Guild Wars 2 Additionally Coming to Epic Games Store This Summer

BELLEVUE, WA – June 4, 2024 – Today ArenaNet® and NCSOFT™ announced Guild Wars 2®: Janthir Wilds™, the fifth expansion for the award-winning and critically acclaimed MMORPG Guild Wars 2. Releasing on August 20, 2024, the expansion will introduce a suite of new features long-requested by fans beginning with Homesteads, the most player-friendly housing system in an MMORPG. With a brand new customization and decorating interface, heroes can create and adorn their very own housing space for their friends and guild mates. New weapons and mount skills welcome adventurers to the uncharted, primordial region of Janthir, be it by taking hold of a spear, a new character terrestrial weapon type, or by hopping into the saddle of the enhanced Warclaw mount, further enriching the subscription-free online world of one of the most enduring and beloved PC games of all time. 

The new Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds™ trailer can be viewed below:

Janthir Wilds will go on sale for 24,99 € and, like its predecessor Secrets of the Obscure™, have three planned major updates scheduled for release between August 2024 and the summer of 2025. Launch day will see two new maps set among the deltas and islands of Janthir’s untamed wilderness, including the Lowland Shore, home to the Lowland Kodan, and the Janthir Syntri with its dangerous rocky shores, wandering titans, and mystic storms. To assist in exploring these new lands, players will learn to tame feral Warclaws; previously occupying a specialist role in the World-vs-World game mode, the Warclaws of the Lowland Kodan will allow players to hop in the saddle and explore Janthir, developing the steed’s special abilities to add more movement and traversal opportunities to Guild Wars 2’s widely-acclaimed roster of player mounts.

For the first time since launch, a new weapon type will be added for terrestrial combat. The two-handed spear will become available to all nine of the game’s professions. Each profession will use their spear differently, be it ranged or melee, and provide a multitude of new skills to further enhance player skill customization and gameplay builds.

The three planned major future updates will launch at no additional charge and continue to add new experiences: an additional map, a new Raid, new rewards (including new earnable items in the Wizard’s Vault), and a new PvP game mode will arrive in the following months and into 2025.

The expansion’s all-new story begins in the wake of the events of Secrets of the Obscure. Together with the Astral Ward and a council of nations from across Tyria, players will journey to Janthir and make contact with the Lowland Kodan, the tribal, pastoral residents of this rugged region, learning about their culture, and discovering the secrets of a primordial magical threat wreaking havoc in the depths of the wild.

“From the beginning we wanted to bring together many of the items that have been on both our and the community’s wishlist for years,” said Josh Davis, Guild Wars 2 Game Director. “Janthir Wilds is proof of our commitment to continue to surprise and delight while improving the Guild Wars 2 gameplay experience in unexpected ways, and to support game modes for both the cooperative and competitive communities.”

A wealth of newfeatures, activities, and storylines open up new possibilities for gameplay:

• New maps: Two new explorable maps will be available on August 20, the bucolic Lowland Shore and the tempestuous Janthir Syntri, with a third to follow in future updates.
• Land spears: Once ruling solely in the underwater domain, spears are heading above the waves. Each of the game’s nine professions will wield their spear in different ways, showcasing their talents through unique skills that provide enticing new gameplay possibilities. Anyone with a Guild Wars 2 account can partake in a beta to try out the new spear gameplay from June 27-30.
• New and improved Warclaw: Bursting from the World-vs-World game mode, the Warclaw will join player mount stables as a new option for exploring the mountains and river valleys of Janthir, using its unique double-jump ability to navigate tough terrain 
• New Raid: For the first time since 2019, a new raid will play host to some of Janthir Wilds’ toughest encounters, challenging 10-player groups with epic boss battles; both the raid and its more difficult Challenge Mode will be added in a follow-up release. 
• Titans: The mysterious magical entities of Janthir channel the energy from the very land itself, a mystic and ineffable enigma in this unexplored region of Tyria…
• New Rewards: A new legendary spear and backpack item will be earnable by players in future content releases, along with a host of new armor and weapon sets.

Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds is available for pre-purchase starting today at https://buy.guildwars2.com/janthir-wilds for 24,99 €, and includes a bundle of pre-purchase bonus items, including a Serpent’s Wrath weapon set, the Whispering Serpent Pauldrons shoulder armor, the Homesteader character title, a shared inventory slot, and a level 80 character boost. The Deluxe Edition (49,99 €) comes with the standard edition bundle, plus another batch of exclusive items: the Wayfinder’s Versatile Table, a set of Eldritch Gathering Tools, an additional character slot, and an Identity Repair Kit. The Janthir Wilds Ultimate Edition (74,99 €) includes the exclusive Standard and Deluxe Edition items, plus 4,000 Gems, Guild Wars 2’s premium in-game store currency. 

Along with the new expansions, Guild Wars 2 and all 12 years of its associated content will arrive on the Epic Games Store for the first time later this summer.

For more information about Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds, please visit the official web site.

About Guild Wars® 2

Guild Wars 2 is a visually stunning online game that offers players the epic grandeur of a massive role-playing environment combined with action combat, large-scale dynamic events that players tackle together, plus both team-based and World vs. World competitive battles. Available on Windows PC and Steam, the game is updated frequently with expansion and free content that chronicles the ongoing story of Tyria and introduces new environments and activities to explore. Yet with all these updates, the game continues the no-subscription-fee business model that made the original Guild Wars so popular. For more details, please visit www.guildwars2.com
 
About ArenaNet

ArenaNet is the developer of the groundbreaking Guild Wars 2 and best-selling Guild Wars online role-playing games. The studio’s mission is to create innovative online worlds, cultivate a vibrant and engaged global community of players, and to incorporate handcrafted artistry into every aspect of their games. ArenaNet formed in 2000 and it has attracted over 20 million players worldwide, with press and fans consistently calling Guild Wars 2 one of the best MMOs and RPGs of all time.

Welcome the return of an iconic strategy video game and embark on an epic journey in pursuit of glory and fortune.

Sydney, Australia, 4^th June, 2024 – Corsairs – Battle of the Caribbean is making waves with a captivating gameplay teaser and fresh visuals, offering a sneak peek into the rebooted world. Prepare for an immersive adventure as Corsairs from Europe, and rediscover the essence of the original game, now revitalised for a new era.

Watch the gameplay teaser below:

In Corsairs –Battle of the Caribbean, the strategy game reinvents itself in the ever-popular world of buccaneering, bringing with it a welcome touch of the modern world. The game features a Campaign mode and the new Skirmish mode (quick mode) against AI in solo, or online.

Developed by Fishing Cactus studio, Corsairs – Battle of the Caribbean is slated for release on PC (Steam, GOG, Epic Game Store, Microsoft Store) by the end of 2024, followed by launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch in 2025.

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About Corsairs – Battle of The Caribbean:

Considered as one of the top pirate-themed strategy games back in 1999, Corsairs – Battle of the Caribbean now seamlessly blends tactical combat and management-oriented gameplay. The revised and updated trading mechanics requires players to carefully manage their fleet and defend their trading positions. With the ability to upgrade your ship, ports and structures… Not to mention an enhanced “Boarding” mode featuring multiple soldier classes and the participation of the Captain in battles, the game offers an immersive experience.

Embark on a thrilling journey through the turbulent waters of the Caribbean, commanding a formidable fleet to engage enemy ships in combat. Explore exotic islands, unravel hidden treasures, and recruit skilled crew members to strengthen your naval forces. Compete for supremacy in the Caribbean as you align with the French, Danish, Spanish, British, or Dutch factions.

Immerse yourself in the detailed and expansive world, teeming with possibilities, as you embark on the ultimate pirate adventure!

Features:

• A world that calls for adventure: Explore the waters of the Caribbean, visit bustling port cities and discover idyllic exotic islands.
• Intense naval battles: Build a powerful fleet with a choice of no less than 12 different ships (including 1 special ship per faction) and engage in epic maritime combat with enemy vessels. Make use of 3 different types of ammunition in naval combat, each with unique effects.
• Gameplay Management added: An improved trading mechanic, inviting you to intelligently manage your fleet and cities and defend your trading positions to establish your dominance.
• An enhanced progression system: Earn resources by completing quests, defeating your enemies and exploring new territories to upgrade your ships and strengthen your crew.
• 3 types of soldiers: Tank, Gunner and Agile are now the mainstay of your crew’s fighting force.
• Expanded Campaign Mode: A brand new campaign has been added, in addition to the original 4 – now revamped.

Corsairs – Battle of the Caribbean will be released end of 2024 on PC (Steam, GOG, Epic Game Store, Microsoft Store), and in 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

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About Microids

Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Revolution Software, Sloclap, Oddworld Inhabitants, Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Go Nagai, Charles Cecil, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset…), Microids has become a major player in international video games. Taking inspiration from legendary titles, Microids reaches a wide audience and creates original adventures which give gamers the chance to play as some of their most beloved characters.

About Fishing Cactus

Fishing Cactus is an independent game development studio based in Belgium. Our mantra? Crafting smart video games with soul! Our team combines 30 years of experience in PC, consoles and VR game development. And yes we love beers, chocolate and pirates YARRRR!

When PlayStation VR2 launched last year, we were thrilled to introduce PS5 players to a new generation of VR games with innovative gameplay and immersive sensory features. Inspired by our passion to bring gamers even more content options, we’ve been working to enable access to additional games on PC, complementing the diverse PS VR2 games lineup available on PS5. Today, we’re happy to share that we’ll be rolling out this support on August 7.

Players will have access to buy and play Steam’s expansive library of thousands of VR games, including fan favourites like Half-Life: Alyx, Fallout 4 VR, and War Thunder.

To start, players will need to purchase a PlayStation VR2 PC adapter, which will be available for a RRP of $94.95 AUD at select retailers.  Players will also need a commercially available DisplayPort cable (sold separately) that is compatible with DisplayPort 1.4, as well as a Steam account and a PC that meets the minimum requirements below.*

Minimum PC requirements

Here are the minimum requirements for PS VR2 gameplay on PC:

Setup is easy: simply connect PlayStation VR2 to your PC using the PS VR2 PC adapter and the DisplayPort 1.4 cable. Then, download the PlayStation VR2 App and the SteamVR App from Steam. This will allow you to set up PS VR2 on your PC, customise your settings and play area, and start purchasing and playing games in SteamVR.

As with all PC gaming technology, performance may vary depending on your PC setup, including system compatibility and the quality of your DisplayPort 1.4 cable. Please ensure your setup meets the minimum requirements. SteamVR titles also have individual system requirements, so please refer to the game information on Steam.

Feature differences with PS VR2 on PS5

PS VR2 was designed from the ground up specifically for PS5 – so you’ll notice that some key features, like HDR, headset feedback, eye tracking, adaptive triggers, and haptic feedback (other than rumble), are not available when playing on PC. However, other high-fidelity and sensory immersion features of PS VR2 are supported, including 4K visuals (2000 x 2040 per eye), 110-degree field of view, finger touch detection, and see-through view, as well as foveated rendering (without eye tracking) and 3D Audio in supported games.***

While the most immersive way to experience PS VR2 gaming remains on PS5, we hope players will enjoy the ability to play an expanded lineup of VR games on PC using the same headset. You can check out Steam’s huge library of multiplayer open worlds, survival horror and stealth action games, sports sims, puzzlers, and free-to-play fan favourites on the Steam Store. 

For full information, head to the PlayStation Blog here. 

For the latest PlayStation news, follow PlayStation Australia on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

*While DisplayPort 1.4 is a common standard, be sure to check that your PC supports it before purchasing a cable.

**Some Bluetooth adapters may not work due to Bluetooth adapter compatibility. We will share more details closer to launch.

***The 3D Audio experience uses SteamVR’s audio technology instead of Tempest 3D AudioTech, which is only supported on PS5.

Today, ZeniMax Online Studios and Bethesda Softworks launched the newest Chapter for The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road on PC and Mac. This Chapter features 30 hours of main quest content in the new zone of West Weald, an exciting and powerful Scribing system to master, and an unforgettable story, introducing a new Daedric Prince. Additionally, for the first time, there will be an in-game launch celebration for players who pick up ESO: Gold Road. All participants are encouraged to join and unlock a brand-new in-game reward.

Launching alongside Gold Road is Update 42, a free update for all players that introduces improvements to in-game mail, a new Achievement celebrating the game’s 10th anniversary, and other changes.

The Gold Road Chapter is now available on PC and Mac and will be available on Xbox and PlayStation consoles June 18.

Check out the ESO: Gold Road launch trailer below:

Scribing System
Scribing is an all-new system introduced with Gold Road that allows players to craft and customise their abilities using unique scripts to perfectly fit their playstyle and build. Whether players are looking for greater power, versatility, or roleplay opportunities, Scribing is a powerful new way to tailor their ESO experience. 

West Weald Zone
Located along Cyrodiil’s southwest border and neighboring Valenwood and the Gold Coast, the Gold Road Chapter allows players to explore West Weald, a wealthy Imperial province that hasn’t been seen in an Elder Scrolls game since The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Within this new zone, players can explore the city of Skingrad in addition to both the Gold Road region and emergent Dawnwood, where they will discover a host of new side quests, world bosses, delves, public dungeons, and more. For more details about the zone check out this preview blog.

New Rewards, Improvements, and More
The Gold Road Chapter is full of new and unique Achievements, items, and collectibles, including 10 powerful item sets, three unique Mythic items, fragments for the all-new Tales of Tribute patron deck, as well as a new type of collectible, called Skill Styles. Gold Road also features a new 12-player group trial, Lucent Citadel, in which players can group up and venture into a long-forgotten Daedric vault within the realm of Fargrave, contend with its unique boss encounters, and seek out the mysterious Arcane Knot.  

Update 42 For All ESO Players
Launching alongside Gold Road is Update 42; this free update introduces a series of base-game improvements. In-game mail receives an overhaul focused on its interface and notifications, including the addition of categories (player mail, system mail, and system alerts), improved sorting, attachment preview, and inventory space display. Update 42 also introduces the Adventure Across a Decade Achievement, celebrating ESO’s 10-Year Anniversary by granting the “Fractured Glory” skin for completing questlines spanning some of ESO’s most memorable adventures to date, including Gold Road. Full details can be found here. 

For everything changing and coming with Update 42, be sure to check out the patch notes on the official forums.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road is available to buy now, with four unique editions:

• The Elder Scrolls Online Deluxe Collection: Gold Road 
• The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Gold Road 
• The Elder Scrolls Online Deluxe Upgrade: Gold Road 
• The Elder Scrolls Online: Upgrade: Gold Road 

Both Collection editions include the base game, the Gold Road Chapter, and all previous Chapters. For those who already own ESO and its previous Chapters, both Upgrade editions grant access to the Gold Road Chapter. For the required PC/Mac specs to run Gold Road check out the game’s requirements here: PC, Mac.

To find out more about Gold Road and its unique editions, check out this blog.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road is now live on PC/Mac and arrives June 18 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Players can purchase the new Chapter through the ESO Store, retailer, or platform store of their choice. For the latest updates and information, remember to keep an eye on our official website and forums.

For more information head over to the Bethesda News site.

Mini Motorways, the award-winning minimalist strategy traffic management sim with over five million players from developer Dinosaur Polo Club, explores the British Columbia coast in the new free “Sea to Sky” update, available now!

Slip on some hiking boots and a raincoat and take a trek to the new Vancouver, British Colombia map, the first Canadian map in Mini Motorways.  Redesign this Canadian metropolis filled with rocky roads, abundant parks, and flowing waterways to keep traffic moving and citizens happy.

Journey to this coastal city nestled between mountain and sea and strategically tackle traffic while accounting for the city’s unique obstacles and exquisite geography! Check out new Daily, Weekly, and City Challenges, fresh Achievements, as well as various bug fixes and performance improvements.

“It’s awesome to be able to share such a highly requested map with our community of city planners,” said Amie Wolken, newly appointed CEO of Dinosaur Polo Club. “We know our players will love the unique challenges Vancouver provides and we can’t wait to see how they tackle this poutine pitstop!”

The free Sea to Sky update is available in Mini Motorways now across all current platforms including Apple Arcade, Nintendo Switch, and PC and Mac via Steam. For more information, please visit the Dinosaur Polo Club website, and Dinosaur Polo Club’s social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or search for #MiniMotorways on social media.

About Dinosaur Polo Club

Dinosaur Polo Club is an independent game development studio based in beautiful Wellington, New Zealand. Founded in 2013 by brothers Peter and Robert Curry, the studio first made waves with their award-winning and BAFTA-nominated debut Mini Metro. Created in collaboration with Disasterpeace and Jamie Churchman, Mini Metro explores relaxed and minimalist subway design. The second game developed by Dinosaur Polo Club introduces a brand new type of city management with colorful road-building and resource management found in Mini Motorways. Combined, Mini Metro and Mini Motorways make up two parts of an expanding Mini Collection.  With an inclusive and supportive culture that believes in giving back to its creative community, the studio has grown and is now home to nearly 30 dinos as it works on new titles with relatable simplicity.

Shoulders of Giants: Ultimate, a director’s cut of the sci-fi action roguelike from developer Moving Pieces Interactive, gears up for the ribbit-ing war against alien enemies with a new demo for Steam Next Fest.

Shoulders of Giants: Ultimate brings the battle to PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam with new classes, new (and more!) enemies, and meta and performance improvements later this year. Would you like to consider Shoulders of Giants: Ultimate for any “best of Steam Next Fest” roundup coverage?

Embark on a quest to save the galaxy as the sharpshooting Froggie and samurai sword-wielding mech GERM. Discover randomized, roguelike planets threatened by the forces of Entropy. Restore light and life to the worlds across the galaxy.

Squad up in the new demo here!

Concurrently control Froggie’s ranged blasts and GERM’s melee slices, or team up with a friend and each take control of either character. Embark on exciting missions as a spacefaring squad of up to four with online co-op and slice through alien knights, snipers, dragons, and more together!

Earn shiny loot with every boss defeated and become the ultimate Entropy-busting machine with the perfect build. Mix and match more than 70 abilities and 17 weapons, like convincing decoys, grappling hooks, and glowing grenades to become gloriously overpowered as the saga progresses.

Shoulders of Giants’ new demo is now available on PC via Steam as a part of Steam Next Fest. To learn more about Shoulders of Giants, hop over to the official website, join teammates on the Discord server, and find Moving Pieces Interactive on social media.

About Moving Pieces Interactive

Moving Pieces Interactive is a small independent games studio based in Brooklyn, NY. They aim to create approachable games with stunning visuals and hidden depth. Entropy Survivors is their third title, following action roguelike Shoulders of Giants and retro platformer Dodo Peak.

Roads to Power Major Expansion Offers New Ways to Play Popular Strategy Game

STOCKHOLM – 03 June 2024 – Learn new ways to unlock power and prestige in Roads to Power, the new Major Expansion from Crusader Kings III. Be a wandering mercenary, building a reputation as a fixer or outlaw, or lead a noble family in an ancient empire, using influence and intrigue to secure your place. New events, government systems, schemes and lifestyles are yours to explore.

Coming on September 24, Roads to Power is a major expansion to Crusader Kings III, Paradox Interactive’s award-winning strategy/role-playing experience about high politics and relationship building in a dynamic medieval world. It is a part of the game’s Chapter III, the Expansion Pass for 2024 that includes a free clothing pack, the Core Expansion Legends of the Dead, and an upcoming event pack emphasizing character travel.

Roads to Power introduces two new ways to engage with this world, with never-before-seen game styles. You can roam the world as a Landless Adventurer, fulfilling contracts and building up your own base of power, until you feel strong enough to claim a new kingdom for yourself and your band of followers. Or, play as a noble in the Byzantine Empire in a non-feudal system, scheming your way to the top, as you compete against other powerful families at the imperial court, using your influence to manipulate the political system in your favor, placing strong and friendly candidates in seats of power – even the throne itself.

Features of Crusader Kings III: Road to Power include:

• Administrative Government: Experience medieval rule outside of the feudal system with a new style of empire management. A web of Governors jockeys for position in the empire with intrigue and power, sometimes rewarding merit and sometimes rewarding perfidy. Only a truly skilled Emperor can keep these squabbling forces in line.
• The Family Estate: Run and manage a powerful Family Estate, the seat of your House’s power, even when you hold no other land. Construct new buildings and improvements to further your power and influence within an administrative empire.
• Influence System: Build up a character’s influence within an administrative empire to climb the rungs of bureaucracy. Raise your status in the realm and gather more power for yourself. Start as a landless noble on an estate, and compete for valuable provinces to govern before making your bid for the Purple.
• A Life of Adventure: Freely roam the map, untied to any realm or holding, going wherever the winds of fortune blow you. Fulfill contracts as a landless adventurer, even through the generations, building up a reputation of your own. Earn gold, prestige and fame travelling the globe until you decide to settle down and claim land you have earned through merit.
• Choose Successor or Caesar: Spend the influence you have gathered to determine the course of the Empire and get the successor you want, whether a royal family member, a powerful noble, a martial hero, or any other candidate you can rally the people behind. The Emperor can even opt to co-rule if the burden of the throne is too much for one person.
• New Byzantine Flavor Content: New events, monuments and activities built around the Byzantine theme, including chariot racing.
• Cosmetic Additions: A Byzantine-themed UI skin and new court fashions for your characters, new 2D event art, new on-map monuments of the Byzantine world, new on-map holding designs, and a Byzantine throne room for Royal Court sessions, among other aesthetic improvements. New music inspired by Orthodox holy chants is also included.

Crusader Kings III: Roads to Power will be available on 24 September 2024 as part of Crusader Kings III: Chapter III – which includes the Core Expansion Legends of the Dead, the Major Expansion Roads to Power and the Event Pack Wandering Nobles.

About Paradox Interactive

Paradox Interactive is one of the premier developers and publishers of strategy and management games for PC and consoles. The players are located all over the world but some of the biggest markets are North America, Western Europe and Asia.

The game portfolio consists of popular franchises such as Stellaris, Europa Universalis, Hearts of Iron, Crusader Kings, Cities: Skylines, Prison Architect, the Surviving games, Age of Wonders and Victoria. Paradox Interactive also owns the World of Darkness brand catalog.

Lead a Town through Tragedy in this Narrative-Rich Life Sim from Award-Winning Osmotic Games

LOS ANGELES – June 3, 2024 –Skybound Games, a division of Skybound Entertainment, the creator-led, multi-platform entertainment company behind mega-franchises The Walking Dead, Invincible, Impact Winter, and more, today unveiled a new story trailer for Closer the Distancefrom award-winning indie studio Osmotic Games (Orwell). This deep, narrative-rich slice-of-life simulator will debut a demo at Steam Next Fest on June 10.

Watch the Closer the Distance Story Trailer: 

In Closer the Distance, you will play as Angela, a young girl from the small, cozy village of Yesterby who passes away in a tragic accident. Left in limbo, Angela quickly discovers the ability to telepathically influence the loved ones she has left behind. Discover the stories at the heart of this shattered community and use your ethereal powers tounearth long-kept secrets, heal strained relationships, and help the living move on in an emotionally charged journey of love, grief, catharsis, and hope.

Each character that Angela can interact with is fully simulated and highly nuanced, with their own emotional states, wishes, memories, and intertwined relationships that develop over time with or without your guidance. Your choices will have a significant impact on the people of Yesterby and the outcome of their journey, making each playthrough unique and immersive. Will you be able to help Yesterby’s community heal and chart a better path forwards?

“Closer the Distance is a truly unique slice-of-life sim, exploring some existential questions about the impact an individual’s life has on others,” said Ian Howe, Managing Partner, Skybound Entertainment. “The team at Osmotic has crafted a compellingly thoughtful narrative, providing players with the tools to interact with a carefully constructed world and truly influence its characters.”

“Our studio was formed to explore new ways to convey complex narratives in video games, so after the success of our debut title, Orwell: Keeping an Eye On You, we looked at how we could push the medium further,” said Daniel Marx, CEO and Game Director, Osmotic Games. “Closer the Distance is the result, and by merging life simulator mechanics with a thought-provoking, narrative-driven experience, we’re allowing our players to ponder and contend with challenging themes, layered with an undercurrent of hope, empathy and kindness.”

Closer the Distance is available to wishlist now on Steam. For more information, visit www.ClosertheDistance.com.

About Osmotic Studios

Osmotic Studios is an award-winning independent game development company based in Hamburg, Germany.  Always striving to test out new ways to convey a convincing narrative, the company focuses on story-centric games with socially relevant and meaningful topics at their hearts. Best-known is Osmotic Studios’ debut game Orwell, released in 2016, putting players in the shoes of a government agent in the eponymous surveillance program, tasked with spying on suspect persons by going through their online documents and files and listening in on their chats and phone calls. Orwell received widespread critical acclaim and recognition from The Game Awards, the Independent Games Festival, and SXSW Gaming.

About Skybound Games

Skybound Entertainment is a creator-first company focused on bringing amazing comics, TV series, audio series, film, and video games to dedicated fans. Skybound Games publishes, produces, and distributes video games across every genre, including the blockbuster The Walking Dead video game series and BAFTA award-winning Before Your Eyes. In November 2023, we launched our first original game in the Invincible universe, Invincible Presents: Atom Eve, to critical acclaim. In 2024, Skybound will build a cutting-edge in-house gaming production studio, further enhancing our capacity to shape the future of gaming entertainment.

Show off your best moves in this modern take on snowboarding classics.

AUSTIN, Texas – June 3rd 2024 – Upcoming arcade snowboarding game by developer Nathan Dearth, Tricky Madness, has released a demo today on Steam ahead of their Steam Next Fest participation. The early access build is scheduled to launch later this year.

A Classic in the Making

A love letter to the fan-favorite snowboarding games of the early 2000s, Tricky Madness is looking to fill the gap left in recent years by the absence of follow-up titles. Iconic snowboarding tricks and a familiar tricking system are brought to life with polished gameplay, modern graphics, and modern game system accessibility in this ambitious indie title. Shred down the slopes and catch big air to score tricking points and a speed boost upon a successful landing. Don’t forget that each map is filled with secrets waiting to be discovered. Branching paths, shortcuts, and hidden areas bring plenty to explore in the eight planned standalone maps and connected mountain campaign.

Try it out!

Get a taste of what’s to come in Tricky Madness’ demo, available now on Steam. An update to the demo that has been available on Itch.io, this new version features updated graphics, gameplay improvements, and level design changes. The audio has also been redesigned, and a sneak peek of the first of seven original tracks planned for the full game can also be heard. 

Planned Features:

• Eight handcrafted standalone maps, each with hidden surprises and experiences.
• A dedicated campaign mode set on an open-world mountain with secrets and collectibles.
• Eight fully voiced characters with their own backstory, personalities, and snowboarding tricks.
• A voiced in-game DJ commentator, hyping you up as you make your way through the game.
• Three exhilarating game modes to test your speed and skills including freestyle, time trials, and races.
• An enhanced tricking points system encourages you to trick more often for speed boosts and unlocks Uber Tricks and Grinds.

Tricky Madness is available to wishlist on Steam and will launch into early access later this year.

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About Nathan Dearth A hobbyist game developer from the age of 10, Nathan Dearth developed many games for fun over the years to share with friends and family. After discovering the industry of indie games, he is now taking the steps to pursue his passion of game development full-time. Making games for the love of it and the joy of seeing people play his creations, Tricky Madness will be his debut into the scene

Players can experience Impossible Home’s upcoming title in the game’s charming new demo. 

Seattle, WA, 3 June 2024 | Settle into June’s upcoming Steam Next Fest with Whimel Academy, a cozy fantasy time manager from indie developer Impossible Home. A demo will be available during Steam’s event, and the game will be released on PC later this year.

Welcome to Whimel Academy

Whimel Academy is a slow-paced time manager set at a fantastical school for witches, wizards, and budding mages. Upon receiving your acceptance letter for the academy’s fall semester, acquaint yourself with the campus map. Accompanying this introduction is a journal with all the information needed for your first week. View your class schedule, explore your stats, and familiarize yourself with the inventory menu. Whimel Academy’s low-stakes gameplay makes for a relaxing experience as you settle into your new home. 

Get To Know Your New Home

Whimel Academy’s campus boasts a number of locations to unlock and explore. Visit the library to browse the shelves, socialize with peers in the dining hall, take a walk through the garden, or get some flight practice in the arena. At the end of the day, rest up in your dorm with the company of your cat to prepare for the next day’s adventures. As you grow more accustomed to campus, get to know your fellow students. A diverse set of in-game characters, each with unique interests and personalities, are excited to meet you. Interact with these students to increase your friendship level, creating more opportunities for meaningful conversation. Lifelong friendships and youthful romance are waiting to be discovered at Whimel Academy!

Hard Work Pays Off

Extracurriculars remain an integral part of life at Whimel Academy. Explore part-time jobs around campus to earn money and stat points towards different specialties. Shelve books in the library, grow new plants in the garden, or conduct research in the astronomy tower to earn money for events around the academy. Your wages can be exchanged for a sweet treat in the dining hall, a new book downtown, or accessories for your dorm, including a record player and a cauldron. If you have a particular specialty–such as potion-making or painting–try selling your wares to fund future projects. As you work, however, be mindful of your energy level; you can take a rest in your dorm when needed.

Key Features

• Back to Basics: Players must navigate their schedule wisely, balancing classes, extracurricular activities, friendships, and personal well-being.
• Get Working: Earn an income through part-time work, or try crafting and selling your wares for profit! Excel in potion-making, painting, cooking, and more; as you improve, unlock higher-quality ingredients for higher profits!  
• Friendships Await: Forge meaningful connections with fellow students and explore romantic possibilities with Whimel’s multiple in-game characters.
• Whimsical Worldbuilding: Immerse yourself in a charming fantasy world filled with delightful details, a cozy atmosphere, and slice-of-life experiences that transport players to a magical realm.
• Find Your Own Path: Tailor your character’s journey by focusing on your interests, leading to over thirty unique endings based on your decisions and accomplishments throughout the game.
• An Approachable Adventure: Whimel Academy strives for inclusivity by featuring a diverse cast of characters and emphasizing personal well-being.

Whimel Academy will be released later this year on PC. A demo is available on Steam now, and players can wishlist Whimel Academy for a notification at launch. For updates, follow Impossible Home and Whimel Academy on Twitter or join the game’s Discord. 

About Impossible Home

Impossible Home is a one-person (she/her) indie game studio based in the US. Its vision is to create wholesome worlds where anyone can feel immersed and relaxed.