Pick Up Discounted Indie Games in the Kepler Publisher Sale on Steam Later Today 

LONDON (May 15, 2025) – Video game company and creative studio Kepler Interactive today released a new episode in the ongoing Creator Series, which delves into the creative process, inspirations and perspectives that brings the art we love into being from the games industry and beyond, this time featuring René Habermann, co-founder of Bippinbits. 

Watch the new episode Kepler Creator Series: René Habermann [PVKK] below:

In today’s conversation, René sits down with Kepler’s Portfolio Director, Matthew Handrahan, in a conversation that spans the origins of his passion for games, and how a love for game jams and experimentation led to the development of the indie hit Dome Keeper, the roguelike survival miner game that released in 2022 to both critical acclaim and widespread love from the indie gaming community. 

Bippinbits’ next game, the immersive planetary defense simulation game PVKK: Planetenverteidigungskanonenkommandant, was announced in 2024, and is set to release in the future in collaboration with Kepler Interactive. Fans curious to learn more about the game can follow regular Devlog updates on the game’s Steam page, with more news about the game to come later this year. 

Kepler also kicks off its Publisher Sale on Steam from today with deep discounts across a number of games from the publisher’s critically acclaimed portfolio including Sifu, Pacific Drive, Ultros and more. 

Future episodes of the Creator Series will welcome guests from all cultural and creative spaces – from game developers and industry legends, to photographers, fashion designers and documentarians. For the latest information, follow the series on Kepler’s official social media accounts and YouTube channel.  

About Kepler Interactive: 

Kepler Interactive is a video game company and creative studio headquartered in London. With games like Pacific Drive, Sifu, Rematch and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kepler curates its partnerships with developers worldwide to showcase some of the newest and most brilliant ideas in gaming that combine experimental game design with unique art direction.   

Alongside its game portfolio, Kepler’s creative studio seeks to bring games to life in areas such as art, fashion, music, architecture and design through development of lifestyle products and collaborations with artists like fashion designer Robyn Lynch. Kepler explores the creative spaces that inspire games and the people who make them – challenging perspectives and elevating the medium to a new level. 

About Bippinbits:

Bippinbits has a passion for the challenges of Game Jams, where they enjoy pushing their creativity to its limits within a short time frame. Their games cover a variety of genres, reflecting their love for different types of gameplay and bringing new experiences to the indie gaming community. Their goal is to make good games that are fun for many types of gamers, without ever sacrificing gameplay for profit. They are constantly learning and do their best to enjoy the ride. 

Oxfordshire, UK — May 2025 – SpecialEffect, a UK-based charity dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through assistive technology, is delighted to announce a once-in-a-lifetime fundraising auction. The 2017 Ford GT, a rare and highly sought-after supercar that graced the cover of Forza Motorsport 6 and has most often been seen on display in the lobby of the Turn 10 HQ in Redmond, Washington, has been donated by Alan Hartman, a devoted and longstanding honorary Vice President of the charity. The car will be sold to raise vital funds for the charity’s ongoing work.

The auction will take place on May 15th and finish on May 22nd. It will feature his iconic 2017 Ford GT, one of only 138 made that year. A revered American classic, the supercar boasts a top speed of 216 mph and reaches 60 mph in under three seconds. This unique opportunity will allow automotive enthusiasts, gaming enthusiasts, and philanthropists alike to bid on a prestigious vehicle, with the winner knowing they will be making a direct contribution to the development and provision of life-changing assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities.

Marked by his passion for innovation and for gaming, Alan Hartman recently retired after 30 years at Microsoft, most recently as head of Xbox Games Studios. He worked on a range of projects from Age of Empires to Brute Force as the studio head of Digital Anvil, to the founding of Turn 10 Studios. Over the years, Alan, Turn 10 and Playground Games delivered 14 Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon games, building Forza into one of the top racing franchises in the world. During this time Forza also became one of the most popular games enjoyed by disabled gamers across the globe, with in-game assistive control innovations personally championed by Alan himself.

“We are incredibly grateful to Alan for this remarkable opportunity,” said Dr Mick Donegan, MBE, the Founder and CEO of SpecialEffect. “I was fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of sitting in the car when I last met Alan on a visit to Turn 10, but this auction is not just about a stunning supercar—it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of people with physical challenges right across the world through the innovative use of technology. The core of our work is to optimise inclusion, enjoyment and quality of life by helping people control video games to the best of their abilities for as long as they need us.”

Alan became aware of SpecialEffect via their work with Playground Games, and first visited our HQ in Oxfordshire in 2017. As the relationship grew, he was invited to become an honorary Vice President of the charity a year later in 2018.

The donation is a testament to Alan’s deep commitment to SpecialEffect and his unwavering support to help make gaming accessible to all.

“I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work that SpecialEffect does, and I’m honoured to be able to contribute in this way,” said Alan. “They not only bring joy to so many, but they provide a north star for the entire gaming industry as we strive to create a level playing field for every gamer. It is a privilege to support them and I hope this auction encourages others to get involved and help support this amazing charity.”

As one of the primary beneficiaries of the auction, proceeds will go directly to SpecialEffect. Funds raised will support their team of occupational therapists and gaming specialists in the UK who create bespoke control setups for hundreds of individuals each year, who also develop freely-available resources and solutions to help level the playing field for gamers with physical challenges all over the world. The auction will be managed by Bring a Trailer, with online bidding available to participants. Alan has made this donation to establish a US- based donor-advised fund, ultimately managed by Seattle Foundation, whereby the auction proceeds will benefit charitable causes. For further details on how to participate in the auction, visit https://bringatrailer.com/ or to learn more about SpecialEffect and its work, please visit https://www.specialeffect.org.uk/ or contact Mark Saville ([email protected]).

About SpecialEffect

SpecialEffect is a BAFTA award-winning UK charity helping to improve the lives of physically disabled people across the globe through the innovative use of technology. At the core of this mission is providing greater inclusion for players, through the opportunity to play video games to the best of their abilities.

Arthurian-inspired roguelike dicebuilder will bring fantastical Farkle adventures to PC later this year.

15th May 2025 – Roguelike obsessives Yogscast Games and independent developer Goodviewgames are thrilled to announce they have signed an agreement to bring Dicealot, a fantastical version of Farkle, to PC later this year. 

Farkle is a medieval dice game which dates back to the 12^th Century. It is also known as ‘Greed’, ‘Hot Dice’, ‘Dix Mille’ and, perhaps most notably for videogame enjoyers, ‘that dice game from Kingdom Come Deliverance and its sequel’ – and has been played worldwide for around 400 years. 

It involves a mix of luck, strategy and outright greed as players attempt to throw combinations of six dice in order to meet certain scoring criteria. Land a score and you can choose to roll again. Fail and you lose all the points that you have amassed in this round. Knowing when to bank or when to push on are key to success – or failure.

Dicealot improves the core game in ways which only videogames allow. First – there’s a thrilling adventure to tackle: King Arthur has been mysteriously bewitched, so players must assume the role of Queen Gwynevere, rounding up his faithful Knights to root out the source of his majesty’s malady. 

But most importantly, the game’s rules and systems can be changed dynamically in order to tip the balance. As players progress through the mission-based campaigns, various power and quest dice can help players discover bold and exciting synergies, unlocking near-limitless scoring potential. 

“The fact that Farkle has been around for so long is a testament to its brilliantly clever design,” says Simon Byron, Managing Director, Yogscast Games. “The original game combines the sort of push-your-luck mechanic we adore, and Dicealot enhances it with a fantastic roguelike structure which can create some phenomenal plays. When we first saw Dicealot at a GaMaYo in Yorkshire in November, I took a picture of the game on display and posted it to our internal Discord with the text: I think this game is flirting with us. Well, I’m over the moon that we’ve put a ring on it and can’t wait to show more off.”

’’We’re super excited to share our dice-filled world of medieval tomfoolery. Roll your dice, take your risks, and save the King!’’ adds Stefan Senior, Creative Lead at Goodviewgames.

Dicealot will be released later this year, but players can sample its delights immediately, thanks to an updated demo which is available on Steam now, and as part of the Camp Yog May Sale.

To be first with further Dicealot news, please Wishlist the game on Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/3035330/Dicealot/) and join the Discord (https://discord.gg/8yhMprr2Ud).

About Yogscast Games

Yogscast Games was established in 2017, with a simple goal: to work with independent teams to develop and publish games which are as fun to watch as they are to play. Responsible for a string of hits such as PlateUp!, which has sold over two million copies on Steam, and Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers, which grossed over $1m in its first month on sale, it prides itself in working with tiny teams doing brilliant things.

About Goodview Games Created in 2024, Goodviewgames is the malformed child of two developers who have been making games together for over a decade. We believe that as a counter to the seriousness of everyday life, characterful silly video games must be deployed. We aim to make games that elicit the entire spectrum of human emotion, whilst being primarily a ruddy good time. 

Charming Railway Management Returns with 40 Levels, 24 Locomotives, Level Editor, and Workshop Support

NICOSIA, Cyprus – May 12, 2025 – Polden Publishing and developer Flazm are thrilled to announce that Train Valley Origins, the latest installment in the beloved Train Valley series, will roll onto Steam on June 12, 2025. Step into the role of railway mastermind and craft train networks across four nostalgic eras – from the sun-baked Wild West to snow-blanketed Norway

Key Features:

• 40-Level Campaign. Navigate traffic flow through a lengthy campaign of brain-teasing puzzles, each more complex than the last.
• 24 Unique Locomotives. Unlock a variety of engines, from classic steam to sleek modern designs, and view your collection in the in-game Shed.
• Four Historical Periods & Locations. Experience the evolution of rail travel across the Wild West, Imperial China, Victorian Europe, and Norway.
• “One More Round” Strategic Gameplay. Each level poses a fresh puzzle: optimize switches, prevent collisions, and deliver cargo on time for maximum efficiency.
• Back to the Roots. Retains the charm and challenge of the original Train Valley while boasting vibrant new graphics and refined mechanics.
• Built-In Level Editor & Workshop Support. Create, share, and download custom puzzles from the Steam Workshop from day one.

The journey begins soon – add Train Valley Origins to your Steam wishlist today and prepare for departure on June 12!

About Polden Publishing

Polden Publishing is an indie game publisher dedicated to helping talented creators connect with their audience. We provide transparent, honest, and data-driven support, empowering developers to bring their unique visions to life. Learn more at polden.gg.

About Flazm

Flazm is a passionate team of railway enthusiasts and puzzle designers committed to crafting engaging management sims. With backgrounds in both indie and AAA development, they aim to deliver games that are easy to learn but rich with strategic depth.

Cardiff, Wales — May 15, 2025 | Ant Workshop and Wales Interactive are thrilled to announce that Into the Restless Ruins, the roguelike deckbuilder rooted in Scottish folklore, is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Into the Restless Ruins blends strategic deckbuilding with dungeon crawling, offering players the ability to create their own dungeon using a deck of cards, then auto-battling through the challenges they’ve constructed. Every card played shapes the dungeon’s layout, adds buffs or curses, and affects the outcome of each run.

Players begin their descent into the ruins in Eorisdale, the game’s introductory level. Here, players construct their first dungeon, encounter a curated selection of cards, enemies, and upgrades, and meet unforgettable NPCs like the Hen Wife and the Wulver, who offer critical boosts and card enhancements. At the end of the level, you’ll face The Grey Man (Am Fear Liath Mòr), a powerful boss drawn from Scottish folklore.

Will you conquer the ruins?
The Ruins have so much for you to explore and discover with 116 cards across 7 categories, 6 distinct ruins, and 62 creatures to face, including 6 bosses inspired by Scottish folklore. Players will also discover 40 passive charms to shape their strategy, 38 Cantrips to modify gameplay and increase rewards, and 12 weapons to unlock and master. The deeper you go, the more complex the strategy becomes, with new relics, card synergies, and meta-progression unlocking new ways to conquer the ruins.

“We’ve really enjoyed bringing the world of Scottish myth and folklore to life, and it’s been great seeing player reaction to the demo.” said Tony Gowland — Lead Developer and MD of Ant Workshop. “We can’t wait to see you discover all the secrets, cards, charms, and wee beasties in the full game!”

Into the Restless Ruins is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch for £12.99 / $14.99. 

The Misterial Games team has a host of new content currently in development

Prague, Czech Republic – May 15, 2025 – The Lovecraftian terrors of Stygian: Outer Gods wrought new horrors upon the world upon its release into Early Access last month, but the Old Ones aren’t done with us just yet! 

In fact, Fulqrum Publishing and Misterial Games are delighted to reveal the roadmap for Stygian: Outer Gods, detailing the upcoming new content coming to the game throughout its Early Access period, before the game’s 1.0 launch at a later date.

Before the game’s final 1.0 release, Fulqrum Publishing and Misterial Games plan to deliver (among other updates), two new locations – the otherworldly House of Mists with its surrounding area and the mysterious Brasko family Mansion along with its estate. Both of these locales will be brought to life with new intriguing characters, deadly enemies and challenging puzzles and quests.

These new locations will accompany a whole host of other additions to the game, including new characters and monsters, new quests, and new artifacts, items, and weapons – including the much-requested Tommy gun.

And that’s as well as a series of more technical updates, which will improve optimization, game balancing, localize it into new languages and add of more voice-over talent!

But that still isn’t all. In addition to all the above improvements, which are currently in development for Early Access updates, the game’s full release will challenge players by introducing new boss fights, as well as even more locations, characters, monsters, crafting recipes and more!

About Stygian: Outer Gods

Created by Misterial Games and Fulqrum Publishing, Stygian: Outer Gods is a survival horror game that pulls you into a hostile world that challenges your very existence. Unravel a thousand-year-old mystery, risk your sanity and face the schemes of the Outer Gods with your skills. Every bullet and every decision counts now, are you up to the task? 

Set in the universe of Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones, the game lets players witness and influence the events preceding the Black Day. Immerse yourself in a unique world full of dangers, unexplored dark corners, and looming evil beyond mortal comprehension.

You will accompany an enigmatic occultist researcher, Victoria, on an expedition to the foggy settlement of Kingsport, once a prosperous harbor town, now decrepit and almost abandoned. Hoping to find your missing father, you are shipwrecked and soon encounter the nightmares that have haunted this place for centuries. Will you be able to find your way out, keep your sanity, and prevent the coming of the ancient Outer Gods, or maybe being insane is the key to salvation?

Stygian: Outer Gods is available to purchase in Early Access from today via Steam and other digital stores for $19.99/€19.99/£16.99. The game will also be coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S upon its full launch at a later date.

About Fulqrum Publishing

Fulqrum Publishing is a global games publisher with a diverse portfolio of titles, including in-house and independent productions. Fulqrum Publishing released over a hundred games, including the critically acclaimed titles like Men of War, King’s Bounty, Space Rangers, Fell Seal, Forgive Me Father and many others.

About Misterial Games

Misterial Games, a global studio founded in 2023, focuses on developing Survival Horror games with deep gameplay and enigmatic worlds on Unreal Engine 5. The studio’s debut project, “Stygian: Outer Gods,” introduces unique genre elements and high-quality graphics through Nanite technology.

Most Extensive Mortal Kombat 1 Experience Offers Main Game and Downloadable Content (DLC) in One Package – New Version Adds Character Outfits Inspired by New Line Cinema’s Upcoming Mortal Kombat II Film – Mortal Kombat Video game Franchise Sells Over 100 Million Units

Warner Bros. Games today announced that the Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition is now available digitally for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, the Nintendo Switch™ system, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store). Developed by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, the Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition provides the most extensive version of Mortal Kombat 1, the latest installment in the acclaimed videogame franchise which has now sold over 100 million units worldwide.

The Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition offers the main game packaged together with previously released downloadable content (DLC), including the Khaos Reigns story expansion, Kombat Pack, and Kombat Pack 2, along with the return of Animalities, the fan favorite finishing moves that allow all playable characters to morph into their spirit animal to annihilate defeated opponents. The Definitive Edition also adds new character skins (outfits) for Johnny Cage, Kitana, Scorpion, and Shao Kahn inspired by New Line Cinema’s upcoming Mortal Kombat II film, only in theaters this fall from Warner Bros. Pictures; the Mortal Kombat (2021) movie character skin (outfit) for Sub-Zero; and the tournament themed character skin (outfit) for Liu Kang.

The Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition includes the following content: 

• Mortal Kombat 1 Main Game
• Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns Story Expansion
• Kombat Pack Fighters: Quan Chi, Ermac, Takeda Takahashi, Omni-Man, Peacemaker, Homelander
• Kombat Pack Kameo Fighters: Tremor, Khameleon, Janet Cage, Mavado, Ferra
• Kombat Pack 2 Fighters: Cyrax, Sektor, Noob Saibot, Ghostface, Conan the Barbarian, T-1000 Terminator
• Kombat Pack 2 Kameo Fighter: Madam Bo
• Shang Tsung Fighter
• Mortal Kombat II Movie Skins (Outfits): Johnny Cage, Shao Kahn, Kitana, Scorpion*
• Mortal Kombat (2021) Movie Skin (Outfit): Sub-Zero*
• Tournament Liu Kang Character Skin (Outfit)*
• Jean-Claude Van Damme Character Skin (Voice, Likeness, Outfit) for Johnny Cage
• Wedding Scorpion & Empress Mileena Character Skins (Outfits)*
• Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 Character Skins (Outfits): Sub-Zero & Noob Saibot*
• Animality Finishing Moves**
• 1,250 Dragon Krystals (In-Game Currency)

The Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition is available now digitally on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) and on Nintendo Switch. Current Mortal Kombat 1 owners can continue the fight with the Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition Upgrade on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) including the Kombat Pack, Kombat Pack 2, Khaos Reigns story expansion, and all Definitive Edition characters and skins (outfits). Please note, Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition content can be purchased separately.

Mortal Kombat 1 is the latest installment in the acclaimed Mortal Kombat videogame franchise by NetherRealm Studios. Introducing a reborn Mortal Kombat Universe created by Fire God Liu Kang with iconic heroes and villains reimagined as they’ve never been seen before, the game features a wide-ranging cast of legendary fighters with all-new backstories, along with a separate roster of Kameo Fighters who can assist during matches. The Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns Expansion continues the cinematic story as Liu Kang must rally his champions and put faith in his enemies to defend his New Era of peace and defeat a perilous threat from an alternate timeline.

*Noted character skins (outfits) can only be purchased separately via Dragon Krystals (in-game currency) when they are available in the Mortal Kombat 1 in-game store.

**Animalities are available as a content update for all Mortal Kombat 1 owners at no additional cost.

# # #

About Warner Bros. Games

Warner Bros. Games is a part of Warner Bros. Discovery and a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor, and worldwide distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all platforms, including consoles, handheld, mobile, and PC-based game titles. Additional information can be found at WarnerBrosGames.com.

About NetherRealm Studios

NetherRealm Studios is a leader in the development of interactive entertainment and the creator of the billion-dollar Mortal Kombat franchise. Mortal Kombat has spawned multiple theatrical films and television series and has sold over 100 million games worldwide to date. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the award-winning NetherRealm team has been working and creating games together since 1992. Additional information about NetherRealm Studios can be found at NetherRealm.com.

Mortal Kombat 1 Software © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Developed by NetherRealm. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Mortal Kombat, the dragon logo, NetherRealm Studios, NetherRealm logo and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. PEACEMAKER and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s25). THE BOYS™ © 2025 Sony Pictures Television Inc. and Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved. Based on the animated series Invincible by Amazon Content Services LLC and the comic book Invincible by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley. INVINCIBLE and any related images are registered or otherwise protected trademarks of Robert Kirkman, Inc. Used with permission. All Rights Reserved. SKYBOUND, SKYBOUND GAMES and any related logos are registered or otherwise protected trademarks of Skybound, LLC. Used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Conan, Conan the Barbarian (R) and (C) Conan Properties International LLC. The GHOST FACE Mask is protected by registered copyrights of Easter Unlimited Inc. GHOST FACE MASK, THE ICON OF HALLOWEEN and GHOST FACE LIVES are registered trademarks of Easter Unlimited, Inc. All rights reserved. ©2025 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. Terminator 2: Judgment Day, T2, T-1000, and any depiction of T-1000 are trademarks of STUDIOCANAL S.AS. All Rights Reserved.

WARNER BROS. GAMES LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s25) *** These videos/trailers may only be displayed if it is behind an age-gate that: (1) is age-neutral (i.e., requires the user to input their date of birth or select it from a drop-down bar); (2) employs reasonable technical measures to keep underage users from re-entering their age after initially being denied access; and (3) does not display any ESRB rating information on the trailer player or the age-gate itself. Failure to implement these requirements may jeopardize your ability to obtain material of this nature from us in the future. ***

May 15th, 2025 – On this Global Accessibility Awareness Day, BAFTA-winning gamers’ charity SpecialEffect are announcing the expected summer release of Open Drive, the first title from their collection of games for mobile devices. Taken from their Eye Gaze Games website (www.eyegazegames.com) for PC, the release of the driving game as a free app on iOS and Android will allow players to play on more devices using eye movement alone.

Assistive eye gaze cameras have inbuilt infrared cameras that track and convert eye movement into a cursor position on the screen. ‘Clicking’ or ‘Tapping’ is possible by dwelling (staring at the screen for a certain length of time) on the cursor’s current location. Previously only available for Microsoft Windows, assistive eye gaze cameras are now also available for the iOS and Android platforms.

Using a compatible eye gaze camera with Open Drive, players can steer by looking to the left and right of their vehicle to collect orbs, make jumps and explore the Stunt, Speed, Snow and Meadow worlds. In addition to eye gaze, the game also supports other input methods to increase the motor accessibility of the game. These include the use of accessibility switches, game controllers, keyboard keys and mice, which are also now supported on iOS and Android, alongside touch.

The Open Drive app will recognise which input device is being used on the device and then automatically configure the appropriate control scheme for the player. Gameplay can also be customised, with players able to adjust the gameplay speed to play at a pace that suits them. Slowing the game down will give players more time to line up jumps, catch orbs and respond to the route ahead.

Dr Mick Donegan, Founder and CEO of SpecialEffect, commented, “Globally there are over three billion people who play mobile games on their smart phones or tablets. Even though the devices themselves are becoming increasingly accessible to people living with physical challenges, most mobile games can still only be played using touch control or, in some cases a gamepad. It’s for this reason that we have capitalised on this greater accessibility to develop a suite of mobile apps which we hope will be enjoyed by many people with even the most severe physical challenges. We also hope that the games will inspire the mobile games industry to make their own games more accessible, and enjoyable, for people with physical challenges.”

Following the release of this first app, more games from their catalogue will follow. From board games, like Chess, Checkers and 4 in a Row, to their marble popper title Mole Miners, the space racing game EyeDrive, and a new tower defence game, titled Badger Badger. Feedback from players will be welcomed, to continue to improve the accessibility of the games.

As well as offering eye gaze and motor accessible games to players, SpecialEffect hope that the games can be an example to game developers on how more input methods, like eye gaze, can be supported on mobile devices. Working with Sun & Moon Studios as developers, the teams have collaborated on utilising accessibility features such as ‘Assistive Touch’ on iOS and ‘Switch Access’ on Android. The process has also given the team at SpecialEffect a greater insight into the challenges of developing games, helping inform their developer resources, such as the SpecialEffect DevKit (https://specialeffectdevkit.info/).

Alongside the creation of games for mobile devices, SpecialEffect continue to update their Eye Gaze Games website (www.eyegazegames.com) for PC users, with new features, updates and games. Like the Open Drive app, in addition to eye gaze, the website supports other input methods. Again, these include switch control, game controllers, keyboard, mouse and touch inputs.

Open Drive is expected to be available in the summer, and will be available to download for free (with no in-app purchases) on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android).

About SpecialEffect

SpecialEffect is an award-winning charity that enables people with physical disabilities to benefit from the fun, inclusion and therapy of video games. We support people of all ages through personalised assessments, equipment loans and equipment modifications. 

Co-Presented by Screen NSW

Sydney Film Festival (4–15 June 2025) will host an unmissable, one-night-only world exclusive event featuring two titans of storytelling: legendary video game creator Hideo Kojima and Australian cinema icon George Miller, in the lead up to the release of DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH on PlayStation®5.

Taking place at 5pm, Saturday 14 June at Sydney Town Hall’s historic Centennial Hall, this in-depth conversation will explore the creative intersections between film and video games, and the visionary approach each artist brings to their craft.

Hideo Kojima, the acclaimed creator behind the DEATH STRANDING and Metal Gear Solid series, is known for creating video games that are deeply cinematic and blur the lines between film and video games like no other – fitting for someone who’s famously declared that “70% of my body is made of movies.” His latest creation DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH, releasing June 26th, looks to push the boundaries further in cinematic storytelling and interactive art.

Joining Hideo Kojima on stage is George Miller AO, the Oscar-winning director of Mad Max: Fury Road and Happy Feet, and a personal hero and recent collaborator of Hideo Kojima’s. The two will discuss shared creative ground, the evolution of cinematic storytelling in gaming, and the surprising role Miller himself plays in DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH, which sees players traverse Australia in a hauntingly beautiful journey to re-establish human connection.

“This is a rare and exciting meeting of two creative minds who have reshaped their respective industries,” said SFF Festival Director Nashen Moodley. “Kojima and Miller’s shared love of cinema and storytelling will make for an unforgettable conversation at this year’s Festival.”

Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said, “The Sydney Film Festival continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, and this unmissable event is a testament to their bold vision. Screen NSW is thrilled to support this world exclusive in-conversation event with Australian icon Dr George Miller and renowned video game creator Hideo Kojima, which highlights the synergies across the NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy, the Sydney Film Festival, and the screen and digital games industry. This is an event that will inspire, entertain and connect audiences through the power of imagination.”

Sydney Film Festival runs from 4–15 June 2025. The full program is on sale now.

Tickets for the Hideo Kojima and George Miller event are on sale now at sff.org.au.

DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH releases 26 June on PlayStation®5. Learn more at playstation.com.

ABOUT SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL

The Sydney Film Festival is one of the world’s longest-running and most prestigious film festivals. The 72nd edition, taking place from 4 to 15 June 2025, will showcase the very best in contemporary cinema and offer audiences the chance to experience premieres, red carpet events, and exciting special programs across Sydney.

The Festival is supported by the NSW Government through Screen NSW and Destination NSW, the Federal Government through Screen Australia, and the City of Sydney.

ABOUT HIDEO KOJIMA / KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS:

Hideo Kojima is a world-renowned game creator and auteur known for pushing the boundaries of the video game medium. Widely considered the father of the stealth genre, he is also credited with innovating both story-telling and cinematic presentation in video games at large. On 16th December 2015, Hideo Kojima established his own studio called KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, under the banner of “From Sapiens to Ludens.” On 8th November 2019, the studio released its first title, DEATH STRANDING, starring Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen and Léa Seydoux, for PlayStation®4; and is now available for PC. Since its release, DEATH STRANDING has received numerous game awards and achieved worldwide acclaim. DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT was released for PlayStation®5 in 2021 and for PC in 2022. In 2020, Hideo Kojima received the BAFTA® Fellowship, the highest accolade bestowed by BAFTA® upon an individual in recognition of exceptional contribution to film, games or television.  

©2025 KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS Co., Ltd. /HIDEO KOJIMA. Produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

ABOUT GEORGE MILLER:

George Miller AO was born in Australia. He began his professional life as a doctor and detoured into filmmaking, as a writer, director and producer. His films include the BABE, HAPPY FEET and MAD MAX movies. He is a patron of the Australian Film Institute and of the Sydney Film Festival. He served as President of the Jury for the Palme d’Or at the 69th Cannes Film Festival. His many awards include an Oscar, the Order of Australia and the French Order of Arts and Letters for his services to cinema.

ABOUT DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH

SHOULD WE HAVE CONNECTED?

Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam – with companions by his side – sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.

CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW FOR DOOM: THE DARK AGES HERE!

DOOM™: The Dark Ages is now available worldwide on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC. Developed by the critically acclaimed id Software, players will stand and fight against the legions of Hell in this epic chapter of the DOOM Slayer’s story.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a single-player prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. Players will experience a new, yet familiar grounded combat loop that challenges them to master new abilities and weapons. Explore never-before-seen worlds, take flight atop the fierce Mecha Dragon, pulverize Titans in a massive Atlan mech, and beat demons to a pulp in this cinematic action story worthy of the Slayer’s legend. 

DOOM: The Dark Ages is available now across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Steam, Battle.net and PlayStation 5 – and you can play it now on Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. Play it on both Series X|S and Xbox PC at no additional cost with Xbox Play Anywhere. To learn more, check out the official website at https://www.doom.com.

For more information head over to the Bethesda News site.