BANNER SAGA 3 KICKSTARTER SUCCESSFULLY FUNDED

Kickstarter Crowdfunding Campaign Successful after only One Week  

AUSTIN, TX – February 1st, 2017 – Stoic, an independent game development company, today announced that after less than 7 days they have reached the initial $200,000 target for the Banner Saga 3 on Kickstarter. The crowdfunding campaign for the third installment of the turn based strategy series, has now unlocked it’s first stretch goal, with the introduction of playable Dredge if the campaign hits $250,000. Further stretch goals will be revealed as the campaign progresses.
“We’re thrilled to have funded the Kickstarter in less than a week. Once again it’s down to the amazing support of the community, and we truly appreciate every backer that has helped us reach our funding goal”, said John Watson, co-founder and Technical Director at Stoic. “This is huge for us and have now revealed the first stretch goal! A big thanks again to all of our supporters for helping us get this far.”

In Banner Saga 3, players will embark on their final journey beyond the wall of Darkness to traverse a world unlike anything encountered in previous sagas. The beautifully hand drawn Viking role-playing adventure will once again test the player’s resolve through epic tactical battles against deadly adversaries where a player’s choice directly affects their personal journey.  With the first stretch goal announced, playable Dredge, the Stoic team aims to enhance the game and will continue to release more stretch goals on the Kickstarter page in the coming days which will add even more production value to the final game.

The first in the three-part, turn based strategy game series, Banner Saga was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign back in 2012, which raised $723,886 and launched to critical acclaim in January, 2014. Banner Saga 2 also enjoyed a slew of positive reviews and awards, and now the Stoic team is rounding out the series with the third and final part of this epic, story-driven RPG, with Banner Saga 3.

About Banner Saga

The Banner Saga launched to critical acclaim and has received several awards and nominations, including winner of the 2014 Geekie Awards for “Best Video Game”, winner of 2014 Game Developers Choice: “Best Debut” award, finalist placement for “Excellence in Visual Arts” category at the Independent Game Festival, three BAFTA Award Nominations, and was the winner of Pocket Gamer’s 2015 Best Adventure/RPG Game and Best Android Game of the Year. The sequel, Banner Saga 2 has also received several nominations and award wins, including a Pocketgamer Gold Award, a nomination for Best Strategy Game at the 2016 Video Game Awards, and has been selected as a finalist for the 20th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards in the Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year category. Banner Saga 2 was also a runner up for Best Strategy Game in RPG Fans best Strategy Game and Hardcore Gamers Best of 2016 Awards and is available now for PC, Xbox One, PS4, Android and iOS.

To learn more about The Banner Saga Trilogy visit its brand new website at: http://bannersaga.com

Today Bethesda Softworks announced The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, the next Chapter of ZeniMax Online Studios’ award-winning online RPG, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). This new adventure will return Elder Scrolls fans to the legendary island of Vvardenfell, the same iconic environment featured in Bethesda Game Studios’ genre-defining open world RPG, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.

Introducing an enormous new zone, a new player class, more than 30 hours of main story content, a new Trial, and a new three-team, 4v4v4 PvP mode, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will be the biggest addition to The Elder Scrolls Online yet, offering a new adventure for ESO veterans as well as a fresh Elder Scrolls saga for players new to the game.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will release globally for PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on June 6, 2017.  The game is now available for pre-order for PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. To learn more and pre-order the game, please visit www.ElderScrollsOnline.com.

• The announcement trailer can be found

A NEW ELDER SCROLLS CHAPTER FOR EVERYONE

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind redefines the traditional MMO expansion by delivering vast new content and features that are equally accessible and fun for both existing and new ESO players.

• New Players: New players can jump into The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind and start a new character without having to complete any previous ESO content. And, since the original ESO game is included with The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, new players will have instant access to hundreds of hours of additional adventures throughout Tamriel.
• Existing Players: ESO veterans will be able to upgrade and immediately journey to Vvardenfell to start the new epic adventure. With the power of October’s One Tamriel update, existing players will find level-appropriate content from the moment they step onto the island of Vvardenfell, regardless of level. Existing players can also choose to create a new character and begin anew.
• Haven’t played ESO in a while? The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind is a great chance to jump back in with your existing characters, or with a completely new one. Because ESO has no required subscription, you can just reinstall the game, log in, and start playing again.

RETURN TO MORROWIND

Vvardenfell is the largest zone added to The Elder Scrolls Online since launch and utilizes the same geographic footprint as The Elder Scrolls III, including all key points of interest from the classic game.  Players will embark on a dangerous journey through legendary locales in Vvardenfell, 700 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls III, from the docks of Seyda Neen, to the volcanic Ashlands, to dense, mushroom-filled forests, and through the glory of Vivec City, still under construction in this time period.

NEW CLASS – THE WARDEN

Players will harness nature-based magic to master the powerful new character class – The Warden. The Warden is the first new class since launch of ESO and true to ESO and the Elder Scrolls franchise, the player will have the freedom to select from a number of abilities that enable a variety of play styles. The Warden also introduces a devastating new combat ally – the War Bear – a ferocious fighter will stay by the Warden’s side through the most intense battles.

AN INCREDIBLE ELDER SCROLLS STORY

Set roughly 700 years prior to the events of The Elder Scrolls III, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will take gamers on a sweeping adventure through the legendary Vvardenfell, featuring iconic locations, characters, and storylines that will instill nostalgia with longtime Elder Scrolls fans and extend ESO’s narrative into a new chapter. Morrowind is in dire peril and it’s up to player heroes to help Vivec, the legendary warrior-poet and Guardian of Vvardenfell, solve the mystery of his mysterious illness, regain his strength – and save the world from ultimate destruction. 

NEW PvP MODE — BATTLEGROUNDS

The Elder Scrolls Online is renowned for open world PvP battles, pitting hundreds of players in a massive battle for supremacy in Cyrodiil. The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will introduce a new PvP mode – Battlegrounds – intense 4v4v4 battles in arena-like environments. Players take the battle to the Ashlands to claim their place among the fiercest and most accomplished combat veterans in Tamriel.

RELEASE AND VERSION DETAILS; PRE-ORDER BONUSES

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will release globally for PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on June 6, 2017.  The game is now available for pre-order on all platforms. Please visit www.ElderScrollsOnline.com for more information. Editions available include:

• Physical Standard Edition (AUD$99.95 / NZD$119.99 on PS4 and Xbox One and AUD$89.95 / NZD$99.99 on PC):Includes The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind as well as The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.
• Upgrade Edition (AUD$59.95 / NZD$69.95): Existing players can upgrade their current game to unlock the new The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind content.

• Digital Collector’s Edition (AUD$114.95 / NZD$139.95): A special collection of in-game bonuses are available through the Digital Collector’s Edition, including:
  • Collector’s Edition Grey Bear – An exclusive grey War Bear for use while playing as the Warden.
  • Armored War Horse – Players can charge into battle atop this steed clad in armor fashioned with ancient Dwarven plate.
  • Dwarven Spider Pet – A personal Dwarven Spider is ready for adventure through Vvardenfell.
  • Morag Tong Converter – Players can flaunt their commitment to the assassins by customizing their gear with the distinct style of the Morag Tong.
  • Character Emotes – Celebrate victory in the battlegrounds with this bundle of exclusive emotes.
  • Includes all in-game rewards contained in the Pre-Order Bonus “Discovery Pack.”
  • Includes The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.
• Digital Collector’s Upgrade (AUD$99.95 / NZD$119.95): Existing players who only need an upgrade can grab all the digital goodies from the Digital Collector’s Edition with the Digital Collector’s Upgrade.

• Physical Collector’s Edition (AUD$139.95 / NZD $149.99)The ultimate fan of The Elder Scrolls Online can grab the Collector’s Edition, which contains everything included in the Digital Collector’s Edition, as well as:
  • Dwarven Colossus Statue – Recreated with the help of sacred Dwarven texts, this 12” tall replica of the Colossus that starred in the announcement trailer stands ready to defend treasures.
  • Naryu’s Journal – A full-color, large-format book chronicling Morag Tong assassin Naryu’s pursuit of a conspiracy across Tamriel. Illustrated with a broad array of concept art.
  • Map of Morrowind – Players can chart adventures throughout Vvardenfell with this handy map at their side.
  • Exclusive Game Case – A limited edition metallic case bearing the marks of Vivec and the Tribunal.
  • Includes all in-game rewards contained in the Pre-Order Bonus “Discovery Pack.”
  • Includes The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.

• PRE-ORDER BONUS — THE DISCOVERY PACK: Fans who pre-order The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will be rewarded with a collection of exclusive in-game bonuses, including:
  • Exclusive Warden Costume – An exclusive costume available for all classes that matches the Warden’s outfit as seen in the announcement trailer.
  • Dwarven War Dog Pet – A unique armored non-combat in-game pet.
  • Treasure Maps –  Maps detailing the location of Vvardenfell’s greatest rewards.
  • Dwarven Crown Crate – A special Crown Crate with a chance to contain Dwarven-themed mounts, pets, costumes, and more.
  • Experience Scrolls – Advance through Vvardenfell gaining 50% more experience points for two hours.

CALL OF DUTY: INFINITE WARFARE SABOTAGE DLC AVAILABLE NOW 

First DLC Map Pack for 2016’s #1 Top-Selling Video Game on Console in the US, Available First on PlayStation 4 Sabotage Features Four New Multiplayer Maps, Including Re-imagined Fan-Favourite Modern Warfare®2 Map, Afghan Kevin Smith Joins Cast in All-New ‘90s Themed Zombies Co-Op Mode

“Rave in the Redwoods” 

February 1, 2017 – Call of Duty®: Infinite Warfare Sabotage, the first DLC pack for the #1 top-selling video game on console in the U.S. for 2016 (excluding hardware bundle sales), is available now, on PlayStation® 4, with other platforms to follow. Published by Activision and developed by Infinity Ward, 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,” as Kevin Smith joins the cast in the all-new, ‘90s inspired zombies experience.

“Sabotage brings four new multiplayer maps that feature distinct gameplay for all different gameplay types,” said Dave Stohl, Studio Head of Infinity Ward. “Players will go head-to-head in places like Brooklyn, northern Italy, and even on one of our favourite maps from the Modern Warfare series, Afghan – now reimagined as Dominion. The multiplayer package offers something for everyone. And then there’s Rave in the Redwoods, which turns the crazy up to 11, as players experience a new zombies chapter that’s all-1990s and all-zombies. It’s got great music and is a tonne of fun.”

Sabotage introduces the next thrilling chapter of the Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare zombies experience with Rave in the Redwoods, taking fans through a new storyline taking place in a ‘90s abandoned lakeside summer camp full of wild twists and turns. Filmmaker, actor and podcaster extraordinaire, Kevin Smith (Mallrats, Clerks), joins the cast as himself. Just like the four protagonists, Kevin has been catapulted straight into another twisted horror film helmed by Willard Wyler, the enigmatic movie director villain played with voice and likeness by Paul Reubens (Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, Gotham). Smith has been left for dead in the movie, but through a series of creepy events helps players attempt to escape, where zombie ravers have turned the campgrounds into a techno-fueled nightmare.

The four playable characters from the original story also return, but with fresh, over-the-top roles, voiced by Ike Barinholtz (Neighbors, Suicide Squad) as “the Hip Hop Wannabe;” Seth Green (Robot Chicken, Austin Powers) as “the Kandi Raver;” Jay Pharoah (White Famous, Saturday Night Live) as “the Grunge Rocker;” and Sasheer Zamata (Saturday Night Live, Inside Amy Schumer) as “the Westside Gangsta.”

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. 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 will also receive 10 Rare Supply Drops upon purchase plus 1,000 bonus Salvage Credits to craft new prototype weapons.

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Sabotage is published by Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. [NASDAQ: ATVI], and developed by Infinity Ward. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare is rated MA15+ for Mature (Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes). 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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including expected release dates, or of the features and functionality of Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Sabotage are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include unanticipated product delays and other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Resident Evil 7 Banned Footage DLC details; Vol. 1 available on PS4 today

PlayStation 4 players will be getting the two “Banned Footage” add-on content packs for Resident Evil 7 biohazard first. Each pack includes two banned footage scenarios and an extra mode. A brand new trailer is now available from the press site inventory here, providing a look at the twisted horrors that await in the “Banned Footage” packs.

Banned Footage Vol. 1 is available today for PlayStation 4 players and will also be readily available for consumers who have purchased either the Deluxe Edition or Season Pass. This Vol. 1 pack includes “Nightmare,” where Sewer Gators cameraman Clancy must craft weapons and ammo to face off against hordes of enemies to survive until morning. Also included is “Bedroom” where Clancy must figure out how to get out of a locked bedroom in the Baker family’s plantation and make his escape but beware – Marguerite Baker won’t be happy if she knows he’s up and out of bed! Along with both of these scenarios is an infinitely replayable extra game mode called “Ethan Must Die”, which is an extra tough mode that is separate from the events of RE7. (Please note that PSVR is not supported in “Ethan Must Die.”)

Following this, Banned Footage Vol. 2 will be available for PlayStation 4 owners on February 14^th. In this Vol. 2 pack, the “banned footage” scenarios include “21” and “Daughters.” Players will need to gamble with their own life in a deadly game of “21” with Lucas Baker and then dive deeper into the Baker family’s life before the tragic events of Resident Evil 7 biohazard in “Daughters.” An extra gameplay mode titled “Jack’s 55^th Birthday” provides a race against the clock as players serve up the Daddy of the family, Jack Baker, with tons of treats for his special celebration. (Please note that PSVR is not supported in “Jack’s 55^th Birthday.”)

Banned Footage Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 will be available to purchase for all other platforms on February 21^st. Deluxe Edition and Season Pass owners will get the Banned Footage contents as they release per above and an additional story episode with more details to come. Finally, in Autumn 2017, all players will have access to the free “Not a Hero” content, introducing players to a new separate storyline away from Ethan’s saga in the main game.