STARDOCK RELEASES MERCENARIES, THE FIRST EXPANSION TO GALACTIC CIVILIZATIONS III

New Expansion Adds Mercenary Bazaar, New Factions, New Ships, and More

Plymouth, MI. – February 18, 2016 – Today, Stardock released Galactic Civilizations III: Mercenaries. The first expansion to its popular 4X space strategy game adds a new campaign, Galactic Bazaars, new races, the ability to recruit elite units with special abilities, new ship parts, and more.

In Mercenaries, players will be able to visit new Galactic Bazaars where they can hire mercenaries to assist in expanding across the galaxy. With several new mercenary ships and multiple Bazaars to discover on each map, the expansion offers hours of unique gameplay.

“Once they’re gone, they’re gone,” said Paul Boyer, Lead Designer of Galactic Civilizations III. “When a mercenary is hired by a civilization in a game, it is no longer available to the others. You will need to act quickly and choose wisely in order to get the best mercenaries and leave your enemies without.”

The campaign for Mercenaries centers around the peaceful Torian race who have long been enslaved and farmed for their meat by the cruel Drengin. Explore and discover mercenaries, then hire them to aid in escaping the oppressors. Liberate the Torians and help them rebuild their shattered civilization while staying out of reach of the Drengin.

The expansion also includes the Arcean faction and an old favorite from Galactic Civilizations II, the Torians. The Arceans are an ancient and honorable civilization of warriors and the Torians are an aquatic species seeking to escape the slavery of the Drengin. Both races come with new traits, abilities, and tech trees.

Along with this expansion, Stardock is releasing the v1.6 update to the base game, which is a free update for all Galactic Civilizations III game owners. Improvements include more detailed match results, AI improvements, visual updates, and balance improvements.

The expansion costs $19.99 and is available now on Steam at http://store.steampowered.com/app/411650/  or directly through the Stardock website.

For more information about Galactic Civilizations III and its current updates and DLC, please visit www.galciv3.com.

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About Stardock: Stardock is a developer and publisher of PC games and desktop software founded in 1991 by nationally recognized technology expert Brad Wardell. Located in Plymouth, Michigan, Stardock is a powerful leader in the video gaming and software development world.  Its PC games include Sins of a Solar Empire, the critically acclaimed Galactic Civilizations series, and the highly anticipated upcoming Ashes of the Singularity. Stardock puts the user experience first through software that enriches the Windows experience for everyone from casual computer users to highly technical professionals. Products offered by Stardock include Start8, Start10, Fences, WindowBlinds, Multiplicity, and more at www.stardock.com.

POST-APOCALYPTIC STORY-DRIVEN ADVENTURE THE DESCENDANT ARRIVES MARCH 24 ON STEAM

In the not-so-distant future, climate change has wrecked the planet, and a man-made extinction event has wiped humankind off the face of the Earth. Only a few thousand ‘descendants of humanity’ were hand-picked to survive the apocalypse, cryogenically suspended in underground bunkers known as Arks.

Centuries passed. The world recovered, and all the Arks reopened, except one — Ark-01.

Watch the trailer on YouTube

In The Descendant, from developer Gaming Corps, you play through two timelines – in the past you’ll play as Mia, a janitor tasked with keeping the chosen humans housed inside Ark-01 alive, while in the present you’ll play as Donnie, one of the investigators trying to rescue any survivors trapped within the facility.

Coming to Steam for Windows PC on March 24, the game is a post-apocalyptic narrative adventure where players solve puzzles, explore the dangerous underground facility, and discover a far greater conspiracy buried within the subterranean Ark complex.

●     The Descendant on Steam

The first of five episodes of The Descendant will be available on Steam starting March 24 for $3.99 USD. An “Exclusive Season 1 Bundle” priced $14.99 USD is available now from the game’s official website until 48 hours before the first episode releases. This pre-launch bundle includes all five episodes of the game (with episodes 2 -5 to be released over the course of 2016), grants players 48-hours early access to each episode, and features a full game Soundtrack, a Digital Poster and a Digital Art Book.

For more information on The Descendant, visit the official website, ‘Like’ the game on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

NEXON’S MEDAL MASTERS BRINGS ACTION-PACKED, RETRO RPG GAMING TO IOS AND ANDROID 

Seoul – Feb. 18, 2016 – NEXON Korea Corporation, subsidiary of NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO), a worldwide leader in free-to-play online and mobile games, today revealed Medal Masters, the latest action-packed mobile, collectible RPG set to adore fans cross the globe as it launches globally on Android and iOS. 

Medal Masters, developed by Korean-based Enfeel Inc., gives a players a real-time, party-based RPG, with character designs reminiscent of retro gaming. Moreover, taking advantage of the ‘old school’ feel of the character design, Medal Masters ramps up the tactical elements of the game with the addition of its Blitz and character training systems to provide fast-paced and non-repetitive battles to keep all, from newcomers to diehard RPG players, entertained. 

Medal Master players can now experience a brand new adventure as they journey to save more than 248 different heroes, collect medals, and become the ultimate medal master.

Players of all levels can now experience the following features:

• Gameplay controls that make it easy to play with just one hand
• Blitz system to harness and control skills to win strategic battles
• Built-in training that will allow your heroes to level up even when the game isn’t running
• Wide variety of gameplay featuring an exciting storyline, adorable characters, special dungeons to explore, and immersive player-versus-player mode 

Medal Masters available for download now via mobile device from the App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android worldwide.

Additional information for members of the press:

• Assets for Medal Masterscan be downloaded here: http://bit.ly/MedalMastersLaunch
• Official Medal Masterswebsite: https://www.facebook.com/MedalMasters

About NEXON Co. Ltd.

NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO) is a worldwide leader in free-to-play online and mobile games. Founded in Korea in 1994, Nexon developed one of the world’s first graphics-based massively multiplayer online games. Nexon also pioneered the concept of microtransactions and the free-to-play business model, setting a new standard in which play is free, and users have the option to purchase in-game items to enhance their experience. Nexon currently services nearly 150 titles in more than 150 countries. The Company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and its shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. 

About Enfeel Inc.

Enfeel is a mobile developer based in Bundang, South Korea. Established in 2010, the studio has achieved major success in Asia with its acclaimed Birzzle series of games, and looks to expand to many valuable markets worldwide through working with experienced partners and delivering world class content.

ESA Foundation Honors Electronic Arts’ Peter Moore and Humble Bundle at 2016 Nite to Unite

FEBRUARY 18, 2016 – Washington, DC – The ESA Foundation announced today it will celebrate two honorees at its annual “Nite to Unite” (NTU) on March 15, in San Francisco. NTU is the U.S. video game industry’s annual philanthropic gala to support America’s youth. Peter Moore, Chief Operating Officer for Electronic Arts, will be honored as the 2016 Champion Honoree, which honors industry leaders who have contributed substantially to the industry and for their charitable works. Humble Bundle, a digital video game storefront supporting charities, will be presented the “Visionary Award.”

Peter Moore has been a champion and leader of the video game community throughout nearly 20 years in the industry.  In executive roles at EA, Microsoft and Sega, Moore has led efforts to deliver breakthrough devices, experiences and digital services to game players around the world.  A long-time advocate for the way games can give back, Moore has also sponsored EA’s involvement with charities such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the American Cancer Society, and encouraged teams to develop innovative ways to incorporate giving through games and services.  Moore is set to receive the ESA Foundation’s Champion Award as he takes on a new role for Electronic Arts beginning in April, bringing his tremendous passion for sports, competition and games to lead the newly-formed Competitive Gaming Division as EA’s Chief Competition Officer.

“Peter is the ideal industry Champion. The competitive spirit evident in every aspect of his career has helped to revolutionize video games and digital technology and assist others in need while doing so,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of ESA. “We want to celebrate Peter’s continuing commitment to the true spirit of games during Nite to Unite, and thank him for the positive influence and unending energy he brings to our industry and game players around the world.”

Humble Bundle, which transformed philanthropic giving and digital distribution, will receive the Visionary Award, a new honor established at this year’s Nite to Unite to recognize rising innovators who harness the power of video game technology to make an impactful difference in the community at large. The organization takes advantage of video game sales to benefit major charities, including Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, charity: water, the American Red Cross, and the Wikimedia Foundation. Since its founding in 2010, Humble Bundle has raised more than $65 million for 50 different charities.

“Humble Bundle’s remarkable leadership in donating to non-profits and encouraging others to give back is a testament to their commitment to the industry and gamers,” Gallagher commented. “They are incredible partners and we value their contributions and spirit of innovation.”

Sponsorships and tickets are still available for purchase. For more information about supporting the event, visit www.nitetounite.org or contact Catherine Brack at [email protected] or 202-253-3761.

The ESA Foundation supports programs that use video games and digital technology to benefit American youth. The ESA Foundation’s 2016 grantees are:

• Alliance for Young Artists and Writers – Identifies and encourages literary and artistic talent in students.
• Bootstrap – Leverages students’ excitement for video games to teach programming that integrates math and reinforce algebraic concepts.
• Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – Provides video games that allow children to imagine they are part of a team of astronauts abroad the International Space Station.
• Girlstart – Promotes young women’s early engagement and academic success in STEM, helping to resolve the gender gap that currently exists in today’s STEM workforce.
• HopeLab Foundation – Utilizes technology as a tool for improving the health and overall well-being of children.
• iCivics – Encourages civics learning through interactive games and resources for students across the country.

Created by the American entertainment software industry, the ESA Foundation works to make a positive difference in the lives of America’s youth by providing scholarships to the next generation of industry innovators. We support organizations that leverage entertainment software and technology to create educational opportunities. For more information about the ESA Foundation, please visit www.esafoundation.org or on Twitter: @ESA Foundation.

Newegg Inks Partnership With Wizard World

Year-long Sponsorship Positions Newegg Squarely at the Intersection of Technology and Pop Culture

February 18, 2016 – Los Angeles, CA – Newegg – the leading tech-focused e-retailer in North America – today announced that it committed to a year-long sponsorship of Wizard World’s (OTCBB:WIZD) comic con and gaming events. The initiative encompasses a total of 17 events in major cities across the United States, the first of which kicks off this weekend in Portland, Oregon and runs from February 19-21.

Wizard World comic con and gaming events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles and contests.

“Newegg’s support of Wizard World’s comic con and gaming events shows how integral technology is to our attendees,” said John Macaluso, President and CEO of Wizard World. “Very few brands bridge the gap between tech and pop culture. Newegg connects authentically with the gamers who make up our audience, which makes it a great cultural fit for our events. We are pleased to welcome them to the Wizard World family.”

Newegg’s collaboration with Wizard World sets the stage for a very visible presence at upcoming Wizard World comic con and gaming events. At five of the shows, Newegg will showcase products, host celebrity appearances, and conduct raffles and other giveaways.

Newegg will be featured on Wizard World’s social platforms, in email promotions, and in video content co-hosted on Wizard World and on Newegg’s GameCrate website.

“We are always looking for new venues to connect with our customers in a personal way, and Wizard World gives us the perfect opportunity,” said Merle McIntosh, Newegg’s SVP of Sales and Marketing. “Wizard World comic con attendees are creative, tech-savvy and align perfectly with the Newegg brand.”

For more on the 2016 Wizard World Portland comic con and gaming event at the Oregon Convention Center, visit http://wizd.me/PortlandPR.

Like Newegg on Facebook and follow Newegg on Twitter to stay up to date on the company’s latest news.

About Newegg Inc.

Newegg Inc. is the leading electronics-focused e-retailer in the United States. It owns and operates Newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com ) which was founded in 2001 and regularly earns industry-leading customer service ratings. The award-winning website has more than 25 million registered users and offers customers a comprehensive selection of the latest consumer electronics products, detailed product descriptions and images, as well as how-to information and customer reviews. Using the site’s online tech community, customers have the opportunity to interact with other computer, gaming and consumer electronics enthusiasts. Newegg Inc. is headquartered in City of Industry, California.  The Newegg Hybrid Center is located at 18045 Rowland St., City of Industry, CA 91748.

About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)

Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic cons 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 Wizard World Store (www.shopwizardworld.com ), CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM), and ComicConBox™ (www.comicconbox.com), a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS update brings raid battle function and new FINAL FANTASY IV collaboration

LONDON (18^th February 2016) –   Square Enix Ltd., today launched a major update for its multiplayer tactical RPG game HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS®. The new update brings the third collaboration with FINAL FANTASY® IV. – including new characters to collect via the “gacha” mechanic, introduces a new collaboration quest with an original storyline, and marks the first HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS collaboration raid event since release!

The raid event will run until 22^nd February (14:00 GMT / 15:00 CET), and will feature appearances from familiar FINAL FANTASY IV characters, Golbez and Rubicante.  Players must join forces to defeat these strong opponents, with victorious players gaining the chance to obtain Rubicante as a reward, one of the four elemental lords.

A collaboration quest will also run until 24^th February (14:00 GMT / 15:00 CET), in which players can obtain Yang from FINAL FANTASY IV. The quest will offer an original story and will introduce an all-new battle map created especially for the event.

The new collaboration event will also introduce two new FINAL FANTASY IV characters, Rydia and Rosa, for players to obtain – each with skills such as ‘Summon’ and ‘Esuna’. The collaboration event will also allow players to obtain any characters they may have missed from the previous FINAL FANTASY IV collaboration events for a limited time; including, Cecil, Golbez, Kain and Edge (will end on 27^th February 14:00 GMT/15:00 CET).

Heavenstrike Rivals is available now for iOS and Android devices. To download now, for free, visit:

iOS:  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/heavenstrike-rivals-monster/id929464758?mt=8
Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.HEAVENSTRIKERIVALS_WW&hl=en

For more information on HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS, visit:http://www.heavenstrikerivals.com/

Related Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hsr.en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HSR_global
Official Website: http://www.heavenstrikerivals.com/
FINAL FANTASY IV iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/final-fantasy-iv/id575119311?mt=8&at=11lc5S
FINAL FANTASY IV Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.android_googleplay.FFIV_GP&hl=en
FINAL FANTASY IV Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IHX3TIW

About Heavenstrike Rivals
In HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS, players enter a war-torn world on the brink of extinction and embark on an epic adventure full of simple yet highly immersive tactical battles. The once-prosperous aerial kingdom of Lunnain lies in tatters, assaulted from above by the Fallen – ruthless monsters of nightmare who seek only complete destruction. But the people will not take their fate lying down, and their strike back at the heavens starts now.
Developed as a brand new IP for mobile platforms, SQUARE ENIX® has worked with UK based developers MEDIATONIC Ltd., (Amateur Surgeon) to create the game and bring the world to life. The project has had a collaborative approach, with Japan-based Yumiru Corporation supporting development and, keeping it in the SQUARE ENIX family, the game also features characters designed by Ryoma Ito (FINAL FANTASY® TACTICS ADVANCE) and music by Ryo Yamazaki (FINAL FANTASY XIV).
In HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS, players must fight their way to the top of the game’s leader boards for heavenly global domination.

About Mediatonic Ltd
Mediatonic design, build and operate games that connect and entertain millions of players worldwide. Our studios in London and Brighton are focused on creating titles packed full of story, life and character. We take pride in crafting games that challenge and inspire us every day.

More information on Mediatonic can be found at  http://mediatonicgames.com/

About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, 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. 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 boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 110 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 66 million units worldwide and TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 45 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://www.square-enix.com/eu/en/ .

© 2014-2016 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Created by Mediatonic. Character Design: Ryoma Ito
HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS, EIDOS, FINAL FANTASY, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, SPACE INVADERS, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix Group. iPhone, iPod touch, iTunes and App Store are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are registered trademarks or trademarks of Google Inc All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.