BATTLE LEVIATHAN THE LOST IN FINAL FANTASY XVI’S FINAL DLC, THE RISING TIDE

Free Update Ver 1.31 Also Brings Multiple Quality-of-Life Enhancements and More to FINAL FANTASY XVI

SYDNEY (April 19, 2024) – The final DLC for the critically acclaimed action-RPG, FINAL FANTASY™XVI, titledThe Rising Tide, has nowreleased for the PlayStation®5 console. This paid DLC follows the successful release of the first paid DLC, titled Echoes of the Fallen, with both chapters available separately or as a part of the FINAL FANTASY XVI Expansion Pass at a discounted price.

The Rising Tide unlocks an all-new story, battles, sidequests, weapons, accessories, level cap and more, adding a new depth to Clive’s journey before the exciting conclusion of FINAL FANTASY XVI. Players will gain new Eikonic abilities, explore a beautiful new area in the hidden land of Mysidia, and dive into battle against the legendary water Eikon, Leviathan the Lost. The new DLC also adds brand new end-game content with the Kairos Gate, where players will challenge 20 stages of intense scored and ranked battles against waves of enemies.

Special bonus items for purchasing The Rising Tide or the Expansion Pass include a reimagined version of the “Curtana,” the signature weapon used by the Warrior of Light in FINAL FANTASY XIV, as well as “Torn from the Heavens” and “Through the Maelstrom” Orchestrion Rolls, to be played as background music in the hideaway.

A free update (Ver. 1.31) also became available for FINAL FANTASY XVI. Players who download the update will be able to enjoy many quality-of-life improvements for the game, including:

• Return to a quest giver immediately with the new “Quick Complete” function
• Icon updates for important character quests
• A new Skill Set feature which allows players to save up to 5 unique Feat and Ability sets
• Abilities and Accessories adjusted to make easier to use
• New “Custom” controller type allows for freely customizable button layouts
• Tone correction, screen effects, and more added to Photo Mode
• Numerous new orchestrion rolls added

The base game, FINAL FANTASY XVI,introduces players to an all-new story in the FINAL FANTASY universe, an epic dark fantasy that takes place in the realm of Valisthea – a land blessed in the light of the Mothercrystals, and where peace falters as the spread of the Blight threatens to destroy their dominions. The fate of the land is decided by the Eikons, mighty summoned beasts and their Dominants, men and women who have been blessed with the ability to call upon and wield them. This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix, Eikon of Fire. Before long, Clive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon known as Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.

Players can experience the beginning of Clive’s epic tale and learn about his ambitions and goals for free, by downloading the FINAL FANTASY XVI Demo on the PlayStation™ Store here.

FINAL FANTASY XVI is available now for PlayStation®5.

About FINAL FANTASY

For over 35 years, the FINAL FANTASY series has delighted generations of gamers and millions of players worldwide through beloved role-playing adventures that are built upon the benchmarks of spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds, rich stories, memorable characters, and technical and gameplay innovation leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from around the world. Each mainline game in the series is a completely new experience, and an ideal entry-point to the series. Titles of the series have sold over 185 million units worldwide. 

About Square Enix, Inc. 
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY™, which has sold over 185 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 88 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
  
More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com 

© SQUARE ENIX

LOGO ILLUSTRATION: © YOSHITAKA AMANO. “PlayStation” and “PS5” are registered trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Wildcard developer behind No More Heroes and killer7 joins the fun

ATLANTA — April 18, 2023 — MomoCon, the largest celebration of gaming and anime in the Southeast United States, returns to the Georgia World Congress Center from Friday, May 24, through Monday, May 27, 2024, and the legendary Suda51 joins as this year’s keynote speaker.

Goichi “Suda51” Suda, renowned director, writer, and game designer from the No More Heroes series, Shadows of the Damned, and killer7 among many other projects, will take the stage on Saturday, May 25, at 4 pm, for an intimate keynote speech about his career, game development, and his upcoming projects.

Furthering the excitement, MomoCon has added Japanese idol group BABYBEARD to this year’s performance lineup. Following the success of the singles NIPPON KARA KONNICHIWA (Hello from Japan) and PIENNIZER, the group will take the stage for “An Adorable Assault on the Senses” on Saturday, May 25, at 2:30 pm.

The show will also host several video game tournaments, with three major brackets for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 3 to create the ultimate Nintendo brawl. Get those fight sticks ready for Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, and Mortal Kombat 1 brackets throughout the weekend, alongside tabletop and card game faceoffs. Learn more and register through the MomoCon 2024 Start.GG page. 

On the show floor, guests will have a host of gaming demos and merchandise to check out, including the latest from indie exhibitors MultiPath, NerdBurger Games, Universe of Legends TCG, When Suddenly! Games, Sliced Kiwi Studios, Aleth Labs, and Slap Stag, to name a few.

Stay up to date with all confirmed 2024 guests, concerts, panels, and more on the MomoCon’s official website. An official schedule and a full list of events will be revealed closer to the event. 

“We are over the moon to have Suda51 back in Atlanta to host this year’s keynote speech,” said Chris Stuckey, MomoCon Co-Founder. “His legacy and work is very important to our fans, and to have him back during such an important year for his career makes it even more important to us. We can’t wait to hear what he has to share!”

To apply for a media pass, please fill out the press accreditation form. Content creator badges are also available, including live-streaming opportunities directly from the show floor. 

For more information on the event, check out the official MomoCon site and follow MomoCon on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Tumblr, Discord, and Instagram for updates. 

About MomoCon

Founded in 2004 by Jessica Merriman and Chris Stuckey, then students at Georgia Tech, MomoCon has grown from a 700-person on-campus event to the largest event in the southeast United States for fans of video games, animation, cosplay, comics, and tabletop games.

TOKYO — April. 18th, 2024 — INDIE Live Expo, Japan’s premiere online digital showcase series connecting indie game fans all over the world, will debut never-before-seen games and content updates across more than 100 titles on May 25th, 2024, with simultaneous broadcasts in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean on YouTube, X, and Twitch.

With Spring in full bloom, the tenth INDIE Live Expo event will offer a fresh crop of 2024’s newest indies. On the heels of a successful Winter showcase which accumulated 10.7 million views, INDIE Live Expo nears 100 million views across 10 events since its inception in 2020 while spotlighting more than 2600 indies to date. 

Witness world premieres and content updates across 100+ titles, including fan favorites such as Witch and Lilies, the romantic JRPG dungeon-crawler by Stromatosoft Inc, Omega Crafter, the automation-focused open-world crafting survival adventure by Preferred Networks, Boyhood’s End, the puzzle-filled story adventure by Why So Serious, Inc., PIGGY ONE SUPER SPARK, a hyper kinetic action platformer by Hanabushi and hako life, and developer ACQUIRE Corp.’s roguelike deckbuilder C.A.R.D.S. RPG: The Misty Battlefield. 

Tune into the INDIE Live Premiere for exclusive reveals of games handpicked by the INDIE Live Expo executive committee. Check out INDIE Waves for a rapid-fire showcase segment filled with bite-sized updates for dozens of new games. Gain a greater appreciation for the love poured into these experiences with Indie Studios Around the World, which features in-depth looks at the local cultures and regional history of the teams crafting beloved games.

The INDIE Live Expo Official Discord Channel opens its doors to serve as a gathering place for developers and consumers alike. With direct access to developers, indie game fans can lend their voices to the creation and refinement of upcoming indies.

“We are once again blown away by the games that have been submitted,” said Ryuta Konuma, Founder and CEO, Ryu’s Office. “It is an honor to witness the incredible talents and creations from all over the world, and it reinforces our belief in our mission to put a spotlight on your games. May 25th will be filled with surprises; stay tuned!”

A variety of INDIE Live Expo Winter 2024 sponsorship opportunities are available for companies of all sizes, including video featuring. For more information, please visit the informational and submission page here. Content creators of all sizes are invited to simulcast INDIE Live Expo here.

For more information and detailed reports on previous broadcasts, the impact of participating in INDIE Live Expo, INDIE Live Expo Awards, and information on how to promote games for creators, developers, and publishers alike, please consider subscribing to the INDIE Live Expo Letter.

Fans who cannot wait until May can rewatch DAY1 and DAY2 of INDIE Live Expo Winter 2023 on YouTube. For more information, please visit the INDIE Live Expo website, follow @INDIELiveExpoEN on X, and search for #INDIELiveExpo on social media.

About Ryu’s Office

Ryu’s Office offers in-depth marketing solutions for smartphone, console, arcade, and PC games in Japan. They are particularly focused on the planning and production of numerous live broadcasts based out of Japan for the gaming industry. To learn more, visit the official Ryu’s Office website.

LOS ANGELES – April 18, 2024 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, has launched the latest update for SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE. The new update welcomes the arrival of a new legendary hero and introduces the brand-new Guild War mode.

This new game update introduces Karma, the final member of the Four Lords of Old. He is a Defense type hero who strengthens his allies’ firepower and viability. His skills allow him to cast a shield to his teammates and grants Karma to debuff his enemies. When Karma successfully lands a critical hit, it grants a buff to his allies, increasing the final damage upon attacking enemies inflicted with Karma. Players can also choose Legendary Hero Amelia, a new melee hero specialized in PvP as part of this update as well.

The brand-new Guild War, a 30v30 PvP mode that allows guilds to fight against each other and increase their Destruction Score, is now available. Guilds with 20 or more members can participate in the mode, with the winner receiving rewards including the Medal of Honor to level up their Emblem growth system.

This update adds several new challenges and a new boss, including the introduction of stages 13,601 to 14,400. The Salem Challenger Pass is now available through May 1, providing players the opportunity to obtain the Legendary Hero Salem. Additionally, players can battle the new Special Dungeon Boss, Giant Spider, until April 24.

SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE offers several new in-game events for players to enjoy through May 1, including:

• The Rate Up Summon Event: Obtain heroes such as Karma, Amelia, Zahara and Nezha.
• Spirited Mages’ Carnival Event: Players can earn points that can be exchanged for the Legendary heroes Salem, Tara and Noa and various rewards including Hero Summon Tickets, Gold, Hero EXP, and more.

Based on their flagship franchise and the successor to the original Seven Knights game, SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE has been reimagined as an idle RPG. Developed with low capacity and low specification devices in mind with a guiding principle of easy playability, players will experience an expanded storyline with previously untold episodes of the original Seven Knights heroes. Collect and nurture returning fan-favorites who have been reborn as cute SD characters.

As an official continuation of Seven Knights, a game enjoyed by 60 million players globally, SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE will be an exciting addition for fans looking to learn more and interact with their favorite heroes with a low time investment.

For more information on SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE, please be sure to stay tuned to the official brand website for future updates. The game will continue to introduce many more heroes and modes in the coming months.

About Netmarble Corporation

Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading developer and publisher of top-grossing mobile games worldwide. Through powerful franchises and collaborations with acclaimed IP holders, Netmarble strives to elevate the gaming experience and entertain audiences globally. As a parent company of Kabam and SpinX Games, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Lineage 2: Revolution, MARVEL Future Fight, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, The King of Fighters ALLSTAR, and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.

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Official Launch of First VR Authentic JRPG “SOUL COVENANT” – A New Chapter in Narrative-Driven VR Gaming

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – April 18, 2024 –Thirdverse, a pioneer in VR development and publishing, announced the global release of its groundbreaking multiplayer VR Narrative Action JRPG, SOUL COVENANT. Developed by the acclaimed team behind the beloved Japanese Action RPG, SOUL SACRIFICE, its new spiritual successor SOUL COVENANT transports players into a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, offering an unparalleled VR journey. Available now for $39.99 on Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2, and $49.99 on PSVR2 and PCVR platforms.
 
Download today:

• Oculus: https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/6613144082114849/
• Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2237740/SOUL_COVENANT/
• PlayStation VR2: https://store.playstation.com/ja-jp/concept/10008098

Embark on a Journey to Save Tokyo: SOUL COVENANT unfolds in a devastated Tokyo, standing as humanity’s final defense against the genocidal AI army, “Deus Ex Machina.” Players become part of the “Reincarnation Project,” embodying warriors with the memories of historical heroes, fighting for the survival of humanity and the future of Tokyo. This title promises to deliver a narrative-rich experience, intense combat, and a unique take on death and rebirth mechanics, alongside cooperative multiplayer gameplay for up to 4 players.
 
Key Features of SOUL COVENANT include:

• Deep Emotional Storytelling: Immerse yourself in a narrative-driven experience that explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit.
• Intense Hack and Slash Combat: Battle against advanced AI enemies in adrenaline-pumping combat encounters that will test your skills and reflexes to their limits.
• Death and Rebirth Mechanics: Explore the concept of death and rebirth as integral gameplay elements, fueling the intensity of your journey and shaping the fate of Tokyo.
• Multiplayer Experience: Team up with friends in multiplayer mode (1-4 players) and strategize together to overcome the challenges that await. 

Teruyuki Toriyama, Executive Producer of SOUL COVENANT, said: “We’re honored to deliver the first authentic JRPG experience in VR with the launch of SOUL COVENANT, building on our legacy with the highly successful and beloved SOUL SACRIFICE. This game is a tribute to our dedication, creativity, and the groundbreaking potential of VR technology. We eagerly await the community’s response and are excited for players to immerse themselves in the rich, narrative-driven world we’ve created.”
 
Product Overview:

• Supported Platforms: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2, PSVR2, and PCVR
• Title: SOUL COVENANT
• Genre: VR Narrative Action JRPG
• Price: $39.99 on Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2, and $49.99 on PSVR2 and PCVR platforms
• Release: April 18, 2024
• Players: 1-4
• Website: https://soul-covenant.com/

About Thirdverse, Co., Ltd

Founded in 2020, Thirdverse, Co., Ltd is a virtual reality game development, distribution and management company paving the path to the metaverse with two studios in Japan and the United States.

Thirdverse is experienced in sword-fighting multiplayer VR games and has expanded into PvP shooting, narrative-driven VR games and VR Esports. The studio has launched two successful VR co-op sword-fighting games “SWORDS of GARGANTUA” and “ALTAIR BREAKER” for Meta Quest 2 and PCVR. In November 2023, Thirdverse launched multiplayer VR hero shooter “X8” developed by its US Studio. In November, they announced that both titles are joining the lineup for PlayStation®VR2. Additionally, Thirdverse revealed in late 2023 that the core team of the Japanese favorite action RPG SOUL SACRIFICE had reunited with its studio to develop its spiritual successor “SOUL COVENANT” for VR. Thirdverse continues to drive a robust roadmap of VR titles and feature updates scheduled for release in 2024 and beyond.

(C) Thirdverse, Co., Ltd

Walnut Creek, Calif. (April 18, 2024) – Today, Maximum Entertainment and Mixed Realmsannounced that critically acclaimed deckbuilding RPG Gordian Quest will launch on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 on April 30. An endlessly customizable adventure with roguelite elements and turn-based strategic combat, Gordian Quest promises an unmatched blend of novelty and replayability in a sinister world where monsters roam:

Welcome to Wrendia: a world ruled by darkness – where scoundrels and thieves thrive. This land needs saving – and only heroes can bring Wrendia back from the brink. Explore procedurally generated landscapes in Adventure Mode or go for unpredictable challenge in Realm Mode. Whatever your play style, Gordian Quest offers a diverse array of options for every RPG aficionado. Along your journey, an intricate and expansive narrative will force you to make choices that can send the world of Wrendia into a new golden era or plunge it into a darkness from which it may never recover.

Key features include:

• A Myriad of Modes: From the expansive Campaign Mode to the endless challenges of roguelite Realm Mode to the highly explorable procedurally generated Adventure Mode, Gordian Quest offers an infinite amount of replayability.
• Ten Diverse Heroes: Featuring classes like the Swordhand, Druid, Golemancer and more – each with a unique playstyle.
• Rich Customization: With close to 800 combined passive and active skills, gear up your heroes the way you choose for strategic turn-based battles.
• A Personalized Quest: With multiple difficulty options, endless loot that can power up or curse your character alongside critical decision-making and dice rolls, no Gordian Quest adventure is the same as the last.

Keep up to date with the game at @MaximumEntmt and @GordianQuest on X or visit www.gordianquest.com.

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About Maximum Entertainment

Maximum Entertainment is a global entertainment company dedicated to crafting indie to AA video game experiences through original content and licensed partnerships. A fully integrated group with a broad portfolio of content, the company emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity in its partnerships to produce the highest level of interactive entertainment. With more than 300 titles in its catalog, Maximum Entertainment has joined forces with talented creators and renowned franchises around the globe to deliver magic to the gamer in everyone. Maximum Entertainment employs more than 200 professionals across the entire value chain of video games including development, publishing, transmedia, sales, and operations. Visit Maximum Entertainment at www.maximument.com.

About Mixed Realms

Based in Singapore, Mixed Realms is a pioneering indie game studio established in 2016. Starting with just a team of four, we’ve expanded to a 20-member powerhouse, thanks to the overwhelming success of our debut title, Sairento VR. Our growth and achievements are deeply rooted in our commitment to quality and the invaluable feedback from the gaming community. At Mixed Realms, we believe in the synergy between developers and gamers. While we set the foundational concepts and direction for our titles, we view the gamer’s role as integral in shaping and refining the final product. Our collaboration with the community is not just a process; it’s a principle we hold sacred.

Enlist now to enter for a chance to win copies of MARS 2120, branded t-shirts, captain’s jacket and/or your name in the game credits

São Paulo, Brazil – 18th April, 2024 – Developer and publisher QUByte Interactive has launched a promotional campaign calling all volunteers for a ‘Mission to Mars’ ahead of the launch of their upcoming game MARS 2120, a modern metroidvania game set on the planet Mars, launching on Steam and consoles. Throughout the game, protagonist Anna “Thirteen” Charlotte must explore the human facilities on the planet to find out what caused a distress signal from the Martian colony. She needs your help! – Enlist here for the Mission to Mars!

This ‘Mission to Mars’ campaign combines fantasy with real science and space exploration, simulating the search for a volunteer crew to board the fictional UNSS-1826 Baumfree spacecraft, the ship in MARS 2120 that takes Sergeant Charlotte to explore the red planet on an adventure filled with danger and discovery.

All players who sign up for the mission via the website will be entered to win digital copies of MARS 2120, as well as items linked to the mission such as official UNSS-1826 Baumfree crew T-shirts and a ship’s captain’s jacket!

Prize draws will include 24 players who will have their names listed in the credits of the MARS 2120 game as the official UNSS Baumfree crew who valiantly undertook the rescue of the colony on Mars. This crew will also be announced on the developer’s social networks along with a special series of posts celebrating humanity’s progress in exploring space, the importance of scientific knowledge and, above all, the crucial role of female scientists and explorers throughout the history of space exploration.

The UNSS-1826 Baumfree’s name pays homage to the many achievements and the courage and bravery of real women who have made history. The number and name of the spacecraft are a reference to Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree, a woman, abolitionist and civil rights activist for African Americans. The number 1826 refers to the year in which Baumfree escaped from slavery and began her journey. Not coincidentally, Sojourner is the name of the first rover to land on Mars in 1997.

About MARS 2120

In MARS 2120, humanity has successfully colonised various planets in our solar system, allowing people to escape an increasingly grim situation on Earth. After the UN receives a worrying distress call from Mars, it’s up to Sergeant Anna “Thirteen” Charlotte and an elite team of space marines to answer the call and rescue the first colony. To get to them, you’ll have to traverse a harsh landscape. fighting formidable and mysterious foes using a mix of ranged and melee attacks alongside useful elemental skills. How you dispatch your enemies is up to you, with the game offering players a non-linear approach to combat as well as exploration. Inspired by pioneers of the genre such as Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, MARS 2120 is an action packed metroidvania that offers a satisfying combat experience alongside cinematic flair. Will you survive? 

About QUByte Interactive

QUByte is the largest independent publisher in Latin America for consoles and has its own in-house development studio, currently working on MARS 2120. QUByte’s goal is to develop the local industry through partnerships in portability, publishing, and game development.

Dracula Rises and the ultimate challenge awaits as players journey into the depths of Mortium’s winter lands

Skövde, Sweden – April 18th 2024 – Swedish game developer Stunlock Studios has released the first gameplay trailer for Ruins of Mortium, the new endgame zone included in the upcoming full release of V Rising, which is coming to Steam on May 8th. V Rising thrusts players into a vast open world where they must hunt for blood, build majestic castles, and engage in heart-pumping skill-based combat. As the story unfolds, players discover the legendary Dracula’s plot to reclaim his throne, triggering a cascade of challenges and dangers. Enter the Ruins of Mortium, once the heart of the powerful Vampire civilization, which now lies in ruins, teeming with the cult-like remnants of Dracula’s forces. Players will encounter the Draculin, creatures tainted by Dracula’s influence, and face off against his loyal Vampire Generals. The ultimate challenge awaits as players journey into the depths of Mortium to confront Dracula himself. While battling through his forces and disrupting dark rituals intent on reviving the ancient Vampire king, players will uncover ancient powers and prepare for the ultimate showdown against the tyrant himself. 

V Rising’s highly anticipated full PC release is scheduled for May 8th, while the PlayStation 5 date is yet to be revealed, and is boasting an extensive array of new content to delve into:

• Explore a new deadly endgame zone: The Ruins of Mortium
• Experience dynamic endgame events 
• Fight a new breed of foe and new V Blood bosses
• New weapons, A new tier of equipment, and magic improvements
• Improvements to castle building, decor, and storage
• Native, smoothly implemented gamepad support
• Game optimization, visual improvements, and an all-around better experience!

Check out all the juicy details about the 1.0 update here: https://playvrising.com/launch-update

More on V Rising:
Survive as a newly awakened vampire in a world ruled by humans and rise to become the next Dracula. Feed on blood to gain new powers, hide from the scorching sun, and engage in real-time PvE and PvP combat set in a dark fantasy realm. Raise your castle and invite friends to join as you explore a vast open world, pillage villages, skirmish with bandits, and delve into the lairs of supernatural beasts. Attack other players’ castles or become a diplomat in a game of blood, power, and betrayal.

V Rising’s May 8th launch will follow its fangtastic Early Access period on PC with more than 4M copies sold and sitting on an impressive 88% positive reviews on Steam. The full, blood-soaked launch sees a confident Stunlock Studios release a game that is highly refined, having built a loyal and enthusiastic community of blood-suckers along the way.

Buy now on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1604030/V_Rising/
Wishlist now on the PlayStation store: https://store.playstation.com/concept/10007965

About Stunlock Studios

Stunlock Studios is one of the leading independent Swedish game developers in Skövde, known for vampire survival game V Rising and arena brawler Battlerite. Out now in Early Access, V Rising’s gothic world has already attracted more than 4 million vampiric initiates and Battlerite was one of the most popular free-to-play games on Steam with over 6 million unique players entering the arena. With a passion for multiplayer action games, the studio crafts groundbreaking and community-driven games, always with their players in mind.

Medellin, Colombia – April 18th, 2024 – Independent game developer C2 Game Studio has today revealed that its upcoming third-person action-RPG game Monolith: Requiem of the Ancients has been rebranded as Astor: Blade of the Monolith. The newly titled action adventure will launch later this year on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.

“We wanted to ensure Astor: Blade of the Monolith had a strong, unique identity. Something to really make it stand out,” said Luis Correa, Founder & game director at C2 Game Studio. “We think the new title offers something punchier and more distinct. And you won’t need to wait long to play it as Astor: Blade of the Monolith will launch on all platforms later this year!”

More about Astor: Blade of the Monolith:
Explore the vibrant planet of Gliese, once inhabited by an ancient race, and now home to their sentient creations – the Diokek. After the ancients’ disappearance, the Diokek lived in peace until malevolent creatures, the Hiltsik, started wreaking havoc among their settlements. With threats of a more sinister force at play, Astor – a young Diokek warrior, must journey across Gliese to solve the mysterious disappearance of his creators thousands of years ago, believing that they may have left behind the key to their salvation

Inspired by Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and The Legend of Zelda, Astor: Blade of the Monolith features fierce fighting mechanics and wondrous exploration. Learn new attacks, abilities and combos, use runic power to summon powerful constructs in combat, and collect legendary weapons as you crush hordes of enemies. 

For more on Astor: Blade of the Monolith, C2 Game Studio has posted two Dev Logs offering insight into the creation of the game. The first offers a look at its in-depth combat system, while the second explores the mystical world of Gliese

KEY FEATURES

• Engage in intense battles against 16 different enemies and 10 formidable bosses across over 20 hours of main story and side quests
• Arm yourself with 4 unique weapons, master dynamic skills and combos, summon powerful constructs, and craft your own combat style
• Traverse Gliese’s diverse landscapes, complete various side quests and uncover remnants left by your creators
• Test your skills in combat challenges and conquer New Game+ mode for an even greater challenge

About C2 Game Studio

C2 Game Studio is a Colombian game studio that specializes in developing adventure games with combat in Unreal Engine. Comprised of 21 people with more than 14 years of experience, C2 Game Studio has developed the top-down iOS shooter Cowboy Guns, the endless runner Nitro Chimp, and is currently working on its most ambitious title yet; the action-adventure epic Astor: Blade of the Monolith, coming to PC and consoles in 2024. www.c2gamestudio.com

Loose lips sink spaceships! Strategy goes social in the first 5X game – Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate, EXPRESS!

STOCKHOLM – April 18, 2024 – Paradox Interactive and Whatboy Games have today launched the fast-paced sci-fi strategy game Nexus 5X for PC via Steam. Combining the competitive social strategy of tabletop games with the tactical complexity of the 4X genre, Nexus 5X offers a sci-fi strategy experience that’s playable from start to finish in around 60 minutes, making Nexus 5X the world’s first 5X game: Explore, Exploit, Expand, Exterminate, EXPRESS!

Nexus 5X takes the core pillars of the 4X genre – deep strategy, tense diplomatic drama, and epic military encounters – and distills them into a fast-paced competitive format that is perfect for short-run sessions, allowing groups of up to eight players to complete a full playthrough together in around an hour.

“We’re creating an entirely new extension to the 4X genre with Nexus 5X. By reducing the play-time down to about one hour, we are opening the door to multiplayer in the 4X genre in a way that has never fitted neatly in the 4X space,” said Dax Ginn, Studio Director at Whatboy Games. “4X games are well known for predominantly being time-demanding single-player experiences, whereas Nexus 5X still delivers all of the strategic depth of the genre but in a time-frame that allows gamers to play together on an equal footing.”

Following a successful release onto Steam Early Access on Dec. 12, 2023, as Stellaris Nexus, Nexus 5X launches with Very Positive Steam reviews, a new name and eleven distinct factions, each offering their own unique strengths and play styles as players attempt to conquer the throne-world of Nexus and emerge victorious as the new Galactic Emperor.

 Nexus 5X features:

• An Hour of Power: Nothing beats the thrill of a deep strategy board game session with friends, and with Nexus 5X, players can play not just one, but multiple sessions during a game night, where “One More Turn” becomes “One More Game!”
• Social Strategy: Choose from unique factions and leaders and play alone or in turn-based multiplayer for 2-8 players. Play with friends or brave the Nexus online in skill-based matchmaking. Form unlikely alliances, execute bitter betrayals, or quietly plot from the shadows to ascend victorious to the Galactic Throne, all in around 60 minutes.
• Diplomacy or “Diplomacy”: Starting from the safe haven of their home world, players can rapidly expand their reach across the galaxy to explore and occupy new systems, eventually taking control of the throne-world of Nexus. Military conflict and diplomatic dealings are available as players expand and explore, but so is the power struggle that plays out in the Galactic Council, as rival empires exert their influence to cast votes in favor of new titles and resolutions, aiming to empower their faction or advance their immediate strategic objectives.
• Unique Factions & Leaders: For role-players who want to immerse themselves in the lore-rich Stellaris universe, or for ‘by-the-numbers’ strategists, Nexus 5X lets you select from factions and leaders that alter the approach of each match, offering a range of play styles and ways to gain the upper-hand over opponents.

Nexus 5X is available now for PC on Steam, priced at $14.99 / £12.99 / €14.99. Join the Nexus 5X Discord for the latest news and community discussion about the game.

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.

For more information, please visit www.paradoxinteractive.com.

About Whatboy Games

Whatboy Games is an indie studio founded in the UK composed of industry veterans and fresh development talent. Founded in 2018 by Adam Doherty and Dax Ginn, both ex-Rocksteady, Whatboy’s focus is on developing great strategy games for gamers who are short on time. The team on Nexus 5X all share a passion for systemic design which facilitates the creation of games that are not only deeply strategic but also highly replayable.