Two days packed with sessions, workshops, games, the newly added Speed Networking, VIP activities, a Meet & Greet with the “DOOM Guy” and much more! – Last call to submit games for the Showcase and DevGAMM Awards with its $100k prize pool

Bellevue, WA, September 23, 2024 – The international game development conference DevGAMM is preparing in full swing for their second edition in Portugal, taking place on November 14-15. With the legendary creator of DOOM, John Romero, headlining DevGAMM Lisbon 2024 and incredible professionals from Rovio, IO Interactive, Scopely, Massive Entertainment, Guerilla and other companies from around the world, the conference presents a line-up packed with sessions, panels, workshops and more. Details: https://devgamm.com/lisbon2024/

Known as the “father of first-person shooters”, with over 130 games to his name, including DOOM, Wolfenstein 3D, and Quake, John Romero is a true icon in the industry. At DevGAMM, Romero’s diving into the story behind DOOM in his keynote “DOOM: The Game That Changed Games”, sharing rare footage, behind-the-scenes stories, and all the highs and lows of creating a game that changed the industry forever.

Apart from the keynote speech, there will be a Meet & Greet with John Romero, where he’ll be signing copies of his new autobiography DOOM Guy.

Attendees can also look forward to great panel discussions, such as “Next-Gen Brazil: Unlocking the Future of Your Game Business” with local games business specialists and representatives of gamescom LATAM, numerous workshops ranging from go-to-market strategies, character crafting and technical assessments to tips for freelance work in the gaming industry. The recently added Speed Networking will allow attendees to quickly introduce themselves to as many people as possible. Business ticket holders will additionally receive access to the networking platform MeetToMatch where they easily can browse attendees, manage their schedule, and plan meetings at the conference venue. VIP ticket holders will be invited to some limited and unique networking experiences.

The DevGAMM Awards is a prestigious game developers competition aimed to celebrate and recognize excellence in games. With a prize pool of $100,000 in real cash and additional nominations and prizes from sponsors, it offers a remarkable opportunity for emerging talents. Developers can also apply for the large Game Showcase, on-stage Public Pitch, and a Steam Event – all perfect opportunities to present their projects in front of industry executives, major publishers, and investors.

Game submissions for all activities, including the DevGAMM Awards and Game Showcase, are open only until September 30! Interested team can apply here: https://devgamm.com/awards2024/

DevGAMM Conference is returning to Cascais and The Oitavos Luxury Hotel for its second Lisbon edition on November 14-15, 2024. 

Last year DevGAMM Lisbon welcomed more than 600 attendees from 44 countries, and with a 60% ratio of decision-makers, DevGAMM is the perfect event for business. With 50 learning sessions hosted last year, 60 showcased games, and 341 companies present during the conference, DevGAMM Lisbon aims to get even bigger this year! Get ready for a refined gamedev experience by the Atlantic Ocean. Discover the best of Portugal through exclusive opportunities, private dining, and parties with extraordinary networking. Tickets: https://devgamm.com/lisbon2024/ticket/

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About DevGAMM

DevGAMM game development conference is a US-registered company headquartered in Bellevue, WA. Originating in Ukraine in 2008, the team now operates 100% remotely, collaborating from eight different countries around the world.

DevGAMM has been uniting game industry professionals from Eastern Europe and beyond for over 15 years now. Each conference features multiple networking opportunities, heavy-packed content by top speakers, new games from all over the world, and so much more.

5-Year Anniversary edition of acclaimed Metroidvania coming to consoles for the first time across Europe and North America.

Barcelona, Spain –  23rd September 2024. Indie publisher and distributor SelectaPlay is excited to announce that the physical 5-Year Anniversary Standard and Limited Collector’s Edition of the acclaimed Metroidvania Touhou Luna Nights will launch on 21st March 2025 for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 from European and North American specialist retailers. This will be the first time Touhou Luna Nights will be available on consoles outside of Asia, and fans can pre-order their copy now!

Developed by Team Ladybug and WSS Playground and originally published by PLAYISM, Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action.  Originally created as a fan fiction game based on the world-renowned ‘Touhou Project’, the game has received over 12,000 ‘overwhelmingly positive’ reviews on Steam. 

SelectaPlay will be responsible for creating, publishing, and distributing the physical retail versions of Touhou Luna Nights and will create a 5-Year Anniversary Standard and Special Limited Collector’s Edition of the game for fans to enjoy outside of Japan for the first time in five years. 

Watch the Touhou Luna Nights 5-Year Anniversary limited edition reveal trailer below 

The physical Touhou Luna Nights 5-Year Anniversary Standard Edition will include a printed colour manual and special sleeve, whereas fans can also get their hands on the Special Collector’s Limited Edition, which contains a host of additional in-box content. As well as the physical edition of the game and a printed manual, the Special Collector’s Edition also includes an original soundtrack double CD, 3 alternative inlays, a serialised certificate of authenticity and a Steel Book case all housed in a stunning collector’s oversized box. 

Both versions of Touhou Luna Nights 5-Year Anniversary Edition will be released as limited physical editions for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on 21st March 2025. Pre-orders are live now, check local retailers for more details. 

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 in Europe and worldwide.

About SelectaVisión

SelectaVisión is a video publishing company founded in 1984. Based in Spain, SelectaVisión’s catalog 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-favorite Japanese producers and distributors, becoming the major publisher of anime content for Spanish audiences. 

Limassol, Cyprus – 23rd  September 2024. Following a busy summer of events in the United States and Europe, indie publisher ESDigital Games is heading to Japan to participate in this year’s Tokyo Game Show. Running from 26-29 September, the team will be showcasing a wide selection of titles from their exciting portfolio in person at the show. 

ESDigital Games will be present on four stands at the event with the support of their distribution partners and will have hands-on demos available for all titles, as well as the opportunity to snap a photo with cosplayers inspired by some of the games! 

“We are thrilled to visit the Tokyo Games Show in person, with our exciting lineup of upcoming titles.” Commented Oleg Kudishov, Managing Director, ESDigital Games. “After the fantastic responses from all of the live events we have attended this year, including PAX East, GDC, Summer Game Fest, gamescom and PAX West, we are excited to bring our titles to Japan with the support of our Asia distribution partners. Meeting with our Asia partners, media, and fans at the show is a fantastic opportunity to show our upcoming releases, and we are excited to see you there.” 

Watch the ESDigital Games Tokyo Games Show game trailer below 

Where to find ESDigital Games 

The team will be present in four locations at the Tokyo Game Show, and a mix of demos will be available in multiple languages. 

ESDigital Games – Booth 09-W11 

• AWAKEN – Astral Blade 

Galaktus (Polish Indie Booth) – Booth 10-W14 

• Steel Seed
• AWAKEN – Astral Blade
• BattleJuice Alchemist

Gamersky – Booth 09-W84 

• Steel Seed 

Game Source Entertainment – Booth 08-C08 

• Cats on Duty

More information on the titles at the Tokyo Game Show:

Steel Seed – Steam | EGS | PS | Xbox 

Steel Seed, developed by Storm in a Teacup, is a stealth action-adventure game set in a dark, sci-fi world where humanity hangs on the brink of extinction. Join our protagonist Zoe, and a flying drone Koby, as they investigate the depths of a hostile underground facility in search of answers and the key to the survival of mankind. Having revealed the stealth and action gameplay in Steel Seed, the gamescom demo introduced the deep story and exploration side of Zoe’s journey through the stunning futuristic environments.

AWAKEN – Astral Blade – Steam | EGS | PS

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.

Battlejuice Alchemist – Early Access out now – Steam | EGS | Coming Soon – PS | Xbox | Nintendo Switch

‘GDC Best in Play 2024 winner’ – Battlejuice Alchemist is a complex alchemy RPG that adds an equipment-based skill system to the classic aRPG formula. Focus on top-down combat or opt for JRPG-style one-on-one fights. Explore the wilderness, learn ritual magic, and craft potions to fight demonic hordes overrunning the lands.

Cats On Duty – Out Now – Steam | EGS | Coming Soon –  PS | Xbox | Nintendo Switch

Cats on Duty is a purr-fect blend of RTS, tower defense, and match-3 game genres. Manage two game fields at once, as well as arm and upgrade your cat towers to defeat hordes of formidable foes. Enjoy the meow-nificent battle!

For more information, please visit https://esdigital.games/ 

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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 Icelandic folklore inspired action-adventure title 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. 

Finnish game studio Social First announces its first game, Nexus Station, a Social Sandbox MMO that they are developing to be as much a social platform as it is a game. 

Helsinki, Finland September 2024 – Social First, a team made up of game industry veterans has announced their first title, Nexus Station, a cross-platform free-to-play social sandbox game. Building on eight years of experience in development and community management of a similar title, the team promise to deliver a new kind of Sandbox MMO that champions social connectivity.

Nexus Station invites players to create their own worlds, as well as content for various competitive and co-op features to share with the wider community. Crafting, trading, and working together in clans are all set to be included in a collection of different features for the game. The studio also has plans for an official secondary marketplace, where players will be able to trade in-game items for real money. 

Set to launch into Early Access on mobile later this year with PC access to follow, Social First have already been sharing behind the scenes content and teasers into the game with their core community. To celebrate the announcement of Nexus Station, a gameplay trailer has been released, and a sign up page so that players can be the first to hear news about the game as the studio continues to work towards a full launch.

The team have extensive experience in social gaming having worked on previous titles such as Pixel Worlds, Habbo Hotel, Runescape and Movie Star Planet. CEO Kim Soares states that the game will be the next big shift in social gaming, paving the way for games as a social platform. 

“Different games are fast becoming the most important social platform for millions of people, a place where they can meet new people, spend time with friends and be social no matter the physical distance. Nexus Station is specifically being built to be as much a social platform as it is a game and we’re looking forward to enabling players all over the world to meet new people, share their creativity and forge friendships that last a lifetime.” says CEO Kim Soares.

To find out more about Social First and their game Nexus Station, sign up for their mailing list here. You can also join their Discord server to be alerted when Early Access goes live later this year. 

About Social First

Social First is an independent Finnish game studio with a multinational team of accomplished game developers from five different European countries. CEO Kim Soares and President Mikko Kähärä founded Social First in 2021 with the mission to create a game that is also a social platform, spans decades and extends beyond gaming; giving players a platform to create meaningful relationships with people all across the world.

Delve inside the troubled mind of an artist on Steam and Nintendo Switch next Spring!

Milano, Italy – September 21st, 2024 – Studio Cima, via Nintendo of America, is excited to show off an all new trailer announcing the release window for its upcoming story-driven action platformer, The Perfect Pencil. Dive into the innermost recesses of the human mind and navigate surreal worlds punctuated by bizarre personalities, intense boss battles and enigmatic secrets when The Perfect Pencil launches Spring 2025 on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

The Perfect Pencil is a surreal action platformer which tells a story of personal development and the psychological weight of fear. Join the protagonist John as he awakens in a bizarre hand-drawn kingdom and comes face-to-face with the terrors that dwell in his inner psyche. Embark on an emotional odyssey exploring the depths of an unfamiliar environment using John’s innate ability to see things that others can’t.

John’s unique analysis ability grants you the power to uncover hidden information about The Perfect Pencil’s characters, objects and elements of the environment. The world is filled with additional lore and information to be discovered. Roam beyond the beaten path, absorb the space around you. Who knows? Behind one of these corners, you might find something that will change your perspective on life itself.

Witness John’s potent internal struggles through intense boss battles in the form of monstrous manifestations, each symbolizing unique elements of the human psyche. Some encounters may even make you question your sense of reality. Remember – survival requires risk, and with great risk comes great reward.

Go off the beaten path and discover numerous side quests dotted throughout the world, as you never know what you may discover. Explore both calamitous and comforting surreal landscapes, filled with secrets, surprises and peculiar personalities that are waiting to be revealed. Make compelling choices and carve your own route through both light and darkness, but beware – things may not always be as they seem.

“The Perfect Pencil has been a passion project of ours for years,” said studio director Stefano Rauzi. “We wanted to create a game that both tells a personal story, while also filling the player with wonder, offering surreal sights unlike anything they’ve seen. We look forward to sharing more with you all when The Perfect Pencil launches next Spring on PC and Nintendo Switch.”

About Studio Cima

Based in Italy, Studio Cima was born in April 2019 from an idea of Stefano Rauzi, following an artistic path that started with drawing and painting leading to videogames. Through the years collaborators have joined to give the right importance to every aspect of its first game “The Perfect Pencil” and to develop this project in the best possible way. Studio Cima aims to keep creating, through the videogame medium potential, interesting and narratively engaging adventures that explore human nature.

SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream unveils an extensive look at its gameplay and the two game modes that await in this large-scale multiplayer game. Get ready to dive into colliding virtual worlds!

In this system trailer, learn how to unleash combos, enhance your weapons and navigate the quests to emerge victorious in epic battles. Watch beloved SWORD ART ONLINE characters such as Kirito, Sinon, Agil, Yuuki and many more in action, each demonstrating their skills and powers according to their role in the party. You will also discover various customisation features for weapons to fit your playstyle as well as costumes and accessories for characters.

In single player story mode, embark on thrilling adventures in original scenarios: the vast virtual world of Alfheim Online installed a new system called Galaxia, which suffered a catastrophic failure causing breach in time and space. Kirito, his friends and enemies find themselves displaced and forced to work together to fix the timeline.

In the online mode Co-Op Quests, create a party of up to 20 players and challenge vicious enemies from the SWORD ART ONLINE Series.

Participate in the Open Network Test from 21^st to 23^rd September to put your newly acquired knowledge to the test in the multiplayer mode. Any weapon and accessory looted on your adventures can be transferred to the full game upon release.

SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream will release on 4 October 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch.

For more information about SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream and other titles from Bandai Namco Europe please visit https://www.bandainamcoent.eu, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.

Jump into the driver’s seat for single-player challenges on Matchbox Adventure Island in Adventure Mode, race up to four players on 14 unique tracks in Competition Mode, and collect points, unlock and customize original Matchbox vehicles

Mattel, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAT), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, in collaboration with Outright Games, a leading publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, today launched Matchbox™ Driving Adventures, a competitive driving adventure game developed by Casual Brothers, available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Developed for families and younger gaming audiences, Matchbox Driving Adventures evolves the car play experience far beyond the toy aisle. Players can select and customize 12 original Matchbox die-cast vehicles, chase rogue cars, and escape hazards to earn medals and rewards and become Matchbox racers.

Set on Matchbox Adventure Island, key features of Matchbox Driving Adventures include:

• Find Your Adventure: Travel across Matchbox Adventure Island’s six biomes, like the bustling City Center or a perilous Volcano, and complete missions to unlock new areas of the island for the Matchbox Adventure Squad.
• Challenges Await: Players adventure at their own pace, tackling increasingly difficult missions from chasing cars and escaping hazards like snowballs, alligators and a giant octopus—all to earn medals and rewards to unlock new models.
• Unique Customization: Original Matchbox vehicles, including the Dune Dog™ and Flame Tamer™, can be customized with various colors and finishes to suit players’ tastes. Carefully select a car based on weight, speed, handling and boost to get the job done or for an extra competitive edge.
• Solo or Multiplayer: In Competition Mode, race on a single track or in a championship with up to four players in local multiplayer on 14 unique tracks with four variations each.
• All Levels Welcome: Skilled players can choose from three difficulty settings and use detours and speed boosts to overtake opponents. Younger players can use ‘Auto-Accelerate’ and ‘Lane-Assist’ for support in both Adventure Mode and Competition Mode.

“We are thrilled that a new generation will unleash their imaginations like never before with Matchbox Driving Adventures,” said Erika Winterholler, Head of Business Development, Digital Gaming at Mattel. “With our wonderful partners at Outright Games, we were able to gather a best-in-class team, so that young fans and families can enjoy a fresh take on their favorite Matchbox cars and embark on a larger-than-life adventure.”

“From the beginning of development, we have been committed to crafting a true Matchbox experience for long-time fans as well as young gamers who are being introduced to the franchise for the very first time,” comments Steph Malham, Managing Director of Outright Games. “With Matchbox Driving Adventures, we wanted to provide a driving experience that feels grounded but engaging. Matchbox’s iconic die-cast models have been a fantastic source of inspiration and Mattel has been incredibly supportive throughout development.”

The legendary Matchbox brand was invented in 1953 by automotive enthusiast Jack Odell to solve a challenge for his daughter, who was allowed to take a toy to school only if it was small enough to fit in a matchbox. When his daughter’s school friends too began clamouring for a “matchbox car,” an iconic brand was born. The high standards of authenticity for Matchbox die-cast cars have driven the brand for over 70 years and generations of fans. Today, two Matchbox cars are sold every second somewhere globally.

About Mattel     

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.  

About Outright Games

Outright Games is a global video games publisher with a focus on bringing quality family entertainment to a worldwide audience. Founded in 2016, Outright Games has established its place in the market delivering engaging interactive games of beloved entertainment licences globally. Outright Games brings stories and characters to life with titles including favourites such as Peppa Pig: World Adventures with Hasbro, DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos with Warner, Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova and Paw Patrol: Grand Prix with Nickelodeon, and DreamWorks Dragons: Legends of The Nine Realms with NBC Universal. With an Outright Games title there will be fun for all the family to enjoy.

Jump back into the Horror-Inspired Pinball Platform with Camp Bloodbrook

San Francisco, CA (September 20, 2024) – Zen Studios — the leading global producer and publisher of digital pinball video games — today announced Pinball M and Pinball FX’s newest original pinball table addition, Camp Bloodbrook, at the inaugural horror video game showcase Fantastic Games: Presented by Day of the Devs. Horror fans can get their hands on the new ‘80s campy slasher-themed content pack just in time for Halloween on October 24, 2024.

Watch the Camp Bloodbrook Announcement Trailer (If You DARE!): 

Tilt into terror with Zen Studios’ Camp Bloodbrook, a horrifying new pinball table designed to scare even the most fearless players. Travel back in time to the classic ‘80s with Jacob Wells, the “Wellbound”, and utilize every ounce of your pinball skills to escape. Determine if the campfire stories told here are pure fiction, or if they were written in blood all along.
 
Camp Bloodbrook Key Features:

• Nightly scavenger hunts! Did you hear something in the woods? It’s probably nothing…
• Compete against our skilled counselors in hide and seek. Competition here is DEADLY serious
• Homesick already? We hope your flipper aim is true — otherwise, you’ll never leave…
• Wade out to our lovely lake in a canoe, but beware of the stirring water
• Participate in a 2-stage Wizard Mode where evil never sleeps for long

Pinball M, the horror variant of Pinball FX from Zen Studios, brings fear and terror to the pinball table, including collaborations with the genre’s most iconic properties and characters, including Dead by Daylight™️, Duke Nukem, Chucky, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, System Shock, and The Thing. Prove your skills on the most badass, sinister, and gory tables ever brought to life. Features of Pinball M include Zen Studios’ ultimate pinball simulation, thrilling competition, a library of brand-new DLCs, and original content packs that keep the terror alive.

Pinball M is free to download for Windows PC via Steam (and is Steam Deck Playable) and the Epic Game Store and on PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

Pinball FX has reached 2 million players, showcasing its commitment to providing the ultimate pinball experience with innovative gameplay modifiers and extensive customization options. Enjoy accurate re-creations of the most famous pinball machines of all time with Williams Pinball, have fun with Zen’s original creations, or relive the most iconic moments from popular films, television, and video games. To date, Pinball FX features more than 120 tables, including those based on iconic properties from major studios like Disney, Legendary, Lucasfilm, Marvel Entertainment, NBC Universal, and Paramount Pictures.

Pinball FX is free to download for Windows PC via Steam (and is Steam Deck Playable) and the Epic Games Store and on PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

Camp Bloodbrook launches as paid DLC for Pinball M and Pinball FX on October 24, 2024. The M-rated version of Camp Bloodbrook will be available in Pinball M and the age-appropriate version in Pinball FX. For more information about Camp Bloodbrook and additional pinball table news, check out the latest episode of Zen Studios’ Pinball Bites.

About Zen Studios

Zen Studios is a leading global producer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for all major digital game platforms. Recognized as one of the premier gaming studios in the world, Zen has worked with some of the most iconic entertainment studios, including Disney, Legendary, Lucasfilm, Marvel Entertainment, NBC Universal, and Paramount Pictures.

Zen Studios’ Pinball FX franchise has defined video game pinball excellence since 2007. The latest iteration of Pinball FX and its horror-centric counterpart, Pinball M, were released in 2023 as free-to-play titles across all major gaming platforms. New downloadable pinball tables are released frequently for both titles.

About Embracer Group

Embracer Group is a global Group of creative and entrepreneurial businesses in PC, console, mobile, and board games and other related media. The Group has an extensive catalog of over 900 owned or controlled franchises. With its head office based in Karlstad, Sweden, Embracer Group has a global presence through its eleven operative groups: THQ Nordic, PLAION, Coffee Stain, Amplifier Game Invest, DECA Games, Gearbox Entertainment, Easybrain, Asmodee, Dark Horse, Freemode and Crystal Dynamics – Eidos. The Group has 111 internal game development studios and is engaging more than 12,000 employees in more than 40 countries.

Embracer Group’s shares are publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker EMBRAC B.

About Fantastic Games

“Fantastic Games: Presented by Day of the Devs is a video game showcase taking place during the 19th edition of Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. The showcase is set to feature 12 incredible horror games that all festival attendees can play – some of which will be playable for the first time ever.”

About Fantastic Fest

Fantastic Fest is the largest genre film festival in the U.S., specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, action and just plain fantastic movies from all around the world. In years past, the festival has been home to the world and US premieres of PARASITE, SMILE, JOJO RABBIT, THE BLACK PHONE, JOHN WICK, FRANKENWEENIE, THERE WILL BE BLOOD, APOCALYPTO, ZOMBIELAND, RED, SPLIT, HALLOWEEN, BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE, MID 90s, and SUSPIRIA while the guest roster has included such talent as Tim Burton, Nicolas Winding-Refn, Lilly and Lana Wachowski, Bong Joon-Ho, Taika Waititi, Robert Rodriguez, Rian Johnson, Bill Murray, Keanu Reeves, Martin Landau, Winona Ryder, Edward Norton, Ryan Reynolds, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, Karl Urban, Josh Hartnett, The RZA, Dolph Lundgren, Paul Rudd, Bill Pullman, Paul Thomas Anderson, Kevin Smith, Jon Favreau, George Romero, Darren Aronofsky, Mike Judge, Karyn Kusama, M. Night Shyamalan, James McAvoy, Vince Vaughn, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jonah Hill, Barbara Crampton and Jessica Harper. Fantastic Fest also features world, national, and regional premieres of new, up-and-coming genre films. Fantastic Fest has seen the acquisition of many titles, including BULLHEAD, KILL LIST, MONSTERS, KLOWN, THE FP, PENUMBRA, HERE COMES THE DEVIL, NO REST FOR THE WICKED, VANISHING WAVES, COMBAT GIRLS, I DECLARE WAR, THE PERFECTION, and TIGERS ARE NOT AFRAID. Fantastic Fest is held each year at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin, Texas. Alamo Drafthouse has been named the best theater in the country by Entertainment Weekly, Wired, and TIME.

Bokeh Game Studio, founded by legendary developer Keiichiro Toyama in 2020, today released new information for upcoming horror action adventure game, Slitterhead. Details include “Rarities” characters Julee and Alex, Rarity and Active Skills, along with the “Kowlong Slums” stage.

Characters: Among humans, there are those who share a strong synchronization with Hyoki, known as Rarities. Alex and Julee, two Rarities which Hyoki encounters in the story are introduced in today’s announcement:

• Julee: Fatally wounded and on the brink of death, Julee was saved by Hyoki, emerging as the first “Rarity”. Shrouded in mystery, she dons a hood and mask, wielding deadly blood claws to fiercely eliminate the Slitterheads that threaten humanity.
• Alex: A mysterious figure known as the “Hunter,” he conceals his identity behind a full-face helmet and wields a shotgun while riding his motorcycle, relentlessly pursuing the Slitterheads in the shadows. By day, he is a skilled surgeon operating in the underworld of Kowlong.

Skills

• Rarity skills: Each Rarity possesses various skills. They can be used to unleash powerful moves during combat, while some will give you advantageous effects just by having them.
• Active Skill: These are skills assigned to a character. These skills can be used by using the skill button to activate them. Some will require you to deplete your blood level(HP) to unleash powerful attacks, while some will require you to use your spirit power to activate helpful abilities such as recovering your blood level(HP).

Some Active Skills can be carried over and used even when possessing ordinary human beings. As you play through the game, you will be able to select which Rarities to take with you on each mission(Some missions can only be played with specific Rarities). The Active Skills of the Rarities you chose will be available to use when possessing ordinary humans, becoming “Common Skills”.

Julee Skills

• Revive All (Active Skill): Increases blood in her own body. For a set time, continuously recover Blood Level (HP). Also heals surrounding humans and immediately revives any humans on the verge of death.
• Sonic Claws (Active Skill): Use claws of blood to generate a forward-moving Shockwave. Hold the Skill button to charge, then release to unleash the shockwave.
• Blood Ripper (Common Skill): Throws small blood blade. Adds a “slowing effect” while dealing damage. Affected enemies have their movement speed reduced for a set time. Effective for pursuits.

Alex Skills 

• Blood Ripper (Common Skill): Creates a gravity field with blood that draws enemies and civilians in the area towards its center.
• Bloody Blast (Active Skill): Fires bullets of blood from a shotgun. Hold the Skill button to increase power and range.
• Time Bomb (Common Skill): Sets explosive blood with a timer on the host. Detonates after set time, damaging surroundings. The user dies (verge of death in the case of a Rarity).

Passive Skills These skills grant you its effects just by possessing them. The enhancements vary from increasing Blood Level(HP), improving the durability of your weapon, and boosts recovery abilities when taking damage, giving you a significant advantage in combat.

Enhancing Rare Bodies with Skill Tokens: Throughout the game, you can collect Skill Tokens to enhance various skills of each Rarity. This will allow you to strengthen the Rarities before taking on missions. As you progress through the game, you will also be able to unlock new skills, meaning that the choices you make about which Rarities to prioritize will significantly impact your gameplay experience.

Possession Mode: While holding the Possession button, time passes slowly, allowing you to calmly choose a possession target. Additionally, it is possible to look at the surroundings and move around in a soul state.

Scouting

• Unlike the open streets, there are times when you must infiltrate buildings where enemies are lurking. During infiltration, you’ll need to hide and avoid detection while using Possession mode to scout your surroundings. You can also utilize Possession to navigate stealthily, evading surveillance and advancing deeper into enemy territory.
• Presence: Detecting Slitterhead Enemies can be detected as a “presence.” Presence is sensed flowing like air currents. Move the camera to check the flow and head in that direction.

Sightjack

If you get close enough to an enemy presence, you can steal a glance through their field of vision. Using scenery characteristics, their general location can be guessed, such as if they are in an alley or on a rooftop, etc.

Stage

Kowlong Slums Once known as an ungoverned wasteland beyond the reach of law, this gigantic slum is now slated for demolition in a few years, leading to the forced eviction of its residents. However, many refuse to leave, having nowhere else to go.

I must eliminate them…ALL… Set in the densely cluttered streets of Kowlong, filled with obscurity and chaos, this battle action-adventure game casts players as the “Hyoki,” an entity devoid of memory and physical form. His only motive is to eradicate the monstrous beings known as “Slitterheads” crawling around the city, disguising themselves as humans. Roaming the vibrant neon-lit cityscape, Hyoki must seek out allies among humans known as “Rarities,” infiltrate and track dangerous organizations, and engage in battles harnessing the power of blood. As the suspenseful drama unfolds, delve into the mystery behind Hyoki’s existence and the appearance of the Slitterheads.

Developed and published digitally on PS4™, PS5™, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC via Epic Game Store and Steam by Bokeh Game Studio, Slitterhead will be released on Nov. 8. The title will be available digitally for $49.99, and features feature a physical PS5™ Day 1 Edition in North America distributed by XSEED Games with a MSRP of $59.99, including a physical copy of the game, a CD of original songs from the game composed by Akira Yamaoka, an artbook with over 100 pages filled with gruesome details, and a sticker sheet, all housed within a custom outer box. This title has been rated M for “Mature” by the ESRB.

For more information on Bokeh Game Studio, visit their official website and follow them on social media on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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