Archive - 2019

Stellaris: Console Edition Gets Utopia Soon

STOCKHOLM – Jun. 6, 2019 – Paradox Interactive and Tantalus Media have today announced that Utopia, the anticipated major expansion for Stellaris: Console Edition, will launch on August 13th. This expansion includes new customization features allowing players to greatly diversify their empire options and truly create a space nation of their own.

Ascend to a higher plane with a trailer here:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDh3KLLYjZE[/embedyt]

Join the spacefaring community now: https://console.stellaris.com/

Featuring the same deep strategic gameplay as Paradox’s original Stellaris, with rich and diverse alien races and emergent storytelling, Stellaris: Console Edition puts the complexity of the galaxy at your thumbsticks. Whether you’re exploring the unknown, discovering the mysteries of the universe, or conquering it for the glory of your empire, console players have more inter-galactic strategy awaiting them than ever before.

Utopia features include:

  • Megastructures: Build wondrous structures in your systems including Dyson Spheres and ring worlds, bringing both prestige and major advantages to your race.

  • Habitat Stations: Build “tall” and establish space stations that will house more population, serving the role of planets in a small and confined empire.

  • Ascension Perks: Collect Unity points and adopt Traditions to unlock Ascension Perks that allow you to customize your empire in unique ways. Follow one of the three Ascension Paths and achieve Biological Mastery, give up your biological forms in a Synthetic Evolution, or unlock the full psionic potential of your species through Transcendance.

  • Indoctrination: Influence primitive civilizations and make them adopt your ethics through the use of observation stations, preparing them for enlightenment or annexation.

  • Advanced Slavery: Maximize the benefits of slavery by choosing specific roles for enthralled species. Have them serve other Pops as Domestic Servants, fight for your empire as Battle Thralls, or keep them as Livestock to feed your people.

  • Advanced Governments: Adopt unique civics and authorities for your government. Play as a Fanatic Purifier and shun all diplomacy, become a Hive Mind to avoid political strife or create a multi-species empire born of Syncretic Evolution.

Disney Parks and Experiences Panel and More Announced for D23 Expo 2019

BURBANK, Calif., June 6, 2019 – D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced the lineup of the most highly anticipated presentations at D23 Expo 2019, August 23–25. The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will kick off the Expo on Friday morning, August 23. Later that same day, Disney+ will showcase its exciting slate of original films and series coming to the streaming service, set to launch in the U.S. on November 12. On Saturday morning, The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a sneak peek at their collection of world-class film labels, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm. And on Sunday morning, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Disney Parks during a presentation hosted by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek.

These Expo favorites will take place in “Hall D23,” the 6,800-seat venue located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center. The schedule of Hall D23 Events and Presentations is as follows (all events subject to change and additional events to be announced in the coming weeks):

The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 23. The ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will once again honor those visionaries and artists who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. This year’s recipients are: Wing Chao, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Bette Midler, Kenny Ortega, Barnette Ricci, Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer.

On Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., the highly anticipated streaming service Disney+ will give guests a first look at some of its original content including Lady and the Tramp, The Mandalorian, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and many more during this star-studded presentation.

The Walt Disney Studios will present a behind-the-scenes look at its blockbuster collection of upcoming films on Saturday, August 24, at 10 a.m. Fans will see what’s on the drawing board for the acclaimed filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios and get a peek at the exciting slate of live-action projects, from Disney to Marvel Studios to Star Wars. As always, attendees will be treated to exclusive footage, special guest appearances, and more!

On Sunday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m., step into the magical world of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products with Chairman Bob Chapek to find out what’s new and what’s next for resorts around the globe, including more about the transformational plans for Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $77 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.

Larian Studios Announces Baldur’s Gate III

June 6, 2019 – Larian Studios is proud to announce that they are developing and publishing Baldur’s Gate III on PC and Google Stadia. Created in close collaboration with the Dungeons & Dragons team at Wizards of the Coast, Baldur’s Gate III is based off current D&D mechanics and spells and is the official new chapter in the legendary series.

Baldur’s Gate III will push the boundaries of the RPG genre and offer a rich narrative with unparalleled player freedom, high-stakes decisions, unique companion characters and memorable combat. It is Larian Studios’ biggest production ever and will be playable together with friends or as a single-player adventure.

The teaser trailer shows a return of a malevolent presence to Baldur’s Gate, intent on devouring it from the inside out, corrupting everything that remains in the Forgotten Realms. Alone you may resist, but together you can overcome. Gather your party.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcP0WdH7rTs[/embedyt]

“Baldur’s Gate means so much to so many people. It’s a great responsibility but I think we’re ready for it,” said Swen Vincke, Creative Director at Larian Studios. “We’re all about creating reactive, systemic worlds that respect player agency and having a chance to apply our team’s skillset in a universe as rich as Dungeons & Dragons is a lot of fun. We’re working very closely with Wizards to bring an unprecedented level of immersion to the realm of Faerun and I can’t wait to show the world what our team cooked up.”

“Partnering with Larian, a studio that combines a remarkable history of critically-acclaimed titles with a genuine passion for one of the most iconic locations in Dungeons & Dragons, has been a terrific experience,” said Chris Cocks, President of Wizards of the Coast. “We believe fans of the Baldur’s Gate saga – and even those new to the series – will be thrilled to step into this epic story.”

Larian Studios plans to work closely with the global community to bring the coveted series to life, with more news to follow over the course of the year.

Barotrauma Out Now

HAMBURG, Germany – June 5, 2019 – Publisher Daedalic Entertainment and independent developers FakeFish and Undertow Games have released the hilarious multiplayer sci-fi submarine simulator Barotrauma for Windows PC, Mac and Linux via Steam Early Access for $29.99/£21.49 GBP/€24.99 Euro. Barotrauma sends up to 16 players on an underwater journey beneath the surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa, where you’ll discover alien wonders and/or horrors, command various submarine systems, and fight to survive dangers from both outside and within.

Check out Barotrauma’s new launch teaser here:

The feature trailer is available here: https://youtu.be/mVJxTpcn3wI

Navigate a chilling ocean filled with strange creatures, explore alien ruins, and cooperate with your crewmates to complete missions on your voyage. Choose from several classes and work together managing complex systems, including the nuclear reactor, guns, engines and sonar. Fend off hostile monsters, seal deadly radioactive leaks, and survive crewmates infected with extraterrestrial viruses.

Barotrauma’s thrilling and often hilarious chaos is both fun to play and watch thanks to procedurally generated levels, ridiculous ragdoll physics and full mod support. But beware: some threats are closer than you think. Multiplayer’s traitor mode option may randomly assign players as secret conspirators, complete with their own individual missions like assassination and sabotage.

Key Features:

  • Team up in adrenaline-filled 2D co-op multiplayer for up to 16 players. Or betray your crew and bury them in an icy grave…

  • Master intricate submarine management and crafting systems to survive Europa’s frigid depths.

  • Explore a vast ocean filled with unknown life and other dangerous secrets on an alien world.

  • Play as one of several classes, including captain, engineer, security officer, mechanic and medic.

  • Procedurally created levels and events ensure no two games are the same.

  • Make your own monstrosities! Transform the game via Steam Workshop and create your own submarines, sprites, levels and alien creatures for other players to download.

Early access is just the beginning for Barotrauma! The game will continuously be updated and expanded with new content, features and improvements in partnership with the game’s community.

For further information, visit the game on Steam and its official website, barotraumagame.com.

The Surge 2 Gets A Release Date

June 6, 2019 – The Surge 2, Deck13’s incredible follow-up to the hardcore sci-fi action-RPG The Surge published by Focus Home Interactive, will be available worldwide September 24 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Players who preorder at participating retailers will receive the URBN Gear Pack DLC for free, which includes an armor set, two weapons, one drone, one module, and a bonus online message icon (check listings for local availability). The Surge 2 Limited Edition is now also available for pre-order, including an exclusive lenticular cover, an 8-page comic book, a massive double-side poster and three lithographs. The Limited Edition is available from select retailers worldwide.

The Surge 2 comes to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on September 24.

Screenshots

Warhammer: Chaosbane Launch Trailer

Lesquin, June 4th, 2019 – Bigben and EKO Software are pleased to reveal the launch trailer for Warhammer: Chaosbane. The game is now available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. After two beta phases that united Warhammer and hack-and-slash fans alike, EKO Software is proud to announce a game that remains faithful to the lore while simultaneously offering game mechanics never seen in its genre before.

Discover the video here:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrfd4aXR7f4[/embedyt]

Konrad Vollen the soldier, Elontir the mage, Bragi Axebiter the dwarf Slayer, or Elessa the archer: which hero will you choose, alone or with your friends, to come to the Empire’s rescue and push the Chaos back?

The first action RPG to take place in the Warhammer Fantasy Battles world, Warhammer: Chaosbane plunges the player into the heart of the Old World, a continent marked by the Great War against Chaos, a bloody conflict which ravaged the Empire of men. They will embody a human, a high elf, a wood elf, or a dwarf, and discover the iconic locations of the Warhammer Fantasy Battles universe that’s captured the imaginations of millions of fans across the world.

Principal characteristics:

  • The first hack-and-slash set in the Warhammer Fantasy Battles universe.
  • 4 character classes, each with their own unique gameplay, skills, and gear.
  • An XXL bestiary with more than 70 monsters, all linked to the gods of Chaos, and epic boss fights.
  • A game designed for co-op: on your own or with 4 players, local or online, the interface and class synergy have been specifically created for cooperation and teamwork between characters.
  • Extreme replayability: in addition to the main story, a boss rush mode, infinite dungeons, and regular updates will ensure a rich gaming experience.
  • Warhammer: Chaosbane is now available on PlayStation 4TM, Xbox One, and PC on Steam and Utomik.

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Mario Kart VR Opening at K1 Speed in Irvine

Irvine, CA – VR ZONE Portal US – The highly anticipated Mario Kart Arcade GP VR experience will arrive at K1 Speed in Irvine, CA during the second week of June, following its success during its six month period at Union Station in Washington, D.C. as well as at VR ZONE arcades in Shinjuku, Tokyo and London, UK.

Launching June 12 at VR ZONE Portal Irvine located within K1 Speed, which is a family-fun entertainment center that features go-karts, the multiplayer VR experience will offer four players at a time the chance to hop into specially designed ‘Mario Karts’, before racing through the iconic Mushroom Kingdom as either Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Yoshi. Players can enjoy the game on a first come, first serve basis.

With use of the award-winning HTC VIVE VR system, Mario Kart Arcade GP VR will not only feature industry-leading graphics but, in homage to the original game, VIVE’s Tracker technology will allow players to reach up and grab classic items like green turtle shells to pelt their opponents with. Additionally, Mario Kart Arcade GP VR will boast haptic feedback capabilities, creating a truly four- dimensional experience that allows players to feel every single twist and turn.

Nick Iftner, Virtual Reality Sales Manager at BANDAI NAMCO Amusement America, said “We at BANDAI NAMCO Amusement America are incredibly excited to bring Mario Kart Arcade GP VR to more locations across the states. The first location in the states in Washington D.C. proved to be a hit, and we’re eager to bring it to the West coast where we believe many are waiting to try it. We are confident that VR ZONE Portal Irvine will be a huge success at the Irvine location.”

Susan Danglard, Owner and Marketing Director of K1 Speed, said, “We cannot wait to have VR ZONE Portal Irvine with Mario Kart Arcade GP VR inside our Irvine location. This cutting-edge virtual reality experience is the perfect complement to our premium indoor kart racing experience. Visitors will get to physically race go karts on our track and then virtually race at Mushroom Kingdom – we know this will be incredibly popular with people of all ages in Southern California.”

Jumanji: The Video Game Announced

London, June 4th 2019 – BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe, worldwide family entertainment publisher Outright Games, and UK based development studio Funsolve, in collaboration with Sony Pictures, today announce Jumanji: The Video Game, the officially licensed game set in the world of the massively successful Jumanji film franchise.

Watch the teaser trailer:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iflxVQBGZIk[/embedyt]

Releasing November 15th, 2019, Jumanji: The Video Game puts you in control of Jumanji’s greatest heroes as they seek to find the precious Jewels of Jumanji, save the world and find a way home. What’s stopping them? Only a deadly array of exotic creatures, dangerous locations and an army of evil marauders.

Unite with up to three friends on this hilarious adventure in online or split-screen modes, as you tackle all new Jumanji environments and choose your hero from Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Ruby Roundhouse, Franklin “Mouse” Finbar or Professor Shelly Oberon and combine their unique abilities to keep one another alive.

This is a dream come true for our studio” Funsolve Founder and Director, Richard Tawn said “Adapting the exotic, dangerous and hilarious world of Jumanji into a video game has pushed us to create something truly special. We’ve got some incredibly exciting features and reveals coming soon, but for now let’s just say the game is coming this November, and puts you in the shoes of iconic Jumanji heroes.”

Jumanji: The Video Game is based on the wildly successful film franchise that began in 1995 with Jumanji and has gone on to produce the box office hit Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle in 2017 as well as its highly anticipated sequel releasing this December.

“Jumanji is a property we have been eager to work with for a long time” said Terry Malham, CEO of Outright Games “Our specialty as a video game publisher is in producing high-quality interactive-entertainment for the whole family to enjoy and there is no brand more exciting for families right now than Jumanji.”

Jumanji: The Video Game will run on Unreal Engine 4, and releases worldwide on 15th November 2019 for PlayStation®4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™ and PC Digital.

For more information about the game and other products from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.eu,

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoEU or join the conversation at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoEU.

Battletech: Urban Warfare Launch Trailer

STOCKHOLM – June 4, 2019 – Paradox Interactive and Harebrained Schemes today released the Urban Warfare expansion for BATTLETECH, taking ‘Mech combat to the streets. Featuring vast cityscapes, electronic warfare systems, and new BattleMechs like the Raven, BATTLETECH: Urban Warfare is available now for $19.99 / €19.99 / £15.49 MSRP and is also available in the BATTLETECH Season Pass.

Check out the Urban Warfare launch trailer:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBI8007PERM[/embedyt]

New street features, the return of forgotten technologies, challenging sight lines, collateral damage and maximum destruction await in Urban Warfare. Be wary of the hazards of city combat: explosions, floods and ECM are right around every corner!

Key features:

  • Urban Combat – Street brawls introduce new tactical gameplay challenges as ‘Mech combat moves from wide-open natural landscapes to vast urban sprawls. Every building in the new urban biome is fully destructible, so you’re never more than a few salvos away from a new line of sight, or the defensive cover of high-rise rubble. New hazards like destroyed coolant exchanger buildings and broken electrical transformers that disrupt targeting will drastically change the battle as you go.

  • Electronic Warfare – The return of these lost technologies will forever change the 31st century battlefield. ‘Mechs equipped with Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) and nearby friendly units are obscured from enemy targeting systems, and immune to indirect fire. Meanwhile, ‘Mechs equipped with Active Probe can reveal, locate, and target enemy units that would otherwise be hidden.

  • Two New BattleMechs – The experimental Raven 1X sports an advanced electronic warfare package combining ECM and Active Probe systems into a lightweight component. The Javelin is a compromise between speed and firepower, with close-range knockout power.

  • New Flashpoints – A wide variety of new branching short stories that link together mercenary missions, crew conversations, special events, critical choices, and rare bonus rewards. The Flashpoints in Urban Warfare do not require the BATTLETECH: Flashpoint DLC to play.

  • Three New Enemy Vehicles – The Gallant Urban Assault Tank sports a variety of weapons to fight at all ranges with speed and agility, the Packrat is a battlefield support vehicle equipped with a prototype version of ECM, and the Rotunda is a reconnaissance vehicle equipped with a prototype version of Active Probe.

  • New Encounter – Attack and Defend is a challenging new mission type where your mercenaries must destroy an enemy’s base to stop a steady stream of attackers before they can overcome your forces and knock out your employer’s base.

BATTLETECH and the Flashpoint DLC are available at a discount on Steam to celebrate the explosive launch of Urban Warfare, with the discount available until Friday, June 7, 2019 at 19:00 CEST (10:00AM PDT). See all sale prices and read more about Urban Warfare here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/637090/BATTLETECH/