In just two weeks, CD PROJEKT RED will release Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The game brings the full story of a merc named V, combining Cyberpunk 2077 and its spy-thriller expansion Phantom Liberty, as well as Update 2.0, and will be available digitally and physically in select markets starting December 5th.

Snapshot:

• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition combines every story of the dark future in one ultimate package, featuring the talents of Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand and Idris Elba as Solomon Reed.
• The game will be available to purchase digitally and as a physical box — marking the first physical edition of Cyberpunk 2077 for next-gen consoles.
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition releases December 5th for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is an open-world RPG containing two powerful adventures: the base game of Cyberpunk 2077, taking place in the dark future of Night City, and Phantom Liberty, a spy-thriller story set in the walled-off district of Dogtown. Players take on the role of V, a cyber-enhanced mercenary, and embark on a fight for survival filled with story-defining decisions, action-packed gameplay, and unforgettable characters, including rockerboy Johnny Silverhand (played by Keanu Reeves) and FIA sleeper agent Solomon Reed (played by Idris Elba).

This new release is the perfect way to experience every story of the dark future; it also contains the free Update 2.0, which overhauled many of the game’s systems, introducing dynamic skill trees, high-octane vehicle combat, and enhanced enemy and police AI — as well as adding new weapons, vehicles, and clothes. The release is bolstered with a set of previously released digital goodies available as part of the “My Rewards” program, available to all who register.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will be available for purchase digitally on December 5th. The physical version’s release is planned to start on December 5th in select markets through local distributors.

More information about Cyberpunk 2077, its spy-thriller expansion Phantom Liberty, Update 2.0, and the upcoming Ultimate Edition can be found on the official game website, Facebook, and X.

About CD PROJEKT RED

CD PROJEKT RED is a game development studio founded in 2002. It develops and publishes video games for PCs and video game consoles. The studio’s flagship titles include the futuristic RPG Cyberpunk 2077, its spy-thriller expansion Phantom Liberty, and The Witcher series of games, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and its two expansions. In collaboration with Studio Trigger, CD PROJEKT RED also created the award-winning Netflix anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, set in the same universe as the game. Other games developed by the studio include Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales and GWENT: The Witcher Card Game. Together with GOG.COM, a game store offering hand-picked titles for PC and Mac, CD PROJEKT RED is part of the CD PROJEKT Group. CD PROJEKT S.A. is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (ISIN: PLOPTTC00011).

About Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 is a narrative-driven, open-world RPG set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour, and body modification. The game tells the multilayered, mature story of cyber-enhanced mercenary V. Players are faced with choices and consequences as they customize their character and playstyle, take on jobs, and build their reputation. The game has sold over 25 million copies and won over 200 awards, and is also the inspiration for the award-winning Netflix anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, created by CD PROJEKT RED in collaboration with Studio Trigger. Its spy-thriller expansion Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty was released on September 26, 2023. Cyberpunk 2077 is set in the universe of the classic pen & paper RPG system, Cyberpunk 2020.

Tilt into Terror with Pinball M, Releasing on November 30 Final Table Reveal: The THING Pinball – Zen Studios Reveals a Chilling Final Addition to the Upcoming M-rated Pinball Experience

SAN FRANCISCO – Nov. 20, 2023 – Can you trust anyone, even yourself? Fans will find out soon, as Zen Studios’ new pinball experience, Pinball M, releases for consoles and PC on November 30. Zen Studios, in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, has revealed The THING Pinball as the final table in the hard-hitting launch lineup for Pinball M. In an immersive and suspenseful experience, The THING Pinball table follows the plot of Universal Pictures’ thrilling 1982 cult-classic film. Players will immerse themselves in a thrilling and suspenseful world inspired by the film and use their pinball skills to battle against the shape-shifting alien set in the arctic tundra of U.S. Outpost #31.

The chilling table features include:

• Players will be challenged to survive the vicious attack of the Dog-Thing by shooting its tentacles.
• It’s Bennings! Players will not only be able to watch him transform but then torch what he becomes.
• Players will collect blood samples and shoot the reagent cartridge to reveal the impostor.
• We found something in the ice! Players will lock, then bust open the balls for BURIED IN ICE multi-ball.
• Players will rig their own TNT to blow up the base and The Thing in a wild Wizard Mode.

“The THING Pinball is an authentic homage to the 1982 film, and features original clips from the film itself,” said Mel Kirk, COO of Zen Studios. “It gives long-time horror fans a go-to table in Pinball M, and completes our extraordinary line-up for launch.”

Joining an already illustrious launch library with Chucky’s Killer Pinball, Dead by Daylight™ Pinball, Duke Nukem’s: Big Shot Pinball, and Zen’s own creation: Wrath of the Elder Gods: Director’s Cut, The THING Pinball will hit Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and the Epic Games Store on November 30.

For more information and updates, visit zenstudios.com.

About Zen Studios

Zen Studios is a leading global producer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for all major digital game platforms. Recognized as one of the premier gaming studios in the world, Zen has worked with some of the most iconic entertainment studios, including Lucasfilm, Marvel Entertainment, NBC Universal, and FOX Digital Entertainment.

Zen’s Pinball FX franchise has defined video game pinball excellence since 2007, and critically acclaimed titles like Circus Electrique and Operencia: The Stolen Sun have proven their devotion to creating captivating RPGs. Zen Studios joined Saber Interactive in November 2020. For more information on Zen’s library of titles, visit zenstudios.com

About The THING

Horror-meister John Carpenter (Halloween, Escape from New York) teams Kurt Russell’s outstanding performance with incredible visuals to build this chilling version of the classic The Thing. In the winter of 1982, a twelve-man research team at a remote Antarctic research station discovers an alien buried in the snow for over 100,000 years. Once unfrozen, the form-changing alien wreaks havoc, creates terror and becomes one of them.

About Universal Products & Experiences

Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal’s iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on the company’s extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products, as well as engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and third party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E’s lines of business include Consumer Products and Games, along with Theme Parks Merchandise & Retail. UP&E is a division of Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. More information is available at universalproductsexperiences.com.

About Embracer Group

Embracer Group is a global Group of creative and entrepreneurial businesses in PC, console, mobile and board games and other related media. The Group has an extensive catalog of over 900 owned or controlled franchises.

With its head office based in Karlstad, Sweden, Embracer Group has a global presence through its twelve operative groups: THQ Nordic, PLAION, Coffee Stain, Amplifier Game Invest, Saber Interactive, DECA Games, Gearbox Entertainment, Easybrain, Asmodee, Dark Horse, Embracer Freemode and Crystal Dynamics – Eidos. The Group has 135 internal game development studios and is engaging more than 15,500 employees in more than 40 countries.

Embracer Group’s shares are publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker EMBRAC B.

Subscribe to press releases and financial information: https://embracer.com/investors/subscription

Second OWO Collaboration with Ubisoft to be Natively Compatible in Season 2 of This Highly Popular Racing Franchise This Year

Spanish game tech innovator OWO announces the OWO Haptic Gaming System – The Crew Motorfest Edition which intends to provide an enhanced gaming experience with Ubisoft’s acclaimed racing franchise.

As of Season 2 of the game, this edition will include the beta implementation of OWO’s haptic sensations, enhancing the gameplay of Ubisoft’s The Crew Motorfest. This beta implementation will continue to evolve in following seasons so players will be immersed in a world of high-speed racing like never before. The haptic system will deliver realistic sensations, allowing players to feel every turn, acceleration, and impact, putting them right in the driver’s seat. As they navigate through thrilling racing adventures, the OWO haptic system will provide an unprecedented level of interaction, bringing the game to life.

This exclusive edition will include an amazing new OWO Skin that represents the bold unique designs of the The Crew Motorfest brand, becoming the perfect outfit to experience the raw power and precision engineered into every curve. Sensations will be available for Windows PC and consoles (PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series S|X, and Xbox One). Ubisoft Ivory Tower and OWO are working diligently to ensure the game delivers the most interactive and engaging experience possible.

“Ubisoft Ivory Tower is excited to work with OWO and offer players an enhanced gaming experience with The Crew Motorfest,” said Paul Narducci, Gameplay Director at Ubisoft. “The integration of OWO’s haptic system adds a new dimension to the game, elevating the racing experience and captivating players with a level of realism that truly sets this special edition apart. We can’t wait for players to embark on thrilling racing adventures with the power of OWO.”

“We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with Ubisoft and introduce OWO The Crew Motorfest Edition, “states  Jose Fuertes, Founder and CEO at OWO. “With our advanced haptic gaming system, players will feel the adrenaline rush and excitement of The Crew Motorfest like never before. Having this game in our portfolio is a source of pride, and we are excited for players to experience the game in an entirely new way. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to revolutionize gaming experiences and deliver unmatched immersion to gamers worldwide.”

OWO Haptic Gaming System – The Crew Motorfest Edition is now available for pre-order on OWO’s official website. Gamers who buy this edition of the acclaimed OWO Technology will also receive a digital copy of the game or Year 1 Season Pass on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One or Windows PC.

# # #

ABOUT OWO

Created in 2019, OWO is a global leader in the new generation haptic sector thanks to its patented system composed of My OWO App, OWO Skin and its Sensation Technology. Through real physical sensations, OWO’s professionals encourage change and evolution in new fields such as Entertainment, Gaming, Metaverse, Smart Cities and Health, among others. OWO’s wireless system is designed to be used in single or multiplayer and is compatible with all platforms: mobile, tablet, console, PC and VR. With this cutting-edge technology, OWO adds the sense of touch to the virtual world.
More than seeing, more than hearing, #FeelTheGame.

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 €1,739 million.

To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.

© 2023 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Assassin’s Creed, Ubisoft, and the Ubisoft logo are registered or unregistered trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the US and/or other countries.

ABOUT THE CREW MOTORFEST

Developed by Ubisoft Ivory Tower, a studio based in Lyon, France, The Crew™ Motorfest lets players fulfill the driving bucket list of their dreams in one of the most exhilarating and vibrant open worlds ever created. Motorfest is a car-culture infused festival organized in one of the world’s most breathtaking locations: O‘ahu, one of the main islands of the Hawaiian archipelago. On their own or with friends, players can explore this galvanizing tropical playground behind the wheel of hundreds of the most legendary vehicles ever built. At every corner of the island, the festival offers infinite opportunities for pure fun, all forms of driving challenges, and invites them to explore incredible landscapes: from big city streets to volcano slopes, lush rainforests, idyllic beaches… They are free to follow the roads or forge their own path!

Players will need to defend Fort Forinthry as the Necromancy Season continues 

Thursday, 20 November 2023, Cambridge, UK. Launching today in RuneScape is Vorkath: Battle of Forinthry, a multi-phase boss battle and the latest update for the fantasy MMORPG’s Necromancy season.  

Players will need to prepare their forces in the Battle of Forinthry quest with the help of the iconic RuneScape hero, the Raptor. Then they’ll defend Fort Forinthry in a multi-phase boss battle against the newly arisen Vorkath and his master Zemouregal.  With scaling difficulty and rewards, players can experience Vorkath: Battle of Forinthry either as part of a group or solo earning a earn variety of rewards including the coveted new Elite Dracolich gear completed with powerful infusions. 

In addition to the new quest and boss battle, players will also be able to unlock the Vorkath Death Guard and Lantern cosmetics overrides by completing tasks for the draconic professor Mr Mordaut during the Vorkath Hunt event. 

Necromancy is a stand-alone combat skill launched in August alongside a huge expansion which included a new hub area, nine brand new quests and two deadly boss fights. Necromancy   

is free for players up to level 20 and will scale to level 120 for RuneScape Members.  
 
For more information, please visit the RuneScape website.   

RuneScape is available now on PC, Steam, iOS, and Android, complete with cross-platform progression and play on PC and mobile.   

About RuneScape    
Celebrating more than twenty years of adventures and acclaimed by PC Gamer as “one of the most endearing and unique MMOs available”, RuneScape is an ever-expanding, community-driven game that’s bursting with activity and life. Today RuneScape is one of the world’s longest-running online games, with over 300 million player accounts.  

Set in a medieval fantasy land, players embark on epic journeys through a vast sandbox world that’s full of gods, warring races, unexplored dungeons, and glittering riches. Propelled by the game’s narrative, choose your own path through enthralling quests, and progress through 28 diverse skills to shape a single character in a classless world. RuneScape is available across PC, iOS and Android devices.  
  
About Jagex    
A leader in creating deep and engaging forever games that empower our communities across PC, mobile and consoles. Jagex’s flagship MMORPG, RuneScape, has welcomed over 300 million player accounts to its world and is a $1billion + lifetime revenue franchise. Today the RuneScape franchise exists beyond live operations; our titles are forever games that connect and inspire millions of players, with content and experiences both inside and outside of inexhaustible game worlds. Both RuneScape and Old School RuneScape, on PC and mobile, offer ever-evolving, highly active worlds and our community-focussed development ethos empowers players to have a real say in how each game is shaped.  
  
in 2022, Jagex expanded with the acquisitions of PipeWorks and Gamepires, bringing its expertise in building forever games to SCUM, a multi-million selling open-world survival title in Steam Early Access & other unannounced titles. Jagex employs more than 600 people globally, and is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom.   

Hinwil, 20 November 2023 – Alfa Romeo F1 Team KICK Esports will be bringing performance to the next level thanks to high-tech, advanced athletic gear, as the team launches a partnership with technology-led sportswear brand, X-BIONIC.

Combining cutting-edge technology with innovative fabrics, X-BIONIC are pioneers of performance tech clothing, aiming to empower athletes to excel in any competitive field. Developed in Switzerland and crafted in Italy, X-BIONIC’s sportswear is more than just apparel; by harnessing each athlete’s own physical potential, it amplifies their athletic achievement, leading them towards peak performance.

Much like Alfa Romeo F1 Team KICK Esports, every detail matters to X-BIONIC: premium materials, patented technologies and intelligent function zones turn every garment into a technological piece that adapts to the unique demands of elite athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.

The new race collection includes baselayer shirts and trousers featuring patented X-BIONIC technologies such as PartialKompression, providing optimal ventilation and stimulation to muscle groups to maintain a fast reaction time. Furthermore, ClimateControl shirts and trousers will help keep the drivers’ core body temperature at the optimal 37° Celsius for highest performance.  

Alfa Romeo F1 Team KICK Esports drivers Brendon Leigh, Thomas Ronhaar, and Matthijs van Erven will be gearing up with X-BIONIC’s exclusively designed team kit as they get ready to battle for the 2023/2024 F1 Esports Pro Championship crown.
 
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Team Representative: “We are pleased to welcome X-BIONIC to Alfa Romeo F1 Team KICK Esports, and we are looking forward to working together on a quest towards peak performance. Just like us, X-BIONIC pays great attention to detail, an essential characteristic that brings our fields closer to each other. Thanks to their highly innovative garments, which redefine the standard for functional clothing, our Esports athletes will see their physical potential amplified, as they prepare to fight for wins in the 2023/2024 F1 Esports Pro Championship.” 

Maximilian Lenk, CEO of X-BIONIC: “We are absolutely honoured to partner with Sauber Esports and Alfa Romeo F1 Team KICK Esports as they look to energize their championship ambitions within the F1 Esports Pro Championship. We have already proven to be the choice of champions within various sports and are now excited for our innovative technologies to provide a competitive edge within Esports and support the team on their quest to win. This partnership opens up a whole new field for our company, and we’re certain we could not have picked a better partner on this journey.”

About Sauber Group of Companies:

The Sauber Group of Companies is composed of two operational entities: Sauber Motorsport AG, which operates and manages its Formula OneTM team; and Sauber Technologies AG, which focuses on third-party business in the areas of advanced engineering, prototype development and additive manufacturing, in addition to full and model-scale testing in the factory’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel and ground-breaking innovation in the field of aerodynamics. The companies collaborate closely and share know-how to apply the expertise of more than 550 dedicated individuals at the headquarter in Hinwil, Switzerland, to all internal and external projects.

The Sauber Group puts sustainability at the heart of its mission; its business, operating under the ISO 14001 environmental management standard, has been carbon neutral since 2011 and the company has achieved the Three-Star level in the FIA Environmental Accreditation Framework.

Since its founding in 1970, the innovative Swiss company has been setting standards in the design, development and construction of race cars for various championship series, such as Formula One, DTM, and WEC. Following its own Formula One debut in 1993, Sauber Motorsport AG has established one of the few traditional and privately held teams in the sport. A member of the exclusive club of teams which competed in more than 500 F1 races, it celebrated 30 years in the sport in 2022 and continues to go from strength to strength on and off the track.

Virtual Reality Specialists Join Rapidly Growing Gaming Group to Strengthen Grip on VR and Mixed Reality Games Space

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Aonic has today completed the acquisition of nDreams, the world’s biggest VR game developer and publisher, for a total enterprise value close to $110 million.

Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Aonic is a group of global gaming companies with diverse specialisms. The group, which includes the likes of Warren Spector’s OtherSide Entertainment, Milky Tea, Exmox and TutoTOONS, invested an initial $35 million in nDreams in March 2022 and received a minority stake.

This cash injection precipitated an incredibly fruitful period for nDreams, during which the team has more than doubled in size to 250 people. Internally-developed titles such as The Game Awards-nominated Synapse and Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord have been released, while investments in third-party publishing have powered the chart-topping launch of PowerWash Simulator VR and the enduring success of Little Cities. nDreams even made its own debut acquisition with VR/AR experts Near Light joining in December 2022.

Aonic is on a rapid path to becoming the next global gaming powerhouse and has built a decentralised and collaborative structure in which its family of mid-sized studios can thrive. This includes plenty of opportunities for knowledge and resource sharing among specialised teams. Having spent more than a decade at the forefront of VR gaming, nDreams brings unrivalled expertise in XR technologies and markets for fellow Aonic studios to tap into.

Meanwhile, nDreams will continue its trajectory under familiar leadership, with co-founders Patrick and Tamsin O’Luanaigh (Chief Executive Officer and Chief People Officer respectively) remaining in their positions alongside the rest of the company’s executive team. Its core focus will remain unchanged, while benefiting from a stable and supportive environment to continue growing. The investment will facilitate nDreams’ future investments in third-party publishing and, potentially, more studio acquisitions.

“We set up nDreams in 2006, pivoted to focus exclusively on VR games in 2013, and we’re proud of everything we’ve achieved as an independent company,” said Patrick O’Luanaigh, CEO of nDreams. “After 18 months of working together, we’re confident we’ve found the right partner in Aonic. This is the right moment to welcome their support to strengthen our position even further, and seize this critical moment for VR and MR.”

“nDreams has done an unparalleled job bringing some of the biggest VR titles to market, and it was a natural fit for us to welcome them to the Aonic family and provide our studios with the best team when it comes to the VR/MR gaming space,” said Paul Schempp, CEO of Aonic. “This acquisition is yet another example of Aonic’s commitment to championing mid-sized studios and creating an environment where teams can create fantastic games.”

More exciting projects are being worked on across all of nDreams’ four development studios, not to mention partnering third-party developers, with exciting announcements lined up for 2024 and beyond.

About nDreams:

nDreams is the world’s biggest and most experienced VR game developer and publisher. Headquartered in Farnborough, UK, it is the studio behind groundbreaking titles including Synapse, Phantom: Covert Ops, Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, Far Cry: Dive Into Insanity, and Fracked. nDreams also boasts a dedicated and extremely experienced publishing team to partner with the industry’s brightest developers on projects ranging from the critically-acclaimed Little Cities to PowerWash Simulator VR.

Fully dedicated to VR games since 2013, no publisher has greater virtual reality experience and specialism. nDreams is now comprised of 250 people across four development teams, with two fully-remote studios – Elevation and Orbital – joining the original nDreams Studio and the Brighton-based Near Light to cover the whole spectrum of VR gaming.

Multiple exciting, unannounced titles are in development, with more to be revealed soon.

About Aonic:

Aonic is a diversified video gaming group with the ambition to become the next gaming powerhouse. From the outset, Aonic was created to fill a clear gap in our industry: to build a truly supportive home for high quality, mid-sized teams.

With a focus on proven yet highly dynamic entrepreneurs and creative innovators, Aonic’s end goal is to craft fantastic games and ever-improving services that translate into high organic growth.

Aonic is not a portfolio of studios, but a platform of like-minded enthusiasts. To supercharge growth, Aonic runs a clearly defined hybrid operating model with a belief in decentral empowerment to foster creativity. Unlocking synergies between companies with this collaborative infrastructure and cross-team collaboration is a key aim. 

Check out our review for Persona 5 Tactica here!

Sydney, Australia – 20^th November 2023: ATLUS has launched their tactical RPG Persona 5 Tactica for Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. Persona 5 Tactica marks the first strategy game in the Persona series and an exciting return to the world of Persona 5!

Watch the Persona 5 Tactica launch trailer here

After a strange incident, the Phantom Thieves wander into a bizarre realm where its citizens are living under tyrannical oppression. Surrounded by a military group named Legionnaires, they find themselves in grave danger until a mysterious revolutionary named Erina rescues them and offers an enticing deal in exchange for their help. What truth lies behind Erina and the deal she offers to the Phantom Thieves?

Overthrow your enemies and fight corruption with powerful Personas with an assortment of weapons, and wipe them out with style in this fresh new tactical RPG from the award-winning Persona 5 game.

About ATLUS

ATLUS delivers unforgettable, story-driven gameplay experiences to enthusiastic and dedicated fans around the globe. Established in 1986, ATLUS features a portfolio of beloved and long running game series including PERSONA™, which has sold over 16.8 million units worldwide, and the legendary SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI™. ATLUS games are published in the west by SEGA of America, Inc. with its principal office in Irvine, California. Learn more about ATLUS at www.atlus.com.

About SEGA of America, Inc.

SEGA of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA CORPORATION, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment. Established in 1986, SEGA of America publishes innovative interactive entertainment experiences for console, PC, mobile and emerging platforms. In 2020, SEGA ranked #1 among Metacritic’s Annual Game Publisher Rankings. Its globally beloved franchises include Sonic the Hedgehog™, Like a Dragon™, Virtua Fighter™, Super Monkey Ball™, and Phantasy Star Online™, along with ATLUS’ Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series. Since its debut more than three decades ago, Sonic has become a pop culture icon featured in dozens of games, TV series, and movies. SEGA of America has offices in Irvine and Burbank, California. Visit www.sega.com.

PlayStation Australia is excited to announce The Last of Us Part II Remastered, the definitive way to experience the acclaimed The Last of Us sequel originally released in 2020. Players can jump into Ellie and Abby’s emotional journeys on the PlayStation 5 console on January 19, 2024.

Whether you have already played and even platinumed The Last of Us Part II on the PlayStation 4 console or have recently played The Last of Us Part I on PS5 and want to continue the story, Part II Remastered will offer plenty of reasons for new and returning players to revisit. The engrossing campaign returns alongside technological improvements, new modes, and new behind-the-scenes features that will deepen players’ understanding of Part II’s creation. But before we break down what’s in store, take a look at our announcement trailer below:

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is designed to let players dig deeper into both its development and mechanics. Chief among these is a brand-new mode called No Return, a roguelike survival mode designed to let players prove their mettle in randomised encounters and experience The Last of Us Part II’s combat in a fresh experience.

The mode includes a host of playable characters to choose from – some playable for the first time in The Last of Us franchise (which players may have spotted in the trailer) – who each come with their own traits to suit different playstyles. Players will chart their own course on each run, choosing between various stealth and combat encounters that will pit players against a range of enemies, with unique twists that can add new, unexpected factors to any given encounter.

Each run will offer a new chance to decide what rewards you get after each encounter, how you spec out your character, and more. Unlock more characters, skins, and more as players progress to use in the mode, customise your own runs, and compete on a global leaderboard as part of a Daily Run**. We’re excited to share more about No Return as we get closer to launch.

For those who have already played The Last of Us Part II, the included sections featuring a playable guitar were a favourite for many. A new Guitar Free Play mode has been introduced, which will let players strum the strings across a host of unlockable instruments, use audio FX pedals to modulate your performance, and play as different characters in several in-game locations to customise the mood and feel of the set.

And for both new and returning players interested in learning more, Part II Remastered offers a comprehensive dive behind-the-scenes of how the Naughty Dog studio brought this game to life. A new set of Lost Levels in Part II Remastered allow players a unique chance to check out some playable sequences previously cut from the game. These aren’t fully finished levels, but rather early-development slices that not only let players see some new glimpses of Part II’s world, but also include embedded developer commentary to give them richer context. Explore these spaces and hear directly from the team about the intention of aspects of each level – this is a unique inclusion for the Naughty Dog studio and will allow players a glimpse into the creative process.

Included is also a newly recorded director’s commentary across the campaign’s cutscenes from director Neil Druckmann, narrative lead Halley Gross, and actors Troy Baker, Ashley Johnson, and Laura Bailey. They assembled to offer insight into the story and its characters that mean so much to both the Naughty Dog team and fans.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered will feature enhanced graphics, including native 4K output* in Fidelity Mode, 1440p upscaled to 4K* in Performance Mode, an Unlocked Framerate option for TVs that support VRR, increased texture resolution, increased Level-of-Detail distances, improved shadow quality, animation sampling rate, and more. It all brings the world of Part II’s story to life in richer and smoother detail, from the snow-swept mountains of Jackson, Wyoming to the rainy cityscape of Seattle, Washington, and should make a first visit or a return trip to the complex journeys of Ellie and Abby all the more engrossing.

Part II Remastered takes advantage of the PS5’s power and features in more ways as well, including improved loading times. Part II Remastered also incorporates DualSense wireless controller haptic feedback and adaptive triggers integration to better immerse you in every moment of combat and exploration.

We’ve ensured Part II’s award-winning suite of accessibility options returns for the PS5 experience, alongside new additions like the inclusion of Descriptive Audio and Speech to Vibrations, which uses the DualSense controller to indicate character speech and cadence. The unlockable Speedrun Mode, included in The Last of Us Part I, will also be coming to Part II Remastered, allowing players to post their best times. Following The Last of Us Part I, The Last of Us Part II Remastered includes the ability to unlock bonus skins for Ellie, Abby, and their weapons that we’re excited for players to see and take some incredible Photo Mode shots with. Players can get a first look at some in our announcement trailer. Naughty Dog has also made some additions that players of The Last of Us Part I may be familiar with, including dynamic lighting, Frame Forward, and Gaze Direction, as well as new frame and logo options.

And good news for existing owners of The Last of Us Part II on PlayStation 4! Players will be able to upgrade to a digital version of The Last of Us Part II Remastered for $20 AUD*** at launch****. You will also be able to import your saves from the original game to Part II Remastered.

We’re excited to share more with the community about The Last of Us Part II Remastered as we get closer to its release on PlayStation 5 on January 19! Preorders will go live on December 5.

*4K resolution requires a compatible 4K TV or display.
**Internet connection required to compete in Daily Run.
***Price shown in AUD currency and may vary by country. Check PS Store at launch on January 19, 2024 for local pricing.
****Upgrades for disc copies of the PS4 version of The Last of Us Part II are only available if you have a PlayStation 5 console with a disc drive. Owners of PS4 disc copies must insert them into the PS5 every time they want to download or play the PS5 digital version.

If you are interested in receiving the title, please send your requests off the back of this alert. For full information on The Last of Us Part II Remastered visit PlayStation.com.

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Together with BCC Studios and Artax Games, Xbox is celebrating the release of Bluey: The Videogame by launching a global competition for fans to win a custom Bluey themed Xbox Series X and controller – bringing the joy of Bluey and gaming to families worldwide.

The custom Bluey Xbox Series X displays vibrant colors and a design that exudes Bluey’s high energy and lovable personality, and the complimentary controller also features Bluey’s sister, Bingo. Fans have the chance to win this console and controller by following Xbox on X (formerly Twitter) and retweeting the Xbox sweepstakes tweet through December 13, 2023. For official rules and eligibility details, please visit here. Bluey console and controller are limited to sweepstakes only – not for retail.   

For the first time ever, Bluey and Xbox fans can explore iconic locations from the television show such as the Heeler House, Playgrounds, Creek and the beach on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC. Experience the joy and wonder of Bluey’s world by exploring and collecting items for your digital sticker book, unlock dress ups and uncover the many secrets and hidden references throughout each location.

For more information about Xbox’s global contest celebrating “Bluey,” check out the Xbox Wire post showcasing the Xbox x Bluey collab.

As part of the three-year anniversary celebrations of the PS5, PlayStation Australia has partnered with some of Australia’s most famous (and unexpected) gamers to discuss how gaming makes them feel and the heightened emotions it evokes. 

Tash Sultana (Musician), Robert Whittaker (Mixed Martial Artist) and Mark Samual Bonanno (Comedian, Aunty Donna) all sat down to discuss their earliest memories of gaming, how gaming makes them feel and more. You can check out the video below:

Gaming has the power to connect us and bring on emotions you don’t experience in your everyday life. Speaking on how it helps them relax, Tash Sultana said: “Gaming is such an escape for me. There are very few things where I can fully focus completely. When I play music, I can do that, and when I game, I can do that too. It’s total escapism. I lose track of time because I’m loving it – and when I’m done, I want to do it all over again.” 

For Rob Whittaker, the levels of immersion available take you to other worlds like no other: “Gaming is such a big part of my life. The sense of wonder and adventure you get from exploring the new worlds on the PS5 is second to none.” 

Meanwhile, Mark spoke about the immense pride he feels for the creative choices writers are enabled to take: “Gaming is like magic to me. As a storytelling device, there is nothing like it. The way in which stories can affect you in games is incredible. Being able to step into the shoes of a character and feel what they feel and make decisions that affect them and your experience is unlike any other entertainment.”

Patrick Lagana, Director of Marketing, PlayStation Australia, said “As we celebrate three years of PlayStation 5 through our latest Brand campaign “Heighten Emotions” we wanted to illustrate just how truly immersive the world of PS5 is – and so we invited a few of our friends, Tash, Rob and Mark to share with us some of the unrivaled, extraordinary emotions that gaming unlocks for them. Whether it’s the feeling of deep immersion through our innovative technology and expressive storytelling, the wonder and awe felt by the stunning visual worlds that PS5 presents – and more, PlayStation 5 delivers gaming experiences that take you beyond the everyday, opening you up to feeling a whole world of unparalleled emotions.”

With amazing titles such as Horizon Forbidden West, Gran Turismo 7, God of War Ragnarök and the new Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, hardware like the next-gen PS VR2, new Access controller, Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, and the upcoming PlayStation Portal –  we’ve got all the feels about continuing to create larger than life experiences for our community,” he concluded.

Check out the ‘Feel it Now on PlayStation 5’ TV spot below:

Ahead of the busy festive season, the PS5 also has its biggest-ever sale for Black Friday with the console and the new Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – which was recently nominated for Game of The Year – available for $724.95. That’s a huge $180 in savings from the RRP of $904.95.

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