21st February 2025, Leeds, United Kingdom: Italian indies VOXEL Studios and publishers Noovola are thrilled to unveil the first gameplay reveal trailer for The Bench, a quirky, colorful puzzle adventure launching on PC in 2025. Starting February 24, players can also dive into the chaos and charm of this old man at the park simulator with a free demo during Steam Next Fest!
In The Bench, you wear the comfy slippers of a spirited old pensioner armed with a walking stick, a notebook, an endless bread supply, and loyal pigeon mates. Tired of retirement home rules and fueled by a vivid imagination (or maybe those meds he’s prescribed), you’ll hatch a daring escape plan. Crack eggs open to summon your feathered minions, build a flying army to do your bidding and throw bread to jump from bench to bench, order your pigeons to collect objects, play minigames and explore our colourful world!
Remember to share your stamp collections and first impressions with hashtag #TheBench and tag VOXEL Studios and Noovola social media.
Special thanks to Quadriga’s Arch for voicing the explanation trailer!
About VOXEL Studios
VOXEL Studios, based in Italy, is an indie game development studio also working on AR/VR applications, native or web-based apps, and software, from concept to final project, or through outsourcing. VOXEL provides strategic consultancy, functional analysis, and full development for desktop, web, and mobile native (iOS and Android) or hybrid platforms, always ensuring appealing design and seamless usability. Their portfolio includes collaborative support in the development of indie, AA and AAA games, and most importantly, their in-house games, The Bench and TEOM: The Enemy of Mine.
About Noovola
Noovola, based in Leeds, United Kingdom, started its journey in video games as a Public Relations agency for indie studios. Through time, the agency began offering Creative Communications and Translation efforts, sharpening its skills on dozens of excellent indie games. As of 2024, Noovola’s publishing arm has been created to help bring diverse and exciting indie games to market – starting with VOXEL Studio’s The Bench – releasing in 2025.
Step into the role of Headmaster, build your academy, manage your school, craft your wizard crew, and expand your influence in this new strategic colony sim! We are thrilled to announce that Wizdom Academy will launch in Early Access on April 17, 2025!
To celebrate, we’ve released a brand-new announcement trailer showcasing the magical journey ahead. Check it out and see what’s in store for your future wizarding academy!
With over 40,000 wishlists, a growing community, and fantastic feedback from thousands of players, we can’t wait for you to experience the full magic of Wizdom Academy.
Key Features:
Experience the freedom of 3D vertical building – Reach for the sky by adding all sorts of magical buildings.
Build your academy – Design classrooms, dorms, exploration halls, mana storage, and much more.
Manage your resources & residents – Put those recruits to work and harvest rare resources to expand your academy.
Shape legendary wizards – Guide students from apprentices to elite sorcerers, shaping their abilities and destinies.
Forge alliances & explore – Uncover hidden dungeons, meet other academies, defend against hordes, interact with nearby villages, and uncover hidden dungeons, and expand your influence.
Balance the residents’ needs & the Council’s wills – Keep your academy thriving while balancing the needs of your residents and the will of the Council.
Join us for Steam Next Fest!
Be among the first to play the latest Wizdom Academy demo during Steam Next Fest (February 24 – March 3). Featuring exciting new mechanics and content, this is the best time to get a taste of what’s to come!
The wait is almost over – add Wizdom Academy to your wishlist and get ready for April 17!
About Kipwak Studio Kipwak Studio is a passionate indie team based in Valais, Switzerland. Founded in 2023, the studio is dedicated to creating deep, immersive gameplay experiences. Wizdom Academy, supported by SwissGames and PRISM, is their latest endeavor, bringing a fresh take on the builder-management genre. For more information, visit www.wizdomacademy.com.
A new trailer introducing the continent of Aladiss and a brand-new illustration by beloved artist Benitama have been revealed!
Hertfordshire,21st February 2025 – Today, KOEI TECMO Europe and developer Gust shared new details about the world of their upcoming JRPG Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land. Before setting on a journey across the continent of Aladiss to uncover its mysteries alongside Yumia, fans can lose themselves in the marvellous world that awaits them in a brand-new trailer. Players can also learn more about the key members of the Aladiss Research team with the latest artwork by beloved artist Benitama. Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land will be available 21st March 2025 on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Windows PC via Steam® and, for the first time in franchise history, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
In Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land, players will follow alchemist Yumia Liessfeldt as she joins the Aladiss Research team in hope to unravel the mysteries behind the cataclysm that destroyed the once great continent of Aladiss. Spearheaded by the Order of Eustella and led by Erhard, the Aladiss Research team is an organisation focused on investigating the fallen land of Aladiss, and is composed by researchers, adventurers and mercenaries. Yumia and her friends will be tasked to travel across the three regions of the continent to uncover the mysteries hidden in the ruins of the fallen Aladissian Empire.
Yumia’s journey will begin in the Ligneus region, where the Research team established its first base, far from the Aladissian capital. Yumia will travel through the plains and forest that make up the landscape, and discover research facilities abandoned by the alchemists of the time. Among the points of interest in the region, players will visit the Arbor Botanical Garden and the 8th Laboratory, before continuing their journey.
Players with a passion for fungi of all kinds will be delighted to explore the Sivash region, renowned for its mushroom-like flora, where Yumia will encounter the demihuman Welleks people. While exploring the region, the team will meet the Neru people, a tribe of monsters capable of human speech and easily recognisable by their slender silhouette and mushroom-like umbrellas. Before heading to the next region, players can pause to contemplate the Preces Cathedral, a place of worship at the centre of the Welleks settlement, or explore the impressive ruins of a school, known as Hermea Academy. The third region is the industrial Auruma region, filled with the ruins of a once thriving city. Among the ruins still standing, players will discover a tree-like metal structure, as well as its commercial district, featuring a station. Yumia will also visit the Mana Transposing Furnace, which was once the nerve centre for the study of mana for the whole of Aladiss. During their stay in the region, the team will encounter the Geni tribe, unique for possessing feathers and beaks like birds.
In addition to the standard edition, players can pre-order two special physical editions; the PREMIUM BOX that includes the base game*, an artbook, a B3-size cloth poster with original illustration, a CD with extra tracks, and an exclusive early access costume for Yumia, “Alchemist of her day off”. The SPECIAL COLLECTION BOX includes all of the content from the PREMIUM BOX, as well as a handkerchief in the style of the Aladiss Research Team bandana, an A1-size tapestry with an original illustration, a set of six decorative keychains, a set of six special clear file folders, a special sticker sheet, Yumia’s precious stuffed animal, an official short story, and accompanying translation booklet. Everyone who purchases either a physical or digital edition up to two weeks after release will receive the “Athlete of Memories” early purchase costume for Yumia, the “Floating Object of Memories” costume for Flammi, and the exclusive “Training Wrist Weight” equipment.
Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land will be available on 21st March 2025 on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Window PC via Steam®. The game will include Japanese voices with English, French, German and Spanish texts.
KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI TECMO’s best known for their signature ‘one versus thousands’ Warrior’s series, the fan-favourite NINJA GAIDEN and fighting entertainment title DEAD OR ALIVE. Through collaboration with strong existing franchises, such as A.O.T. Wings of Freedom (Attack on Titan), has brought fan-favourite shows to life in video game form. The company’s desire for innovation and diversity has seen the creation of the critically acclaimed dark-samurai action title Nioh, which takes on new and unique gameplay styles. The company’s acquisition of Gust, developer of a variety of heart-warming titles, has seen their flagship Atelier series span generations of consoles and fans alike. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com
Check-in to the demo of this vibrant management-sim from February 24th
Watford, UK – 20th of February 2025 – Award-winning publisher Wired Productions and developer Pathos Interactive are thrilled to reveal that their ultimate hotel construction and tycoon game, Hotel Architect will feature in the Steam Next Fest.
In Hotel Architect, players will design, build, and manage luxury hotels across the globe whilst juggling the increasingly elaborate demands of disorderly guests, logistical nightmares and unexpected obstacles.
For Aspiring hoteliers, a brand-new trailer reveals the two distinct locations that will be available to explore within the Steam Next Fest Demo: the gorgeous shores of Santorini and the modern metropolis of Gothenburg. Each location is complete with its own scenario and sandbox modes as well as unique objectives, items, guest types, zones and more.
Watch the Hotel Architect | Steam Next Fest Demo Trailer
Key Hotel Architect Demo Features:
Advance in a career campaign or get creative in the sandbox mode
Design your layout and watch as the construction workers lay the foundations and bring your dream hotel to life
Freely select from several unique zone and design to impress customers and critics
Expand over two locations: Gothenburg and Santorini!
Manage a wide range of staff and contractors
Welcome a variety of guests who will be sure to keep you on your toes!
The Hotel Architect Demo will be available during the Steam Next Fest from February 24th – March 3rd. Wishlist the Demo now via Steam to be alerted when it goes live.
About Wired Productions Wired Productions is a true Indie Publisher proudly presenting a diverse range of specially curated games from some of the greatest storytellers and independent developers. Named as “Indie Publisher of the Year” at the MCV / Develop Awards, Wired is home to an award-winning collection of titles including: DIG VR, Gori: Cuddly Carnage, Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles, Arcade Paradise VR, Tin Hearts, Martha Is Dead, The Falconeer, The Last Worker, and Deliver Us the Moon. Upcoming titles include: Hotel Architect, Beneath and KARMA: The Dark World.
About Pathos Interactive
Pathos Interactive is a game studio founded in 2015, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company is driven with a deep passion by gamers with an ambition to make the best games, striving for excellence and releasing one quality game at a time. Having released the real-time strategy game, Bannermen, on Steam, Pathos are currently working on Hotel Architect, a management and simulation game.
World of Warcraft Classic’s progression journey continues into the southern continent of Pandaria! Launching later this year, Mists of Pandaria Classic invites players to return to a beloved expansion and era of WoW’s history.
To excite players for the upcoming expansion coming to WoW Classic progression servers, three new optional bundles and services are available in the Battle.net shop:
Sha-Infused Heroic Pack, which includes:
Sha-Warped Cloud Serpent (Flying Mount)
Sha-Warped Riding Tiger (Ground Mount)
Merriment Pet for Modern WoW Players/Joyous Pet for WoW Classic Players
Items named “Sha-Warped” are available for modern WoW players while WoW Classic players will receive an equivalent item named “Sha-Touched”
Sha-Infused Epic Pack, which includes:
All Heroic Pack Items
Level 85 Character Boost (Not available for new Pandaren characters but is available for new non-Pandaren monk class characters)
30 Days of Game Time
Standalone Level 85 Character Boost (Not available for new Pandaren characters but is available for new non-Pandaren monk class characters)
Both modern and classic transmog ensembles included with a purchase of a bundle will be available later this year when the expansion launches. All other respective items are immediately available. For more information about Mists of Pandaria Classic, including regional pricing for the upgrade bundles, please visit the World of Warcraft website.
Exchange blows, eliminate threats, and evolve with cybernetics ahead of the Q2 2025 launch
21, Feb. 2025 –KIBORG, the fast-paced action rogue-lite with brutal, cybernetic-enhanced combat from developer Sobaka Studio, jacks into Steam Next Fest to enhance the event with a new demo showcasing the revamped gameplay structure, available now.
Crush skulls with cybernetic implants and power-enhancing augmentations as Morgan Lee in hopes of winning a twisted game show with a tantalizing prize: freedom from a 1300-year prison sentence. Not even death grants respite the warden uses advanced resuscitation technology to ensure all inmates serve their time in full. The only way out is through bloody, brutal ascension on “The Last Ticket.”
Thankfully, Morgan has some help from futuristic cybernetic implants and power-enhancing augmentations. Punish contestants with robotic arms, shock and vaporize foes with advanced weaponry, or just use good old fashioned melee strikes to punch off the enemy’s torso. Each new level of the prison tower brings new foes…and new ways to defeat them.
Experiment with hundreds of combinations to discover deadly synergies to deviate from the norm and devastate foes with monstrous mutations no human should ever bear. Become an unkillable hybrid of man and machine, and deliver death to anyone and everything blocking the way to freedom.
The KIBORG demo represents the first look at the brand new structure for the game, inspired by the now-delisted KIBORG: Arena prologue from Q3 2024. After fan feedback, Sobaka Studio decided to revamp the full game, taking the heart-pounding wave-based action and tower ascent of the prologue and building it out into a full experience.
“We originally had incredibly different plans for KIBORG, but everyone loved the idea of climbing and escaping a prison tower, so we thought…why not make that the whole game?” said Dmitry Kachkov, Head of Sobaka Studio. “And if you miss KIBORG: Arena, don’t worry – we’re putting the content from the prologue in the full game when it launches in Q2 2025!”
Play KIBORG’s Steam Next Fest demo available starting today, ahead of the Q2 2025 launch on Steam, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, with support for English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Russian, Japanese, and Korean language text.
Sobaka Studio is an indie game developer. Previously released titles include top-down shooter Redeemer and 9 Monkeys of Shaolin – two beat’em ups with epic combat. They are currently working on the twin-stick shooter REMEDIUM available now in Early Access and time survival game REMEDIUM: Sentinels, which both share one grim post-apocalyptic Renaissance setting. Their next title is KIBORG, the rogue-lite with brutal, cybernetic-enhanced combat.
The brand-new Vapid Uranus LozSpeed classic sportscar is now available to purchase from Southern San Andreas Super Autos.
Also this week and just in time for Carnival, players who log into GTA Online and open a bottle of champagne at any bar will earn a variety of festive clothing.
Full details from this week’s update include:
New Vehicle: The Vapid Uranus LozSpeed (Sports Classic), available now from Southern San Andreas Super Autos
Carnival Gifts:
Play GTA Online anytime through March 3 to receive the Carnival Feather Shirt and Shorts for men and the Carnival Feather Dress and the Carnival Sun Dress for women
The Carnival Neck Gaiter for uncorking a bottle of champagne at any bar
Triple GTA$ and RP on Trevor and Ron Contact Missions, and the returning Motor Wars
Double GTA$ and RP on G’s Cache
Weekly Challenge: Collecting 3 G’s Caches will net players an extra GTA$100,000
Premium Deluxe Motorsport Vehicles: The Vapid Bullet (Super), Albany Hermes (Muscle, 30% off), Weeny Dynasty (Sports Classic, 30% off), Invetero Coquette (Sports), and the Nagasaki Hot Rod Blazer (Off-Road)
Luxury Autos Vehicles: The Enus Paragon S (Sports) and the Vapid Dominator FX (Muscle)
HSW Premium Test Ride: The Bravado Buffalo EVX (Muscle)
LS Car Meet Prize Ride: Place Top 5 in the LS Car Meet Series for three days in a row to win the Nagasaki Outlaw (Off-Road, 30% off)
LS Car Meet Test Rides: The Emperor ETR1 (Super), Lampadati Furore GT (Sports), and the Coil Brawler (Off-Road)
Lucky Wheel Top Prize: The Albany Cavalcade XL
Gun Van Discounts: 30% off the Railgun and the Precision Rifle (for GTA+ Members)
GTA+ Benefits: A free Vapid FMJ (Super) at The Vinewood Car Club, along with the Honkers Tie Dye Hoodie and Hat, access to a selection of Rockstar Games titles, and more
On March 4, Grand Theft Auto V on PC will receive a free upgrade featuring enhancements previously only available to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players – including new vehicles and performance upgrades available at Hao’s Special Works, animal encounters, improved graphics options, faster loading times, and much more.
All players who currently own GTAV on PC will be able to upgrade to this new version for free, with a one-time Character Migration flow to bring over your Story Mode and Online progress.
New Features on PC
Enjoy a range of new vehicles and upgrades atHao’s Special Works (HSW) that push automotive performance to new heights, and test your driving skills with Premium Test Rides, HSW Races, and HSW Time Trials.
Encounter Ambient Animals all across Southern San Andreas and take pictures of them to participate in the daily Wildlife Photography Challenge for new rewards.
PC players can sign up for GTA+ Membership to get special benefits in the upgraded version of GTA Online and beyond.
Track your criminal movements across all of GTA Online’s updates with the Career Progressfeature as you build your empire.
Navigate a refreshed Landing Page as your starting destination to get straight into the action. Plus, take advantage of an improved introductory flow for newer players with a GTA$4,000,000 windfall to buy property, vehicles, and other items as you start off as an Executive, Gunrunner, Nightclub Owner or Biker in the Career Builder.
Bryan, TX – 21, February 2025 –Drifters & Demons, the base-building bullet heaven roguelike from developer Quite Fresh Games and publisher Armor Games Studios, rescues survivors from devilish fiends as it gears up to launch on PC via Steam in Q3 2025.
Take up arms in a demon-infested world and fight to save humanity from wicked claws after a demonic spell unleashes monsters upon a small settlement. Rescue stray survivors and build a new life from scratch by scavenging, fighting, and even harnessing the wretched magic that has leaked through dimensional rifts into the world.
Become the Leader of a rag-tag survivor camp, build shelters, and help set up shops to support what’s left of the community. Fortify the camp’s defenses with gadgets like turrets and traps to help take down hordes of invaders. Stay alert and prepare, because as soon as the klaxon sounds, it’s time to defend the camp!
Protect the settlement from waves of undead creatures by unleashing a bullet hell frenzy. Dive into omni-directional combat, as monsters strike from every angle in this top-down shooter. Reap the benefits of rescuing more survivors as they repay the favor by gathering additional resources to strengthen the community.
Loot local resources, equipment, and weapons, then upgrade the arsenal to pack an even deadlier punch against the next wave of enemies. Gather experience gems to unlock new abilities and discover fresh ways to defeat demon-kind. Grab a pal and defend against demons in local two-player co-op, but beware: if the Leader falls in battle, then it’s back to square one in this quest to save humankind.
Drifters & Demonsreleases this summeron Windows PC via Steam. It will offer English language support.
One-man game studio based out of Sweden and founded in 2015 by rural game developer, Stefan Åhlin. For over two decades, Stefan has been active in game art and game development creating a variety of games for mobile, web, steam, freeware, etc. Having freelanced for many game studios around the world, he’s previously worked for Nitrome Games Limited and King in London, UK.
About Armor Games Studios
From its roots as a popular portal for online gaming, Armor Games Studios is a publisher that aims to work directly with and help foster talented indie developers to create unique and engaging games of all types for all platforms. For more information, visit www.armorgamesstudios.com, and follow the company on Twitter @ArmorGameStudio.
LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 20, 2025 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, has initiated new in-game updates including new hero additions, content extensions and events for its squad-based RPG King Arthur: Legends Rise, developed by its North American Subsidiary Kabam.
King Arthur: Legends Rise brings Empress “Charlotte” to the roster of playable characters. Charlotte is a dealer-type hero who seals the power of earth and life in her body which was once forcibly instilled by Merlin. Her skill sets that focus on AoE(Area of Effect) and DoT(Damage Over Time) can be highly utilized in the newest Item Dungeon “Sanctuary of Podarge.”
The latest dungeon addition of “Sanctuary of Podarge” is a sacred ruin hidden in the Lorraine Valley, a temple that worships Jupiter and also home to Harpies, the tribe of gods. Equipment Sets which grant set effects of Prevention, Safeguard and Ascension can be acquired through the dungeon. To commend the Sanctuary of Podage update, an event that rewards Rate Up Summon Tickets, 5★~6★ Ascension Equipment Set Chest(Rare to Legendary), Stat Change Stone and more are offered. Players can acquire such rewards by collecting points through clearing each stage of the dungeon for the first time or completing repeat missions.
Meanwhile, Season 2 for “Clan War” content that determines the strongest Clan of the season is to be initiated. Players can participate in the Clan War, complete missions and claim prodigious rewards.
King Arthur: Legends Rise is the next evolution of the crossplay squad-based RPG. Bringing a dark reimagining of the King Arthur story to life through intense combat, adventurous gameplay and best in class visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5 to PC and mobile. Joining Arthur’s quest to save Camelot from the threat of dreadful villains and the ancient gods, players will adventure across medieval Britain assembling a squad of powerful heroes. Alongside this action-packed story, players will also experience how Kabam has reimagined King Arthur’s legend into a visually stunning and vast turn-based RPG featuring both PvE and PvP gameplay.
Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading developer and publisher of top-grossing mobile games worldwide. Through powerful franchises and collaborations with acclaimed IP holders, Netmarble strives to elevate the gaming experience and entertain audiences globally. As a parent company of Kabam and SpinX Games, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Solo Leveling: ARISE, Seven Knights Idle Adventure, Tower of God: New World, Lineage 2: Revolution, MARVEL Future Fight, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.
