Home Blog Page 582

SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE INTRODUCES A NEW HIGH LORD HERO IN THE LATEST UPDATE

LOS ANGELES JANUARY 10, 2025 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, has launched a new in-game update for SEVEN KNIGHTS IDL ADVENTURE, adding new heroes. Players can also experience multiple limited-time events and content updates. 

The new update features the third High Lord hero, Freyja. As the leader of the Celestial Guardians, she is the first non-Seven-Knights hero to arrive as a High Lord hero. Freyja is a ranged-type hero who increases the Attack modifier of Critical Hits and Active Skills. Additionally, she can decrease damage taken at the same time and synergize with other heroes. Players can obtain the High Lord Freyja through an in-game event. 

The ranged-type Legendary hero Mist, an ultimate combat weapon who obeys Freyja’s order,has been introduced as well. Mist can inflict Curse Debuff to the hit target and remove all advantageous buffs from the target. 

Players can now experience the new season of Shackles of Destiny, where they can obtain and strengthen the High Lord Freyja. Other High Lord heroes, including High Lord Rudy and High Lord Dellons, can also be obtained through playing Shackles of Destiny. Other content updates include the introduction of stages 28,801 to 29,600 and expansion of the Infinite Tower to 2400F. 

Several in-game events are available for players to enjoy through January 22. The Celestial Fortress Dungeon Event allows players to challenge a special themed dungeon and offers a chance to earn various rewards such as Legendary Hero Selection Tickets, Legendary Hero Summon Tickets, Celestial Fortress Chests and more. In addition, the Hyper Boost Pass event provides diverse resources to strengthen heroes, including Rainbow Ores, Dices, Elixirs, and Hero Strengthening Stones. 

Based on their flagship franchise and the successor to the original Seven Knights game, SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE has been reimagined as an idle RPG. Developed with low capacity and low specification devices in mind with a guiding principle of easy playability, players will experience an expanded storyline with previously untold episodes of the original Seven Knights heroes. Collect and nurture returning fan favorites who have been reborn as cute SD characters. 

As an official continuation of Seven Knights, a game enjoyed by 60 million players globally, SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE will be an exciting addition for fans looking to learn more and interact with their favorite heroes with a low time investment.

For more information on SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE, please be sure to stay tuned to the official brand website for future updates. The game will introduce many more heroes and modes in the coming months.

About Netmarble Corporation

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.

ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN CLOSED NETWORK TEST REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW LIVE

  • The upcoming multiplayer co-op game from FromSoftware, Inc. set in the world of ELDEN RING™ will run a Closed Network Test from Feb. 14-17 
  • The network test will allow three players to team up and take their chosen Nightfarers to battle against new terrors, and explore an ever-changing map to defeat increasingly challenging bosses and ultimately take on the Nightlord
  • Register for a chance to participate in the network test here: nightreign.com/nt

IRVINE, Calif. – Jan. 10, 2025 – Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. and FromSoftware, Inc. opened registrations for players interested in joining the upcoming Closed Network Test for ELDEN RING™ NIGHTREIGN todayAnnounced last month at The Game Awards and launching in 2025, the game is a standalone multiplayer co-op PvE game set in the ELDEN RING™ universe. The network test will allow players to try the game’s co-op experience, teaming up in squads of three to outlast a three day-and-night cycle as they take on increasingly challenging enemies and bosses. The Closed Network Test will only be available for PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN will launch in 2025 for PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam®. Follow the latest information on the official website here: www.nightreign.com/.
 
Sign up for the ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN network test here: nightreign.com/nt
 
 The all-new adventure in ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN begins at the Roundtable Hold, set in a universe parallel to the events of ELDEN RING. Players must choose from eight unique characters, each with their own abilities and powerful Ultimates. Their journeys take them to Limveld, an ever-changing environment, where they will have to make split-second decisions when it comes to combat and exploration in the face of a night cycle that shrinks the map with the coming Night’s Tide. At the end of each night, players will face a powerful boss and, if victorious, awaken to bigger challenges. Each session will culminate in the third night when they must face off against the chosen Nightlord. Individuals can fight the night alone, but strength will come in numbers. Nightfarers must learn to cooperate to take down these challenges, combining their unique abilities together for an unparalleled experience. All is not lost for those who fall in defeat. Unsuccessful runs will grant players relics to allow them to customize and upgrade their characters tailored to their personal play styles. 
 
ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is unlike any experience created before by FromSoftware, Inc. In this condensed action RPG, players will never experience the same journey twice as enemies, rewards, and Limveld itself are ever-shifting and evolving with each new session. Defeating greater enemies and venturing into the more dangerous parts of the map will uncover more powerful weapons and greater Rune rewards. Finding Sites of Grace gives each hero a chance to level up and gain crucial power. With each session-based adventure being akin to playing through an open-air dungeon, every journey provides an opportunity to grow lasting stat bonuses. Successful runs against the night bring players ever closer to defeating the Nightlord and unraveling the story behind each Nightfarer in this parallel world. 
 
For more information on ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN and other products from Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., please visit www.bandainamcoent.com. Join the conversation on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS, check us out live on Twitch at https://twitch.tv/bandainamcous, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS.
 
# # #
 
About Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. 
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., part of the Bandai Namco Group, is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for major video game consoles, PC, online, and mobile platforms. The company is known for creating many of the industry’s beloved classic franchises such as PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®, and publishing the critically acclaimed DARK SOULS™ series and the blockbuster title ELDEN RING™. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is also the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime-based video games including GUNDAM™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL™, and ONE PIECE®. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcoent.com.
 
©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. / ©2025 FromSoftware, Inc.
 
Press Release ©Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. 
All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners. 

Zenless Zone Zero Version 1.5 “Astra-nomical Moment” Launches January 22, 2025

SHANGHAI – HoYoverse is excited to announce the release of Zenless Zone Zero Version 1.5, titled “Astra-nomical Moment,” arriving on January 22, 2025 (UTC+8). This highly anticipated update kicks off the new year with thrilling content, dynamic gameplay, and the debut of New Eridu’s most iconic celebrity, Astra Yao, alongside her trusted guardian, Evelyn.

A Concert Under the Stars and Into the Shadows

Version 1.5 places Astra Yao at the center of the action, drawing Proxies into an unforgettable New Year’s concert filled with dazzling performances and hidden dangers. Joining the fray is Evelyn, a powerful S-level Fire Attack agent, who will assist Proxies in battle during this new chapter.

Character Highlights

  • New Playable Character:
    • Evelyn (S-level Fire Attack): A trusted guardian with devastating fire-based combat abilities.
  • Returning Characters:
    • Ellen and Qingyi: Fan favorites returning with their rerun banners, giving players another chance to recruit these iconic characters.

New Gameplay Features

Version 1.5 introduces exciting new gameplay mechanics and modes:

  • Endless Tower: The Last Stand: Test your skills in this grueling survival mode as waves of enemies challenge your endurance.
  • Perpetrator Battle: Face off against formidable foes in intense, high-stakes battles.
  • New Arcade Game – Mach 25: Engage in fast-paced, thrilling gameplay in this newly introduced in-game arcade experience.

Mark Your Calendars for January 22

Prepare to immerse yourself in Zenless Zone Zero’s Version 1.5, with its blend of star-studded performances, high-octane combat, and engaging new features.

For the latest updates and news, visit: https://zenless.hoyoverse.com

About Zenless Zone Zero

Zenless Zone Zero is an urban fantasy action RPG by HoYoverse, set in the bustling metropolis of New Eridu. With dynamic combat, rich storytelling, and vibrant characters, the game offers players a captivating blend of adventure and intrigue.

Snail Games USA Celebrates Strong Early Adoption for ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition, Surpassing Three Million Downloads in Three Weeks

CULVER CITY, Calif., January 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or “the Company”), a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, in collaboration with Studio Wildcard, and developer Grove Street Games announced that ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition has surpassed three million downloads within three weeks of its launch. This marks a 100% increase in player downloads compared to the mobile launch of the original ARK: Survival Evolved in 2018. The strong early adoption highlights the game’s appeal and accessibility, bringing the survival adventure of the ARK franchise to mobile players across the globe.

Grove Street Games continues to develop content for ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition with a robust roadmap of additional expansion maps coming this year, including Ragnarok, Extinction, Genesis Part 1 and Genesis Part 2.

ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition continues to expand the franchise’s reach by delivering an immersive experience to players across diverse regions. By optimizing the game for mobile devices and lowering hardware requirements, the title’s goal is to remove barriers to entry, making it easier for players to engage with the ARK universe from virtually anywhere. This adaptation should expand reach potential and open new opportunities to connect with both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition exemplifies Snail Games’ commitment to delivering games that fit seamlessly into the lives of players worldwide, ensuring they remain connected to the action wherever they are.

ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition is available worldwide on the App Store® and Google Play Store

ABOUT SNAIL GAMES

Snail is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs and mobile devices. https://www.snailgamesusa.com/ 

ABOUT STUDIO WILDCARD

Since revealing its flagship game ARK: Survival Evolved in 2015, Studio Wildcard has tirelessly strived to bring its dinosaur-filled vision to the masses. With millions of players worldwide, the team has delivered an amazing amount of new content and leveraged cutting-edge technology to keep fans engaged. With a transmedia universe, the ARK story can be discovered on all gaming platforms, within spin-off titles, and now as a new epic narrative featuring a star-studded cast in ARK: The Animated Series on Paramount+. www.studiowildcard.com 

ABOUT GROVE STREET GAMES

Located in Gainesville, FL, Grove Street Games has been an influential game developer since 2007. They have delighted fans of the world’s greatest games with bold interpretations on new platforms, and have delivered fresh and original games to millions of happy players. They have grown to be a leader in the industry because of their commitment to building incredible and accessible gaming experiences. Their games can be found worldwide across all major gaming devices, including consoles, PC, and mobile. www.grovestreetgames.com

Long-Awaited Tower Defense Sequel Defender’s Quest 2: Mists of Ruin Launches on PC Jan. 30

Assemble capable teams and conquer challenging tower defense battles

Bryan, TX – Jan. 9 2025 – Defender’s Quest 2: Mists of Ruin, the sequel to the classic tower defense game from developer Level Up Labs and publisher Armor Games Studios, strategizes its next move on PC via Steam Jan. 30, with PlayStation 5|4 and Nintendo Switch versions deploying at a later date.

Travel to the once-thriving oasis of The Shining Lands, now plagued with a rising toxic liquid dubbed “Mirk,” threatening the wellbeing of citizens and visitors. Explore vibrant, grimy locales riddled with treacherous terrain and ghoulish monsters rising from the Mirk’s depths as both The Hunters, a hardened mercenary group, and The Stars, an eccentric crew of pirates. 

Engage in vibrant tower defense battles using The Hunters, lead by the spear-wielding Evni Hunt, and the Stars with their fearless captain Ketter Star. Unlock and build relationships with crew members across both groups, each with abilities to master, backstories to unravel, and upgrades to unlock. 

In a main campaign spanning six to ten hours of gameplay, complete levels rewarding long-term strategy and RPG tactics. Wield laser cannons, carving spears, and hammers to take down pesky Pinchbugs among other foes. Overcome each obstacle with accessibility options ranging from multiple difficulty settings to sped-up or slowed-down dialogue and control mapping.   

“Ever since the Defender’s Quest series began 12 years ago, we’ve always had visions of expanding its world,” said Lars Doucet of Level Up Labs. “We hope fans of the first Defender’s Quest and tower defense veterans alike will prevail through the Mirk and all the challenges awaiting them in The Shining Lands.”

Defender’s Quest 2: Mist of Ruin launches on Jan. 30, 2025 on PC via Steam, with PlayStation 5|4 and Nintendo Switch launching at a later date. Follow developers Patrick McCarthy, Lars Doucet, Xalavier Nelson Jr., and publisher Armor Games Studios on Twitter/X and join the Defender’s Quest Discord server for the latest updates. 

About Level Up Labs

Forging their start as educational video game developers, Level Up Labs is an independent development studio based in Bryan, Texas. After releasing the biology game CellCraft to critical success, they moved into traditional game development with the release of 2012’s Defender’s Quest: Valley of the Forgotten.

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.

Visual Novel S4U: CITYPUNK 2011 AND LOVE PUNCH Launches on PC Today

Find the meaning of love and connection through the digital and real world

BEIJING – 10 Jan. 2024 – S4U: CITYPUNK 2011 AND LOVE PUNCH, the text-driven visual novel about love, connection, and meaning from developer U0U Games and publisher GCORES PUBLISHING, creates lasting memories on PC via Steam today.

Fluidly strike in-game keycaps while chatting with eccentric personas as Miki, an architect moonlighting as a part-time online spokesperson. Chat on behalf of clients, discerning the best responses to fulfill their occasionally bizarre personal requests. Cultivate intimate relationships with more than 20 intriguing characters in a non-linear, nine-day-long story. 

Engage in joyful and awkward heart-to-hearts alike with real people and in cyber-life, a non-physical life form powered by computational processes. Enjoy conversations packed with funny memes and jokes while handling tricky architecture projects, browsing funny social posts during breaks, and decorating Miki’s desk with niche adornments. 

Explore the modern city of Castor Yard after a day’s work, accompanied by a soothing soundtrack and stylistic pixel art. Uncover secret connections between Castor Yard and cyber-life by recalling memories and connecting clues through clarifying flashbacks. 

S4U: CITYPUNK 2011 AND LOVE PUNCH offers a multi-dimensional look at how we find meaning and escape the harsher aspects of life,” said Joy Yang, Producer and Artist, U0U Games. “Experience three distinct endings while navigating Miki’s hardships, and tie everything together once and for all to wrap up a meaningful conclusion on the final day.”

S4U: CITYPUNK 2011 AND LOVE PUNCH is now available on PC via Steam for €13.79 ($13.99 USD) with a 10% launch discount for two weeks. It supports English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese language. 

To learn more, follow U0U Games’ X account, join the Discord server, check the official website, and search #S4UGame on social media for the latest information.

About U0U Games

U0U Games is a passionate indie studio created by three GenZ members. Though the team was formed fairly recently, developers are dedicated to sharing their insights about life and love through their debut title – S4U: CITYPUNK 2011 AND LOVE PUNCH, the upcoming text-driven visual novel

About GCORES PUBLISHING

GCORES, one of China’s largest game media communities, launched the Game Jams event “BOOOM” in 2019. After establishing the publishing department to better support the gems created in BOOOM, GCORES PUBLISHING is committed to discovering and promoting high-quality indie games, as well as evaluating developers’ creative and artistic ideas to the wider audience they deserve. Previous successful titles include CATO and CUREOCITY which both received overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam.  

NEW DEV UPDATE FROM MOUNTAINTOP STUDIOS DETAILS SPECTRE DIVIDE SEASON 1 AND CONSOLE LAUNCH

Massive “Flashpoint” Season 1 Update to Include Battle Pass, New Map, Quality-of-Life Optimizations, and New Sponsor PlayStation and Xbox Release Details Revealed.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 9, 2025 – Mountaintop Studios today unveiled a new Developer Update video for Spectre Divide, offering a sneak peek at “Flashpoint,” the title’s first major seasonal content update. Console players also have reason to celebrate, with the studio sharing launch details for the tactical 3v3 shooter worldwide debut on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S late February.

Mountaintop will continue to focus on adding new content features for Season 1, making QOL improvements requested by PC players, as well finalizing the development of console versions. Weekly playtests for the functionality are currently underway, and interested players can sign up HERE to participate.

Read the Spectre Divide Update Blog Post HERE.

New “Flashpoint” Season 1 Content

  • New Sponsor: Monark Tactical
  • New Map: Canal
  • New characters, weapon skins, and cosmetics
  • The Season 1 Battle Pass offers tons of value including more than 70 total rewards. You’ll also be able to earn more than 15 free items including 4 character outfits, 6 accessories, 2 weapon skins, and additional goodies.

More information on Flashpoint and Console launch will be shared in future updates, coming early next year. Here’s a full list of the changes currently under development:

Game Health & Quality of Life Updates

  • New “Sprint” movement mechanic
  • Fresh sandbox rebalancing
  • Cosmetic Pricing Reduced
  • New economy tuning
  • Existing maps updated to remove several 50-50s and obscure nooks
  • Updated and Improved Base Facial Models
  • Long awaited “Careers” tab
  • Infrastructure Improvements
    • Client & Server Performance upgrades
    • Improved networking and new server regions world-wide
    • Thousands of fixes shipped since launch based on player feedback
  • Quality of Life Improvements
    • Faster & Snappier combat and movement
    • Visual overhauls for a more vibrant game
    • Anti-cheat has undergone months of tuning and advancements making major gains in detection and banning
    • Observer Mode launched

# # #

About Spectre Divide

Spectre Divide is a free-to-play 3v3 tactical shooter currently available for Windows PC via Steam, and in development for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

About Mountaintop Studios

Mountaintop is a small, independent, fully-remote studio comprised of industry veterans from around the world, looking to evolve the tactical shooter genre. The team is comprised of developers from major shooter titles including Counter-Strike, Valorant, Apex Legends, Halo, Overwatch and Battlefield. Check out the studio’s official website here.

NETMARBLE’S STRATEGIC SQUAD RPG, KING ARTHUR: LEGENDS RISE, ADDS NEW HERO “GILROY” AND IN-GAME EVENTS

LOS ANGELES JANUARY 9, 2025 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, has released a new in-game update for its squad-based RPG King Arthur: Legends Rise, developed by its North American Subsidiary Kabam. Players will experience a new hero and several limited-time events.

The roster of playable characters now includes King of Longtains Islands “Gilroy.” He is a dealer hero who utilizes skill sets to block enemy Recovery and inflicts even greater damage to foes applied with Recovery Disruption. The King of Longtains Islands is a hero who shows true value in various content including Frozen Plain and PvP modes. Gilroy can be acquired through the Rate Up Summon Missions until January 21, which also offers bountiful rewards of Gold, Stamina, Crystals, Relic Summon Tickets and more.

New in-game events are now available for King Arthur: Legends Rise, including: 

  • Gold Collecting Event (Jan. 8 – Jan. 14): Fulfill the mission of Collecting Gold during the event period and receive Crystals and Stamina as bonus rewards.
  • Arena Challenge Event (Jan. 8 – Jan. 14): Earn bonus Stamina boxes by clearing in-game Arena missions.
  • Knights of Camelot Training Event (Jan. 8 – Jan. 21): Train Knights ordered by the Royal Family of Camelot to clear a total of 7 daily Play & Power Up missions and earn Hero Boost Up items including Mythical Mana Orbs and Special Summon Tickets. A total of 5 Special Summon Tickets are granted to players that clear all missions.
  • Raid Bounty: Aldri Event (Jan. 8 – Jan. 14): Acquire Points by taking on Battle Missions of the Frozen Plains that can be used for Stamina Rewards or Pristine Tokens. Pristine Tokens can be used in Pristine Shops to trade in for Legendary Relic Summon Tickets.
  • January Special Attendance Event (Jan. 1 – Jan. 31): Receive Top Grade Items by logging in and accomplishing Attendance events.

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.

For more information and updates on King Arthur: Legends Rise, please visit the official website, Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and official YouTube channel.

About Netmarble Corporation

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.

Human Within, an innovative VR interactive experience, is out now on Meta Quest

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.

THOMSON Computing and Ultra to Drive Gaming Distribution and Strengthen European Sovereignty in Technology

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.

###

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