São Paulo, July 8, 2024 – QUByte Interactive, in collaboration with Rising Moon Games studio, has announced that the puzzle game Busway Islands will be released on July 11 for Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

In Busway Islands, players will be challenged to build roads and train lines across a vast archipelago, ensuring efficient connections between stations and ensuring that all passengers are transported without any issues!

The turn-based combat gameplay and many other elements will challenge the most demanding players who like their games to be a little more difficult, and all with a colorful, pixelated look reminiscent of the great console classics of yesteryear.

With 35 unique levels, you will immerse yourself in a relaxing atmosphere, featuring minimalist visuals and an engaging soundtrack that sets the perfect scene for solving all the puzzles, pushing your logical skills to the limit.

Originally designed to be played exclusively with a mouse, the console version has been carefully adapted for a controller gaming experience. Therefore, Busway Islands offers a serene and accessible experience enjoyable for players of all ages.

Key features of Busway Islands:

• 35 islands with different challenges to explore
• Sound effects and music designed for a relaxing gaming experience
• Challenging puzzles
• Minimalist and colorful visual style
• Simple and intuitive gameplay, ideal for all audiences

About Rising Moon Games:

Rising Moon Games is a Brazilian game developer committed to creating increasingly interesting and exciting games for players of all ages. With an innovative approach and creative vision, the company is establishing itself as one of the leading game developers in Brazil.

For more information: https://www.risingmoongames.com

About QUByte Interactive

QUByte is the largest publisher of independent games for consoles in Latin America. It is also an experienced and well-established studio for the development of authorial titles, specialized and recognized for its focus on retro games and its work in porting classics from the past to modern consoles through its own engine, the QUByte Emulation Engine. The company’s main objective is to develop and expand the local games sector through development, porting and publishing partnerships.

The classic shoot-’em-up/RPG returns in 2025

Valencia, Calif. – July 8, 2024 – In the year 2005, WayForward took gamers across the galaxy to discover new worlds and alien species. Twenty years later, it’s time to go back! As revealed at Anime Expo, independent game studio WayForward is proud to announce that Sigma Star Saga — the Game Boy Advance sci-fi adventure that combines elements of 2D space shooters and RPGs — is scheduled to return in 2025. Licensed by Bandai Namco Entertainment and powered by Limited Run Games’ Carbon Engine, this highly requested cult classic will be released on modern consoles and PC, as well as on a Game Boy Advance-compatible repro cart.

Featuring a unique mix of top-down planetary exploration and side-scrolling shoot-’em-up space battles, Sigma Star Saga casts players as Allied Earth Federation pilot Ian Recker, who infiltrates the alien Krill Empire as a double agent in a last-ditch effort to save mankind from their onslaught. To do so, Recker must work with both humans and the Krill, exploring six planets utilizing an ever-expanding set of tools and abilities, and jumping into the cockpit to engage enemy forces in intense shmup-style combat using more than 70 different Gun Data items. Gorgeous pixel-art graphics, epic boss battles, and a twist-filled story with multiple endings await. Additional details about Sigma Star Saga, including information on platform availability and news about physical editions, will be shared in the months leading up to the game’s launch. For more info about Sigma Star Saga and other WayForward titles, please visit www.wayforward.com and follow @wayforward on social media.

Key Features

• The GBA classic returns after 20 years!
• Top-down RPG-style exploration mixed with action-packed space-shooter battles!
• Survive as a double agent for the humans and the Krill, and discover the secret of the six planets
• Stunning pixel-art graphics and fantastic soundtrack
• Explore using tools like the Scanner, Krill Boots, Wings, and more
• Customize your ship with more than 70 different Gun Data items
• Branching story with multiple endings

About WayForward

Based in Valencia, California, WayForward was founded in 1990 and has remained an independent game developer for more than 30 years. We are home to many talented individuals including programmers, environment artists, animators, modelers, illustrators, audio wizards, designers, and team leaders. With the new avenues for distributing games directly to fans we are finally able to make the games we have always wanted to.

London, UK, 8th July 2024 – After a series of successful live virtual events last month, JVCKENWOOD is proud to reveal that its MAGICAL JUKE BOX festival will return to VRChat for one final performance!  

You can already enjoy JVCKENWOOD’s core VRChat experience which is free for all to explore. This unique and interactive “Special World” has been inspired by the world of the loveable Nipper, a young pup who loves pop music. As freely explorable environment is surrounded by forests and lakes, with lots of interactive features including a Gramophone Rhythm Game and playable 3D piano.

VRChat guests will also encounter an area full of JVCKENWOOD products, including headphones, radios, and portable power supplies. Wear the headphones and try to solve the power supply puzzle, all now available for free.

Taking place within this Special World, MAGICAL JUKE BOX is a music festival like no other. The first time the Japanese company has created a virtual event of this kind, three exciting weekend shows took place during June. Featuring live performances by celebrated artists and VTubers, such was its popularity that JVCKENWOOD will be hosting a special triple whammy showcase across 13th and 14th July 2024. 

The shows star eight popular VTubers including “The Kohmi 2nd-chan,” an avatar of singer Ms. Kohmi Hirose, “OMEGA SISTERS with Honwaka band” and “Ruri Asano”. They will sing a variety of songs during the performance including “Hello You, Hello me” the festival’s theme song. All inside a venue that resembles a vintage-style record player!

MAGICAL JUKE BOX Showtimes:

To join the upcoming MAGICAL JUKE BOX festival, VRChat users will need to purchase tickets. These come in two varieties, Seat A offers a more traditional concert experience with seating around the stage for 1,000 JPY. While Seat S for 3,000 JPY gets you closer to the action, joining the artists directly on stage. The Special World is available for free to all VRChat users.

*VRChat will allow this live performance to be viewed free of charge on an indoor relay monitor at the “Music Café,” a facility to be set up in the “Special World”.

MAGICAL JUKE BOX VRChat link – https://vrchat.com/home/launch?worldId=wrld_8499ece0-7a21-4eba-b965-ab3a9cbe2e67

About JVCKENWOOD – https://www.jvckenwood.com/en.html

You’re in for a Shack with this one

Manchester, United Kingdom – July 8, 2024 | After the successful launch of their charming farming game SunnySide, developer RainyGames is now debuting its first big quality of life update! Whether dungeon dwellers, dating champions or farming aficionados, there’s something for everyone in this new update!

Despite the delight of the great outdoors, camping is not everyone’s cup of tea.  Players will now receive a quaint little Shack to start their interior design journey a little earlier. Philip, the friendly retired architect, is more than happy to help players land on their feet and will gift them the blueprints for the Starter House, alongside the plans for the lovely teahouse that once drew everyone to the farm.  

And this update is not just for the avid architects. Players who enjoy strolling through town should keep an eye out for the newest offers on seeds and farm goods as Sunnyside vendors now have better opening hours – unlike Marnie in Stardew Valley. 

Avid adventurers and explorers also don’t have to worry about losing their progress anymore. Should they happen to fall asleep in the caves, their progress will now be saved accurately, so they can return to venture deeper into the mysterious underbelly of Sunnyside – if they dare.

So hop on a bus and make your way to the idyllic Japanese countryside and create the perfect farm in this modern take on the classic farming and life sim. Inspired by the Persona games, SunnySide is the perfect summer game for fans of Animal Crossing and Boyfriend Dungeon who are looking for a new adventure!

About Maximum Entertainment 

Maximum Entertainment is a global entertainment company dedicated to crafting indie to AA video game experiences through original content and licensed partnerships. A fully integrated group with a broad portfolio of content, the company emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity in its partnerships to produce the highest level of interactive entertainment.

With more than 300 titles in its catalogue, Maximum Entertainment has joined forces with talented creators and renowned franchises around the globe to deliver magic to the gamer in everyone. Maximum Entertainment employs more than 200 professionals across the entire value chain of video games including development, publishing, transmedia, sales, and operations.

About RainyGames

RainyGames is an international indie gaming studio based in the US and UK. With a studio mission to challenge conventional genre norms and create innovative, inclusive video games, RainyGames aims to foster diversity and community through empathetic fiction, self-expression, and harmony. Led by Siavash (Rainy) Shahlaei and Sydney Stockdale, RainyGames always strives to maintain a transparent and honest company that puts the players ahead of profits while always making a point to speak out for those with smaller or quieter voices. At RainyGames, video games are more than just a fun pastime or hobby, but rather are beautiful pieces of art that can and will heavily impact the lives of all those who interact with them. For this reason, every project at RainyGames will always come from the heart.

The award-winning Paper Ghost Stories series returns later this year

VANCOUVER, Canada — July 8 2024 —  Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open, the latest ghostly apparition from Cellar Vault Games and Chorus Worldwide Games, is releasing on PC via Steam, PlayStation®5, Xbox One (X|S Compatible) and Nintendo Switch™ on September 5th, 2024.

Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open – Release Date Trailer 

Third Eye Open is a new instalment in the award-winning Paper Ghost Stories series, it provides a narrative-driven visual novel that follows the story of Ting, a young girl who possesses the ability to see spirits. Joined with her young ghost friend Xiu, the pair are forced to face challenges from both the real and spiritual worlds, as Ting battles to discover whether her power is a gift or a curse.

This coming-of-age narrative covers five pivotal years of Ting’s childhood, when she discovers just how her powers make her different from her peers as she struggles to come to terms with her abilities. While Ting contends with trying to save her family on the verge of falling apart, she will need to navigate challenging conversations, save lost souls, solve compelling puzzles and stealthily avoid dark spirits and other threats.

Will Ting be able to come to terms with this power? Can she help her family, friends and those lost souls along the way? Competing spirits will ask for Ting’s help, but each has their own conflicting agendas – and may hinder as much as they help Ting along her journey.

Third Eye Open is presented in a stunning, living “paper theatre” style, inspired by the Joss papercraft of Southeast Asia. From its activities and locations, to its characters and dialogue, the story is steeped in Malaysian tradition, culture and folklore. You’ll visit the Morning Markets, befriend an elderly monk, feast on Lok Lok and Nyonya Kuih at the Night Market, avoid the wandering spirits of the woods, and much more.

“From the moment we saw CVG’s short game, Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM, we immediately fell in love with what they were doing” said Shintaro Kanaoya, CEO of Chorus Worldwide. “We’re delighted that we were able to work with them to bring Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open to life and the results are extraordinary, hugely expanding on 7PM in ambition and scope and delivering a moving family drama told in an authentically unique Southeast Asian style.”

About Chorus Worldwide

Chorus Worldwide is a global publisher composed of gaming veterans with experience at world-renowned companies including Microsoft, Supermassive Games, and Electronic Arts. Originally created to guide indie developers into the rapidly growing Asian markets, Chorus now works with talented developers across the world, including Argentina, Indonesia, and Malaysia, to launch games globally, finding huge success in titles like the acclaimed Coffee Talk, and the Asian releases of The Room and The Room Two.

About Cellar Vault Games 

CVG is a small independent studio founded and based in Malaysia as a result of a university graduation project. Their first published game, 7pm, set the stage for the world of Paper Ghost Stories. CVG is currently working on their second title, a new anthology entry in the Paper Ghost Stories universe, and wants to bring more Malaysian stories and characters to wider game audiences.

Discover PAC-MAN x GUNDAM BREAKER 4 collaboration.

GUNDAM BREAKER 4, the hack-and-slash looter game that will release 29^th August 2024 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam, will get an Open Network Test which will start on 19^th July that will let players try part of the game and start creating their favourite Gunpla.

GUNDAM BREAKER 4 ONT lets players break, build and battle with up to two of their friends and do some quests, customize their Gunpla to achieve their goal of creating the best Gunpla. Pre-download will start on 18^th July, midnight CEST with the ONT happening at the times below:

• Day 1, Friday 19^th July:
• Session 1 from 2 a.m. CEST to 7 a.m. CEST
• Session 2 from 11 a.m. CEST to 4 p.m. CEST
• Day 2 Saturday 20^th July / Sunday 21^st July
• Game available from 20^th July, 4 a.m. CEST to 21^st July, 8 a.m. CEST

Watch the new gameplay trailer for GUNDAM BREAKER 4

In addition to the ONT, GUNDAM BREAKER 4 will have a collaboration with PAC-MAN available when it releases in 29^th August. A level inspired by the iconic mazes of PAC-MAN will be available, where players will have the task to defeat a giant PAC-MAN themed Gundam RX-78-2. By playing this mission players will be able to get the PAC-MAN themed emblem and use it on their Gunpla.

Watch the Pac-Man collaboration trailer:

GUNDAM BREAKER 4 is developed by CRAFTS & MEISTER Co., Ltd, and will have players fighting their enemies’ solo or with up to two friends in coop multiplayer. In addition, the game goes back to the roots of the franchise letting players create the Gunpla of their dreams with a large collection of mobile suits and parts to date, as well as a new diorama mode.

GUNDAM BREAKER 4 will launch on 29^th August 2024 and is now available for pre-orders on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam.

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM is a franchise that celebrates its 45^th anniversary this year and was created by Sunrise Inc. The first animation series of the franchise, MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM was first broadcasted in Japan, 1979. Known for its giant mechas called “Mobile Suit” as well as its sci-fi military stories, the franchise grew in popularity and throughout the years and counts now more than 50 TV series, films and OVA, along with lots of merchandise with the most know being Gunpla, plastic model kits with whom people can recreate small versions of their favourite mobile suits.

For more information on GUNDAM BREAKER 4 and other products from Bandai Namco Europe, please visit: www.bandainamcoent.eu. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok or join the conversation on X.

©SOTSU・SUNRISE ©SOTSU・SUNRISE・MBS

Players can engage in thrilling battles with their favourite characters from the legendary anime franchise

Bandai Namco Europe today announces BLEACH Rebirth of Souls, the new video game based on the legendary franchise created by Tite Kubo. The game, developed by Tamsoft Corporation, along with Takeharu Ishimoto working as the sound composer, will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

In BLEACH Rebirth of Souls, players can incarnate some of their favourite characters from the legendary anime franchise to fight in battles that will put their powerful sword abilities to the test. With the possibility to unlock new blades and forms in battle, players can reverse any outcome as their character can become stronger as their defeat looms closer.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls will include some of the most known characters from the franchise such as Ichigo Kurosaki, Rukia Kuchiki, Uryu Ishida, Yasutora Sado (Chad) and many others to be detailed later.

BLEACH is a very popular sword-fighting battle action comic series that ran in Shueisha’s shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump from 2001 to 2016. The TV animation series was broadcast from 2004 to March 2012, and a total of four movie versions have been released so far. The final chapter, Thousand-Year Blood War Arc, which features all-new character designs and more powerful characters, has been broadcasted since 2022. BLEACH has received enthusiastic support not only in Japan but also worldwide, and its popularity continues to grow.

Watch the announcement trailer for BLEACH Rebirth of Souls at this link:

For more information about BLEACH Rebirth of Souls and other titles from Bandai Namco Europe please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.eu. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok or join the conversation on X.

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About Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S.  

Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. is a leading global publisher and developer of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC.  

Bandai Namco Europe is producing intellectual property for a global audience and is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, PARK BEYOND™, and the upcoming UNKNOWN 9™ Awakening – developed by the recently acquired Reflector Entertainment based in Montreal, QC.  

Bandai Namco Europe serves as the Headquarters of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. for mainland Europe, which is known for creating and publishing many of the Toy & Entertainment industry’s top franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TAMAGOTCHI™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, DARK SOULS™ and the recently released ELDEN RING™.  

For more information please visit www.bandainamcoent.eu.  

Return to the Calvard Republic and unravel the mystery of the crimson beast!

NIS America, Inc. is excited to announce The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is coming early 2025 to Nintendo Switch.

In this sequel to The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak, a shocking series of murders set the wheels of fate into motion once again. Chaos looming on the horizon, the spriggan Van Arkride receives an unexpected visitor. Who is behind the murders, and what is their goal? 

Watch the launch trailer.

About The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II

No longer threatened by the mafia organization Almata, the people of Calvard have returned to their peaceful lives. But one day, a shocking series of murders involving a mysterious crimson beast sets the wheels of fate in motion once again. Various factions spring into action – both those who abide by the law to uncover the truth and those looking to capitalize on any new developments wherever possible, no matter how sinister.

With chaos once again looming on the horizon, the spriggan Van Arkride receives an unexpected visitor, prompting his own investigation. Who is behind the murders, and what is their goal? The sands of time bring old and new faces together for this thrilling second installment in the Trails through Daybreak saga.

About Nihon Falcom Corporation:

Nihon Falcom Corporation is a Japanese game developer that was founded in 1981. Since then, they have created many titles for consumer game platforms and boast an extremely enthusiastic fanbase worldwide. Notable titles include the Trails series and the Ys series.

About NIS America, Inc.

In 2003, NIS America was established in Southern California to bring exciting, one-of-a-kind Japanese culture to North America.

NIS America’s team members devote themselves to the fans. Their respect for their fans is at the heart of everything they do. As an established entertainment publisher in the U.S., NIS America is committed to continuous growth and improvement.

NIS America is a subsidiary of Nippon Ichi Software, Inc., a company famous for its unique line of strategy RPGs, with titles such as Disgaea and Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk. In keeping with its mission, NIS America also publishes other popular Japanese games, like the highly acclaimed title, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox.

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©Nihon Falcom Corporation. All rights reserved. Licensed to and published by NIS America, Inc.

NIS America, Inc. is excited to announce that Ys X: Nordics, the milestone entry in the legendary Ys series, is launching 1 November, 2024 on Nintendo Switch! Ys X: Nordics offers exhilarating, fast-paced combat, a moving story of unlikely allies, and naval exploration across a vibrant high seas setting.

A new trailer was also released today. Watch it below:

Following their tenuous encounter at sea, the young red-haired adventurer Adol Christin and the proud pirate Karja Balta find themselves bound by fate – and the mysterious power of Mana! As they search for a way to undo the mystical ties that bind them, they soon find themselves caught up in a conflict between two factions: the seafaring warriors known as the Normans and the enigmatic and seemingly immortal Griegr. In order to save the people of Obelia Gulf, Adol and Karja must navigate the depths of their unexpected bond and the power that it grants them.

Key Details:

• Two Heroes, One Story: Bound by unexpected circumstances, the young adventurer Adol and the Norman pirate Karja must work together to determine the fate of Obelia Gulf and its people.
• Cross Action System: Swap between controlling Adol and Karja independently or together. Combine their unique strengths to overcome enemies, and build up the Revenge Gauge to unleash devastating attacks.
• The Power of Mana: Harness the unique abilities of Mana to overcome challenges. Grapple and slide through dungeons, demolish obstacles, create new platforms, and uncover hidden treasures and critical points.
• Sailor’s Delight: The sailing ship known as the Sandras takes your exploration to new levels. Ocean travel, naval battles, and discovering uncharted islands are all made possible with this seaworthy vessel.

About Nihon Falcom Corporation:

Nihon Falcom is a game developer founded in 1981 that has created many titles for consumer game platforms and boasts an extremely enthusiastic fanbase worldwide. Notable titles include the Ys series and the Trails series.

About NIS America

In 2003, NIS America was established in Southern California to bring exciting, one-of-a-kind Japanese culture to North America. 

NIS America’s team members devote themselves to the fans. Their respect for their fans is at the heart of everything they do. As an established entertainment publisher in the U.S., NIS America is committed to continuous growth and improvement.

NIS America is a subsidiary of Nippon Ichi Software, Inc., a company famous for its unique line of strategy RPGs with titles such as Disgaea and Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society. In keeping with its mission, NIS America also publishes other popular Japanese games, like the highly acclaimed title, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox.

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©Nihon Falcom Corporation. All rights reserved. Licensed to and published by NIS America, Inc.

The annual speedrunning event brings GDQ’s lifetime funds raised to $51 million for charity

Minneapolis, MN – July 7, 2024 – Summer Games Done Quick 2024 has ended its week-long 24-hour speedrunning marathon, raising a total of $2.5 million for Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières. The in-person event was held June 30-July 6 at the Hilton Minneapolis and was also broadcast on Games Done Quick’s Twitch channel.

Summer Games Done Quick was filled with delightful moments, including everyone’s favorite pup Peanut Butter playing Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball. The crowd roared at every successful pitch and bat, did the wave, and sang their hearts out with ball game chants. Other highlights were a coordinated dance of Herald of Darkness during Alan Wake 2 and a musical performance during the 1991 Western classic Sunset Riders. Large crowds, both online and in-person, gathered for runs of Elden Ring, Minecraft Dungeons, Celeste 64: Fragments of the Mountain, Halo 3, Old School Runescape, Evil Zone, and much, much more. 

Games Done Quick additionally reached a new milestone of $51 million raised for charity in the organization’s lifetime. This encompasses all funds raised in GDQ’s 14-year history, which has raised money across charities including AbleGamers, Doctors Without Borders, Organization for Autism Research, Malala Fund, National Women’s Law Center, and Prevent Cancer Foundation. 

Game Done Quick’s next event is the all-women and femmes speedrunning showcase Flame Fatales, held online from August 18-25 and will be broadcast live on Games Done Quick’s Twitch. Next year, Awesome Games Done Quick returns from January 5-12 in Pittsburgh.

In case you missed it, every run from SGDQ 2024 is archived on the official Games Done Quick YouTube channel. You can also view the finale video here.

About Games Done Quick

Games Done Quick is a series of charity video game marathons that feature high-level gameplay by speedrunners raising money for charity. Since 2010, Games Done Quick has partnered with some of the world’s most impactful charities, including AbleGamers, Doctors Without Borders, Organization for Autism Research, and Prevent Cancer Foundation, all while bringing fans impressive runs from a rich community of speedrunners. To date, Games Done Quick events have raised over $51 million for charity.

About Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is a private international association founded in 1971. The association is made up mainly of doctors and health sector workers and is also open to other professions which might help in achieving its aims. Their mission is to provide lifesaving medical care to those most in need.

MSF provides assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters, and to victims of armed conflict. They do so irrespective of race, religion, creed, or political convictions.