Today, Xbox announced the return of Developer_Direct on Friday, January 19 at 7:00AM AEDT Developer_Direct will feature an inside look at some of the highly anticipated games coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass.

Fans can tune in on Xbox channels (Twitch & YouTube) and Bethesda channels (Twitch & YouTube) for an in-depth look at upcoming games presented by the game creators themselves. We’ll visit MachineGames in Sweden to check in on Indiana Jones, swing by Obsidian’s Irvine offices to see more from Avowed, head to Oxide Games’ Maryland home to learn about Ara: History Untold, and take a trip to Cambridge, England to see Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II from Ninja Theory. 

Shortly after, ZeniMax Online Studios will host The Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal at 8:00AM AEDT to preview 2024’s biggest update.

Please note that while this show won’t have updates on games from Activision Blizzard, you can look forward to news from those teams later this year.

To learn more, 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 7:00AM AEDT.

Demolish & Build Classic makes its debut on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, offering a simulator experience where players can own a construction and demolition company. In the game, players can destroy various types of structures as well as undertake their building projects. Demolish & Build Classic was previously released on Nintendo Switch and the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S platforms. The release date for this construction simulator on PlayStation consoles is set for January 12th, 2024.

Demolish & Build Classic is a game developed by Demolish Games S.A. and Ultimate Games S.A., the latter also being the publisher of the PlayStation 4 version. Thanks to backward compatibility, the title also works on PlayStation 5. The simulator is based on Demolish & Build 2017 created by Noble Muffins.

Demolish & Build Classic – PlayStation Trailer:

Demolish & Build Classic (PlayStation Store): https://store.playstation.com/concept/10009468/

Demolish & Build Classic (Microsoft Store): https://www.xbox.com/games/store/demolish-build-classic/9nf037sdsggm

Demolish & Build Classic (Nintendo eShop): https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/demolish-and-build-classic-switch/

In Demolish & Build Classic, players run a construction and demolition company. The simulator allows for the destruction of various structures, including wooden huts and large office buildings, featuring a unique destruction system. At the same time, players can also execute their construction projects.

The gameplay in Demolish & Build Classic focuses on completing a variety of tasks. Progress in the game enables, among other things, the purchase of new machines and the implementation of additional upgrades. Importantly, the game creators have prepared a wide range of equipment. The list includes, for example, a bulldozer, crane, road roller, and wheel loader, as well as a variety of specialized tools. The game is further enriched with elements related to equipment maintenance and management of the company’s employees.

The Demolish & Build series will see a brand new installment in the future. For 2024, Demolish Games S.A. plans the release of Demolish & Build 3. The title is expected to first launch on PC, and later also on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

Demolish & Build Classic – main features:

• construction and demolition simulator;
• large machinery and specialized tools;
• investments and construction projects;
• hiring and managing employees;
• advanced destruction system.

The release date for Demolish & Build Classic on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 is set for January 12th, 2024.

London (January 9, 2024) Starting today, the massively popular SPYxFAMILY anime series kicks off a special, limited-time in-game collaboration with Street Fighter™ 6 to commemorate the upcoming release of the feature film SPYxFAMILY CODE: White. The collaboration features amazingly hand-crafted avatar costumes, new avatar customisation options, and more!

For anyone that’s been wanting to hit the streets as Yor and Loid, your dream is now a reality! Players can deck out their avatar with Yor and Loid’s unique hairstyles via the avatar creator or purchase their respective outfits for 500 Drive Tickets each from the Battle Hub Collab Shop. Or if players really want to level up their game, they can enter the codes below in the avatar creation menu to look just like Yor or Loid in-game!

• Yor Avatar Recipe Code: SPY_SF6_YOR
• Loid Avatar Recipe Code: SPY_SF6_LOID

Additionally, all players who log in to the game during the limited time event between January 9 – January 31 will receive special collaborative items like photo frames, stickers and player titles via the “News” in Multi Menu. The Battle Hub will also have a new look to commemorate the collaboration during the event.

To check out the collaboration trailer with Yor and Chun-Li duking it out, please visit YouTube here.

And don’t forget to check out this month’s Fighting Pass – “Capcom Cup Supporter.” The premium version of the pass includes Street Fighter II: The World Warrior playable via the Game Center by achieving a certain tier. We’ll also have special in-game events to celebrate Capcom Cup so stay tuned for more information. Capcom Cup X, taking place in Los Angeles this February, will bring together 48 players who have won their qualifying rounds in various regions around the world, and crown the world champion with a $1 million grand prize!

About Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6, having sold more than two million units since launch, is available now and represents the next evolution of the Street Fighter™ series with a combo of unique fighting game innovations, brimming with content across three brand new game modes – Fighting Ground, World Tour, and Battle Hub. Players around the world can get their hands on all the hard-hitting Street Fighter 6 action now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

About Capcom

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including groundbreaking franchises Resident Evil™, Monster Hunter™, Street Fighter™, Mega Man™, Devil May Cry™ and Ace Attorney™. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Tokyo, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at www.capcom.com  or news.capcomusa.com.

Capcom, and the Capcom logo are registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. in the U.S. or other countries. Ace Attorney, Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Monster Hunter, Resident Evil and Street Fighter are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries, in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

Samsung outlines strategy for using AI technology to make the connected device experience safer, more inclusive, and more energy-efficient

Australia, SYDNEY – Jan. 9, 2024 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today shared its vision for how artificial intelligence (AI) technology can help enable people to experience their devices more intuitively and conveniently than ever before. Presenting these ideas at a press conference at CES® 2024, Samsung teamed up with key partners to outline the technology behind this vision and how new products and services use AI capabilities to help make life easier.

Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Samsung’s Device eXperience (DX) Division, opened the press conference by describing how AI will enable connected technologies to improve people’s daily lives while always remaining nonintrusive and “in the background.” The strategy that he and others outlined focused on the role of AI in enhancing connected experiences that are both simple and useful. Throughout the press conference, Samsung presented a number of products and services that help achieve these aims.

“With the emergence of artificial intelligence, smarter, better experiences will redefine how we live,” Han said. “Samsung’s broad portfolio of powerful devices, along with the pursuit of open collaboration, will help bring AI and hyper-connectivity to all.”

AI-Enabled Visual Display Products and Digital Appliances Bring New Experiences to the Home

During the CES press conference, Jonathan Cabrio, Head of Connected Experience Center at Samsung Electronics America, outlined the ways in which AI technology is transforming how Visual Display products and Digital Appliances are used. For example, Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN900D boasts a built-in AI Processor, NQ8 AI Gen 3, equipped with an 8 times greater AI neural network and a two times faster NPU than its predecessor. Thanks to the NQ8 AI Gen3 processor, Samsung Neo QLED 8K can automatically upscale content to provide users with up to 8K quality viewing experience and sharpens fast-moving images via AI Motion Enhancer Pro[1]. The Samsung Neo QLED 8K also features Active Voice Amplifier Pro, which analyses voice and background noise by AI to optimise your TV listening experience so you can enjoy various content as if you are in the front row of a stadium or movie theater. Samsung Neo QLED 8K also features Tizen OS Home, which offers the latest apps, services, personalized content, and service recommendations to heighten your entertainment experience[2].

As for viewers with different needs, Samsung also provides innovative accessibility features. A sign language feature in Samsung Neo QLED can be easily controlled with gestures for the hearing impaired, and an Audio Subtitle feature turns text subtitles into spoken words in real-time for those with low vision. 

Furthermore, Samsung is introducing the new The Premiere 8K, a projector that features a 150-inch display, and wireless transmission. With The Premiere 8K, users will be able to enjoy a full-scale viewing experience like that of the cinema in the comfort of their own homes.

As for sound, Samsung also introduced Music Frame, a speaker with a customisable cover (sold separately) that can integrate seamlessly into users’ homes. Via Q-Symphony, the Music Frame syncs with compatible Samsung TVs and soundbars, bringing rich bass and surround sound of dual built-in woofers to the home with minimal effort.

Samsung has also made major upgrades to Ballie, the rolling AI robot first introduced at CES 2020. Ballie has now evolved into your AI companion capable of interacting with other smart devices to provide customised services such as taking care of bothersome tasks or projecting images and videos on walls so that users can view key information for their daily lives such as weather or other relevant content wherever they are[3].

To enhance kitchen and food experiences, Samsung is unveiling the Bespoke 4-Door Flex™ Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™+[4] [5]. This refrigerator boasts a 32-inch screen that features the new AI Vision Inside[6], which uses an internal camera to recognise up to 33 different food items that are put into and taken out of the refrigerator and suggests recipes using those ingredients. Users can also set “use by dates” on the Bespoke 4-Door Flex™ Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™ screen for food items, which then allows the refrigerator to send a notification when the set date draws near[7]. By conveniently helping to save money by reducing food waste. The Anyplace Induction range takes AI connectivity a step further, as recipes saved on Samsung Food can be shared to the cooktop’s 7-inch display so that users can easily follow along while cooking[8].

Samsung’s AI technology extends to appliances beyond the kitchen, as well. The new Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ — an All-in-One washer and dryer — features the AI Hub[9][10], which is a 7-inch LCD display that acts as an intuitive control center for managing laundry, allowing users to enjoy a simple washing and drying experience. It can personalise washing and drying by remembering users’ habits and using machine learning to suggest cycles. Meanwhile, Samsung’s upcoming vacuum and mop robot cleaner, the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo™[11], utilises AI technology to provide aconvenient, effective cleaning experience. With AI Object Recognition upgraded from Samsung’s previous robot cleaner lineup, it will be able to distinguish more objects, as well as detect stains and spaces[12]. The Bespoke Jet Bot Combo™ can also recognise the type of floor it encounters — along with carpet length — and adjusts its settings accordingly.

Samsung Reveals Galaxy Book4 as Company’s Most AI-Ready Laptop Series Yet

Samsung has been elevating what a PC can do and has been collaborating with Microsoft to create new, seamless connected experiences. Now, these experiences are being advanced further with new connectivity features that make the Galaxy Book4 series smoother, smarter, and more adaptable, reinforcing Samsung and Microsoft’s commitment to providing the best PC experience possible[13].

Using intelligent, intuitive AI capabilities, Microsoft Copilot[14] connects the Galaxy Book4 series with a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone to make them work seamlessly together, so that it feels like just one device. Microsoft Copilot can find, read or summarise text messages from a user’s Galaxy smartphone and even automatically create and send messages on a user’s behalf directly from the PC. Without having to turn on the smartphone and open each individual app, the Galaxy Book4 series can access smartphone functions and information more quickly and intelligently.

The Galaxy Book4 series can now turn Samsung Galaxy smartphones’ powerful camera into a PC webcam[15], using it for video calls on virtual conferencing apps. Users can switch freely between front and rear cameras with just a click on their PC, and it also offers a variety of features from Galaxy smartphones – including Background Blur and Auto-framing – that help focus on the speaker’s image in any environment.

Through tight, ongoing collaboration between Samsung and Microsoft, more intelligent capabilities will continue to be made possible on the Galaxy Book4 series, with the above connectivity features being available starting from March.

Plus, the Galaxy Book4 series can be paired with other compatible Galaxy devices beyond smartphones. Tab S9 Ultra can be used as an additional PC monitor, and users can enjoy crystal-clear sound quality with low latency when the PC is connected with Galaxy Buds2 Pro. With all these capabilities and more, the Galaxy Book4 series is designed to deliver the best PC experience possible.

Better Connecting Users and Devices through Spatial Intelligence

Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings, highlighted the exciting new ways in which AI technology is impacting the relationship between users and their devices, including Samsung’s vision for SmartThings: The more Samsung devices a customer uses, the smarter those devices become and the better they can understand and support daily life.

Spatial AI is the key to enabling this vision, by helping devices understand the living space and routines of the user, thus enabling a personalised home management experience. SmartThings uses LiDAR[16] on connected devices like robot vacuums to create digital floor plans so users can easily check the status and location of all their devices.  And in March, SmartThings will roll out the upgraded 3D Map View for a more detailed experience on Samsung smartphones and TVs[17]. Furthermore, a simple QR code will allow users to add family and friends to their SmartThings ecosystem, so that every member of the household can create their own routines.

Using smart sensors and AI, SmartThings will be able to detect unusual circumstances, such as a fall, and send alerts to designated family and caregivers[18].  Also, thanks to the Galaxy SmartTag2, users can track their pets’ activities and digitally store contact information by attaching the tag to a collar or harness[19].

Another point EVP Jung discussed was how the Bixby voice assistant is allowing smart homes to become more dynamic with its enhanced AI capabilities. Bixby can now automatically route commands to the most appropriate devices based on an understanding of the user’s location and activities.  Key technologies like Multi Device Wakeup combined with a shared communication protocol, enable Bixby to listen to commands with all the devices in a room but then only perform the requested action on the most relevant device. So if a user is in the kitchen watching a recipe video on their Family Hub™, and they can call out, “Hey, Bixby! Play music!”  At that point, music will play from the user’s smart speaker, but the recipe video will continue to play on the Family Hub™, uninterrupted.

The TV, with the Samsung Daily+ service, will increasingly become a central hub for much of this smart home functionality, while also granting access to a variety of additional services. These include video calls through ConnecTime[20], video veterinary consultation services[21], and Workout Tracker[22] — through which workout data can be transferred to Samsung’s smart watches. Samsung also announced the new Samsung Now+ service[23], which displays useful information about users’ homes, such as the weather or a live security camera feed from a home security system without the TV even being turned on.  As is the case with SmartThings features, users can also access this information via voice command.

Bringing the Home and Car Closer Together With Home-to-Car Capabilities

Samsung also announced developments in the automotive industry, starting with a partnership with Hyundai Motor Group.  Samsung and Hyundai have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which was announced ahead of CES 2024. Under the agreement, users will have access to Home-to-Car and Car-to-Home services[24], courtesy of SmartThings connectivity. Haeyoung Kwon, Head of Infotainment Development Center and SDV[25] Execution Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Group, delivered remarks regarding the partnership.

“Using Hyundai Motor Group’s software-defined vehicle, SmartThings will now work with Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles through the app,” Kwon said. “All of us at Hyundai Motor Group appreciate our partnership with Samsung, and we’re excited about the new features we’re bringing to your vehicles through smarter connectivity.”

Through SmartThings, users will be able to utilise voice commands to remotely perform functions in their car, such as heating it up in advance or opening and closing windows. SmartThings connectivity goes the other way, too, with users able to control home functions from their vehicle. Users will be able to automatically open and close garage doors based on the location of the car, as well as regulate home temperature. All of these actions can be carried out via voice commands.

Additionally, Samsung has further deepened the longstanding partnership with HARMAN to elevate the way users experience driving. Michelle Gattuso, Vice President of Product Management at HARMAN, discussed how the two companies are building new technologies to elevate the driving experience.

“Samsung’s leadership in consumer technology — together with HARMAN’s automotive expertise — has opened the door to game-changing experiences like HARMAN Ready Care, Ready Vision and Ready Display,” Gattuso said. “But now, the work we do with Samsung is getting even more integrated. Samsung and HARMAN are working in lockstep to bring even more impactful experiences to the entire in-cabin ecosystem.”

HARMAN’s Ready Care, which focuses on driver safety, implements deep learning neural networking techniques to monitor the driver’s movement and cognitive alertness, and can provide personalised reminders and alerts. Additionally, Ready Care can now identify whether passengers are adults or children, and adjust airbag deployment settings accordingly.

Furthermore, Ready Vision brings an intuitive display directly to windshields — courtesy of augmented reality — in drivers’ line of sight, right when they need it. For example, drivers have access to a map that updates according to routes in real time, as well as recommendations for the fastest route or where to stop for coffee. Another HARMAN product, Ready Upgrade, allows automakers to frequently update their vehicle’s hardware and software. This keeps vehicles relevant, modern and efficient for longer.

Samsung Focuses on Security and Privacy Across Devices

In this future of AI-enabled, deeply interconnected devices, Samsung recognises that security is paramount. Shin Baik from the Mobile eXperience Security Team discussed the company’s security solutions as a foundation for the hyper-connected era.

One such solution is Samsung Knox Matrix, which will provide end-to-end encryption across many Samsung Galaxy smartphones and smart TVs[26]. The technology will allow devices to monitor each other to identify and isolate security threats. Knox Vault, which helps keep user data safe on some of Samsung’s most popular devices, has been expanded to cover more devices connected by SmartThings, such as Samsung Neo QLED 8K TVs. Additionally, Samsung’s partnerships with major tech companies allow users to experience security in a way that is tailored to their specific needs.

Samsung Makes Strides in Responsible Materials, Energy Management, and Accessibility

Meanwhile, Inhee Chung, Vice President of the Samsung Corporate Sustainability Center, highlighted Samsung’s plans for a more circular economy. Additionally, the company’s Certified ReNewed program — available in the U.S. and select European countries only — offers affordable refurbished phones.

As for the ways Samsung’s technology contributes to sustainability efforts, the company is utilizing AI to help users track the energy usage of their compatible devices through features like SmartThings AI Energy Mode, which can help to automatically optimise energy usage. These features are yet another example of how AI technology can not only make lives easier, but also allow consumers to live in a way that is more responsible.

Thanks to a new collaboration with Tesla, SmartThings Energy is becoming even more useful both inside and outside of the home. The collaboration has integrated SmartThings Energy with Tesla products, including electric vehicles (EVs), the Powerwall home battery, Solar Inverter and Wall Connector EV charging solution.  Another benefit is that SmartThings Energy users can take advantage of the Tesla app’s Powerwall “Storm Watch” function, which flags severe weather through SmartThings not only on the Tesla app, but also on users’ connected Samsung TVs and mobile phones. SmartThings can also help users prepare for power outages by activating AI Energy Mode to extend the usage time of backup energy stored in their Tesla Powerwalls.[27]

Samsung is adding new features to increase device accessibility, such as digital appliances responding to hands-free gestures. Additionally, mobile devices provide auto-generated captions during calls, and TVs and displays offer a new, AI-enabled text-to-speech feature that converts subtitles into spoken audio. To further aid those with low vision, Relumino Together is a new viewing mode on Samsung TVs that enables users of all abilities to watch TV together, with or without visual adjustments. Now, everyone can enjoy home entertainment together at the same time.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

World of Warships is going full steam ahead into 2024 with U.S. Aircraft Carriers coming to Early Access, plenty of in-game events, and the return of Hololive Production

January 9^th, 2024 – Wargaming, the publisher and developer of the leading naval battle MMO World of Warships, is kicking off the New Year with a new line of U.S. Aircraft Carriers in Early Access. The game’s first update of 2024 also sees the continued construction of Italian cruiser Michelangelo in the Dockyard, a new take on Bounty Hunt, and the return of popular Hololive Production collaboration content. As well as a return of Ranked Battles and Brawls.

U.S. Aircraft Carriers land in Early Access

Kicking off Update 13.0 is a new line of U.S. Aircraft Carriers in Early Access, adding three new ships, Tier VI Independence, Tier VIII Yorktown, and Tier X Essex. This range of ships play differently, as they are limited to one standard squadron, the torpedo bombers supplemented with two tactical squadrons consisting of attack and dive bomber aircraft. Starting at Tier VIII, the tactical squadrons are equipped with the new Smoke Curtain Generator consumable, allowing them to bring a new tactical depth in battle.

To mark this new line, a special U.S. Aircraft Carriers event will be taking place. Progressing through 20 levels of daily and weekly missions, players can unlock an array of rewards including commemorative flags, camouflages, and Containers. But it doesn’t end there, as players will have the option to unlock an additional progression line packed with 20 more levels.

Bounty Hunt, Brawls and Battles galore!

The latest iteration of the Bounty Hunt event is set to return to the game from 1 February 2024. Packed with plenty of rewards, four new achievements, major changes, and access to the Star Emissaries collection, this version is not to be missed! Available via random bundles, players can unlock a number of bonuses and Star Emissaries content including two different ships, STAR Kitakaze and STAR Edinburgh, and two Commanders each equipped with 10 skill points.

Update 13.0 welcomes Season 15 and the return of Ranked Battles on 10 January, and three new Brawls commence from 15 January. As always, Brawls will see varying rule sets to challenge the most daring of teams in their pursuit of naval dominance!

For those looking to complete something a bit less combative and a bit more constructive, the building continues at the Sestri Ponente Dockyard, rewarding dedicated players with Tier IX Italian cruiser Michelangelo.

Hololive Production returns to World of Warships

As part of Update 13.0, World of Warships welcomes back Hololive Production to the game with a resale of top content! Popular VTubers such as Shishiro Botan, Moona Hoshinova, Takanashi Kiara, Watson Amelia and more will once again be available as Commanders, ready to lead fleets to victory. Running for two weeks from February 2, 2024, the resale will also include consumable skins, flags, and a camo bundle for Hololive Production fans to enjoy.

An overview video for Update 13.0 can be viewed below. The full patch notes are linked here.

About World of Warships

World of Warships is a free, historical, online combat PC game from Wargaming. With its massive fleet of most iconic war vessels, including five different ship classes and strategically designed environment, World of Warships provides the ultimate naval warfare gaming experience, suitable for everyone. Thanks to its largest collection of historically accurate ships available to play, World of Warships prides itself as a digital ship museum and a focal point for naval history enthusiasts. New thematic content and innovative game modes are being added on a regular basis, providing a diverse and exciting gameplay to its broad player base.

One franchise – multiple platforms

After the successful launch of World of Warships on PC, its unique gameplay and design has been adapted to bring free massive naval battles to other platforms with World of Warships: Legends available on PlayStation and Xbox and World of Warships Blitz on iOS and Android mobile devices. Official website: http://www.worldofwarships.eu

About Wargaming

Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus. Operating since 1998, Wargaming has grown to become one of the leaders in the gaming industry with 16 offices around the world, including studios in Chicago, Prague, Shanghai, Tokyo, Vilnius and Belgrade. Millions of players enjoy Wargaming’s titles across all major gaming platforms. Our flagship products include the free-to-play hits World of Tanks, World of Warships and World of Tanks Blitz.

Official website: wargaming.com

2016 COVER Corp Hololive Production

Hololive Production is a VTuber agency that consists of talent groups such as hololive and HOLOSTARS that focus on live streaming and content creation on platforms such as YouTube. Hololive Production specializes in the utilization of complex 2D and 3D character model designs for live streaming and content creation.

3.5 Million Followers and Counting

Sins of the Flesh, the next free update for cute cult sim Cult of the Lamb, will offer loyal Followers a slew of worldly pleasures across PC, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch on January 16. To celebrate the release, Cult of the Lamb will also be blessed with a 40% discount for one week (Jan 16-23).

In its biggest and most wicked content update yet, the Cult’s tendrils extend even further with a blasphemous beneficence of quests, features, improvements and a deliciously evil new resource that rewards those leaders prepared to yield to the Sins of the Flesh.

The update arrives alongside news that Cult of the Lamb’s flock continues to swell, having now sold over 3.5 million copies since its launch in 2022. Praise the Lamb!
 
Sins and Disciples
New progression systems add more depth and complexity to managing the Cult of the Lamb. By following the sinful path, your followers will delight in gluttonous rituals, vain buildings, and wrathful doctrines. Invite your most loyal Followers to the inner circle of Disciples, a revamped levelling system of Follower progression.
 
Better Cult Life
Shiny poop, baneful brooms, and bigger, better buildings improve busy Cult life. Shiny poops have special effects, like yielding fruitful crops and adding XP to your broom. Levelling up your broom will make chores faster and more effective. To improve automation, there’s also a new tier for the Janitor Station and the Storage Structures so your Followers will take better care of themselves.
 
Ready, Aim, Fire
Blast heretics away with the new Blunderbuss weapon. When loaded, it fires big damage in close quarters to bring a new combat playstyle for your crusades. If you charge it up even more with a heavy attack, you can aim to snipe enemies from long range.
 
Outfits, Options and Offspring!
Each of your cultists can flaunt their Follower fashion at the new Tailor building. Once unlocked, each cultist can wear their own outfit, with 23 different styles to choose from. But your Cult is getting even more unique. When two Followers love each other very much, they might find an egg. Nurture the egg for it to hatch, then care for the offspring until they’re ready to pledge allegiance to your Cult!

For more information, please visit cultofthelamb.com

Call of Duty: Mobile is kickstarting the year with a new story that you have to play to believe with Season 1: Soldier’s Tale. Beginning January 10 at 4pm PT, the world of classic fairytales will be flipped on its head with a host of grim and mysterious operators, weapons and content, including a new Atrium map, and much more.

The Call of Duty: Mobile – Season 1: Soldier’s Tale reveal trailer can be seen below:

Call of Duty: Mobile – Season 1: Soldier’s Tale gives players the opportunity to earn 50 tiers of Battle Pass rewards with a new supply of free and premium content, including operators such as Cipher – Hatter’s Grin, Death Angel Alice – Wonder Lost and Sophia – Blood-Red Hood, as well as the new LW3-Tundra sniper rifle, Weapon Blueprints, Calling Cards, Charms, Call of Duty® Points, and more launching throughout the season!

Prepare for a new spin on the old classics, as we have all the details below for Call of Duty: Mobile – Season 1: Soldier’s Tale to Android and iOS:

• New Map: Atrium – First featured in Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare®, Atrium is a smaller MP map in which players need to navigate its intricate layout and use the terrain to their advantage. Don’t forget to use the open-air balconies above for extra support in battle.

• New Weapon: LW3-Tundra – The LW3-Tundra is a go-to pick for even the most discerning snipers. Take aim and fire across courtyards or keep clear of the action on a balcony while never missing a shot.

Call of Duty: Mobile – Season 1: Soldier’s Tale will also include a variety of updates and improvements to the game on top of new Seasonal Challenges, Draws, a Themed Event, and more, releasing in the store at launch and throughout the season.

For more information about Call of Duty: Mobile – Season 1: Soldier’s Tale, be sure to check out the Call of Duty® Blog: https://www.callofduty.com/blog/2024/01/call-of-duty-mobile-season-1-2024-soldiers-tale-multiplayer-maps-event

Critically Acclaimed MMO Surpasses 30 Million Registered Players; Xbox Open Beta Test and FINAL FANTASY XVI Crossover Timing Revealed

(7^th January, 2024) – During the FINAL FANTASY™ XIV Fan Festival 2024 in Tokyo, SQUARE ENIX® announced that its critically acclaimed MMO FINAL FANTASY XIV Online has reached more than 30 million registered players globally and revealed new information about Dawntrail™, the fifth and latest expansion pack, set to launch in winter 2024.

During the opening keynote, Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida revealed Pictomancer as the second of two new jobs arriving in Dawntrail. Pictomancer is a magical ranged DPS job that works in the medium of mixed aether, wielding a specialized brush to render their imaginings reality. Yoshida also unveiled the female Hrothgar, a new playable race arriving with the launch of the expansion.

The keynote also introduced the full-length trailer for Dawntrail, which can be seen below:

A gameplay trailer featuring the Pictomancer in action can be seen below:

A gameplay trailer showcasing the female Hrothgar can be seen below:

Additionally, the keynote also featured a number of new additions coming in Dawntrail, such as a new city, areas to explore which can be seen in a walkthrough video below and raid series:

• New Job: Pictomancer – Works in the medium of mixed aether, wielding a specialized brush to render their imaginings reality. These creations include not only creatures and weapons, but landscapes as well. As evoking such wonders takes time, the Pictomancer also keeps instant-cast abilities and spells at the ready.
• New Playable Race: Female Hrothgar – The Hrothgar people hail from Ilsabard. A Turali people with shared ancestry, The Xbr’aal, call Yak T’el home. Females number relatively few among the population, but are readily identified by their lithe, muscular forms. Equally distinctive is their predisposition for leadership.
• New City: Solution Nine – A city of towering facades constructed by an entirely different civilization than that of Tuliyollal. A walkthrough video can be seen here: https://youtu.be/riOrSqKzqgM
• New Area: Heritage Found – In this region overflowing with lightning energies, thick thunderclouds blot out the sun, while streaks of purple levin illuminate the land day and night.
• New Raid Series: The Arcadion
• A New Ultimate Raid: Futures Rewritten (Ultimate)
• New dungeons – A walkthrough video featuring some of the new dungeons coming in Dawntrail can be seen here: https://youtu.be/DWCU9pRrfOQ
• Expansive New Lifestyle Content: Cosmic Exploration
• New Field Operations – New field operations akin to “The Forbidden Land, Eureka” and “Save the Queen” will arrive in Dawntrail.
• A New Limited Job: Beastmaster

Revealed at the FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival 2023 in London, a crossover questline with FINAL FANTASY XVI titled “The Path Infernal” is now set to release in early April of this year. A teaser trailer for the crossover questline can be viewed below:

Prior to its official launch in autumn 2024, the Open Beta Test of the Xbox Series X|S version of the game will begin in February, allowing players on the Xbox family of consoles to join the Warriors of Light in Eorzea and beyond!

Releasing on Tuesday 16^th January, Patch 6.55 includes a number of updates, including the continuation of the main scenario in Growing Light – Part 2, the next installment of Somehow Further Hildibrand Adventures and a new trial titled The Gilded Araya as we begin the journey to the release of Dawntrail in Summer 2024.

For a full roundup of announcements, please visit the Dawntrail special site, here: http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/dawntrail/

In addition to these features, the game’s first graphical update for character and world visuals is set to release alongside Dawntrail, including:

• Improvements to screen-wide aesthetic appeal
• Higher resolution textures and shadows
• Improved material qualities

With more than 30 million total registered players, there has never been a better time for newcomers to begin their adventures in the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XIV Online saga. The even further expanded Free Trial now includes all content from A Realm Reborn™, the Heavensward™ expansion and the Stormblood™expansion (and updates through Patch 4.58), including an additional playable race (Au Ra) and five additional playable jobs (Dark Knight, Astrologian, Machinist, Red Mage and Samurai). Free Trial players can enjoy hundreds of hours of award-winning gameplay and story experiences equivalent to three full FINAL FANTASY titles, without limit on playtime. More information can be found at: https://sqex.to/FFXIVFreeTrial

Dawntrail Teaser Site: https://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/dawntrail

Official Player Site, The Lodestone®: https://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone

About Square Enix Ltd.

Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories 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 Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com

LOGO ILLUSTRATION: © YOSHITAKA AMANO

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LOS ANGELES – January 5, 2024 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, released a new game update for The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross (7DS), to celebrate the new year.

The New Year Festival 2024 game update features the following content and themed events:

• New Character: [Era’s End] Demon King Meliodas, the first Starting Grade UR hero,is now available to play.
• New Year Festival 2024 Draw: Enter for a chance to obtain the new UR Grade hero [Era’s End] Demon King Meliodas. Festival heroes such as “The Ruler” Tyrant Demon King, [Cursed Shackles] Purgatory Meliodas are included in the line-up. Additionally players will be given a chance to earn heroes including [Pride of Valhalla] Valkyrie Megellda, [Beach Guardian] Blessing of the Earth Diane at UR 100 Grade. SSR heroes are guaranteed at 300 and 600 mileages while [Era’s End] Demon King Meliodas is guaranteed at 900 mileages.
• 2024 New Year Ultra Rewards Campaign: Check-in the gameand obtain 300 Diamonds and 300 Super Awaken Tokens. Input code “7DSULTRA” in the Official Coupon Page and receive 50 SSR Evolution Pendants.
• New Year 2024 Lucky Raffle Drum Event: Players can obtain more than 1,000 Diamonds by playing the raffle drum.

Additionally, the Demon King Battle – Purgatory is now available for a chance to obtain a Memory Crystal. True Awakening has been added which is a higher level than Super Awakening. Players can reach True Awakening by using Memory Crystal, True Awakening Coin, and Legendary Seal. Chapter 29 and new Holy Relics for Mage of Infinity Merlin and Captain Hawk are available as well.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross translates the storytelling and adventures of [The Seven Deadly Sins] into a highly engaging and entertaining mobile gaming experience. The game features stunning, high-resolution 3D graphics, more than 100 dramatic cutscenes, and is brought to life with the cast of the original Japanese voice actors reprising their characters.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, please visit the game’s official website and Facebook.

Based on the manga “The Seven Deadly Sins” by Nakaba Suzuki originally serialized in the weekly SHONEN MAGAZINE published by Kodansha Ltd.

©Nakaba Suzuki, KODANSHA/The Seven Deadly Sins: Revival of the Commandments Project,MBS. All Rights Reserved.

©Nakaba Suzuki, KODANSHA/The Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon’s Judgement Production Committee, TX

©Netmarble Corp. & Netmarble F&C Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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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, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, and forthcoming PC games like Paragon: The Overprime.

More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.