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Smuggler Simulator Reveal Trailer Released

Smuggler Simulator, a unique game that will allow you to make a career in this very dangerous profession, will appear on the market in 2023 – announced Ultimate Games S.A. The creators will focus on stimulating players’ creativity and offering a system for procedurally generating locations and missions. The new title will also distinguish itself through, among others, an extensive crafting system and a large dose of humour. Smuggler Simulator is heading to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.

The new simulator is being developed by the Polish studio 3T Games and will be published by Ultimate Games S.A.

Smuggler Simulator is a singleplayer focused game with a 3D open world and procedurally generated missions and locations. The title will allow you to make a career in a very risky “profession” and move various goods across borders in a more or less spectacular manner. The key to success will be a cunning and creative approach to challenges, involving transferring goods and other commodities while remaining unnoticed. The extensive crafting system, as well as maintaining and upgrading tools of the trade, will also play a significant role.

According to the creators, individual tasks can be performed in different ways, and players’ creativity will play a vital role. For example, they will be able to use traditional smuggling tricks or decide to go for a solution taken straight out of Jackass. Smuggler Simulator will also offer very diverse locations in different parts of the world and, thanks to the procedural generation system, each gameplay session will prove unique.

“Smuggling is an old profession, practiced around the world both in times of progressing globalisation and during trade wars, transport restrictions and mass closing of borders. Smuggler Simulator is a completely unique proposition, in which the player will have to display great cunning and almost crazy levels of creativity. At the same time, our new game will reward you with a big dose of adrenaline and humour” – said Rafał Jelonek, CEO at 3T Games.

Smuggler Simulator – main features:

  • a career in a dangerous industry;
  • gameplay requiring a lot of creativity;
  • diverse locations;
  • unique gameplay (procedural generation);
  • extensive crafting system;
  • upgrades for tools and other equipment;
  • a large dose of humour.

The launch of Smuggler Simulator is initially scheduled for 2023. The game will hit PC (Steam) and consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.

World of Tanks Unveils First Update for 2021

The beginning of a new year is the right time to start a new journey with fresh content and features deploying in World of Tanks. Update 1.11.1 brings a new sub-branch of Italian heavy tanks with an improved auto reloading mechanic to the game. The updated Platoon system will allow you to find gaming buddies easier (without being limited to friends and contacts), and a few interface improvements make the gameplay even more enjoyable.

The new Italian heavy branch begins with the Tier VII Carro d’assalto P.88 and consists of four vehicles with great gun depression angles, well-armored turrets, and stylish exteriors. The top animal in the pack, the Tier X Rinoceronte (‘Rhinoceros’), reminds us that Italy is famous for its automotive design traditions. A distinctive feature introduced with the new sub-branch is the improved auto reloading mechanic. As well as being able to choose between firing intermittent shots or salvos, with Tier VIII–X Italian heavies you get a rebate (up to 50%) for the reloading time of your next shell—if you had to shoot just before an extra round would be fully loaded into the clip.

Along with the new branch, four sets of battle missions are being introduced, each one dedicated to a separate tank in the sub-branch and giving out an Ancient Roman-themed emblem, inscription, and decal as rewards, with the Rinoceronte set also yielding the “Testudo Formation” 2D style. The style fits Italian vehicles only, and all other customization elements can be applied to any vehicle. Each mission set is to be completed by its ‘own’ new Italian heavy, but all of them are also doable in the Rinoceronte or in the Tier VIII Premium tank, the Bisonte C45. A fifth customization collection will also be available, exclusive to Twitch Drops–check back on the Portal in the coming days for more information.

“Around 3 years ago, in May 2018, we revealed the Italian tech tree, with Gianluigi Buffon as an ambassador,” says Max Chuvalov, World of Tanks Publishing Director. “The players spent some time mastering the new mechanic, and they really liked the Italian tanks. Now we’re adding new researchable vehicles that not only complement the Italian tree, but bring their own distinctive features, in order to make the experience even more diverse and exciting. Take these awesome machines for a spin and enjoy the highly-tactical gameplay!”

Also coming with Update 1.11.1 is the Platoon 2.0 system. Available for Random Battles, it allows you to find battle buddies with ease: it’s fully automated, and the search can be performed using filters you apply. Moreover, you can team up with a friend the old-fashioned way and find a third partner using the new system if you want, and once the Platoon is complete, you’ll see the allied vehicles side by side with your current ride in your Garage.

The interface improvements that will arrive along with the update continue the tradition of integrating the best solutions from popular UI mods into the client. In the game settings, you can now activate such options as the Proximity spotting circle (showing the radius of ‘unconditional’ spotting on the mini-map) and a repair timer for damaged vehicle modules.

Fight tactically in the new Italians alongside your new buds, earn the new Roman style and don’t let any brutes stab you in the back! If you need more info on Update 1.11.1, take a look here:

https://worldoftanks.com/en/1.11.1/

Daedalic Entertainment Announces Hidden Deep

Developer Cogwheel Software and publisher Daedalic Entertainment have today announced their new sci-fi thriller Hidden Deep scheduled to release on PC in 2021. Players will explore a vast suboceanic research and mining facility inhabited by alien creatures brought to life in a 2D game world full of action, mystery and danger. For players wanting to get a taste of what’s in store, a demo version of Hidden Deep will be available during the Steam Games Festival: February 2021 from February 3rd to February 9th.

In Hidden Deep, you lead a team of four researchers to a mysterious facility 1,6 km below the ocean floor in order to find out what has happened to the station’s crew who have seemingly disappeared. You must command your team members and find out what happened to your colleagues in a dark sci-fi story inspired by 80s and 90s classics like Alien, The Thing, and the first Half-Life game. Explore the depths using a variety of gadgets, shoot, blast or sneak your way through dangerous traps and alien lairs and try not to get eaten by the facility’s inhabitants (including your own crew members!).

Core features:
  • A mission-based single-player experience where you control your team directly or by giving orders.
  • Story mode with more than 50 narrative-driven, handcrafted levels paying homage to 80s and 90s sci-fi classics.
  • Challenge mode with randomized levels for fast-paced, intense action.
  • Exploration of suboceanic caves using grappling-hooks, scanners, drones, heavy machinery, and more.
  • Sneaky and deadly aliens, environmental traps, and other hidden dangers to make your life miserable – and exciting.

Hidden Deep will be released on PC via Steam in 2021. From February 3rd to 9th, you can play a demo during the Steam Games Festival: February 2021. The Hidden Deep Discord community can be found here.

505 Games Announces Puzzle Quest 3 with Trailer

Global video game publisher 505 Games announced today Puzzle Quest 3 (PQ3), an all-new installment to the groundbreaking and highly successful puzzle-RPG franchise. This will be the first official release under 505 Games, following the recent acquisition of Infinity Plus Two, the Australian game development studio and creators of the critically acclaimed Puzzle Quest series, which has generated over $200 million in revenue and amassed an estimated 32 million users globally under the franchise. The team is on track to deliver PQ3 as a multiplatform free-to-play (F2P) title launching later this year.

“After an overwhelming demand from fans over the past decade for the next installment of Puzzle Quest, we’re thrilled to finally reveal the development of Puzzle Quest 3,” said Steve Fawkner, CEO and Creative Lead at Infinity Plus Two. “The vision for this latest project has been years in the making, and like any good Puzzle Quest game, it’s a delicate balance of gameplay, story, and strategic puzzle-solving while introducing something unexpected that will appeal to both old and new fans. We can’t wait to share PQ3.”

Puzzle Quest 3 returns to its origins, recalling the deep RPG mechanics and signature heroic storylines that made the original a standout hit within the Match-3 category. Now featuring a twist on traditional puzzle gameplay, PQ3 offers an intense 1-versus-1 battle system realized in a 3D game world. Taking place 500 years after the original Puzzle Quest, players will embark on a heroic journey across Etheria to discover the meaning behind the ancient Red Dragon’s dying words.

“Puzzle Quest defined the puzzle-RPG genre, creating a beloved franchise with a rich heritage that continues to resonate with a player base of millions globally today. The work that Steve [Fawkner] and his team have done to reintroduce the franchise as a F2P experience across multiple platforms will undoubtedly reinvent the puzzle genre once again. As a unified publishing and dev team, we’ve created a path for the franchise that puts the player first so we can best serve our growing community,” said Clive Robert, Head of Free-to-Play at 505 Games.

Puzzle Quest 3 features an all-new adventure to become the ultimate hero, battling and building a legacy in thrilling head-to-head combat. The game includes an immersive battle system where players unleash torturous spells and paralyzing attacks through the power of gem-crushing in an enhanced turn-based system. Puzzle Quest 3 once again pushes the genre limits by introducing new and imaginative gameplay mechanics. The game will be available to fans worldwide, across a wide variety of mobile devices and PC later this year, with additional platforms to be announced.

Prepare for a new quest and get updates on Puzzle Quest 3 through the official game website at www.PuzzleQuest3.com, and follow us on social media: Facebook and Twitter @puzzlequest3.

Skater XL Drops New Warehouse Level

The new year is here for Skater XL as the skateboarding evolution continues with big plans for 2021. Committed to keeping a steady flow of content coming to the game, Easy Day Studios announced that an all-new community created map and 50 new pieces of gear are now available to PS4, Xbox One, and PC players! All new user-generated content is accessible for download through the in-game Mod Browser.

‘The Warehouse’ level was created by Yaky, a longtime community creator with multiple popular maps under his belt. The level features a unique ambiance that recreates an outdoor skatepark in an indoor setting. Palm trees dot the terrain, along with traditional street and skatepark elements including configurations of ledges, hips, rails, and quarterpipes. The level has been visually optimized by Easy Day Studios, with all geography or features staying true to the creator’s original vision.

Dive into skateboarding paradise with levels that feature famous skate landmarks and environmental elements, including Downtown LA, the ginormous Big Ramp, Easy Day High, and community created maps like Grant Park, Hudland, and Streets. Play as skateboarding pros Tiago Lemos, Evan Smith, Tom Asta, and Brandon Westgate, or customize and create your own skateboarding legend with gear from more than 30 real skate brands. Explore hundreds of mods, maps, digital skate zines, personal highlight replays, and more from the Skater XL community that celebrates this new era of digital skateboarding.

Skater XL is now available for $39.99 USD on PS4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, and at brick and mortar retailers for PS4 and Xbox One. For the latest news and updates on Skater XL, follow the game on Instagram and Twitter, “Like” us on Facebook, and visit the official website, SkaterXL.com.

Fanatec Extends Partnership with SRP Motorsports Group

Fanatec, the leading manufacturer for sim racing equipment, extends the partnership with the SRO Motorsports Group to create a championship that merges real motorsport with esports in ways never seen before.

Fanatec becomes Title Sponsor of the Fanatec GT World Challenge and GT2 European Series

In 2020, Fanatec and SRO Motorsports Group began a hugely successful esports partnership. Now it will expand with a multi-year deal that will see Fanatec become the title sponsor of the GT World Challenge Powered by AWS as well as the new GT2 European Series. The GT Sports Club concept has evolved into the GT2 European Series which will have five rounds in the 2021 season featuring high-powered models from Porsche, Audi, KTM, and Lamborghini.

Sim Racing and Real Motorsport merges together.

Fanatec and SRO will integrate sim racing and real-life racing during all five rounds of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup including the Total 24 Hours of Spa. Assetto Corsa Competizione, the official video game of Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS, will be used to host esports contests at each event where both Pro and Silver teams nominate one actual race driver to participate in a virtual race which awards championship points.

This groundbreaking concept will see sim racing directly influence the outcome of a real-world championship, a first in global motorsport, and sets the benchmark for other series to follow. The official rules and regulations will be announced at a later date.

Fanatec CEO, Thomas Jackermeier comments on the evolution of the partnership:
“This is truly a groundbreaking milestone for motorsport as well as for esports. Never before have we seen an athlete compete in both virtual and real life for championship points. This increases the importance of sim racers for race teams and in future you will rarely see a race driver who is not training in a simulator at home. I hope other racing series will follow as this is a great way to reach a young audience and allows online-races at any time of the year at minimum cost. A great and entertaining addition to the loud and exciting track racing we all love.”

Stephane Ratel, SRO Motorsports Group founder and CEO:
“We are proud to be at the forefront of another revolutionary moment as the first championship to merge virtual and real racing. It is clear that GT racing is immensely popular within the esports community, which speaks to its potential globally. As a leader in its field of expertise, Fanatec can play a crucial role in the project.”

Marco Massarutto, Co-Founder and Executive Manager at Kunos Simulazioni SRL:
“The worldwide lockdown forced motorsports to engage with virtual driving more so than in the past, and its potential has been better understood and is now seen as a legitimate complementary tool to real-world racing, which continues to remain irreplaceable. Nevertheless, we believe that this initiative can bring drivers even more competition, offering the public a renewed and interesting vision of motorsports, be it real or virtual.”

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One – Q&A Video

As work on Sherlock Holmes Chapter One continues, Frogwares have collected and answered a few fan questions they regularly see popping up.

The 5-minute video answers questions on how big the game is in terms of story and quests, how the story is structured, disguises and customization, multiple endings, wrongfully accusing suspects and gives a preview of voice acting for young Sherlock Holmes and his companion Jon.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is a third-person, open-world story-driven detective thriller and acts as a prequel in the world-renowned detective’s personal story. A creative re-imagining of what events could have led to Sherlock becoming the iconic sleuth many know today.

The game will release sometime in 2021 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.

ESL Gaming Unveils 2021 Events Calendar

ESL Gaming, the world’s largest esports company, has today unveiled an overview of its 2021 planning direction for esports tournaments and DreamHack festivals, providing a full list of dates. Included is DreamHack’s first live, in-person festival since the pandemic began. This event will take place in the U.S. at DreamHack Atlanta in November 2021 — its last in-person event was DreamHack Anaheim in February 2020.

The direction for 2021 sees the majority of ESL and DreamHack esports competitions scheduled to be played in a studio setting without a live audience in 2021. ESL One Cologne powered by Intel® remains planned as an in-person competition with an audience in July 2021, pending local regulation and guidelines, with more live-audience competitions and in-person DreamHack festivals following in late 2021. The decision whether ESL One Cologne will remain an in-person tournament will be reevaluated closer to the competition start date.

The 2021 calendar will be dependent on the latest health guidance in light of the ongoing global pandemic, with ESL Gaming’s top priority being the safety and well-being of all personnel, players and attendees involved. When in-person competitions return, ESL Gaming will follow a “Return to LAN” protocol developed in close collaboration with teams and players to minimize their exposure to COVID-19 related risks as much as possible. ESL Gaming will share additional updates and plans following the first quarter of 2021.

2021 COMPETITIONS AND FESTIVALS

Despite moving away from tournaments and festivals in front of live audiences on-site, ESL Gaming is looking towards a packed year of esports action in 2021, across multiple game titles, for fans to enjoy. While ESL Gaming swiftly turned its 2020 competitions into online formats, viewership surpassed projections and broke multiple records across several products — plans for 2021 include even bigger and better productions for all competitions.

Ulrich Schulze, SVP Product Management at ESL Gaming, said: “Like many other industries, we have had to react and change our plans so that we can ensure the safety of our community while still delivering the same world-class action. 2021 will look different as we continue to follow the latest health guidance relating to the pandemic, but we are also excited at what prospects are on offer with this calendar. We are committed to returning players to a LAN environment and are currently aiming to have fans back in their seats for ESL One Cologne. Of course this is dependent on the very latest guidance and we will release further information relating to the status of all tournaments in due course.”

CS:GO will kick off with the DreamHack Open in January, and will run through a packed schedule of EPT Masters and EPT Challenger dates throughout the year. The Dota2 calendar will also be packed with tournaments across multiple levels, while the StarCraft® II circuit tour will kick off with DreamHack StarCraft® II Masters in May 2021, and conclude at IEM Katowice in February 2022 where players will be playing for the world champion title and a grand prize of $500,000. The Warcraft® III circuit will start with DreamHack Warcraft® III Open in May 2021, and culminate with DreamHack Warcraft® III Championship in December.

Going into 2021, fans around the world will continue to be guaranteed a high-quality viewing experience of all ESL Pro Tour tournaments via exclusive streams on Twitch for English language.

For the full 2021 calendar and more information, visit about.eslgaming.com. Fans can look for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.

Razer Unveils Naga X MMO Gaming Mouse

The most successful MMO mouse lineup returns with the Razer Naga X – the latest addition to Razer’s acclaimed Naga family. Maintaining the signature programable button grid designed to provide gamers an undisputed advantage and a greater arsenal of commands at their fingertips, the Razer Naga X is also the lightest Razer Naga mouse yet.

The Razer Naga X features 16 programmable buttons that are ergonomically positioned for quick access. Each button can be assigned to basic functions like casting spells to advanced functions, such as macros combining multiple command keys all at once. Additionally, Razer™ HyperShift mode allows for a full secondary set of button assignments that is activated when the HyperShift button is held down.

Retaining all the features that makes the Razer Naga the prime choice for MMO gamers, the Razer Naga X weighs only 85-grams, making it the lightest Razer Naga mouse to date. Now being upgraded with the 2nd-Gen Razer™ Optical Mouse Switches used in Razer’s latest top-of-the-line mice, gamers get to enjoy the benefit of the fastest actuation speeds and unmatched reliability, allowing them to cast their spells and time their rotations perfectly.

The Razer Naga X sports the Razer™ 5G Advanced Optical Sensor, Razer™ Speedflex cable for unrestricted movement and 100% PTFE Mouse Feet for the smoothest glides across any surface, giving MMO gamers the ultimate mobility to last long hours of gameplay.

The Razer Naga X also features on-board memory storage for gamers to easily access personal settings including keymap settings on the go. It is powered by Razer Chroma™ RGB for full personalization and an immersive gaming experience.

For more information, please visit this link.

WHEN: Available Now

WHERE: Razer.com and authorized retailers

PRICE: $79.99 USD / €89.99 MSRP

Sideshow and Hot Toys Announces Dark Trooper Figure

Sideshow Toys and Hot Toys have announced the upcoming 1/6th scale Dark Trooper figure as seen in The Mandalorian season 2. Check out the press info below:

“You’re about to face off with the Dark Troopers. You had your hands full with one. Let’s see how you do against a platoon.” – Moff Gideon

Following the epic finale of The Mandalorian™ season 2, Hot Toys is excited to introduce a brand new addition to the 1/6th scale Star Wars Television Masterpiece Series – a collectible figure inspired by the menacing Dark Troopers™!

The third-generation Dark Troopers are no longer suits. The human inside was the final weakness to be solved. They are now droids.

This newly announced Hot Toys collectible figure is currently available to pre-order from Sideshow, HERE.

Each Dark Trooper 1:6 scale collectible figure features:

  • An authentic and ultra-detailed likeness of the Dark Troopers as seen in Star Wars: The Mandalorian™
  • A finely crafted Dark Trooper helmet, with LED light-up function (battery operated)
  • A newly developed exoskeleton body, with detailed mechanical design, and over 25 points of articulation (stands approx. 32.5cm tall)
  • Realistic glossy black armor with metallic silver joints, and an LED light-up chest panel (battery operated)
  • Multiple interchangeable hands for a variety of pose and display options
  • A blaster rifle
  • A figure stand with Star Wars logo and character nameplate

Pre-Order the Dark Trooper 1:6 scale collectible figure from Sideshow, HERE.