Enjoy a heartwarming tale of two broken people finding a new life together!

TOKYO – July 6th, 2024 – Last night at Anime Expo, MangaGamer announced their acquisition of Waffle’s heartwarming, original tale, The Alchemist & His Battle-Scarred Homunculus, currently planned for release on MangaGamer and Steam.

This heartwarming and dramatic tale follows Rakels, the young alchemist who helped create living homunculi to better the lives of mankind, only to have his partner betray him and turn their creations into tools of war. After years of exile for speaking out against their use as weapons during the war, Rakels discovers the battered form of Mel, a homunculus who was discarded by a slave trader.

As the two begin to confront their traumatic pasts together, a new bond is formed that helps them heal and forge a loving future together. Sweet and tender moments abound as Rakels and Mel face their fears of society and intimacy to truly come together as a couple.  

Key Features:

• Single Heroine Focus: Mel, the homunculus, is the one and only heroine in this title, which means she enjoys that much more characterization and depth of character development. This increased depth of focus allows players to enjoy a more natural progression of attraction and attachment to the charming heroine.
• Enjoy the Slow Life: Experience life in a fishing village within a medieval fantasy, savoring the peaceful and relaxing time Rakels and Mel spend together as they find healing and fulfillment in the beautiful, rural countryside.
• Caring Young Woman Vibes: Enjoy spending time with a beautiful woman that’s caring and doting, one who will quietly watch over her partner when she’s not being more forward with her desire for intimate attention.

As their love slowly blooms, will Rakels and Mel be able to reintegrate into society? Can Rakels overcome his mistrust of others, and can Mel overcome society’s hatred of what she is? Will they finally be able to pursue their true dreams and live happily ever after? The choices these two make will ultimately determine their fate…

For more information on The Alchemist & His Battle-Scarred Homunculus, as well as other titles from MangaGamer, be sure to join their discussion on Discord or follow MangaGamer on Twitter and Facebook. You can also check out their blog for comments from the staff and other featured articles!

ABOUT MANGAGAMER.COM
MangaGamer.com is the world’s biggest publisher of English translated Visual Novels. Since its launch in July 2008, it has offered services where fans can download and enjoy popular Visual Novels such as 07th Expansion’s Higurashi When They Cry series,Alicesoft’s infamous Rance series, and Novectacle’s critically acclaimed The House in Fata Morgana right from their home. Don’t forget to visit us on Facebook, Twitter and Discord!

CRUNCHYROLL ANNOUNCES ACQUISITIONS AT ANIME EXPO: “OMNISCIENT READER,” “FIRE FORCE” SEASON 3, “DR. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE,” “BLUE LOCK” SEASON 2, “THE APOTHECARY DIARIES” SEASON 2, AND MORE

World Premiere Trailers and More Shared with Fans at the Crunchyroll Industry Panel on July 7 at the Biggest Anime Event of the Year! World Premiere First Looks at Witch Hat Atelier and Solo Leveling Season 2, TRIGUN STARGAZER, and More During Other Crunchyroll Hosted Panels

Sydney, Australia (July 7, 2024) – Crunchyroll, the ultimate home for anime worldwide, held its Industry Panel at Anime Expo 2024 on Sunday, July 7 at 10:00am AEST in the Los Angeles Convention Center in California.

During the panel, Crunchyroll announced multiple acquisitions of several hotly anticipated animated series from Japan that it will stream for fans around the world in the coming year. Those announcements included the following:

• It was announced to the world that Crunchyroll and Aniplex will be adapting the widely popular Korean web-novel turned webtoon Omniscient Reader into an anime series. In production and coming soon, key art and a first look teaser (see below) debuted to the audience.
• Webtoon description: Dokja was an average office worker whose sole interest was reading his favorite web novel ‘Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse.’ But when the novel suddenly becomes reality, he is the only person who knows how the world will end. Armed with this realization, Dokja uses his understanding to change the course of the story, and the world, as he knows it.

• Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE, the next and final chapter of the Dr. STONE saga, was 10 billion percent confirmed coming soon to Crunchyroll on-stage by none other than the lead voice actor Yusuke Kobayashi (voice of Senku Ishigami). New key art was also shared in celebration of the anime’s fifth anniversary.
• Synopsis: Several thousand years after a mysterious phenomenon that turns all of humanity to stone, the extraordinarily intelligent, science-driven boy, Senku Ishigami, awakens. Facing a world of stone and the total collapse of civilization, Senku makes up his mind to use science to rebuild the world. Starting with his super strong childhood friend Taiju Oki, who awakened at the same time, they will begin to rebuild civilization from nothing… Depicting two million years of scientific history from the Stone Age to present day, the unprecedented crafting adventure story is about to begin!

• The long-awaited Fire Force Season 3 was announced coming to Crunchyroll as a split cour release, in April 2025 and January 2026. New key art and a teaser trailer (see below) were shared.
• Season 1 synopsis: Tokyo is burning, and citizens are mysteriously suffering from spontaneous human combustion all throughout the city! Responsible for snuffing out this inferno is the Fire Force, and Shinra is ready to join their fight. Now, as part of Company 8, he’ll use his devil’s footprints to help keep the city from turning to ash! But his past and a burning secret behind the scenes could set everything ablaze.

• The dark romance series Yakuza Fiancé is set to join Crunchyroll this October 2024. Based on the popular manga of the same name, written and illustrated by Asuka Konishi, a special video from director Toshifumi Kawase was presented before a world premiere sneak peek from the first episode was shown exclusively to the audience. Key art was also shared.
  • Synopsis: Somei Renji is Somei Yoshino’s grandfather and leader of the “Somei Group”, the Kansai region’s biggest yakuza group. When he arranges for her to be married to Miyama Kirishima, Yoshino has to move to “Miyama Clan” estate, the Kanto region’s biggest yakuza group. Kirishima warmly welcomes Yoshino and is such a pleasant, personable, and nice young man that nobody would suspect that he comes from a yakuza family. This puts Yoshino at ease even though she was initially feeling insecure in this unfamiliar place. But then, a certain event leads to Yoshino witnessing the real Kirishima.

• And lastly, after its critically acclaimed first season, The Apothecary Diaries from TOHO Animation Studio and OLM will return to Crunchyroll for Season 2! Another mystery arises for Maomao to solve with the beloved series arriving in 2025. Special key art was shared along with a teaser trailer. (see below)
• Season 1 synopsis: Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!

• BLUE LOCK Season 2 kicked off the next acquisition announcement with an in-person appearance from Kazuki Ura, who voices the lead character Yoichi Isagi. The high stakes soccer anime from studio 8bit (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime) will once again score with audiences on Crunchyroll this October 2024. The teaser trailer was shared. (see below)
• Season 1 Synopsis: Japan’s desire for World Cup glory leads the Japanese Football Association to launch a new rigorous training program to find the national team’s next striker. Three hundred high school players are pitted against each other for the position, but only one will come out on top. Who among them will be the striker to usher in a new era of Japanese soccer?

• Producer Yoko Shiraishi came on stage next to join Kazuki Ura, who also voices the romantic lead, Hazawa Kizuki, in Anyway, I’m Falling in Love withYou,which will be coming to Crunchyroll this January 2025. A short teaser (see below) and key art of the coming-of-age romance series directed by Junichi Yamamato (Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion) was shared.
• Synopsis: It’s July 1, 2020. Mizuha, a high school second-year, is having the worst seventeenth birthday ever. She’s missing her chance to get close to the older student she admires, and her parents didn’t even remember that it’s her birthday. Worst of all, there’s a new and unknown infectious disease making the rounds, so all her club tournaments and school trips have been canceled. She’s convinced that she’ll never have the dazzling youth that she’s always dreamed of… but then her childhood friend, Kizuki, suddenly declares himself a candidate to be her boyfriend. This is a school youth story about four childhood friends who grew up like family, one being the heroine, Nishino Mizuha, and the four boys she grew up with whom she sees as family.

• From Studio LAN, the thrilling Link Click series is back for Link Click: Bridon Arc, coming to Crunchyroll this winter. A new teaser trailer (see below) for the Chinese donghua was shared.
• Synopsis: To save the deceased Cheng Xiaoshi, Lu Guang returns to the beginning, retracing the path of destiny. However, a photo containing clues about Cheng Xiaoshi’s parents appears in the “Time Photo Studio.” To uncover the truth, Lu Guang nervously travels to Bridon with Cheng Xiaoshi. Friendly top model Xia Fei, the eccentric leader of Chinatown, Vein, and the mysteriously appearing Liu Xiao… Faced with people harboring different motives, can Lu Guang break the fated deadlock?

• After nearly seven years, Natsume’s Book of Friends (known as Natsume Yujin-cho) is returning for Season 7 on Crunchyroll, joining the Fall 2024 season lineup. A short teaser trailer (see below) introducing the production staff and key art was shared.
• Series synopsis: Natsume Takashi has the ability to see spirits, which he has long kept secret. However, once he inherits a strange book that belonged to his deceased grandmother, Reiko, he discovers the reason why spirits surround him.

• From director Kazuomi Koga (Rent-A-Girlfriend) comes Demon Lord, Retry! R, which will make its way to Crunchyroll this Fall 2024. Key art and a world premiere teaser trailer (see below) for the fantasy series were showcased.
• Synopsis: Akira Oono finds himself in the world of Infinity Game as the last boss and his favorite character, the Demon Lord Hakuto Kunai. After meeting Aku, Luna, and other friends along the way, the Demon Lord begins a new journey to find a spell that can take him back to the real world. The story of the Demon Lord continues in this next chapter!

Crunchyroll also kicked off the 10th Anniversary celebration of Tokyo Ghoul and revealed a series of exclusive products so fans can celebrate their favorite anime. More details will be announced at a later date.

Additionally, earlier at Anime Expo, before the Crunchyroll Industry Panel, there were several announcements featuring Crunchyroll, including:

• The “Final Phase” title was revealed for TRIGUN STARGAZE during the TRIGUN STAMPEDE panel, presented by Crunchyroll and Orange, on July 5. A special TRIGUN STAMPEDE anniversary illustration of Vash the Stampede and Nicholas Wolfwood from Trigun creator Yasuhiro Nightow was shared with the audience along with the new title treatment for TRIGUN STARGAZE. Three new character illustrations of Vash, Wolfwood, and Million Knives were also shown during the panel.
  • TRIGUN STAMPEDE synopsis: Vash the Stampede’s a joyful gunslinging pacifist, so why does he have a $$6 million bounty on his head? That’s what’s puzzling rookie reporter Meryl Stryfe and her jaded veteran partner when looking into the vigilante only to find someone who hates blood. But their investigation turns out to uncover something heinous—his evil twin brother, Millions Knives.

• During the Witch Hat Atelier Panel featuring Manga Author Kamome Shirahama and Anime Staff on July 5, world premiere footage from a teaser trailer (see below) along with all-new key art was released for the upcoming adaptation of the popular manga of the same name created by Kamome Shirahama. Additionally, the staff on the project have been revealed, including director Ayumu Watanabe (Summer Time Rendering), character designer Kairi Unabara (a key animator on Scott Pilgrim Takes Off), and music composed by Yuka Kitamura (ELDEN RING; Bloodborne; DARK SOULS III). The anime will be produced by the studio BUG FILMS (Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead). The series will be coming to Crunchyroll in 2025.
• Official Witch Hat Atelier manga description: In a world where everyone takes wonders like magic spells and dragons for granted, Coco is a girl with a simple dream: She wants to be a witch. But everybody knows magicians are born, not made, and Coco was not born with a gift for magic. Resigned to her un-magical life, Coco is about to give up on her dream to become a witch…until the day she meets Qifrey, a mysterious, traveling magician. After secretly seeing Qifrey perform magic in a way she’s never seen before, Coco soon learns what everybody “knows” might not be the truth, and discovers that her magical dream may not be as far away as it may seem…

• Fans anxiously awaiting the return of Solo Leveling from A-1 Pictures (Lycoris Recoil; NieR:Automata Ver1.1a) were presented with the world premiere trailer (see below) for Season 2 during the Solo Leveling Panel on July 6.

• It was revealed during the Blue Exorcist Special Event panel on July 6 that both Blue Exorcist -Beyond the Snow Saga- and Blue Exorcist -The Blue Night Saga- will be coming to Crunchyroll as back-to-back cours starting this October. A teaser trailer (see below) for Blue Exorcist -Beyond the Snow Saga- were shown in advance of its return.

• An October 2024 premiere on Crunchyroll was confirmed for Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Season 3 during the Arifureta Season 3 Premiere + Voice Cast Talk panel on July 6. The previously released key art and an all-new trailer were shared.

• A new teaser (see below) and official anime announcement for Black Butler -Emerald Witch Arc- during the Black Butler -Public School Arc- Panel on July 7 were delivered to fans along with news that the series will be returning to Crunchyroll for the upcoming arc. During the Crunchyroll Industry Panel, Daisuke Ono, the voice actor for the demon butler Sebastian Michaelis, made his way on-stage to share the news as well.

About Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories with the content and experiences they love. In addition to free ad-supported and membership Premium content, Crunchyroll serves the anime community across events, theatrical, games, consumer products, collectibles, and manga.

Anime fans have access to one of the largest collections of licensed anime through Crunchyroll and translated in multiple languages for viewers worldwide. Viewers can also access simulcasts—top series available immediately after Japanese broadcast.

Crunchyroll is available on 15 platforms, including most gaming consoles.

Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.

©2024 Crunchyroll, LLC. All rights reserved. CRUNCHYROLL and the Crunchyroll logo are registered trademarks of Crunchyroll, LLC. 

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Los Angeles — July 5, 2024 — At the company’s panel today at Anime Expo 2024, Aksys Games unveiled a slate of new games and divulged new information about some already-announced titles for Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation® and PC.

The new titles announced include:

Ed-0: Zombie Uprising (PS5® physical only/October 10) – Experience the year 1854 in a fictional Edo-era Japan in this action rogue-like title! A mysterious Black Ship makes landfall, not bringing with it technology and trade, but something much more deadly. With the end of isolation, a new wave of zombies are created, and the infestation now runs rampant. Amid the madness, a group of fighters with the mysterious power to resist the zombie mutation, the “Zom-beings,” appear. The hunt begins as they fight to restore Edo to its days before the invasion. But don’t be fooled, this won’t be an easy stroll through town; without leveling up the strength and power of the “Zom-beings” and honing your combat skills, you’ll face defeat, and Edo will be lost forever.

Raging Bytes (NSW/PS5 physical only/December 12) – Can you survive the raging bytes? Set in a zombie-ravaged America, Ben and Barbra must ­fight their way through waves of monsters while running into other uninfected survivors along the way. With difficulty levels for all kinds of players, dive into this post-apocalyptic world in turn-based battles! This story-driven RPG full of drama and pixels pays homage to the classic horror movies of the 1970’s and was planned, drafted and supervised by Jiro Ishii, praised for titles such as 428: Shibuya Scramble.

Zero to Dance Hero (NSW/November) – Learn to dance from zero! Start from the basics with real dance lessons covering 30 popular hip-hop steps. By learning each dance in bite-sized stages, even beginners can easily learn to dance well! The more hands-on Free Mode includes six original choreographed dances in a variety of musical genres. Keep the beat and enjoy the fruits of your training with catchy background music! Many support features keep you motivated as you become a dance hero!

7’scarlet (NSW/Spring 2025) – Take on the role of a young woman journeying to the remote town of Okune-zato to locate her missing brother. Shaped like a crescent moon, Okune-zato is shrouded in dark myths and legends. As the protagonist and her childhood friend get to know the cast of eccentric characters at the Fuurinkan Hotel, they are drawn into the mysterious events taking place in the town. Encounter heart-racing twists and turns as you dig deeper into the story.

Mistonia no Kibou -The Lost Delight- [English title pending] (NSW/2025) – A tale filled with love and fixation, woven together by those who carry the blood of the fairies. The story takes place in Grand Alvion, a kingdom thriving under the rule of the fairy queen, in an era where light and shadow coexist. On the outskirts of the capital city stands a noble residence belonging to a prestigious family, where a newly-hired maid is about to set foot onto the property: our heroine, Applause. Having lost everything eight years prior, she swore to take revenge on those responsible. Under a false identity, she begins her search for the truth as she works at the mansion belonging to a potential target for her vengeance. What secrets will she unearth upon her chance encounters with the distinguished noblemen who protect the kingdom? What path will she choose? And so begins the revenge tragedy of a girl bound by a hapless fate.

Utakata no Uchronia [English title pending] (NSW/2025) – Welcome to the renowned and prosperous utopia, the flying city of Itehari. Our protagonist is Hinagiku, a noble lady from a distinguished family who longs for the world beyond the floating city. One day, Hinagiku, having just turned 18 years old, encounters an amnesiac man named Yashiro. Their fortuitous meeting becomes the catalyst that drags her into a series of events involving the secrets and various truths hidden beneath the surface of this beautiful utopia.

Trailers for the new titles can be viewed here:

Aksys Games Anime Expo Trailer Playlist

Aksys further announced that that the DLC bundles for Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU (NSW/September 5) will be available shortly after launch!

The presentation also included a discussion of retro-inspired fighting game Blazing Strike (PS4/PS5, NSW, PC/October 17) with new gameplay footage, and visual novel Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch (NSW, PS5/August 22), as well as trailers for Radiant Tale -Fanfare!-, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ (NSW/July 25), Virche Evermore -EpiC: Lycoris- (NSW/Nov 7) and Despera Drops (NSW/Spring 2025). 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.

Building on a surge in popularity following “Blue Archive: The Animation,” Blue Archive’s first Anime Expo attendance includes an eye-catching booth and an up-close-and-personal panel detailing the update and behind-the-scenes stories about the game’s development

SEOUL – July 5, 2024 – NEXON Korea Corp.’s Blue Archive just concluded its panel at the game’s first Anime Expo appearance, revealing exciting news and details about the adored mobile RPG’s summer update. Fresh off the heels of “Blue Archive: The Animation,” the game’s directors revealed that the highly anticipatedsummer update will roll out the welcome mat for players with a continuation of the anime’s story and tons of buffs for newcomers and veterans alike.

Massively popular in Japan, Blue Archive features tactical combat and an extensive lineup of unique characters as players step into the role of Sensei and recruit skilled students to stop the threats looming over the academy city of Kivotos. Boasting strategic gameplay and an ever-growing bunch of powerful students, Blue Archive players are in for heartfelt storylines filled with engaging combat and plentiful rewards.

During today’s panel, Blue Archive’s directors revealed that players can dive into the summer update on Tuesday, July 23 filled with the following content:

• 5^th PV Reveal – The 5^th PV will show hints of new stories and students expected in the future of Blue Archive.
• 100 Free Recruitments – Starting on Tuesday, July 23, players can earn 100 Free recruitments for one week, giving new players the perfect opportunity to jump into Blue Archive.
• Makoto and Ako (Dress) – Fresh recruits Makoto and Ako (Dress) will also be added to Blue Archive on Tuesday, July 23.
• New Student Hina (Dress) – Players can attain a dress version of the popular student Hina via a Fes Recruitment on Tuesday, July 30. During Fes Recruitment, the chance of recruiting 3-star students becomes twice as high.

Blue Archive’s panel also gave fans a behind-the-scenes look into the development of the tactical RPG, as the game’s directors revealed how they came to develop Blue Archive’s distinguishable art, music style and special PVs. They also shared their thoughts on the popular anime.

“It is the fans’ contagious excitement and unwavering support that fuels our drive to create more immersive and engaging experiences,” said Blue Archive LeadDirector Kim Yongha. “Thank you for joining us at Anime Expo, for your incredible support of Blue Archive in North America and for being such an integral part of our journey. We look forward to continuing this adventure together.”

On the show floor, Blue Archive is captivating attendees with its eye-catching booth and fun activities. Guests can step into the slice-of-life world of fire powered students, featuring a themed photo area and colorful cosplay hosts. Attendees can also play hands-on mini-game experiences and earn themed prizes.

Players can download Blue Archive for free on Google Play, App Store and Galaxy Store, and tune into “Blue Archive: The Animation” on the official YouTube channel. For more information about Blue Archive, players can visit the official communities and the links below:

• Blue Archive Official Webpage: [LINK]

About NEXON Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1994, NEXON Co., Ltd. (Nexon) (3659.TO) is a company engaged in the production, development and operation of online games. First listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December 2011, Nexon was placed on JPX400 in 2015 and added to the Nikkei Stock Index 300 in 2017. In 2020, Nexon was added to the Nikkei 225. Nexon currently has more than 45 live games in more than 190 countries on PC, console, and mobile. Major game franchises include MapleStory, KartRider and Dungeon&Fighter. In 2021, Nexon completed the acquisition of Embark Studios AB, a company based in Stockholm, Sweden, developing multiple projects for global release.

Cultivate Magical Crops and Community in this Upcoming Cozy Farming Sim

[Wako, Texas] July 5, 2024 – SkyReach Studio and publisher indie.io are thrilled to announce the new release date for Critter Crops on PC via Steam on July 22, 2024. Previously slated for April 15th, 2024 the additional time has given the small indie team at SkyReach Studio time to polish Mutter Island. Like a perfectly grown Critter Crop, good things take time! 

Join Sylvie, a fledging witch chased from her hometown for her magical talents, as she arrives on Mutter Island. Discover Sylvie’s ability to grow magical Critter Crops, each essential for unlocking the island’s mysteries.

Critter Crops blends charming farming gameplay with isometric role-playing elements, offering a cozy and wholesome experience. Farm, noodle, mine, gather, and explore the island to level up Sylvie’s abilities and delve deeper into Mutter Island’s secrets. Grow 24 unique Critter Crops, each with special growing conditions and skills, crucial for navigating challenges and revitalizing Mur Mur Town.

Experience Sylvie’s journey of growth and discovery as she interacts with newcomers seeking refuge on Mutter Island. Chat with those looking for a fresh start and a new beginning, each with their own stories and aspirations. Use the Friendlees Social Media app to check your relationship status, listen to their needs, and order gifts from Ama-Zomb to enhance their lives on the island. Renovate their homes to provide them with a cozy place to stay and watch Mutter Island flourish into a vibrant community.

“The community around Critter Crops, from our initial Kickstarter to our new release date announcement, has been incredible, and we are thrilled to invite players to experience the enchanting and cozy world of Critter Crops,” said Crystal Sciarrino,SkyBound Studio Founder.”Discovering and nurturing these 24 unique Critters is key to uncovering the island’s secrets and creating a warm, supportive community. We cannot wait for you to discover what we have crafted over the years.“

Prepare to embark on Sylvie’s magical adventure when Critter Crops launches on PC via Steam on July 22, 2024.

ABOUT SKYREACH STUDIOS

SkyReach Studio was founded officially in August of 2021. The studio became a light paving the way to a larger dream for its founder and soon grew into a team effort attempting to reach the stars. Team SkyReach dreams of making games that will touch people’s hearts and resonate with their lives in a fantastical way. For more information, visit the official SkyReach Studio website..

ABOUT INDIE.IO

indie.io is home to over 100 of the world’s best independent video games and developers. Our platform was built with a singular vision: to provide support to independent developers where it was most needed and set the standard for gaming promotion. 

Established in Alabama, we’re powered by a team of 35 employees; a mix of semi-professional esports players, developers, and gaming enthusiasts whose passion and technical know-how fuel the company’s mission. As industry experts, we dedicate ourselves to providing innovative marketing support services and integrations; as players, we want to discover and elevate the creators of exceptional, inspiring, and unexpected games of every genre. Join us on our quest to cultivate a vibrant global community of players and creators alike!

The time has come. The hunt is on.

Shanghai, China — July 5, 2024 | SS5 is here and it’s a big one! XD Games are excited to share the arrival of Torchlight: Infinite’s latest season, which is crammed full of new modes, foes and fun. This update marks the pinnacle of what Torchlight: Infinite has become since launching in 2022. It’s Torchlight like you’ve never seen it before and XD Games invites you to the event of the season: The Clockwork Ballet. 

Check out SS5’s ‘Zealot of War’ Divineshot Carino in explosive action in an all-new hero cinematic:

The changes debuting with SS5 have already received glowing praise from the Torchlight: Infinite community that eagerly waited with bated breath for all the latest season has to offer. This includes:

• PC Optimisation: Combining quality-of-life updates with an entirely new UI for PC, Torchlight: Infinite is now better than ever on Steam – where the game has over 10,000 reviews from players across the globe. 

• Divineshot Carino New Trait: Transform this hero into a Gatling gun-wielding destroyer!
• Legendary Gear Crafting: That’s right, legendary gear affixes can now be crafted and passed down. What’s more, they’ll now be a bigger part of builds, with drop rates for legendary gear increasing, too.
• Dolls in the Depths: Scattered around Torchlight: Infinite are strange dolls that open up a world of possibility, if players can defeat them!
• New Legendary Equipment: For players old and new, these new items will improve any hero, taking them from Hunter to legend.
• Pactspirits Aplenty: Two new Pactspirits join the fray, including the Iron Lion, the best projectile-throwing kitty around!
• …and much, MUCH more. 

This season is all about the player experience. Be that on PC or mobile, whether players log in on the tube, from their gaming setups or even Steam Decks on the beach, Torchlight: Infinite is the probably best aRPG anywhere in the world – because you can literally take it anywhere. So why not join the hunt and check it out for yourself?

XD Games

Founded in 2003, XD Games. is a global video games developer and publisher with extensive experience across development, publishing and operations. As of 2022, XD has 38 free-to-play and paid games with over 50 million monthly active users worldwide. In addition, TapTap — a mobile games community and app store — was launched by XD in 2016 and is estimated to currently have 44 million monthly active users.  XD’s mission is to assemble like-minded talented games industry craftspeople with a common goal of touching the hearts of players around the world. XD produces games of the finest quality with passion, offering a pure gaming experience, and encouraging players of all ages to embrace the unique joy of video gaming.

A Revolution That Will Demolish the Foundations of Society

Meridiem is pleased to announce that Neon Blood is now available for pre-order and wishlist on all digital platforms. Fans can now wishlist this exciting neo-noir action-adventure via Nintendo eShop, Xbox Store, Steam and PlayStation Store.

Developed by ChaoticBrain Studio and published by Meridiem, Neon Blood is a thrilling neo-noir cyberpunk RPG/Graphic Adventure with a 2.5D visual aesthetic using 2D PixelArt sprites within 3D-modeled environments. The gameplay features a variety of puzzles, classic turn-based combat, and precise Quick Time Events. 

In addition to digital editions, Meridiem announced the release of the boxed edition of Neon Blood, available in specialist stores in the fourth quarter of 2024. The boxed Limited Edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch includes a metallic-textured cover, an art book, a city guide, and a downloadable soundtrack.

Watch the previously announced gameplay trailer for Neon Blood here

ABOUT NEON BLOOD

In the year 2053, after the Third World War, humanity has been reduced to a single megalopolis, Viridis, consisting of two cities: the luxurious Bright City and the dystopian Blind City. Axel McCoin, a detective from Blind City, motivated by his ideals, rebels against the injustices caused by the social separation between the two cities and the societal inequalities in general, becoming a symbol of a revolution. In his adventure, Axel will meet powerful allies who will help him in his quest, as well as enemies who will stand in his way, such as Ruby Emerald, who will do everything possible to thwart Axel’s plans.

For more information, visit www.meridiem-games.com

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Dark Carnival brings an infinite dungeon mode to For the King II fans

London, July 5th, 2024 – Curve Games and IronOak Games have unveiled Dark Carnival, an infinite dungeon mode designed to push fans skills to their limits. In this mode, players must uncover the secrets of the Ringmaster and face the many challenges the Dark Carnival presents. The deeper you venture, the more twisted the experience becomes. For the King II is available on Steam. Download it today and see how many floors you can conquer before meeting your inevitable demise!

“We are passionately dedicated to making For the King II the best experience it can be for our community. The team has been listening to feedback and working hard to bring new content to players with the Dark Carnival update. We truly hope you enjoy the new mode, and the re-introduction of Bards”, said Sterling Anderson, Studio Director at IronOak Games.

Watch the new For the King II Book of Lore video which delves into the mysteries of the Carnival and gives players a crash course in everything weird and wonderful that the Dark Carnival has to offer. 

Inspired by tabletop adventures, For The King II builds on the hugely popular blend of strategy, turn-based combat and roguelite replayability and combines an epic new experience that includes the most requested fan feature by far: four-player co-op. For The King II delivers a continuation of the narrative arc for fans of the original and offers brand-new combat mechanics and features, a host of new biomes to explore and much more.

To learn more about For the King II please visit the official Steam product page here.

About Curve Games 

Curve Games is an award-winning independent label working with developers worldwide to deliver the best in interactive entertainment. With a uniquely diverse games catalogue that includes renowned indie hits such as For the King, Bomber Crew, The Ascent, and Lawn Mowing Simulator, and the multi-million selling smash hit Human Fall Flat, Curve Games has taken its place as one of the leading games publishers worldwide. 

About IronOak Games

Founded in 2015 by industry veterans with a passion for board games and roleplaying games, IronOak Games is now part of the Curve Family of studios. For The King, the debut title from the studio, released in 2018 to critical acclaim and has sold over 3 million units.

Paint the Town Red, White, and Blue With GTA Online Independence Day Bonuses – Plus, the Överflöd Pipistrello Super Car Now Available to Everyone, Get Triple Rewards on Mobile Operations Missions, and More

Independence Day festivities have arrived in Southern San Andreas. Log in to receive a trio of appropriately themed Bucket Hats, enjoy 50% off Independence Day Discounts on the star-spangled Sovereign motorcycle and Liberator monster truck along with a wide range of patriotic paraphernalia.

There’s also a special red, white, and blue wrapped Karin Boor in The Diamond’s lobby that’s attainable with either a fortuitous spin of the Lucky Wheel or by completing The Podium Robbery — one of this week’s Salvage Yard targets.

Överflöd Pipistrello Super Car Now Available

Celebrate American Independence this week with the Överflöd Pipistrello (Super). While it may be a foreign export, its disregard for safety regulations makes it a perfect cultural fit.

The Pipistrello is a state-of-the-art super car with a slender build that belies its beastly performance, and is now available to purchase from Legendary Motorsport or at the Luxury Autos Showroom. It’s also free for GTA+ Members to claim at The Vinewood Car Club through July 31.

Get Independence Day Rewards

Play GTA Online anytime this week to receive a trio of sun-shielding hats in a variety of patriotic patterns: the Fireworks Bucket Hat, Stars and Stripes Bucket Hat, and the Lady Liberty Bucket Hat.

Plus, keep an eye out for crates retrieved from Business Battles containing the Pißwasser Beer Hat, Benedict Beer Hat, Patriot Beer Hat, and Supa Wet Beer Hat or the Statue of Happiness T-Shirt for some Liberty City flair.

3X GTA$ and RP on Mobile Operations Missions

Accept covert assignments without risking a midsummer sunburn from the comfort of your climate-controlled Mobile Operations Center, and earn 3X GTA$ and RP. Complete 3 Mobile Operations Missions to fulfill the Weekly Challenge and earn an additional GTA$100,000 through July 10.

For Bunker owners who haven’t added this rolling fortress to their arsenal, now is a great time to take advantage of 30% off Mobile Operations Centers and all their upgrades and modifications. Plaster it in patriotic excess with the 50% discount on the Stars and Stripes, Fighting Freedom, and Eagle Claw liveries.

2X GTA$ and RP on Running Back (Remix)

In Running Back (Remix) a lone, puny Panto fights to make it to the end zone while two teams of Tezeracts fight to safeguard or smash the tiny vehicle — and everyone receives 2X GTA$ and RP for participating.

Complete The Podium Robbery and Claim the Karin Boor

Yusuf Amir knows what he wants when he sees it — and in this case it’s the original prototype of a Karin Boor (Off-Road) conveniently spinning on The Diamond Casino & Resort’s podium. Infiltrate the Casino and make out with the Boor intact to complete The Podium Robbery and unlock the option to claim this custom vehicle — styled with a holiday livery and Liberty City plates — as your own.

Additional Salvage Yard Robbery Targets: Bravado Buffalo STX (Muscle) | Invetero Coquette D10 (Sports)

Premium Deluxe Motorsport Showroom

This week Simeon is paying homage to classic vehicles from across the best manufacturers in the business:

• Declasse Vamos (Muscle)
• Vapid Caracara 4×4 (Off-Road)
• Weeny Dynasty (Sports Classic, 30% off)
• Enus Cognoscenti 55 (Sedan)
• Western Sovereign (Motorcycle, 50% off)

Luxury Autos Showroom and More

Head to the Luxury Autos Showroom for a shopping experience worthy of two of the hottest vehicles from Bottom Dollar Bounties, the Överflöd Pipistrello (Super) and Annis Euros X32 (Coupe).

Visit Hao at the LS Car Meet to have a go with his latest creation: a supercharged rendition of the new Übermacht Niobe (Sports), taken apart piece by piece and reconstructed into a monster.

Head to the LS Car Meet Test Track to try out a triad of retro rides: the Übermacht Revolter (Sports, 30% off), Declasse Tulip (Muscle), and Invetero Coquette (Sports). Plus, place Top 5 in the LS Car Meet Series for two days in a row to win the Obey Omnis (Sports).

Try your fortune at the Lucky Wheel for a chance to win this week’s grand slam: a Karin Boor (Off-Road) that’s similar to the one available by more dishonest means in The Podium Robbery.

DISCOUNTS

• Mobile Operations Center – 30% off
• Mobile Operations Center Upgrades and Modifications – 30% off
• All Independence Day Themed Vehicles and Items – 50% off
• USA Parachute Bag – 50% off
• Übermacht Revolter (Sports) – 30% off
• Weeny Dynasty (Sports Classic) – 30% off
• Declasse Vigero ZX Convertible (Muscle) – 30% off
• Bravado Hotring Hellfire (Sports) – 30% off

Gun Van Inventory and Discounts

Railgun | Tactical SMG | Battle Rifle | Firework Launcher (60% off / 70% off for GTA+ Members)| Musket (60% off / 70% off for GTA+ Members) | Marksman Pistol (Free for GTA+ Members) | Grenades | Pipe Bombs | Sticky Bombs | Armor

GTA+

The arrival of the new Bottom Dollar Bounties update in GTA Online also brings with it an assortment of new benefits for the premium Membership for GTA Online Players on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Claim the following through July 31:  

• Free Överflöd Pipistrello (Super)
• Independence Day Jacket and Pants
• New Chameleon Paints
• And More…

All this, along with ongoing monthly GTA$1,000,000 bonuses through August, access to a rotating assortment of classic Rockstar Games titles, and much more. Visit the GTA+ website for full details.

Experience the rise of a mafia and their four-year fight for Japanese independence!

TOKYO – July 4th, 2024 – Today at Anime Expo, MangaGamer announced their acquisition of 07th Expansion’s Rose Guns Days. MangaGamer will be releasing a multilingual HD-upscale version featuring updated graphics with Japanese, English, and Chinese language options. This brand-new version of Rose Guns Days will be released in four separate chapters on MangaGamer and Steam.

This brand-new, action-suspense thriller takes place in an alternate history Japan where a natural disaster during World War 2 forced Japan to capitulate to Sino-American forces before the use of the bomb, resulting in a nation divided piecemeal between China and America as both force the native Japanese into the minority as they compete for political superiority in the occupied nation.

When a war veteran and the proprietress of brothel find themselves at the center of multiple gang conflicts, the growing strife soon leads to the birth of a new mafia family aiming to gain power within City 23 to secure the future for their Japanese brethren. Blood, bullets, and tears will fly as mafia vie for control and clash with the occupation forces

Key Features:

• Dramatic Storyline Penned by Ryukishi07: Enjoy an action-packed thriller written by Ryukishi07, famed author of Higurashi When They Cry, Umineko When They Cry, Rewrite, and When the Fireflies Glow.
• Strong Cast of Colorful Characters: Every character has a story to tell as a result of the war and their dreams for the future. Yet in true Ryukishi07 fashion, the main cast is full of quirks and flair that play off each other to quickly hook readers into their world, leaving readers laughing alongside them and sharing their dread in heated moments.
• Mafia Action: Immerse yourself in the devastated underbelly of a post-war Japan held down by oppressive occupational forces. With few options even available, many seek the safety of numbers provided by organized mobs and leaders who are willing to get their hands dirty to achieve their goals. Gunfights, assassinations, and beatdowns abound as these mafia families war with each other and the occupying armies in a myriad of intrigues and plots.
• Updated Graphics: This new multi-lingual release of Rose Guns Days features updated graphics that have been upscaled from the original artwork to 1280 x 960.

When the great powers that be stand against you and your brethren, who can you rely on? Who will prove themselves to truly be one of the family? How far will that family go to secure a future? When the blasts stop echoing and the dust settles, everyone hopes what remains will have been worth the cost. 

For more information on Rose Guns Days, as well as other titles from MangaGamer, be sure to join their discussion on Discord or follow MangaGamer on Twitter and Facebook. You can also check out their blog for comments from the staff and other featured articles!

ABOUT MANGAGAMER.COM
MangaGamer.com is the world’s biggest publisher of English translated Visual Novels. Since its launch in July 2008, it has offered services where fans can download and enjoy popular Visual Novels such as 07th Expansion’s Higurashi When They Cry series,Alicesoft’s infamous Rance series, and Novectacle’s critically acclaimed The House in Fata Morgana right from their home. Don’t forget to visit us on Facebook, Twitter and Discord!