Archive - 2019

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Tremere Clan Introduction

May 8, 2019 – Paradox Interactive has today revealed the second full-blood Vampire clan in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2: Tremere! The Tremere are knowledge-obsessed warlocks who unleash devastating blood magic against their enemies.

Check out this video to learn more about the Tremere, their motives, and see one of their abilities in action:

Often referred to as usurpers, hermetics, blood witches, or worse, the other vampire clans share a general distrust of the Tremere. Despite this, the other clans respect the sheer power of the Tremere’s blood magic, turning those willing to offer their services into valued, if uneasy, allies. Long before Seattle, the Tremere began as occultists who were seeking immortality. Even though they found a way to live forever, the price they paid bound their magic to blood. The origin of their curse is mostly forgotten but continues to color their interactions with other Kindred. The Tremere were not allowed in significant numbers in Seattle – until recently…

You can head over to the Paradox Interactive Twitch channel today at 9 a.m. Pacific (12 p.m. Eastern) where the Bloodlines 2 team will give a breakdown of the Tremere clan: https://www.twitch.tv/paradoxinteractive.

The Tremere employ powerful blood magic to uncover secrets and unleash harrowing attacks. Players who join the Tremere’s ranks can unlock two new disciplines to expand their arsenal: Thaumaturgy and Auspex. Thaumaturgy is the Tremere’s signature blood sorcery which grants unparalleled destructive power. Auspex expands the Tremere’s senses beyond the boundaries of their bodies, ensuring nothing stays hidden to the Warlocks.

Thaumaturgy

  • Skewer – Launches a small portion of the vampire’s blood at the feet of their enemies, where it erupts in a patch of razor-sharp spikes. Once they dissolve, a stream of blood flows back to the caster.
  • Purge – Allows the vampire to make their victims vomit up blood, damaging them heavily. A stream of blood flows back to the caster.
  • Blood Boil – A master of Thaumaturgy may cast Purge for a second time on an affected NPC, causing the blood in their veins to sear. The wretch explodes within moments; bystanders in a large area are damaged. Blood from each victim streams back to the caster.
  • Use of Thaumaturgy in front of witnesses is a Masquerade Violation.

Auspex

  • Aura Sense – Allows the vampire to spot NPCs even through walls, read crowds at a glance, and mark individuals to keep them in their sights over long distances. It also allows the user to spot the weaknesses in a marked NPC’s attack and defense.
  • Psychic Projection – Detaches the vampire’s mind from their body. Untethered, they can explore the area in astral form, remaining free to use Aura Sight to mark any character they spot. Beyond that, the vampire’s mastery of their own senses has grown to such an extent that they can telepathically overwhelm the senses of others for a short while.
  • Use of Auspex is not a Masquerade Violation.

Players who join the Tremere clan can use these disciplines in addition to the individual powers from their Thinblood past.

Conan Exiles Pays Tribute to Conan Films with Update

OSLO, Norway – May 8th, 2019 – Funcom will this week be releasing the sixth DLC for Conan Exiles, the studio’s bestselling title of all time. The DLC is named after The Riddle of Steel, central to the plot of the 1982 movie featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan the Barbarian, and is part of the game’s one-year anniversary, which is also celebrated with a free update (containing two brand new dungeons) and a prolonged Steam Free Weekend (May 8th – May 12th).

“We thought we’d do something a little different for the anniversary,” explains Funcom CEO Rui Casais. “Although the game is based upon the world created by Robert E. Howard during the 1930s and the subsequent comics, the movies enjoy a huge cult following. Many of the Conan-fans today would probably never have heard of Howard’s work if it weren’t for Schwarzenegger’s breakthrough role as Conan the Barbarian. We therefore thought it would be a good idea to combine the anniversary of our bestselling game with a homage to Schwarzenegger, Thulsa Doom-actor James Earl Jones and their like,” he says.

Casais adds that a lot has happened to the game, which he likes to label as “Minecraft for adults”, since it was launched on May 8 th last year. A total of five DLCs have been released even before The Riddle of Steel, as well as a host of updates, bug-fixes and the like. “This makes me all the more pleased to announce the Steam Free Weekend, so that everyone can see what the game has evolved into for free,” the CEO says, adding that the Steam Free Weekend is in fact nearly a week long, as it will start already today.

The new DLC will contain several unique statues and figurines of Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan, as well as iconic helmets from the first movie, commemorative warpaint and other decorative items. The Riddle of Steel is not part of the four core DLCs Funcom have planned for 2019 and will therefore not be included in the Year 2 Season Pass. Instead the studio has simultaneously released a free update, which includes two new dungeons, a total revamp of several locations, new NPCs and a new feat, “Witch Doctor”, allowing you to summon wights and skeletons to your side.

The Riddle of Steel will be available for PC for $ 6.99 (other regional prices may apply) later this week, and will follow on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 shortly after.

The Steam Free Weekend starts today at 7 pm CET (11 am PST).

Fight with style: The Riddle of Steel features new cosmetic options that honor the cult classic Conan-movies from the 1980s.

Key Features:

The Riddle of Steel

  • 18 Statues and figurines of Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan.
  • 5 iconic helmets from the movie, of characters such as Thulsa Doom and Rexor.
  • 5 unique placeables from the movie, such as King Conan’s Lion Throne.
  • 6 statues and figurines of Valeria from the movie Conan the Barbarian.
  • 6 statues and figurines of Subotai the Hyrkanian archer.
  • 3 decorative warpaints from the movie.

Anniversary-update (free update)

  • New dungeon: The Sunken City.
  • New dungeon: Sepermeru Silver Mine.
  • New feat: Witch Doctor, allowing you to summon undeads.
  • Total revamp of several locations, with new enemies and additional bosses.
  • New items, both lootable and craftable.
  • Tons of UI fixes and balance passes.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary with Big Update

Irvine, California – May 8th, 2019 – Genre-defining RPG developer Obsidian Entertainment, in partnership with indie powerhouse publisher Versus Evil, is today announcing that update 5.0 for Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is now available. On the one year anniversary of its launch Obsidian continues to refine the player experience for Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire and introduces a whole host of new content, balances, and fixes with update 5.0, including the full release of turn-based mode.

The update provides further refinement to ship to ship encounters as players navigate the exotic open ocean of the Deadfire archipelago. Obsidian has also written in new story content recorded by the original actors which improves story aspects with Woedica and Eotha characters in the game. The final God Challenge will also be live with this update and turns on not only all the other God Challenges, but also Solo (the game must be played with no companions), Trail of Iron (you only have one save file and if you die, the save is deleted), and Path of the Damned (the hardest difficulty), for players looking to test their mettle.

And there’s more! – with update 5.0 Obsidian is also providing a revised set of the Pillars of Eternity pen-and-paper rules for everyone to be able to try out. Anyone who is interested in playing a tabletop game in the world of Eora, can head over to https://eternity.obsidian.net and download the ruleset now! Those who already had the rules either through backing the game on Fig, or in the Deluxe or Obsidian Editions of Deadfire will also get the updated ruleset.

Furthermore, Obsidian is holding a competition for the Ultimate God Challenge where players can get an embroided patch from Obsidian and their name, class, character and level engraved on a plaque for prosperity to be hung in the Obsidian offices. For full guidelines for the competition, check out the latest Deadfire Backer Update on Obsidian’s forums.

Update 5.0 Features in detail

  • New Ship UI – An update to the UI has been implemented that will come up any time players engage with a ship on the seas that brings a more elegant way to ship-to-ship encounters.
  • Turn-Based Mode Out of Beta – Thanks to feedback from the community, Obsidian have made a lot of changes to turn-based mode to account for bugs and balance fixes and it is now in full release with the 5.0 patch.
  • New Story Content Added – After listening to feedback on the critical path of the game when it came to reactivity with Woedica and Eothas, Obsidian have been able to go in and write new lines and get them recorded by the original actors to add more to that aspect of the game.
  • The Ultimate – The final God Challenge will be live with the 5.0 patch. This challenge, “The Ultimate” will turn on all other God Challenges, Trial of Iron, Path of the Damned, and Solo mode.

Added Extras

  • Revised Paper Rules – This can be downloaded by visiting eternity.obsidian.net. Those who had the PnP starter guide as a digital reward through the Fig Campaign, or those who have the Deluxe or Obsidian editions of the game will also get the updated rules.
  • Ultimate God Contest – Those who complete the challenge and show Obsidian proof through either a YouTube playlist of their playthrough, or links to videos via Dropbox (all submitted to theultimate@obsidian.net), can have the chance to get a patch sent to them from Obsidian. The first 12 to complete the challenge will get a patch, but will also have their name, their character’s name, their class and level, engraved on a plaque in the Obsidian offices*.
  • *All submissions subject to judgement from Obsidian team members and can be disqualified as Obsidian see fit.

PDXCON 2019 Tickets On Sale Now

STOCKHOLM – May 7, 2019 – Paradox Interactive, a publisher and developer of games that defy convention, today opened sales of tickets for PDXCON 2019, the annual celebration of Paradox’s global community. This year’s event, occurring in Berlin, Germany on the weekend of October 18-20, 2019, will include exclusive activities and experiences for attendees — including the announcement of new games from Paradox and its partners. Tickets purchased starting today will be eligible for an “Early Bird” discount of 20% off, applicable to all available ticket tiers.

Prepare for the debuts by watching the debut of the latest PDXCON 2019 trailer, here:

This year’s PDXCON will see several world-first exclusives including hands-on game experience with Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. All PDXCON attendees, starting with holders of a Baron ticket, will get admission to the convention on Saturday, October 19, which includes access to all seminars, activities, game areas, and more. The King ticket will also grant admission during Sunday, October 20, where a series of special megagames, developer meet-and-greet sessions, and a LAN gaming session will be held. For those who purchase an Emperor ticket, an extra day on Friday, October 18 will be held, which will include an exclusive behind-the-scenes first look at Paradox’s newest games and biggest secrets.

Tickets and event details are available at the PDXCON website: https://pdxcon.paradoxplaza.com/

Walt Disney Motion Pictures Updated Film Release Schedule to 2027

May 7, 2019 – The Walt Disney Studios has unveiled its upcoming slate following the recent acquisition of the Fox film studios, including changes to previously dated films and a number of major additions.

After kicking off with the record-setting success of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame, The Walt Disney Studios’ 2019 summer slate includes Disney’s Aladdin on May 24, Fox’s Dark Phoenix on June 7, Pixar’s Toy Story 4 on June 21, Fox’s Stuber on July 12, and Disney’s The Lion King on July 19. Fox 2000’s The Art of Racing in the Rain moves up to Aug. 9, and Fox Searchlight’s Ready or Not will release on Aug. 23, while three films move to later dates: Ad Astra (9/20/19), The New Mutants (4/3/20), and Artemis Fowl (5/29/20).

The Studios’ 2019 slate rounds out with Fox’s The Woman in the Window on Oct. 4 and Ford V. Ferrari on Nov. 15, Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil on Oct. 18 and Disney Animation’s Frozen 2 on Nov. 22, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on Dec. 20, and Blue Sky Studios’ Spies in Disguise, moving from September to Christmas. Among early 2020 titles are Fox’s Underwater on Jan. 10, a new Kingsman movie on Feb. 14, and Call of the Wild on Feb. 21, followed by Pixar’s Onward on March 6 and Disney’s Mulan on March 27.

The updated calendar also sets release dates for major franchises Avatar and Star Wars. With Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker bringing the original Skywalker Saga to its conclusion, three new as-yet-untitled Star Wars films will release on the pre-Christmas weekend every other year beginning in 2022. Four forthcoming Avatar films, expanding the vibrant world of Pandora, will release on the pre-Christmas weekend every other year beginning in 2021. In the holiday corridor for 2020, Fox’s West Side Story adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg, will debut Dec. 18 in the pre-Christmas slot, with Disney’s Cruella opening Wednesday, Dec. 23, for the long holiday weekend.

“We’re excited to put in place a robust and diverse slate that lays the foundation of our long-term strategy, bringing together a breadth of films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Fox, Fox Searchlight, and Blue Sky Studios to create an extraordinary collection of cinematic experiences for audiences around the world,” said Cathleen Taff, President, Theatrical Distribution, Franchise Management, and Business & Audience Insights, The Walt Disney Studios. “With a strong summer already in place, we are eager to carry that momentum forward over the coming years thanks to a creative wellspring of bold and imaginative stories coming from our world-class studios – including several new chapters of two revered franchises, Avatar and Star Wars.”

EA Expands Subscription Service to PlayStation 4

May 7, 2019 — Today, Electronic Arts Inc. announced that it is bringing EA Access* to the PlayStation®4 (PS4™) system. Starting this July, players can sign-up for a monthly subscription (MSRP** $4.99), or an annual subscription (MSRP** $29.99) through PlayStation® Store. With the addition of the PlayStation 4 console to the already existing membership services on Xbox One and PC via Origin™, EA now offers its subscription services on more platforms than any other publisher.

“As we continue to invest in digital and subscription services, bringing great games to even more players across more platforms is an exciting opportunity for everyone,” said Matt Bilbey, Executive VP of Strategic Growth. “Our goal is to give players more choice to try and play our games wherever and however they choose, and we’re happy to bring EA Access to PlayStation 4.”

Membership in EA Access lets players experience Play First Trials, where they can play up to 10 hours of most new EA games. Subscribers also enjoy a 10% discount on full game purchases, expansions, in-game items and more. Additionally, players can jump into a growing library of EA games, including the best of EA with franchises like Battlefield™, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Star Wars™ Battlefront™ and more.

To stay up-to-date on EA Access news and sign up for more information, visit https://www.ea.com/ea-access/ps4.

Road to Guangdong Gameplay Trailer

May 7, 2019 – Ahead of Road to Guangdong’s PC Early Access launch on 6th June 2019, and an Xbox One launch in late 2019, Excalibur and Just Add Oil Games have released a brand new gameplay trailer.

Click here to watch the video, which debuts all new gameplay footage of the game’s driving, repairing, maintaining and trading elements – all crucial to the Road to Guangdong experience.

As well as driving across Guangdong to rekindle family relationships, players can look forward to getting their hands dirty. Namely, getting out of their rickety, aging car to refuel, change tyres, replace oil filters, fan belts and more.

A Plague Tale: Innocence ‘Monsters’ Trailer

May 6, 2019 – A Plague Tale: Innocence, the poetic and harrowing dark adventure from Asobo Studio and Focus Home Interactive, is about to arrive on May 14 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Your enemies are everywhere – inside stately homes and lordly cathedrals, down to the very dregs of the world in cellars and basements. Showcased today in our new “Monsters” trailer, while the deadly swarms of rats consume all they come across, harrying Amicia and Hugo’s long journey, far more familiar foes pick their moment to strike with more care. The English army, local brigands and, worst of all, The Inquisition and their mysterious master, Vitalis. All pursue the siblings with a deadly enthusiasm, spurred on by unknown forces.

Lord Nicholas, the commander of the Inquisition’s forces, is the helmeted face of fear for the local populace under the boot heel of his army, and for Amicia and Hugo as they flee. He is brutal and uncompromising, willing to do whatever it takes to complete his mission to capture and return the siblings to his master. Strong, fast, with zealots at his every beck and call, he will be a formidable and merciless foe.

To learn more about A Plague Tale: Innocence, why not check out our narrative website experience, introducing the characters and world of this beautiful, dangerous story.

A Plague Tale: Innocence releases on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on May 14. Pre-orders are available now!

Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 to Be Playable at PDXCON

May 6, 2019 – Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, the highly anticipated RPG from Paradox Interactive and Hardsuit Labs, will be playable for the first time at this year’s PDXCON. Paradox’s annual conference and community event, tickets for PDXCON will go on sale tomorrow, May 7.

PDXCON will take place October 18-20 in Berlin, Germany at the Funkhaus conference and performance center. For more information and to buy tickets starting tomorrow, please visit https://pdxcon.paradoxplaza.com.

Bloodlines 2 is a successor to Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, the iconic RPG known for its memorable characters and compelling storytelling. Set in modern-day Seattle, Bloodlines 2 puts players in the shoes of a newly-embraced Thinblood vampire who must navigate the city’s dark underbelly and Kindred power structure to survive.

Not only will Bloodlines 2 be playable by fans for the first time at PDXCON, but members of the development team at Hardsuit Labs as well as the World of Darkness team at Paradox will be on-hand to meet fans and answer questions. Fans can also expect exciting Bloodlines 2 news to be revealed at the event.

Check out a special message from the team at Hardsuit Labs here:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NH0oX9-ofk[/embedyt]

For more information on Bloodlines 2, please visit https://www.bloodlines2.com/.

HITMAN 2 Elusive Target The Undying Returns Trailer

May 3, 2019 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and IO Interactive today released the HITMAN 2 Elusive Target mission, The Undying Returns, starring international actor Sean Bean, who returns as former MI5 agent turned freelance assassin, Mark Faba. Starting today, players have until June 3 to take out Mark Faba in this high-stakes contract that can only be tried once. This is also a new chance for those who have attempted to eliminate Mark Faba in the past.

The Undying Returns mission is free for all players who have access to the Miami location, including those who picked up the HITMAN 2 Miami Pack that became available as a standalone purchase earlier this week for $14.99, providing full access to the Miami location, as well as all associated missions, modes and content. Launching the mission will also unlock Lil’ Flashy – a flash grenade disguised as a robot into your inventory.