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Radeon™ Graphics Best for Conquering the Known World in Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI

Philip Federico
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Radeon™ Graphics Best for Conquering the Known World in Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
Gamers can depend on Radeon™ GPUs for a world class DirectX® 12 experience with full support for asynchronous compute and explicit multi-adapter

SYDNEY, Australia — July 18, 2016 — AMD (NASDAQ: AMD), 2K and Firaxis Games have announced a  technical partnership to implement a truly exceptional DirectX® 12renderer for Radeon™ GPUs into the graphics engine powering Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI.

Complete with support for advanced DirectX® 12 features like asynchronous compute and explicit multi-adapter, PC gamers the world over will be treated to a high-performance and highly-parallelised game engine perfectly suited to sprawling civilizations designed to win hearts, minds, and the stars.

“Radeon™ graphics cards have rapidly become the definitive platform for next-generation DirectX® 12 content,” said Roy Taylor, corporate vice president of alliances, Radeon Technologies Group, AMD. “We’re thrilled to bring our leading DirectX® 12 hardware and expertise to bear in the next installment of the Civilization franchise, which has long been adored by gamers for its intoxicating mix of beautiful graphics and hopelessly addictive gameplay.”

“For 25 years the Civilization franchise has set the standard for beautiful and masterfully crafted turn based strategy,” said Steve Meyer, Director of Software Development, Firaxis Games. “AMD has been a premiere contributor to that reputation in past Civilization titles, and we’re excited to once again join forces to deliver a landmark experience in Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI.”

DirectX® 12 Asynchronous Compute
Asynchronous compute is a DirectX® 12 feature exclusively supported by the Graphics Core Next or Polaris architectures found in many AMD Radeon™ graphics cards. This powerful feature allows for parallel execution of compute and graphics tasks, substantially reducing the time other architectures need to execute the same workloads in a longer step-by-step manner. Asynchronous compute on many Radeon™ GPUs will perfectly complement the unit-rich late game of Civilization VI.

DirectX® 12 Explicit Multi-Adapter
Explicit multi-adapter represents the first time the DirectX® graphics API has officially supported multi-GPU configurations for gamers. Though past versions of the DirectX® API did not prevent multi-GPU support, there were no extensions that specifically aided its addition. DirectX® 12 explicit multi-adapter not only adds official Microsoft support, but augments that support with a range of powerful features and flexibility to unleash the imagination of a game developer. The benefit of multi-GPU can be legion: higher framerates, lower input latency, capacity for higher image quality and more. Explicit multi-adapter support will be an excellent feature addition for Radeon™ graphics customers who demand the very most from their Civilization VI experience.

A History of Collaboration
AMD, 2K and Firaxis Games have a history of intense technical collaboration for the good of PC gamers. Highlights include:
• Adding DirectX® 11 support to Sid Meier’s Civilization® V;
• Co-development of Mantle, the world’s first low-overhead PC graphics API;
• Integration of the Mantle API into Sid Meier’s Civilization® Beyond Earth™;
• Development of the first modern split-frame rendering (SFR) multi-GPU implementation in Sid Meier’s Civilization Beyond Earth

Coming This Fall
Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI (not yet rated by the ESRB) is available for pre-order now on Windows PC, and will be released worldwide on October 21,2016 for $59.99USD/ £49.99/ €59.99 with DirectX® 12 and a built-in benchmark. Expand your empire further with the Civilization VI Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes the full base game, the 25th Anniversary Digital Soundtrack, and access to four post-launch DLC packs that will add new maps, scenarios, civilizations and leaders for a bundled discount.

Supporting Resources
• Learn more about the Radeon™ RX 400 Series
• Learn more about the Polaris architecture
• Learn more about DirectX® 12 asynchronous compute
• Learn more about DirectX® 12 explicit multi-adapter
• See the Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI trailer
• Learn more about Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
• Become a fan of AMD Gaming on Facebook
• Follow Radeon™ graphics on Twitter
• Become a Civilization fan on Facebook
• Follow Civilization on Twitter

About AMD
For more than 45 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics, and visualisations technologies ― the building blocks for gaming, immersive platforms, and the datacenter. Hundreds of millions of consumers, leading Fortune 500 businesses, and cutting-edge scientific research facilities around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work, and play. AMD employees around the world are focused on building great products that push the boundaries of what is possible. For more information about how AMD is enabling today and inspiring tomorrow, visit the AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) website, blog, Facebook and Twitter pages.

About 2K
Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment globally for console systems, handheld gaming systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, which are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms and cloud streaming services. 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, sports, casual, and family entertainment. The 2K label has some of the most talented development studios in the world today, including Firaxis Games, Visual Concepts, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games and 2K China. 2K’s stable of high quality titles includes the critically acclaimed BioShock®, Borderlands™, and XCOM® franchises, the beloved Sid Meier’s Civilization series, the innovative Evolve™, the genre-fusing hero-shooter Battleborn®, the popular WWE 2K franchise and NBA 2K, the #1 rated and #1 selling basketball franchise1. 2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). For more information, please visit www.2k.com.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES WESTERN RELEASE OF THE MOST BRUTAL WARRIORS GAME TO DATE: BERSERK (WORKING TITLE)

Philip Federico
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KOEI TECMO EUROPE OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES WESTERN RELEASE OF THE MOST BRUTAL WARRIORS GAME TO DATE: BERSERK (WORKING TITLE)

Slash and Smash through Enemies and Environments Alike in Game Based on the Iconic Manga and Anime Series ‘Berserk’, Headed to PlayStation®4, Windows PC, and PlayStation®Vita

Hertfordshire, 15th July 2016 — KOEI TECMO Europe is excited to confirm today the upcoming European release of Berserk (Working Title), Omega Force’s most brutal Warriors title to date based on the iconic manga and anime series Berserk. Slated to release this fall for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and digitally for the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system and Windows PC via Steam®, KOEI TECMO’s interactive entertainment rendition of Berserk will closely follow the events of the most well-known story arcs from the iconic manga’s narrative, focusing on the daring and heroic life of Guts as he cuts his way through a sinister realm of magical and demonic fiends.

Written by Kentarou Miura, Berserk is a world-renowned series set in a world enveloped in darkness and deception. Its profound story is told through the lives of its fascinating characters, focusing on Guts, a lone mercenary, and Griffith, the leader of a mercenary group known as the ‘Band of the Hawk’. With mind-blowingly detailed drawings, visceral themes of human nature, and gripping storytelling, Berserk has fascinated and influenced many fans worldwide, placing it at the pinnacle of the dark fantasy genre.

Berserk (Working Title) is currently in development by Omega Force and slated for a Fall 2016 launch on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, as well as digitally on the PlayStation®Vita handheld system and Windows PC via Steam®.

More information about the game’s plot, original content, and playable characters will be unveiled in the coming weeks. KOEI TECMO Europe has released a first batch of assets showcasing the main characters Guts and Griffith, in-game cutscenes, and violent hack-and-slash action featured in Berserk (Working Title), as well as a trailer featuring the protagonist Guts engaged in combat.

To stay in touch with all the Berserk (Working Title) news please visit the official site at www.koeitecmoeurope.com/berserk , like www.facebook.com/koeigames , 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

THE HUNT IS ALMOST HERE! MONSTER HUNTER GENERATIONS LAUNCHES ON NINTENDO 3DS TOMORROW

Philip Federico
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THE HUNT IS ALMOST HERE! MONSTER HUNTER GENERATIONS LAUNCHES ON NINTENDO 3DS TOMORROW

Newest instalment in the multi-million selling series arrives tomorrow

15th July, 2016 – Brave hunters across Australia and New Zealand are about to embark on their greatest hunt yet as Capcom’s Monster Hunter Generations™ launches on Saturday, exclusively for Nintendo 3DS family systems.

Be sure to check out the Monster Hunter Generations The Hunt Begins Trailer premiering today.

https://youtu.be/N5ET2snAuaQ

Monster Hunter Generations adds multiple new ways to play with the introduction of four varied Hunting Styles, while spectacular Hunter Arts provide visually stunning special attacks and moves never before seen in the series. The introduction of the new Prowler Mode also provides the perfect starting point for newcomers, or for veterans eager to take on the world of Monster Hunter as a Felyne. All these new features can be enjoyed in solo play or via local and online multiplayer. Veteran hunters can even enjoy a bonus item pack if they have Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate save data on their Nintendo 3DS family system.

From tomorrow, a free downloadable Starter Pack will be available in-game which includes potions, traps and other useful items to help players dive straight into the hunt. In addition to the Starter Pack, Capcom will be supporting the game with free monthly downloadable quests and content every first Friday of the month through the end of the year. These fresh content packs will present new challenges, and allow players to equip hunters and Felynes with special themed collaboration costumes and weapons based on popular series such as Fire Emblem, The Legend of Zelda, Okami and more.

Those eager to find out what the world of Monster Hunter Generations is all about – or those who wish to brush up on their hunting knowledge – should be sure to check out the Monster Hunter Generations Official Web Manual (http://game.capcom.com/manual/MH_Gen/en/) for a helpful interactive guide on everything hunters need to know. There’s never been a better time to start hunting!

Players can try out Monster Hunter Generations for themselves right now by downloading a playable demo from Nintendo eShop Nintendo 3DS family systems. The demo offers three main hunting quests, all four Hunting Styles, all 14 weapon types and the opportunity to try out the new Prowler mode. In addition, all these features can be sampled either solo or in local and online multiplayer, plus there are a number of tutorials to ease newcomers into the game.

Also launching tomorrow is the New Nintendo 3DS XL Monster Hunter Generations Edition (http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=news&nid=3795&pageID=6) which comes in a striking red colour with artwork of the game’s Fated Four monsters (SRP AU$249.95 – game sold separately).

With the addition of all-new Hunting Styles, Hunter Arts and the new Prowler Mode, the greatest hunt yet well and truly begins with the launch of Monster Hunter Generations and the New Nintendo 3DS XL Monster Hunter Generations Edition.

Nozomi Entertainment to Release ‘A Town Where You Live’ on Blu-ray This October

K. Roberts
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Nozomi Entertainment to Release ‘A Town Where You Live’ on Blu-ray This October

A-Town-Where-You-Live-Screenshot-02

Nozomi Entertainment has announced that they will be releasing A Town Where You Live on Blu-ray on October 4, 2016. They announced in the July of 2015 that they had acquired the rights to distribute the series on home video in North America.

All 12 episodes of the anime adaptation will be featured across two discs with Japanese LPCM Stereo audio and English subtitles. The on-disc extras will include the textless opening animation, the textless ending animation, the TV spots and the promotional videos. The set has a suggested retail price of $59.99 USD (U.S. Dollars).

The series was created by Koji Seo. The original manga series ran for 27 volumes from 2008 to 2014. The adaptation was directed by Shigeyasu Yamauchi and produced by Gonzo.

Right Stuf Announces ‘Gundam Reconguista in G’ and ‘Mobile Suit V Gundam’ Releases

K. Roberts
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Right Stuf Announces ‘Gundam Reconguista in G’ and ‘Mobile Suit V Gundam’ Releases

Gundam-Reconguista-in-G-Screenshot-02

Right Stuf announced that they will be releasing Gundam Reconguista in G and Mobile Suit V Gundam Collection 1 in North America on October 4, 2016. The former will be available on Blu-ray only, but the latter will available on both DVD and Blu-ray.

The release of Gundam Reconguista in G will include all 26 episodes with Japanese LPCM Stereo audio and English and French subtitles. On-disc extras include the textless opening and ending animation sequences.

Mobile Suit V Gundam Collection 1 will include 26 episodes. They will be featured with Japanese LPCM Stereo audio and English subtitles on Blu-ray and Japanese 2.0 Dolby audio and English subtitles on DVD. The on-disc extras include the first textless opening sequence, the first textless ending sequence, episode promos and eyecatches.

The Spatials: Galactology Preview

Jamie Laike Tsui
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The Spatials: Galactology Preview

the-spatials-galactology-promo-art-01

The Spatials: Galactology

Developer: Weird and Wry
Publisher: Weird and Wry
Platform: PC
Release Date: 7 July, 2016
Price: $12.99 USD – Available Here

The Spatials: Galactology is a major step up from The Spatials. Originally starting out as a DLC pack for The Spatials, developers Weird and Wry opted to remake the game entirely as the project grew. The Spatials: Galactology is out now on Steam Early Access.

The Spatials: Galactology is a space station management sim with a good dose of hotel management and factory optimization thrown in. The game is very much in active development at the moment. While the audio/visual experience is pretty polished, a lot of features have yet to be fully implemented. Players will see a lot of areas where a “cheat” button appears to mimic a function that will be later added to the game.

The central hub of The Spatials: Galactology is the space station. It is here where the brunt of the work will be conducted. The space station serves as a place for the crew to get their quality of life needs met and the main source of economic progression in the game. Players have pretty much free reign on space station construction, choosing from a variety of hallway and flooring that will affect the aesthetics of the station.

the-spatials-galactoloty-screenshot-03

Once floors are laid down, it’s time to swing into the bulk of the game. Resources are split between raw materials that will need to be harvested from planets or retrieved using the recycler. From there, players will need to set up manufacturing and dispensing of their new items. Because of the game’s early state, the only real things to do with these items is to satisfy the needs of the crew members.

To gather the necessary raw materials, players will send space ships to explore the galaxy and set up robotic gathering posts. Once a landing party makes their way to a planet, players will need to set up extractors by the planet’s resources. Robots will handle everything from there, trucking the goods back to the ship and packing them up for transport.

Staff management is a bit sparse at the moment. Players can immediately recruit staff members through a cheat and then assign them a job with a very simple table. Crew members are pretty independent and can be left to their own devices, though sometimes I feel they are a bit too independent at times. It’s pretty annoying to see three or four crew members mill around a pressing need like a corpse that should be tossed in the recycling with some haste and not be able to issue a command to get the body sorted out on the double.

Part of the challenge in The Spatials: Galactology is optimization. There is a chance to fine tune and tweak from the beginning of the chain at resource extraction, all the way to dispensing the final product. I find the tools provided are pretty easy to get a hang of and they tend to be pretty visual. I especially like how easy it is to program automated shipping routes using the drag and drop system.

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New to the game is the addition of hotel management mechanics. Once researched, players can start turning their beautiful space station into an attractive tourist destination to haul in extra money. So far, the addition fits into the game surprisingly well, as what makes guests happy often makes the crew happy too. The developers are planning to do some serious expansion the hotel management mechanics in the coming months.

Of course, life has a tendency to throw curve balls, and The Spatials: Galactology is no different. Events like attacks by hostile factions and fires can break out at any minute, adding an interesting wrinkle to the gameplay. Combat is a pretty hands-off affair at the moment. The devs seem to have something a little meatier in store with deeper crew development, but that will have to wait for a future build.

The modding system is already implemented, though the Steam Workshop page is looking a bit empty right now. The developers are extremely serious about encouraging modders, as the source code for the game’s core is packed with each copy of the game. A pretty thorough modding guide is also blossoming in the Steam Workshop to help modders get their creations up and running.

the-spatials-galactoloty-screenshot-01

The audio/visual presentation is pretty polished considering the game’s early state. I didn’t encounter any graphical problems in testing. The art direction has a nice modern cartoony look to it. The sound effects are good, though hopefully the developers will be expanding the rather sparse soundtrack as development progresses.

The Spatials: Galactology mixes and matches some interesting gameplay mechanics from several genres. I think most players will find something to love with the game. However, the game is still really early in development, which makes it hard to recommend to most people in its current Early Access state. Since the game is so early in development, it might be a good idea to play the original The Spatials while you wait as it will give you a good taste of whats to come. Either which way, The Spatials: Galactology is on the right track to be a very strong game when released.

Darkrai Added to Arcade Pokken Tournament Roster

Nathan Farrugia
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Darkrai Added to Arcade Pokken Tournament Roster

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A live stream in Japan has revealed Darkrai, Garchomp, Braixen and Shadow Mewtwo are being added to the arcade version of Pokken Tournament as playable fighters. While the last three in that list were already playable in the Wii U version, Darkrai is a completely new addition to the game.

Darkrai is a technique character and from the trailer seems to have an emphasis on controlling the field with traps. Apart from that, the arcade version is also being updated with stages from the Wii U version, more clothing options and a mission mode that unlocks various boosts and updates.

These updates will hit the arcade on July 20th. There are currently no plans for a Wii U version update. Pokken Tournament has kind of past its time in the sun but with the game having a presence at the Pokemon World Championships next month there is definitely a chance of an announcement. You can check out our full review of Pokken Tournament to see what we thought of the game.

NES Classic Mini Announced by Nintendo

Nathan Farrugia
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NES Classic Mini Announced by Nintendo

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With the Nintendo NX still a big mystery, Nintendo have turned to the past for their next console. Officially titled the Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System, this micro system will arrive in most places across the globe on November 11th at a retail price of $59.95 in the US and $99.95 in Australia.

The system that can fit in the palm of your hand will come with 30 of the NES library’s best games pre-installed. Unfortunately it will not accept cartridges or be able to acquire new games but NES promises the games chosen were to ensure longevity and quality. The 30 games are:

  • Balloon Fight™
  • BUBBLE BOBBLE
  • Castlevania™
  • Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest™
  • Donkey Kong™
  • Donkey Kong Jr. ™
  • DOUBLE DRAGON II: THE REVENGE
  • Dr. Mario™
  • Excitebike™
  • FINAL FANTASY®
  • Galaga™
  • GHOSTS’N GOBLINS®
  • GRADIUS™
  • Ice Climber™
  • KidIcarus™
  • Kirby’s Adventure™
  • Mario Bros. ™
  • MEGA MAN® 2
  • Metroid™
  • NINJA GAIDEN
  • PAC-MAN™
  • Punch-Out!! ™ Featuring Mr. Dream
  • StarTropics™
  • SUPER C™
  • Super Mario Bros.™
  • Super Mario Bros. ™ 2
  • Super Mario Bros. ™ 3
  • TECMO BOWL
  • The Legend of Zelda™
  • Zelda II: The Adventure of Link™
nintendo-mini-promo-01
U.S. Packaging

The mini console will also include one classic NES Mini controller, with additional controllers being available to purchase for $19.95 AU ($9.99 US). This new control has the same connections as the Classic Controller and Classic Controller Pro from the Wii era, so all three controls are interchangeable. However, it should be noted that when using two controllers one must be the new NES Mini controller.

That’s not all the benefits though, the NES Mini will connect to TV’s using an included HDMI cable for a clearer picture and ease of connection. Probably the best feature though is that each title will allow for multiple suspend points, so you can pick up your game right where you left it without having to worry about saves or passwords. Factor in how small this unit is for portability and you have a very affordable and impressive piece of tech that offers a highlight of gaming history.

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Strangely the console is powered by a USB cable and a USB power supply will not come in the box with European versions (and most likely Australian) of the console.

If the NES Mini does well enough (which I imagine it very well will given its affordable pricing and Christmas release period) I would say you can almost definitely expect a SNES Mini and even a N64 Mini to be announced in the near future. Sign me up for those.

KING OF AVALON: DRAGON WARFARE LAUNCHES ON SMARTPHONES & TABLETS TODAY

Philip Federico
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KING OF AVALON: DRAGON WARFARE LAUNCHES ON SMARTPHONES & TABLETS TODAY

Train dragons, form alliances and become king in new free strategy title available on iOS and Android devices

SAN FRANCISCO and BEIJING – July 14, 2016 – Your chance to be king has arrived! FunPlus today announced King of Avalon: Dragon Warfare, a new real-time mobile strategy game from developer Kings Group Studio, is available now for free on iOS and Android devices.

Set within the imaginative fantasy world of King Arthur’s legend, King of Avalon: Dragon Warfare puts players in the hunt to be the true king. The road to the throne is difficult; players must survive and grow strong, building their cities and armies, learning new skills and most importantly, raising their very own fire-breathing dragon.

“We are thrilled to bring King of Avalon: Dragon Warfare out of the testing phase and make it available to everyone,” said Dan Fiden, Chief Strategy Officer for FunPlus. “It’s the first game released through our PublishingPlus program, and we’re very proud of what the team has accomplished.”

FunPlus is supporting the game with its most aggressive marketing campaign to date. The company has signed Kristian Nairn, an avid gamer also known as Hodor from Game of Thrones, to appear in its live-action commercials and other marketing efforts.

“Hodor,” said Kristian Nairn about working with FunPlus.

King of Avalon: Dragon Warfare is available to download for free on iOS and Android devices through the App Store and Google Play. The game supports in-app purchases.

For more information, please visit www.kingofavalon.game.

About PublishingPlus

PublishingPlus is a mobile game publishing program that provides select developers financing, marketing and operations support. The terms of the program are intended to be the most straightforward and fair in the mobile game business – the entire contract is publicly available on the FunPlus website.

For more information about PublishingPlus, please visit publishingplus.funplus.com.

About FunPlus

Founded in 2010, FunPlus is a mobile social gaming company that puts fun first for players worldwide. Our creative, respectful and hands-on teams are dedicated to making innovative, engaging games. FunPlus has over 400 employees and is headquartered in Beijing, China, with additional offices in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Canada and the United States of America.

FunPlus’ popular Facebook game, Family Farm, currently boasts over 100 million registered players globally. Dot Arena, the company’s first mobile game in Southeast Asia, has attracted over 10 million downloads on the App Store and Google Play, featuring prominently on the top grossing charts, as well.

A $50 million investment fund was introduced by FunPlus to grow and promote exceptional independent developers and artists in the gaming industry worldwide.

http://www.funplus.com

Wizard World Promotes Entertainment Veteran Randy Malinoff as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Philip Federico
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0

Wizard World Promotes Entertainment Veteran Randy Malinoff as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Universal Studios and Universal Music Executive Helps to Take the Magic of Pop Culture to the Next Level

LOS ANGELES, July 14, 2016 – Wizard World, Inc. (the “Company” or “Wizard World”), a leading producer of entertainment and pop culture events in North America, today announced that it has promoted Randy Malinoff to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. The announcement was jointly made by Paul Kessler, Chairman of the Board, and John D. Maatta, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wizard World with Mr. Malinoff reporting directly to Mr. Maatta.

Based at the Company’s Los Angeles headquarters, Mr. Malinoff will continue to work closely with the various divisions of Wizard World and its partners to further extend the Company’s business, digital strategy and reach across current and emerging platforms. Tasked with operational responsibility and strategic growth initiatives, Mr. Malinoff will continue to drive development and execution of activities in the entertainment, online and transactional sectors. He will also be responsible for identifying strategic partnerships to grow the Company’s footprint as well as identifying next generation advertising and distribution channels to open new revenue streams.

Mr. Malinoff has served as interim Chief Operating Officer of Wizard World since March 2016 and has already pioneered a new chapter in pop culture entertainment with the introduction of the Wizard World Music Series – the first-ever concert series to accompany a pop culture and entertainment convention. The series launched during Wizard World’s Philadelphia show on June 3, 2016, featuring a headlining performance by award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Grimes. In addition, Melanie Martinez, a visually oriented singer-songwriter, is scheduled to perform during Wizard World’s Columbus show on July 29, 2016. Additional performance dates and headliners will be announced by the Company throughout the year.

“Innovation, leadership and imagination are essential to expanding our business even further, and there is no one better equipped to do this than Randy,” stated Paul Kessler, Chairman of the Board at Wizard World. “Not only has he been at the forefront of pioneering new models in such a challenging, competitive environment, but he has led the way in developing new business ventures with key strategic media, entertainment and technology partners.”

“It is a new day at Wizard World. We are working on a number of important initiatives intended to transform the Company into a significant media and live event platform. Through this new position, we have created a more comprehensive, integrated approach to implementing and growing our business,” said John D. Maatta, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wizard World. “It is our belief that Randy’s appointment will further enhance and maximize value for our shareholders, talent and business partners, as we move into new areas and drive new growth. We are confident that Randy will assist us in implementing the substantive plans that we have for Wizard World.”

Mr. Malinoff joined Wizard World on the heels of his most recent position as Senior Vice President and Head of Direct to Consumer E-Commerce for Universal Music Group, where he was tasked with directing and executing all aspects of the company’s global e-commerce operations.

Prior to his position with Universal Music Group, Mr. Malinoff served as Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing for Universal Pictures and Executive Vice President and General Manager of Ktel Records.

“Wizard World possesses an exciting portfolio of opportunity in pop culture, live music events, media and entertainment,” stated Randy Malinoff, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of Wizard World. “I am thankful to Paul and John for this exciting opportunity. Wizard World has been on the leading edge of the pop culture business and I look forward to creating and advancing initiatives that will keep Wizard World at the forefront of this developing marketplace.”

About Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD)
Wizard World, Inc. produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched the new music concert series, the Wizard World Store, CONtv, a digital media channel in collaboration with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™, and ComicConBox™, a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

Wizard World 2016 schedule available at: www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html.

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