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Games Done Quick Announces Official Frost Fatales 2025 Schedule

GDQ’s all-women and femmes winter speedrunning event returns March 9-16

January 16, 2025 – Games Done Quick (GDQ), the organization behind popular speedrunning marathons for charity, announced the schedule for the upcoming all-women and femmes winter event Frost Fatales. Frost Fatales, which runs from March 9-16, will feature impressive speedrunners racing through video games in support of the National Women’s Law Center

Check out the full schedule here.

Frost Fatales (and its summer sister event Flame Falates) is part of GDQ’s Frame Fatales, a community that highlights speedrunners and community members who identify as female or femme while raising funds for a good cause. Frost Fatales 2025 benefits the National Women’s Law Center, a non-profit that advocates for women’s and LGBTQ rights through litigation, policy, and culture change initiatives. 

This year’s huge gamut includes contemporary and retro titles alike, such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Cuphead, Devil May Cry, and House Flipper 2. Viewers can also expect the return of Games Done Quick mainstays like Celeste and popular franchises like Resident Evil, The Legend of Zelda, and Mega Man. Additionally, to celebrate MAR10 Day on March 10, there will be an exciting line-up of Super Mario games, including Super Mario Kart, Princess Peach: Showtime!, and Super Mario Maker. Here are some more highlights:

  • Celeste Any% One-Handed as the closing run
  • Sonic X Shadow Generations as a bonus game
  • A “girl squad” 3-way race of Final Fantasy X-2 using all female characters

Frost Fatales will be livestreamed throughout the event, and fans can catch the action and donate directly by tuning into Games Done Quick’s official Twitch channel. All proceeds will go to the National Women’s Law Center.

Frame Fatales events have raised over $1 million for charity since 2019, and Games Done Quick has raised over $54 million for charity across its multiple events. Last weekend, the organization raised over $2.5 million during Awesome Games Done Quick for Prevent Cancer Foundation. Last year’s Frost Fatales raised over $155,000 for the National Women’s Law Center, and Summer Games Done Quick raised over $2.5 million for Doctors Without Borders. Next month, GDQ will be holding its all-Black speedrunning marathon, Back to Black, held online from February 6-9 to benefit racial justice nonprofit Race Forward.

For more information, please visit gamesdonequick.com.

About Games Done Quick

Games Done Quick is an organizer of video game speedrunning marathons. These events feature high-level gameplay by speedrunners raising money for charity. Games Done Quick has teamed up with several charities in its 15-year history, including Prevent Cancer Foundation and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). To date, Games Done Quick has raised more than $54 million for charity.

About the National Women’s Law Center

The National Women’s Law Center fights for gender justice—in the courts, in public policy, and in our society—working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls. We use the law in all its forms to change culture and drive solutions to the gender inequity that shapes our society and to break down the barriers that harm all of us—especially women of color, LGBTQ people, and low-income women and families. For more than 50 years, we have been on the leading edge of every major legal and policy victory for women.

Global Game Jam 2025 Set to Ignite Innovation and Creativity in Game Development

San Luis Obispo, USA – 16th January – The Global Game Jam (GGJ), the world’s largest game creation event, is excited to announce its 2025 edition, taking place from Jan. 20-26, 2025. This year, creators from around the globe will gather to innovate, collaborate, and develop games over an intense 48-hour period, showcasing their skills and passion for gaming.

The Global Game Jam invites everyone—from seasoned developers to newcomers—to participate in this exciting event. Participants will join local site events or take part online, building games around a central theme revealed at the start of the jam. The 2025 theme will be unveiled on January 19.

“Global Game Jam is more than just a weekend of making games; it’s a celebration of creativity and community,” said Maria Burns Ortiz, Executive Director of the Global Game Jam. “We encourage everyone to come together, share ideas, and explore new concepts while learning from one another in a fun, collaborative environment.”

Participants will have access to a wealth of resources, including workshops, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities with fellow gamers. The event encourages teams to be formed, fostering collaboration among diverse skill sets—programmers, artists, designers, and storytellers, all bringing unique perspectives to the creative process.

The Global Game Jam is not only a platform for individuals to express their creativity but also aims to promote inclusivity within the gaming community. This year, the organization is kicking off two new initiatives during the jam. They have partnered with Games for Change to create the world’s largest student game jam in support of the “G4C Student Challenge,” serving students from ages 10 through university. The organization is also leading Ctrl+Alt+Disinfo, a collaborative international effort to create games tackling the topic of disinformation as part of the United with Ukraine game jam project. 

To register for the Global Game Jam 2025 and to find a local site or join online, visit https://globalgamejam.org/. Stay connected with us on social media at [insert social media handles] for updates, featured games, and extraordinary stories from participants around the world.

Join us in making the Global Game Jam 2025 an unforgettable event, where imagination knows no bounds!

About Global Game Jam

Founded in 2009, Global Game Jam is an international event that encourages game developers of all skill levels to collaborate and create games in just 48 hours. With tens of thousands of participants from diverse backgrounds, GGJ promotes creativity, innovation, and community within the gaming industry.

Adventure, Romance, and Village Building Begin in Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma on May 30 on NSW and PC

New Gameplay Video Showcasing Guardians of Azuma’s Action Combat, Relationship System, and Seasonal Village Life Available to Watch Now

London, U.K. — 16 January 2025 — Marvelous Europe announced today that Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will launch globally on the Nintendo Switch™ system and Windows PC via Steam on May 30, 2025.

Alongside the reveal of the release date, Marvelous Europe announced an upcoming livestream that will happen on 22 January at 16:00 GMT/ 17:00 CEST on their YouTube channel, where the company will be revealing additional information and showcasing further looks into the land of Azuma. Host Ovilee May will be joined by voice actors Brandon McInnis (Subaru) and Suzie Yeung (Kaguya), who will discuss their roles and provide additional commentary alongside new reveals. 

The latest entry in the popular action-RPG and life-simulation series introduces players to the Eastern territory of Azuma, a land of Japanese-inspired visuals and unique twists on familiar gameplay elements from the Rune Factory franchise. 

Ravaged by the effects of the Celestial Collapse and the cessation of power provided by the runes, the eastern lands of Azuma are a shadow of their prosperous past. Weakened by corruptive forces, the gods of nature retreated from the world, leaving mountains to crumble and fields to wither. The people of Azuma seek aid against a blight that has swept these once-bountiful lands. One young hero enters into a contract with a dragon and sets out on a journey. “Accept the might of the Earth Dancer. Use this power to save the land.

Guardians of Azuma takes players on an all-new adventure in the never-before-seen country of Azuma. Here, players will assume the role of an Earth Dancer destined to return hope—and life—to the once-thriving land. Choose from one of two protagonists whose fates are closely tied together, and experience reimagined and expanded Rune Factory gameplay; as an Earth Dancer, players will farm with grace, restore and build entire villages, and fight with new weapons like the Bow and Talismans. Azuma is a vast world to explore with majestic villages to uncover, each taking inspiration from Japanese culture and each with a seasonal theme. In addition to exploration, combat, and village-building, players will also cultivate relationships with the locals, recruiting them to your side in battle or to help manage the villages. Wield sacred treasures of the gods and the Earth Dancer’s power of dance to purify the land and return Azuma to its former glory. The adventure of a new world awaits.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Key Features:

  • Bold New Abilities and Weapons: As an Earth Dancer, use the power of dance, sacred treasures, and fresh weapons like the Bow and Talismans to purify the land, farm, and undo the Blight’s damage.
  • It Takes a Village: Don’t just mind the farm—rebuild entire villages! Construct and place buildings strategically to entice people to return to the villages and contribute. Revive the gods to bring vitality and valuable resources back to the plagued lands.
  • Your Fantasy Japanese Life: Experience beautiful Japanese-inspired character designs and aesthetics—from festivals to events to monsters. Explore Azuma’s natural landscapes and its seasonal-themed locales steeped in tradition.
  • Classic Romance and Relationships: Choose between male and female protagonists, then befriend or romance any of the eligible candidates—god and mortal alike—in fully voiced scenarios. Recruit these new friends to aid in dynamic battles, too!

Pre-orders for the Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma  Limited Edition are now available at participating retailers via the Marvelous Europe website for an RRP of €99.99. This stunning collection comes in a custom outer box and includes a physical copy of the game, an original soundtrack CD, an art book, an Azuma-inspired folding fan, the “Seasons of Love” DLC bundle, additional DLC costumes for your protagonists and their divine sidekick Woolby, and a plush Woolby keychain. The standard edition of the game is also available to pre-order for an RRP of €59.99. Details on digital editions will be announced later.

Developed by Marvelous and published in Europe and Australia by Marvelous Europe, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch™ and Windows PC via Steam on 30 May, 2025. The title will be published in Japan by Marvelous Inc. and in the Americas by Marvelous USA. More information can be found on the official website, https://marvelousgames.com/games/rune-factory-guardians-of-azuma.

About Marvelous Europe 

Marvelous Europe is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Marvelous Inc., developer of beloved Story of Seasons and Rune Factory games. Established in 2012, Marvelous Europe’s varied portfolio includes both third-party titles such as Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin, Leximan, Cuisineer and Moonlight Peaksin addition to select Marvelous Inc. content.

For more information about Marvelous Europe, please visit www.marvelouseurope.com

Old Skull Games Announces World’s First Action Roguelite Builder – Cryptical Path  

Featuring a Modular Dungeon, Gamers Can Build Their Own Maps and Customize Their Runs

(Lyon, France)January 16, 2025Old Skull Games today officially revealed the release date for its roguelite dungeon crawler, Cryptical Path. Launching on Steam on January 29, 2025, Cryptical Path sees players controlling the Architect, building their own path and navigating an ever-changing labyrinth within which they’ve been summoned. The game pushes the boundaries of the roguelite genre as it is the very first action roguelite builder that allows players to add a new creative angle to their style of gameplay.

An action roguelite that makes you the Architect of your adventure

In Cryptical Path, players dive into a universe where every run is theirs to shape. The goal is simple: reach the boss and defeat him. But there is a twist. Thanks to a unique feature, players can place their own rooms in the dungeon, creating their own path and influencing the challenges ahead. This gameplay mechanic adds a new layer of optimization and a unique depth to the roguelite genre.

A journey designed by roguelite fans

Aimed at action roguelite enthusiasts, Cryptical Path stands out with its dynamic and ever-evolving gameplay, where every decision in configuring the dungeon can reshape the course of the adventure. This modularity gives players control over their experience while preserving classic genre staples like progression through repeated attempts, diverse enemies, and intense combat. 

Cryptical Path’s key features:

  • Rogue-builder: The ability to carve your dungeon, increasing the replayability and the control you have in each and every run.
  • Immersive world: Explore a 2D side-scroller within beautifully crafted 3D environments.
  • Fast paced action: Embody the Architect, a dynamic character that can dodge, dash and slash in the blink of an eye!
  • Constant progress: Unlock powerful items and choose which talents to master.

Cryptical Path launches on Steam on January 29, 2025. Roguelite enthusiasts can add it to their wishlist now to ensure they don’t miss out on this exciting new release. Good news for handheld gamers—Cryptical Path is fully optimized for the Steam Deck, delivering a seamless experience on the go!

About Old Skull Games

Old Skull Games is an independent studio based in Lyon, France, made up of passionate developers who prioritize creativity and innovation in every project. Since its inception, the studio has been dedicated to delivering unique gaming experiences, aiming to surprise and delight players around the world. Historically focused on mobile game development, Old Skull Games is now taking its first steps into PC gaming with this latest release. This long-held ambition of the studio’s team has finally come to life with Cryptical Path.

Firenut Games Announces Survival Horror Game Backrooms Level X for PC and Consoles

Unlock the dark secrets to survive the endless labyrinth of the Backrooms. 

Spain – 16th January 2025. A strange incident occurred on October 27, 1986, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This event was recorded on a VHS cassette tape, the owner unknown, and the tape’s whereabouts a mystery…until now.  

Indie publisher Firenut Games and solo developer José Manuel Conesa Hernández are excited to announce Backrooms Level X, a first-person narrative survival horror game that immerses you in an endless labyrinth of desolate and liminal spaces. Navigate through dark, atmospheric levels where terrifying entities lurk in the shadows, and challenging puzzles stand between freedom or your untimely demise. Are you prepared to face your fears and uncover the horrors that await you in the Backrooms? Backrooms Level X will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch in 2025. 

As an introduction to the chilling world of Backrooms Level X, a prologue demo will be released for PC soon, revealing some of the dark lore and un-nerving gameplay you can expect in the full release. More information on the demo will be available soon. 

About Backrooms Level X:

Enter the eerie world of Backrooms Level X, a first-person horror game that immerses you in an endless labyrinth of desolate and surreal spaces. After a freak accident, you find yourself trapped in the Backrooms, a place where logic and reality vanish. Explore endless corridors of yellow carpet, empty rooms and areas of flickering light as you try to find a way out. But beware: you are not alone. Mysterious entities lurk in the shadows, and every sound may be the last you hear.

Features:

  • Immersive Exploration: Navigate a mysterious environment created using unique level design. Discover hidden secrets and an immersive narrative that will draw you into the story.
  • Atmospheric Horror: Immerse yourself in an oppressive atmosphere with immersive sound effects and haunting graphics that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
  • Challenges and Puzzles: Solve riddles and face challenges that will test your wits as you try to escape from the mysterious Backrooms.
  • Varied Environments: Backrooms Level X has more than 13 levels to explore. Discover the intricacies of the story and enemies, keeping each game a fresh and exciting experience.
  • Defiant Bosses: Can you escape the enemies you encounter throughout your exploration? Defeat huge bosses lurking in the shadows using only your wits. 

Published by Firenut Games and developed by José Manuel Conesa Hernández, Backrooms Level X will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch in 2025. 

About Firenut Games 

Firenut Games is a European video game publishing company for PC and Consoles that aims to support great talents and launch video games with a unique essence. Our philosophy is to produce video games focused on gamers.

Hotel Architect Opens Doors To January Playtest

Join the development journey in the hotel management and tycoon simulator with a chaotic twist

Watford, UK – 16th of January, 2025 – Publisher Wired Productions and developer Pathos Interactive are thrilled to invite players to check-in to another exclusive playtest of Hotel Architect on PC. The next playtest will take place from the 24th – 28th January, offering fans a sneak peak of what’s to come in the chaotic, yet cozy, hotel management simulator! Sign up for the playtest today!

Future players are invited to join the Hotel Architect journey as one of the first to explore brand-new features coming to Hotel Architect. This is an opportunity to provide valuable feedback and become a part of the development journey as the game moves forward into Early Access. 

A brand-new trailer which reveals an expanded look at the management side of Hotel Architect focuses heavily on the range of employees available, alongside the guests and critics who will visit the hotel. Players are encouraged to play their way as they step into the shoes of a Hotel Owner.

Watch the brand-new Hotel Architect trailer now:

Hotel Architect is the ultimate hotel construction and tycoon management game. Design, build, and manage luxury hotels across the globe whilst juggling the increasingly elaborate demands of disorderly guests, logistical nightmares and unexpected obstacles.

Hotel Architect Playtest Features:

  • Play in the career campaign or sandbox mode in the Swedish city of Gothenburg
  • Real-time dynamic building
  • Several unique zones to freely select from
  • Attract a wide range of guests by impressing hospitality reviewers
  • Manage a wide range of staff and contractors

Hotel Architect is coming soon to Steam Early Access, aspiring hoteliers can sign up for the playtest now.

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 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.

Play demo for Vanguard Exiles – the next game by Magic: The Gathering creator Richard Garfield!

A diesel punk fantasy game that revolutionizes the strategy and auto-battler genres!

Brisbane, Australia, January 16th, 2025 – Game developer The Tea Division, in association with Magic: The Gathering creator Richard Garfield, are proud to unleash an all new demo for their upcoming auto-battler, Vanguard Exiles. A refined take on the genre, prepare yourself for a competitive strategy gameplay experience unlike any other, offering new scenarios in each round ensuring no two turns are ever alike!

Having been referred to as “a boardgame that can’t be a boardgame”, 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 the billions of Squad combinations to control. Set in a fantasy post-World War I diesel punk era where magic and technology fuse together, your goal is simple: conquer enough territory to end the round in victory, your decisions on the battlefield making the difference between a glorious victory or 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. Did you play smart and get unlucky? Or play poorly but nab victory by pure chance? Every play teaches you something new, offering unprecedented room to hone your strategy against other players, likely refining their own personal playstyles. The possibilities are endless!

This demo offers a single-player mode where you can play against an AI, familiarizing yourself with the various Units and Actions before you start facing off against other players in PvP – a feature launching when Vanguard Exiles’ comes to Steam Early Access.

For more information on Vanguard Exiles:

Download the Vanguard Exiles demo on Steam
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.

Gaming Factory Unveils Stunning Anime Opening for JDM: Japanese Drift Master

Gaming Factory Unveils Stunning Anime Opening for JDM: Japanese Drift Master 

Warsaw, Poland — 16.01.2025 — Gaming Factory is thrilled to announce the release of a brand-new anime opening video for its highly anticipated title, JDM: Japanese Drift Master. This captivating video showcases the game’s dynamic characters and adrenaline-pumping racing action, brought to life through vibrant, anime-inspired visuals.

The decision to create an anime opening stems from the game’s deep-rooted cultural inspirations. JDM: Japanese Drift Master pays homage to Japan’s iconic car culture and drifting scene, blending authentic automotive experiences with a stylized, narrative-driven journey. The anime format not only amplifies the game’s high-energy atmosphere but also connects directly with the manga-style storytelling presented within the game. By merging anime aesthetics with the game’s core mechanics, Gaming Factory invites players into a world where precision driving and rich storytelling collide.

Fans can expect more exciting updates soon, as Gaming Factory is gearing up for major announcements related to JDM: Japanese Drift Master. From in-depth gameplay reveals to special events and exclusive content drops, the upcoming news promises to accelerate the hype leading up to the game’s launch this spring

An engaging story

While JDM: Japanese Drift Master is primarily a tribute to Japanese car culture, drifting and the challenges of winding mountain roads, it is also a story of dreams, struggles, and the search for a new beginning. Meet Touma – the main protagonist who enters a world where drifting is not just a passion, but a way of life.

Tomasz Stanowski, known to everyone as Touma, is a young man from Poland who, after the tragic loss of his parents, decides to leave his past behind and start afresh. Driven by his childhood dream of becoming a drifter, he sets off for Japan – the birthplace of drifting on its winding mountain roads. He is greeted by Hideo, an online friend and tuning shop employee, who helps him navigate the local car scene.

It soon becomes clear that the road to the top won’t be easy. Touma comes face to face with Hatori Scorpion” Hasashi – a character some of you may know from the demo prologue JDM: Rise of the Scorpion. Will Tomasz be able to leave his troubled past behind and find his place in the drifting world? Will his move to Japan be the fulfillment of his dreams or just another disappointment? Find out the answers as you navigate the touges, highways, and cities of JDM: Japanese Drift Master.

Follow the game and add it to your wishlist on STEAM: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1153410/Japanese_Drift_Master
Follow the game and add it to your wishlist on EPIC: https://store.epicgames.com/p/japanese-drift-master-b4fd48
Follow the game and add it to your wishlist on GOG: https://www.gog.com/en/game/japanese_drift_master

Demo-prologue

You can now play the free demo-prologue of JDM: Rise of the Scorpion. This is a unique opportunity to try out the first elements of our game before the full release in Spring 2025. The prologue features dynamic racing, realistic driving physics, licensed cars and a unique introduction to the storyline of the full version of JDM.

Gaming Factory is responsible for developing JDM: Japanese Drift Master and is working with 4Divinity on the global release of the title. More information about the game can be found on Steam, Epic, GOG, and the official website.

Gaming Factory

The company was founded in 2017. Its main goal is to find unique game ideas, support creative indie developers, and help them at every production stage.

4Divinity

4Divinity is a digital and retail games publishing company focused on bringing exciting games content from around the world to Asia and introducing Asian content to a global market. Along with its sister company Epicsoft Asia, 4Divinity is partnering with publishers and development studios to introduce brand-new IP to the region.

Aksys Games Opens Pre-Ordersfor 7’scarlet

Fan-favorite otome adventure features intrigue in a mysterious village

Torrance, Calif. — January 16, 2024 — Aksys Games today announced that pre-orders have opened for 7’scarlet, the highly anticipated otome adventure coming to Nintendo Switch™ this spring. A special edition of the game with a diorama featuring the chibi versions of the characters will be available exclusively from the Aksys Online Store

In 7’scarlet, players take on the role of a young woman journeying to the remote town of Okunezato to locate her missing brother. Shaped like a crescent moon, Okunezato is shrouded in dark myths and legends. As Ichiko and her childhood friend get to know the cast of eccentric characters at the Fuurinkan Hotel, they are drawn into the mysterious events taking place in the town. Encounter heart-racing twists and turns as you dig deeper into the story. Of the PlayStation®Vita version, PlayStation Lifestyle said, “like a good paperback, I could not put it down. I had to learn everything there is to know about the town of Okunezato, these characters, and the truth about the disappearance of Ichiko’s brother.”

7’scarlet has been rated “T for Teen” by the ESRB. For more information, visit www.aksysgames.com/7scarlet/

About Aksys Games

Aksys Games Localization, Inc. is a Metacritic Top Ten video game publisher committed to publishing unique and high-quality interactive content for all current-generation platforms since 2006. The company was a pioneer in localizing otome games for Western audiences, including the award-winning Code: Realize and Collar X Malice series. Its lineup of games features the wildly successful BlazBlueUnder Night In-Birth, and Guilty Gear franchises, Little Dragons Café, and the award-winning Spirit Hunter: Death Mark and Spirit Hunter: NG adventures. Aksys Games and its unique products can be found on the company’s website, www.aksysgames.com.

© 2024 IDEA FACTORY/TOYBOX Inc. All rights reserved.

Licensed to and published by Aksys Games. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. PlayStation and Vita are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

Blade Chimera – Live Now on Steam and Nintendo Switch

Collaborative Bundle with Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night also Available on Steam!

Osaka, Japan, 16th of January, 2025 Playism and WSS Playground  are excited to announce that the long awaited Blade Chimera, Team Ladybug’s latest original title, is now live! Players on both Nintendo Switch and Steam can purchase Blade Chimera and delve into a new adventure in an amazing cyberpunk setting. 

“The part I worked the hardest on was worldbuilding. I tried to create a feeling that people actually lived in this world as much as possible.

And of course, I put a lot of effort into the pixel art. Just the basic walking animation alone has 22 frames every weapon has a different set of attack animations. I also put a lot of work into the guns, which have reloading animations, blowback, and cartridge shells dropping onto the floor as you shoot.

You might notice that there are a lot of toilets and elevators in this game, and that’s because I wanted it to feel like living, breathing humans could be living in it.” – Team Ladybug

Blade Chimera is currently having a launch sale and the game’s soundtrack is also available on Steam. What’s more, you can also purchase the game through a collaborative Steam bundle with Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night!

Steam Launch Sale

Blade Chimera’s launch on Steam comes with a sale for 2 weeks at 10% OFF, so players can grab it at a lower price!

Aside from the availability of Steam achievements, there are no differences between the Steam and Switch versions.

Collaborative Bundle with Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night on Steam!

Blade Chimera is Team Ladybug’s very first completely original Metroidvania. Back in 2021, during the development of Record of Lodoss War -Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-, Ladybug revealed in a round table with ArtPlay’s Koji Igarashi and Shutaro Iida that he had been heavily inspired by Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Blade Chimera is a successor of the IGAvania and a title belonging to a new generation of Metroidvanias. To commemorate this, we have created the Metroidvania New Generation Bundle on Steam.

As this is a “complete the set” bundle, if you already own Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night on Steam, you will be able to purchase Blade Chimera at a 20% discount. The collaboration lasts until February 28, 2025.

The aforementioned discussion is one of the things that made it possible for us to have this collaboration in the first place. To celebrate, we have the script available in English posted on the PLAYISM website.

Bloodstained Collaboration Bundle

Blade Chimera’s Original Soundtrack is also now available on Steam. Purchase it and the base game with the Blade Chimera Bundle for a little discount!

Blade Chimera’s music is all written by peposoft, a Team Ladybug member who has also created music for all other Team Ladybug games. Here is a word from peposoft about the soundtrack:

“The soundtrack for Blade Chimera aims to further deepen the game’s world with a cyberpunk, underground feel and a stylish vibe, which resulted in a unique music style.

Please enjoy the music that accompanies the story and immerse yourself in the game’s world.” – Peposoft

Blade Chimera Soundtracks

For Team Ladybug fans, we’ve also added Blade Chimera to the Team Ladybug Bundle.

The bundle contains Touhou Luna Nights, Record of Lodoss War -Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-, DRAINUS, and now Blade Chimera as well. Purchase the bundle for a discount on all Team Ladybug titles!

Team Ladybug Bundle

Please note that all the mentioned bundles are available only on Steam

Game Features

  • As the Demon Sword, Lux offers a wide array of utilities. She can perform powerful attacks and shield you from harm, but also act as a platform and even restore objects that were once lost. Use your demonic companion to traverse and survive in a desolate, demon-ridden Osaka.
  • As Shin defeats demons and levels up, new skills can be unlocked via skill tree. Unlock the “Warp” skill to travel anywhere on the map or a double-jump to get up to higher ledges and explore new locations with ease.
  • Lux isn’t the only weapon in your arsenal. In addition to his main firearm, Shin can wield other weapons such as greatswords and whips. Experiment with a variety of armaments and create your own style of combat.

About Blade Chimera

Play as Shin, a demon hunter with no memory of his past, and strike an unusual partnership with Lux, a beautiful demon with the ability to shapeshift into a sword and manipulate time. Begin a quest to learn what happened to you and your loved ones, fight brutal battles against terrible demons, explore a corrupted and dangerous world, and regain what was once yours.