Playable Demo and New Trailer Unveiled at Gamescom 2024

Zurich / Cologne – August 22nd, 2024 – Swiss indie developer Axon Flux is thrilled to announce that their highly anticipated debut title, Cactus, will be released in March 2025. This exciting announcement coincides with Gamescom 2024, where Cactus is showcased in the Home of Indies area (Booth 9 / Hall 40.2 (E014g-D015g)), giving attendees an exclusive hands-on experience with the game.

For those attending Gamescom this week, Cactus is available for hands-on play, showcasing its unique blend of quirky mechanics and vibrant visuals. In addition, a brand new demo of the game is now available on Steam, allowing gamers around the world to experience some of the action from the comfort of their own homes.

A new trailer offers a captivating glimpse into the frantic and creative gameplay of Cactus. The trailer, now live, highlights the game’s distinctive mechanics and the whimsical world players will explore.

The home planet is threatened by a mad sun god who is turning creatures into minions and wreaking havoc. A surviving cactus embarks on a quest for vengeance, battling the sun and its hordes. In Cactus, players take on the role of the titular spiky cactus as they navigate a vibrant desert landscape full of personality and surprises. In this fast-paced single-player FPS, players must battle enemy hordes by shooting needles from his spiky body while solving puzzles and finding secret artifacts. Strength is gained by unlocking powerful abilities, such as the explosive pear launcher, to wreak havoc in dynamic levels filled with physics and chaos. The mission is to travel across the desert, unlock Sun Temple and stop the mad god.

The game features quirky, yet addictive gameplay mechanics that put players in inventive combat scenarios, from bouncing projectiles off surfaces to facing unconventional enemies. Each encounter is designed to keep players on their toes, providing a fresh and exhilarating experience. The charming indie aesthetic, with handcrafted art and attention to detail, brings the game world to life with vibrant visuals and whimsical environments. The game’s art style is a celebration of indie creativity, blending vibrant colors and imaginative designs to create a world that is as captivating as it is fun to explore.

“Cactus is a true labor of love for our team,” said Oliver Leins, Game Producer and Co-Founder of Axon Flux. “While offering a solo FPS experience that will appeal to genre veterans, the unique mechanics and aesthetics invite newcomers to the genre to enjoy this quirky adventure. As a new studio on the indie horizon, for us this is just the beginning. In the coming years, we plan to expand Cactus into a series, offering a variety of gameplay experiences. We are full of ideas and can’t wait to introduce the world of Cactus to players in early 2025.”

For more information, please visit the official Axon Flux website (https://www.axon-flux.com/)

About Axon Flux  

Axon Flux is an independent Swiss game development studio founded in 2021 by Oliver Leins and Nils Hausfeld, former colleagues who studied at Games Academy Berlin. The studio’s mission is to pack BIG adventures into small games — or as Oliver puts it: “To create shorter, but better games.” As the gaming grows bigger, Axon Flux emphasizes focus. They design quality titles that prioritize engaging, moment-to-moment gameplay over content bloat. By putting gameplay first, the studio delivers full-fledged premium games that respect players’ time and money. Most importantly, they create memorable adventures that leave players hungry for more.

A beautifully presented coming-of-age story about overcoming hardships and finding yourself

Torrance, Calif. — August 22, 2024 — Aksys Games announced today that the acclaimed visual novel Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch is available now for Nintendo Switch™ and PlayStation®5. In addition to being nominated for the INDIE Live Expo Awards for Local Cultural Representation, the game has received stellar ratings in its original Japanese language.

Hikaru finds himself out of luck and homeless on an unfamiliar island. While avoiding pit vipers and angry senior committee members, he comes across a witch in a very similar situation. The two set out to survive, and hopefully thrive, on Toyotoki, the uncompromising island secluded from the modern world that is steeped in ancient traditions and shrouded in mystery.

Along the way, they meet a cheeky island beauty, a haughty rich girl, a clumsy saleswoman, and a manga-loving delinquent, all of whom are island locals on a similar mission to discover themselves and their place in the world. With some hard work and a sprinkle of magic, can the unlikely group of friends unravel the mystery of Toyotoki Island, while also finding success in their journey of self-discovery?

Features of Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch include:

• A coming-of-age story about overcoming hardships and finding yourself
• Includes the Steam DLC Append story & behind-the-scenes commentary from the creative team
• Unravel a mystery stretching back hundreds of years
• Beautiful character art and music

Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch has been rated “T for Teen” by the ESRB. For more information, visit the Aksys Store. To stay up to date on all the news, follow Aksys Games on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok at @AksysGames, and join our Thursday livestreams on Twitch at AksysGames, with stream highlights and trailers on our YouTube channel.

About Aksys Games

Aksys Games Localization, Inc. is a Metacritic Top Ten video game publisher committed to publishing unique and high-quality interactive content for all current-generation platforms since 2006. The company was a pioneer in localizing otome games for Western audiences, including the award-winning Code: Realize and Collar X Malice series. Its lineup of games features the wildly successful BlazBlue, Under Night In-Birth, and Guilty Gear franchises, Little Dragons Café, and the award-winning Spirit Hunter: Death Mark and Spirit Hunter: NG adventures. Aksys Games and its unique products can be found on the company’s website, www.aksysgames.com.

© 2022-2024 Fragaria ©2023-2024 KEMCO Licensed to and published by Aksys Games. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. PlayStation and PS5 are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

Dragon Raja, a popular cross-platform CyberPunk RPG, launches its 16th class this week, allowing players to engage in dragon-mounted combat with the new Dragonrider class. Along with the launch of the new class, Dragon Raja is activating a series of returning events, login rewards, and adding brand-new PVE and PVP content.

Leveraged by Unreal Engine 4 to create stunning graphics and an immersive open world, Dragon Raja has accumulated over 30 million downloads worldwide with high ratings since its launch in 2020. During these four years, the Dragon Raja team constantly adds new classes, maps, PVPVE modes, and events to engage new and old players in this next-generation open-world RPG. 

Download Dragon Raja on iOS, Android, or PC to experience the new features https://lzhx-eu.onelink.me/kmOG/ehnckegw 

Becoming a Dragonrider this Summer and Dive into the Midst of Epic Battles

Inspired by the concept of Dragon Knights and combining it with the game’s story, the team created this new and exciting Class.

Dragonrider brings with it  heightened burst damage and output, as well as a certain level of difficulty in control and skill usage. For core players, it offers a refreshing challenge and experience, while for new players, it provides more options in terms of class selection. Drgaonrider wields a spear as its primary weapon and can summon and engage in true dragon-mounted combat during battles. Whether it’s the overall class experience or the effects of its skills, this new class is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated parts of this update.

Exciting PvE and PvP Adventures Await in the Latest Update

In this update, the dev team has prepared a variety of PvEvP content to pique the interest of veteran players. Building upon the foundation of the Dimensional Realm, the dev team has upgraded it to a seasonal mode and added more challenging levels. In August, players can fight against new bosses from levels 16 to 20. They can combine the unique skills of the new Dragonrider class to achieve breakthroughs in these dungeons.

Additionally, the PvEVP event, Infinity Arena, has also received updates in this version, with new levels being added. Levels VI-VIII are now open for players to take on, and the addition of the Advanced Eternal Transition Chip in the shop allows players to directly access higher levels. For players who enjoy immersive fighting challenges, this update feels like an exciting gift.

Costume Ball Unveils New Themes, try on your favorite Outfits and Radiate Elegance

Recently, the Dragon Raja team launched monthly costume balls with different themes, receiving positive feedback from players. Dragon Raja has always excelled in offering a vast variety of fashion styles and intricate costume designs, which has greatly appealed to players. Based on the feedback, the dev team has decided to make the costume ball a long-term event. Starting with theSummer of Flowers theme, players are encouraged to choose outfits that align with the theme to participate in the ball to earn higher scores and rewards. Moving forward, Dragon Raja plans to incorporate player feedback to further enhance and expand the activities of the costume ball, allowing fashion enthusiasts to experience continuous enjoyment.

New Friend Recruiting event starts – Invite Friends to Win Abundant Bonuses

A brand-new Invite Campaign has been added, where players can earn tons of benefits by inviting both new and veteran players to join the game. By clicking on the in-game invitation feature, players can accumulate points. Once a certain number of points is reached, both the inviter and the invitee will receive rewards. Players can then exchange their accumulated points in the Point Shop for surprise packages like the Game Master Set and other exciting gifts.

Engaging Community Events Launched – Massive Cash Rewards and Generous Prizes Up for Grabs

For many loyal players, the arrival of new game content signifies the allure of returning to the virtual world. The Dragon Raja team has recognized the immense contributions of their fanbase, whether it be showcasing their artistic talents through drawings, creating captivating videos, or providing insightful guides. As a token of appreciation, the team has prepared a variety of rewards, including Nintendo Switch consoles, cash rewards, and gift cards. Customized titles and limited edition avatars are also offered to content creators who join the community.

Visit Archosaur’s official website or follow Dragon Raja’s official Facebook page for more info.

Official Website: https://dragonraja.archosaur.com
Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DragonRajaEN
Official Discord: https://discord.com/invite/KGN63W3jrp 

Get ready to dive back into the gruesome world of Tormented Souls 2 as publisher PQube and developer Dual Effect unveil 24 minutes of exclusive gameplay for this gripping survival horror sequel! 

This extended gameplay presentation offers a terrifying glimpse at the upcoming return to the world of the critically acclaimed Tormented Souls. Hero Caroline Walker embarks on a harrowing journey to save her sister from a mysterious affliction. Set 6 months after their original ordeal, this relentless experience takes you on a journey full of dark secrets and shocking twists.

The entire universe has been completely re-imagined from the ground up, now in Unreal Engine 5. This first reveal shows the haunting beauty of the meticulously designed environments the original game was praised for, with the developers promising to elevate the horror experience to unprecedented levels!

Survival horror fans will be pleased to see a return of the fixed camera as Caroline battles formidable enemies with only makeshift weapons to defend herself. Navigate a pulse pounding experience which promises to be three times the size of the original Tormented Souls.

In true survival horror fashion, Tormented Souls 2 will be packed with a haunting atmosphere, twisted puzzles, terrifying enemies, a harrowing story, gruesome psychological horror, intense combat, relentless suspense, and nightmarish locations. Set for release in 2025, you can wishlist now on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S now!

Game overview:
Caroline Walker is back in an award-winning classic survival horror sequel. Explore eerie monasteries and other nightmarish locations. Brace yourself and confront terrifying creatures armed only with makeshift weapons as you desperately try to rescue your cursed sister.

Key features:

• Caroline Walker returns with the story continuing 6 months after the original Tormented Souls
• The entire universe has been rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5, delivering a completely redefined visual experience
• All animations are now motion capture (Tormented Souls utilised key-framed animations)
• New quick equip function for more efficient and dynamic combat
• Survival horror fans will be pleased to see a return of the fixed camera as Caroline battles formidable enemies with only makeshift weapons to defend herself. Navigate a pulse pounding experience which promises to be three times the size of the original Tormented Souls

Experience non-stop robot mayhem from 29th August 2024!    

Sydney, Australia, 22nd August 2024 – Hold onto your circuits! Ahead of 3D, action-adventure platformer, Akimbot launching next week, Evil Raptor and PLAION are delighted to reveal a geared up new trailer full of robots, action, and explosions! Akimbot will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam on 29th August 2024.  

WATCH AND SHARE THE LAUNCH TRAILER HERE:

In Akimbot, you will play as Exe, an outlaw robot with his unexpected sidekick, Shipset, as you blast your way through armies of robots, control spaceships and forge your own path on a mission to save the universe from impending doom! Set in a sci-fi world where only robots exist, travel the galaxy and experience non-stop robot mayhem and explosive action!  

Akimbot is available from 29th August 2024 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam for ​$29.95AUD. Get your nuts and bolts on Akimbot before 4th September and enjoy a 10% discount on Steam. 

Join Evil Raptor on Discord to share your robot mayhem-filled adventure: https://discord.gg/R22tfDgN75  

Hold on to your circuits and get ready for an action-packed adventure as you join Exe and Shipset on this riveting journey across the universe, coming 29th August 2024. Wishlist  Akimbot now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.  

About Evil Raptor  

​​​​​EvilRaptor is a small French independent studio founded in 2020. Comprised of a core team of eight, they are passionate about making games and reviving the essence of 3D platforming games from the early PlayStation era. After the success following the release of Pumpkin Jack in 2020, they were able to formally create Evil Raptor and engage more people to work on their newest project, Akimbot!  

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, sixteen 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 nearly 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.  

MyTEAM brings one of the biggest upgrades in franchise history featuring Triple Threat Park for New Gen, the return of the Auction House and more

Today, 2K shared an in-depth look at all the new features and upgrades coming to MyTEAM in NBA® 2K25. NBA 2K25 adds four new game modes, a new year-long MyTEAM REP system with perks and rewards throughout the mode, dozens of quality of life updates, the return of the Auction House and so much more.

“Across MyTEAM, we’ve made significant updates with new modes, enhanced features and the implementation of community feedback to create one of the most comprehensive card-collecting experiences on the market,” said Erick Boenisch, VP of NBA Development at Visual Concepts. “Implementing community feedback was a major focus this year. We heard 2K players loud and clear and are bringing the Auction House back by popular demand.”

MyTEAM introduces new modes and live events in NBA 2K25 including: 

• Triple Threat Park: NBA 2K25 features one of the biggest upgrades in MyTEAM history: Triple Threat Park on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Triple Threat Park is a next gen recreation of the NBA 2K16 Rivet City Championship MyPARK. Accessible from within the MyTEAM menus or from The City, this acts as the new home for Triple Threat Online and Triple Threat Online: Co-Op multiplayer games, where players can meet new players face-to-face to befriend or battle. Like the original Rivet City rooftop, there are a total of nine courts – four dedicated to 2-player 3v3 games and five courts for 6-player 3v3 Co-Op games. For the first time in NBA 2K25, players can take the court in Park gameplay with NBA players while their MyPLAYERs watch from the sidelines.
• Breakout: Breakout is the new single player experience in NBA 2K25 MyTEAM. As players try to break out of the game board and earn their reward, they will compete in quick Triple Threat 3v3, Clutch Time 5v5, or shortened 13-card Full Lineup games based on their own personal preference. As players explore each board, they’ll play against a range of opponents, including current NBA teams, historic teams in Era-themed games, All-Time teams, and other theme teams composed of new collections released throughout the year. Once players reach the outer edge, they will face off against a final gatekeeper team. These gatekeepers are the final run-ending opponents that stand between them and the reward they selected.
• Showdown: Showdown is a new win-based multiplayer mode in NBA 2K25 that draws inspiration from competitive modes from past MyTEAM years and is the evolution of Unlimited. Showdown is for the best players and offers the best rewards. Games are played with 13-card Full Lineups in 4-minute quarters. The core of this mode is a progression system across 15 tiers, where the primary goal is to win and get promoted. Win streaks earn extra progression up the ladder. Players who earn a few wins the week prior will be able to choose a reward group based on tier every Friday at 8 AM Pacific Time. After players get a target amount of Showdown wins each week, they will qualify for our new competitive mode, King of the Court. 
• King of the Court: King of the Court is where the best of the best come to compete each week. The exclusive event is held every Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM PT, starting on September 14. To qualify, players must meet certain qualification thresholds in either the new Showdown or Triple Threat Park modes during the preceding week, or earn automatic qualification by rising up the MyTEAM REP tiers. After each King of the Court game, players will earn a Game Score based on their performance. If players lose 3 games, their time in that Saturday’s King of the Court will be over. Final Game Score each Saturday will be ranked amongst all competitors to crown the ultimate No. 1 King of the Court. 

More updates include:

• The Auction House Returns: The community has spoken and NBA 2K25 will see the return of the Auction House in MyTEAM. Players can auction off or acquire cards using MyTEAM Points (MTP) to enhance their Collection. The Auction House menu has been consolidated into a one-stop shop for searching, buying, and selling for a more streamlined experience. Players will now be able to search for a selected card directly from their My Auctions menu, so they can easily check MTP prices before listing their card for sale.
• MyTEAM REP: NBA 2K25 introduces a REP system to MyTEAM. The REP system is a year-long token of success that doesn’t reset at the end of each Season. New rewards include seasonal, monthly, & weekly Free Packs, returning fan-favorite rewards like the Fire Ball, access to the Auction House, and grand prizes like a G.O.A.T. Jayson Tatum Player Card for players that reach the Dark Matter tier. The REP leaderboard embellishes the Top Ten REP Players with INVINCIBLE Logos, while the No. 1 overall will receive the G.O.A.T. Logo. 
• New Way to Get In the Game: NBA 2K25 features a brand new tutorial designed to teach players the basics of MyTEAM as well as the basics of NBA 2K gameplay and the sport of basketball. Players can get started through the Learn 2K tutorial for New Gen, then return to MyTEAM for an introduction of the various MyTEAM modes, features, and special Welcome to MyTEAM challenges. The Training Hub, found in the MyTEAM HOME tab, is where players can Replay Tutorials, watch Tips & Tricks videos, jump into Freestyle shootaround, or for the first time in MyTEAM, Practice Plays or run a Scrimmage with their MyTEAM lineup

NBA 2K25 will also add updates including streamlined menus and UI, new badges, Takeover Cards, updated Coach Cards, Free Agent limited-use Player Cards that go beyond just 5 games, an overhauled version of The Exchange and more.

For full details check out the Courtside Report and Developer Diary. Stay tuned to the NBA 2K25 official website for the latest news leading into the September 6, 2024 launch of the world’s best-selling NBA basketball simulation video game.

For more information, please visit the NBA 2K25 official website. Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K25 is rated M.

Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

Internet connection and online Account (minimum age varies) required to access online features and redeem and use bonus content, including MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W Online, and Play Now Online. See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details. Game includes optional in-game purchases and paid random items. Some in-game content may require download and/or online gameplay to unlock. Online console play may require separate paid platform subscription and account registration. Terms apply. ProPLAY, The City, The W, and MyNBA are only available for New-Gen NBA 2K25. Crossplay is only available for New-Gen NBA 2K25 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Publishing Division Adds Pirates to the Portfolio with Swashbuckling Turn-based Tactics Title from Award-winning Developer

ROSWELL, Ga. – August 21, 2024 – Revealed during the Future Games Show as part of Gamescom 2024, Tripwire Presents, the publishing division of Tripwire Interactive that focuses on releasing great games from other independent studios, today revealed their publishing partnership with Ice Code Games to release Rogue Waters, an upcoming tactical turn-based rogue-lite sailing the high seas of a swashbuckling pirate world. Ice Code Games is an independent development studio based in Warsaw, Poland and is known most recently for developing the critically acclaimed Hard West 2, a turn-based tactics game set in the Wild West released in 2022. Rogue Waters is currently in development for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store and is available to pre-order now for an additional 20% discount ahead of its release on Sept. 30, 2024.

“Bringing Rogue Waters to life has been a real adventure,” said Mateusz Pilski, Vice President of Development at Ice Code Games. “Our goal in creating games is always to contribute to the genre in ways that bring players more satisfaction and fun in tackling tactical challenges. Dynamic melee combat which recreates the dance-like fencing bouts of boarding actions, combines immersion with thoughtful planning.”

“The Tripwire Presents team is thrilled to introduce the world to developer Ice Code Games’ Rogue Waters,” said Bryan West, Publishing Production Director at Tripwire Presents. “It’s fantastic being able to take control of an immortal, undead pirate as the protagonist of a turn-based, roguelite game. We can’t wait for players to get their hands on Rogue Waters and explore the world of betrayal, plunder, mystical forces, swashbuckling action, tactical cannon-fire, and ultimately revenge.”

Rogue Waters is a tactical turn-based rogue-lite set in a pirate world overtaken by a terrible curse. Recruit a ragtag crew of pirates and grow them into fierce warriors, befriend and call upon classic creatures of pirate myth, chart a course through an ever-changing game world, and turn the tides of battle on land or sea by manipulating the map to gain an advantage in a fresh take on tactical turn-based combat. The crew and the Kraken await your command–will ye heed the call?

Rogue Waters key features include:

• Become the Captain – Embrace the chaos of the pirate life as you chart your course through the ever-changing world and plan your naval and melee combat strategy.
• Assemble Your Crew – Recruit new members to your crew, each with a randomized skill tree allowing you to experiment and develop them into the legendary pirates they were always meant to be.
• Ever-Changing Land and Sea – Tackle fresh new challenges as the game world shifts randomly with each subsequent run.
• Turn the Tides – Utilize your ship’s artillery during naval combat to manipulate the terrain, giving your crew a strategic advantage during melee encounters. It’s cannonball-based map customization!
• Revolutionary Melee Tactics – Flex your skills as an expert tactician while remaining fully connected to the action with a fresh new take on turn-based tactics designed to replicate the violent dance of close-quarters and naval combat.
• Summon Creatures from the Deep – Creatures thought only to exist in myth are being abused and exploited by enemies. Defeat their captors and gain their trust to earn the ability to call upon them in battle.

Tripwire Presents is a developer-first publisher that has helped many talented independent studios bring their creative visions to players worldwide, including Espire 1: VR Operative and Espire 2, the gold standards for the virtual reality stealth genre, Road Redemption, a vehicular combat road rage adventure and spiritual successor to the popular Road Rash series, Chivalry 2, the multiplayer first-person slasher inspired by epic medieval movie battles, and DECEIVE INC., a unique multiplayer game of stealth and spycraft. The division most recently announced a publishing agreement for The Stone of Madness, a tactical stealth adventure title following five uniquely flawed prisoners attempting to escape from an asylum in 18th century Spain, developed by The Game Kitchen at Gamescom 2024.

For further information on Ice Code Games please visit their official website and follow them on X, Facebook and LinkedIn. For more information about Tripwire Interactive please visit their official website and follow them on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

About Tripwire Interactive

Formed in 2005 as a humble independent developer founded by gamers who found success in the video game modding community, Tripwire Interactive has developed and self-published multiple critically acclaimed titles in the wildly popular Killing Floor and Rising Storm franchises, which have collectively sold over 30 million units to date. The studio’s last internal project, Maneater, broke new ground in the popular action RPG genre and tasked players with taking on the role of a deadly shark with the uncanny ability to evolve as it feeds. Since its release in 2020 Maneater has sold over 14 million units worldwide across all platforms.

Since then, Tripwire Interactive has expanded its business with the publishing division, Tripwire Presents, turning its experience and resources to include publishing titles spanning multiple platforms and genres from other talented independent studios. Tripwire Presents aims to help like-minded independent studios bring their titles to market, including Chivalry 2 developed by Torn Banner Studios, Espire 1: VR Operative and Espire 2 developed by Digital Lode, DECEIVE INC. developed by Sweet Bandits Studios and Road Redemption developed by EQ Games and Pixel Dash Studios. Tripwire Presents continues to grow their portfolio, and are always on the lookout for the next great team and game.

All product titles, publisher names, trademarks, artwork and associated imagery are trademarks, registered trademarks and/or copyright material of the respective owners. All rights reserved.

Set your calendars for October 3rd when the VR platformer comes to PlayStation alongside its previous Meta launch.

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 21 August 2024 | Toast Interactive the renowned studio behind the standout VR title Richie’s Plank Experience is bringing a new experience to the PlayStation storefront. Max Mustard, a virtual reality platforming adventure, is coming to PSVR2 on October 3rd.

Enter the Inventor 

Jump into a colorful 3D platforming experience with Max Mustard, the famous inventor known for outrageous equipment. Use Max’s creative contraptions to face off against Stubbins, a manipulative businessman capturing mudpups, the adorable creatures roaming the Max Mustard realm. Stubbins sells these furry companions as elite vanity accessories for the upper class, putting the mudpup population in jeopardy. It’s up to you and Max Mustard to rescue these pups before it’s too late!

Next Gen Platforming

Max Mustard is a modern VR platformer blending elements of first-person narratives, traditional platforming mechanics, and impressive virtual reality visuals. Over 40 uniquely crafted levels are available to leap, bound, and soar your way through diverse environments in search of the stolen mudpups. Use Max’s jetpack to fly around industrial factories, scale mountains in search of extra currency, or use more of your kit to face off against Max Mustard’s thrilling boss battles. Destroy targets with Max’s blaster, use double jumps to eliminate enemies and activate puzzle mechanics, and collect the golden letters on each level for additional rewards!

Critically Recognized

Max Mustard boasts approachable gameplay for all VR gamers. Its family friendly appeal with colorful environments and a compelling story make it the perfect game to play solo or show off to your friends! In recognition of Max Mustard’s approachable innovation in the games space, the title is a finalist for Game of the Year in the AIXR Academy’s XR Awards 2024. The 8th International AIXR XR Awards celebrates advancements across the full spectrum of XR, including cutting edge game releases for VR gaming. The winner will be announced during a red carpet ceremony on December 5th, 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Gameplay Features:

• 40 handcrafted levels show off an exciting blend of third-person platforming with first-person power-ups.
• Use a variety of gadgets in first-person to manipulate obstacles in Max Mustard’s path as you guide her through platforming sections.
• Upgrade as you go to increase Max’s rocket boosts, movement speed, health, and more, or unlock new attacks to your gun, introducing new ways to interact with the environment.
• 4 bosses challenge you with new mechanics, encouraging you to use your learnings from earlier levels.
• Increase your wealth by completing special levels like target practice and timed item collection for additional coins and treasures.

Max Mustard is coming to the PlayStation store on October 3rd. The game is also available for purchase now through Meta. Learn more about Toast Interactive and their games through their website.

About Toast Interactive

Toast Interactive, the developer and publisher of Richie’s Plank Experience is based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Toast Interactive was founded by husband and wife team Toni and Richard Eastes back in 2016. Their flagship VR title, Richie’s Plank Experience is played in hundreds of arcades around the world and continually features in the Top 20 VR selling VR games worldwide. Richie’s Plank Experience is played in hundreds of arcades around the world and continually features in the Top 20 VR selling VR games worldwide.

Indie Developers The Game Kitchen Bring Unique Spanish Visual Style and Storytelling Flare to PC, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch™

ROSWELL, Ga. – August 21, 2024 – Revealed during the Future Games Show as part of Gamescom 2024, Tripwire Presents, the publishing division of Tripwire Interactive that focuses on releasing great games from other independent studios, today announced they will publish The Stone of Madness on Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and the Nintendo Switch™ system, for release in early 2025. Developed by The Game Kitchen, acclaimed developers of Blasphemous and Blasphemous 2, The Stone of Madness is a tactical stealth adventure title following five uniquely flawed prisoners attempting to escape from an asylum in 18th century Spain, presented from an isometric perspective with stunning hand-drawn artwork inspired by Francisco de Goya. The title is currently available for wishlisting on all platforms. 

“The passionate team at Tripwire Presents is a pleasure to work with,” said Maikel Ortega, Game Director at The Game Kitchen, “The Game Kitchen studio cannot wait for the world to finally discover The Stone of Madness.”

“We were big fans of The Game Kitchen and the work they did with the Blasphemous series, and Tripwire Presents is thrilled at the opportunity to publish their next title,”said Matt LoPilato, CEO of Tripwire Interactive, “The Stone of Madness shines with a uniquely creative art style, engaging narrative, and gameplay that fans are sure to enjoy. We’re especially excited to help bring this title to all major console and PC platforms at release.”

The Stone of Madness is a tactical stealth adventure game set in a Spanish madhouse in the late 18th century, presented with gorgeous hand-crafted, period-inspired artwork. Located in the Pyrenees, a timeworn Jesuit monastery is home both to a madhouse and a prison; five mysterious characters have been imprisoned between its walls under different pretenses. Plagued by cruel punishment, madness, and despair, they will soon devise a plan to escape this place and its evil inhabitants, relying on each other to face their deepest fears.

The Stone of Madness key features include:

Escape the Monastery: Control all five characters independently to aid in their escape, taking care to preserve each member’s sanity as much as possible. As they explore the corridors and rooms of the monastery they may discover useful tools or clues to aid their escape. They must avoid detection at all times, their jailers are not known for their mercy.

Manage the Madness: Each character carries their own unique traumas and phobias contributing to their own respective madness. Managing their mental health will be crucial to their escape, using a system of character progression and regression. Failing to maintain a character’s sanity can trigger new negative traits including paranoia, dementia, or bouts of violence.

Discover the Secrets Within: Choose between two different escape plans, with each campaign featuring unique stories, objectives, and surprises. These plans will play out through a day and night cycle separating daytime actions and nighttime preparations, giving the prisoners time to rest and recover. Most actions will be best performed during daytime, even with the jailer’s presence, however the darkness of night offers unique opportunities, and risks. There is a reason most inmates rarely venture out after dark.

Experience Stunning, Hand-painted Art Style: The visuals in The Stone of Madness have been lovingly hand-painted and animated, drawing heavy inspiration from 18th-century artist Francisco De Goya. An isometric perspective allows players to explore scenes and observe minute details as if they’re adventuring through a Goya painting brought to life.

Tripwire Presents is a developer-first publisher that has helped many talented independent studios bring their creative visions to players worldwide, including Espire 1: VR Operative and Espire 2, the gold standards for the virtual reality stealth genre, Road Redemption, a vehicular combat road rage adventure and spiritual successor to the popular Road Rash series, Chivalry 2, the multiplayer first-person slasher inspired by epic medieval movie battles, and DECEIVE INC., a unique multiplayer game of stealth and spycraft. The division most recently announced a publishing agreement for Rogue Waters, an upcoming tactical turn-based rogue-lite game of piracy and mythological beasts developed by Ice Code Games, at Gamescom 2024.

For more information on The Game Kitchen, visit their official website and follow them on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn. To learn more about Tripwire Interactive please visit their official website and follow them on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Today at gamescom, Xbox announced release dates of the new Xbox Series X|S console selections, with four new accessibility offerings available as early as today, as well as new in-game content in Forza Horizon 5. For more information on Xbox’s latest hardware options and updates to Forza Horizon 5, see below:

Xbox Series X|S Consoles

Announced earlier this year at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024, new console options will be released on October 15, with select countries following on October 29. Pre-orders for the new Xbox Series consoles start today, including the Xbox Series S – 1TB in Robot White, Xbox Series X – 1TB Digital Edition in Robot White, and Xbox Series X – 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition.

• The Xbox Series S – 1TB ($549.00 AUD) is equipped with 1TB of storage and is featured in Robot White. Now with double the storage, you can store even more of your favorite games.
• The Xbox Series X – 1TB Digital Edition ($699.99 AUD) is equipped with 1TB of storage, is all-digital, and is featured in Robot White for the first time.
• The Xbox Series X – 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition ($999.00 AUD) is equipped with 2TB of storage and features a unique design and includes a matching Xbox Wireless controller with a Galaxy Black D-pad and Velocity Green back case.

New Accessibility Offerings

Created in partnership with the Gaming & Disability community and nonprofit organisations, new accessibility hardware will include the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, complementary 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers with Xbox Design Lab, and two Designed for Xbox controllers: ByoWave’s Proteus Controller and 8BitDo’s Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller. More information on each can be found below:

• The Xbox Adaptive Joystick ($29.99 USD ERP), is an affordable entry-level, singular, wired joystick designed to meet the needs of players with limited mobility as a companion for the Xbox Adaptive Controller and other Xbox controllers, including the Xbox Wireless Controller or Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick will be launching in early 2025 in select Xbox markets worldwide and sold exclusively through the Microsoft Store. 

• 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers, is a complementary service offered with Xbox Design Lab that allows players to configure six different 3D printable thumbstick topper designs for the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, the Xbox Wireless Controller, or the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. These thumbstick topper files are additional options beyond the standard thumbsticks that come with controllers. Xbox Design Lab outputs the design files that players can then 3D print or take to any 3D printing service of their choosing. The 3D printable files for  adaptive thumbstick toppers are available now with Xbox Design Lab.

• The Designed for Xbox Proteus Controller ($299 USD ERP), created by our partners at ByoWave, is a modular adaptive kit giving disabled gamers the tools to build their own way to play. The unique modular video game controller kit features innovative ‘snap and play’ parts that easily connect together and comes with everything that gamers need to play their favorite Xbox games on console and PC right out of the box. The ByoWave Proteus Controller is now available in select markets worldwide.

• The Designed for Xbox Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller ($59.99 USD ERP), created by our partners at 8BitDo, is a compact and lightweight controller designed for gamers with limited mobility, featuring low-resistance buttons and Hall Effect joysticks with greater sensitivity. The unified face-button layout offers easy access to all buttons on the top of the device, and comes with large, programmable Super Buttons that are also compatible with the Xbox Adaptive Controller. The 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller is now available in select markets worldwide.

Beyond these controllers, Xbox shared details around toggle hold, a new accessibility feature, and accessible packaging for the Xbox Adaptive Joystick and new Xbox Series X|S console options.

To learn more about our new console and accessibility offerings, visit the Xbox Wire for the latest updates linked here.

New Hide & Seek Game Mode in Forza Horizon 5

In addition, Playground Games announced a new game mode coming to the Forza Horizon 5 Horizon Festival on September 10: Hide & Seek.

• In this new multiplayer mode, players will be assigned one of two roles — Hiders or Seekers. Hiders will be tasked with getting to a location in a set amount of time while Seekers try to prevent them from doing so, and each role will have a specific set of stock vehicles available to them. Hide & Seek will have its own progression track to level up and earn new badges, accolades, and achievements.
• Once Hide & Seek launches next month, a new location will be added to the in-game map to enter the mode. It will also be accessible through the Online page of the Main Menu.

For the full details on the upcoming Hide & Seek game mode, check out the post on Forza.net.