While publisher and developer GIANTS Software continues to cultivate the ever-growing popularity of its internationally awarded Farming Simulator series, dedicated fans may already save the date and get their tickets for the upcoming annual community event.

FarmCon 24 takes place on the weekend of July 6th & 7th 2024, on the premises of the German, internationally renowned agricultural big player and long-term series partner Fendt. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

Celebrating Farming Simulator at the Fendt Forum

Farming enthusiasts, talented modders, and popular content creators will connect and celebrate Farming Simulator at the Fendt Forum in the Bavarian town Marktoberdorf – where Fendt positions itself for the future trends of the agricultural industry and all their tractors are developed, produced and marketed.

“We extend our gratitude to our long-time partner, Fendt, for hosting our annual community event at their premier showcase location,” comments Christian Ammann, CEO of GIANTS Software. “With this valued partnership ingrained in the series’ origins, FarmCon 24 is destined to be a special one – as we look into the future and onto great things to come in the Farming Simulator universe. We’re looking forward to meeting dedicated fans and engaged partners.”

Big News, Insightful Presentations, Fun Activities

As usual, visitors can expect a diverse stage program: Informative presentations about the development of the games, interactive panels with Q&A sessions, information about upcoming projects, some exciting surprises, and more will fill-up the two-day schedule. In addition to the on-stage program by GIANTS Software, the location allows for special activities for young and old.

“We started our partnership with Farming Simulator early on, because the game gives fans all over the world the opportunity to try out agriculture and learn about the crop cycle in a fun way”, comments Roland Schmidt, Vice President Fendt Marketing. “We look forward to a great group of Farming Simulator enthusiasts visiting the Fendt Forum for FarmCon 24.”

While fans may already look forward to cultivating old and new friendships in the ever-growing Farming Simulator community, more information about the program, schedule, and activities will be announced closer to the event. All tickets include an exclusive goodie bag – packed with a selection of merchandise.

FarmCon is the annual event for fans, modders and influencers to meet the team and creative minds behind Farming Simulator. Organized by publisher and developer GIANTS Software, the convention has taken place once a year since 2016 – watch the aftermovie from the 2023 event.

Visit the official Farming Simulator website.

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About GIANTS Software

GIANTS Software is an international video game developer and publisher from Switzerland established in 2004 and known worldwide for creating the popular Farming Simulator series. The team with offices in Switzerland (Zurich), Germany (Erlangen), USA (Chicago) and Czech Republic (Brno) is very committed to maintain close contact to the agricultural industry and to engage with the community.

About Farming Simulator

Since 2008, over 30 million units of Farming Simulator have been sold worldwide. The game series has been released on all popular platforms including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and PCs since then. From the start, the team enabled users to create mods with the company’s own GIANTS Engine. With the Farming Simulator League (FSL), the series introduced a competitive esports mode in 2019 – with teams competing in professional tournaments and many acclaimed brands and sponsors on board.

© 2023 Published and developed by GIANTS Software GmbH. Farming Simulator, GIANTS Software and its logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of GIANTS Software GmbH. All manufacturers, agricultural machinery, agricultural equipment, names, brands and associated imagery featured in this game in some cases include trademarks and/or copyrighted materials of their respective owners. The agricultural machines and equipment in this game may be different from the actual machines in shapes, colors and performance. All other names, trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

The Battle of Mistmerrow returns alongside a vast array of game-wide improvements

Kakao Games, Amsterdam — December 14, 2023 | Rounding out another spectacular year of ArcheAge, Kakao Games and XLGAMES plan to add even more content and features as the ground-breaking MMORPG prepares for 2024! 

Fans of ArcheAge’s Faction War are in for a festive treat with The Battle of Mistmerrow making its eagerly anticipated return as part of the December update. Get ready to storm this classic PvP instance as Nuia and Haranya factions compete to destroy Mistmerrow’s Bloodspires, while a third team of Pirates attempts to rebuild them. Joining the action will earn you Honor Points, Improved Infusion Supply Kits, and Mistmerrow Warrior Tokens.

For those who prefer PvE, this latest ArcheAge update has plenty for you, too! World bosses will now appear twice a day, spawning in one of eight locations found within Nuia and Haranya conflict zones.

After conquering one of these mighty behemoths, players will have a chance of encountering Roaring Astor, a ravaging new mythic-grade raid boss. Those who manage to survive its onslaught of devastating fire and lightning can earn themselves top tier loot including Locked Gold Crates, Lucid World Boss Infusions, and Unstable Erenor Infusions.

ArcheAge players can also expect a wealth of game-wide improvements aimed at helping them grow their character more efficiently, exploring the depth of locations and activities ArcheAge has to offer. One way this is being improved is by making Erenor Equipment easier to acquire and upgrade, with XLGAMES preparing to share more details when the December update goes live.

In celebration of the merge, ArcheAge will be hosting an in-game event until January 11 where players have an opportunity to bag some of the best rewards they’ve ever seen, including Mythic Grade Immortal Warden Equipment. What’s more, those who tune in on Twitch from December 14 to January 11 will have a chance to win a variety of useful items in ArcheAge’s latest Twitch Drops, including Angel Wing Elixirs, Bound Labor Rechargers and even a special festive-themed decoration. 

Following the recent merger of ArcheAge and Archeage: Unchained, there’s no better time to experience this beloved MMORPG. Whether you’re a returning champion or a complete newcomer, you can enjoy one of the most storied games in the genre completely free!

For more information on ArcheAge, please visit the official site. You can also follow ArcheAge on Discord and Twitter.

About ArcheAge

ArcheAge is a highly-lauded MMORPG developed by XLGAMES, featuring deep customization of skills and experiences across the mystical land of Erenor. Launched in 2013, ArcheAge has gone on to become a mainstay in the world of MMOs. ArcheAge: Unchained was released in 2019. 

About Kakao Games

Founded in 2016, Kakao Games is a leading publisher of online and mobile games, responsible for releasing titles including Pearl Abyss’ Black Desert Online (serviced in North America and Europe until early 2021), KRAFTON’s PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (serviced in Korea), ArcheAge, Survival MOBA Eternal Return (service in North America, Europe and Oceania), Kong Studios’ Guardian Tales (serviced in North America, Europe, Latin America and Oceania), and Nineark’s Eversoul (serviced in North America and Europe).

About XLGAMES

XLGAMES was established in 2003 by Jake Song, the developer behind the classic MMORPG, Lineage. In 2006, it developed XL1, an online racing game, and in 2013, the online MMORPG ArcheAge, currently in service worldwide. In 2019, Moonlight Sculptor was released in Korea, based on the light novel The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor, successfully reiterated into a mobile game. Moonlight Sculptor was released globally in 2021. XLGAMES has a vision of linking the beginning and the end of RPG games, and hopes to achieve its mission of enriching lives through its games.

Australia – December 14, 2022 – Kingston Technology, a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, today announced it has nabbed the #25 spot on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Private Companies for 2023. Making it one of only two “Technology Hardware & Equipment” companies in the top 25.

The company maintained #1 supplier of third-party DRAM and #1 supplier of Channel SSD as it wraps up another year as a leader in the technology industry. From the growth of the Kingston FURY DDR5 line to its value and high-performance SSDs, Kingston continues to provide high-quality products and service to its customers. This year also saw Kingston expand its award-winning IronKey hardware-encrypted line and add to its external SSD offerings, providing more trusted options for users on-the-go. As the demand of both industries and consumers evolve, Kingston remains attuned to these changes, actively working with in-house product experts and engineers and collaborating closely with suppliers and partners. The company is committed to upholding its brand philosophy, “Kingston Is With You”, for B2B and B2C customers alike.

“This Forbes standing is an honor because it reflects the company’s ability to grow through flexibility as the industry rebounds from the last few challenging years,” said Kingston. “Only made possible through the continued hard work of Kingston’s amazing employees and strong support from our partners.”

For more information visit kingston.com.

About Kingston Technology

From big data, to laptops and PCs, to IoT-based devices like smart and wearable technology, to design-in and contract manufacturing, Kingston helps deliver the solutions used to live, work and play. The world’s largest PC makers and cloud-hosting companies depend on Kingston for their manufacturing needs, and our passion fuels the technology the world uses every day. We strive beyond our products to see the bigger picture, to meet the needs of our customers and offer solutions that make a difference. To learn more about how Kingston Is With You, visit Kingston.com.

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Kingston and the Kingston logo are registered trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. IronKey is a registered trademark of Kingston Digital, Inc. Kingston FURY and the Kingston FURY logo are trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

A new month heralds even more titles joining the PlayStation Plus Game Catalogue. December’s lineup is playable from Tuesday, December 19, headlined by Grand Theft Auto V, letting even more players travel to Los Santos to experience the exhilarating single-player story campaign, then craft their own career on the city streets and beyond in the vast multiplayer world of GTA Online. GTA V’s arrival into the PlayStation Plus Game Catalogue nicely lines up with the game’s newly launched update, GTA Online: The Chop Shop, which introduces a new Salvage Yard business, Drift Races, and more.

Let’s take a closer look at each game in turn. 

PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe | Game Catalogue

Grand Theft Auto V | PS4, PS5

Welcome to Los Santos. Experience blockbuster hits Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online — with the PlayStation 5 version updated with stunning visuals, faster loading, adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, Tempest 3D audio and more, plus exclusive content for GTA Online players. In Grand Theft Auto V, experience the interwoven stories of Franklin, Michael, and Trevor in the sprawling open world of Los Santos and Blaine County. In GTA Online, explore an ever-evolving online universe where you can rise from street-level hustler to become a kingpin of your own criminal empire.

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin | PS4, PS5

From Team Ninja comes a brand new take on the Final Fantasy series. Jack and his allies, Ash and Jed, burn with the resolve to defeat Chaos as they throw open the gates to the Chaos Shrine. Yet doubts remain – are they truly the Warriors of Light the prophecy foretold? Step into a world of dark fantasy and revel in exhilarating action-packed battles. Dive into wildly different move sets based on equipped weapons to change combos, unlock new attacks via upgrades and add job specialisations that help widen the skillsets of Jack and his cohorts. 

Moto GP23 | PS4, PS5

Choose from the four acclaimed championship classes, step into the shoes of your favourite rider and head to the track to experience the adrenaline of the 2023 season. Dynamic weather will not only make the races more realistic but also more unpredictable. Don’t limit yourself to the AI. Challenge other players online with crossplay or over local split screen and show them who you are. Now, thanks to Crossplay, nothing can stop you. 

Metal: Hellsinger* | PS4, PS5

Part human, part demon, and obsessed with vengeance, become ‘The Unknown’ and fight through the fiercest domains of Hell in this unique heavy-metal rhythm-action shooter. Your ability to shoot on the beat will enhance your gameplay experience. The more in sync you are with the rhythm, the more intense the music will become and the more destruction you will cause. Destroy the demon hordes and their leaders to set yourself up for an epic showdown with The Red Judge herself.

*Owners of the PS4 version of Metal: Hellsinger will be able to download and play the PS5 version of the game. 

Salt and Sacrifice | PS4, PS5

Salt and Sacrifice is the follow-up to Souls-like dark fantasy RPG, Salt and Sanctuary. As a Marked Inquisitor, you’ll journey through the western frontier: pursuing, hunting, and obliterating the Mages that roam the realm. Stalk them, master their unique behaviours, discover their weaknesses and bring them down. Use their pilfered remains to craft powerful gear, harnessing the vile abilities of the Mages you destroy. Gain unique tools and abilities, defeat powerful guardians, and survive skirmishes and ambushes as you navigate a treacherous and trap-filled world. Team up with a partner for full online co-op, join a stranger’s hunt or pursue the interest of the Inquisition’s more sinister factions and hunt rival Inquisitors.

Moonscars | PS4, PS5

Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through a painterly but unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Sharpen your skills and reflexes in challenging, action-packed combat. Slash and parry with your sword, wield unique special weapons and command powerful Witchery. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt— mould yourself into a master warrior through a cycle of trial and triumph.

Mega Man 11 | PS4

Mega Man is back in action! The newest entry in this global multi-million-selling series blends classic challenging 2D platforming action with a fresh new visual style. The new double-gear system lets you boost Mega Man’s speed and power for a new twist on the satisfying gameplay the series is known for. A variety of difficulty modes makes this the perfect opportunity to experience Mega Man for the first time. The game features a variety of extra modes including time trials and missions, global leaderboards, a gallery of concept art and more. 

Gigabash | PS4, PS5

GigaBash combines the chaos and creativity of titles like Power Stone and War of Monsters with the jaw-dropping scale of the classic kaiju movies. Play as either a rampaging Titan or a Titan-hunting mecha; summon lightning from the heavens, use a radio tower as a baton, or roll a whole district (and your enemies) into a single massive snowball. Wreak enough havoc and you’ll evolve into your final form, the terrifyingly titanic S-Class.

Grime | PS4, PS5

In this fast and unforgiving Action-Adventure RPG, crush your foes with living weapons that mutate form and function, and then consume their remains to strengthen your vessel as you break apart a world of anatomical horror and intrigue. Grime lets you play to your preference, upgrading only those traits you feel most suited to your unique style. You’ll find there is more than one way to break open an enemy as you move through a variety of evocative environments, meet their inhabitants, and discover the source of their madness.

Tinykin | PS4, PS5

Milo arrives on Earth to find that he’s way too small, everybody’s gone and a day hasn’t passed since 1991! Team up with the mysterious Tinykin and use their unique powers to create ladders, bridges, explosions and a lot more. Find a way home through a sprawling ant-sized metropolis, and unravel Earth’s biggest mystery. 

Prodeus | PS4, PS5

Prodeus is a first-person boomer shooter of old, re-imagined using modern rendering techniques and technology but designed with retro aesthetics and gameplay that invoke the tech-imposed limits of older hardware. It features a hand-crafted campaign, co-op and competitive multiplayer modes, a fully integrated level editor, and a built-in community map browser for instantaneous action with nearly limitless levels to play.

Shadowrun Returns | PS4, PS5

The unique cyberpunk-meets-fantasy world of Shadowrun returns in this modernisation of the classic single-player, turn-based tactical RPG. In the urban sprawl of the Seattle metroplex, the search for a mysterious killer sets you on a trail that leads from the darkest slums to the city’s most powerful megacorps. You will need to tread carefully, enlist the aid of other runners, and master powerful forces of technology and magic in order to emerge from the shadows of Seattle unscathed.

Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut | PS4, PS5 

Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut is a standalone release of the Dragonfall campaign, which first premiered as a major expansion for turn-based tactical RPG Shadowrun Returns. The Director’s Cut adds a host of new content and enhancements to the original game making it the definitive version on consoles of this Classic, Story-Driven cRPG, with a novel-like branching narrative full of sharp prose and deep character development. Immerse yourself in a smart, 20+ hour campaign with a diverse cast of all-too-human characters.

Shadowrun: Hong Kong – Extended Edition | PS4, PS5

Shadowrun: Hong Kong – Extended Edition is the definitive version of Shadowrun: Hong Kong, the third standalone game in the Shadowrun cRPG series and set in the weeks following the events of the main campaign. The Extended Edition adds 6+ hr Shadows of Hong Kong Bonus Campaign, audio commentary to the game, and a long list of improvements since the game’s initial launch – including new visual effects and updated dialogue. 

PlayStation Deluxe | Classics

Mega Man Legacy Collection | PS4

This celebration of the 8-bit history of Capcom’s iconic Blue Bomber features faithful reproductions of the series’ origins with the original six Mega Man games and includes new ways to experience them with the Museum Mode and new Challenge Mode. Challenge Mode remixes gameplay segments from all six games, with plenty of scaling difficulty objectives for experienced players to conquer yet serving as a good starting point for new players, too. Museum Mode contains a comprehensive collection of history, high-res art and original concept pieces – a mega treat for any fan of Mega Man and video game history. 

Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 | PS4

This second collection includes faithful reproductions of timeless 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit adventures Mega Man 7, 8, 9, & 10. Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 is bursting with additional content, from time trials and remix challenges with online leaderboards, to a music player and an extensive gallery of rare illustrations. Also included are the additional modes originally released as DLC for Mega Man 9 and 10, featuring extra stages and playable characters. For anyone who wants a little extra help with these challenging classic platformers, you now have the option to reduce the amount of damage received.

Thrillville | PS4, PS5

Explore 15 different themed areas spread across five theme parks, such as Pirates Gone Wild, Gold Rush, Ancient Treasures of Egypt and Moon Base in this PSP version of Thrillville which allows gamers of all ages to easily build and customise the coaster of their dreams. Its easy-to-use building mode has been designed specifically for the console platforms and makes building all 75-plus rides from wooden, corkscrew and inverted coasters to merry-go-rounds, trains and carnival rides, easy, and most importantly, fun. Race on go-kart tracks you put together, play mini-golf on courses you designed and join friends for dozens of four-player party games, from bumper cars to arcade shoot-’em-ups. You can also tour the park on foot, chatting and joking with all the guests to help them out and make sure they’re enjoying themselves.

Thrillville: Off the Rails | PS4, PS5

Experience the visceral fun of interacting with a theme park you create in this sequel to Thrillville as originally released on PS2, containing five new parks and 20 death-defying rides. You can distinguish your rides even more with enhanced customisation options,  attaching animatronics, flowers and flaming hoops. But the new fun doesn’t stop there. Off the Rails features 34 playable minigames, 15 all-new theme areas, over 40 thrill rides, a new story that ties together more than 100 missions, and social interaction with park guests that’s better than ever. The in-depth conversations both advance the plot and suggest better ways to manage the park. But is every guest to be trusted? 

Buzz Lightyear of Star Command | PS4, PS5

Originally released on PS1, this action platformer stars the finest Space Ranger of them all – Buzz Lightyear of Star Command – as he tracks down a galaxy-worth of villains across multiple planets. Along the way, Buzz is aided by his friends at Star Command: Commander Nebula provides mission briefs, Booster and Mira, his teammates, add their firepower, whilst Buzz must rescue XR and the Little Green Men from mortal peril.

PlayStation Plus Season of Play

As a reminder, non-members can still join and save 30% on PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe 12-month memberships as part of the Season of Play! Hurry, offer ends 17/12. As part of the PlayStation Plus Season of Play, PlayStation Plus members can redeem free avatars for PS5 and PS4 consoles, join eSports tournaments, earn points on PlayStation Stars, and enter a competition for your chance to win amazing prizes. Activities for those who are not PlayStation Plus members are available as well. Find out more here. 

Learn more about the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for December by visiting the PlayStation Blog. 

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

Experience the upcoming fighter’s game-changing lane system with two new characters and updated mechanics

Walnut Creek, CA (Dec. 13, 2023) – Maximum Entertainment today launched the brand-new playtest for co-op fighter Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age on Steam. The playtest, which runs until Jan. 3 at 11:59pm PST is available to play now: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1959140/Diesel_Legacy/

Today’s playtest features an array of never-before-playable content, including two new characters: Nyra, a multi-armed grappler, and Eleanora, a mob boss in the making with deadly gang assistants. They join the previously available Rotwang, Rory, Ruby, and Fritz, all of whom debuted in the June Beta test. Alongside these new characters, a brand-new “Free for All” mode is available: four players, three lanes, winner takes all. Who wants to share all the glory when they can take it for yourself? Finally, a slew of new and updated mechanics and balance changes have been added to the game, including new options for fallen characters to round out the experience. Watch the new trailer showcasing all the heart-pounding action here:

Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age flips the traditional fighting formula by placing 2v2 local and online co-op matches front and center in the arena. The game features distinctly unique playable characters, multiple varied stages, and an innovative 3-lane system, offering devastating attacks and meaningful shifts to team dynamics and matchups against a gorgeous, hand-drawn Dieselpunk backdrop.

Matches are virtually lag-free thanks to the studio’s brand-new proprietary RealMatch™ rollback netcode, ensuring players don’t miss a single punch in any online match. Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age also features comprehensive training and story modes and allows players to go against AI opponents to hone their skills.

Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age will launch on PC, PlayStation® 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch at a later date.

Learn more about Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age at www.DieselLegacy.com and follow @diesellegacy on X, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, and Facebook. Join the Diesel Legacy Discord here: http://discord.gg/q9CmSWUHjw

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About Maximum Entertainment

Maximum Entertainment is a global entertainment company dedicated to creating high quality experiences spanning the entire value chain of video games, including development, publishing, transmedia, sales and operations. Maximum Entertainment provides collaborative resources to its partners, through in-house publishing labels Maximum Games, Modus, Merge Games and Just For Games, as well as its development division, Modus Studios. With more than 300 titles in its catalog, Maximum Entertainment has partnered with best-in-class creators and franchises around the world to deliver magic to the gamer in everyone. Maximum Entertainment has offices around the world and employs more than 200 professionals. Visit

Experience the excitement and intrigue of running a 1930s media empire in this charming tycoon management game!

PARIS – Dec. 13, 2023 – Twin Sails Interactive and developer Sparrow Night announced today that News Tower, the newspaper tycoon management sim, will launch into Steam Early Access on Feb. 13, 2024. Become a press mogul in 1930s New York in pursuit of the truth and profits! Expand your business, recruit new employees, and search for the decade’s most newsworthy stories for the front page.

As the publisher of a down-on-its-luck newspaper, your goal is to turn fortune around and build a media empire! Recruit and manage every profession necessary for success, including reporters, photographers, janitors, ad salespeople and lawyers. Uncover exciting news across the globe, matching your editorial line with readers’ interests, but watch out for powerful factions like the mayor and the mafia trying to peddle influence. Build and optimize your tower to ensure the well-being of your employees and meet your printing deadlines while balancing editorial quality and gaining new customers!

Key Features

• Investigate Scoops Around the Globe: From cat disappearances to historic events like Prohibition and the Great Depression, you’ve got to break the news while it’s hot! Follow leads across the world and choose which angles to pursue to develop each story. Will you maintain the integrity of freedom of the press, or trade influence with different factions in the city?
• Compose Your Newspaper: Each week you’ll oversee everything from the telegraph desk to the typesetting, laying out your paper with the articles you’ve produced. Hard-hitting journalism, sensational gossip, income-generating ads – you decide what makes the cut!
• Build & Optimize Your Tower: Manage the layout of your operations, improve your production processes, and hire the right people for each job. But don’t neglect the well-being of your employees while you’re chasing profits, or the final product may suffer!
• Grow Your News Empire: Start small and conquer New York by expanding your distribution to famous neighborhoods like Wall Street, Central Park and more, unlocking new upgrades and readers with their own interests.

For more information on News Tower, follow the game’s official Twitter. For everything else from Twin Sails Interactive, follow the company on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

About Sparrow Night

Sparrow Night, founded in 2019, is a young video game company from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. We love making games that are smart, welcoming, and immersive. Everyone in our team shares the same ambition: to have a good time through friendly gaming experiences that will test your skills and let you forget anything else.

About Twin Sails Interactive

Twin Sails Interactive is an international video game publisher, part of the Asmodee Group, an Embracer company since March 2022. Based in Paris, our team of passionate professionals partners with developers to help drive their titles to success. Originally known as a specialist of digital board-game adaptations under the name Asmodee Digital, Twin Sails expands Asmodee’s reach into original, creative titles aimed at a wide audience on PC and consoles. Following the release of the acclaimed Gloomhaven adaptation and Ember Knights‘ full launch crowning its well-received early access period, Twin Sails is publishing indie gems Survival: Fountain of Youth, Wantless, Innchanted, News Tower, Amberial Dreams and Bloomtown, with more yet to be announced. To learn more: www.twin-sails.com.

One year anniversary marks the release of the full first chapter and adds notable quality-of-life updates to the free demo. 

Limassol, Cyprus – 13th December 2023. Leading Indie global video game publisher ESDigital Games has today announced a massive update to the free demo for their upcoming top-down shooter Memory Lost which is scheduled for release in 2024 for PC, PlayStation and Xbox consoles and Nintendo Switch. Players can now play the entire first chapter of the full game by heading to Memory Lost: Chapter One demo page on Steam and jumping straight into the fresh, updated gameplay of this narrative action shooter and seeing what’s in store for the full launch next year. 

The Memory Lost: Chapter One demo was first launched in December 2022 and has delighted shooter fans with its innovative combat mechanics and fast-paced gameplay. Over the past 12 months, developer Magic Hazard has been gathering community and player feedback to support the ongoing development of the full game. As part of the continued development journey of Memory Lost, Magic Hazard will continue to use the valuable feedback gathered from the Chapter One demo to enhance the full game experience.

Watch the previously released Memory Lost announcement trailer below:

Memory Lost is a thrilling story-driven action shooter where the battles are built around the mechanics of mind capturing and moving into the enemy’s body. Dive deep into the depths of Detraxis, a dystopian metropolis full of technological miracles and cruel corporate battles and use your unique ability to shift your consciousness into your enemies, capturing their minds and mastering their abilities. This mechanic will allow you to instantly and tactically adapt to the situation and overcome obstacles standing between you and your objective. 

First-aid kits are not available. There is only one magazine in your weapon. Change bodies to survive your mission! 

• New body – new gameplay – There are dozens of opponents in the game, each with their own unique characteristics and skills that affect the outcome of the battle.
• Relocation is the basis of survival – If you don’t want to run around in a half-dead state, look for a healthy body! Are the weapons out of ammo? Move into enemies with full ammunition and higher health!
• Copy enemies’ memories! – Capturing consciousness is impossible without capturing memories. With each new migration, the Neural Network, the main character of Memory Lost, will collect more and more material to develop its own independent personality, after which it will process the knowledge gained and reap the benefits of its actions at the Mind-Map hub location.
• Karma in a top-down shooter? – The neural network is also shaped by your interaction with the surrounding world. Kill for the common good or kill for mercy. Your actions will unlock one of three possible endings. Play again with new tactics to see how Karma reacts! 

Memory Lost will launch for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PlayStation and Xbox consoles and Nintendo Switch in 2024. Memory Lost: Chapter One is available for PC to download for free now. Wishlist now for PC via Steam and PlayStation.  

For more information, visit the official ESDigital Games website https://esdigital.games/ 

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About ESDigital Games

ESDigital Games is a global video games publishing company specializing in premium indie and mid-core games for both PC as well as consoles. ESDigital Games portfolio includes the 80s-themed point-and-click adventure Unusual Findings, the tactical card combat game Deck of Ashes, the Early Access release of roguelike action RPG Scholar of the Arcane Arts and the release of martial arts adventure Shuyan Saga for PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles. Their upcoming releases include twin-stick shooter REMEDIUM, RTS tower defense and match-3 mechanics title Cats on Duty as well as exciting unannounced games.

600 mobile games and 130 features assessed to understand the benefits and impact of gaming on mood; tailored gaming recommendations enrich player experiences this holiday season
 
OAKLAND, Calif. – December 13, 2023 – Skillprint, a pioneer in adaptive, personalized games that match the personality, cognitive skills, and mindset of players, published an extensive research study of over 600 mobile games scored across 130 features, encompassing mechanics, goals, genres, relevant moods and skills, aesthetic and meta-game elements. The study serves as a supplementary addendum to Skillprint’s October publication, “Games Can Be Good For the Mind: An Empirical Report,” and offers deeper insights into the cognitive and emotional benefits of gaming. The findings, now publicly available, provide players with tailored recommendations for games to play through the holidays and beyond, whether they want to enhance creativity, focus, or just unwind.
 
Skillprint’s cognitive scientist gamers played and rated over 600 games for a variety of features, including cognitive skills practiced in the game (e.g., perceptual speed, deduction, pattern matching), gameplay features (unlimited time, leaderboards, etc.), art style (2D, realistic, etc.), theme (medieval, sci-fi, etc.), genre (arcade, sports), goals (optimize, obtain, etc.), relevant personality traits (e.g., risk-taking, extraversion), and monetization features (power ups, cosmetic items, etc.).

Key findings from the study include:

• Calm: Games promoting calm provide unlimited time and include puzzles, turn-based board games and simulations, focusing on pattern matching, memory, and visualization. (see Gardenscapes, Blockscapes)
• Focus: Quick reflexes and skilled timing is required, such as in shooter, sports, and arcade genres with leaderboards. (see Temple Run 2, Sonic Dash)
• Creativity: Sandbox, strategy, and word games stimulate creativity, especially those involving recombining letters in word games. (see Scrabble Go, Little Alchemy 2)
• Challenge: Sports, combat, and platformer games that demand precise timing, and detective games requiring clue-gathering, foster determination. (see Geometry Dash, Rise Up)
• Curiosity: Adventure, sandbox and trivia games, offering extensive exploration opportunities and rich environments, boost curiosity. (see Stardew Valley Mobile, Design Home)
• Collaborate: Games enhancing collaboration involve team play, communication, and competitive scenarios, including war games and team-based simulations. (see Spaceteam, Clash of Clans)
• Empathy: Games that require decision-making impacting personal relationships, like romantic lifestyle games and casual puzzle games with storylines, help foster empathy. (see Five Dates, OXENFREE) 

“As we celebrate the holiday season, our latest research offers timely insights into the profound impact of gaming on mental well-being. Our study highlights how games are more than leisure; they’re a means to enhance cognitive skills and emotional states. These findings provide players with personalized game recommendations to enrich their holidays, whether it’s for relaxation, sharpening focus, or boosting creativity. At Skillprint, we’re excited to offer these insights and continue making gaming a tool for personal growth and mental wellness. We invite players to explore the diverse benefits of gaming, as we continue to innovate at the intersection of cognitive science and gaming,” said Chethan Ramachandran, CEO of Skillprint.

Access the full report from Skillprint at https://www.skillprint.co/blog/games-for-the-holidays-report.

About Skillprint

Skillprint is at the intersection of gaming and cognitive science and uses AI to reveal insights about a player’s talents, mindset, and personality traits. Its mission is to democratize access to insights that empower individuals and game developers to thrive.

Founded in 2019, Skillprint’s Insights are embedded in 40+ games which collect and analyze an average of 1,200+ events per player per game session and predict a player’s personality traits and cognitive skills and help them to achieve their desired mood. Combining neuroscience research, player gameplay data, and over 150+ game characteristics and ratings, Skillprint can vet games for their ability to assess and develop a player’s cognitive skills and personality traits, positively affect their mood, and help them to achieve their goals.

The company has raised $3.5 million in funding, backed by private investors and leading VCs in the gaming, mental wellness, and future of learning sectors. For more information, visit: www.skillprint.co.

Highlights:

• Blue Archive’s main story follows the RABBIT Squad as they fight to protect their ideal of justice
• The mobile RPG’s academy city, Kivotos, welcomes Minori of the Red Winter Federal Academy, now available for recruitment
• 10-Recruitment Tickets, a Woodworking Workbench and other items available in a new event

SEOUL – Dec. 13, 2023 – Popular mobile RPG Blue Archive is following the rabbit trail as the latest main story update unfolds in “Vol. 4, Rabbit of Caerbannog Chapter 2, We Were RABBITs!” With the fresh update available today, Blue Archive’s story continues the adventure initiated by the first chapter of “Rabbit of Caerbannog,” “RABBIT Squad, Commence Operation!”

Blue Archive, developed by NEXON Korea Corp., immerses players in the story of Sensei, an outsider and teacher called by the President of the General Student Council to save the futuristic academy city of Kivotos from a criminal uprising. During event and main story updates, players will meet unique students from numerous academies, help guide them towards success, and even recruit them for combat. Strategic combat is at the heart of this anime-style RPG, as players will face off against challenging enemy forces, and utilize the captivating ensemble of characters met along the way.

In “Vol. 4, Rabbit of Caerbannog Chapter 2, We Were RABBITs!” Sensei will once again join the RABBIT Squad of the SRT Academy and help them navigate the challenges ahead. Following the events of “Rabbit of Caerbannog Chapter 1,” the RABBIT Squad have returned to their daily lives, only to be reunited with a shadow from their past. Supported by the Sensei and students of various academies, the RABBIT Squad will face their past and work to uphold justice amidst unfolding conspiracies.

To expand the world of Blue Archive even further, Kivotos welcomes the addition of Explosive-type Special student from the Red Winter Federal Academy, Minori. Her distinctive feature lies in her personalized, powerful move, or EX-skill, that not only deals a high damage output, but can further increase the damage dealt by spending additional Costs. SRT Academy students Miyako and Saki, featured in the new main story update, will also be returning for Pick-Up.

To celebrate the story update, Blue Archive is hosting a variety of events for players across Kivotos. During the “Balancing Schale’s Books with the General Student Council” event, players can complete missions and commissions to earn event tokens, which can be traded in for cosmetics, game-changing items and more until Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 1:59 AM UTC. Meanwhile, there will also be an Event Prize Exchange House where players can acquire rare currencies such as Nimrud and Rohonc to raise the level of their students.

Adding to the excitement, 3 Days/Week Workplace Improvement Missions will also be available until Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 1:59 AM UTC. During this time, players can earn rewards such as Minori’s Woodworking Workbench for their personal Cafe, a place where players can interact with their students, and 10 Recruitment Tickets for completing various tasks, such as advancing in the main story, using AP and defeating enemies.

Blue Archive’s “Vol. 4, Rabbit of Caerbannog Chapter 2, We Were RABBITs!” main story update and new and returning students Minori, Miyako and Saki are available now. For more information, please visit the links below:

• Blue Archive Official Webpage: [LINK]

About NEXON Co. Ltd.

Founded in 1994, NEXON Co., Ltd. (Nexon) (3659.TO) is a company engaged in the production, development and operation of online games and Virtual Worlds. First listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December 2011, Nexon was placed on JPX400 in 2015 and added to the Nikkei Stock Index 300 in 2017. In 2020, Nexon was added to the Nikkei 225. Nexon currently has more than 50 live games in more than 190 countries on PC, console, and mobile. Major game franchises include MapleStory, KartRider and Dungeon&Fighter. In 2021, Nexon completed the acquisition of Embark Studios AB, a company based in Stockholm, Sweden, developing multiple projects for global release.