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Concepts, Art and Chinese Mythology – Go Behind the Scenes in the First Realm of Ink Devlog

Get a glimpse behind the curtain with Leap Studio’s Dai and VC. 

Guangzhou, China – February 15th 2024. Following on from the huge success of the demo in the recent Steam Next Fest, indie publisher 663 Games has released the first in a series of behind-the-scenes Devlogs for their upcoming action roguelite Realm of Ink

Realm of Ink is an Ink-style action roguelite game beautifully brought to life with a distinctive mix of 2.5D Chinese-style ink painting, modern art direction, and a rich combat system using multiple playable characters.

Join developer Leap Studio’s CEO Dai, and Lead Artist VC as they introduce the studio and team and talk about how they met, the concept behind making the game and the decisions behind the beautiful ink-style art used to create the game. 

Watch the first Realm of Ink Devlog here 

Watch the previously released Steam demo trailer here 

Fans can still experience the fantastic full first level in the Realm of Ink Steam demo, transporting them to the frigid Ape Kingdom and introducing the three major schools of combat and Ink Pets, your loyal allies throughout your perilous journey. The demo can be downloaded from Steam now. 

About Realm of Ink

During the hunt for a cunning Fox demon, the heroine and expert swordswoman Red,  discovers that she is a fictional character in the short story collection Realm of Ink. Only by unlocking the dark secrets of the Book Spirit will Red discover the truth of her existence and defy her fate.

The story unfolds in a virtual realm called “Realm of Ink” where inhabitants unknowingly exist as mere fabrications within a fictional world. Controlled by the mysterious Book Spirit, they obediently follow predetermined fates, oblivious to their cyclical lives.

  • In the Realm of Ink, the puppets awaken – Begin your journey as the swordswoman Red, gradually unlocking additional characters as you progress. Utilizing the Fox Demons’ immortal power, traverse treacherous ‘Story Relics’ and confront four bosses with unique backgrounds to escape from the ever-changing Realm of Ink. By surmounting the various challenges and obstacles ahead, you will redefine your ‘destiny’ through the constant cycle of rebirth, wielding your sword with resilience.
  • Exquisite Ink-style Art – From the verdant Buddhist forests, the frigid enchanted Monkey Kingdom, and the gentle yet terrifying waterland to the ancient and reverent ruins of Mausoleum, the four major levels each have a guardian, and their mysterious pasts await your exploration. Wielding a sword, venture alone through the dim world and overcome formidable foes. Explore and conquer over 20 creatures with distinctive Chinese characteristics, including the Fox Demon, Peony Fariy, and Mirror Sprite. Each of them comes with a unique backstory. 
  • Fierce battles with infinite creativity – Embark on thrilling battles and explore diverse combinations to craft your unique combat style. Choose from 3 playable characters: Unparalleled Swordswoman Red, Nightmare Hunter Wang Ding, and Fox Judge Ning Ye; and equip yourself with 9 powerful weapons, including the Scarlet Sword and the Shadow Twin Blades. Further enhance your abilities with over 20 distinctive Ink Gems such as the Tiger Ink, Venom Ink and Curse Ink and discover a vast array of over 120 Artifacts including the Shadow Kite, the Lamp of Seven Stars and the Doom Gauge.
  • Various combinations and builds – Ink Gems have assorted appearances, and they will reinforce one another. Use them to explore diverse builds of martial arts schools and master powerful skills of Yin and Yang to defeat enemies with a single strike.
  • Discover rare magical treasures – Hundreds of rare magical treasures trigger various unique effects and provide distinctive attribute bonuses, empowering your martial arts schools and allowing you to effortlessly defeat all enemies! You can also engage in long-term character development outside of combat and unlock new combinations of moves and combat styles. With a dual-cycle system inside and outside combat, you’ll have a fresh experience every time!
  • A journey into the unknown, composed of distinctive stages – Explore a variety of battle stages and routes where you can collect Ink Relics, fortune and magical treasure as well as duels with bosses. In this exhilarating journey into the unknown, you will enter various stages and encounter a diverse cast of NPCs, making the entire journey full of surprises!  
  • Fight alongside your intimate Ink Pets – Mysterious in origin and adorable in appearance, the Ink Pets will be your companions. As the Ink Gems level up, your Ink Pets will also undergo a transformation, becoming more powerful to fight alongside you!

Realm of Ink will be released in 2024 for PC and consoles. Fans can download the PC demo and Wishlist the game on Steam now.

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About 663 Games 

663 Games is a newly established publishing label committed to premium and indie game publishing on PC, consoles, and mobile platforms. The company, headquartered in China, was founded by a team of passionate gamers and industry veterans. The team had a proven track record of achieving global success with several titles previously, offering extensive experience and resources for worldwide publishing, along with unique advantages for a strong presence in the Chinese market. The team empathises with the financial challenges that independent developers and small teams often encounter, and 663 Games is dedicated to providing them with funding support to help bring their creative visions to life. As a new, ambitious and trustworthy global publisher, 663 Games collaborates closely with developers to ensure commercial success.

KartRider: Drift Introduces All-New Features with RISE Update

Collaboration with Automobili Lamborghini Brings Players Three New Karts

LOS ANGELES, CA – February 15, 2024KartRider: Drift the ultimate free to play, online cross-platform kart racer, and Nexon and Nitro Studio are excited to announce the arrival of RISE, an update that brings players all-new gameplay features, quality-of-life updates, and a limited-time collaboration with Automobili Lamborghini.

Starting today players can choose from three different limited-time super sports cars – the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae Roadster, Huracán EVO Spyder and Urus Performante – in the game through March 13. Be sure to get behind the wheel now!

Each KartRider: Drift racer now has their own unique skills that fit their personality and style. These character skills are available to use in Item mode with two skill types – Active, which allows the player to use an effect at a specific time through a specific activity, and Passive, a skill that is automatically given to the player. Some examples are:

  • Brodi – Brodi’s Boost Zone (Active) – Install a Boost Zone on the track in front of you.
  • Kris – Banana Hack (Active) – Change the held items of all your opponents to bananas.
  • Martin – Hydrophile (Passive) – You have a chance to receive your own Water Bomb or Water Fly items when hit by one of these items.
  • Rave – For The Fans (Passive) – Become invincible for a few seconds after being hit by certain items.

A new Kart tuning system for Speed Mode lets gamers adjust their Karts. Players can upgrade their Karts through the Proficiency System, and upgrading their Karts can unlock new abilities. All Karts have the same default speed and acceleration with a choice of six basic tuning options:

  • Booster Acceleration
  • Drift Acceleration
  • Boost Duration
  • Boost Charge Amount
  • Long Slide Drift Sustainability
  • Maintain Boost after Wall Collision Boost

Players can get the element of surprise with new Racing Boxes available from the Item shop, the Racing Pass, as in-game rewards and via community events. Upon opening a box, players will get a surprise item. If they receive an item they already own from a Racing Box, it will convert to the new Mileage currency where players can convert Mileage to exchange for Mileage-only items from the Item shop.

RISE also welcomes a new and improved racing pass where Trophies can be earned in exchange for items. Upon completion of the pass, players can exchange Trophies for an exclusive Racing Box that contains items from all previous racing passes. Both Regular and Premium passes are available, updating monthly with missions everyone can complete.

There are some new quality-of-life updates in KartRider: Drift such as improved matchmaking with Multi Mode which combines matching from general races and Grand Prix races.      Replacing Grand Prix, racers can play in ranked item or speed matches earning points to rank up. They can also play multiple matches in a row without returning to the lobby to start another queue. In addition, PC players can now communicate via an all-new chat system with text chat, emotes and quick chat while in the lobby or between matches.

KartRider: Drift has visited the garage for a tune up, players can read about the changes here.

KartRider: Drift is available to download and play for free on all major gaming platforms, including Xbox and PlayStation consoles, PC (Steam, Nexon Launcher), iOS and Android mobile devices.

About KartRider: Drift

KartRider: Drift is Nexon’s online, multiplayer kart racing game, taking inspiration from earlier titles in the phenomenally successful KartRider franchise, which delivers drift-fueled racing action, multiple game modes, and deep kart and character customisation in stunning Unreal® Engine 4 graphics. Available on Steam, the Nexon Launcher, iOS and Android mobile devices, as well as on Xbox and PlayStation consoles, KartRider: Drift offers free-to-play, online cross-platform play and progression to challenge friends regardless of platform.

Launched in 2004, the original KartRider was the first title in Nexon’s legendary kart racing series, and subsequently gained massive popularity in Asia and beyond, amassing more than 380 million players during the nineteen years since release. As a franchise, KartRider has established a strong brand across Asian markets and a huge eSports presence in Asia, with an official league starting in 2005. It continues to be the longest-running eSports league to date.

About Nexon America Inc.

Founded in 2006, Nexon America Inc. delivers outstanding free-to-play online game expertise and live game support, taking the strengths of NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) and applying them to uniquely Western audiences. Nexon America has consistently sustained iconic franchises such as MapleStory and Mabinogi for more than a decade, which have gone on to break records and captivate players. With new projects on the horizon, Nexon America maintains the pioneering and innovative spirit of its parent company, employing its player-first approach, while designing the best possible gameplay experiences for the Western market.

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game Unveils First Year of New Content Included in Year 1 and Supreme Editions

PARIS – Feb. 15, 2024 – Get ready to embark on a thrilling scientific adventure! Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, the latest creation from Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive, the renowned studio behind MudRunner and SnowRunner, reveals an exciting new trailer that gives an overview of all the content awaiting you in the year following the launch on March 5, 2024 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

In addition to extra content and an early unlock of the game, Year 1 Edition and the Supreme Edition owners will enjoy access to four seasons of dedicated content spread across the year. Each one of them gives access to new scouts and trucks, specialists with unique capacities helping you to succeed in every mission, and never-seen-before high-tech tools.

Enjoy a huge batch of explorations

All of these vehicles, equipment and companions will allow you to overcome an enormous program of new missions. Every season included in the Year 1 Pass adds dozens of fresh explorations, totaling over 100 in all. Explore unknown zones in Arizona and the Carpathians, altered by violent earthquakes, in order to uncover the mysteries of a buried ancient civilization. Roam into rocky and green landscapes, and go even deeper into secret mines and caverns, abandoned in time, and try to progress in these cramped paths, which is a feature never seen before in the Runner Series.

Conquer the wilderness with friends!

With Year 1 and Supreme Editions containing thrilling paid content, players also benefit from free content and updates, including the highly anticipated co-op mode! Whether you prefer small-scale adventuring or venturing forth with up to four players, you can share gadgets and information, help each other and tackle perilous situations. Use your tools, your team spirit and your will to help science and conquer the wilderness together.

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game will be available on March 5, 2024, on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Pre-order the Supreme Edition and Year 1 Edition now on  PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Steam and Epic Games Store to get your hands on exclusive content and an early unlock to the game 96 hours before its release! Pre-orders on the Nintendo Switch will be coming soon. For more information, check out the game’s page on the Focus Store.

Tiger Blade Meta Quest release date confirmed with new trailer

Tiger Blade release date confirmed for Quest, available to pre-order now from the Meta Store with a 10% discount

The action-packed slash ‘n’ dash VR arcade experience arrives 22nd February for Meta headsets

15 February, 2024 – Meta players will soon be able to step into the shoes of a deadly assassin when the ultra-intense Tiger Blade launches for Quest 2/3/Pro headsets. Developer Ikimasho and publisher Big Sugar are thrilled to confirm Tiger Blade will release 22nd February on the Meta Store. The game is available to pre-order now with a 10% discount: http://bit.ly/TigerBladeOnQuest

Created by Paris-based developer Ikimasho, Tiger Blade is an on-rails adrenaline punch of gun and sword combat that evokes the spirit and excitement of arcade classic, Time Crisis. Designed for fast, high energy, high intensity sessions, Tiger Blade demands skill, focus, and quick reflexes. 

Watch the new Tiger Blade Meta Quest Release Date trailer:

ABOUT TIGER BLADE

In an alternate Korea, you play the deadliest assassin for the Horangi chapter of the Tiger Clans. Tasked with stealing a mysterious package from a rival chapter, you discover it’s a tiger cub, thought extinct for a century. Now, every gang, including some within your own, wants this mythical creature. And you, dead.

  • VR WAS MADE TO MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE A BADASS:  Unleash mayhem as you slash and blast through heart-pounding action scenes, leaving you feeling like an unstoppable killing machine.
  • YOU ARE THE ACTION HERO: Dive into an intricately crafted alternate Korea, entangled in the visceral power struggles of the nation’s most formidable gang. Battle your way to a neo-noir finale that’ll leave you breathless.
  • ANSWERING THE DEMAND FOR RIVETING ARCADE GAMES: Tiger Blade is highly replayable with online leaderboards, speedrunning, and more.
  • MUSIC THAT WILL HAVE YOU BOBBING YOUR HEAD: Slash and blow everything up to the beat of korean hip hop superstars SINCE, Bryn, Bruno Champman and Kitsyojii.

About Big Sugar
Big Sugar is a publisher that does what it wants. And what it wants is to work with talented independent developers and to publish the unique, fun, compelling, entertaining, memorable, and all-round high-quality games that they create.

About Ikimasho
Located 100 meters away from the Louvre and right around the corner from Paris’s little Seoul and Tokyo, Ikimasho ambitions to deliver the most satisfying action games to VR.

Copyright © 2024 Big Sugar, All rights reserved

PlayStation Plus Game Catalogue for February: Need for Speed Unbound, The Outer Worlds, Tales of Arise, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and more

February’s Game Catalogue lineup for PlayStation Plus brings together racing thrills, sci-fi adventure and a selection of entries from a classic RPG series. Take to the streets in Need for Speed Unbound, blast off into space in The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition, then experience some acclaimed RPG fantasy action in the Tales of… series. These and many more titles are playable from February 20. Let’s take a closer look at each game in turn. 

PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe | Game Catalogue

Need for Speed Unbound | PS5

With separate single and multiplayer campaigns, this latest edition in the Need for Speed franchise from Criterion Games delivers hours of electric, adrenaline-pumping racing action. Race against time, outsmart the cops and take on weekly qualifiers to reach The Grand, Lakeshore’s ultimate street racing challenge. Pack your garage with precision-tuned, custom rides and light up the streets with your style, exclusive fits, and a vibrant global soundtrack that bumps in every corner of the world.  

The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition | PS5

The Outer Worlds is a single-player, sci-fi RPG from the developer of Pillars of Eternity and Fallout: New Vegas. Lost in transit while on a colonist ship bound for the furthest edges of the galaxy, players awake decades later to find themselves in the midst of a deep conspiracy threatening to destroy the far-flung Halcyon colony. Explore the furthest reaches of space and encounter various factions, all vying for power, and decide what kind of player you will become as your choices determine how the story unfolds. 

Tales of Arise | PS4, PS5

From Bandai Namco comes a new entry in the long-running ‘Tales’ series, featuring a diverse cast of characters, an intuitive and rewarding combat system, and a captivating story. For 300 years, Rena has ruled over Dahna, pillaging the planet of its resources and stripping people of their dignity and freedom. The tale begins with two people born on different worlds, each looking to change their fate and create a new future. Set in a lush world worth fighting for, Tales of Arise delivers a first-class JRPG experience. 

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | PS4, PS5

Become a legendary Viking warrior raised on tales of battle and glory. Raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in the quest to earn a place among the gods in Valhalla. Advanced RPG mechanics allow players to shape the growth of their character and influence the world around them. With every choice players make, from political alliances and combat strategy to dialogue and gear progression, players will carve their own path to glory. Construct and upgrade buildings that allow for deep customization, including a barracks, blacksmith, tattoo parlour and more. Recruit new members to your clan and personalise your Viking experience.

LEGO Worlds | PS4

LEGO Worlds is an open environment of procedurally-generated Worlds made entirely of LEGO bricks which players can freely manipulate and dynamically populate with LEGO models. Create anything you can imagine one brick at a time, or use large-scale landscaping tools to create vast mountain ranges and dot your world with tropical islands. Drop in prefabricated structures to build and customise any world to your liking. Explore using helicopters, dragons, motorbikes or even gorillas and unlock treasures that enhance your gameplay. Watch your creations come to life through characters and creatures that interact with you and each other in unexpected ways. In LEGO Worlds, anything is possible. 

LEGO Jurassic World | PS4

Experience four Jurassic films – Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park III, and Jurassic World – in humorous LEGO form. This fun adventure recreates unforgettable scenes and action sequences from the films, allowing fans to play through key moments and giving them the opportunity to fully explore the expansive grounds of Isla Nublar and Isla Sorna. Collect LEGO amber and experiment with DNA to create completely original dinosaurs, and put your new creations into paddocks as you complete special Free Play missions.

Roguebook | PS4, PS5

Embrace the challenge of a roguelike deckbuilder with unique mechanics from the developers of Faeria and Richard Garfield, creator of Magic: The Gathering. Create a team of two heroes, each with their own cards and abilities. Combine their strengths to defeat over 40 bosses and enemies. Choose wisely from 200 cards, 80 relics and 30 gems that can be combined. Players will never play with the same deck twice.

Rogue Lords | PS4

Play as the Devil in this dark fantasy roguelike. Defeated many moons ago, you are finally coming back with your most faithful disciples to take revenge on those miserable Demon Hunters. Play runs after runs and collect ancient artefacts to regain your power and take back your rightful place. Set up your team of famous evil geniuses like Dracula, the Headless Horseman or Bloody Mary. Build their set of skills and create synergies to face any mortal who dares to stand in your way.

Tales of Zestiria | PS4

In a mediaeval-style fantasy world torn by war and political skirmishes, accept the burden of the Shepherd and fight human darkness to protect your world from Malevolence and reunite humans and Seraphim in this action RPG. 

PlayStation Deluxe | Classics

Resistance: Retribution | PS4, PS5 

Experience Resistance: Retribution, originally released on the PSP and now enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters. Fueled by vengeance, former British Marine James Grayson intends to destroy the Chimeran conversion centres at any cost. Enlisted by the European resistance, The Maquis, he soon learns the Chimera have evolved a new method of converting humans. 

Jet Rider 2 | PS4, PS5 

Experience extreme all-terrain racing on ten treacherous tracks in Jet Rider 2. Originally released on PS1, this version is enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters. Race through canyons, national parks, roller coasters and more across 10 unrelenting tracks, and enjoy two-player racing in either horizontal or vertical split-screen.

Tales of Symphonia | PS4, PS5

Explore a rich and lively world filled with unforgettable characters and experience an emotionally charged storyline in this enhanced version of the action RPG from the ‘Tales of’ series. Play with up to 3 friends in local co-op mode and combine hundreds of special attacks and magic spells as players fight powerful opponents in real-time battles. 

Tales of Vesperia | PS4, PS5

A power struggle begins in a civilization dependent on an ancient technology, the Blastia, and the Empire that controls it. The fates of two friends travelling separate paths intertwine in an epic adventure that threatens the existence of all. This Definitive version was created to mark the 10th anniversary of the action RPG and includes updated full HD graphics, brand-new music tracks, exciting mini-games, bosses, and a collection of costume DLC!

To learn more about the full line up visit the PlayStation Blog

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

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft Launches Today on PC & Consoles

Rediscover the original Tomb Raider adventures in this definitive collection, lovingly restored with enhanced graphics and complete with all expansions and secret levels

AUSTIN, Texas Feb. 14, 2024 – Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics are thrilled to release Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft, available today on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and GOG for $29.99. Developed and published by Aspyr, this new three-game bundle of the first three Tomb Raider titles (Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider II, Tomb Raider III) features upgraded graphics and performance enhancements, along with all expansions and secret levels for the first time ever on consoles.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft lets long-time fans and newcomers alike step into the boots of the iconic hero in her first three adventures like never before. Experience the classic action and innovative 3D gameplay that spawned a beloved franchise which has sold more than 95 million copies worldwide and made Lara Croft one of the most recognizable video game characters in the world.

Players can experience the journey their own way, with the ability to toggle on the fly between enhanced and original graphics, as well as switch between classic and modern joystick control schemes. Fans will also discover a variety of quality-of-life improvements, including camera lock-on and achievements.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft features:

Tomb Raider I + the “Unfinished Business” Expansion

In the game that started it all, adventurer Lara Croft has been hired to recover the pieces of an ancient artifact known as the Scion. Run, jump, swim and climb in fearless acrobatic style to find out the truth of its origin and powers, leaving only a trail of empty tombs and ammo in your wake. The original Tomb Raider comes complete with the “Unfinished Business” expansion, which adds four bonus levels in two extra chapters.

Tomb Raider II + the “Golden Mask” Expansion

The award-winning second installment in the Tomb Raider series invites you to join Lara as she travels around the globe to retrieve the legendary Dagger of Xian, said to  grant the powers of a fire-breathing dragon to its holder. Tomb Raider II includes the “Gold Mask” expansion, which adds five bonus levels in a separate mini-adventure.

Tomb Raider III + “The Lost Artifact” Expansion

Lara follows the clues to a deadly secret in this complex adventure combining challenging puzzles with high-speed action. Boldly leap chasms and blast monsters in pursuit of a mystery that defies all earthly explanation. “The Lost Artifact” includes six bonus levels that continue Lara’s adventures from the original Tomb Raider III.

For more information about TOMB RAIDER, follow at:

About Aspyr

Aspyr is a leading video game publishing and development partner focused on maximizing the potential of games across all platforms for all players. Today the company supports a growing network of partners that includes many of the industry’s leading entertainment IP holders, publishers, developers, and technology providers. Aspyr is a standalone entity under Saber Interactive, an Embracer Group company. Aspyr is based in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.aspyr.com.

About Crystal Dynamics

Crystal Dynamics has developed and published more than 30 games during its award-winning, 30-year adventure. Some of the company’s beloved franchises include Legacy of Kain and TOMB RAIDER, which has sold more than 95 million copies worldwide. TOMB RAIDER’s protagonist, the hero Lara Croft, has been a cultural icon for more than 25 years, appearing in more than 20 games, and has made an indelible mark on virtually every facet of entertainment. In addition to its headquarters in San Mateo, CA, Crystal Dynamics has two additional studios: Crystal Northwest in Bellevue, WA, and Crystal Southwest in Austin, TX. Crystal Dynamics is part of Crystal Dynamics – Eidos, the 12th operative group within Embracer Group AB which is publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker EMBRAC B. (EMBRAC B).

Crystal Dynamics’ website can be found at https://crystald.com.

About TOMB RAIDER

The TOMB RAIDER video game franchise includes more than 20 video games, is loved by more than 160 million people around the world according to a May 2022 survey, and has sold over 95 million copies since the first entry was released in 1996. The franchise’s popularity has exploded into a series of blockbuster films based on the original Tomb Raider game and 2013 reboot. Its protagonist Lara Croft has been a contemporary global icon for over two decades and was listed as one of TIME Magazine’s 15 Most Influential Video Game Characters of All Time. The most recent “Survivor Trilogy,” comprised of Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018), garnered more than 200 “Best of” awards and nominations, and chronicles Lara Croft’s remarkable origin story. All of this continues to make TOMB RAIDER a destination brand for adventure entertainment.

© 2023 CRYSTAL DYNAMICS, TOMB RAIDER, TOMB RAIDER I-III REMASTERED STARRING LARA CROFT, TOMB RAIDER II, TOMB RAIDER III, RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER, SHADOW OF THE TOMB RAIDER, LARA CROFT, and LEGACY OF KAIN are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Crystal Dynamics group of companies. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

© 2023 Aspyr Media, Inc. Aspyr is a registered trademark of Aspyr Media, Inc., and the Aspyr star logo is a trademark of Aspyr Media. All other marks and logos are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Monumental Acquires Kongregate, Marking Its Second Studio Acquisition in a Year

Following the acquisition of mobile game developer Game Circus, Monumental further expands its gaming portfolio with the acquisition of Kongregate

AUSTIN, Texas – February 14, 2024 – Monumental, a rapidly growing indie game developer and publisher, has announced its acquisition of Kongregate, a renowned name in the gaming industry known for the Kongregate.com web gaming portal and mobile titles, including Animation Throwdown, Bit Heroes, and Where’s My Water 2. This acquisition marks Monumental’s second major move in expanding its gaming portfolio within a year, following the acquisition of Game Circus, the Dallas-based game developer and publisher behind the wildly popular Coin Dozer, Merge Zoo, and Taps to Riches mobile game franchises.
 
Formed in 2020, Monumental has quickly made a name for itself in the gaming industry, managing a robust portfolio of games. The addition of Kongregate to its fold enriches Monumental’s offerings, creating a powerhouse in the indie gaming sector.
 
Monumental has carved a niche as a veteran gaming team that deeply understands and is passionate about games. Monty Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of Monumental, said: “We could not be more excited to add this amazing team of game makers to our growing family. Combining the strengths of Monumental and Kongregate promises an incredibly exciting future.”
 
Kongregate was acquired by Monumental from Modern Times Group (MTG), which bought the game developer and publisher in 2017. MTG has expressed confidence in Monumental’s ability to work with Kongregate to deepen and enrich their combined games portfolio.
 
Maria Redin, President and CEO of Modern Times Group, commented, “Monumental has a strong track record of driving growth in its games portfolio. We are happy that Kongregate is joining Monumental for the next stage of their journey and are convinced that Monumental is the right home for them. We wish all teams involved the best as they begin their work together.”
 
Donnie Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Game Circus, said: “We’ve been very pleased with our partnership with Monty and his very talented team at Monumental. Together we believe we can take our games to new heights and look forward to collaborating to delight our players in new ways.”
 
With the integration of Kongregate, Monumental is poised to leverage the extensive experience in traditional and mobile gaming that the Kongregate team brings. CEO Monty Kerr will oversee the combined company, promising a future where both Monumental and Kongregate can thrive under a unified vision.
 
The acquisition of Kongregate follows Monumental’s successful integration of Game Circus, underscoring Monumental’s commitment to growth and excellence in the gaming industry.
 
The successful acquisition of Kongregate was supported by a team of expert advisors. Monumental enlisted the legal expertise of Baker McKenzie. Aream & Co provided financial advisory services, while Baker Bots offered legal counsel to Modern Times Group (MTG). Additionally, Drake Star acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Game Circus.
 
About Monumental, LLC

Monumental is an independent game development studio based in Austin, Texas founded in 2020. With a passion for gaming and a veteran team, Monumental operates a growing gaming portfolio of unique games and gaming franchises.

About MTG

MTG (Modern Times Group MTG AB (publ)) (www.mtg.com) is an international mobile gaming group that owns and operates gaming studios with popular global IPs across a wide range of casual and mid-core genres. The group is focused on accelerating portfolio company growth and supporting founders and entrepreneurs. MTG is an active driver of gaming industry consolidation and a strategic acquirer of gaming companies around the world. We are born in Sweden but have an international culture and global footprint. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the tickers MTGA and MTGB.
 
About Game Circus

Founded in 2010, Game Circus is a company striving to create the best casual mobile games, including the market-leading Coin Dozer, Merge Zoo, Prize Claw and Taps to Riches. With hundreds of millions of players worldwide, we take pride in delivering some of the world’s most popular mobile games!

Call of Duty Strikes Gold – PAMP x Call of Duty Gold and Silver Bars Collection

PAMP and Activision Collaborate to Launch Exclusive Call of Duty Gold and Silver Bars Collection

Geneva – February 14, 2024 – Produits Artistiques Métaux Précieux (PAMP), the world’s leading precious metals brand, and Call of Duty have collaborated to bring fans and collectors worldwide the PAMP x Call of Duty Limited Edition Collection. Launching Thursday 15th February and available to pre-order now, the collection features a 5g Gold Bar and a 1oz Silver Bar, wearable pendant frame and in-game replica charm, complete with Captain Price design and Call of Duty branding.

Following the launch of Call of Duty Modern Warfare® III in November 2023, and the highly-anticipated arrival of the Season 2 content update last week, the latest brand partnership from PAMP commemorates the 20th Anniversary of the Call of Duty franchise with a brand new, innovative collection.

With the pendant frame and in-game bonus collectible charm, the phygital collection marks PAMP’s latest brand-licensing collaboration following successful launches of recent minted collections with Fender, Mattel, Inc. and WarnerBros. With Costco’s recent product listing of PAMP’s flagship Lady Fortuna™ bars resulting in frequent sellouts, the Call of Duty collection is primed to capture the attention of collectors.

Fans of the franchise will need to act fast if they want to get their hands on this unique moment in Call of Duty history and to show-off the highly exclusive charm in their next lobby. The 5g Gold Bar has a limited mintage of 5,000 pieces and a price point of $449.95* and the 1oz Silver Bar has a limited mintage of 15,000 pieces and a price point of $109.95*. Please see below for the product specifications and a link to the global list of retailers here.

In a first for the PAMP brand, the Call of Duty collection innovatively links physical and digital collectibles granting owners a perfect replica of their precious metal bar in the form of an in-game charm players can add to their loadouts. For Call of Duty fans and collectors the combination of the wearable pendant frame and in-game bonus are must-have additions to their collections to be treasured, displayed and worn with pride. Offering a unique and tangible way for fans to celebrate their fandom, both physically and virtually, was a key objective of the collection. Owners can redeem their in-game charm via http://www.callofduty.com/redeem.

Chris Carkner, Global Head of Minting, MKS PAMP, commented, “Developing a Call of Duty collection with our signature, industry-trusted techniques and know-how allowed us to focus on innovative ways to bring our pioneering brand to a new audience. Bridging physical and digital collectibles is an exciting first in the brand’s history and speaks to our forward-thinking credentials.”

Available for purchase on Thursday 15th February via select retailers including APMEX (North America) and GOLD AVENUE (Europe), the compelling design on each, individually numbered, bar features the face of Call of Duty and franchise stalwart, Captain Price. Crafted to the highest quality standards and embodying PAMP’s leading Swiss engineering skills and advanced machinery, this prestige collection celebrates one of gaming’s most iconic characters with the finest artistry known in the industry.

See here for the list of retailers: www.pamp.com/cod

PAMP x Call of Duty Limited Edition Collection
Available Thursday 15th February

Product SpecificationsGold BarSilver Bar
Weight5g1oz
Metal fineness (purity)999.9 Gold (industry’s highest purity)999.0 Silver
Dimensions13.1×22.1mm27x47mm
Mintage (quantity)5,00015,000
Retail price$449.95*$109.95*

*Prices are based on retail listings and may vary by retailer due to metal price fluctuations and stock availability.

About PAMP

Founded in 1977 PAMP (Produits Artistiques Métaux Précieux) is the product brand of the MKS PAMP company and is the world’s leading bullion brand. With dominant positions in the world’s major precious metals markets MKS PAMP is a market leader providing financial and physical trading services and operating a state-of-the-art precious metals refinery and mint based in Ticino, Switzerland. PAMP was the first brand to ever decorate the reverse sides of its minted bars and was the first to produce original collectibles that forever changed the industry, making PAMP bars, most notably the world-renowned Lady Fortuna™, the most coveted bullion bar in the world. As part of its minted bars collection, PAMP offers an extraordinary range of shapes and designs from which to choose, as well as elegant options for pendant-wear. PAMP also offers an extensive range of innovative collectibles, including: legal tender coins, distinctive bullion gift sets, and exclusive brand-licensed editions with partners like Fender, Warner Bros, PEZ, Mattel, Activision and others.

Europe’s Premier Game Developer Event announces new venue, call for speakers, and super early bird phase

– devcom Developer Conference will move to the new Confex Center –
– Speakers can now submit their #ddc2024 sessions –
– Super Early Bird phase ends on February 29 –

Cologne, Germany – February 14, 2024 – Europe’s biggest game developer event, devcom Developer Conference (#ddc2024), is set to take place from August 18-20, 2024, at one of Europe’s most modern Conference and Exhibition Centers, “Confex” – Koelnmesse’s brand new, state-of-the-art venue on the gamescom fairground. This fusion of conference venue and exhibition space offers 22 conference rooms and the prestigious Confex hall, providing ample space for insightful talks, panel discussions, and workshops. With its integrated open-air plaza and scalable size capable of accommodating up to 6,200 people, attendees can expect an unparalleled experience tailored to the needs of our game developer community.

New Location: The Confex

The transition to the new Confex center marks a significant milestone for devcom Developer Conference and we are especially proud to be inaugurating the venue. Last year, with a record number of 3,400 attendees on site, our event reached its capacity limits, as attendees were lining up to attend highly anticipated sessions. The spacious design of the Confex, coupled with its state-of-the-art facilities, will alleviate congestion and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience for all participants. The new venue is located on the western side of the Cologne fairground, right next to the train station Köln Messe / Deutz.

Call for Speakers Now Open

devcom Developer Conference 2024 invites industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders to apply as speakers for this prestigious event. Whether aspiring to deliver a keynote address, lead a workshop, or engage in panel discussions, prospective speakers are encouraged to submit their proposals before the deadline in May. This is a unique opportunity to share insights, inspire audiences, and contribute to the advancement of the global games industry. Interested individuals can learn more and submit their applications on the official #ddc2024 program website.

Super Early Bird Phase Ending Soon

Act fast to secure your spot at devcom Developer Conference 2024 and save up to 400€ with the Super Early Bird ticket phase, ending on February 29. Don’t miss the chance to access two days of insightful conference sessions, explore the vibrant expo showcasing cutting-edge products and services, and network with industry peers from around the world. Take advantage of this limited time offer to join Europe’s biggest game developer event at an exclusive rate.

devcom Developer Conference 2024 is not just an onsite experience – it is a hybrid event, offering a Digital Pass for remote participants. Whether joining in person or virtually, attendees can access live streamed and recorded conference sessions, explore the expo, and engage in extended matchmaking opportunities.

Find out more about the new Confex Center: https://koelncongress.de/en/locations/confex/
Apply as a speaker for #ddc2024: https://www.devcom.global/ddc-2024/program/
Get your Super-Early-Bird Ticket: https://www.devcom.global/tickets/ 

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About devcom

devcom is host of the official developer conference of gamescom (devcom Developer Conference) and Europe’s largest community-based event for games industry professionals. Throughout the year, devcom provides content, events and services tailored to the games industry based on its core values of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. devcom Developer Conference #ddc2024 will take place on August 18-20 (Sunday to Tuesday) at the Koelnmesse fairgrounds in Cologne, followed by a presence at gamescom from August 21-23. devcom GmbH is a subsidiary of game – Verband der deutschen Gamesbranche (the German Games Industry Association and owner of the gamescom brand), Luxemburger Straße 79-83, 50354 Hürth, Germany

Outcast – A New Beginning Demo Available Today (PS5, XSX, PC)

Let Cutter Be Your Valentine: Discover The Lovely Planet of Adelpha Today With Outcast – A New Beginning‘s Demo

VIENNA, Austria & CHARLEROI, BelgiumFeb. 14, 2024 – Today, THQ Nordic invites you to dive into the Outcast – A New Beginning demo, available to download on PC, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. Experience firsthand the thrill of soaring through Adelpha’s skies with your jetpack or confronting giant mechs on the ground. Witness the power of Cutter Slade’s customizable weapons as you find the best way to dismantle the invading robot forces with style.

Get a taste of the action now and decide for yourself if you’re ready to join the resistance when Outcast – A New Beginning launches on March 15, 2024.

Download the Demo: Steam | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X/S

Outcast – A New Beginning is also available to pre-order now! Take the leap through the portal to Adelpha early, and enjoy a 17% pre-order discount on Steam or 15% discount on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S when you secure the game before its release on March 15.

The Collector’s Edition, Outcast – A New Beginning: Adelpha Edition, is also available to pre-order on Amazon now for PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X for $199.99. Outcast – A New Beginning: Adelpha Edition includes a copy of the game, a highly detailed 24cm/9.5inch Sai statue, an exclusive SteelBook, a 3-disk game soundtrack, and a hardcover artbook featuring over 50 pages of concept art from the game.

About Outcast – A New Beginning

Weapon upgrades, aliens and monsters (who can also be predators) – you will find all of this in Appeal Studios’ and THQ Nordic’s upcoming open-world action-adventure Outcast – A New Beginning! Play as Cutter Slade, ex-Navy SEAL, and gain the trust of the local Talans. Engage in guerilla warfare, such as destroying enemy ammo convoys to weaken bases and freely choosing where to launch the next attack, shaping the success of the Talan uprising.

The game will be available March 15, 2024, on PC for $59.99, as well as on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S for $69.99. If you want to learn more about the game, make sure to visit its website, discuss with other fans on Discord, and wishlist on Steam.

About THQ Nordic

THQ Nordic’s official boilerplate can be found on our website: https://www.thqnordic.com/company/about