Fresh new IP bursts into action with over-the-top ‘80s inspired debut trailer

Cambridge, 17th January 2024 – PlayFusion, the Cambridge based entertainment studio founded by former Jagex leadership and veteran RuneScape developers, with a neon-drenched, explosive AAA vision, is proud to announce its new hectic creation with the world with a squad-based, a tactical 3v3⁴ PVP shooter Ascendant Infinity, the world’s first ever “Adaption Shooter”.   

Ascendant Infinity sends players to a retro sci-fi playground with an irreverent ‘80s tone. Against this backdrop, it’s time to truly ‘Play your way’. From in-the-moment tactical decisions to the virtually limitless customisation options thanks to the fully modular weapons system, every game session is a fresh adventure. 

Watch the Trailer on YouTube below:

Ascendant Infinity is set in a dynamically-changing, biopunk-infused world, wrapped up in a playful ‘80s vibe. 

Newly defrosted following a thousand years on ice, players find themselves in a world where everything seemingly wants them dead five minutes ago. They survived a catastrophic event known as ‘The Cascade’ thanks to some rather clever advanced bioengineering designed to ‘fix everything’ whilst they chilled out. The result – a chaotic highly evolved world filled with exciting  nature, creatures & a rag-tag bunch of thawed-out, hardware-packing survivors, and simply not enough to go around for everyone.

With competitive matches taking place on the dynamically-changing map where no two encounters are ever the same, four teams of three race to extract precious resources. As the bullets fly and the mutated wildlife causes trouble, players must embrace the tactical chaos to survive. Set up ambushes, rush headlong into battle, or hang back and perhaps call in an airstrike or flood the tunnels with toxic gas – you’re the boss!

“Over the past 4 years, our passionate team have worked tirelessly to bring our vision for Ascendant Infinity to reality, we have so much exciting stuff lined up for our players that it will blow their minds,” said Mark Gerhard, Founder and CEO of PlayFusion, “We wanted to create a fresh, new premium PC action game that we want to play, leveraging the very best from the games that we have created in the past whilst leveraging a new game engine, Unreal 5.3, new game mechanics, to create a spiritual successor to some of the leading shooters with a strong focus on competitive integrity, deep character and weapon customisation, and to bring lots of fun to a typically serious genre. This is the tip of the iceberg, stay tuned for lots of super cool updates.”

Key Features of Ascendant Infinity:

• Team Battles – Take your squad into battle against three other teams in a dynamic and chaotic firefight, as you seek to be the first team to get in, grab the loot, and get back out again – hopefully in one piece.
• Dynamic Firefights – No two battles are ever the same, thanks to the shifting environment, ever-changing enemy tactics and player triggered events. 
• Rich Customisation – Player choice is king in Ascendant Infinity. From getting the perfect neon-coloured ‘80s outfit, to engineering an explosive sniper rifle, or loading up your favourite weapon with an incendiary effect, there are literally thousands of customisation options waiting to be discovered.
• Persistent Lobby – Nobody likes waiting! A persistent social lobby, designed with players in mind, provides plenty of fun before the bullets start flying. A wide range of different experiences await, complete with leaderboards and speed challenges. Or hang out and make new friends before heading out into the thick of battle – this is your space to do whatever you want with.

Ascendant Infinity is available to wishlist on Steam and Epic Store right now. Find out more on the game’s official Discord and dont forget to sign up for exclusive benefits and closed beta access at www.ascendant.com.

About PlayFusion:

PlayFusion is a Cambridge, England-based, multi-award winning, independent employee-owned game developer and publisher. The core team of which has been working together for nearly two decades. Our team’s previous credits include RuneScape, Sniper Elite, Goldeneye 007: All Points Bulletin, Star Citizen and many other cool games. 

Our team is dedicated to innovation, pushing the boundaries of technology, gaming and entertainment, thereby making the world a happier and more interesting place.

Sydney, Australia – 17^th January 2023 – Warner Bros. Games and DC today unveiled the gameplay launch trailer for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,the upcoming third-person action-shooter by Rocksteady Studios.

The all-new trailer features gameplay footage of Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark in action as they dive headfirst into the chaos engulfing Metropolis to face off against Brainiac’s ever-growing forces. The video also provides a glimpse at the epic battles players will engage in against Green Lantern, The Flash, and other enemies as the Squad take on the impossible mission of defeating the world’s greatest DC Super Heroes, the Justice League.  

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will be available worldwide on Feb. 2, 2024. Players who pre-order the Deluxe Edition will receive up to 72-hour early access to the game starting on Jan. 30, 2024.

To view and share the official Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Official Launch Trailer, visit: Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League – Official Gameplay Launch Trailer – “Do the Impossible”

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is an original genre-defying third-person action-shooter developed by Rocksteady Studios, creators of the best-selling Batman: Arkham series. Play as Harley Quinn (a.k.a. Dr. Harleen Quinzel), Deadshot (a.k.a. Floyd Lawton), Captain Boomerang (a.k.a. Digger Harkness) and King Shark (a.k.a. Nanaue) and embark on an impossible mission through Metropolis to save Earth and take down the world’s greatest DC Super Heroes, the Justice League. 

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will be available worldwide on Feb. 2, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). The Epic Games Store (PC) version be available on March 5, 2024. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League can be pre-ordered now on all launch platforms. To learn more, visit SuicideSquadGame.com or join the community conversation on Instagram (SuicideSquadRS), YouTube (SuicideSquadRS), Twitch (Rocksteady), Facebook (SuicideSquadRocksteady), Twitter (SuicideSquadRS), and Discord (SuicideSquadRS).

To find out how Amanda Waller recruited the members of the Suicide Squad for this dangerous mission, check out Suicide Squad: Kill Arkham Asylum, the official prequel comic book series for the game. Available for pre-order now, and on sale at participating comic book shops and e-tailers on Feb. 6, 2024, each print version of the five-issue monthly series includes a free code that can be redeemed for a digital in-game item. For more information on Suicide: Kill Arkham Asylum, check out the preview of the debut issue at the official DC website. Paid Annual and Ultra tier subscribers to the DC UNIVERSE INFINITE digital subscription service (DCUI) are also eligible to receive a free code with each digital issue of the series; for more information on DCUI, visit the website at www.dcuniverseinfinte.com. DCUI is not available in all countries and is not intended for children.

Today, via Xbox Wire, Xbox shared tune-in details for Developer_Direct 2024 which will air Friday, January 19 at 7:00 a.m. AEDT/9:00 a.m. NZDT on the official Xbox and Bethesda channels below:

• YouTube.com/Xbox
• YouTube.com/Bethesda
• Twitch.tv/Xbox
• Twitch.tv/XboxASL
• Twitch.tv/Bethesda
• Facebook.com/Xbox

The show will also be streamed simultaneously on regional Xbox and Bethesda channels around the globe, as well as on Steam. It will also air on China’s Bilibili platform on Friday, January 19.

ICYMI, Developer_Direct will feature an in-depth look at upcoming Xbox titles from the developers themselves including the Indiana Jones game, Avowed, Ara: History Untold, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.

January 19 will be a big day for the Xbox family, with two other livestreams taking place. Blizzard will host a Diablo IV Developer Update Livestream at 4:00 a.m. AEST / 6:00 a.m. NZDT. Shortly after Developer_Direct, ZeniMax Online Studios will host The Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal at 8:00 a.m. AEST / 10 a.m. NZDTto preview 2024’s biggest update.

As a reminder, Developer_Direct will not contain new details on upcoming Activision Blizzard games.

To learn more, including co-streaming details, check out Xbox Wire. Please let me know if you have any questions and stay tuned for more during Developer_Direct on Friday, January 19 at 7:00 a.m. AEDT/9:00 a.m. NZDT.

Bandai Namco Europe and world-renowned Advertising agency BETC worked together to produce “Get Ready for the Next Battle”, a brand-new live-action trailer for TEKKEN 8.

Watch the trailer below:

The movie revealed today features several high-profile guests, such as Hafthor Bjornsson and well-known TEKKEN players from around the world:

• Arslan Ash, Pakistan, 4 times TEKKEN world champion
• Gen1us, France, Pro TEKKEN player, TV Host and streamer
• KingJae, UK, Pro TEKKEN player and streamer
• Sephiblack, Germany, Pro TEKKEN player and streamer

This live-action trailer, directed by Lukas TIELKE, focuses on some of the core values that TEKKEN 8 represents, and the specific thrill and excitement people feel right before a fight or a competition. This spectacular trailer showcases how the thrill of a fight can gather people of all ages, nationalities, backgrounds, both newcomers and professional players with a viral effect. The same way TEKKEN has been bringing players together for 30 years now, with the desire to compete, fight and have fun.

The campaign will be featured on various social media platforms, as well as TV, Cinema, Display out of Home and more.

TEKKEN 8 will launch on January 26^th 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, using the power of this generation of consoles to offer a visually stunning experience along with a vision promoting aggressiveness and spectacular battle action. To discover the game, a free demo is also available on these platforms.

For more information onTEKKEN 8 and other products from Bandai Namco Europe, please visit: www.bandainamcoent.eu. Follow us on X at: https://twitter.com/TEKKEN.

About Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S.

Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. is a leading global publisher and developer of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC.

Bandai Namco Europe is producing intellectual property for a global audience, and is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, PARK BEYOND™, and the upcoming UNKNOWN 9™ Awakening – developed by the recently acquired Reflector Entertainment based in Montreal, QC.

Bandai Namco Europe serves as the Headquarters of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. for mainland Europe, which is known for creating and publishing many of the Toy & Entertainment industry’s top franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TAMAGOTCHI™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, DARK SOULS™ and the recently released ELDEN RING™.

For more information please visit www.bandainamcoent.eu

ABOUT BETC PARIS

BETC Paris, an advertising agency created in 1994, believes in the power of creativity to drive business results. With culture running as a thread through its DNA, BETC creates new synergies and produces its own content in the fields of music, film, art, publishing and design

In 2021, BETC won the Film Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions festival for Lacoste ending a thirty-year drought for France in the most prestigious category. In 2023, BETC was named among the Contagious Pioneers by the prestigious trade publication Contagious, the only French agency among the selection. Also in 2023, BETC was ranked n°3 in the world and the only French agency in the WARC Top Agencies, which ranks the most awarded creative agencies.

BETC began a new chapter by moving in 2016 to Les Magasins Généraux, a building turned into a creative workspace of the future. It is now home to BETC’s 1,100 employees, cultural and business partners, a contemporary art centre and artists-in-residence.

Press Release © 2024 Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S.

All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Overnight, Xbox announced several new titles coming to Xbox Game Pass on console, PC and cloud beginning today including:

Week of January 15: 

• Those Who Remain, January 16 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Turnip Boy Robs a Bank, January 18 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• F1 23, January 18 (Console and PC) 
• Palworld, January 19 (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Week of January 22: 

• Go Mecha Ball, January 25 (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Week of January 29: 

• Brotato, January 30 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Persona 3 Reload, February 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Week of February 5: 

• Anuchard, February 6 (Cloud, Console, and PC)

For more details on the new games joining Xbox Game Pass this month, available Perks and Quest updates, check out Xbox Wire here.

All PlayStation Plus Members Can Redeem, Download, and Play at No Extra Cost from February 6 to March 4, 2024.

FOAMSTARS to Introduce Free Updates Over the Span of One Year withOptional Premium Season Pass also Available. More revealed on Modes, Foamstar and Squad Missions, and Challenges

SYDNEY (January 17, 2024) – SQUARE ENIX® has announced that FOAMSTARS™, its new online 4v4 foam party shooter exclusively for PlayStation®5 (PS5®) and PlayStation®4 (PS4®), will launch globally on February 6, 2024. To bring the foam party to as many players as possible, FOAMSTARS is included in the PlayStation® Plus monthly game line-up from launch to March 4, 2024, giving all subscribers the chance to redeem, download, and play at no extra cost. Players who redeem during this period will keep the game in their PlayStation Plus library and be able to continue to play for as long as they have an ongoing subscription. Beginning on March 5, 2024, FOAMSTARS will be available for purchase via the PlayStation® Store and requires a PlayStation Plus subscription.

FOAMSTARS will receive free themed seasonal updates over the span of one year. Seasons present players with an array of new experiences, including cosmetics, playable characters, maps, and game modes. Each season will come with an optional Premium Season Pass for an additional fee. Those who purchase the Premium Season Pass will immediately unlock Season Pass characters and can earn additional season-specific cosmetics.  

Three PvP multiplayer gameplay modes will be available at launch, including Smash the Star, Happy Bath Survival, and the newly revealed Rubber Duck Party. Each mode has three maps expertly designed to intensify the gameplay experience and deliver original, fun, and strategic experiences with every match. As an added challenge, maps are randomized for matchmaking to keep everyone on their toes.

In addition, Foamstar and Squad Missions introduce solo and team based PvE experiences, where players are tasked with protecting Bath Vegas from a series of randomized encounters. Missions give players the opportunity to learn about the FOAMSTARS athletes, hone skills, and play with friends, helping everyone to feel prepped and ready to foam in the competitive PvP matches.

Lastly, FOAMSTARS will contain numerous in-game Challenges that yield exciting rewards, such as a new playable character, or hefty experience bonuses for Season Pass progress, to those who complete the varied in-game foamy tasks.

The official FOAMSTARS Release Date Announce trailer below

About FOAMSTARS:

FOAMSTARS is a vibrant, over-the-top shooter, that is accessible to players of all skill levels. It combines the fun of partying with the thrill of combat where players blast through matches using foam to attack, build and defend. Taking control of a quirky and colorful ensemble of athletes, players are dropped into the eccentric city of Bath Vegas to compete in FOAMSMASH. Created as a casual yet competitive experience for everyone, FOAMSTARS features a combination of PvP and PvE modes for up to eight players, either as four vs. four, solo, or co-op as a Squad with three teammates.

Each Season Pass challenges players to progress through tiers which is achieved by earning XP from PvP battling, completing Missions, or completing Challenges. With each tier unlocked, players are rewarded with items to enhance the FOAMSTARS experience. All players will get access to new characters, modes, and maps, to ensure they are always part of the FOAMSTARS’ party. Those who purchase the Premium Season Pass will immediately unlock Season Pass characters, as well as earn additional season-specific cosmetics.

At launch there will be three PvP game modes, Foamstar and Squad PvE Missions, and a range of Anytime, Limited-Time, and Weekly Challenges. Six characters are immediately available. Mel T is unlockable as a season pass achievement, while The Baristador is unlockable as an Anytime Challenge reward. Every character will have extensive customization options, from Character Skins to Digital Stickers, to Slide Boards and Foam Gun Skins. Players can even decorate the lobby with furnishings to reflect their FOAMSTARS style.

The new game mode unveiled today, Rubber Duck Party, is a foam party like no other. Teams must race to the center of the stage and fight for possession of the rubber duck. Climbing aboard will advance the duck towards the opposition’s goal to win the match. Additionally, players can dance on top of the rubber duck for a burst of movement.

Foamstar and Squad Missions are solo and co-op PvE gameplay modes where players must protect Bath Vegas from an onslaught of Bubble Beasties in a series of randomized wave attacks. In Squad Missions, players will be able to strengthen the FOAMSTARS through upgrades received upon clearing a wave. Additionally, players can clear challenges and gain additional experience to progress faster through the Season Pass by playing Missions.

FOAMSTARS is rated PEGI 12 | PG. An internet connection is required to play FOAMSTARS. PS Plus is an ongoing subscription with a recurring fee. Age restrictions and terms apply. For the latest FOAMSTARS assets, please visit the press site: https://press.uk.square-enix.com/FOAMSTARS

For more information on latest news and updates, please visit the official website and follow FOAMSTARS social media channels.

Official Website: https://foamstars.square-enix-games.com/en-us/

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 

Physical Edition & Collector’s Edition to feature high-quality collectibles for fans

Boulder, Colo. (Jan. 16, 2024) – Indie retail gurus Serenity Forge (Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!) and spell-casting developers at Softstar Entertainment today announced that the award-winning Chinese RPG series Xuan Yuan Swordwill be coming to North American retail shelves in Q4 of this year with Xuan Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains for Nintendo Switch with two high-quality editions, a Physical Edition and a Collector’s Edition which will both feature unique collectibles. Both the Physical and Collector’s Editions are available to pre-order now from the Serenity Forge online store and Video Games Plus stores in Canada and the US. Please note that the Collector’s Edition will only be available through these platforms. The two editions will come to Europe at a later date.

Xuan Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains, one of the Twin Swords of Softstar, is a classic turn-based RPG with hand-painted 2D sprites where the powers of the Eastern and Western worlds must unite to challenge the dark lord who tears at the seams of civilization. Take the role of Septem, a heroic knight, and lead your party to victory by capturing your enemies to strategically fuse them into new items and monsters for future battles. Set off on a journey spanning Eurasia, Arabia, Francia and China in pursuit of the Invincible Arts of War.

The Physical Edition of Xuan Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains ($39.99) features:

• Chipboard Standee (Featuring adorable versions of Septem and Nicole, perfect to display next to your video game collection)
• Soundtrack Download Card (Featuring stunningly drawn art of Nicole)

Xuan Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond the Mountains’ Collector’s Edition ($79.99) features all of the above extras plus:

• Wall Scroll (Featuring Septem and Nicole in a classic handpainted style)
• Original Soundtrack CD (Packaged in a colorful jewel case)
• Traditional Resin Tea Pet (An adorable kitten clad in gold perfect for any tea-related occasion)
• Gorgeous Collector’s Box

Stay in the loop on all things Serenity Forge by visiting the team’s website and Twitter page. 

# # #

About Softstar Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

Softstar Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. is a leading brand for PC games for the Chinese market and has created Sword & Fairy and Richman as the top renowned Chinese-speaking game IPs. It is also the very first Chinese game provider to invest in the development of spin-off products & services, presented in such diverse media as TV dramas, novels, comics, and physical games, so as to satisfy all the entertainment demands of its numerous and wide-ranging consumers. Up to date, Softstar owns a fan base of 500 million people in Greater China, as well as fan clubs across the whole China; its domestic and international business partners span across North East Asia, South East Asia, North America and Europe.

About Serenity Forge

Based in Boulder, Colorado, video game development and publishing studio Serenity Forge prides themselves on the care and dedication they put into their work, creating meaningful games that challenge the way you think. Firm believers in the artistic, cultural, and educational power of video games, Serenity Forge aims to craft unique interactive experiences to broaden players’ horizons and expand their perspectives.

Learn more at https://serenityforge.com.

Players can enjoy a slice of the action ahead of DLC vol.1 “Record’s Fragment: Keian Command Championship” – releasing in February 2024.

Hertfordshire, 16^th January 2024 — Today, KOEI TECMO Europe and developer Omega Force, alongside collaborators TYPE-MOON and Aniplex Inc., announce that a free demo version has been released for Fate/Samurai Remnant, their latest action RPG, on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™, and PC Windows via Steam®.

Discover the trailer of Fate/Samurai Remnant DEMO on YouTube below:

In Fate/Samurai Remnant DEMO, players will be able to take part in the beginning of the Holy Grail War set in Edo Period Japan. Starting from the encounter between the protagonist, Miyamoto Iori, and his Servant, Saber, until their first battle against Rider and Lancer, this demo version showcases thrilling action and exploration of the town of Asakusa. Both Fate fans and those who are new to the franchise can enjoy the game. Save data from Fate/Samurai Remnant DEMO can be carried over to the full version*.

In addition, the DLC vol.1, “Record’s Fragment: Keian Command Championship“, will be released in February 2024. In this DLC, the boss of Babyloni-ya summons Masters and Servants to a mysterious arena, where he suddenly announces the commencement of the Keian Command Championship without giving much explanation. What is his intention? The mysterious tournament is now about to begin!

Fate/Samurai Remnant is available to purchase in both Standard and Digital Deluxe editions. The Digital Deluxe Edition features the base game, a digital artbook and soundtrack, the Fate/Samurai Remnant Season Pass, and the Season Pass Bonus item “Hallowed Relic Sword Mountings”.

For more information on Fate/Samurai Remnant, be sure to visit the official site, Like us on Facebook, Join us on the KOEI TECMO Europe Discord server, and Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. * Please check the official website for more details.

ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI TECMO’s best known for their signature ‘one versus thousands’ Warriors series, the fan-favourite Ninja Gaiden and fighting entertainment title Dead or Alive. Through collaboration with strong existing franchises, such as A.O.T. Wings of Freedom (Attack on Titan), has brought fan-favourite shows to life in video game form. The company’s desire for innovation and diversity has seen the creation of the critically acclaimed dark-samurai action title Nioh, which takes on new and unique gameplay styles. The company’s acquisition of GUST, developer of a variety of heart-warming titles, has seen their flagship Atelier series span generations of consoles and fans alike. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com

©KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. All rights reserved. Omega Force is a trademark of KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. The KT logo is a trademark of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

©TYPE-MOON/KOEI TECMO GAMES All rights reserved.

Production Cooperation Aniplex Inc. “PlayStation”, “PS5”, and “PS4” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.

©2024 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

First phase of Anichess offers fresh take on a classic with free single-player chess puzzle game; second phase will add player-versus-player in Q1 2024

16 January 2024 – Animoca Brands announced today the first phase launch of Anichess, a free-to-play chess strategy video game developed in partnership with Chess.com and five-time World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen. Anichess offers players a new version of the beloved classic game and is available completely free of charge at www.anichess.com (requires a web browser or mobile-compatible web browser).

Anichess is a spellbinding strategy game that combines the core rules of chess with a rich, captivating story and new gameplay elements including magic spell mechanics for a range of offensive, defensive and counter tactics. In the first phase of launch, Anichess features player-versus-environment (PvE) gameplay, while the second phase of the launch will introduce player-versus-player (PvP) later in Q1 2024.

Magnus Carlsen, co-founder of Play Magnus Group, Grandmaster and five-time World Chess Champion

Watch the trailer for the Anichess’ PvE mode below:

Anichess preserves the core ethos of chess, demanding of its players the same understanding of strategic planning, probability, and psychology required in the classic game, while also introducing an innovative spell mechanism that adds an entirely new strategic layer. Players of all skill levels, including beginners, can enjoy this new evolution of chess enriched by new strategic depth, tactical magic, and expansive lore.

In its current first phase of launch, Anichess immerses players in a solo adventure in which they must use unique magical spells (e.g. transforming any non-royal piece into a knight) to solve daily chess puzzles. By completing these daily challenges, players can collect Orbs of Power game assets that provide in-game utility, such as unlocking new challenge puzzles that offer greater rewards.

The goal of Anichess is to deliver an experience that makes chess more engaging and accessible to all. By working closely with partner chess Grandmasters and game designers, Anichess seeks not only to cater to a large global community of chess enthusiasts, but also to widen the chess horizon and tap into new audiences, including those who enjoy strategy games but do not play chess regularly.

In addition to Magnus Carlsen, Anichess has assembled an elite roster of chess talent, including Anish Giri, the Dutch Grandmaster and world’s number 7; David Howell, the English Grandmaster, commentator and world number 56; David Antón Guijarro, the Spanish Grandmaster and world number 58; Sopiko Guramishvili, the Georgian-Dutch International Master, Woman Grandmaster, acclaimed author; and others.

Commenting on the launch of the first phase of Anichess, Magnus Carlsen said: “I am excited that Anichess is bringing innovation to chess with spells and strategy gaming elements that provide a refreshing chess experience.”

Yat Siu, the co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, commented: “Anichess revolutionizes the classic royal game by fusing traditional strategy and gameplay with the innovative elements of spellcasting, a fantasy storyline, and Web3 functionality. We are thrilled to partner with Chess.com and to have Magnus Carlsen and other impressive chess talent with us as we pioneer this new dimension of chess.”

Anichess can be played completely free of charge right now at www.anichess.com. Follow Anichess on X (Twitter) and join its Discord server to stay updated on future developments.

# # #

About Anichess

Anichess is a subsidiary of Animoca Brands focused on developing and advancing decentralized chess through its distinctive spell-chess gameplay. Anichess brings new energy and innovation to one of the world’s oldest and most widely played games, modernizing and tokenizing it to take advantage of opportunities presented by Web3 technologies and communities. Anichess is a completely free-to-play game that combines the core values of traditional chess with an additional layer of strategy provided by new features that include an innovative spell mechanic and special challenges. Anichess boasts a strong focus on powerful visuals and skill-based gameplay to deliver a captivating, esport-like experience for fans of chess and novices alike.

For more information visit https://www.anichess.com.

About Animoca Brands

Animoca Brands, a Deloitte Tech Fast winner, a Fortune Crypto 40 company, and one of the Financial Times’ High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2023, is a Web3 leader that leverages blockchain to deliver digital property rights to consumers around the world to help to establish the open metaverse. The company develops and publishes a broad portfolio of products including original games such as The Sandbox, PHANTOM GALAXIES™, Life Beyond, and Crazy Defense Heroes, and products utilizing popular intellectual properties from the worlds of sports and entertainment, such as The Walking Dead, Power Rangers, MotoGP™, and Formula E. It has multiple subsidiaries, including The Sandbox, Blowfish Studios, Quidd, GAMEE, nWay, Pixowl, Forj, Lympo, Animoca Brands Japan, Grease Monkey Games, Eden Games, Darewise Entertainment, Notre Game, TinyTap, Be., PIXELYNX, WePlay Media, Gryfyn, Azarus, and Anichess. Animoca Brands is one of the most active investors in Web3, with a portfolio of over 400 Web3 investments, both directly and through Animoca Ventures, including Yuga Labs, Axie Infinity, Polygon, Consensys, Fireblocks, OpenSea, Dapper Labs, Yield Guild Games, and many more.