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.

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.