen, gamers can look forward to seeing 12 vehicles jostling for position and hurtling toward each corner to every map.

In addition to the core racing modes are the Battle Modes which pit up to 12 players into the same arena for frantically competitive multiplayer games including Capture the Flag and Territory as well as 6v6 Team Deathmatch. All of these are set to the varied interactive backdrop of 15 battle arenas including The Laser Lab, Buzzsaw Battle and the evergreen fun of navigating the Hungry Hungry Hippos board without being eaten.

Players can personalize their Battles with 12 new vehicles including the Spy Car, Hovercraft, Monster Truck or G. I. Joe H.I.S.S Tank, each with their own strengths and weapons. Players will set off trying to crush, smash, and destroy opponents with numerous new weapons including the Dynamite Launcher, Tidal Wave, Cobra Turret and NERF Blasters. Every vehicle also has a level of customization with new skins, completely changing the original look. The inclusion of Emotes, Victory Poses, and Grave Stamps also add to the camaraderie and bragging rights at the end of a match.

Adding to the hilarity and fun of Micro Machines, the release is narrated by the one and only Brian Blessed. In his own, recognizable and unique style Brian bursts forth announcing the start of races as well as “ENEMY FLAG TAKEN” and “MICRO MACHINES IS ALIVE!”

Follow updates from the Micro Machines team on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MicroMachinesHQ

​​# # #

ABOUT CODEMASTERS:
Codemasters, the award winning video game developer and publisher, has a 30 year heritage. With titles distributed globally, Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of driving and racing entertainment games including DiRT, GRID and the official BAFTA award-winning FORMULA 1 series of videogames. The company is fully controlled by Reliance Big Entertainment Ltd. (RBEL). For more information on Codemasters’ product portfolio, please visit www.codemasters.com

. Join in the conversation with @codemasters on Twitter or Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/codemasters

​​ABOUT DEEP SILVER

Deep Silver develops and distributes interactive games for all platforms. The Deep Silver label means to captivate all gamers who have a passion for thrilling gameplay in exciting game worlds. Deep Silver works with its partners to achieve a maximum of success while maintaining the highest possible quality, always focusing on what the customer desires.

Deep Silver has published more than 200 games since 2003, including its own brands like the open world extravaganza Saints Row, the zombie action franchise Dead Island, and the grim post-apocalyptic future of the Metro series. Upcoming highlights from Deep Silver include Dead Island 2 and Agents of Mayhem. Deep Silver also owns the development studios Deep Silver Dambuster Studios in Nottingham, UK; Deep Silver Fishlabs in Hamburg, Germany, and Deep Silver Volition based in Champaign, IL, USA. For more information please visit www.deepsilver.com

Jam City Teams with Peanuts, One of the World’s Most Beloved Brands, to Create the All-New Bubble Shooter Game Snoopy Pop

Fans Can Now Pre-Register to be Notified When the New Snoopy Pop Mobile Game Releases and Receive an In-Game Gift

Los Angeles, April 19, 2017 — Today, Jam City and Peanuts Worldwide announced the start of pre-registration for Snoopy Pop, an all-new bubble shooter game starring the beloved Peanuts characters and Snoopy alter-egos from the classic comic by Charles M. Schulz. Fans can now sign up to be notified when the new game launches and receive a Snoopy-licious in-game gift. Pre-Register now at jamcity.me/SnoopyGP for Google Play or at jamcity.me/PlaySnoopy for iOS.

Created in close partnership with the artists, animators and storytellers at Peanuts Worldwide, Snoopy Pop gives anyone with a mobile device the ability to help rescue Woodstock and his flock of birds who have been trapped in bubbles. The free-to-play game is expected to officially launch in early summer 2017.

“We are so honored to be creating a game with one of the world’s most loved and iconic brands,” said Josh Yguado, co-founder and president of Jam City. “The rich legacy of the Peanuts gang inspires our team and with Snoopy Pop we want to create a mobile game that lives up to the genius of Charles M. Schulz.”

The Peanuts Gang is Back!

Snoopy Pop gameplay features include:

• Fun, varied, dynamic and challenging puzzles
• Fresh new levels, characters, worlds and events added regularly
• Collections of character game pieces, boosters and more
• Unique character based power-ups, like Charlie Brown’s Kite
• Game modes featuring Snoopy’s colorful alternate personas such as The Flying Ace and Masked Marvel
• Events based on classic storylines and holiday specials
• Maps, obstacles and boosters that capture the spirit of Peanuts
• Original licensed music from the Peanuts holiday specials

“Working with partners who truly understand the heart of the brand and characters is paramount to Peanuts Worldwide,” said Roz Nowicki, Executive Vice President of Peanuts Worldwide and Iconix Entertainment. “Jam City has demonstrated great care and skill in helping bring Snoopy, Woodstock, Charlie Brown, Lucy and the entire Peanuts gang to a new generation of audiences. We are thrilled that people around the world who love Peanuts will be able to have so much fun playing Snoopy Pop.”

Jam City has made a science out of turning some of the world’s largest entertainment franchises and brands into hit mobile games. The mobile gaming publisher is the creator of 6 of the Top 100 Highest Grossing games played in the United States across both iPhone and Android devices, including Panda Pop, the #1 bubble shooter in US and worldwide revenue over the past 12 months.

About Jam City

Jam City is a Los Angeles-based mobile game publisher with global reach. Created in 2010 by former MySpace co-founders Chris DeWolfe, Aber Whitcomb, and former Twentieth Century Fox executive Josh Yguado, Jam City is the creator of 6 of the Top 100 highest grossing games across Apple’s and Google’s US app stores. Its portfolio of titles–which includes Cookie Jam, Panda Pop, Genies & Gems, Family Guy: the Quest for Stuff and Marvel Avengers Academy–has been downloaded more than 800 million times and is regularly played by more than 50 million people per month. Jam City has studios in Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego and Buenos Aires.

About Peanuts Worldwide

The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family.

Entertainment powerhouses Twitch and Sony join forces for Youth Cancer Charity Stream

Inaugural Gaming4Life 30hr charity stream for Sony Foundation’s youth cancer initiative, You Can, live on Twitch from April 29-30, 2017

[Sydney Australia], April 19, 2017 – For the first time ever in Australia, Twitch has partnered with the charity arm of Sony group of companies, Sony Foundation to host a 30-hour entertainment extravaganza live stream fundraiser for youth cancer program, You Can. The marathon stream, commencing 29^th April, hosted by some of Australia’s favourite Twitch streamers including Loserfruit, Bajo, Deligracy and JamesTurnerYT with special guest appearances from Sony Music artists and avid gamers such as Alan Walker, Cyrus and LDRU with more to be announced.

The gaming action and entertainment will unfold live on www.twitch.tv/6t4bites over 30 hours with teams of gamers competing to raise thousands of dollars to build youth cancer centres around Australia.

Horizon Zero Dawn, For Honor and Prey are just a selection of titles that will be played on PlayStation®4 during Gaming4Life. The competition will heat up as viewers develop an alliance with their favourite team and show their support through donations to unlock exclusive content or compete in a variety of outrageous challenges.

The global stream will include exclusive content, developer interviews and rare merchandise, including over $30,000 worth of PlayStation and Sony Mobile hardware and accessories. Key event partner, PlayStation Australia has agreed to reward a PS4 20^th Anniversary limited edition console to the highest donor over the 30hrs. Plus there will also be prizes from world-class publishers and developers such as Bethesda, Ubisoft, Guerrilla Games and Media Molecule.

Whilst clocking up the hours, the stream will not miss a beat, as Twitch streamers, hosts and Sony Music artists take part in gameplay, humorous challenges, cosplay, gaming trivia, Just Dance dance-offs, and live music performances from the Max Watts live music venue in Sydney.

Viewers can cheer the teams on and watch their favourite games while donating to a worthy cause. Donations can be made at https://tiltify.com/causes/sony-foundation-australia/gaming4life-2017

Since its inception, You Can has committed almost $5 million to building ‘You Can’ youth cancer centres in Australia for young patients aged 15 – 25. Too old for children’s hospitals yet too young for adult wards, these young patients are a ‘forgotten generation’ falling through the gaps in the medical system.  This year alone, over 1000 young patients will be diagnosed with cancer in Australia and these Centres will provide age-appropriate treatment and care alongside peers their own age which has proven vital to improved survival rates.

Twitch streamer from The Netherlands, Kees Steenbergen, has already raised over $5,000 for Sony Foundation via his Twitch community and will be travelling to Sydney to take part in the stream, hoping to lead his team to victory.

“I am extremely proud of my community for raising such a huge amount for YouCan. They support and fight for each other every day. It will be an honor and a pleasure to represent the International Twitch community and contribute to this important cause when I arrive in Sydney. This will be my first time in Australia and I’m looking forward to meeting so many talented gamers. I urge every gamer out there to tune in, play along with us and raise some much needed money” said Kees AKA SevenS1ns.

Sony Foundation’s, General Manager, Emma Pechey says that the long-term aim of the ‘You Can’ program is to establish youth cancer centres across Australia.

“Once you turn 16, the chances of surviving certain cancers is halved in Australia,” said Pechey. “Sony Foundation’s You Can campaign is committed to changing this, but we need the community’s help. Twitch streamers are a socially conscious community and with You Can being a youth related cause we hope that Gaming4Life will connect with the gaming community and engage them in our cause by providing entertainment like never before, thanks to the support of our family of Sony companies.”

“We are constantly moved by the passion of the Twitch community in making charity fundraising a staple on our platform,” said Lewis Mitchell, Partner Associate, Australia and New Zealand at Twitch. “To date, over $65 million USD has been raised by our streamers for worthwhile causes, so we are optimistic about our viewers rallying around Sony Foundation Australia’s meaningful charity event.”

Tune in to watch Gaming4Life live from 9am AEST on the 29th April, 2017 on www.twitch.tv/6T4bites

Head to PlayStation Australia’s blog to find out updates more about all activity taking place during Gaming4Life and how to donate.

World of Warships Clash of Elements Begins

Embrace the raging inferno or harness the might of a tsunami

April 19, 2017 — Two elements have collided to battle for supremacy over three weeks across the seas in World of Warships. Clash of Elements runs until May 4, and tasks the player with choosing either fire or water in a race to reap some awesome individual and team rewards.

Once the player has chosen a side in Clash of Elements, it’s time to fight. The event consists of three rounds and the team that wins two out of the three rounds is crowned victorious.

Each commander can contribute to tipping the elements by: sinking enemy ships, winning battles, dealing damage, earning ribbons, achievements, and XP.

Help your team to win the round and receive personal in-game rewards “coins”, which can be spent in the “Gift shop”, featuring a wealth of interesting goods, including a unique ship, Kamikaze R, with a special permanent camouflage.

However, there is something even more special for those who truly get ahead of the pack. The World of Warships team will be collecting a list of the top 100 players who contributed most to their team by each parameter, so their names go down in the game’s history.

To join the event, visit the World of Warships portal of your region, choose your side, and play:

• https://elements.worldofwarships.asia

###

About World of Warships

World of Warships is a free, historical, online combat game from Wargaming. Command a massive naval fleet featuring some of history’s most iconic war vessels, level up important tech modules and prepare to dominate the oceans in World of Warships.

With four classes of ships, myriad upgrades, and strategically designed environments, the action never ends and every match is a unique experience. World of Warships brings players endless hours of strategy, tactical gameplay and pulse pounding combat!

Learn more about World of Warships:

• http://worldofwarships.asia

About Wargaming

Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher and one of the leaders in the free-to-play MMO market. Founded as a privately held company in 1998, Wargaming has shipped over 15 titles. Currently, Wargaming is focused on its team-based MMO war series dedicated to the mid-20th century warfare that includes the armored World of Tanks, the flight combat World of Warplanes, and the naval World of Warships. The three intertwined titles form a common gaming universe integrated within the portal www.wargaming.net.

As part of its multiplatform line-up, the company has introduced World of Tanks on Xbox and World of Tanks Blitz on mobile platforms, Windows 10 PCs and Mac OS X. Launched in 2014 and 2015, World of Tanks on Xbox introduced epic tank-on-tank battles to console gamers and offers the first cross-platform gaming experience between Xbox 360 and Xbox One. In 2016, Wargaming released World of Tanks for PlayStation®4, continuing its console campaign.

Official website:

• www.wargaming.com