WRC 6 RACES AND RALLIES INTO STORES FOR PLAYSTATION 4, XBOX ONE, AND PC/STEAM TODAY

The Official Game of the FIA World Rally Championship Brings Heated eSports Competition and Latest Roster of Rally Racers to Gamers

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (Mar. 3, 2016) – Leading interactive entertainment developer and publisher BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. and Bigben Interactive, a worldwide player in video game publishing, have released WRC 6, a new entry in the acclaimed rally racing series. WRC 6 enables players take on all 14 official rallies, play-as or against the official drivers and teams in the 2016 FIA rally season for a complete racing series. WRC 6 is now on sale in the Americas or the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, and PC via STEAM®.

Developed by Kylotonn Racing Games, WRC 6 is an extreme motorsport challenge that offers the complete rally experience with accurately reproduced tracks, teams, and drivers from the World Rally Championship. In addition, the game offers 11 new Super Special Stages that combine unique driving challenges with iconic environments from around the world. To help friends compete against each other, WRC 6 includes a split-screen multiplayer mode, diverse and challenging new stages, the eSports WRC Championship, and more realistic vehicle behavior to help players lose themselves to the rush of the race.

Racers who have mastered every jump, turn, and terrain of WRC 6 will have an opportunity to put their racing skills to the test with a series of official competitions for Season 2 of the Esports WRC Championship. The championship is open to all WRC 6 players to enter where they’ll compete in a series of rally races that run parallel to the official WRC calendar. The eSports WRC Championship rounds end in November 2017, followed by a final competition. Players will have multiple opportunities to put in their best performances through a variety of conditions and stages. The routes and additional information will be available before each event on www.esportswrc.com.
“Since its start in 1973, the FIA World Rally Championship has become the authoritative name in gritty and challenging rally races. We can’t wait to see gamers climb in the driver’s seat and experience the high octane driving experience the talented teams at Kylotonn and Bigben have created to bring the rallying action to gamers,” said Eric Hartness, Vice President of Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “With its fast cars, fierce eSports competition, and rich roster of courses, WRC 6 lives up to that world famous racing series and truly puts players in the driver’s seat.”

“We’re excited to work with BANDAI NAMCO to bring the excitement of the newest season of the FIA World Rally Championship to the Americas. Perhaps the best part for us will be seeing racers from around the globe squaring off to determine who in the best racer in the world,” said Benoît Clerc, Head of Software at Bigben Interactive. “We work hard to make games that everyone can enjoy, and with WRC 6, beginners and veteran racers alike will have an opportunity to experience the exhilaration of rally racing at the highest level. There’s something here for everyone!”

WRC 6 is available for PlayStation®4, Xbox One and PC via STEAM®. For more information on BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. and WRC 6, go to: http://www.bandainamcoent.com/home.html or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS or join the conversation at https://twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

SPIKE CHUNSOFT Unveils Fire Pro Wrestling World, Danganronpa Series Game Launch Dates and More at First-ever Western Gathering During GDC 2017

Director, Writer Kotaro Uchikoshi Announces New Project “Psync” and Details for “Zero Escape: The Nonary Games”; “428: Shibuya Scramble” Confirmed for First Stateside Release

TOKYO – March 3, 2017 – Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd., at their first-ever Western press event last night, revealed several new projects and confirmed North American and European launch dates for its most popular franchises and games. Leading the evening’s line up of exciting unveilings was fan favorite, Fire Pro Wrestling World. After a 10-year hiatus, director Tomoyuki Matsumoto’s Fire Pro Wresting World brings the hit franchise to Windows PC and PlayStation®4, with Steam Early Access confirmed for this Summer. Building upon the core gameplay, the game will offer improved graphics, updated features and online matchmaking connecting players from around the world. The PS4™ version has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

Announcements for the hit Danganronpa series included: Windows PC releases for Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls, set to launch July 27 and Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony will release September 26; and a VR prelude to the upcoming PS4™ game Danganronpa 1 • 2 Reload, titled Cyber Danganronpa: The Class Trial, which will be free for PlayStation®Plus members for PlayStation®VR in North America and Europe on March 7 and March 10, respectively. The Class Trial has been rated “T for Teen” by the ESRB.

Director and writer Kotaro Uchikoshi revealed his new project, code-named Psync, alongside details for Zero Escape: The Nonary Games, a collection which includes HD remasters of the award-winning, room escape visual novel games Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (999), as well as the sequel to 999, Virtue’s Last Reward, which will launch March 24 for Windows PC.

The company also announced that the critically acclaimed visual novel game 428: Shibuya Scramble will at last be released in Western territories on PlayStation®4 and Windows PC in early 2018. This game has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

“We are thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response that our titles have enjoyed in the west, and are honored by the reception from the media about our upcoming portfolio of games,” said Mitsutoshi Sakurai, President & CEO for Spike Chunsoft Co. Ltd. “The exciting return of Fire Pro Wrestling and 428, along with games from the Danganronpa series, The Nonary Games collection and Project Psync are just the beginning. We’re dedicated to localizing even more games in the future and want to hear what fans want next!”

More information about Spike Chunsoft’s lineup of titles will be released at a later time. Stay up-to-date on all Spike Chunsoft news by following the company on Facebook @SpikeChunsoft.en and Twitter @SpikeChunsoft_e.

About Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Spike Chunsoft is an established video game publisher, developer and localization company based in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 2012 between industry veterans Spike and Chunsoft, the company is known for cult hit franchises such as Danganronpa and Zero Escape, and is responsible for launching titles across consoles, PC and mobile for some of the most popular series in the industry. More information about the company can be found at: https://www.spike-chunsoft.co.jp/company_e/information.html.

I AM SETSUNA available now for Nintendo Switch

LONDON (3^rd March 2017) – From today, fans both new and old can experience the emotional and heart rendering story of I AM SETSUNA like never before on the Nintendo Switch™.

The debut title from the all-new SQUARE ENIX studio, Tokyo RPG Factory, brings players classic-style JRPG adventure, following the story of Setsuna, a young woman of incredible power and inner strength, on her journey of sacrifice to save the people of her land.  With simple turn based controls and unique gameplay mechanics; the game merges the beloved nostalgic elements from the golden era of JRPGs with today’s technology allowing fans to play at home or on-the-go.

To watch the Nintendo Switch – I Am Setsuna Launch Trailer, visit: https://youtu.be/po3RQBMrks8

Speaking on the release of I AM SETSUNA for the Nintendo Switch, Game Director, Atsushi Hashimoto, said; “Tokyo RPG Factory is really excited to be playing a part in the Nintendo Switch launch day line-up. The team has grown up loving the various great RPGs that Nintendo’s consoles continue to provide us, so it’s an honour to be here at the start of the Switch story. We wish Nintendo all the best with the launch and hope that everyone takes the opportunity to experience the story of I AM SETSUNA on the new console.”
I AM SETSUNA is available digitally on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation®4 and STEAM now. For more information on I AM SETSUNA, visit: www.iamsetsuna.com

Related Links:
Official Website: www.iamsetsuna.com
Tokyo RPG Factory Homepage: http://www.tokyorpgfactory.com

About Tokyo RPG Factory
Established in August 2014, Tokyo RPG Factory is a new studio within Square Enix specializing in Japanese RPGs. The studio revisits the ethos and practices used to develop for the 16-bit era and aims to re-introduce the classic JRPG style to current hardware, mixing the spirit of the past with technologies of today.  Taking inspiration from the golden era of JRPGs and their storytelling, innovation and depth – the first title from the studio, I AM SETSUNA, is available now in Europe and North America.

About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive™, Crystal Dynamics®, and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 130 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 70 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at http://eu.square-enix.com/en

© 2017 Tokyo RPG Factory Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
I AM SETSUNA © 2016. SQUARE ENIX CO. LTD. All rights reserved.

I AM SETSUNA, the I AM SETSUNA logo, CRYSTAL DYNAMICS, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, EIDOS MONTREAL, FINAL FANTASY, IO INTERACTIVE, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, TAITO, TOKYO RPG FACTORY, the TOKYO RPG FACTORY logo, and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. Nintendo Switch and Joy-Con are trademarks of Nintendo All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Get a Pair of Mega Stones for Mewtwo!

Add the power of Mega Evolution to any Mewtwo you have in your Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon game!

NINTENDO SWITCH USHERS IN A NEW ERA OF CONSOLE GAMING ON THE GO

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, 1-2-Switch, and Snipperclips kick off 2017’s Nintendo Switch gaming line-up

3^rd March, 2017 – Today’s launch of the Nintendo Switch video game console means that home console-quality gaming is no longer tethered exclusively to the living room TV. Nintendo Switch lets players enjoy their favourite games anytime, anywhere and with anyone. It comes in two colour options: a version with a set of grey Joy-Con controllers, and a version with one neon blue and one neon red Joy-Con controller.

Nintendo Switch connects to a TV at home and can instantly transform into an on-the-go handheld using its 6.2-inch high-definition screen. The screen includes capacitive multi-touch capabilities for compatible games. The left Joy-Con has a Capture Button that players can press to take instant screenshots of gameplay to share with friends on their social media pages. The right Joy-Con includes an NFC touchpoint for interaction with amiibo figures, as well as an IR Motion Camera that can approximate the distance, shape and motion of nearby objects in specially designed games. Both Joy-Con include motion controls and an advanced HD rumble feature. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, sold separately, includes all the same features (minus the IR Motion Camera) and comes in a more traditional form factor.

Today also marks the launch of the first epic Nintendo Switch game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which breaks new boundaries while honouring the origins of the acclaimed series. The game is available for both Nintendo Switch and Wii U. New compatible amiibo launching today for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild include Link (Rider), Link (Archer), Zelda, and a Bokoblin amiibo. A massive new Guardian amiibo is also available today.

Also launching today is the head-to-head party game 1-2-Switch. From Wild West gunslinging to safecracking to competitive cow-milking, the 28 games in 1-2-Switch make creative use of a broad variety of Joy-Con features, such as motion controls, HD rumble and the IR Motion Camera. In a video game twist, the game asks players to look at each other instead of at the TV, creating a fun atmosphere that will liven up any party.

But today is just the start. A steady supply of games will arrive for Nintendo Switch throughout the rest of the year. Other first-party Nintendo Switch games on the horizon include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (28^th April), ARMS (autumn), Splatoon 2 (winter), Fire Emblem Warriors (spring), Super Mario Odyssey (the 2017 holiday season) and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (2017).

Nintendo eShop, Nintendo’s online storefront for downloadable games, will also be available from launch day. Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and 1-2-Switch are available for purchase and download today*.

Also available on Nintendo eShop today is Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!, exclusive to Nintendo eShop. Two players cut their paper characters into new shapes to solve dynamic puzzles in a wonderfully creative and imaginative world. Nintendo eShop also provides access to a constantly updated library of great games from independent developers and publishers. Some of the games available for purchase today include FAST RMX from Shin’en Multimedia, and both Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment and Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove from Yacht Club Games.

Nintendo Switch is supported by world-class third-party publishers, including Activision Publishing Inc., Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and major Japanese publishers. Some publishers, such as Bethesda Softworks, are joining Nintendo for the first time. Third-party launch titles include Skylanders Imaginators, Just Dance 2017 and Super Bomberman R, plus players can look forward to major franchises on Nintendo Switch such as EA SPORTS FIFA, The Elder Scrolls, NBA 2K, Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog and Street Fighter, with Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers releasing on May 26^th. Nintendo Switch software is not region locked.

Nintendo Switch comes packaged with the main console, Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (R) controllers, a Joy-Con grip (to which two Joy-Con are attached and used as one controller), a set of Joy-Con straps, a Nintendo Switch dock (which holds the main console and connects it to a TV), a HDMI cable and an AC adapter.

SHANTAE: HALF-GENIE HERO TO RECEIVE FIRST UPDATE SQUASHING BUGS, ADDING NEW DIFFICULTY FOR PLATFORMING VETERANS

Torrance, Calif. — March 2, 2017 — XSEED Games, the independent-minded console publishing brand of Marvelous USA, Inc., today announced that the critically acclaimed, crowdfunded action platformer developed by WayForward, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, will be receiving its first post-launch update in North America on March 6. Lovingly dubbed “Update 1.01”, the first update is primarily focused on addressing bug fixes and adding in PlayStation TV support for the PlayStation®Vita version of the title.

But wait, there’s more! WayFoward will also be adding in a “Hard Core” difficulty setting for the main “Shantae” mode in Shantae: Half-Genie Hero. This mode is designed to provide an old-school, tough-as-nails challenge to players willing to test their mettle. There is no mercy to be found here – it’s hardcore, after all!

“Thank you for your ongoing support, and for waiting patiently while we continue production of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero. And also thanks to everyone on Twitch, YouTube, and other social media for helping us make the game even better with this update,” said Matt Bozon, Creative Director at WayForward and creator of the Shantae series. “We hope you’ll enjoy Hard Core Mode while you wait for the bigger DLC packs to arrive. Remember, no throwing controllers, and please keep your hair-whipping in the game where it belongs!”

What to expect in Shantae: Half-Genie Hero HARD CORE MODE:

• Pain and suffering!
• Harder-hitting enemies!
• Faster enemy patterns!
• Faster scroll speeds!
• Remixed enemy locations, and more of ‘em!
• New boss patterns, attacks, and stats!
• Healing items capped at six!
• Re-balanced magic items!
• Poor Shantae!

Following three highly successful releases with Shantae, Shantae: Risky’s Revenge, and Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero reacquaints players with the cast of Shantae in full HD. The magical world of Sequin Land is more vibrant than ever with high-definition graphics that retain the charm of the original 2D hand-drawn sprites the series is known for. Shantae, the spirited young half-genie, must once again defend Scuttle Town as the pirate captain and self-proclaimed Queen of the Seven Seas, Risky Boots, plots to steal a newly discovered limitless source of power.

Shantae has previously protected her hometown from all forms of evil including steam-powered pirates, undead evildoers, and militaristic madmen, and is ready to take on Risky Boots with her trademark Hair Whip attack and Belly Dance moves which give her the power to transform into eight different creatures. Non-stop action with immersive 2.5D environments and a new relic system give novice and expert players a uniquely tailored platforming experience. All of Sequin Land becomes a fully explorable world — after conquering massive bosses, the arcade-style action stages can be revisited to discover new items and secrets based on experience gained.

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is developed by WayForward for PS4™, “PS Vita” and Wii U. XSEED Games has published the “Risky Beats” physical editions, which are packaged with a musical selections CD, for $29.99, as well as the digital “PS Vita” release for $19.99. More information on Shantae: Half-Genie Hero can be found at www.shantaehgh.com. This title has been rated “T for Teen” by the ESRB with the descriptors of Cartoon Violence and Suggestive Themes.

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.

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Sabotage DLC Available Now on PS4, Xbox One and PC 

Sabotage, the First DLC Map Pack for the Game, Features Four New Multiplayer Maps, Including Re-imagined Fan-Favourite Modern Warfare®2 Map, Afghan 

March 3, 2017 – Call of Duty®: Infinite Warfare Sabotage, the first DLC pack for the game, is available now on PlayStation® 4, Xbox One and PC. Sabotage delivers four new, epic multiplayer maps, including the return of one of Call of Duty’s most famed maps from Modern Warfare®2, Afghan, re-imagined for a new generation. The new DLC pack also features “Rave in the Redwoods,” the next thrilling chapter of the Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare zombies experience that continues the macabre narrative and takes players into a new decade: the 1990s.

Rave in the Redwoods takes fans through a new storyline taking place in an abandoned lakeside summer camp. The four playable characters return, and are voiced by the same actors from the original story, but now take on fresh, over-the-top roles from the ‘90s era including “the Hip Hop Wannabe,” “the Kandi Raver,” “the Grunge Rocker,” and “the Westside Gangsta.” Willard Wyler, the enigmatic movie director villain, has once again trapped them inside a twisted horror movie where the protagonists must fight the undead against zombie ravers who have turned the campgrounds into a techno-fuelled nightmare.

In addition to the Rave in the Redwoods zombies content, Sabotage also includes four new multiplayer maps:

• Renaissance – Set in Northern Italy, Renaissance pits players against each other on the narrow streets of Venice surrounded by classic architecture and buildings. The map promotes continuous action through the canals and neighbourhoods of this iconic city.
• Noir – A dark, grimy city map inspired by futuristic Brooklyn at night, Noir is a classic three-lane map set against a backdrop of a dystopian future. Noir is filled with cafes and parks surrounding a brutal downtown warzone.
• Neon – A virtual training centre designed for urban warfare, Neon is a unique, digitised battle arena where cars and other structures spawn out of thin air and enemies dissolve into hundreds of pixels when defeated. Middle-lane sightlines cater to long-range players, while the perimeter of the map allows for quick counter-attacks in close-quarter action.
• Dominion – A re-imagining of the classic Afghan map from Modern Warfare®2, now set on Mars, Dominion retains all the memorable landmarks and gameplay of the original. Anchored by the crashed ship in the centre, Dominion offers enhancements designed to fully engage the new movement system of Infinite Warfare.

The Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Sabotage DLC Map Pack is available now for a great value via the Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Season Pass, which can be purchased on its own or obtained as part of the Legacy Pro or Digital Deluxe editions of the game. For console players, Season Pass gives discounted access to four Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare DLC Map Packs released during 2017 (discount based on a Season Pass suggested retail price of AUD$64.95 / NZD$69.95, and four individual DLC Map Packs at a suggested retail price of AUD$19.95 / NZD$22.95 each). Season Pass owners receive 10 Rare Supply Drops upon purchase plus 1,000 bonus Salvage Credits to craft new prototype weapons, as well as immediate access to the R-VN Energy Rifle base weapon for use in the game’s multiplayer and zombies modes.

*DLC map packs are not sold individually on the PC.

For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com. Fans can also follow @CallofDuty on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading global producer and publisher of interactive entertainment. Activision maintains operations throughout the world and is a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), an S&P 500 company.  More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com or by following @Activision.