LOS ANGELES – Dec. 9, 2024 – The International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDA-F) welcomes VentureBeat and GamesBeat CSO Gina Joseph to its board of directors. Her considerable endeavors to foster diversity and inclusion in the games industry will be invaluable in upholding the IGDA-F’s values and goals.

With more than 20 years of experience in media and technology spheres, Joseph has made great strides in strategy, business development, and advocacy for diversity. Her recent accolades include being named one of the San Francisco Business Times’ 40 under 40, a “Next Level” alumni by Harvard University, and a media and marketing thought leader by Digiday.

Joseph maintains an impressive career of “firsts.” Currently the Chief Strategy Officer of GamesBeat and VentureBeat, Joseph is the first Afghan-American woman to hold a C-level role for a games and tech publication. As a board member for Midwest Games, she’s the first Afghan-American board member for a games publisher in the United States. Joseph’s previous executive positions include Hearst Corporation, and Media News Group/Digital First Media.

Never straying from her mission to empower women leaders, Joseph also serves as a Board Member for The Daily Californian and the Alumnae-i Network for Harvard Women. In gaming, she has partnered with various DEI-focused organizations to inaugurate multiple Women in Games events and advocate for women leaders in the industry. She is also a member of Chief and partner for Firstboard.IO, a private network for women leaders, with a mission to place more women on corporate boards.

“Gina’s extensive accolades and groundbreaking achievements prove her ability to make a difference in the gaming industry,” said Ed Fries, Chair of the IGDA-F Board of Directors. “Her lifelong commitment to diversity and inclusion makes her a perfect match for the IGDA-F board.”

For more information about the IGDA Foundation and to stay updated on the latest initiatives, visit the official website at http://igdafoundation.org and follow @IGDAFoundation on social media.  

About the IGDA Foundation

The International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDA-F) is dedicated to advancing inclusivity and diversity in the gaming industry by providing opportunities, education, and support for individuals from underrepresented communities. The IGDA-F is sponsored by a generous group of industry companies, including Double Fine Productions, Stride PR, and Premack Rogers. Since 2008, the IGDA-F has supported more than 1,000 alumni who now develop games at both AAA and indie studios. For more information, visit https://igdafoundation.org 

Past and Present Assetto Corsa products showcase SimRacing excellence with great savings! 

CALABASAS, Calif. – December 9th,  2024: Calling all racing fans! The critically acclaimed Assetto Corsa franchise is taking center stage with a special showcase on Steam.  

Whether you’re a seasoned sim racer or new to the series, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the entire racing ecosystem and experience the thrill of realistic driving.  

DEEP DISCOUNTS ON THE ENTIRE FRANCHISE 

From December 9th to December 19th, dive into the ultimate racing experience with incredible discounts on the Assetto Corsa franchise, including: 

• Assetto Corsa – The original game that set the standard for realistic driving simulation. Save up to 75% on the game!
• Assetto Corsa Competizione – The official game of the GT World Challenge, featuring stunning graphics and intense racing action. Save up to 70% on the game
• A Wide Range of DLC Packs – Expand your racing experience with a variety of car packs, track packs, and more. 

If something is still missing in your Assetto Corsa collection, this is the right time to fix it!  

WISHLIST ASSETTO CORSA EVO – COMING SOON! 

Get ready for the next generation of sim racing with Assetto Corsa EVO, launching on Steam Early Access on January 16th. Wishlist now and be among the first to experience the future of virtual motorsport. 

This showcase is your chance to discover everything Assetto Corsa has to offer.

Visit the dedicated Steam page today and grab amazing deals on the entire franchise. 

About 505 Games

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

Launching alongside PlayStation version of Needy Streamer Overload and a Deluxe Edition

TOKYO — Dec. 7th, 2024 — Needy Streamer Overload: Typing of The Net, the internet lingo typing game developed by WSS Playground and spinoff of Needy Streamer Overload (with more than 39,000 “overwhelmingly positive” Steam reviews), clacks a path to chat-based brain rot on PC via Steam on Monday, Jan. 21st, 2025. On that same day, psych-horror visual novel Needy Streamer Overload launcheson PlayStation 5|4.

OMG! OMG! OMGkawaiiAngel is about to go live! Step into the role of an overly-obsessed fan of a famed content creator. Push the boundaries of parasocial relationships, where commenting in a favorite creator’s chat might just lead to life fulfillment. I hope she notices me! Maybe she’ll shout me out!

Nothing builds typing speed like urgent messages that need acknowledgement right meow. Type out quippy, slang-filled messages to catch OMGkawaiiAngel’s attention in hopes of earning a shoutout during her livestream. Experiment with more than 200 slang terms, with full explanations of each colloquialism mid-game for accurate (arguably educational) etymology. 

I know how to get her attention! ‘VERY DEMURE, VERY MINDFUL! *send*. Hmm, that meme only lasted a week…what about… ‘Haha, literally can’t even!’…IT’S NOT WORKING!” Find out what memes, trends, and jargon resonate with KAngel the most. Type out internet lingo of old (from what, like, five years ago?) in nostalgic wayback-machine-style messages reminiscent of early internet eras, or reference the latest trends of 2024’s fast-paced social media landscape. 

In addition to the new frantic typing adventure, WSS Playgroundannounced the Needy Streamer Overload Digital Deluxe Edition “Internet Angel Pack” featuring both games, a digital artbook with 300+ pages of illustrations, two soundtracks (which includes all-new tracks from Typing of The Net), and access to the spinoff Petit Game Collection Vol. 1.

Needy Streamer Overload: Typing of The Net arrives on PC via Steam on Monday, January 21st, 2025. For more information, visit the WSS Playground official website, and follow WSS Playground on X / Twitter.

About WSS Playground

Founded in October 2019, WSS Playground is a development studio that takes “play” seriously, with notable titles in their portfolio including All in Abyss: Judge the Fake, The Great Vililanness: Strategy of Lily, DRAINUS, EDEN.schemata();, Touhou Luna Nights, and NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD.

Since Capsule Computers has previously covered this title, I thought you’d be interested to know that Mini Motorways, the award-winning minimalist strategy traffic management sim with over five million players from developer Dinosaur Polo Club, explores the tropics of Australia in the new “Down Under” update available now!

Between natural rainforest splendor and the Great Barrier Reef lies the tropical city of Cairns, Mini Motorways’ first Australian map.   Explorers will find themselves dreaming of sunshine sparkling off the Coral Sea while navigating this beloved coastal spot. And as an additional holiday gift from the Mini Motorways team, experience an all-new cinematic mode designed to showcase each city in mesmerizing motion.

Continue the journey Down Under and hop ‘across the ditch’ from Dinosaur Polo Club’s hometown map of Wellington, New Zealand to see how they celebrate the holidays in the sunny Antipodes! Clear the city roads from Palm Cove to the Esplanade Lagoon, tunnel new and unexpected pathways, and check out new daily, weekly, and city challenges, fresh achievements, and various bug fixes and performance improvements.

“The team is stoked to reconnect with our neighbors across the Tasman Sea to bring our first Australian city to Mini Motorways. Cairns excited our map designers from the jump,” said Casey Lucas-Quaid, Dinosaur Polo Club’s Community Manager. “We hope our community is ready for a vacation across the ditch–we’re going to enjoy our own holiday break and see you soon in the new year!”

This free “Down Under” update is available in Mini Motorways now across all current platforms, including Apple Arcade, Nintendo Switch, and PC and Mac via Steam For more information, please visit the Dinosaur Polo Club website, follow the studio on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or search for #MiniMotorways on social media.

About Dinosaur Polo Club

Dinosaur Polo Club is an independent game development studio based in beautiful Wellington, New Zealand. Founded in 2013 by brothers Peter and Robert Curry, the studio first made waves with their award-winning and BAFTA-nominated debut Mini Metro. Created in collaboration with Disasterpeace and Jamie Churchman, Mini Metro explores relaxed and minimalist subway design. The second game developed by Dinosaur Polo Club introduces a brand new type of city management with colorful road-building and resource management found in Mini Motorways. Combined, Mini Metro and Mini Motorways make up two parts of an expanding Mini Collection.  With an inclusive and supportive culture that believes in giving back to its creative community, the studio has grown and is now home to nearly 30 dinos as it works on new titles with relatable simplicity.

Launching worldwide on Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5

TOKYO — Dec. 7th, 2024 — All In Abyss: Judge The Fake, the poker battle mystery adventure RPG published by Alliance Arts and co-developed by both ACQUIRE Corp. and WSS Playground, goes all in on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.

Self-proclaimed “genius gambler” Asuha seeks new challenges…and trickery-filled Texas Hold ‘em tournaments might be just what she’s looking for. See if this Mahjong master, Chinchirorin champ, and Pachinko pro can add “Poker prodigy” to her slate of titles. Conjure up courage and crush the conniving conjurers and the card-counting tricks up their sleeves.

Wager against witches in one-on-one card battles bolstered by both deceptive dealing and sleight of hand shenanigans. Stack chips and go all-in against slick sorceresses like Ulu, the witch with mysterious powers and a penchant for sweets, and Yuragi, the menacing yet motherly enchantress. 

Tilt the odds in Asuha’s favor by deploying an array of special skills like special vision powers to view opponents’ cards, or utter silver-tongued comments that rile up opponents into uncharacteristic behavior. Strategically up the ante in decisive moments to force foes to fold or bow out when a weaker hand remains.  

Between poker battles, explore the gambling district. Strike up conversations with fellow high rollers in the gambling district’s luxurious yet dystopian surroundings. Unveil the witches’ trickery brewing in secrecy, and hit the ultimate jackpot of exposing their fraud to the public.

“All In Abyss: Judge the Fake uses the deceptive nature of card games to explore a twisting narrative,” says Alliance Arts. “We’re grateful for the feedback we’ve received so far and cannot wait for the community to get their hands on the 1.0 release this coming April!”

All In Abyss: Judge The Fake arrives on PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5 on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, with language options in English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean. For more information, please visit the official WSS Playground website, visit WSS Playground on both YouTube and Twitter, visit the ACQUIRE Corp. official website and X / Twitter account, and the Alliance Arts official website, X account and YouTube channel.

About WSS Playground

Founded in October 2019, WSS Playground is a development studio that takes “play” seriously, with notable titles in their portfolio including The Great Vilianness: Strategy of Lily, DRAINUS, EDEN.schemata();, Touhou Luna Nights, and NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD.

About ACQUIRE Corp.

ACQUIRE is the game company known for titles such as the Tenchu and Way of the Samurai series, as well as the What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord? series, and they are also responsible for developing the Octopath Traveler series.

About Alliance Arts Inc.

Alliance Arts is an indie game publisher dedicated to creating a platform where independent creators can collaborate and bring exciting games to the world.

Launch trailer proves it’s not just the weather that’s chilling this Christmas

Lanzarote, Spain – 9th December 2024 – Solo developer, Rat Cliff Games today thrilled to announce that its metafictional horror game Among Ashes is now available for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam priced $14.99 / £12.79 / €14.79. An additional 10% launch discount will also be available to players on Steam.

To coincide with the announcement a new launch trailer has been released, which transports players back to a chilling Christmas 2001, delivering seasonal scares and urging them to keep playing…

It’s a stormy, cold winter night in December, and your friend sends you an instant message pointing you towards Night Call, a horror game that he found online. You download it, but as you play, strange things start happening in your apartment. Something is terribly wrong with the game.

Among Ashes features a multilayered narrative, and meta-framing device which cleverly nests a full retro-inspired first-person survival horror game within another horror game. Players will be transported to the turn of the millennium via a range of perfectly implemented presentational touches, narrative surprises, smart gameplay mechanics and classic puzzles.

In the retro-styled Night Call, players will explore the dimly lit labyrinthian halls of Stoker Manor; solving conundrums while they fight to survive the nightmarish creatures that lie within. However, in the real world, they’ll be haunted by dark entities that have latched on to this strange game – as they frantically try to unravel the mystery behind the game and its enigmatic creator.

Among Ashes is now available for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. At launch, it supports the following languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean.

For more information on Among Ashes, please visit the official Rat Cliff Games website.

About Rat Cliff Games

Rat Cliff Games is a one-man independent games studio founded by game designer Daniel Ferrer in Lanzarote, Spain. The studio aims to craft memorable story-driven experiences with engaging gameplay. It released the epic 3D-platformer One True Hero in 2022, and is now developing a chilling and innovative survival horror title Among Ashes.

PARIS – Dec. 9, 2024 – Mundfish studio and Focus Entertainment just premiered the first gameplay trailer for Atomic Heart’s third DLC, “Enchantment Under the Sea,” revealing a Jan. 28, 2025, release date on all available platforms. This third installment in the Atomic Pass leaves Limbo behind and takes players back to Facility 3826 with the new underwater Neptune Research Center, as well as new weapons, glove abilities and enemies to discover!

Atomic Heart is out now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. Don’t miss your chance to grab it for up to 67% off on Steam from now until December 16!

Look for answers in the depths of Facility 3826

“Enchantment Under the Sea” goes back to the spectacular combat gameplay that made Atomic Heart one of the highlights of 2023, as players continue the main storyline with the Twins’ consciousness at their side and new weapons in their arsenal.

Meet new and returning characters while diving into the mysteries of the underwater Neptune Research Center to find a way to save humanity from a dismal future. Players will also revisit familiar locations from Facility 3826 that have changed beyond recognition, like the flying city of Chelomey, now under the robots’ total control.

New weapons and glove abilities to dismantle new threats and bosses

With new challenges comes the need for new tricks! In addition to the expanded storyline, season pass owners get two new weapons: the Thunderclap, a powerful hammer that amps up damage with electrical current, and the KM-4 Kuzmich, a crowd-clearing double-barrel shotgun with customizable bullet spread. They’re complemented by two new glove abilities courtesy of the Twins: Blaze, a burning polymer skill letting players drop red-hot fireballs and deal area-of-effect damage; and Whip, a grapple-hook tool allowing P-3 to pull himself towards enemies, deal damage, dodge away from danger, and access previously unreachable areas.

These new powers will come in handy when meeting the DLC’s new roster of sea-dwelling enemies, from swarms of coral mutants to the terrifying MOR-4Y. Dive back into the strange, dystopian world of Atomic Heart on Jan. 28, 2025, when its third DLC, “Enchantment Under the Sea,” debuts on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. Grab the game’s Premium Edition or the Atomic Pass to receive four DLC sets, including the previously released “Annihilation Instinct” and “Trapped in Limbo,” as well as the upcoming “Enchantment Under the Sea” and one additional DLC still to be revealed.

Mystery VN “And Roger” coming Spring 2025 followed by Narrative Adventure “Pararecords” in Summer 2025

TOKYO – Dec 7th, 2024 – Kodansha Creators’ Lab, the indie game publishing arm of entertainment company Kodansha Ltd., unveiled an April 24th, 2025 release date for developer Tokoronyori’s co-op-only adventure BOKURA: planet, and revealed two new titles — and Roger, and Pararecords — today in the INDIE Live Expo. 

Test communication and the boundaries of friendship in BOKURA: planet, a collaborative planetary journey requiring two human players. While both astronauts physically inhabit the same space, their environments manifest differently on their respective screens. Solve bi-dimensional puzzles requiring clear communication via voice chat. Adventure together on PC via Steam on Thursday, April 24th, 2025, and play the demo on Thursday, January 16th, 2025.

Solo developer yona (In His Time)just debuted his second title: and Roger, a point-and-click visual novel adventure. Investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young woman’s father, who was suddenly and inexplicably replaced by a man she has never met. Awkward conversation results in him offering a strange medicine. Will she take it? Who is he? Where is her father? Find answers to every unsolved question on PC via Steam in Spring 2025.

Counsel children with paranormal abilities in developer 6th Sense Games’ branching narrative adventure, Pararecords. Document their behaviors, soothe their troubles, and discover the source of their powers. Help each one open up by practicing careful communication and astutely observing their reactions, or risk pushing away jaded juveniles who might go missing out of frustration. Guide gifted youth on PC via Steam in Summer 2025.

BOKURA, the prequel to BOKURA: planet, celebrates the sales milestone of 700,000+ units sold and travels hand-in-hand onto PlayStation 5|4 on Friday, April 18th, 2025. Steam and Nintendo Switch owners can enjoy a limited-time 50%-off sale on both platforms. Visit the game’s respective Steam and Nintendo eShop store pages for participating regions and sale end dates.

For the latest news on BOKURA: planet, follow tokoronyori on X / Twitter. For and Roger, follow yona on X / Twitter. For Pararecords, follow 6th Sense Games on X / Twitter, and visit the official Kodansha Creators’ Lab website for the latest information on all three titles.

About Kodansha Game Creator’s Lab

Established in 2021, Kodansha Game Creator’s Lab is the fourth department of the prestigious entertainment publishing company Kodansha Ltd., founded in 1909. Its motto is “Everything for the creator,” reflecting the company’s goal to support young talents and introduce indie creators to the wider public.

Watch the Collector’s Edition unboxing video for this uplifting coming-of-age story from Chorus Worldwide Limited Games.

Barcelona, Spain – 9th December, 2024. As the Holiday season approaches, SelectaPlay, in partnership with Chorus Worldwide Games Limited, has the perfect gift for gamers as they announce that the limited physical Standard and Collector’s Edition of Last Time I Saw You will be released this December for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch across European retail stores. 

Developed by Maboroshi Artworks, Last Time I Saw You is a coming-of-age narrative adventure about love and acceptance. It is an uplifting story, rich with complex characters and set in a vibrantly imagined vision of late 1980s Japan.

SelectaPlay will create, publish, and distribute the physical editions across Europe. As well as a Standard physical edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, the team is crafting a limited Collector’s Edition inspired by the game’s story and Ayumi’s journey and will include the full physical copy of the game, an exquisite art book and manual, three laminated postcards, a set of 20 premium cards featuring the main characters, the official soundtrack on a vinyl inspired CD, and a printed envelope containing a set of die-cut stickers all housed in a special collector’s box. 

Join Ayumi on an exciting tale of self-discovery, in which he takes his first tentative steps into adulthood and confronts the terrible curse that has fallen upon his hometown. Explore a haunted forest hiding a terrible secret, and interact with a vast cast of friendly and deceitful characters in this beautifully hand-drawn story adventure.

• MAGIC REALISM IN 80s JAPAN – Meet an eclectic cast of characters inspired by Japanese mythology, and lose yourself in a beautifully hand-drawn and traditionally animated adventure.
• FRIENDSHIP & FIRST LOVES – In an adventure filled with love, friendship, and all the trials of burgeoning adolescence, you’ll meet a beguiling cast of fascinating characters along the way, from school friends and gossiping townsfolk to samurai crows and kleptomaniac kappas – as well as the literal girl of your dreams.
• AN INTRIGUING ADVENTURE – Last Time I Saw You is a cozy and relaxing 2D exploration game. Light action, environmental puzzles, side quests and collectibles support its heartwarming narrative core, all dripping in nostalgia and affection for a time long gone.

The Last Time I Saw You physical Standard and Collector’s Editions will be released for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch this December across European specialist retail stores. Check local stores for pre-order and pricing information. Exact release date will be confirmed soon!

About Maboroshi Artworks

Founded by Juan Fandiño, the art director of Yume Nikki: Dream Diary, Maboroshi Artworks is a small independent art studio operating out of Osaka, Japan. Their passion for innovative storytelling fuels their creativity as they pursue their mission to create emotional narratives for all to feel and fondly remember. For Maboroshi, telling a unique story is a priority above all else. This approach lead them to work on their first game, Last Time I Saw You, an (already) award-winning narrative adventure set to release in 2024.

About Chorus Worldwide Games Limited

Chorus Worldwide is a global publisher composed of gaming veterans with experience at world-renowned companies including Microsoft, EA, and Grasshopper Manufacture. Originally created to guide indie developers into the rapidly growing Asian markets, Chorus now works with talented developers across the world, including Argentina, Indonesia, and Malay

About SelectaPlay

SelectaPlay is SelectaVisión’s video games publishing branch. The company works with talented studios on unique video games and helps them publish their titles in both physical and digital formats worldwide.

About SelectaVisión

SelectaVisión is a media entertainment distributor company founded in 1984. Based in Spain, SelectaVisión’s catalogue includes anime and live-action feature films, TV shows, and movies. Publishing both anime classics and the latest Japanese productions since 1997, SelectaVisión has built a long relationship with fan-favourite Japanese producers and distributors, becoming the major publisher of anime content for Spanish audiences. 

Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.

© 2023 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. “PlayStation”, “PS5” and “PS4”, are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. 

TOKYO – Dec 7th, 2024 – INDIE Live Expo, the biannual live digital showcase connecting indie game fans all over the world with 100 million total views since its debut in 2020, concluded its final 2024 event. Viewers across the globe enjoyed world premieres and content updates across more than 100 games and witnessed the honoring of 2024’s finest indies during the fifth annual INDIE Live Expo Awards.

Christmas came early for indie fans as Japan’s premiere showcase showcased new reveals and hotly-anticipated updates across a kaleidoscope of genres. Yesterday’s world premieres include Sofia in Exchange for Lies, the murder mystery adventure game now in development by MUTAN.

Kodansha Ltd. revealed next year’s release lineup including and Roger, a point-and-click visual novel arriving on PC via Steam in Spring 2025 where disappearing family members trigger untold mysteries, and Pararecords, the branching narrative paranormal adventure coming to PC via Steam in Summer 2025.

Publisher room6 shared updates for multiple titles, including the release date for Pastel☆Parade, the cozy rhythm game coming to PC via Steam in Spring 2025, and revealed a Summer 2025 release window for the point-and-click RPG UNDERGROUNDED.

INDIE Live Expo would like to extend congratulations to this year’s award winners:

Award Recipients

“We are honored to present the Grand Prize to Slay the Princess, which embodies the ‘madness’ that indie games should have,” says Daichi Saito, Chief Editor at INDIE Live Expo. “Developed by a small team, the graphics, while not necessarily fancy, are highly creative and offer an experience that keeps us committed to an ‘unconventional character.’ This game reminds us of the very reason we fell in love with “video games.” Showing our deepest respect for this magical work, we proudly present the Grand Prize.”

“The beautiful thing about video games is that there is no limit to creativity. If you can dream it, you can make it,” said Ryuta Konuma, Founder and CEO, Ryu’s Office. “We’re honored to provide a platform to show off the limitless creativity within the indie game space, and look forward to helping shine a light on developers across the globe.”!”

Rewatch INDIE Live Expo’s announcement and award show on YouTube.

Developers and indie game enthusiasts interested in information about future INDIE Live Expo events and opportunities can sign up for the INDIE Live Expo Letter here. For more information, please visit the INDIE Live Expo website, follow @INDIELiveExpoEN on Twitter, and search for #INDIELiveExpo on social media.

About Ryu’s Office

Ryu’s Office offers in-depth marketing solutions for smartphone, console, arcade, and PC games in Japan. They are particularly focused on the planning and production of numerous live broadcasts based out of Japan for the gaming industry. To learn more, visit the official Ryu’s Office website.