Interactive, branching narrative experience explores AI and tech’s influence on humanity

Montreal, Canada, January 9th, 2025 – Signal Space Lab and Actrio Studio are proud to reveal that their multimedia sci-fi interactive VR project Human Within is out now on Meta Quest 2, 3 and Pro, with a planned release coming soon to SteamVR. Human Within is a one-of-a-kind VR interactive experience that explores the profound influence of AI and advanced technology on society, highlighting the potential threats if misused.

Directed by Avi Winkler and Anne Weigel, Human Within unfolds in a modern world where Nyla, a cyber engineer, and her sister Linh, are employed at Forward Industries. Together, they pioneer a groundbreaking supercomputer by harnessing the human brain’s processing power. However, when Nyla seeks to disengage from the project, both sisters are detained, compelled to continue their work amidst suspicions of their employer’s hidden motives. In a daring bid for freedom, Nyla is forced to connect the technology to Linh, and use it in the very way she feared it would be.

Human Within combines a thrilling branching storyline with video game playability. Its blend of original storytelling and gameplay features offer players a distinct interactive experience. It differentiates itself with a unique integration of technical features that includes:

• User Involvement: Experiencing the story from Linh’s consciousness within a virtual internet space provides a unique way to observe the events taking place and have a level of participation unlike anything else.
• Point Cloud Interactivity: Explore environments in digital recreations. These sequences serve as pace-breaking moments where users engage with the story even further, bringing a whole new degree of interactivity to the mix.
• Choice and Consequence: At key moments in the story the events that take place are defined by the user’s choices. These moments define how events unfolded in the past and determine how it all ends in the present.
• Style Variety: The story is told across a unique combination of three distinct visual styles: The Internet Space blending 2D film and 3D graphics, Flashback Scenes with interactive 360 degree stereo film, and Point Cloud recreations with 6DOF 3D environments.

Signal Space Lab began pre-production of Human Within, in 2019, including script writing and prototyping the experience under the creative direction of Avi Winkler. Director Anne Weigel and award-winning German producer Actrio Studio joined the project and wrapped principal photography in December 2023. Human Within then began its festival tour in October premiering at FIVARS in Toronto on October 3rd and Beyond The Frame Festival in Tokyo on October 25th-27th, 2024. Supported by Meta, Canada Media Fund, Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, and Filmstiftung NRW Germany, Human Within aims to raise the bar for interactive narrative VR experiences.

“Human Within is an experimental multimedia mix of film and interactivity that offers a one-of-a-kind look at what drives us to create new tech, and how technology shapes us in return,” said Avi Winkler, Creative Director at Signal Space Lab. “We didn’t just want to tell a story in a passive way, but let the audience play a role in how it plays out. With technology rapidly advancing every day, we wanted to change the way we tell stories in turn.”

For more information on Human Within:

Own It on Meta Quest: https://www.meta.com/experiences/human-within/6218357148255323/
Wishlist on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1546070/Human_Within/

About Signal Space Lab

Founded in 2014, Signal Space Lab is an award-winning interactive creation studio specializing in immersive XR entertainment, video games, and audio production. Our goal is to advance the art of interactive media by imagining and producing original, innovative, and memorable experiences that materialize into sound, visual, and gaming environments.

About Actrio Studio

Actrio Studio is an award-winning film, games and XR producer in Germany, that focuses on impactful storytelling and innovation. Founded by Michael Geidel, the studio has over 20 years experience in the media industry producing and co-producing projects ranging from comedy to thriller, animation and documentary. Projects have premiered at A-festivals and been released in cinemas, on Netflix and HBO and broadcasters worldwide. As a development and innovation partner we help clients create outstanding and innovative content.

January 9, 2025, Tallinn, Estonia — Ultra, a next-generation web3 gaming platform, and METAVISIO – THOMSON Computing, a publicly traded web2 consumer electronics giant, announced a partnership to integrate Ultra’s cutting-edge gaming and entertainment ecosystem into all METAVISIO – THOMSON Computing laptops. The collaboration will see THOMSON Computing’s high-quality European-made computing range preinstalled with a rich library of games including the high-stakes, tactical FPS game, “Ashes of Mankind,” providing seamless access to gaming and championing an era of innovation in gaming distribution, European sovereignty in technology, and the institutionalization of gaming.

Transforming Gaming Distribution

The partnership between Ultra and THOMSON Computing seeks to address such barriers to adoption, giving consumers seamless access to a diverse library of games and a smooth, immersive gaming experience that sets a new standard for the industry. THOMSON Computing’s high-performance hardware and powerful underlying token ecosystem ensure smooth and enjoyable gameplay, and its state-of-the-art integrated cold storage wallet provides effortless self-custody of digital assets. 

For its part, Ultra is revolutionizing the gaming industry with its innovative ecosystem that challenges global monopolies in game distribution, much like Netflix transformed the film industry. Estonia-based Ultra provides one of the most expensive networks in the industry with immersive games, a decentralized marketplace, eSports tournaments, and more, setting it on a path to achieve its vision as the “Netflix of Gaming.” 

Gus van Rijckevorsel, CEO of Ultra, commented, “By integrating Ultra’s gaming ecosystem into every THOMSON Computing laptop, we’re taking a bold step toward becoming the “Netflix of Gaming,” making high-quality games and experiences as accessible as streaming your favorite show.” 

Stephan Français, Founder & CEO of METAVISIO – THOMSON Computing, stated, “At Thomson, we are driven by the goal of creating technology that enhances everyday life. With this partnership, we’re bringing users closer to next-generation gaming experiences by combining the best of our hardware with Ultra’s innovative ecosystem.” 

European Sovereignty in Technology

The collaboration reflects the shared vision of Ultra and THOMSON Computing to drive technical innovation globally, setting a new precedent for European-led disruption in global markets traditionally dominated by the U.S. and Asia. By joining forces, the two companies aim to challenge these global monopolies and establish Europe as a leader in technological advancement. 

“As a European company, we take pride in contributing to a future where European innovation sets the global standard. Partnering with Ultra showcases the strength of European tech, proving that we can lead the way in both gaming and digital transformation,” commented Français. “Ultra will be the future of European gaming, and this vision will be materialized through partnerships like the one with THOMSON Computing and other major companies and funds that invest in leading enterprises,” added van Rijckevorsel.

Institutionalization of Gaming

THOMSON Computing is a prominent player in France’s leading stock market Euronext Paris, and this venture lays the foundation for Ultra’s evolution into a trusted, institutional ecosystem. THOMSON Computing represents the first of many collaborations that position Ultra as a champion for both the gaming and blockchain industries, appealing to institutional investors and establishing Europe as a dominant force in gaming innovation.

“It’s time for European institutions and white-collar investors to recognize gaming and the web3 industry as respectable investment opportunities,” van Rijckevorsel affirmed. “Gaming’s massive global market cap and web3’s rapid growth across other continents must be taken seriously by European investors.”

Laying the Foundation for the Future

Ultra and THOMSON Computing are laying the foundation for a new era in gaming and technology, built on three key pillars: innovation in gaming distribution, European sovereignty, and institutionalization. 

By combining Ultra’s cutting-edge ecosystem with THOMSON Computing’s versatile hardware, this collaboration not only delivers next-generation gaming experiences but also establishes a scalable platform that embodies these principles. Together, Ultra and THOMSON Computing are creating a future where technology is accessible, trusted, and driven by European leadership.

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About METAVISIO-THOMSON Computing 

THOMSON Computing METAVISIO – THOMSON Computing (FR00140066X4 ; Euronext: ALTHO), is a French company specializing in the research, design, and marketing of laptops under the THOMSON Computing brand. Founded in 2013, METAVISIO – THOMSON Computing offers a range of products featuring “the latest technology at the best price.” METAVISIO is eligible for the PEA-PME investment plan (a French tax-efficient investment plan for small and medium-sized enterprises) and holds the Innovative Company qualification (FCPI). More information is available at: www.metavisio.eu

About Ultra 

Ultra is a next-generation gaming platform that leverages blockchain technology to redefine the gaming experience. Built by gamers for gamers, Ultra’s ecosystem includes a decentralized marketplace, eSports tournaments, and more. With a vision to bridge Web2 and Web3 gaming, Ultra is creating an ecosystem that combines cutting-edge technology with seamless user experiences, delivering value to gamers, developers, and creators worldwide. 
For more information, visit www.ultra.io

Nora Kelly Band’s Original Track “See You in Hell” Is Available Now on All Streaming Platforms

PARIS – Jan. 9, 2025 – The single and music video for “See You in Hell” by Montréal act Nora Kelly Band releases today. Highly anticipated by fans after its explosive debut in the Official Reveal Teaser for Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, the track is distributed by Kid Katana and available to listen to now on all popular streaming platforms.

The evocative lyrics, dramatic vocals, and unmistakable punk sound of “See You in Hell” all encapsulate the raw energy of adolescence and the theme of “Rage,” the title of Tape 2. The song is a key element of the game and the friendship between Swann, Autumn, Nora, and Kat. The players themselves will have a hand in creating their own version of the song.

The video further immerses fans in the setting of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, drawing heavily from and contrasting the Abyss’s dark, surreal ambiance with the untamed beauty of the forest.

Nora Kelly shared, “It has been BEYOND fulfilling partnering with DON’T NOD and developing an original song for their upcoming videogame. The game follows a group of teen girls in the ‘90s who form a punk band, and my song ‘See You in Hell’ is the song they write and perform over the course of the story. So cool! Thank you DON’T NOD for bringing me back to my riot grrrl punk roots and believing in my songwriting skills. Go check out the song on all streaming platforms and I’ll SEE YOU IN HELL!”

Beatrix Moersch, Lead Audio at DON’T NOD Montréal, said, “‘See You in Hell’ serves as a conduit for the friends’ powerful emotions, allowing them to channel their shared experiences into something transformative. Acting as a catalyst, the song becomes a central force around which the four girls crystallize their friendship. Bloom & Rage extends this experience to the player, inviting them to participate actively in the song’s creation.”

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is an innovative narrative adventure game set over two timelines, following four high school girls who form lasting friendships over the summer, only to face a mysterious event that will change them forever. The game explores themes of identity, rebellion, and transformation. Unravel the mysteries in Tape 1 (“Bloom”) on February 18 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

About DON’T NOD

DON’T NOD is an independent French publisher and developer with studios in Paris and Montréal creating original narrative games in the adventure (Life is Strange^TM, Tell Me Why^TM, Twin Mirror^TM), RPG (Vampyr^TM, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden^TM), and action (Remember Me^TM) genres. The studio is internationally renowned for unique narrative experiences with engaging stories and characters and has worked with industry leading publishers: Square Enix, Microsoft, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Focus Entertainment and Capcom. DON’T NOD creates and publishes its own IPs developed in-house such as Harmony: The Fall of Reverie^TM, Jusant^TM and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage^TM as well as using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with third-party developers whose editorial visions parallel the company’s own.

DON’T NOD (ISIN code: FR0013331212 – ALDNE) is listed on Euronext Growth Paris.

About Kid Katana Records

Kid Katana Records is a VGM record label that puts artists in the spotlight and brings them closer to fans. It covers music creation up to its distribution in all formats (digital, vinyl, CD…). Since 2020, it has released more than 10 soundtracks such as Streets of Rage 4 (Yuzo Koshiro, Olivier Deriviere…), TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge (Tee Lopes, Mike Patton, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah from Wu-Tang…), Jusant (Guillaume Ferran), V Rising (Aleksandria Migova) and Metal Slug Tactics (Tee Lopes).

Survive Five Nights of Sheer Terror with the Retail Edition and iam8bit Exclusive Edition at intothepit.iam8bit.com

LOS ANGELES – Jan. 9, 2025 – iam8bit, together with developer Mega Cat Studios, have announced that Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit, the chilling indie action-adventure horror game, will be receiving a new physical release on multiple platforms worldwide and pre-orders start today. Fans from around the world may choose the retail edition, available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S with Smart Delivery for $29.99, or hunt for the iam8bit Exclusive Edition, available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S with Smart Delivery for $34.99.

A trailer showcasing the new physical editions is available below:

The standard physical edition features the main game on a cartridge or disc alongside a digital soundtrack code. It will be available at retailers worldwide starting on June 20, 2025. 

Freddy Fazbear’s biggest fans can pre-order the iam8bit Exclusive Edition, which includes a haunting glow-in-the-dark poster, three Sticker Sheets, as well as a digital soundtrack, all for $34.99. This version can be purchased from iam8bit.com and will begin shipping globally June 20, 2025. 

All Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit products can be pre-ordered at intothepit.iam8bit.com.  

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit is the latest haunting action-adventure game in the Five Nights At Freddy’s universe. Players must survive five nights of terror by traveling between time periods to solve puzzles, gather clues, and outrun the threats relentlessly in pursuit. By moving swiftly and staying hidden, players just might survive. But be careful—it’s not just their life that’s on the line this time.

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About iam8bit

iam8bit is a creative production emporium that’s been boldly redefining the entertainment industry since 2005. Its collaborative works have taken a variety of forms, including groundbreaking community events, immersive art experiences, and exclusive collectibles, all designed to bring surprise and delight to people’s lives. iam8bit played a crucial role in the vinyl renaissance, minting its first record in 2010, and is the industry leader in premium physical editions of top-tier games. iam8bit evolved into financing and publishing games under its iam8bit Presents imprint, including the smash hit Escape Academy; NES mash note Garbage Pail Kids: Mad Mike and the Quest for Stale Gum; and the upcoming chill vibes simulator Simpler Times. The company is based in Los Angeles and co-owned/co-creatively directed by Jon M.

About Mega Cat Studios

Founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mega Cat Studios strives to deliver unforgettable experiences for gamers of all generations. With our hearts firmly planted somewhere in the 1990s and gazes set on the future, our team combines a passion for crafting new retro classics with an unwavering commitment to delivering compelling current-gen content.

Digital Pre-Orders Open for Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X|S; PC Version to Receive New Features Simultaneously via Patch on January 28, 2025

London, U.K. – 19 November, 2024 – Marvelous Europe alongside XSEED Games and BattleBrew Productions today released a new trailer showcasing a variety of exciting features coming to Cuisineer,the roguelite-flavoured dungeon crawler releasing for the Nintendo Switch™ system, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S consoles on January 28, 2025.

Elevating its lauded recipe on PC, the beloved roguelite/restaurant sim now plates its enticing gameplay with fresh ingredients including a scrumptious new wardrobe feature, year-round festivals, and additional sizzling weapons and boosts that are sure to spice things up. More delicious details about the new features will be revealed in The MIX Fall Online Showcase 2024, which will air on Media Indie Exchange’s YouTube and Twitch channels at 17:00 GMT/ 18:00 CEST on Thursday, November 21, featuring new commentary from Singaporean developers BattleBrew Productions.

Cuisineer is currently available for digital pre-purchase on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and the Xbox Series X|S for €29,99, and will be available for purchase on PlayStation®5 digitally at launch. Pre-orders are also open for the physical editions of Cuisineer in Europe and Australia through participating retailers. 

The new content and features will also be made available to the PC version of Cuisineer simultaneously with the release of the console editions on January 28, 2025.

Cuisineer‘s food-focused action challenges you to earn your dinner the hard way: by fighting it in a dungeon. Pursue adventure in the world outside Paell, wielding your cooking utensils against giant chickens, artillery shrimps, fire-breathing peppers, and other pesky perils, sipping boba tea along the way. Work with local artisans to customize your kitchen, and tailor your dining hall to the needs of loyal patrons eager to experience the rare recipes you’ve cooked up. The delectable gameplay of Cuisineer is a mélange of flavors sure to please your palate, whether it’s your first bite or a second serving.

Developed by BattleBrew Productions and published by Marvelous Europe in Europe and Australia, Cuisineer will be available for the Nintendo Switch™ system, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S consoles on January 28, 2025. Previously co-published globally by Marvelous Europe and XSEED Games, Cuisineer released on November 9, 2023 on Windows PC via Steam. To keep up to date with the latest on Pom please visit the official Cuisineer X channel or go to the website here: https://cuisineerthegame.com/.

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 Peaks in addition to select Marvelous Inc. content.

About BattleBrew Productions

BattleBrew Productions is a feisty crew of creators and crafters working on the next generation of games in the sunny island of Singapore. Founded in 2017, they develop and publish the popular BattleSky Brigade series on Google Play for Android and the Apple Store for iPhone and iPad platforms. BattleSky Brigade: Harpooner was chosen for Apple Arcade’s exclusive 100 games at launch. They’re also known for the multi award-winning restaurant-based action adventure roguelite – Cuisineer!

Price, modes and more revealed; review requests now open for press and creators

Osterholz, Germany – 9th January 2025 – Solo developer, Retrofiction Games is today pleased to reveal additional details for its upcoming 2D survival-horror title Dead of Darkness ahead of its launch for PC on Thursday, 23rd January. The game will be available digitally via Steam for $15.99 USD, while an additional 15% discount will also be available to those who pick the game up during launch week.

Dead of Darkness is a 2D survival-horror action-adventure steeped in cosmic dread. It features a delicately and devilishly crafted 12 hour campaign, complete with rich narrative, foreboding atmosphere, deep lore and devious puzzles.

Players can choose to experience the game in four well-balanced difficulty settings out of the gate (Very Easy, Easy, Moderate, Hard) and can unlock additional difficulty levels (Very Hard, In The Dead of Darkness) and a fully featured New Game Plus mode upon completion of the campaign. Steam achievements will also be fully supported at launch.

Rendered with pixel-perfect, sprite-based art, Dead of Darkness is brought to life with eye-catching high-definition anime-style illustrations, atmospheric lighting and sound design. The narrative is further enhanced by two-hours of fully voiced cutscenes performed by the following international cast…

• Bradley Gareth (My Time at Portia, Genshin Impact, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands)
• Abigail Turner (Remothered: Broken Porcelain, My Time at Portia, Immortals of Aveum)
• Paul Moran (Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader)
• Alex Mai (Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Live A Live, One Piece)
• Alice Himora (Re: Cutie Honey, Honkai: Star Rail, Ikai)
• Ginger Sue (My Time at Sandrock, Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat, Genshin Impact)
• Chris Sharpes (Return of the Obra Dinn, Grim Dawn: Forgotten Gods, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader)
• Pixie Willow
• Katie Aitken
• Jericho George

Voice over will only be available in English, however at launch the game will also feature full German, Spanish, French, Italian and ​​Simplified Chinese localisation for all in-game narrative and UI text.

Dead of Darkness Features

• Complex, multi-layered narrative. Meet more than 15 memorable characters over the course of the game – each with their own story that revolves around the terrible secrets of Velvet Island.
• Challenging survival-horror. Resources are scarce, your inventory is limited, and danger lurks around every corner. Plan your routes carefully if you want to survive.
• Intense hallucinations. Each enemy encounter takes a toll on your mental state. The lower your mental state, the stronger the hallucinations you will experience – some will even blur the distinction between reality and fiction.
• Relentless enemies. 13 different enemies are hungry for your flesh, and some of them will stalk you relentlessly. Fight them, run from them, or use your wits to outsmart them.
• Become a detective. Search your environment, inspect items and read documents in order to unlock clues. Use these clues to reveal hidden troves or unlock secret passageways.

Dead of Darkness will launch for PC on Thursday, 23rd January 2025. A demo is now available via Steam, where you can also wishlist the game. Eastasiasoft will be bringing the game to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox consoles at a later date; details on which will be announced in due course.

About Retrofiction Games

Retrofiction Games is a solo developer based in Osterholz, Germany which aims to create narratively-driven experiences that combine the best of both retro and contemporary styles of gaming, with a focus on horror themes and adventure elements. It is currently developing its first commercial release, Dead of Darkness, a 2D survival-horror action-adventure.

The arrival of The Splitter Elusive Target featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme in December 2024 saw more than 1 million active players across the month. The Splitter mission is playable for free now until the 12th of January as part of the Free Starter Pack and as an Elusive Target in HITMAN World of Assassination

Copenhagen, Denmark, January 9th, 2025 – IO Interactive, the independent video game developer and publisher behind the internationally acclaimed HITMAN franchise is thrilled to announce that HITMAN World of Assassination has surpassed the milestone of 75 million players worldwide since its launch, ensuring even more its status as the most successful Hitman game of all time. HITMAN World of Assassination has known resounding success since the launch of the first part of the new trilogy in 2016, achieving the franchise’s highest Metacritic score with the release of HITMAN III in 2021. HITMAN World of Assassination ushered a new take on the franchise, offering a unique blend of stealth action, groundbreaking freedom of approach, and a living, breathing world, filled with intriguing characters and lethal opportunities. 

Since its release, HITMAN World of Assassination has continued to introduce a vast array of live content, including new locations, contracts, seasonal events, and collaborations, expanding HITMAN’s narrative. With 1 million active players in December 2024, HITMAN World of Assassination remains as popular as ever thanks to its constant additions and a dedicated community. With more content planned to come to HITMAN World of Assassination in 2025, players can continue to look forward to more and more hours of HITMAN to enjoy.

The latest content addition to HITMAN launched on the 12^th of December 2024 and saw blockbuster action star Jean-Claude Van Damme join HITMAN World of Assassination as the Elusive Target Max Valliant, a former ICA operative believed to have been eliminated years ago after it was discovered he was dealing with other secret organizations.

So far, the mission has been completed by 40% of the players having tried their hand at taking down The Splitter, meaning that Max Valliant’s legendary skills have proven to be quite the menace for the players.

Those who have succeeded in taking down the rogue operative have taken various ways to get to their end. For example, the longest player, who took more than 7 hours to complete the mission, made sure their plan did not suffer any missing piece before finally pulling the trigger. On the other hand, the quickest player did not give a chance to Max Valliant to say any last words, ending the mission in no more than 21 seconds. As always in HITMAN World of Assassination, players have complete freedom to execute their mission as they see fit, with players even able to use a single apricot to take down Max Valliant. With only week to go, before the Elusive Target vanishes on January 12^th, it’s now or never to uncover Valliant’s scheme and take him down.

Watch The Splitter mission briefing below:

For players wanting to access more content featuring the new Elusive Target, The Splitter Pack is available, including: The Replication, a two-level Arcade mission which grants permanent access to The Splitter, The Splitter Boxer Suit, a set of cosmetics for the Freelancer Safehouse, as well as three items.

HITMAN World of Assassination is available now for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox SeriesX|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The Splitter Pack is available for$4.99/€4.99/£3.99 on every platform.

To learn more about HITMAN World of Assassination, please visit the official website.

Subscribe to IOInteractive’s press page to receive all our latest news: https://ioi.dk/press

About HITMAN World of Assassination

HITMAN World of Assassination brings together the best of HITMAN 1, HITMAN 2 and HITMAN 3 in a bumper package of content that includes the main campaign, Contracts mode, Escalations, Elusive Target Arcades and featured live content. HITMAN World ofAssassination also includes the ‘Freelancer’ mode, a new way to play on your own terms, that combines rogue-like elements and deep strategic planning with a persistent and infinitely replayable gameplay experience. 

About IO INTERACTIVE

IO Interactive is an independent videogame developer and publisher with studios in Copenhagen, Malmö, Barcelona, Istanbul, and Brighton. As the creative force behind some of the most talked-about multiplatform videogames in the last two decades, IOI is dedicated to creating unforgettable characters and experiences using their award-winning proprietary Glacier technology. IO Interactive will develop and publish the very first James Bond origin story with the working title Project 007 and is currently developing a new IP under the codename Project Fantasy.

© 2024 IO Interactive A/S. IO Interactive, IOI, HITMAN are registered trademarks of IO Interactive A/S. ©“PlayStation”, “PS5 logo” and “PS4 logo” are registered trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment ©Inc. XBOX and Xbox logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license. © 2024 Nintendo. Nintendo Switch and Joy-Con are trademarks of Nintendo.  All other trademarks and copyrights are the property oftheir respective owners.  All rights reserved. 

Skövde, Sweden – January 9th, 2025 – Stunlock Studios celebrates a monumental achievement as V Rising, the open-world vampire survival game, surpasses 5 million copies sold! This milestone cements the game’s status as one of the most popular survival games of recent years, captivating players with its addictive blend of survival mechanics, intense combat, and gothic world-building.

Since its launch, V Rising has drawn millions into its hauntingly beautiful world, garnering critical acclaim and overwhelming community praise. With over 89% positive reviews on Steam, it has become a beloved staple for fans of survival action RPGs and vampire lore alike.

“Hitting 5 million sales isn’t just a number, it’s a testament to the passion and dedication of our team and our incredible community,” said Rickard Frisegård, CEO at Stunlock Studios. “Our player’s enthusiasm drives us to push boundaries and deliver even more unforgettable experiences. We’re excited to build on this success and deliver thrilling new experiences and content in 2025.”

Watch out Vampires! The Future of V Rising Burns Brighter than the Deadly Sunlight

Prepare for a vampiric evolution as Stunlock Studios is set to redefine the vampire experience with a big update coming in 2025. A brand-new biome awaits, teeming with uncharted territories, a deadly new faction, and ancient technologies ready to be claimed.

Players can also look forward to a revamped progression system featuring stat caps, a Fusion Forge for crafting ultimate builds, and risk-free PvP options like dueling, customizable castle arenas, and much more. These updates promise endless experimentation and thrilling battles, solidifying V Rising as a must-play title in the survival genre.

Find out more in V Rising’s dev blog section: https://blog.stunlock.com/category/devblog/

What Awaits You in V Rising:

• Awaken as a Vampire:
  Rise from centuries of slumber as a weakened vampire. Feed on blood to regain your strength, avoid the burning sunlight, and dominate in intense PvE and PvP combat as you carve your path to power.
• Explore a Gothic Open-World:
  Venture into a vast and dangerous realm filled with mythical horrors and hidden treasures. Traverse lush forests, haunted ruins, and shadowy caverns, battling supernatural foes and unearthing the secrets of Vardoran.
• Build Your Vampire Kingdom:
  Construct and customize a gothic castle to serve as your stronghold. Gather resources, recruit loyal thralls, and expand your domain to become the ruler of a growing empire. Defend your treasures from rival vampires and claim your place as a true lord of the night.
• Master Sword and Dark Sorcery:
  Wield deadly weapons and master unholy abilities in skill-based combat. Combine spells and armaments to create your perfect blend of power, adapting your strategies to conquer formidable enemies and claim their abilities.
• Compete or Cooperate:
  Play solo or join forces with friends to take on the challenges of Vardoran. Raid enemy castles, forge alliances, or dominate in PvP battles. The night is yours to conquer, whether through cooperation or betrayal.

Haven’t joined the vampire horde yet? Now is your time to claim the night on Steam or PlayStation 5.

Join the Vampire Community:

V Rising has a thriving community of over 5 million players worldwide. With overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam and a dedicated fan base, the game continues to evolve with new content and features shaped by player feedback.

Stay connected and follow V Rising on social media for the latest updates and community events:

• Buy now on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1604030/V_Rising/
• Buy now on the PlayStation store: https://store.playstation.com/concept/10007965
• Visit our Website: https://playvrising.com/

About Stunlock Studios

Stunlock Studios is one of the leading independent Swedish game developers in Skövde, known for the vampire survival game V Rising and arena brawler Battlerite. V Rising’s gothic world has already attracted more than 5 million vampiric initiates and Battlerite was among the most popular free-to-play games on Steam with over 6 million unique players entering the arena. With a passion for multiplayer action games, the studio crafts groundbreaking and community-driven games, always with their players in mind.

Download the demo now to begin your shift!

Washington, US – 9 January 2025. Rose Lane Games, a new developer and publisher of indie horror games, announced today that its inaugural chapter-based indie horror, Helios Hotel: The Night Shift, will be launching on February 14, 2025 on PC across Steam with a 15% for the first week of launch.

Helios Hotel: The Night Shift is a first-person, choose-your-own-adventure style horror game inspired by paranormal and slasher films such as The Shining, Halloween and Friday the 13th that is broken down into bite-sized chapters. The main protagonist, Rose, has just moved to a small town ready to start a brand-new life and quickly lands a job as the fancy new hotel’s front desk receptionist.

Check out the announcement trailer, below:

Players are also invited to start their first shift by downloading the teaser demo, here

You take on the role of Rose and initially undertake the everyday tasks of the hotel, such as booking in guests and ensuring they get everything they need. As today is Rose’s first day, she’s naturally keen to make a good impression with her boss; but what begins as a quick introduction soon evolves into a number of strange occurrences and a distinct feeling that something isn’t quite right…

Features

• Creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere
• Fully playable on Steam Deck
• Exploration in first-person plants you firmly in the thick of the action
• Jump scares and unnerving audio cues when you least expect them
• Oddball cast of guests and employees leaves you unsure of their motivations
• Simple tasks designed to both engage and alarm the player
• Unlock achievements for performing certain actions
• Player choices affect the character dialogue and what they will experience
• The choices the player makes throughout the game’s chapters will affect the ending
• A total of four endings based on the choices made throughout the game
• Support for gamepad/controller as well as for Keyboard + Mouse
• A basic graphics setting option that allows the game to run on lower-end hardware, provided it still falls under the minimum specs

Launch
Helios Hotel: The Night Shift releases on February 14, 2025 on PC via Steam for a suggested retail price of $2.99 / £2.49 / €2.99.

About Rose Lane Games

Rose Lane Games is an independent developer and publisher of videogames founded in August 2023 by Rick Castillo. Based in Seattle/Redmond, USA, Rose Lane Games aims to create memorable, story-driven horror games inspired by paranormal and slasher films primarily for personal computers and videogame consoles. 

Fans can discover team battles, new costumes and more!

Hertfordshire, 9^th January 2025 – Today, KOEI TECMO Europe and developer Gust released a new paid  DLC for their action RPG game, FAIRY TAIL 2, featuring a new scenario intitled “FAIRY TAIL Hot Springs”. This DLC introduces new content such as outfits and a new hot springs area to explore, extending the FAIRY TAIL experience. A direct sequel to KOEI TECMO’s 2020 game, FAIRY TAIL 2 is available on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™, and Windows PC via Steam®.

The “FAIRY TAIL Hot Springs” DLC is a comedic scenario where players follow members of the FAIRY TAIL guild as they compete for the secret hot springs, while experiencing team battles between playable characters.  Players who have purchased the Season Pass can also enjoy the content of the DLC released on 23rd December 2024, which added new costumes for playable characters including special outfit sets inspired by the game’s original story, “The Key to the Unknown”.

In addition, all players can download for free the “Outfit Set: Swimsuit”, which includes new costumes for all playable characters, as well as the Erza outfit “Miss FAIRY TAIL Contest”, new photo mode frames and poses to give players even more customisation options for players to capture their adventures.

Players who have purchased the Season Pass will be able to re-challenge bosses in the arena from 30th January 2025, as well as rediscover the story with new playable characters* which will be released periodically between 13th February 2025 and 13th March 2025.

*Playable characters include Jellal, Mavis and Zeref. Characters are included in the Season Pass and can also be purchased individually.

FAIRY TAIL 2 is now available on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™ and Windows PC via Steam®. FAIRY TAIL 2 includes Japanese voices with English and French texts.

For more information on FAIRY TAIL 2, visit the official website, Like us on Facebook, Join us on the KOEI TECMO Europe Discord server, and Follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

About FAIRY TAIL

The Japanese manga by Hiro Mashima (serialized and concluded in Kodansha’s “Weekly Shonen Magazine”) is a popular work that has been adapted into anime, movies, and a variety of other media. In a world where magic and dragons exist, the story centres on “Dragon Slayer” Natsu and Lucy, who are members of the FAIRY TAIL guild, and together with their friends, fight against a variety of enemies in this fantasy adventure.

ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.

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’ Warriors 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.

©KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. All rights reserved. Gust  is a trademark of KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. The KT logo is a trademark of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD.   ©2024 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.   ©2024 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. “PlayStation Family Mark”, “PlayStation”, “PS5 logo”, “PS5”, “PlayStation Shapes Logo” and “Play Has No Limits” 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 One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X|S are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.