Forge Your Legend on May 22, 2025!

CALABASAS, Calif. – March 11, 2025 – Leading video game publisher 505 Games, and developer MercurySteam proudly confirm the forthcoming fantasy epic Blades of Fire is set for a physical release on May 22 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S at $59.99 / £49.99.

KEY FEATURES 

• THE DIVINE METAL: You are Aran de Lira, firstborn of the King’s Ward. The newly crowned Queen Nerea has cast a spell that turns steel into stone. Only her army of abominations wield the divine metal against which other blades shatter.   
• THE FORGE: Find Forge Scrolls, develop your forging skills and craft your weapon to suit your fighting style. The chosen weapon family and the materials you create it from will affect characteristics such as weight, length, durability, penetration and edge quality.   
• CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON: Choose between seven different weapon families and over 30 unique Forge Scrolls, which allow almost infinite weapon combinations. Your choice of weapon will be crucial when facing your enemy!  
• TACTICAL COMBAT: A unique and challenging combat system which allows you to attack specific body parts of the enemy. Slash, stab or bludgeon enemies depending on the situation and what the enemy is equipped with. Only the right weapon will allow you to overcome the enemy’s armour.  
• YOU ARE NOT ALONE: Adso is Aran’s companion, a curious scholar drawn into the hero’s journey by fate. Though no warrior, his keen mind and ancient knowledge will prove invaluable. He observes, learns, and chronicles their path, offering insights that may turn the tide of battle. Most importantly, he speaks the lost tongue of the divine forgers—a key to unlocking the mysteries ahead. 
• BE ON GUARD: Over 50 enemy types, including the Queen’s guards, creatures, undead and more. Each enemy has its own unique attack style, weapon, and armour setup.  
• A WORLD FULL OF MYSTERY: Aran and Adso embark on an uncertain mission. The objective is clear, but the path is full of dangers, mysteries and epic settings such as huge castles, maze-like palaces and more. You will know only what our heroes know, your intuition and courage must fill in the rest.  

About 505 Games 

505 Games, a Digital Bros’ subsidiary, is a global publisher focused on offering a broad selection of video games for players of all ages and skill levels.The company publishes and distributes premium and free-to-play games on console and PC platforms as well as mobile devices. Publishing highlights include DEATH STRANDING (PC), Control, Assetto Corsa EVO, Ghostrunner, Gems of War, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. 505 Games has offices in the United States, United Kingdom, China and Japan.

About Mercurysteam 

Mercury Steam Entertainment S.L., doing business as MercurySteam, is a Spanish video game developer based in San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid. It was founded by former members of Rebel Act Studios, who had developed Severance: Blade of Darkness in 2001. Other titles include Castlevania: Lords of Shadow trilogy and Metroid Dread.  

Munich, March 11, 2025 – Munich-based indie developer Active Fungus Studios has a special treat for all fans of Inspector Schmidt ahead of the release of The Ebbing on April 7: The events leading up to the detective’s latest adventure are now playable in the form of the prologue! The polished mini-game is available now on Steam and offers around three hours of gameplay – perfect for getting in the mood for the new detective adventure on the German North Sea.

Play the prologue now on Steam.

The demo’s story serves as a prologue to the events that take place in the main game in the tranquil town of Havstedt. From the moment Valentin steps off the ship, the story continues in The Ebbing. The prologue is, therefore, the ideal opportunity to get familiar with the game’s setting before the official release.

What is the prologue about?

Valentin originally just wanted to enjoy a well-deserved vacation on the German North Sea. But things don’t go as planned: The captain of the steamer transporting Valentin and the other passengers to a picturesque North Sea island suddenly collapses during lunch and is fighting for his life. Was he poisoned? Or did alcohol or opium seal his fate? Valentin is tasked with finding out what happened – and soon uncovers a web of relationships, dependencies, and motives among the ship’s crew and passengers that must be unraveled to identify the true culprit.

Inspector Schmidt – The Ebbing, the sequel to the highly popular A Bavarian Tale, launches on April 7 on Steam.

About Active Fungus Studios

Founded in 2020, Active Fungus Studios is an indie game development studio based in Munich, Germany. Led by Jakob Braun (Founder & CEO), the small but dedicated team of 20 developers specializes in crafting immersive first- and third-person games.

Active Fungus Studios creates games that go beyond entertainment—offering deep thematic experiences that encourage players to see different perspectives and explore historical events that continue to shape the world today.

The Protagonist of One of Japan’s Most Popular Animes Enters The Fog With a Major Twist. You’ve Never Seen Ken Kaneki Like This

MONTRÉAL – March 11, 2025 – The hit anime series, Tokyo Ghoul is bringing its unique brand of dark fantasy to Dead by Daylight. Ripe with a slick, sinister aesthetic guaranteed to feel right at home in The Entity’s Realm, this twisted new take on Ken Kaneki promises to deliver one of the game’s most kinetic Killers to date. Available on March 11 as part of the Steam public test build and officially releasing on April 2, Dead by Daylight: Tokyo Ghoul is unleashed and ready to feed.

Meet The Ghoul

Boasting a dark, complex narrative punctuated by moments of brutal violence, Tokyo Ghoul and its hero Ken Kaneki come to Dead by Daylight overflowing with themes familiar to the game, as well as compelling new ones to explore. What better way to do so than by taking a conflicted character and magnifying his most primal impulses?

Considering Ken Kaneki is Tokyo Ghoul’s protagonist, fans of the franchise may be surprised to learn that he’s entered The Fog as Dead by Daylight’s newest Killer, The Ghoul. In the original story of Tokyo Ghoul, following a near-fatal accident, the unassuming Kaneki receives a life-saving organ transplant – from a Ghoul. He awakens a half-human, half-Ghoul hybrid forced to feed on human flesh to survive while desperately fighting to retain what remains of his humanity.

After narrowly surviving unimaginable torture at the hands of the Ghoul, Jason, Kaneki’s mind had already been pushed to the breaking point. He emerged from his ordeal alive, only to be swallowed by black Fog, taken by The Entity and set loose within its Trials. Here his Ghoulish nature took over, fueled by a cold cruelty and a hunger for flesh.

Not only does this shift make Kaneki an intriguing Killer, but it also allowed the Dead by Daylight team to lean into the truly terrifying nature of his powers.

Killer Kagune

In Dead by Daylight, The Ghoul’s Kagune tentacles quickly become the ultimate instruments of fear. Erupting from his back, Kaneki’s Killer Power propels him around the Map chaining movements together to descend upon fleeing Survivors. Successful attacks spark Enraged Mode, amplifying Kaneki’s strength, brutality, and movements.

Combined with a Perk set designed to apply pressure, The Ghoul forces his prey to keep their heads on a swivel, lest they become his next meal. Finally, those unlucky enough to fall victim to his Mori will bear the brunt of his vicious nature in gloriously graphic ways you’ll need to see to believe.

Tokyo Style

Adding to the fun, the Tokyo Ghoul Collection, available April 2 will introduce several other iconic looks and characters from the Tokyo Ghoul animated series.

The LegendaryRize Kamishiro Outfit for The Ghoul invites players to step into the shoes of this beautiful and powerful Ghoul – the very same one whose organs were transplanted into Kaneki following his accident. Players can also enjoy 4 Very Rare Outfits as part of the Collection including, the Rabbit Costume Outfit for Yui Kimura, the Hide Costume Outfit for Renato Lyra, the Eto Costume Outfit for Nea Karlsson, and the Awakened Ghoul Outfit for The Ghoul.

Since no Tokyo Ghoul Collection would be complete without some memorable masks, players will also be able to tap into their inner Ghoul with a selection of 4 Very Rare Masks for The Unknown, Jonah Vasquez, Jake Park, and David King.

Dead by Daylight: Tokyo Ghoul is currently available as part of the Steam public test build. It releases officially on April 2.

About Dead by Daylight

Created by Behaviour™ Interactive, Dead by Daylight is horror gaming’s premiere asymmetrical multiplayer experience. Trapped forever in a realm of eldritch evil, four determined Survivors must face a bloodthirsty Killer in a vicious game of nerve and wits. Pick a side and step into a world of tension and terror that boasts up to 2 million daily players, and over 60 million worldwide across PC and console. Since its release in 2016, Dead by Daylight had continued to expand its roster of characters to include countless iconic horror properties from film, television, gaming, and beyond. For more information, please visit deadbydaylight.com.

About Behaviour Interactive

Founded in 1992, Behaviour Interactive is the largest Canadian video game studio. Behaviour’s flagship original franchise, Dead by Daylight, has terrified more than 60 million players since its launch in 2016. Over more than thirty years, the company has also established a reputation as one of the world’s most highly regarded external development partners, working alongside gaming industry leaders such as Microsoft, Sony, EA, and Warner Bros. Behaviour’s more than 1,100 employees are located across its headquarters in Montreal and offices in Toronto, Rotterdam, and the United Kingdom. The company’s award-winning culture has been recognized by GamesIndustry.biz (Best Places to Work in Canada) and Deloitte (Canada’s Best Managed Companies), among others. For more information, visit www.bhvr.com.

© 2015-2025 BEHAVIOUR, DEAD BY DAYLIGHT and other related trademarks and logos belong to Behaviour Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 

Kickstarter release date of March 17th announced as ex-ZA/UM founding member joins the team 

London, U.K. – March 11th, 2025 – Longdue has unveiled the atmospheric debut teaser for its in-development ‘psychogeographic’ RPG, Hopetown, alongside new details about the key talent shaping the project. The studio is also excited to announce that Hopetown’s Kickstarter campaign will launch on March 17th, with a pre-launch page featuring a limited set of early-backer rewards live now.

Longdue can reveal that Lenval Brown, the unmistakable voice of Disco Elysium’s narrator, whose unique timbre and gravitas are instantly recognisable to those in the know, will be closely involved in the project and voice a key character in the game, as teased in the latest trailer for Hopetown.

“It feels good to be back—to step into something new,” says Lenval Brown. “There’s nothing like bringing a world to life, shaping a story that’s been waiting to be spoken into existence.”

Martin Luiga, founding member of the ZA/UM Cultural Association, writer of the first short story in the Disco Elysium universe and writer of 7 characters in Disco Elysium, has also joined the Longdue team.

“I am pleased to share my experiences with Longdue to help them craft the narrative and systems for Hopetown, playing to the strengths that the narrative RPG genre has achieved thus far and attempting to innovate upon them to tell a rich story based in equal parts on what has been, what is and what could be,” said Martin. “I am confident that the team can deliver a worthy addition to the canon of Western RPGs. I call upon the fans of the RPG and adventure genre to back the Hopetown Kickstarter to help us make the game.” 

Lenval and Martin are joined by Piotr Sobolewski, who oversaw a team of 15 that worked on Disco Elysium and were instrumental in shaping the game’s signature mad, gnarly energy into something smooth, cohesive, and deeply immersive. Alongside them, a growing roster of creative talent from the RPG space and beyond and beyond is bringing Hopetown to life.

“At Longdue, we’ve built—and continue to build—a team with real horsepower: Disco Elysium contributors, AAA stalwarts, indie artisans—all champing at the bit to unleash their talents,” says Grant Roberts, Narrative Lead at Longdue,  “Hopetown is what happens when you bring those minds together: a rich, reactive world, razor-sharp writing, and an RPG that purrs with depth and atmosphere.”

The studio is excited to share more about Hopetown when its Kickstarter launches on March 17th, including deeper insights into the team behind the game, its psychogeographic and journalism mechanics, the mining town setting, and more

What Is Hopetown?

In Hopetown, words are your deadliest weapon, and every choice leaves its mark. Set in a mining town caught between decay and transformation, shaped by ambition, exploitation, and the fragile systems that bind society together, you step into the role of a rogue journalist—a chaotic, self-destructive provocateur who sees humanity as inherently selfish and cruel. Unapologetically cynical and dangerously unhinged, you thrive on poking at bruises, pulling at loose threads, and watching what unravels.

A Town of Contrasts

The town itself is an arena of extremes. The suffocating darkness of the mine’s depths mirrors the buried truths of its inhabitants, while the surface world—glittering with the promise of progress—is steeped in corruption and power plays. It’s a place where survival depends on who controls the story, and where every decision ripples outward, reshaping not just the world, but yourself.

Innovative Mechanics

Building on the legacies of Disco Elysium and Planescape: Torment, Hopetown introduces systems that creatively explore player agency. The psychogeography system is pivotal in how players interact with the game world: emotions, memories, and conversations replace traditional mechanics like keys and levers, becoming the tools that unlock doors, alter landscapes, and reshape relationships. Progress isn’t just about solving puzzles or finding items—it’s about navigating the protagonist’s fractured psyche and the ripples it creates in the environment.

Meanwhile, a new journalism-based RPG system gives you the tools to craft stories that shape the world—and yourself. Will you embrace chaos as a gonzo journalist, spinning wild, attention-grabbing narratives? Will you twist reality as a conspiracist, bending events to suit your worldview? Or will you dig deep as a calculated investigator, exposing brutal truths to spark rebellion—or sow complacency?

A Crucible of Choices

The mining town is more than a setting—it’s a crucible. What truths will you reveal? What lies will you tell? Will your words inspire hope or destruction? Will you reshape the systems of power, or will they consume you?

Every Word Matters

This is a game where everything transforms everything else. Every word you choose matters. Every decision carries weight. And every story you tell changes the world—and the fragile systems that hold it together.

Why Back Hopetown?

Backing Hopetown isn’t just about funding—it’s about building a community, backing a vision and casting a vote. Longdue is an independent studio daring to create the kinds of games bigger studios won’t or can’t make—games that challenge their players and let players challenge the games back. With Hopetown, Longdue is building a movement for Disco-Like narrative-driven RPGs that don’t shy away from complexity, emotion, or ambition.

Register to be notified when the Hopetown Kickstarter goes live on the pre-launch page now and get involved in the Hopetown community on Discord.

About Longdue

Longdue is an independent studio founded focused on creating psychologically deep, narrative-first experiences. Longdue is here to make its mark as a meaningful and consistent voice in the cRPG space. It is currently developing its debut title, Hopetown.

Take on robotic Norse gods to bring down Odin in this brutal action roguelite

LONDON, UK – March 11, 2025 – Prepare to duke it out against the god of war in Odinfall, an intense action roguelite available now on Steam Early Access.

Take on an army of robotic Norse gods at the dawn of the second Ragnarok in brutally fast, intense twin-stick action. Equip wild modifiable weaponry, upgrade your skills, unlock over-the-top abilities, and carve your path through destructible levels in a savage post-apocalyptic Viking future.

Try, die, and try again, choosing from a variety of playable characters each with unique skill trees. Stampede foes as a Viking Moose, punch gods in the face as the Cyberserker, slice through mobs as a Dark Elf, mine gold as the Dwarf, or dual-wield miniguns twice your size as a Gnome. Defy death in a fight for men and moose-kind in an epic battle against hordes of enemies and colossal bosses in a Norse-mythological future to MAKE. ODIN. FALL. 

Odinfall Features:

• Multiple upgradable characters with unique abilities.
• Fast-paced twin-stick shooting and melee combat.
• Outlandish weaponry.
• Destructible environments across procedurally-generated levels.
• Colossal bosses.
• Upgrades, abilities, skill trees & MORE!

Right from the start of Early Access, Odinfall is content complete and playable from start to finish, with additional quality of life improvements to come throughout the duration of Early Access.

Odinfall is available now on Steam Early Access for £10.99 GBP / €12.99 EUR / $12.99 USD, with an additional 20% launch discount available until March 20th.

About Ember Paw Games

Ember Paw Games is an indie game studio based in Skövde, Sweden. We want to make colorful and chunky games for you to enjoy!

About Fireshine Games

Fireshine Games is a global publisher of digital and physical video games based in London, England, with a focus on finding fun and bringing innovative indie gems to players around the world. Originally established in 2014, Fireshine Games has built a portfolio of digital titles and indie sensations, including award-winning titles Core Keeper and Shadows of Doubt, while partnering with studio giants to bring digital hits to physical release, including Lies of P from Neowiz, Balatro from Playstack, and Planet Zoo: Console Edition from Frontier Developments. Fireshine Games is part of the EG7 group of companies.

Lead your Squad and dominate your opponents like never before in this revolutionary new strategy auto-battler!

Brisbane, Australia, March 11th, 2025 – Game developer, The Tea Division, in association with Magic: The Gathering creator Richard Garfield, are proud to unleash their revolutionary auto battler Vanguard Exiles on Steam Early Access today for $14.99 / €14.79 / £12.79. A redefined take on the genre, prepare yourself for a competitive strategy gameplay experience unlike any other! Whether taking on opponents in PvP, or opting to go solo, Vanguard Exiles offers new scenarios in each round ensuring no two turns are ever alike!

Blurring the lines between an online card game and a board game with possibilities too vast for a traditional tabletop setting, it’s easy to see how this description fits. Imagine a tabletop strategy game where the board constantly rearranges itself with each round, with players given one of innumerable Squad combinations to control. Set in a fantasy post-World War I diesel punk era where magic and technology fuse, your goal is simple: conquer enough territory to end the round in victory, where your strategy and decisions on the battlefield will be all that stands between you and a glorious victory…or a crushing defeat.

In Vanguard Exiles, each Unit has its own identity, with its own distinctive look and a unique array of traits and abilities. To further this, each Squad has its own makeup, consisting of different combinations of Units and Actions. Combat happens automatically, but as mentioned earlier, this is no typical auto-battler. Strategy is key, and you’ll have to play smart, making tough tactical decisions to ensure your victory. 

Vanguard Exiles offers an immense ruleset of complex mechanics, all happening under the hood, aiming to teach players the nuances of gameplay rather than intimidate them. After each round, you’re even able to see what your chances of victory were. Win or lose, the option to see what the odds were in your favor (or stacked against you) certainly adds perspective to gameplay. Every game teaches you something new, offering unprecedented room to hone your strategy against other players, likely working at refining their own playstyles. The possibilities are endless!

If you’d like to familiarize yourself with Vanguard Exiles before buying it, there’s a demo currently available on Steam, offering an abridged single-player mode to get you facing off against an AI opponent and familiarize yourself with the many of the game’s Units and Actions available. The real meat of the game comes from squaring off against opponents in PvP and the Early Access release offers that along with new Units and Actions.

More content will be added to Vanguard Exiles throughout the Early Access period such as new Units, Actions and Factions, Zones and Biomes, Ranked leaderboards, Tournaments, a dedicated single-player campaign, and the ability to permanently own your unique squad (the permutations of which are countless!).

“Vanguard Exiles combines tabletop design with digital design into a unique and eclectic gameplay experience,” said Richard Garfield, game designer of Vanguard Exiles. “The variety offered by the game is exciting, and skillful play introduces all sorts of unexpected novelty. My favorite thing in game design is having an interesting space to explore – like with Magic: the Gathering and Keyforge. Like those games, Vanguard Exiles is deeply interesting, and I am delighted to share it with a broader audience!” 

“Vanguard Exiles is the deepest, most exciting project I’ve been a part of in my over 25 years in the games industry,” said Mark Rowley from The Tea Division. “Vanguard Exiles is a sprawling labyrinth of tactical depth that offers endless possibilities. I’ve been blown away by the creative strategies our players have come up with and have been eagerly awaiting this launch so I can watch everyone learn from each other and test out tactics I never would have thought of. That’s why we added Spectator Mode, so players can learn just by watching!”

For more information on Vanguard Exiles:
Download the Vanguard Exiles demo on Steam
Buy / Wishlist Vanguard Exiles on Steam
The Tea Division website: https://theteadivision.com/

About The Tea Division

The Tea Division is a remote studio based in Brisbane, gathering an assortment of passionate veterans, many of whom have worked together for decades, collectively having worked on over 100 games, spanning over 20 years of console, mobile, PC, indie and AAA video game development. A dynamic and innovative game development studio, their track record for delivering efficient solutions in a timely manner remains flawless, without ever compromising quality or service.

With extensive experience in leading/development, The Tea Division can spearhead an existing project, or become an extension of the workforce to help realise their vision. Operating as a work for hire studio, there is no shortage of expertise in executing full platform ports, embedded team solutions, full project delivery, co-development and project firefighting.

Vanguard Exiles is The Tea Division’s first self-published and fully owned title; a new style of Auto-battler designed by legendary game designer, Richard Garfield.

Farming Simulator 25, which garnered international acclaim following its November release and sold more than three million copies so far, has now received its first official Pack. Publisher and developer GIANTS Software adds one of the most advanced agricultural innovations: the NEXAT system.

All-in-One Machine Revolutionizes Field Operations
Manufactured by the German innovation leader of the same name, NEXAT (“Next Generation Agriculture Technology”) marks the world’s first holistic crop production system. A robust, versatile carrier vehicle, featuring a working width of 14 meters, enables farmers to complete the arable tasks with a single machine that allows the integration of all relevant tools.

Lowering the Number of Machines, Increasing Efficiency
From tilling and seeding or planting to fertilizing, crop protection, and harvesting with interchangeable implements that are hooked onto the wide-span carrier vehicle, real and virtual farmers gain various benefits: Fewer machines in the field, accelerated field operations, a significant yield bonus and an overall increase in sustainability through soil-friendly technology.

Four New Brands, 12 New Machines
In addition to the state-of-the-art NEXAT carrier vehicle, including the NEXCO harvesting module, other brands are included in the pack: Einböck, Geringhoff, and Väderstad return, while DAMMANN, Evers Agro, and Wienhoff make their debut in the Farming Simulator franchise. The NEXAT pack includes seven brands and 12 new machines to ensure a range of implements for spraying, seeding, planting, fertilizing, harvesting and tillage.
 
Farming Simulator 25 is available for PC, Mac, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. A Year 1 Season Pass is obtainable, which includes the NEXAT Pack, two more packs and a major expansion – fans save up to 25% compared to getting the content separately. GIANTS Software will also continue to release free content updates and user-generated content on the official ModHub. Visit the official Farming Simulator website.

# # # 

About GIANTS Software

GIANTS Software is an international game developer and publisher from Switzerland, established in 2004 and known worldwide for creating the popular Farming Simulator franchise. Self-sufficient with offices in Switzerland (Zurich), Germany (Erlangen), USA (Chicago) and the Czech Republic (Brno), the team is committed to position itself as a leading publisher in the simulation genre, with Project Motor Racing to be introduced to the racing scene soon. The company maintains a global network of partners and close ties with respective industries.

About Farming Simulator

With more than 40 million copies of the main series sold worldwide since 2008, the Farming Simulator franchise is leading in its genre. Available on all major platforms, the games feature hundreds of authentic machines from renowned brands and offer compelling agricultural simulation with relaxing, family-friendly gameplay. It’s based on the powerful GIANTS Engine – built in-house to provide realistic physics, high-fidelity graphics, dynamic systems and extensive modding support.

About NEXAT

NEXAT was founded in 2017 by Felix and Klemens Kalverkamp and is based in Rieste, Germany. With more than 140 employees, NEXAT is one of the most innovative agricultural machinery manufacturers worldwide. The crop production system developed by NEXAT is already operating on three continents due to global demand. The NEXAT system enables maximum yield potential to be developed with maximum conservation of soil and resources. In doing so, the young company draws on the more than 50 years of expertise of the Kalverkamp founding family, which is expressed in numerous product developments and awards in agricultural technology. The gold medal for the NEXAT system in 2022 (Agritechnica Innovation Award) and the Agrifuture Concept Award (Agritechnica, DLG, 2023) reflect NEXAT’s innovative strength.

© 2025 Published and developed by GIANTS Software GmbH. Farming Simulator, GIANTS Software and its logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of GIANTS Software GmbH. All manufacturers, vehicles, machines, equipment, names, brands, and associated imagery featured in this game in some cases include trademarks and/or copyrighted materials of their respective owners. The vehicles, machines, and equipment in this game may be different from the actual ones in shapes, colors, and performance. © 2025 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. “PlayStation“, “PS5“ and “PS5 logo“ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, the Xbox Sphere mark, the Series X logo, Series S logo, Series X|S logo, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X|S are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other names, trademarks and logos are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

The Legendary Classic Returns – Embark on your quest for vengeance, available digitally on all platforms now!

London, UK – 11th March 2025 – Beyond the Ice Palace 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 1988 platforming cult classic, launches today on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S,Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam, GoG, and Epic Games Store. Developed by Storybird Studio and co-published by PQube and PixelHeart, this modern revival of the legendary action-platformer delivers fast-paced combat, challenging traversal, and hidden secrets, all wrapped in a stunning gothic pixel-art world.

After an unprecedented 37-year wait, gaming history has been made with the release of Beyond The Ice Palace 2, shattering records as the longest gap between an original game and its sequel. When the first Beyond The Ice Palace captivated players on platforms like Amiga, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum in 1988, few could have imagined that fans would wait nearly four decades for a continuation of the beloved fantasy action platformer.

The sequel honours its pixel-art roots while introducing modern gameplay mechanics that appeal to both nostalgic fans of the original and a new generation of players. “We wanted to create something that respected the cult classic status of the original while bringing the experience into 2025,” says the development team. “This release isn’t just a sequel—it’s the culmination of a gaming legacy that spans multiple generations of players and technology.”

WIELD THE CHAINS THAT ONCE IMPRISONED YOU – RECLAIM YOUR THRONE!

The ‘Cursed King’ rises from the abyss, wielding the chains that once bound him, now transformed into powerful weapons. Set in a dark fantasy kingdom teeming with secrets, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 challenges players to explore hidden chambers, defeat colossal demons, and uncover powerful upgrades in a relentless quest for vengeance and redemption.

Whether playing on PC or digitally on consoles, players this week across all platforms can experience the Cursed King’s legendary return to form.

Key Features

• Reclaim Your Throne as the Cursed King – Embark on a journey of vengeance, hunting for the sacred arrow shards to unlock your full power.
• Dynamic Combat and Exploration – Master the chains that once bound you, turning them into a weapon of destruction and a tool of traversal.
• Secrets of a Fallen Kingdom – Discover hidden chambers, uncover powerful upgrades, and reclaim lost treasures to aid you in your quest.
• Strategic Upgrades – Collect power crystals to enhance your abilities, preparing you for battles against colossal bosses.
• Classic Meets Modern – Merging retro-inspired pixel art with modern gameplay, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 revitalises the series for both longtime fans and newcomers.

AN UNFORGETTABLE SOUNDTRACK BY A GAMING ICON

Composed by Allister Brimble, a legendary video game composer, the epic soundtrack for Beyond the Ice Palace 2 enhances every moment of exploration and combat.

Brimble’s past works include:

• The Plucky Squire (2024)
• X-COM: Enemy Unknown (1995)
• RollerCoaster Tycoon series (1999/2002)
• Alien Breed (1995)
• Driver 1+2 (1999/2000)

Bringing a haunting, immersive soundscape, Brimble’s score ensures that Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is as thrilling to hear as it is to play.

A LEGACY OF COLLABORATION

Developed by Storybird Studio and co-published by PQube and PixelHeart, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 embraces the best of classic platforming while introducing fresh gameplay elements. PixelHeart, known for reviving forgotten classics, ensures the game honours its legacy while delivering a modern experience.

PHYSICAL EDITIONS ARRIVING 13TH MARCH – PRE-ORDERS STILL AVAILABLE!

For collectors and retro gaming fans, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 launches physically on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on 13th March 2025.

Pre-orders are still available! Secure your physical copy now and be among the first to unbox this legendary return.

Málaga, 11-03-2025 – In case you missed it, yesterday it was announced that, for over 50 years, Comic-Con International® (“San Diego Comic-Con®” or “SDCC®”) has been the ultimate event where popular arts come to life. Now, thanks to an agreement facilitated by IMG Licensing, SDCC is setting roots outside the United States for the first time in its history, making its European debut in Málaga, Spain.

This historic milestone would not have been possible without the institutional support of the Junta de Andalucía and the Málaga City Council, who have firmly committed to making Málaga the European capital of popular arts.

SDCC Málaga: The Official Destination for Popular Arts in Europe
San Diego Comic-Con has always been much more than just an event: it is the place where the future of popular arts is written. Now, that legacy continues in Spain. From September 25 to 28, 2025, Málaga will host the first official San Diego Comic Convention licensed event outside the United States.

Fans and creators from all over the world will gather in a space designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate, ensuring that Europe establishes itself as a key player in the global history of popular arts.

A Launch Event Filled with Creators, Industry Leaders, and Fantasy
The international expansion of San Diego Comic-Con was officially announced today, March 10, at an event held at the iconic Gran Hotel Miramar in Málaga.

The event, presented by renowned actor, director, and screenwriter Santiago Segura, included the participation of the President of the Junta de Andalucía, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla; the Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre Prados; David Glanzer, Chief Communications & Strategy Officer of San Diego Comic Convention, the organization behind SDCC; and Jaime López-Francos, CEO of DENTSU Spain & Portugal.

David Glanzer stated: “We’re very excited to celebrate comics and the popular arts, and share Comic-Con’s unique spirit, with audiences in Europe. We couldn’t have found a more vibrant, welcoming, and creative city to begin this exciting new chapter for fans and creators.”

Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, President of Andalusia, highlighted: “For the Andalusian government, supporting this event means solidifying Andalusia as a reference in digital art and pop culture, backed by the most powerful gathering of talent.

Andalusia is an undeniable cultural and tourism powerhouse, and that has been a key asset in attracting this event—one that places the Andalusian cultural industry within the digital and technological sphere.

I am confident that the expansion of San Diego Comic-Con to Málaga will be a total success after these three years, also thanks to the support of the network of professionals and local businesses participating in the event.”

The 400 m² Salón Royale of the Gran Hotel Miramar was transformed to host this event, which brought together more than 200 exclusive guests from the worlds of film, entertainment, television, comics, and illustration, including Álex de la Iglesia, Carolina Bang, Paco Plaza, Daniel Sánchez Arévalo, Natalia Verbeke, Paloma Bloyd, Eva Ugarte, Tamar Novas, Icíar Bollain, Carlos Areces, and Joaquín Mazón, as well as representatives from iconic brands in the industry.

One of the highlights of the event was the exhibition of a unique collectible item: the Infinity Gauntlet, inspired by the iconic artifact of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. Designed by Gentle Giant Ltd., this gauntlet was created to house six precious gemstones known as the Infinity Collection of Gemstones. With over 150 carats and a value of more than 25 million dollars, it was crafted by Adam Mirzoeff, president of East Continental Gems, under the creative direction of Darren Romanelli (DRx). First presented at SDCC 2022, this piece now symbolizes the continuity of the event’s legacy in Málaga.

The event concluded with a spectacular performance by the 501st Legion, whose members, dressed as Stormtroopers and Darth Vader (Star Wars), guided attendees to the closing cocktail.

Guests were able to enjoy an exclusive atmosphere with a themed cocktail, where they were surprised by a flashmob in which some of the attendees revealed themselves as professional dancers, blending in with the guests to the rhythm of the iconic Mission Impossible soundtrack. As a final surprise, the cocktail also featured another guest star: the droid R2D2, who walked among the attendees to greet them.

The production included cutting-edge technical displays, featuring a 25 m² stage, a 5×2 m LED screen, lighting, special effects, and professional sound. Additionally, the event was streamed live to audiences worldwide.

The Countdown to San Diego Comic-Con Málaga Begins
With this blend of entertainment, fantasy, and more institutional speeches, the event marked the official start of what promises to be a historic occasion that will establish Málaga as the new European epicenter of popular arts.

This first official licensed convention in Europe will provide a unique opportunity to bring communities together, showcase emerging talent, and lay the groundwork for innovative moments in global entertainment.

About IMG
IMG is a global sports, events and representation company. It is a leader in rights management, multi-channel content production and distribution, consultancy and fan engagement; owns, produces and commercially represents hundreds of live events and experiences; and manages licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks.

The event is supported by the Public Company for Tourism and Sports Management of Andalusia, under the Ministry of Tourism and Andalucía Exterior; and has the institutional support of the Málaga City Council and the Andalusian Digital Agency, which operates under the Ministry of the Presidency, Interior, Social Dialogue, and Administrative Simplification.

Warsaw, 11th of March 2025 – The team at Gaming Factory has made the decision to set a new launch date for JDM: Japanese Drift Master on May 21st, 2025.

From the very beginning, our guiding principle has been quality. Every drift, every car, every road has been carefully crafted to bring the most immersive open-world drifting experience possible. After careful consideration, we believe that taking extra time for the final polish is the best course of action to deliver a game that meets and exceeds expectations. We are confident that this additional time will allow us to refine every detail, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience from day one. The support, feedback, and enthusiasm of our community have been instrumental in our journey, and we remain committed to making JDM: Japanese Drift Master the best it can be.

About Japanese Drift Master

JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a simcade experience that blends simulation and arcade elements, creating a thrilling yet accessible racing experience. The realistic physics backbone ensures that each car has its unique handling, allowing you to feel its weight as you take corners or brake at high speeds. The arcade layers added on top help with managing the car at high speeds and ease cornering. From the very start, we focused on delivering realistic driving physics while maintaining an enjoyable balance between authenticity and fun.

Story
The game takes players into the world of Japanese car culture and offers a story full of competition, friendship, ambition, and emotion, presented in the form of dynamic Japanese comic book frames. You will follow the story of Touma, a Polish driver who dreams of making a name for himself on the local street racing scene. With the help of his Japanese friends, he dives deep into the competition but quickly learns that fierce rivals are standing in his way. Will he manage to reach the top? Drama, action, and even love await the players. 

High-speed cars

JDM: Japanese Drift Master allows players to get behind the wheel of licensed cars from iconic brands, now also including Honda. Each vehicle has been recreated to provide a realistic driving experience, whether racing on the track or drifting around the winding roads of Japanese mountains. Test them in different events, from fast track races and intense drift challenges to time trials and special head-to-head battles and drag showdowns. 

Tuning and modifications 

JDM features advanced vehicle tuning and customization options that allow players to fully customize their machines. From installing a new ECU to adding that over-the-top bōsōzoku exhaust – it’s all in the game! Tuning a car is simple and clear and if the players  really want to push their cars to the limit, the most advanced parts will unlock fine tuning – every single car in the game can be adjusted to be a grip or drift beast or an all ‘rounder if that’s the desired preference.

Made for all players

We’re continuously adding presets for a wide range of racing wheels and sim-driving hardware to ensure a seamless experience. Additionally, we’re developing a robust key binding system that allows you to customize virtually any device connected to your PC—perfect for hardware without a dedicated plug-and-play preset. This feature will be available at launch, giving players full control over their setup. And if you prefer a controller or keyboard, don’t worry—JDM: Japanese Drift Master is designed to be just as enjoyable no matter how you play!

JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a single-player, narrative-driven, racing experience developed on Unreal Engine 5. The game launches on Steam, GoG, and Epic Store on Mary 21st, 2025.