Global digital release, European physical version and Asia distribution for stunning new Metroidvana-inspired action game   

Limassol, Cyprus – 17th September 2024. Global Indie publisher ESDigital Games is thrilled to announce that AWAKEN: Astral Blade, their action-packed Metroidvania side-scrolling action game, will be released globally via digital distribution on 22nd October 2024 for PC (via Steam and EGS) and PlayStation 5.  Watch the release date trailer below 

AWAKEN – Astral Blade is a dark Metroidvania side-scrolling action game in which players take on the role of bionic Tania, a clone from the OS-CR100 series created by Dr. Herveus, as she ventures deep into the rainforests in search of a missing team of researchers. Tania’s journey truly begins when she uncovers ancient secrets buried deep within the ruins in the forest, leading her to confront the mysteries of her origins and her ultimate destiny.

Developed by Dark Pigeon Games, AWAKEN: Astral Blade is part of the third phase of the China Hero Project, Sony Interactive Entertainment Shanghai’s games incubation program that funds and supports Chinese video game developers and received the ‘Best in Play GDC 2024’ award at this years show.

ESDitgital Games will be partnering with other leading video game publishers for the launch of AWAKEN – Astral Blade to ensure that all gamers across the globe can experience this thrilling new game. On the same launch day, fans across Europe will be able to get their hands on a fantastic PlayStation 5 physical boxed edition from publishing partner Meridiem.

Meridiem will release the special physical version of AWAKEN – Astral Blade for PlayStation 5. The physical ‘Tania’s Edition’ will include a specially designed slip case, a printed Lore Book revealing more about Tania’s history and the mysterious Jacha City, and the digital soundtrack and a sticker featuring the Mech Mutant Prototype. That’s not all! PlayStation fans will also receive access to the post-release content DLC and additional outfits for Tania (including the exclusive PlayStation outfit!).

About AWAKEN – Astral Blade

Weave your own story in this dark 2D side-scrolling action fairy tale game. Join a bionic girl Tania, as she is sent into the rainforests of the Horace Islands in search of a missing team of researchers. Once there, Tania discovers Karpas energy flooding through the islands, mutating the animals and plants into deadly mutants.

As she journeys deeper into the forests, Tania discovers the centuries-old remains of Jacha City, a long-lost civilization thought extinct, and with it, the former Royal Altar and ground zero of the Karpas energy source. Here Tania’s journey truly begins as she discovers ancient secrets buried deep within the ruins and she must discover the truth of the Kapras Energy and the truth of her own origins and destiny.

Features

• Kill your enemies with a wide range of combos: from the fastest to the slowest. Parry enemy attacks to gain an advantage, use the Quick Rise ability to get back into the fight, and run at enemies as they attack to slow down the world around you and gain immunity to damage. Combos and skills will also help you get through hordes of enemies and defeat bosses.
• Control the course of the story, help Tania make decisions at crucial moments in the game and follow your own path to reveal mysteries of the past and present. Different routes can lead you to different endings. Search the Horace Islands for clues and information about the mysterious and dangerous world of AWAKEN – Astral Blade.
• Collect the mysterious Aether and use it for your own benefit. Improve Tania’s combat skills and strength, or spend it on different abilities useful in various situations. How about upgrading your weapons or trading some Aether for useful items? The choice is yours.
• Don’t waste your time traveling. The map is designed to save you time while exploring it. If you have trouble in combat, you can reduce the difficulty level and get some useful Skills. Tania always finds cheerful words for you even in your darkest moments. Because this is not only her story, but also yours.

The physical AWAKEN – Astral Blade Tania’s Edition will be released on 22nd October for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and EGS. For more information, please visit https://esdigital.games/ 

About ESDigital Games

ESDigital Games is a global video game publishing company specializing in premium indie and mid-core games for both PC and consoles. ESDigital Games’ upcoming releases include the stealth-action title Steel Seed, the Metroidvania-inspired Awaken – Astral Blade, the alchemy RPG Battlejuice Alchemist, the story-driven sci-fi adventure Sky of Tides, the twin-stick sci-fi shooter Memory Lost, and the puzzle adventure Island of Winds, as well as several unannounced titles currently in development. Their current portfolio includes the RTS tower defense and match-3 mechanics title Cats on Duty, the ’80s-themed point-and-click adventure Unusual Findings, the tactical card combat game Deck of Ashes, and the Early Access releases of the twin-stick shooter REMEDIUM and the roguelike action RPG Scholar of the Arcane Arts.

Today we invite you to take an in-depth look at Shattered Space in this deep dive with Bethesda Game Studios. Uncover the many mysteries surrounding House Va’ruun and explore an isolated, handcrafted new location in Starfield’s first major story expansion.

In Shattered Space, Starfield’s first major expansion, players will visit the homeworld of House Va’ruun for the first time. Explore a fully handcrafted new location and unravel the mysteries surrounding the followers of the Great Serpent. House Va’ruun is on the brink of collapse and their people need help finding a path forward. When your sudden presence on their hidden home planet is seen by some as divine intervention, it’s up to you to restore House Va’ruun and decide the fate of this secretive faction.
 
Shattered Space launches on October 1 for Xbox Series X | S and PC. Owners of the Premium or Constellation Editions of Starfield will receive Shattered Space as part of their original purchase. Owners of the base edition can still purchase the Premium Upgrade for access to Shattered Space plus other digital items including Digital Art Book, Original Soundtrack, 1,000 Creation Credits, and the Constellation Skin pack.

For more information on Starfield: Shattered Space, visit: https://bethesda.net/en/game/starfield. For more information head over to the Bethesda News site.

New DLC, New Free Content, New Sales 

Sydney, Australia, 17 September 2024: The wait is over, heisters! PAYDAY 3 Anniversary Update Part 1 is out now, bringing an exciting wave of fresh content to commemorate the game’s anniversary. 

Dive into the heart of the financial world with Chapter 4: Fear & Greed launch trailer, where players must infiltrate and rob one of the most secure trading floors in existence:

Paid and Free Content  

The PAYDAY 3 Anniversary Update Part 1 introduces Chapter 4: Fear and Greed, available to Gold Edition and Gold Pass owners and for separate purchase on PC, Xbox Series S|X, and PlayStation 5.  

This expansion includes the Stock Exchange Heist, three new weapons, new mods and cosmetics, along with four new masks, suits, and gloves. Additionally, free content for all players features Houston as a new playable heister, the Minigun M135, new masks, and Twitch drops. 

Upcoming Sales Overview: 

• Xbox Sales: Running until September 30, with a 60% discount on PAYDAY 3 base game, Gold and Silver Editions, along with other discounts. 
• Steam Sales: Starting today and running until September 23, with a 60% discount on PAYDAY 3 base game, Gold and Silver Editions, amongst other discounts.  
• PlayStation Sales: Running until September 25: Silver Edition, Syntax Error content, and Trifecta Loot Bag, amongst other discounts. 

Out Now! The PAYDAY 3 Anniversary Update Part 1 has officially launched! Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to PAYDAY, this update is packed with exciting content and fresh challenges to keep you engaged. Assemble your crew and get ready for the ultimate heist! 

For more information about PAYDAY 3, please visit: www.paydaythegame.com 

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About Starbreeze AB 

Starbreeze is an independent developer, publisher and distributor of PC and console games targeting the global market, with studios in Stockholm, Barcelona, Paris and London. Housing the smash hit IP PAYDAY, Starbreeze develops games based on proprietary and third-party rights, both in-house and in partnership with external game developers. Starbreeze shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the tickers STAR A and STAR B. For more information, please visit starbreeze.com  

About PLAION 

PLAION is a dynamic and diversified business in the global entertainment sector, masterfully crafting franchises that captivate audiences worldwide. Boasting a vast network of eight game development studios, fifteen regional publishing offices, three game publishing labels including Deep Silver, and PLAION PICTURES as an independent film publisher and distributor, the company extends its influence with merchandise production and expansive distribution capabilities across the globe. Founded three decades ago, PLAION has firmly established itself within the entertainment arena. With a diverse range of services and solutions, PLAION stands as the premier publishing partner for console and PC games across both physical and digital channels. Moreover, its strong foothold in the Virtual Reality (VR) domain highlights the company’s commitment to varied gaming experiences. PLAION is an Embracer Group company. 

About Deep Silver 

Deep Silver is PLAION’s flagship publishing label, and the home of captivating gaming worlds from the gripping post-apocalypse of Metro, to the twisted paradises of Dead Island to the authentic Medieval landscapes of Kingdom Come Deliverance .For more information, please visit www.deepsilver.com 

Bethesda Softworks ANZ is excited to unveil an epic fan event at PAX Australia, offering attendees a deep dive into the captivating universes of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. This unique experience will take place from October 11-13, 2024, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Fans are invited to embark on an unforgettable journey through the iconic Gold Road of Tamriel and the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Fallout 76. 

The Elder Scrolls Online Tavern: Come celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Elder Scrolls Online in a setting that brings the lore to life! Step into the heart of Tamriel at our carefully crafted Elder Scrolls Online Tavern. With authentic décor, live bard performances, a mysterious Daedric Prince, and themed drinks, this cosy tavern is the perfect gathering spot for fans. Whether you’re a seasoned Dragonknight or a newcomer to Tamriel, the Tavern offers a welcoming atmosphere to share stories and connect with fellow adventurers. 

Rich Lambert, the Game Director of The Elder Scrolls Online, will also be joining us at PAX Australia! He’ll be participating in panels focused on the game and its community. Don’t miss his keynote on “The Music of The Elder Scrolls Online,” featuring special guest Lara6683, a talented pianist and streamer. This must-see event will be held at the Quokka Theatre on October 11 at 1:00pm AEDT. 

The Fallout 76 Skyline Valley C.A.M.P.site Handheld Lounge: Escape the hustle of PAX Australia in our Fallout 76 Skyline Valley C.A.M.P.site Handheld Lounge. Inspired by the Pioneer Scouts of Skyline Valley, this space offers comfortable seating, faux campfires and more. Relax, recharge, and bond with fellow Vault Dwellers in our version of Shenandoah National Park. 

DOOM: The Dark Ages, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Starfield: Shattered Space: Immerse yourself in the worlds of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, DOOM, and Starfield with our interactive photo opportunities. Step into DOOM: The Dark Ages and be the slayer, become the famed adventurer with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, or snap a selfie after joining House Va’Ruun in Starfield: Shattered Space. These photo spots are designed to create lasting memories and are perfect for sharing your experience with friends and fellow fans. 

“We’re thrilled to bring our worlds to life in such an immersive way” said Simon Alty, VP and Managing Director (APAC) at Bethesda Softworks. “This event is our way of giving back to our dedicated community, creating a space where fans can come together to celebrate their love for these incredible games.” 

Join us for a weekend filled with adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. We can’t wait to see you in Melbourne! 

For updates and more news about these events in the lead up to PAX Aus 2023  fans should make sure to follow Bethesda ANZ on Twitter and Facebook. 

Step into a world of mystery and adventure thanks to Unknown 9’s many entry points, which include its video game, podcast, comics, novels and more. Each represents a standalone story, the collective of which reveals a larger, overarching adventure.

Unknown 9: Awakening,the narrative-driven action-adventure game by Reflector Entertainment isset to launch on 18 October 2024 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. Follow the journey of Haroona, a Quaestor with extraordinary abilities harnessed from the Fold, a mysterious dimension overlapping our own. She must protect humanity from the Ascendants, who plan to use this powerful dimension to alter the course of human destiny.

Numerous adventures await. Are you ready to unravel humanity’s forgotten truths? Watch the Narrative Universe trailer here:

While you wait to play the game, immerse yourself in Unknown 9’s other adventures. All of them include connections to Awakening and many are available for free. The gripping first issue of the Unknown 9: Torment comic book series introduces you to Jaden Crowe, a troubled young man who gets entangled in a mind-bending adventure. Unknown 9: Out of Sight Season 1 follows paranormal podcasters who seek out regular people with knowledge of the Unknown.

The first two instalments of Layton Green’sGenesis Trilogy tell the story of a young astrophysicist who sets out to uncover the truth behind her mentor’s murder, while the upcoming web series Unknown 9: Passage and Unknown 9: The Taylor Files will delve deeper into the Unknown.

For more information on Unknown 9 and other products from Bandai Namco Europe please visit https://www.bandainamcoent.eu, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok. Join the conversation on X. Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok. Join the conversation on X.

It’s time for some fun in the sun with a FAIRY TAIL beach episode, with a 20% launch week discount!

TOKYO — September 16, 2024 — FAIRY TAIL: Beach Volleyball Havoc, the no-holds-barred, chaotic magic beach volleyball action game based on the beloved FAIRY TAIL manga and anime series, developed and published by tiny cactus studio, MASUDATARO, veryOK and Kodansha Game Creators’ Lab, launches on PC via Steam today.

Create an all-star team of fan-favorite Fairy Tail characters and take to the sands in hectic two-on-two beach volleyball matches where anything goes! Choose from a whopping 32 mages across Fairy Tail, Sabertooth, Lamia Scale, Blue Pegasus, and other guilds from all over Ishgar in the Kingdom of Fiore’s annual beach volleyball tournament.

Scorch the sands as Natsu, freeze opponents in their tracks as Gray, or kick competitors into oblivion as Lucy. Coordinate with partners to spike the opposition with powerful magic strikes. Light up the court with 100 different types of magic and score points to earn enhanced magic and turn the beach into total mayhem as matches progress!

Complete matches to unlock new characters and special illustrations. Serve up magical destruction against CPU opponents, or make it a friendly competition and play with up to four fellow mages in local multiplayer. Take skirmishes online with full support for Steam Remote Play Together to deliver magically charged Aces to friends from across the globe. 

In addition, the results of the “FAIRY TAIL at the Beach” Art Contest have been decided! After careful consideration by the FAIRY TAIL: Beach Volleyball Havoc development team and Hiro Mashima himself the winners of the art contest are… (drumroll please)… all 84 entries! For more details about the competition results, please visit the ILLUST DAYS webpage. The more matches that are played, the more visuals that are unlocked. Keep an eye out for a special illustration from Hiro Mashima himself coming soon!

“The FAIRY TAIL INDIE GAME GUILD is proud to bring FAIRY TAIL: Beach Volleyball Havoc to Fairy Tail fans everywhere after the recent release of FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS,” tiny cactus studio, the chief creator of the title, at MUKI-MUKI MUSCLE TRAINING COMPETITION. “We aimed to create an action-packed, chaotic, and lighthearted experience that all Fairy Tail fans could enjoy with each other, so we hope to see mages everywhere out on the beach!”

FAIRY TAIL: Beach Volleyball Havoc is now available on PC via Steam for $6.99 with a special 20% launch week discount.. Language support includes English, Japanese, French, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Thai. To learn more, check out the official website, and follow Kodansha Creators’ Lab on Twitter.

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.

Submissions for October’s “Let’s Play Steam NEXT Fest” open in Japan, China

TOKYO — Sept. 16th, 2024 — The organizers behind INDIE Live Expo, Asia’s biggest indie game broadcast with more than 100 million combined viewers across ten shows, are now accepting applications for the upcoming winter showcase on Saturday, Dec. 7th, 2024. 

Indie developers and publishers can submit their games for consideration in this year’s showcase here. The entry period lasts until Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 7:59 PM Pacific Time. Each organization may register one title free or charge, and participants are encouraged to include a 15-second game introduction as part of their submission. 

The upcoming winter showcase will give the gift of world premieres as well as content updates to fan favorite titles. Enjoy a heaping helping of rapid-fire, bite-sized news announcements during the return of the INDIE Waves segment. 

The annual INDIE Live Expo Awards also returns to bestow recognition upon critically acclaimed titles, with awards given by a panel of games industry veterans from around the world. 

In the last four years, INDIE Live Expo has showcased more than 2,750 games across the globe with broadcasts in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. Last year’s show accumulated more than 7.4 million viewers. 

Additionally, submissions for INDIE Live Expo’s “Let’s Play Steam NEXT Fest” event opens today until Tuesday, Oct. 1, 7:59 AM JST with broadcasts available in Japanese and Chinese. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available with a plethora of options for exposure to millions of gamers across the globe, including original segments, promotional videos, logo placement, and more. For more information, please view the sponsorship video here.

Rewatch the full stream of INDIE Live Expo 2024 on YouTube here, and keep up with the latest indie with a free subscription to the “INDIE Live Expo Letter” digital magazine where developers, publishers and creators can keep up with the latest industry trends. 

For more information, please visit the INDIE Live Expo website, follow @INDIELiveExpoEN on Twitter, and search for #INDIELiveExpo on social media.

DIliuvian Ultra: Awakening, Hands of Necromancy II, Chains of Fury and more at ‘Boomer Shooter’ celebration on Steam 

Prague, Czech Republic – September 16, 2024  – We have excellent news for fans of both classic first-person shooters and general action titles, as Fulqrum Publishing is hosting Boomstock 2024 – and is giving away a brand new game to celebrate – totally free! And that’s not all, we also have two  new game launches, as well as a host of updates for existing Fulqrum Publishing titles. 

Taking place on Steam, Boomstock 2024 is a celebration of classic ‘Boomer Shooters’ and kick-ass action games in general. From 18:00 GMT/19:00 CEST today (September 16), you’ll be able to watch a showcase of exciting new trailers and announcements, sample the adrenaline-filled free demos or just browse the sale for awesome deals and discounts on the games that are already on your radar! 

From the launch of Hands of Necromancy II to Chains of Fury, to the free release of Diluvian Ultra: Awakening, Fulqrum Publishing has a host of releases and announcements at Boomstock 2024 – and here’s just a brief look at what they have in store for you.

Diluvian Ultra: Awakening

To start us off, Fulqrum Publishing will be offering a brand new game free of charge, that acts as a prequel to an existing and beloved title from the publisher.

Diluvian Ultra: Awakening, available from today, is a prequel title to the critically acclaimed first person shooter title from Cresthelm Studios and Fulqrum Publishing – Diluvian Ultra. Before the Lord of Swarms rose from his slumber to carve a red ruin amongst the invaders of his ship, he was almost destroyed by treachery. In this preview game, you take control of Qasar, a young neonate Diluvian that has to foil the plot to destroy his lord. 

Hands of Necromancy II 

HON Team are proud to announce the launch of Hands of Necromancy II, a dark fantasy first person shooter title that is available to purchase today! Inspired by classics such as Heretic and Doom, Hands of Necromancy II allows players the choice from two characters, wield new weapons and learn even more powerful spells and transformations to prove once and for all that you are the supreme Necromancer, master of death itself!

Will you once again don the mantle of the original Necromancer and prove his supremacy, or will you play as the new female up and comer, to show the world the true meaning of the word “power”? Each character has their own distinct weapons, spells, transformation abilities, as well as personality!

Hands of Necromancy II is available to purchase today via Steam

Chains of Fury

And that’s not the only game launching today! Cobble Games are delighted to bring you Volume I of the stylish sci-fi first person shooter title Chains of Fury. Volume I offers a high adrenaline, fast-paced Boomer Shooter where you have only one goal: spread furious mayhem among the scumbags keeping you locked up. Stuck looking for an exit? Just punch through walls and then shoot the suckers behind them.

This game is not for you if you want to save the world and become the hero everyone needs (or even deserves). Move along, we have an anti-hero bad-ass over here, ready to compete for the title of The Meanest Bastard Ever. His testosterone level can only be measured in the Fury scale, his death toll is unknown and the amount of bullets he’d shot is uncountable. He’s a hired gun. His former clients had put him in prison instead of paying him for a job well done. He’s furious, he’s skilled, he’s got mean weapons and an even meaner moustache. It’s nothing personal. It’s just business.

Chains of Fury is available for purchase today via Steam.

Forgive Me Father 2 update 2

And it’s not just new games we’re celebrating today – Byte Barrel’s Lovecraftian first person shooter title Forgive Me Father 2 is getting its second content update today – allowing players to get their hands on two new weapons, explore two new maps, encounter two new enemy types – and enjoy a host of tweaks and fixes to the game.

More information on the update, including a look at the new fearsome weapon, the Obelisk, is available on the game’s Steam page.

And as an extra bit of news – we are delighted to reveal that Forgive Me Father 2 will be seeing its full launch on October 24, 2024! 

HYPERVIOLENT update

There’s good news for fans of Terminist Arcade’s beloved first person shooter HYPERVIOLENT too, which is also being treated to a host of new content in a new update today.

Starting from today, players will be able to enjoy a brand new level, two new weapons, four new enemies and an all-new 6 Degrees of Freedom spaceship flying mechanic – including some sections where the player may leave their ship for a period of time!

Viscerafest

And finally, we have news for Acid Man Games and Fire Plant Games’ first person shooter Viscerafest – which will be leaving Early Access in April 2025! 

Viscerafest is a Sci-Fi Fantasy Singleplayer Arena FPS with minor Collectathon elements. Fight through hordes of aliens and eldritch monstrosities wielding a slew of powerful weapons, juggling your resources, and exploring over 23 intricately designed hand-crafted levels.

Viscerafest is available today in Early Access, and will be seeing its full launch in April 2025.

About Fulqrum Publishing

Fulqrum Publishing is a global games publisher with a diverse portfolio of titles, including in-house and independent productions. Fulqrum Publishing released over a hundred games, including the critically acclaimed titles like Men of War, King’s Bounty, Space Rangers, Fell Seal, Forgive me Father and many others.