PlayStation Australia is excited to share a recap of today’s State of Play. The broadcast focused on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the newest instalment in the Final Fantasy VII remake project and one of 2024’s most-anticipated games. The game tells the tale of main protagonist Cloud Strife and his loyal companions who explore a massive world outside Midgar, the city of Mako, as they pursue Sephiroth, one of the most iconic antagonists in video game history. 

Ahead of the full game’s release on February 29, the free demo available now allows players to not only take control of the protagonist, Cloud, but take full control of the legendary swordsman Sephiroth in battle. Players will be able to play as Sephiroth as part of the extended flashback section, as Cloud recalls an earlier mission in his career as a Soldier – the Nibelheim incident. Taking place several years before the events of the game, this will set the stage for several important moments within Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. What’s more, we’re planning to release an update later this month that will allow players to explore part of the Junon region before the release of the full game on February 29. We hope players take this opportunity to venture into the world of Final Fantasy VII!

Today’s State of Play includes a new trailer focusing on the story of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth alongside around 11 minutes of never-before seen gameplay. This footage includes the world premiere of many unseen elements of the game: an overview of the world map, ways to get around the expansive world including a wide range of vehicles and mounts, varied exploration, minigames, and much more.

It’s a must-see, both for those excitedly awaiting Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and those who have yet to dive into the world of Final Fantasy VII.

Watch the new Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – Immersion Trailer here:

Highlights from the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gameplay 

The new gameplay footage showcases the following elements of the game:

The stage for players new adventure: a gigantic world map, connected seamlessly

The stage for the adventure of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a gigantic world map, constructed of several areas seamlessly joined together.

The footage showcases a wide range of ways to get around the expansive map, from Chocobos – that Final Fantasy series mainstay – to buggies and wheelies. Chocobos will be of particular help to Cloud and his companions, since they have different abilities in each area. Some can swim through raging currents, jump over mushroom footholds, or even scale sheer cliffs.

Many points of interests to explore on the world map

In the vast field areas, there are all kinds of points of interest to explore that will call to a player’s sense of adventure. Broadly speaking, the first category is World Intel – where players survey the world, fighting fearsome foes and seeking out various resources or hidden treasures as players go. The second type is odd jobs, which delve deeper into the world and characters. Today, we’ve introduced sanctuaries, which reveal knowledge on this game’s summons, helping Cloud and his companions conquer them to subsequently call on their power in battle.

Unique and colourful minigames scattered throughout different regions of the world

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has a diverse range of minigames all throughout its world. And they’re of an even greater scale than the many minigames in the original Final Fantasy VII! The development team’s recommendation is the card game Queen’s Blood, and players can collect cards from the early part of the game, so players can enjoy thinking up and building a powerful deck that’s unique to each player. Some of the minigames are just as fun to watch as they are to play, so they’re perfect to play when players feel like taking a breather from the main story.

Epic cinematic storytelling with stunning graphics

The emotional storytelling experience has been refined even further in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. The high-quality, rich graphics that use the PlayStation 5 console’s ultra-fast SSD to its fullest can show the subtle nuances of the emotional state of the characters, further elevating the narrative experience and its depiction of Cloud and his companions forging ever-stronger bonds. 

More detailed and nuanced facial animations will lend additional depth to the characters’ journeys, especially as Cloud and his friends face down the destiny that awaits them at their story’s end.

New and improved ways to deepen players relationships with their companions through gameplay

The bonds between the characters established over the course of the story are now important to all aspects of gameplay. Cloud’s relationship with his companions will change according to his actions and dialogue choices, impacting most notably the well-loved date event scene from the original game. In addition to date partners players of the original Final Fantasy VII can expect, the team has prepared some new partners plus an expanded date sequence within the Gold Saucer, so there’s plenty to look forward to. And players increase their party level, which shows the bond between the entire team, characters will be able to achieve their true potential in combat. There are lots of synergy skills that characters with a close relationship can perform, so players can overwhelm foes with their favourite characters and special moves.

The footage from State of Play also reveals plenty of other content that we didn’t cover in the above. We hope players will experience the new and expanded world of Final Fantasy VII in the demo, released today.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth releases Thursday February 29 on PS5. 

To learn more about Final Fantasy VII Rebirth visit the PlayStation Blog. 

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

Square Enix Announces Two-Part Demo, Releases New Trailer and Game Details for Most Anticipated Game of 2024 ​​​​​​​

SYDNEY (Feb. 7, 2024) – Today SQUARE ENIX® released part one of a two-part demo for FINAL FANTASY™ VII REBIRTH, allowing players to experience the opening chapter featured in the most anticipated game of 2024. A second playable section of the upcoming RPG will be available on February 21, giving players the chance to experience a part of the expansive game world ahead of its February 29 launch exclusively on the PlayStation®5 (PS5®) console. The news was revealed during a dedicated Sony Interactive Entertainment’s State of Play broadcast.
 
Download the free FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH demo here.

Watch the FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Final Trailer below:

Watch the 10 minute FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Gameplay Video.

Today’s State of Play broadcast was headlined by the surprise demo release and the State of Play Final Trailer, an enthralling glimpse at the legendary adventure that awaits. In the trailer, witness the party’s pursuit of Sephiroth and the fates they must overcome to save the planet from his machinations. Viewers can see breathtaking landscapes and newly imagined locales like the Temple of the Ancients, myriad minigames like 3D Brawler, Chocobo Racing, and G-Bike, and the return of beloved characters like long-gone SOLDIER hero Zack Fair, the electrifying Turk Reno and Roche, the thrill-seeking SOLDIER 3rd Class. Finally, an exhilarating battle system featuring new Synergy Abilities and the acclaimed combination of real-time action with strategic commands was also featured as part of today’s event.
 
The “Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim” demo features an extended flashback section, as Cloud Strife recalls an earlier mission in his career as a SOLDIER – “the Nibelheim incident.” This mission takes place five years ago prior to the setting of the game. Take control of a younger version of main protagonist Cloud Strife and the legendary Sephiroth as the two SOLDIER heroes investigate the sudden appearance of monsters in the mountains above Cloud’s hometown. When a dark truth comes to light, the course of their lives and the fate of the planet will change forever.
 
After players complete the “Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim” content, the demo will receive an update on February 21, opening another playable section entitled “Dawn of a New Era in Junon.” In this special preview made specifically for the demo, explore a small piece of the massive in-game world around the harbor town of Junon. The Junon area featured in this demo has been altered to make the content more compact, so progress cannot be carried over to the full game. However, fans and newcomers will get a chance to experience new forms of exploration, new synergy attacks and the powerful character bonds expressed through thrilling combat.
 
Players with save data from the demo will receive the Kupo Charm and Survival Set in the full game. These players will also be able to skip past sections covered in the “Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim” demo. Players must ensure their game is fully updated to take advantage of these benefits.
 
The full State of Play presentation contained a wealth of new information and gameplay footage. The game’s distinct yet interconnected regions were displayed on the zoomed-out World Map. Traversal methods like chocobos, the Tiny Bronco plane and the desert buggy will transport players across the world to hidden treasures, mysterious anomalies, Combat Assignments, minigames and side content in the form of Odd Jobs. This content, plus dialogue choices and battles, contribute to the bonds between party members, affecting scenes throughout the game. Watch the full broadcast for details on character skill trees, a soundtrack boasting over 400 tracks, the different features of Graphics Mode and Performance Mode and so much more.
 
Finally, new assets and their corresponding descriptions are available on the press site. See new renders for characters like the wizened sage Geisel Bugenhagen and martial arts mentor Zangan. Catch an early glimpse of tide-turning Synergy Abilities from unique pairings like Cloud and Yuffie or Aerith and Barret. Explore locales like Cosmo Canyon, Costa del Sol and the fateful Shinra Manor. Preview minigames like Galactic Saviors, Jumpfrog, Fort Condor and Dolphin Show. Plus, more iconic artwork from the original FINAL FANTASY VII has been recreated, showing Red XIII moon-gazing alongside a legendary figure and the gruff pilot Cid dreaming of flight from the wing of the Tiny Bronco.

Voted “Most Anticipated” Game of 2024 at The Game Awards, FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is the new story in the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY VII remake project. This standalone adventure set across a vast and vibrant planet sees Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Aerith and Red XIII escape from the dystopian city of Midgar into the wide world beyond. To hunt down Sephiroth, a haunting figure from Cloud’s past bent on ruling the planet, these unlikely heroes join forces with new companions like the spirited ninja operative Yuffie and the wisecracking, feline-shaped robot Cait Sith. Lead these characters into battle to overcome their fates. Explore classic locales reimagined in dazzling detail. Encounter dozens of hours of rewarding side content, Combat Assignments, minigames and rich stories of the planet’s people and cultures.
 
After playing through the demo, players eager for more FINAL FANTASY VII content can download FINAL FANATASY VII EVER CRISIS, the hit mobile RPG that has been downloaded over 7 million times, through the App Store, Google Play, or STEAM for free. In FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS, players will explore key elements of the FINAL FANTASY VII timeline, including the events of the original game and new story elements penned by FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH story and scenario writer Kazushige Nojima surrounding a young hero, Sephiroth, and more.
 
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH follows the first game in the trilogy, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, released in 2020 to universal acclaim from players and critics around the globe. After earning more than 20 perfect scores from media and being selected as a PlayStation® “Editor’s Choice” pick, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE became the highest-selling digital release on the PlayStation® platform in SQUARE ENIX’s history, exceeding more than 7 million shipments and digital sales worldwide since its release.
 
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH will be available for the PS5® console on February 29, 2024. For more information, visit https://ffvii.square-enix-games.com/games/rebirth/.
 
Official Website: https://ffvii.square-enix-games.com/games/rebirth/

About FINAL FANTASY VII

First released in 1997 on the PlayStation® computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY VII celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2022. The game is universally regarded as a hallmark title of the RPG genre. The original title received high praise for its epic storyline, unique characters, and movie sequences that utilized the most cutting-edge technology of the time. Since then, the game has sold over 14.4 million copies worldwide and continues to receive widespread acclaim from critics and fans around the world. The popular game has even expanded into spin-offs, films and merchandise.
 
The first game of the FINAL FANTASY VII remake trilogy project, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, released in 2020, has been praised by both players and critics across the globe, earning more than 20 perfect scores from media, and was selected as a PlayStation® “Editor’s Choice” pick. The game also became the highest-selling digital release on the PlayStation® platform in SQUARE ENIX’s history, exceeding more than 7 million shipments and digital sales worldwide since its release. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, the second game in the trilogy and standalone story, is now in development and will be available worldwide on February 29, 2024, for the PS5®.

About FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS

FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS is a chapter-structured RPG experience that will cover key elements of the FINAL FANTASY VII timeline, including the events of the original game, plus new story elements penned by FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE story and scenario writer Kazushige Nojima surrounding a young hero, Sephiroth. The game is now available through the App Store, Google Play, and STEAM.
 
About Square Enix, Inc.

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

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

© SQUARE ENIX
CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA / ROBERTO FERRARI
LOGO ILLUSTRATION:© YOSHITAKA AMANO

“PlayStation” and “PS5” are registered trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Apple, the Apple logo and App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Sydney, Australia – February 7, 2024: Discover the stunning beauty of New Zealand, from cascading waterfalls to tranquil beaches, as well as its unique and diverse wildlife, including sambar deer and Himalayan tahr in Way of the Hunter’s new DLC Matariki Park – out now! Watch the release trailer here: https://youtu.be/mjDv3Lj-MfY.

In addition, the new Map Pack 2 for Way of the Hunter is also available now. The Map Pack 2 includes the Outfits Pack and two new region DLCs – the first one is Matariki Park (out now!). The second new region DLC will be available later in 2024.

Matariki Park DLC – Overview
Welcome to Matariki! Matariki Park is a world unto itself, featuring lakes, dams, beaches, dense forests, steep hills, hidden caverns, rivers, and rainforests. It offers a vast array of biomes and wildlife, from Feral pigs and goats unique to Way of the Hunter’s New Zealand, to wild ducks and Sika deer. Enjoy seeing all the animals that have been introduced in recent centuries who have made it their new home.

The Matariki Park DLC is available at an SRP of $13.95. The base game is required to play the DLC. Way of the Hunter is available for PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S at $54.95

Way of the Hunter – Map Pack 2
The Way of the Hunter Map Pack 2 includes two new region DLCs. Each new map is 64 square kilometres and comes with new wildlife, story and features. The first new region has already been released: Matariki Park lets you explore New Zealand with a brand new story, many new animal species, and a premium portable stand. The second new region DLC will be released in Summer 2024.

In addition to the 2 new maps, Map Pack 2 will also include an Outfits Pack that brings a fresh look to several of your favourite selectable characters.

About Way of the Hunter:

This authentic hunting experience lets you explore and hunt in large open-world environments in the USA and Europe. Discover true-to-life animals in beautiful natural habitats and handle various detailed and highly realistic weapons. Face the challenges of ethical hunting, supported by a compelling story, or simply enjoy hunting the rich environments freely.

• Hunt like a pro with features that highlight animal signs, blood splatter analysis, and shot review with the rewindable bullet camera
• Dozens of strikingly detailed animal species with realistic behaviour models for a truly immersive hunting experience
• Enjoy your perfect hunting adventure among friends in co-op mode
• Two vast hunting territories with 55 square miles each
• Realistic ballistics and bullet physics simulation
• Sophisticated natural animal animations and reactions when sensing the players presence
• A compelling story about the struggles of a family hunting business, and the rivalry and friendships that surround it
• Complex Trophy system generates unique antlers and horns based on multiple factors like fitness

# # #

Website: http://wayofthehunter.com

About Nine Rocks Games

Nine Rocks Games is a game development studio headquartered in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. “The team consists of veteran game developers with great experience in making successful games, including global hits like DayZ, Soldier of Fortune: Payback, Chaser, or many of the multimillion-selling Cabela’s line of hunting games, including Big Game Hunter and Dangerous Hunts.

Bounty Hunters Prosper from a Range of Bonuses and Rewards in Red Dead Online – Plus, Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Gifts and Special Bonuses

Dispense tough justice and punish dishonorable figures as a licensed Bounty Hunter in Red Dead Online and benefit from boosted pay, rewards, and other bonuses available through March 4.

2X RDO$, Gold, and XP on all Bounties

Bring balance to the scales of justice this month, as all Bounties — Regular, Player, Infamous, and Legendary alike — are paying out 2X RDO$, Gold, and XP to those brave enough to haul targets in dead or alive. Locate the nearest Bounty Board to begin your next pursuit.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Love and romance are hard-won in the pioneering West, and worth celebrating. Play Red Dead Online anytime during the week of Valentine’s Day (February 13 – 19) to receive a gift consisting of three Chocolate Bars, five Fire Arrows, and the red Patterned Bandana.

While you’re at it, help the wealthy Terrence O’Dowd find his kidnapped wife by completing Love and Honor between February 13 and 19 to receive the Outpour Emote.

Dress to impress with returning limited-time Clothing worthy of a swoon, including the Chambliss Corset, Hitched Skirt, Hopeman Vest, and Griffith Chaps, each available to purchase through March 4.

2X RDO$ and XP on Free Roam Missions

Lend a hand to strangers by completing Free Roam Missions anytime this month to collect Double RDO$ and XP through March 4.

2X RDO$ and XP on Day of Reckoning and Manhunt

Join your fellow Bounty Hunters by accepting invites to track down multiple targets in a large area in Manhunt, or apprehend a mass of suspects running amok in town during Day of Reckoning. Both these Bounty Hunter Free Roam Events are dishing out 2X RDO$ and XP to all participants through March 4.

Plus, participate in Day of Reckoning or Manhunt this month to receive an Offer for 40% off a Single Bandolier.

Bounty Hunter Rewards

Comb the frontier hunting for undesirables and reap the benefits through March 4. Play Red Dead Online anytime during this event to receive Minty Big Game and 3 Brookstone Bolas to better capture your targets with. Moving about the map quickly is a breeze as well — all Fast Travel fees are waived.

Prove your worth by reaching Wave 3 in any Call to Arms mode to yield an Offer for 10 Gold Bars off the Prestigious Bounty Hunter License. On the moral flipside, reaching Low Honor anytime during the next month will land you a pair ofblack Woodland Gloves.

Bounty Hunters who complete a Legendary Bounty each week throughout the month will receive the following:

• February 6 – 12: An Offer for 40% off the Fast Travel Post upgrade for your Campsite
• February 13 – 19: A pink pair of Grayshott Pants
• February 20 – 26: A Reward for the North Ridgewood Treasure Map
• February 27 – March 4: A red pair of Darned Stockings

All Offers and Rewards will be delivered within 72 hours of completion.

2X RDO$ and XP on the Featured Series

Shoot, hack, and plunder your way out of tough scenarios in this month’s Featured Series — hardcore versions of various modes designed to push your skill set to the extreme and earn 2X RDO$ and XP for possessing the courage to enter the fray through March 4:

• February 6 – 12: Hardcore Gun Rush Teams
• February 13 – 19: Hardcore Hostile Territory, Plunder, and Shootout
• February 20 – 26: Hardcore Plunder and Spoils of War Series
• February 27 – March 4: Hardcore Make it Count Throwing Knives, Plunder, and Shootout

Free Community-Inspired Outfit

Redditor EinsamerWolf2000 created this month’s Community-Inspired Outfit for Bounty Hunters roving the Plains in search of evildoers. It’s a no-nonsense ensemble that will strike fear into the heart of weaker criminals and the pieces below are all available to claim for free from participating Tailors and the pages of the Wheeler, Rawson & Co. Catalogue through March 4:

• Tiltham Hat
• Ribbon Tie
• Everyday Shirt (Male) or Iniesta Shirtwaist (Female)
• Opulent Vest
• Brakeman Jacket (Male) or Hartell Autumn Jacket (Female)
• Range Gloves
• Cuffed Town Pants
• Hardie Boots

Discounts:

• Bounty Hunter License — 5 Gold Bars off
• Prestigious Bounty Hunter Emotes — 40% off
• Bounty Hunter Role Outfits — 30% off
• Bounty Hunter Wagon and Wagon Tints — 30% off
• Reinforced Lasso — 30% off
• Pamphlets for Split Point Cartridges, Poison Arrow, Poison Throwing Knife — 30% off
• Missouri Fox Trotter Horses — 30% off
• Bolas — 30% off
• Sniper Rifles, Throwing Weapons, and Off-Hand Holsters — 40% off
• Dresses and Chaps — 40% off

In Year 5, Season 3. Hunters Are Now Embedded Within The Division; Massive Health Updates as a Result of Project Resolve

Sydney, Australia – February 7, 2024 – Today, Ubisoft announced the launch of Year 5, Season 3 for Tom Clancy’s The Division 2. Season 3: Vanguard takes Division Agents back to the streets of New York to investigate the disappearance of Agent Kelso. In addition to the new season, players will experience the comprehensive health updates done as the result of Project Resolve.  

Division Agents’ Harsh Reality – After Division Agents brought stability back into the White House, Agent Kelso returned to New York to ensure the Haven settlement was also secure. But while Agents were rescuing the civilians abducted by the Black Tusk, Kelso had gone missing. Meanwhile, The Division now face the harsh reality that Hunters are among them, raising doubt and suspicion in both the White House and Castle settlements. Agents must now find Kelso, but as they retrace her steps, more truths will be uncovered, reopening some old wounds.  

Project Resolve – Starting today, all players will experience the changes made as a result of Project Resolve, a series of health updates for The Division 2, with feedback from the community.  

These changes include: 

• Improved quality: Nearly 2,000 bugs have been fixed – from incorrect world collisions to game breaking gameplay issues. The changes should result in a noticeably increased overall quality. 
• Improved stability and connectivity: Numerous issues that have led to instability, latency, crashes and disconnects are now fixed. 
• Improved performance: Optimizations have been made, resulting in better performances overall for players. 
• PVP combat: Balancing in PVP combat has been improved, removing some of the outlying behaviours and implementing new mechanics to allow for more interesting fights in Conflict and in the Dark Zone. 
• Tinkering screen: Features of Recalibration and Optimization have been combined into one menu called Tinkering. From there, players can tweak the stats of their items on the go without need to go back to a Recalibration Station. 
• Items balancing: A complete balancing pass on all weapons in the game has been done, aiming to bring previously underperforming weapons up to the same level of power as the most popular ones. The two- and three-piece bonuses of most Brand Sets have also been rebalanced.  
• Exotic weapons: Players can now recalibrate the third attribute of every Exotic Weapon (new and existing), allowing for more flexibility, new build options and playstyles. 
• Open World Loot Quality: The quality of loot obtained in all open world chests will now scale with the difficulty settings selected by the player. This should result in overall better-quality loot when roaming the open world. 
• Global Events: Five of the 6 existing Global Events have been adjusted to make them more fun and less punishing. Players will notice a significant boost when using the Global Event modifier correctly and feel less of an impact when used incorrectly. 
• Projects: The rewards of daily and weekly projects have increased, with the aim to make them more prevalent in the day-to-day activities for players.  

The team will stay committed to working on improving the game beyond Year 5 and into Year 6

Premium Offering in Season 3: Vanguard – The evolution of The Division 2 also continues in its premium offerings. 

The Season Pass includes: 

• Free track items: 
• 1 new Brand Set 
• 1 new Gear Set 
• 1 new Exotic Gloves 
• 1 new Exotic Pistol  
• 2 new Named gear pieces 
• 2 new Named weapons 
• 3 new arm patches 
• Premium track items: 
• 9 weapon skins 
• 10 gear dyes  
• 2 new emotes  
• 2 vanity outfits  
• 1 face mask 
• Two Apparel Events 
• VEILED TACTICS will offer fresh new military tactical attire for players, including the introduction of Ghillie Suits to The Division 2. 
• LAST RESORT returns from Year 2 Season 3 ‘Concealed Agenda’, offering Agents another opportunity to gather gear and outfits based on the enemy factions of NYC. 
• In addition, new unique cosmetic bundles will be regularly added to the store … and this time players will be able to obtain the looks of Keener’s squad of rogue agents from Warlords or New York. Each one will be made available as a unique outfit: Dragov, Conley, Kajika, Parnell, and rogue number one – Aaron Keener himself. 

For the latest news on The Division 2 and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com .  

About Tom Clancy’s The Division    

Since the first The Division game launched in 2016, the series has offered a revolutionary experience through multiple games, all offering robust RPG customization with tactical action combat. Upcoming games in the series include The Division Resurgence for mobile and survival-action shooter, The Division Heartland. Fans can sign up for a chance to play The Division Heartland at thedivisionheartland.com, and for a chance to play Resurgence at thedivisionresurgence.com.    

About Ubisoft  

Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed^®, Brawlhalla^®, For Honor^®, Far Cry^®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon^®, Just Dance^®, Rabbids^®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six^®, The Crew^® and Tom Clancy’s The Division^®. Through Ubisoft Connect, players can enjoy an ecosystem of services to enhance their gaming experience, get rewards and connect with friends across platforms. With Ubisoft+, the subscription service, they can access a growing catalog of more than 100 Ubisoft games and DLC. For the 2022–23 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €1.74 billion. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com. 

© 2024 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries. 

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

Week of February 5:

• Anuchard, February 6 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Train Sim World 4, February 7 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Madden NFL 24, February 8 (Console and PC)

Week of February 12:

• Resident Evil 3, February 13 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• A Little To The Left, February 14 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, February 14 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• PlateUp!, February 15, (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Week of February 19:

• Return to Grace, February 20 (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.

An array of Superstars and Legends do battle in the Ambulance Match, Special Guest Referee, Casket Match and more

Today, 2K revealed the electrifying WWE® 2K24 gameplay trailer, offering a first look at hard-hitting gameplay featuring new match types, environments, Superstars, and the 2K Showcase…of the Immortals.

The trailer kicks off with high-impact footage of Roman Reigns and LA Knight competing in the new Ambulance Match, where the goal is to wear an opponent down, put them in the back of the ambulance and battle to close the doors and win the match. Next, a series of sneak peeks at the 2K Showcase… of the Immortals, celebrating 40 years of WrestleMania history, highlights historic moments featuring several of the biggest Superstars and Legends of all time, including Hulk Hogan, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Rhea Ripley, The Ultimate Warrior, Charlotte Flair, John Cena, Triple H, The Undertaker, and more.

A first look at the updated Backstage Brawl arena next reveals new weapons and interactive environments at players’ disposal, including a stop sign, soda machine, trash can, breakable control room glass and more. Footage of The Undertaker taking on Shawn Michaels in the new Casket Match, in which the goal is to place a defeated opponent in the casket and close the lid, is sure to send chills down players’ spines, while the Special Guest Referee Match footage, featuring Randy Orton, Solo Sikoa and Kevin Owens, shows what might happen when a referee has a bone to pick with one of the competitors.

The trailer closes on the reveal of several additional members of the WWE 2K24 roster of 200+ Superstars and Legends, including Seth Rollins, Trish Stratus, Rey Mysterio, The Judgment Day, and the tease of a special guest, soon to be revealed.

Three editions of WWE 2K24 will be available:

• The Deluxe Edition will be available digitally worldwide, and physically in the US and select territories, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024*, and will be available physically for the rest of the world on Friday, March 8, 2024;
• The Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition will be available – in digital format only – worldwide on Tuesday, March 5, 2024;
• The Standard Edition and Standard Cross-Gen Digital Edition will be available worldwide on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Additional information on new match types, 2K Showcase…of the Immortals, roster and more will be shared soon.

For more information on WWE 2K24, visit the game’s official website, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on TikTok, X, Instagram, and subscribe on Twitch and YouTube. Official campaign hashtags #WWE2K24 and #FinishYourStory.

Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*WWE 2K24: Deluxe Edition (Physical) available on March 5, 2024 at select retailers in the US, Canada, UK, Republic of Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. See local retailer store or site for details.

Square Enix’s 4v4 Foam Party Shooter available at No Extra Cost until March 4 for PS+ Subscribers

Season 1 “Starry Pop” kicks off today

SYDNEY (February 7, 2024) – SQUARE ENIX® has released FOAMSTARS™, its new online 4v4 foam party shooter exclusively for PlayStation®5 (PS5®) and PlayStation®4 (PS4®), as a February PlayStation®Plus monthly game. PlayStation Plus subscribers can redeem, download, and play the game starting today at no extra cost until March 4, 2024. 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.

Watch the official FOAMSTARS Launch Trailer below:

Season One Starry Pop

FOAMSTARS kicks off with Season 1, “Starry Pop”, a content-packed foam party that features the following events:

• Ranked Party: Rise in the FOAMSTARS ranks by competing in two limited-time seasonal events, the solo player-based Ranked Party Lonestar and team-based Ranked Party Tribe-Vibe.
• Extreme Party: Challenge players in two special themed modes; the All Mel T Party – where every player battles it out as Mel T, and the Invisible Party, where everyone is invisible.
• Happy FriYAY Party: A weekend-only party event with no winners or losers, just the opportunity to try-out next season’s FOAMSTAR, Coiff Guy.

FOAMSTARS’ Seasons

FOAMSTARS will receive free themed seasonal updates over the span of one year. A season lasts approximately five weeks and brings a new character and a selection of maps, events, and cosmetics. Each season includes a new Season Pass, testing players to progress through the tiers by earning experience points (XP) through gameplay such as battles, missions, and challenges to unlock various rewards. All players will immediately gain access to the new modes and maps to ensure they are always part of the FOAMSTARS party, while also having the opportunity to unlock the new characters by progressing through ranks and achieving challenges. A Premium Season Pass is available for purchase at £4.99, which allows players to immediately unlock new Season Pass characters and earn additional season-specific cosmetics.

FOAMSTARS will be available to purchase from March 5, 2024, via the PlayStation® Store, and requires a PlayStation Plus subscription.

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

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.

About Square Enix, Inc. 

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

© SQUARE ENIX “PlayStation”, “PS5”, and “PS4” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Absolutely Games’ upcoming WWII strategy title heads to PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S later this year, with preorders live today.

Tuesday, 6^th January 2024 – Absolutely Games and Team17 Digital have today announced that the standard and deluxe editions of Classified: France ‘44, the WWII-based strategy epic coming to PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S, will launch on 5^th March. An Overlord edition will also be available across all platforms, allowing players to jump into battle 5 days early on 29^th February.

Arming players for victory, the Deluxe and Overlord editions of Classified: France ’44 come fully equipped for war. Available to preorder for £39.99/$39.99/€39.99, the Deluxe edition includes the base game and the first DLC, while the Overlord Edition, available to preorder for £49.99/$49.99/€49.99, includes the base game and the full season pass¹, granting players access to all four upcoming DLC’s. The standard edition is available to preorder for £34.99/$34.99/€34.99.

Preorders for all three editions of Classified: France ’44 are now live and will grant players access to the Resistance Pack at launch, with the content varying slightly depending on the platform. Preorders on Steam will be granted access to the “Shadow” and “Ghost” sets, PlayStation 5 will receive the “Blue” and “Cobalt” sets, and Xbox Series X|S will get the “Green” and “Forest” sets.

Classified: France ‘44 is an original take on turn-based tactics that authentically captures the challenges of World War II firefights. Set deep in the heart of Nazi-occupied France, take charge of the Jedburghs: a group of special forces working with the Resistance. Use an extensive RPG system to build a team of skilled soldiers and experience history first-hand as you fight to define the success of D-Day.

¹ The season pass for Classified: France ’44 can also be purchased separately for £19.99/$19.99/€19.99, and the individual DLC packs 1-4 can be purchased for £5.99/$5.99/€5.99 each.

Key Features

• Unique morale system: Every shot counts. Even if it misses, fire wears down enemy forces’ morale and can turn the tide in the heat of battle
• Tactical stealth action: Infiltrate enemy positions; set up ambushes, and choose your overwatch targets wisely. Friendly fire can shape the battlefield, so position your squad and pick your marks carefully
• Engaging and replayable campaign: Define the success of the historic ‘D-Day’ battle with a replayable campaign with 15 different endings. Form a specialist team, court the Resistance factions and aid them in building their strength, and make decisions that lead to game-changing outcomes.
• Historically authentic gameplay: Mirroring real-world military tactics, missions are a thrilling, varied experience. Use your tactical toolbox of stealth, ambush, morale and flanking to outwit the enemy and aid the Resistance.
• The Classified System: Built on the ‘Classified System’ players can access in-game tools to create their own missions to share with the community.

For more information on Classified: France ’44, visit the official website, like the game on Facebook, and follow it on X.

About Absolutely Games

Formed in late-2019 by industry veterans, each with over 25 years’ experience, Absolutely Games is set to be a new powerhouse of strategy and tactical video games. Consisting of 27 talented developers and with a focus on a strong vision, culture, and belief in excellence, the studio prides itself on developing evolutionary, high-quality gaming experiences for PC and consoles. Its first title will be Classified: France ’44, a historical strategy experience set in the run up to D-Day, coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S consoles in early 2024.

About Team17 Digital

Founded in 1990, Team17 Digital is a leading developer, video games label, and creative partner for developers around the world. Part of Team17 Group plc, which floated on AIM in 2018, Team17 Digital has an extensive portfolio of over 120 titles, and fully encapsulates the spirit of independent games. Winner of the ‘Publishing Star’ award at the 2023 Develop: Star Awards, Team17 Digital has assembled a portfolio of multi-award-winning and award-nominated in-house brands include Hell Let Loose, Golf With Your Friends, The Escapists, and the iconic Worms franchise, alongside its games label partner titles, including the award-winning games Blasphemous, Greak: Memories of Azur, DREDGE, and the Overcooked! franchise.

“PlayStation” and “PS5” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

Embark on a thrilling journey through the dizzying obstacles of Limbo

PARIS – Feb. 6, 2024 – Get ready for an explosive adventure as Focus Entertainment and Mundfish celebrate the release of Atomic Heart’s highly anticipated second DLC, “Trapped in Limbo.” This captivating expansion is available now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, free for owners of the Atomic Pass. This newest DLC plunges gamers back into the mad and colorful world of Limbo, promising new bizarre gameplay, enemies, and exciting revelations. To celebrate the release, players can save up to 50% off on all of Atomic Heart’s editions and the Atomic Pass on Steam. Get a glimpse into the heart-pounding action and Limbo-flavored challenges that await in today’s new “Trapped in Limbo” launch trailer.

Dive Into the Mind-Bending Story of “Trapped in Limbo”

The rules have changed. “Trapped in Limbo” picks up right where the main game ends, exploring a different ending from the first “Annihilation Instinct” DLC. Venture into new sections of the twisted Limbo world, brimming with fan-favorite challenges with a unique Limbo flavor. With the help of the Twin’s essence, formerly P-3’s wife, you’ll take on dizzying obstacles, unravel the secrets of P-3’s past and the enigmatic world of Limbo, and engage in a true combat extravaganza with uniquely designed opponents and weapons.

Players will experience the contrast of Atomic Heart’s worlds with unconventional mechanics crafted to blow them away. As you navigate Limbo, you’ll collect apples to unlock skills and weapons, along with gold coins to access up to seven unique skins for use in the main campaign. The fate of Major P-3 lies within the depths of Limbo, and it’s up to you to rise to the challenge, surviving in a world with inverted logic to free P-3’s mind from his demons.

Atomic Heart’s Original Soundtrack Adds an Explosive Vol.4!

The “Trapped in Limbo” DLC release also marks the addition of the game’s fourth album to its original soundtrack, which is available for free for all current owners! New dynamic and atmospheric tracks from this latest DLC will help players to immerse themselves back into the strange and stunning world of Limbo any time they want! Atomic Heart OST Vol.4 is also available now on all relevant digital platforms.

“Trapped in Limbo” is now available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. It is included in the Atomic Pass, as well as the Gold and Premium Editions, and also available as a standalone purchase.