KOEI TECMO DETAILS PLAYSTATION®VITA SPECIFIC FEATURES FOR DYNASTY WARRIORS 8: EMPIRES IN NEW TRAILER!

PlayStation®Store early-purchase bonus confirmed

Hertfordshire – 27th October 2015– KOEI TECMO Europe released today a bundle of new information and assets for the upcoming, digital only, PlayStation®Vita November 25^th release of famed tactical action title DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 Empires.

Specifically, players will be able to enjoy exhilarating ‘Warriors’ action on the go, using new intuitive touchscreen controls for actions such as calling their faithful steed or activating the powerful ‘Rage’ state! The touchscreen can also be used to select and activate Stratagems, Dynasty Warriors 8’s special skills cards collection, allowing the player faster and more accurate control of the battlefield.

Since even the most powerful Warriors might need a helping hand, DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 Empires encourages two-player ad hoc cooperative multiplayer, allowing nearby friends to join together and try to survive the fierce battles of ‘Empire Mode’, or overcome the challenging scenarios in ‘Free Mode’.

Furthermore, the title is compatible with PlayStation®TV, meaning gamers can enjoy the game on large screens. For those already in possession of the PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®4 versions, Cross-Save and Cross-Play functionality is enabled across all versions, and content downloaded for the PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®4 can be downloaded on the PS Vita version free of charge.

Lastly, Koei Tecmo announced downloadable early-purchase bonus content, available to those who pre-purchase the game via the PlayStation®Network within first month from release! Specifically, this ‘Special Edit Parts’ pack, includes equipment and costumes based on fan favourite Koei Tecmo characters: Guo Jia and Guan Yinping from Dynasty Warriors 8, Date Mashamune from the (japan-only) social game ‘Nobunyaga no Yabou’, and a very special Tenko costume from the sensational demon-hunting action title Toukiden!

Koei Tecmo released a trailer detailing all the new PlayStation®Vita specific features of

For more Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires news please visit www.facebook.com/koeigames or www.dynastywarriors8.eu/empires and follow us on twitter @tecmokoeieurope

About DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 Empires

The most feature-rich and customisable ‘Empires’ title ever to be released, DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 Empires, was originally released for the PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3 and XBOX ONE earlier in 2015.

It included an array of new elements and upgraded modes, including a vast selection of 83 unique playable characters, the option to create original characters through the edit mode, as well as the ability to customize horses, banners and “normal” officers. Warriors were called to fight against not only against enemies but also forces of nature as the changing seasons and the passing of time alter fighting conditions on the more than 40 battlefields.

Additionally, the game’s Custom Scenario mode added the ability to control events across the vast Chinese continent, allowing players to adjust every last detail to form a brand new Three Kingdoms world.

Finally, in the ‘Empire’ mode, players could choose to adopt one of many distinct roles or to experience the epic history and its outcomes through a different methodology of warfare in replay.

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 

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

UBISOFT^® ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR PAX AUSTRALIA 2015 

Ubisoft showcases key titles for 2015 and beyond with hands on opportunities for major releases 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – October 27, 2015 — Today Ubisoft announced its lineup for PAX Australia; Assassin’s Creed^® Syndicate, Just Dance^® 2016, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six^® Siege and Tom Clancy’s The Division™ will all be playable at the show. Attendees can check out Ubisoft’s lineup at stand 2216 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Oct 30 – Nov 1.

The Ubisoft stand will feature all of the biggest upcoming releases including Tom Clancy’s The Division. Attendees can experience what it is like to enter the dark zone where friends can turn into enemies in an instant and no one can be trusted.

The Just Dance 2016 stage will once again be home to eye catching performances as everyone is welcome to dance along to a selection of the year’s biggest hits. No matter their costume, age or dancing ability, anyone can select their song and join in the fun.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege area will play host to 5v5 multiplayer gaming at its most competitive as teams face off against each other in tense matches where attackers are pitted against defenders and only the most co-ordinated teams will emerge victorious.

Take time out from the Melbourne sunshine to visit 19^th century London where pickpockets and industrial smog are the least of your worries in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. Join Jacob and Evie in the latest instalment of the multi-million selling series as they fight to bring justice to the streets of London.

For exclusive updates, further information and behind-the-scenes photos from PAX Australia throughout the entire event; please visit Ubisoft Australia’s Facebook page (facebook.com/UbisoftAustralia) Twitter account (twitter.com/UbiAustralia) or the PAX Australia Facebook page (facebook.com/PAXAUS)

About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a leading creator, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Tom Clancy’s video game series, Rayman, Far Cry and Watch Dogs. The teams throughout Ubisoft’s worldwide network of studios and business offices are committed to delivering original and memorable gaming experiences across all popular platforms, including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and PCs. For the 2014-15 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,464 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

NEW TRAILER FOR FINAL FANTASY XIV OFFERS A GLIMPSE AT PATCH 3.1

New 24-Man Alliance Raid, Airship Exploratory Missions,  Gold Saucer Attraction and More Showcased

SYDNEY, 27^TH October 2015 –   Square Enix Ltd., today released its official trailer for FINAL FANTASY® XIV: Heavensward™ Patch 3.1: As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness, in anticipation of its launch on 10^th November.

Patch 3.1 includes new additions to the highly acclaimed main scenario that continues directly following the conclusion of the story found in Heavensward. Additionally, adventurers will battle on a haunted vessel in the brand new 24-player alliance raid “Void Ark,” travel to far-off islands via airship in new Exploratory Missions to unearth rare gear and items

The upcoming patch will also introduce an all-new real-time strategy (“RTS”) attraction, “Lord of Verminion,” at the Manderville Gold Saucer. There, players will be able to use their minions in order to battle against other players in a 1v1 setting. The patch also includes two new high-level dungeons, Saint Mocianne’s Arboretum and Pharos Sirius (Hard), beast tribe quests featuring the Vanu Vanu, new sidestory quests and more.

The new trailer for Patch 3.1 – As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness, can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/SJXDegut2Yg

Square Enix recently launched its first ever FINAL FANTASY XIV European Data Centre, ensuring that European-based players have an even more enjoyable experience. To celebrate the launch, Producer/ Director, Naoki Yoshida, recorded a short video message which can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/onLEK6gbr4g. With the new European Data Centre, and a whole host of new and exciting content to come with the release of Patch 3.1 As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness – there is no better time for new players to begin their adventure in Eorzea!

Recently surpassing 5 million registered accounts globally, FINAL FANTASY XIV: HEAVENSWARD is available now on the PlayStation®3 system, PlayStation®4 system and on Windows PC. For newcomers, an all-in-one bundle including both the award-winning FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn and FINAL FANTASY XIV: Heavensward is also available now. A free 30-day trial is included for new accounts, with monthly subscriptions starting at $19.95. Those who have not yet had the chance to try FINAL FANTASY XIV Online can do so by downloading the 14 day free trial for PC here; http://www.ffxiv-freetrial.com/en/ or, for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 directly from the PlayStation Network.

Related Links

HEAVENSWARD Official Website: http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/heavensward/

The Lodestone: http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/

Official Website: www.finalfantasyxiv.com

Official Promo Site: eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/pr/

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV

Official YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/FINALFANTASYXIV

Official Twitter: @FF_XIV_EN

PLAYSTATION®FIRST GAMES TO DEBUT ON PLAYSTATION STAND AT PAX

PlayStation®First, Academy of Interactive Entertainment and game studio Nnooo to train next wave of Indies with new academic development partnership 

27 October 2015 – Sydney, Australia: PlayStation®First and the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) is set to give a substantial boost to the Australian video game industry through their partnership with Australian game studio Nnooo, which will work to identify and fast track talented student teams for publishing under the PlayStation First programme.

In its first united showcase in Australia, PlayStation First, AIE and Nnooo will be presenting on the PlayStation stand at the upcoming PAX expo in Melbourne.

The PlayStation First stand at PAX will have eight student creators showcasing and providing demos of the current Australian games currently in development, including:

• RUMBLE ACADEMY
• RETROVISION
• DESPERATE MILE 
• NECROMAN

PlayStation First will also be introducing PIECEFALL to Australian audiences – the first PlayStation®4  (PS4) student game from the PlayStation First program developed by students from Sheffield Hallam University.

The only programme of its kind in Australia, the PlayStation First partnership with AIE and Nnooo provides students with the opportunity to be supported in an entrepreneurial setting while getting access to the required training and tools to begin developing products commercially. Students will gain the skills to create games for the PS4 system with the opportunity to publish their games under Nnooo, on the PlayStation Network.

The support of higher education programs for students interested in creating videogames and digital entertainment licences is expected to positively affect the video games industry in Australia – a crucial step forward for the burgeoning Australian video games industry.

The new arrangement also provides students with access to full PlayStation software (SDK) and the development hardware for teaching purposes in computer programming, software development and game design.

Head of PlayStation First, Dr Maria Stukoff says:

“Today’s students are the next generation of game developers, and partnering them with an established and respected developer and publisher like Nnooo will help drive exciting new titles coming out of Australia. Through sharing knowledge, mentorship, equipment and the best opportunities for exposure, PlayStation First aims to give students the chance to cut their teeth on console game development early in their career.”

Nic Watt, Founder and Creative Director of Nnooo and a driving force behind the partnership in Australia says:

“We’re excited and proud to partner with the PlayStation First programme and AIE. It fits perfectly with our stated goal to foster the growth of console game development in Australia.

“Following the recent senate enquiry into the Australian video game industry, programmes like PlayStation First signals a renewed optimism in gaming. As a studio, we are laser focussed on finding, nurturing and guiding Australian talent to really excel – we want the industry to band together, support each other and help our raw talent become the developers of tomorrow.”

Through the PlayStation First partnership, AIE and Nnooo have acquired PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita developer tools; the same professional hardware used by global AAA studios like Naughty Dog (The Last of Us, Uncharted), and Media Molecule (Little Big Planet, Tearaway Unfolded).

Neil Boyd, Director of Business Development at AIE says: “Working directly with PlayStation First gives AIE students access to equipment and experience you can’t get anywhere else in Australia right now. This give students an advantage to leverage their games across the most popular game platforms whether establishing their own studio or seeking a career in games industry.”

AIE game development students in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide have access to PS4 development kits. PlayStation is currently developing plans to roll this out across Australia.

– ENDS – 

Click here to find PlayStation®First on the web. 

More detail on PAX Australia can be found here. PAX runs from 30 October to 1 November at the Melbourne Convention Centre. 

Dr. Maria Stukoff biography

Born, raised and educated in Australia, Maria Stukoff is the driving force and head of PlayStation®First – Sony Computer Entertainment’s Academic Game Development Programme. She is known as the walking, talking vindication of PlayStation’s exciting student development scene, inspiring and skilling up the next wave of PlayStation-savvy developers.

With over twelve years in the video game industry and hands-on experience in game development, Maria’s passion for digital innovation has transformed the academic world of games. Working with the best universities globally to set up PlayStation®3, PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®Vita teaching labs and studio incubators, Maria helps put PlayStation development tools directly into the hands of student developers and enables student teams to set up their own companies with opportunities to publish commercial IP on PSN.

Maria’s success in transforming game education came out of academic pursuits, and has been recognised through honorary awards and industry nominations, including: a PhD from Manchester Metropolitan University for research into mobile games and technologies; an honorary Doctorate from Norwich University of the Arts in Game Design Education, and; holding a place on the UK Top 100 Women in Games for consecutive years.

Maria has an extensive background in digital media production and interaction design, and has taught internationally in Australia, Thailand, Canada and the UK. A frequent speaker at schools, universities and conferences, Maria champions game development and interaction design, actively taking part in shaping the future of game development education.

About Nnooo

Nnooo is a Sydney based game developer and publisher established in 2006 by Nic Watt, a former lead designer at Electronic Arts in London. The company’s most recent game was the award-winning and critically acclaimed escapeVektor for PlayStation®Vita and Nintendo 3DS™. Nnooo published Cubemen 2, the 3 Sprockets’ Steam and iOS hit game, on Wii U making it the first indie title on any Nintendo platform to offer both in-game cross-platform multiplayer and cross-platform user generated content. Nnooo’s next game will be Blast ‘Em Bunnies, an endless bunny shooter for multiple platforms, including PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®Vita.

About AIE

Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) is Australia’s most awarded 3D animation, game design and visual FX educator. Created as a non-profit organisation to grow the creative digital sector, AIE pioneered the development of specialist game qualifications and continues to innovate through industry partnerships and dynamic teaching. AIE courses are practical, career-focused and delivered by industry experienced teachers in a seriously fun and creatively-demanding studio environment. AIE Graduates are working in most of the top creative studios in Australia and around the world including Animal Logic, Firemint EA, Halfbrick, Weta Digital and Bioware.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PlayStation®4 (PS4®) computer entertainment system, PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system, PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system, PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and PSN software and hardware in 109 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE has revolutionised home entertainment since they launched PlayStation® in 1994. PlayStation®4 redefines rich and immersive gameplay with powerful graphics and speed, intelligent personalisation and deeply integrated social capabilities. PS Vita is an ultimate portable entertainment system that offers a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context. PS3® is an advanced computer system, incorporating the powerful Cell Broadband Engine and RSX processors. PSP® is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games with high-quality full-motion video and high-fidelity stereo audio. SCEE also delivers the PlayStation® experience to open operating systems through PlayStation®Mobile, a cross device platform. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the formats in these territories.

More information about PlayStation® products can be found at www.playstation.com.

PlayStation®, PS4, PS3, PS2, PSP, and DUALSHOCK are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

StoryToys Announces Leonardo’s Cat, a Contraption-Packed Puzzle Game Featuring the Voice of Patrick Stewart as Leonardo da Vinci

DUBLIN – Oct. 26, 2015 – StoryToys, a leading publisher of kids’ games, books, and educational software for tablets and phones, has announced Leonardo’s Cat, a brain-teasing puzzle game coming soon to iOS devices. This original title, developed by Savage Studios, reimagines the life of historic thinker and artist Leonardo da Vinci in a lighthearted adventure that draws from his historic works and the rich world of the Renaissance. It features the voice of legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart (Star Trek, X-Men film series), as well as writing by Bob Tedeschi (The New York Times) and the design talents of award-winning creator and illustrator Michael Frith (The Muppets, Fraggle Rock).

“At StoryToys, we’re focused on finding the right balance between narrative and play in a way that children and families can enjoy,” said Barry O’Neill, CEO of StoryToys. “Leonardo da Vinci is essential to our knowledge of art and the Renaissance, and it has truly been a joy to work with Michael Frith and Patrick Stewart to bring Leonardo to life as a curious, mischievous character.”

In Leonardo’s Cat, Leonardo’s latest invention, the Automaton, has been stolen by his devious archrival, Michelangelo. It’s up to Scungilli, da Vinci’s faithful feline companion, to search the ancient town of Amboise for the Automaton, braving ominous obstacles and terrifying traps as he goes. Players must use their wits and an arsenal of da Vinci’s most cunning inventions to solve the complex challenges of each level and collect the stray parts of the world’s first robot. That journey comes to life even further with playful artwork, humorous storytelling, and a wonderfully detailed and atmospheric world inspired by 16th-century France.

Features

• 60 unique puzzle levels across six environments crammed with exploding, crashing, splashing fun!
• Beautifully animated cutscenes featuring Patrick Stewart as the voice of Leonardo da Vinci.
• Lush visuals and a captivating soundtrack inspired by the Renaissance world.
• Incredible inventions, including cannons, catapults and ornithopters!
• Fascinating educational content based on the science, art and other wonders of the Renaissance.

Leonardo Cat’s will be available soon on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch for $2.99 / €2.99 / £1.99. For more information, please visit leonardoscat.com, and follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

About StoryToys

Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, StoryToys creates and publishes highly innovative and entertaining software for children including interactive books and games and has enjoyed global success on all major app distribution platforms. StoryToys has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations for the quality of its products, including many prestigious Children’s Technology Review Editor’s Choice Awards and the BolognaRagazzi Digital Award. More information about StoryToys is available at http://storytoys.com.

StoryToys is a registered trademark of StoryToys Ltd. Apple, iPad, iPhone and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Square Enix Collective announces first publishing deal, latest Kickstarter project and partnership with Elevate Strategic Management

Goetia to be first game published by Square Enix Collective

Point-and-click mystery adventure Goetia will be the first game to be published under the Square Enix Collective banner, and will be available to play at the Square Enix booth during Paris Games Week.

The game is being developed by France-based Sushee and was initially uploaded onto the Collective Feedback platform in 2014, gaining an excellent 90% Yes vote ratio. The project was also supported via Collective through its Kickstarter campaign, which succeeded in hitting its $30,000 target in February this year.

The game will launch on Steam® in early 2016, and challenge gamers to discover why Abigail Blackwood finds herself raised as a ghost to haunt her deserted former home – Blackwood Manor.

“I’m delighted to reveal the first of a number of projects we’ll be publishing through Square Enix Collective in the coming months and years,” said the initiative’s creator and project lead, Phil Elliott. “Over the past two years we’ve met and worked with a large number of talented teams, and learned a great deal in the process – to help give some of those projects the best possible launch is the next exciting milestone for us here.”

“It’s a great opportunity for Sushee and for Goetia, to be able to access such fantastic resources and expertise while still retaining complete control over our own destiny,” added Benjamin Anseaume, producer at Sushee. “We’ve enjoyed working with Phil and the team over the past year, and we’re really happy to be continuing that relationship all the way to launch.”

Find out more about Goetia on the official website.

Pankapu® – the latest Kickstarter project to be supported by Collective – launches October 27

Colourful Side-scrolling platformer Pankapu is the final Kickstarter project to be supported by Collective this year, and is being created by Too Kind Studio® – also from France.

With a deep story and striking visual style, Pankapu tells the story of a shadow warrior travelling across the oneiric world Omnia, striking down the nightmares that are trying to invade humanity.

The team is targeting EUR 40,000 to complete development, and the game is planned for release across a series of episodes beginning in early 2017. Square Enix Collective completed a Team Assessment on Too Kind Studio and we’re happy to support a team that we believe has the skills and experience to complete the game as planned.

The campaign will launch on Kickstarter on October 27.

Collective and Elevate Strategic Management agree marketing partnership

Projects published by Collective, starting with Goetia, will benefit from world class marketing support provided by leading US-based marketing agency Elevate Strategic Management.

The publishing arrangement will see Collective provide the marketing budget for the game, with Elevate taking responsibility for strategy, creative, media services, events and partnership opportunities. As with all projects currently planned to be published by Collective, the developer will retain IP and the majority net revenue share.

Elevate will be bringing years of knowledge and experience working within the gaming space. Elevate will also be bringing in several key partners to develop a range of world-class services, including Petrol® Advertising for all creative execution and media planning, along with EEDAR® for all gaming research & insights. The partnership with Collective means that developers will benefit from Elevate’s full range of talent and expertise within the industry to help provide the best possible results for the team.

“I’m really pleased to be working with the team at Elevate Strategic Management – they have an amazing track record, and a large part of that is down to their dedication to games of all shapes and sizes,” said Phil Elliott. “The budget we assign to projects will be extremely efficient due to the nature of the agreement, and I’m excited to see the results from this kind of incentivisation – which I believe is unique.”

Square Enix Collective is a platform that aims to help independent developers find an audience for their projects, by enabling them to tap into our community and media resources. Projects which gamers support through the initial Feedback phase may be offered continued support through crowdfunding too; but developers are free to choose whether to accept, and retain IP and creative control over their projects.

Collective also offers distribution and publishing services to games already funded, and invests in production of a small number of titles to help them complete development and get to release.

Square Enix Collective website: collective.square-enix.com
Follow @SQEX Collective on Twitter®: twitter.com/sqexcollective

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SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, SQUARE ENIX COLLECTIVE, and the SQUARE ENIX COLLECTIVE logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies.  SUSHEE and GOETIA are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sushee.  TOO KIND STUDIO and PANKAPU are registered trademarks or trademarks of Too Kind Studio.  PETROL is a registered trademark or trademark of Petrol Advertising, Inc.  EEDAR is a registered trademark or trademark of Electronic Entertainment Design and Research Corporation.   STEAM is a trademark and/or registered trademark of Valve Corporation.  All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.