Home Blog Page 352

Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy – Gameplay

0

With hopes of becoming a Great Mage, Fia travels to the same Magic Artes academy her grandmother studied at only to find complete chaos with her fellow classmates and even stranger teachers in this dungeon crawling RPG from Idea Factory International called Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy.

Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy – Gameplay

Step into the magical halls of the Ancient Magic Academy alongside Fia, a lucky young girl who’s recently enrolled to chase her dream of becoming a Great Mage. Developed by Sting with backing from Compile Heart, and published in the West by Idea Factory International, this fang-favorite dungeon-crawler RPG blends real-time, turn-based combat with randomly generated dungeon layouts and a charming school-life simulator atmosphere.

As you guide Fia through enchanted labyrinths, you’ll cast Magic Artes, gather Elemental Orbs to unleash powerful Great Magic Artes, and manage her arsenal through the Grimoire’s skill tree system. Outside the dungeons, interact with classmates, tackle side quests, cook curry for buffs, and synthesize new gear using items from your adventures. All of this comes wrapped in stylish visuals, whimsical storytelling, and a nostalgic legacy that traces back to the series’ roots in retro Japanese dungeon crawlers

Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy
Developer: Sting
Publisher: Compile Heart / Idea Factory International
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: July 29, 2025 (Western release)
Price: $49.99 USD

Available here – https://ifi.games/madomonogatari/

Summary:

Recommended – “Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy blends easy-to-grasp mechanics, colorful visuals, and endearing characters into a lighthearted, humorous dungeon crawler that might not be for everyone.”

Check out our review for Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy here!

Check out all the latest in the world of video games, anime, and entertainment at Capsule Computers:

Website: https://www.capsulecomputers.com.au/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CapsuleComputers
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/capsulecomputer
Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/2666558-Capsule-Computers/
Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/capsulecomputer/

Enchanting new bosses await in Lost Eidolons: Veil of The Witch

From blessings to enchantments, this update sure is shiny!

El Segundo, California – August 13, 2025 | Ocean Drive Studio and Kakao Games are pleased to reveal their newest content update for Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch is available now on PC. With this new patch, the tactical RPG spin-off to Lost Eidolons is entering the final stretch of early access.

Even though this update brings the addition of nine new monsters and even more fearsome boss battles, warriors do not have to despair, as their path may be blessed. Entering one of the brand new Blessed Paths will grant players special abilities, increased rewards, additional enhancements, or additional enhancements. 

And if all these new boons sounded enchanting so far then players are in for a treat, with 15 brand new Enchantment Skills, as well as an improved and stronger Enchantment system.

The new patch includes all of this, as well as new voice over lines, enemy colour variations, new battles, balance changes, and bug fixes. You can check out the full patch notes on the official website here.

In Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch, players are tasked with raising hell on their path to uncovering their lost memories, equipped with mysterious powers the human mind can barely comprehend and a team of trustworthy companions. This quest can only end with one outcome: success. Defeat is not an option, and those who fall in battle will be sent back to the beginning, stronger and mightier with each try.

Follow the Blessed Path and check out Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch on Steam today. 

About Kakao Games

Kakao Games (CEO Sang-Woo Han) is the gaming subsidiary of Kakao, specializing in both publishing and development across a wide range of genres, from casual to hardcore titles on PC and mobile. Since its KOSDAQ listing in September 2020, Kakao Games has successfully developed and launched popular titles such as Odin: Valhalla Rising, Uma Musume Pretty Derby, Eversoul, Guardian Tales, and Kakao Battlegrounds, with multiple global releases on the horizon. Kakao Games remains committed to expanding its portfolio and exploring new opportunities in the evolving gaming landscape.

 About Ocean Drive Studio

Ocean Drive Studio, a subsidiary of Kakao Games, is a company dedicated to developing and servicing games that resonate with global fans who love the same genres that their developers know and are passionate about. The studio gained attention with the release of its first game, the turn-based tactical RPG Lost Eidolons, on Steam, PS5, and Xbox. Building on this success, they are working on the second game in the same genre, Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch, as well as other titles including the roguelite shooter Section 13, the physics-based sandbox survival game God Save Birmingham, and an action RPG based on the IP Sword Master Youngest Son,. Ocean Drive Studio aims to deliver unique and engaging gaming experience to gamers around the world through these diverse game genres.

FAST & FURIOUS: ARCADE EDITION ANNOUNCED, LAUNCHING OCTOBER 24, 2025, ON CONSOLES

High-Speed, Adrenaline-Fueled Arcade Racing Comes Home!

MINNEAPOLIS Aug. 13, 2025 – Get ready to hop into the driver’s seat of one of the most thrilling action franchises in the world! Inspired by the saga from Universal Pictures, Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition brings the high-octane excitement of the original Fast & Furious arcade title home to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S on October 24, 2025! Race through exciting environments in single-player, or grab a friend and experience the nonstop arcade rivalry in two-player split-screen local multiplayer!

Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition delivers high-speed racing and pedal-to-the-metal action straight from the arcade to consoles! Hit the road in legendary cars including the Dodge Charger, Corvette Z06, Shelby GT500 KR, Ford GT, Bronco DR, Jeep Wrangler and more – plus customize your car with unique color schemes.

Race through each of the original arcade game’s tracks solo or in split-screen with a friend and discover destructible environments, branching paths, and sneaky shortcuts that can shake up any race and reward risk-takers. Take on thrilling challenges with high-stakes objectives like intercepting a missile in the Swiss Alps or grounding a plane in the heart of Hong Kong.

Key Game Features

  • High-Speed, Adrenaline-Fueled Arcade Racing – Race across high-intensity tracks in licensed supercars with cinematic style, drifting, nitro boosts, and precision driving that captures the thrill of the original arcade classic.
  • The Top-Tier Arcade Racer, Brought to Consoles – Experience the full-throttle thrills of the arcade game at home, now optimized for consoles and with the same explosive action that made the original a fan favorite in arcades.
  • Race Iconic Vehicles – Hit the road in 8 legendary cars including the Dodge Charger, Corvette Z06, Shelby GT500 KR, Ford GT, Bronco DR, Jeep Wrangler, and more.
  • Customize Your Look, Your Way – Style your ride with custom vehicle color schemes that let you stand out on the track and represent your personality.
  • Race Together in Local Multiplayer – Grab a friend and hit the track with 2 players in split-screen local multiplayer, bringing the arcade rivalry home with side-by-side action and nonstop competition.
  • Dominate Fierce High-Intensity Courses – Burn rubber through all the original tracks in bold, diverse environments that push your driving skills to the limit.
  • Tackle Secret Missions Around the World – Complete bonus challenges with explosive objectives like stopping a missile in the Swiss Alps or grounding a plane in Hong Kong.
  • Unleash Chaos with Hidden Shortcuts – Discover destructible environments, branching paths, and sneaky shortcuts that shake up every race and reward risk-taking drivers.

Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition launches on October 24, 2025. It is developed by Cradle Games and published by GameMill Entertainment, in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences.

About the Fast & Furious Saga

Over the course of eleven films that have stoked passion in an ever-expanding audience and have earned more than $7 billion at the worldwide box office, Universal Pictures’ record-smashing, homegrown Fast & Furious Saga has become the studio’s most-profitable and longest-running franchise. Across social media platforms, the fan following for the movies and cast has grown into the biggest of any active franchise. Following 2017’s The Fate of the Furious, which debuted in theaters as the biggest global opening of all time, the blockbuster franchise expanded to a multitude of offerings – from toys and video games to an animated series and the hit spin-off title, Hobbs & Shaw. The tenth and most recent chapter in the Fast & Furious saga, Fast X, raced into theaters May 2023.

About UNIVERSAL PRODUCTS & EXPERIENCES

Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal’s iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on the company’s extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products, as well as engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and third-party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E’s lines of business include Consumer Products and Games, along with Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is a division of Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. More information is available at universalproductsexperiences.com.

About GameMill Entertainment

GameMill Entertainment, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a third-party publisher of console and mobile games for passionate fans around the world. Development platforms include PC, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft consoles including the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Sony consoles including the PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4, and mobile devices. With development across the globe, GameMill is a source of entertaining and fun games for all ages. For more information, visit https://gamemill.com, as well as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Cinematic PV for Resident Evil Survival Unit Released Today

Theme Song “Mountain Hunt” by QUEEN BEE Featured in the Trailer; Special Comment from Avu-chan (QUEEN BEE) Also Revealed

Tokyo, Japan – August 13, 2025 – Aniplex Inc. (President: Atsuhiro Iwakami) today released the latest promotional video (PV) for Resident Evil Survival Unit, a new mobile strategy game co-developed with JOYCITY Corporation (CEO: Seong Won Cho), ahead of its global launch in 2025 across Japan, Korea, North America, Europe, and other Asian regions.

A Cinematic Trailer Showcasing Strategic Depth and Fast-Paced Gameplay

Official Website: https://residentevil-survivalunit.com

The newly released trailer delivers a cinematic experience that captures the tension and immersive world of Resident Evil Survival Unit. Featuring iconic characters from the original Resident Evil series, the video highlights the game’s unique appeal – allowing players to form dream teams that transcend titles.

Produced by Quebico, the studio behind the full 3DCG animation Resident Evil: Death Island, the trailer showcases the game’s strategic depth and fast-paced gameplay through high-end visuals and dynamic direction, drawing players into the world of Resident Evil Survival Unit.

QUEEN BEE’s “Mountain Hunt” Adds Intensity and Elegance to the PV

The trailer features the theme song “Mountain Hunt” by Japanese rock band QUEEN BEE. With its hauntingly beautiful vocals by Avu-chan and a sound that blends urgency with mystique, the track vividly portrays the tension between hunter and hunted – perfectly mirroring the game’s world where creatures and characters collide.

The song’s unique energy and presence elevate the cinematic experience, pulling viewers deeper into the story. A special comment from Avu-chan has also been shared:

Avu-chan (QUEEN BEE) Comment

“I’m thrilled that our intense love song ‘Mountain Hunt’ was chosen for this exciting collaboration. The rapid-fire pacing and dynamic progression – ending with a bold ‘Next!’ I hope you enjoy every moment!”

About QUEEN BEE

QUEEN BEE is a Japanese rock band formed in 2009, consisting of Avu-chan (Vo), Yashi-chan (Ba), and Hibari-kun (Gt). Known for their distinctive vocals, genre-blending sound, and powerful performances, the band continues to captivate audiences across Japan and beyond. Their music consistently ranks high on both physical and digital charts, and their live shows frequently sell out. In August 2025, QUEEN BEE will embark on an international tour across Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Taipei.

https://www.ziyoou-vachi.com

About Aniplex Inc.

Aniplex Inc. is a diversified entertainment company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Known for its leadership in anime production and distribution, Aniplex also develops and publishes games, films, stage productions, and live events for audiences worldwide. Aniplex is a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.

About JOYCITY Corporation

JOYCITY Corporation is a leading game developer and publisher based in South Korea, specializing in online and mobile games. The company is known for global hits such as Gunship Battle: Total Warfare, Pirates of the Caribbean: Tides of War and 3on3 Freestyle.

THE FINAL CHAPTER BEGINS – ‘GENESIS PART 2’ EXPANSION PACK NOW AVAILABLE IN ARK: ULTIMATE MOBILE EDITION

With Over 7.5 Million Downloads On iOS and Android, Experience on Mobile the Climactic Final Chapter to ARK’s Original Story 
SEATTLE, WA – August 13, 2025 – Today the ‘Genesis Part 2’ expansion pack launched on ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition, bringing mobile Survivors face-to-face with one of the most ambitious expansions in the franchise. Now available on iOS and Android, Genesis Part 2 throws players into a massive new world packed with mind-bending missions, unique biomes, powerful creatures to battle and tame, and the climactic conclusion to ARK’s original storyline. Since its release in December 2024 the on-the-go version of ARK has exceeded 7.5 million downloads across iOS and Android platforms. 

Continuing after the events of Genesis Part 1, players awaken aboard a massive deep-space colony ship and must once again team up with ever-helpful HLN-A to confront the villainous Sir Edmund Rockwell. This final showdown spans a sprawling, open world filled with exotic threats and cutting-edge technology. From ziplining across Eden’s lush valleys to surviving the twisted horrors of Rockwell’s corrupted zones, mobile Survivors will need to master new tactics, tame wild creatures, and unlock advanced technology to stand a chance.

Genesis Part 2 is now available to play free as part of the ARK Pass Subscription or can be purchased separately for $9.99. ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition is available for all mobile survivors on the App Store® and Google Play Store™.

ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition brings the full ARK experience to iOS and Android with optimized controls, regular content updates, and all major expansion maps. Developed by Grove Street Games in partnership with Studio Wildcard, the mobile version continues to grow its global community of Survivors with cross-platform features, live events, and ongoing support.

For more information, visit https://playark.com/mobile.

YOU AND THE LAND ARE ONE – MEDIEVAL KINGDOM BUILDER NOBLE LEGACY NOW AVAILABLE ON STEAM

Rebuild your Ancestral Lands, Recruit Skilled Villagers, and Rule with a Steady Hand in this Immersive Medieval Sandbox.
The banners are raised and the gates are open! Noble Legacy, the third-person, medieval city sandbox builder from Studio 369, is now available on Steam early access. Set in a handcrafted medieval world, Noble Legacy invites you to shape the destiny of your people. Build, expand & upgrade your settlement, recruit and collect villagers  with common and  rare skills, assign jobs, and manage resources. Construct humble yet comfortable homes or massive strongholds then save and  share your work on Steam Workshop! 

To celebrate the Steam Early Access launch of the game, Noble Legacy is now available for the special limited time price of $22.49 (10% off S.R.P.).

In Noble Legacy, your words carry weight! Chat with villagers, issue orders, stir drama, and build loyalty through our agentic AI system. Write your legacy through our open world Kingdom mode and try out our MUD inspired Deep Conversation Agentic AI System!

Noble Legacy early access launch features:

  • Campaign Tutorial – Want to learn the ropes? Embark on your first campaign journey in Greenwood along with your most beloved Uncle Edward. (Don’t let him bother you, too much).
  • Collect Skilled Craftsmen – Attract the most valuable villagers in the land and turn them into loyal followers to I’m in  your kingdom. Ensure their homes are properly furnished, entertainment is plentiful and provide cutting-edge tools to sustain their loyalty and boost their productivity. How many of the land’s greatest talents will you inspire to serve your cause?
  • Third-Person Kingdom Builder – Experience a deep kingdom management simulator elevated through a dynamic third-person perspective. Effortlessly toggle between a strategic top-down view to oversee and govern your realm, and an immersive third-person view to explore your lands, connect with your people, and build your kingdom’s future.
  • Steam Workshop Prefabs – Share your prefab creations with other Lords on the Steam Workshop! Rapidly grow your kingdom with pre-crafted buildings or meticulously design every structure to build a realm unlike any other. Save your unique creations and share them with fellow rulers through the Steam Workshop.
  • AI Villagers Collections & Simulation – Your people live, work, and interact autonomously – but as their Lord, your choices shape their fate. Optionally, you can expand on this with our Agentic AI Deep Conversation system. Inspired by the deep roleplay of classic text-based MUD games, Noble Legacy features a first-of-its-kind integration with OpenAI, bringing your villagers to life through real-time, unscripted conversation.
  • Economy Management / Fishing & Hunting – Cultivate farms, gather from forests and waters, and harness resources to fuel a vibrant economy. Strategically develop production chains and allocate labor to create a flourishing kingdom. Amass wealth through trade, commerce, and lively entertainment, establishing your realm as the most preeminent economic hub in all the land.

Community & Roadmap:

  • Willkommen! Full German translation available at launch, with more languages coming soon. Join the Discord community to hear what is upcoming.
  • Planned post-launch content includes hunters and wildlife, expanded husbandry, fishing minigame, romance and marriage, diplomacy, raids, and more.

Developed by the award-winning team at Studio 369, Noble Legacy is a city-building game where players can create, customize and run their own medieval kingdom, blending the depth of city-building simulation with the immersive perspective of a third person RPG. For more information, visit NobleLegacyGame.com

SNOOPY & THE GREAT MYSTERY CLUB VIDEO GAMEREVEALED, LAUNCHING OCTOBER 10 ON CONSOLES & PC

Snoopy and the Peanuts gang are on the case in this mystery adventure that’s fun for the whole family!

MINNEAPOLIS August 13, 2025 – It’s time to step into the paws of the world’s most famous beagle! Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club is an all-new mystery adventure game coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on Oct. 10, 2025! Playing as Snoopy, you’ll use your wits to solve puzzles and uncover mysteries around town. Investigate the case of the missing football equipment, seek out ghostly music and more with the Peanuts gang!

Put on your detective cap and join Snoopy and the gang in an all-new mystery adventure packed with delightful charm, clever puzzles, and heartwarming friendships! Explore the town, solve challenging cases, and uncover hidden secrets—with help from the lovable Peanuts crew.

Whether you’re investigating missing kites or seeking out the mysterious Lake Ness Monster, each case is filled with brain-teasing challenges and unexpected surprises. Build a team of four with friends like Peppermint Patty, Lucy, Marcie, Schroeder, Franklin and others—each bringing their own special skills to the case. Lighthearted, witty, and full of classic Peanuts charm, this feel-good action-puzzle adventure is perfect for players of all ages!

KEY FEATURES

  • PLAY AS SNOOPY – Snoopy’s on the case! Take charge of the Great Mystery Club and team up with the Peanuts gang, using their quirky strengths to help you solve puzzles.
  • EXPLORE ICONIC LOCATIONS – Visit the school, the iconic music hall, Charlie Brown’s house, the baseball field, the Kite-Eating Tree, and more on your hunt for the truth!
  • SNOOPY’S ON THE CASE – Switch between Snoopy’s personas—Detective, Beagle Scout, Fierce Pirate and more—to solve puzzles with clever tools like a leaf blower, a super-sleuth’s magnifying glass, a trusty metal detector and others.
  • MYSTERY CLUB MINI-GAMES – Have a blast with baseball, football, crafting, memory tests, object hunts, piano playing, and Snoopy soapbox racing—and take flight in the legendary Sopwith Camel to chase down the Red Baron!
  • A STORY PACKED WITH HEART & HUMOR – Enjoy humorous and delightful encounters in an emotional story that celebrates the power of friendship, teamwork, and staying true to who you are.

Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club will launch on October 10 for $39.99.

The Deluxe Edition will be available for $49.99 featuring an exclusive Joe Cool outfit for Snoopy, two Red Baron mini-games, two Peanuts soapbox racing mini games, and 75 full-color comics available to read in game.

A physical version of the Deluxe Edition will also be available exclusively for Nintendo Switch at Target. Deluxe Edition in-game content will also be available separately at launch with the “Joe Cool Fun Pack” for $14.99.

Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club is developed by Cradle Games and published by GameMill Entertainment.

About Peanuts

The characters of Peanuts and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide, which is 41% owned by WildBrain Ltd., 39% owned by Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and 20% owned by the family of Charles M. Schulz, who first introduced the world to Peanuts in 1950, when the comic strip debuted in seven newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang have made an indelible mark on popular culture. In addition to enjoying beloved Peanuts shows and specials on Apple TV+, fans of all ages celebrate the Peanuts brand worldwide through thousands of consumer products, as well as amusement park attractions, cultural events, social media, and comic strips available in all formats, from traditional to digital. In 2018, Peanuts partnered with NASA on a multi-year Space Act Agreement designed to inspire a passion for space exploration and STEM among the next generation of students.

About GameMill Entertainment

GameMill Entertainment, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a third-party publisher of console and mobile games for passionate fans around the world. Development platforms include PC, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft consoles including the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Sony consoles including the PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4, and mobile devices. With development across the globe, GameMill is a source of entertaining and fun games for all ages. For more information, visit https://gamemill.com, as well as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Saber Interactive Unveils The Knightling – Deluxe Edition, Launching August 28 on PC, PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S

Grab new looks for your hero and check out the fantasy action-adventure game’s newest trailer

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Aug. 13, 2025 — Today Saber Interactive and indie developer Twirlbound revealed The Knightling Deluxe Edition, a special bundle featuring bonus in-game content for the upcoming fantasy-action adventure. There’s also a new trailer showing off the epic journey of exploration, questing, combat, and platforming that await when The Knightling launches on August 28 for Steam, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S.

The Knightling – Deluxe Edition features the base game, plus exclusive in-game cosmetics for your brave Knightling hero and trusty shield Magnustego. Defend the people of Clesseia with regal Golden colors and exotic Albamare colors for you and your shield, and light the path of justice with a special lantern ribbon for your character. The Deluxe Edition of The Knightling will be available on August 28 for $34.99 | £25.99 | €34.99 (Standard Edition $29.99 | £ 21.99 | €29.99).

When the legendary protector Sir Lionstone mysteriously disappears, it’s up to his plucky knight-in-training to take up his magic shield, become the champion the people need, and save the day in The Knightling! Explore a vibrant semi-open world, unlock the extraordinary powers of Sir Lionstone’s mighty shield, master a variety of puzzling platforming challenges, and battle monsters, miscreants and bandits in epic combat.

Remember — all heroes start small!

The Knightling arrives on August 28 and is available to wishlist now on PC via Steam, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S! For more information, visit www.theknightling.com, and follow along with the latest news and updates on Twitter/X, Facebook and Discord.

About Saber Interactive

Saber Interactive is a worldwide publisher and developer consisting of 13 studios in the Americas and Europe. Creating games for all major platforms based on original and licensed IPs, Saber’s titles include Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, Jurassic Park: Survival, Turok: Origins, World War Z, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead, SnowRunner, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game and RoadCraft. Founded in 2001, Saber is known for two decades of development partnerships with leading developers and publishers, including producing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for Nintendo Switch, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Crysis Remastered, and many others. Learn more at https://saber.games.

About Twirlbound

Based in Breda, The Netherlands, Twirlbound was founded in 2013 by Marc Peyré and Matthijs van de Laar while in game dev school. Since releasing their award-winning debut Pine, the small indie team continues their quest to develop high-end action adventure games set in gorgeous open worlds, ready to be explored by players of all ages. They are currently working on the adventure platformer The Knightling, set to release in 2025.

INSTINCT3 Launches Sidekick: New Full-Service Game Publisher

Berlin, August 13 2025 – INSTINCT3, the Berlin-based creative agency has today announced the launch of Sidekick Publishing – a new full-service publisher for indie and A to AA studios, with its first title under the Sidekick name – Deadly Days: Roadtrip – set to be showcased at gamescom.

Sidekick aims to fill a gap in the competitive publishing landscape, combining global publishing expertise with INSTINCT3’s cultural firepower in creator-led marketing and authentic community building. The aim is simple: a sidekick supports the hero and makes the journey unforgettable and the hero is always the developer and the game itself. Sidekick Publishing is here to help developers succeed, shine and reach the audience they deserve.

Born from years of experience at the intersection of gaming, entertainment and brand creation, from Eintracht Spandau’s European Masters win to lifestyle brands like Knabe Malz and Corrupted Blood, Sidekick Publishing will leverage INSTINCT3’s unique strengths in community-building, creator-driven marketing and authentic storytelling.

This new venture operates within INSTINCT3’s holding group, Gute Gesellschaft, and is led by industry veterans Jasmin Oestreicher and Melvin Frank.

“After ten years in publishing and marketing and the past four years at our agency, serving as Managing Director since 2024, I know how valuable experience can be. But I also know how quickly you can lose touch if you rely too much on the past. Especially with a gaming audience that is highly sensitive to inauthentic or overly commercial content, what matters are bold ideas, local sensitivity, and creators who work for lasting impact, not just quick profit.” Jasmin Oestreicher, CEO INSTINCT3 & Co-CEO and Co-Founder Sidekick Publishing

“Over the past year, we’ve worked on a variety of releases –  each one teaching us something new about what works, what connects, and what lasts for our concept. Sidekick is our way of taking all those lessons, combining them with our unique creator and community expertise, and raising the bar for how we support indie developers. The goals are simple: focus on games that resonate well with our approach and make every next launch our best one yet.”Melvin Frank, Co-CEO & Co-Founder Sidekick Publishing.

INSTINCT3’s publishing heritage already includes successful collaborations on titles such as 9 Kings (500,000 copies sold in its first six weeks of Early Access), Asgard’s Fall – Viking Survivors, and TerraScape, as well as the creation of the I3 Indie Expo, a showcase event bringing developers, players and creators together.

At gamescom, Sidekick Publishing will be available for interviews about the new label and its developer-first approach rooted in the creator economy, as well as giving press and partners hands-on time with Deadly Days: Roadtrip.

About Sidekick
Sidekick Publishing is a newly founded indie game publisher from Germany, born out of creative agency INSTINCT3. Drawing on deep roots in gaming culture, community building, and influencer marketing, Sidekick blends traditional publishing expertise with a creator- & community-first approach.

The team focuses on bringing unique indie titles to market with tailored strategies that integrate community engagement, influencer collaborations, and bold creative campaigns from day one. In its first year, Sidekick has already delivered multiple successful launches and continues to expand its portfolio with a commitment to both creative excellence and creator & community-first approach.

About INSTINCT3
INSTINCT3 is an influencer marketing agency from Germany focused on creative campaigns and influencer management. The team, made up of pioneers from the German gaming and esports industry, sees its main mission as creating synergies between the brands of advertisers and those of influencers through exceptional concepts.

The company also represents an exclusive portfolio of influencers, including “HandOfBlood,” one of Germany’s most high-reach online personalities. In 2024, the agency expanded its operations to include a new business area in indie game publishing.

SELF-MADE ICELANDIC STUDIO DEBUT GAME ECHOES OF THE END IS OUT NOW

A New World and A New Voice in The Gaming Landscape

Sydney, Australia. Echoes of the End, the debut title from Icelandic studio Myrkur Games has officially released. Published by Deep Silver the action-adventure game is available now on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

A new voice in the creative story telling

Based in Reykjavík, Iceland, Echoes of the End marks the first major release from Myrkur Games—an independent studio formed by a small, dedicated team of developers and storytellers driven by a shared love for immersive, cinematic worldbuilding.

To bring their vision to life, the team spent several years building custom pipelines for motion capture, photogrammetry, and performance animation, ensuring every scene feels authentic, grounded, and emotionally impactful.

A personal story on an epic scale

Players take on the role of Ryn, a vestige, a rare individual born with the power to control ancient and volatile magic. As she sets out to rescue her brother from a brutal empire on the brink of war, she must uncover a conspiracy that could reignite an ancient conflict and plunge the world of Aema into chaos.

Powered by Unreal Engine 5 and driven by themes of trust, sacrifice and redemption, Echoes of the End unfolds across ten hand-crafted chapters filled with cinematic moments, memorable characters and high-stakes decisions.

Echoes of the End is available now on Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S for $59.95.  *

*This is a suggested retail price. Actual prices may vary by retailer

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2821610/Echoes_of_the_End/
Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/games/store/echoes-of-the-end/9pjw26lzsh39
PS5: https://store.playstation.com/de-de/concept/10012310/

About Myrkur Games

Myrkur Games is an independent game studio based in Reykjavík, Iceland. Founded by a small group of friends with a passion for storytelling and cinematic gameplay, the team is dedicated to building original, immersive experiences. Echoes of the End is the studio’s first title.

About Deep Silver

Deep Silver is PLAION’s flagship publishing label, and the home of captivating gaming worlds from the gripping post-apocalypse of Metro, to the twisted paradises of Dead Island to the authentic Medieval landscapes of Kingdom Come Deliverance. For more information, please visit www.deepsilver.com 

About PLAION 

PLAION is a dynamic and diversified business in the global entertainment sector, masterfully crafting franchises that captivate audiences worldwide. Boasting a vast network of eight game development studios, fifteen regional publishing offices, three game publishing labels including Deep Silver, and PLAION PICTURES as an independent film publisher and distributor, the company extends its influence with merchandise production and expansive distribution capabilities across the globe. Founded three decades ago, PLAION has firmly established itself within the entertainment arena. With a diverse range of services and solutions, PLAION stands as the premier publishing partner for console and PC games across both physical and digital channels. Moreover, its strong foothold in the Virtual Reality (VR) domain highlights the company’s commitment to varied gaming experiences. PLAION is an Embracer Group company.