Welcome to the sixth episode of Frostpunk 2: City Unbound! Today’s episode focuses on the improvements made to the game’s interface and how it adds to the overall smoothness of Frostpunk 2.❄️
The team has added a new Zoom-in stories feature, which lets players observe scenes from around their city in greater detail. This feature helps accentuate the human dimension that is integral to the spirit of Frostpunk. In addition, the team has added new buttons and menus that make basic city management easier and also enable players to quickly deal with arising emergencies.
The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is a gimbal that aims to elevate your smartphone videography, promising professional-level stabilization and intelligent tracking capabilities. Having put it through its paces, I’m ready to share my thoughts on whether it delivers on those promises.
Design and Build
Right out of the box, the Smooth 5S AI feels sturdy and well-constructed. Its predominantly plastic build doesn’t feel cheap, and the ergonomic design fits comfortably in hand, even during extended use. The control layout is intuitive, with a joystick, mode button, and record button easily accessible with your thumb. The gimbal’s arms extend smoothly to accommodate most smartphones, and the spring-loaded clamp holds your phone securely in place.
Zhiyun has paid attention to the finer details in the design. The axis arms are crafted from a textured translucent material, which not only adds visual interest but also provides a more tactile experience when adjusting the gimbal. The control panel features a sophisticated dual-layer cover design, with a translucent shell adding depth and intrigue. Multi-layer spraying techniques create a smooth, glossy finish that feels premium to the touch. Furthermore, the handle is thoughtfully wrapped in textured silicone, offering improved grip and comfort during extended shooting sessions.
AI Tracking & Gesture Control – A Dynamic Duo
A standout feature is the magnetic AI tracking module, a testament to Zhiyun’s innovation. This compact yet powerful module attaches effortlessly to either the front or rear of your phone, offering flexibility in framing your shots. Intuitive gesture control adds another layer of convenience, allowing you to effortlessly manage tracking functions without fiddling with the app. Within the ZHIYUN app or your phone’s native camera, you can initiate and stop recording, or even define custom framing for precise tracking. Imagine capturing stunning long-distance solo videos with ease – this module makes it possible.
But Zhiyun takes it a step further with integrated multi-task gesture control. Simple hand movements can now trigger a variety of actions, from activating or deactivating subject tracking to initiating smooth zoom or capturing a quick photo. This hands-free control elevates your filmmaking experience, allowing you to stay in the moment and capture those spontaneous, fleeting moments without missing a beat.
Stabilization and Performance
The Smooth 5S AI boasts 3-axis stabilization, and in practice, it works exceptionally well. Walking, running, or even shooting from a moving vehicle, the gimbal effortlessly smooths out your footage, resulting in cinematic-looking videos. The motors are powerful enough to handle even larger phones without struggling, and there’s minimal noise during operation.
The AI tracking module, coupled with the gimbal’s stabilization and gesture control, creates a powerful trio for capturing dynamic and engaging videos. Whether you’re vlogging your adventures, filming a dance routine, or documenting a family gathering, the Smooth 5S AI keeps your subject in focus and your footage steady, even when you’re on the move.
The gimbal’s companion app, ZY Cami, offers a wealth of features to enhance your filmmaking experience. From basic controls like focus and zoom to advanced modes like timelapse and panorama, there’s plenty to explore. The app is user-friendly and connects seamlessly to the gimbal via Bluetooth.
Battery Life
The Smooth 5S AI’s battery life is impressive, lasting for several hours of continuous use. This means you can confidently shoot an entire day’s worth of footage without worrying about running out of juice. The built-in battery also powers the magnetic fill light, which is a welcome addition for shooting in low-light conditions.
Limitations
While the Smooth 5S AI is a fantastic gimbal, it’s not without its flaws. The magnetic tracking module, while convenient, can occasionally lose its grip if your phone is subjected to sudden movements or impacts. Additionally, the app’s interface can be a bit overwhelming at first, with a multitude of options and settings to navigate.
Conclusion
Overall, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is a highly capable smartphone gimbal that delivers on its promise of smooth, stabilized footage and intelligent tracking. The magnetic AI tracking module and integrated gesture control elevate the user experience, making it easier than ever to capture professional-looking videos. The thoughtful design touches, like the textured axis arms and silicone handle, enhance both the aesthetics and usability of the gimbal. If you’re serious about smartphone videography, the Smooth 5S AI is a worthy investment.
The 2024 Knott’s Scary Farm lineup includes a total of 10 mazes, five sinister scare zones, three hair-raising shows for a total of 31 terrifying nights beginning September 19 and running through November 2. With more than 50 years of original, never-ending nightmares, unimaginable scares and innovative thrills, Knott’s Scary Farm has left no tomb unearthed, no crypt unrattled and no fear untouched.
New Offerings
Eight Fingers Nine: The Boogeyman (Maze) – Become immersed in a living fairy tale in an 18th century colonial township that’s under siege by an inhuman monster who has a sick penchant for eating fingers. As night descends, Eight Fingers Nine emerges from the shadows in search of fresh meat. His vicious bite penetrates deep, causing sleep paralysis which holds his victim in sway while he slowly consumes their flesh. Step lightly and beware the dark, or you may be the main course at his next meal!
Widows (Maze) – The night of the arachnid is upon us! Enter a web-covered nursing home where demonic, eight-legged black widows emerge from their silken tunnels to possess the withered bodies of the elderly residence. Their sole purpose is to secure a mate and hatch a clutch of eggs before sunrise. Will you climb into their web and succumb to their dark desires?
Yours Cruelly, Elvira EXXperience – Walter Knott Theater
Room 13 – Violent murders at The Blind Tiger interrupt the Prohibition-era revelry on Memory Lane. A dangerously delicious new cocktail named The Devil’s Elixir seems to be at the root of the mayhem, but where did the mysterious green aperitif come from? The answers may lie at the heart of the extravagant Argive Hotel, where many have checked in to Room 13… but none have checked out.
Cinema Slasher – Venturing through the mystical Midnight Theater, guests travel through the silver screen and into a trilogy of slasher movies. As they are swallowed into the world of gothic horror, they become the movie characters who try to escape the wrath of the dangerous Slasher. The theater opens its doors once again, daring those brave enough to buy a ticket to Cinema Slasher!
The Chilling Chambers – In honor of the first maze in Knott’s Scary Farm’s prestigious history, the 10 Chilling Chambers gives a nostalgic nod to Scary Farm’s past while terrorizing the audience of today. Guests are thrust beyond the threshold of an ominous towering cathedral that leads to terrifying classic maze themes from Knott’s Scary Farm’s infamous history.
Bloodline 1842 (Final Year) – Enter the battlegrounds one last time of the war-torn streets of the city of Valdonia. Armed with only your wits and courage, find the remaining Daybreakers and help them destroy the King of the Valhymphri.
The Grimoire – Turn the page and enter the world of an ancient relic whose dark stories exist purely to turn your greatest nightmares into reality. Enter the world of a mysterious spell book and escape the demonic creatures inside or be eternally trapped within!
Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind – Within the canvas tent lies the secret of the most potent force in the universe: the human mind. A hypnotic session with Professor Mesmer can cure all phobias, including snakes, spiders, darkness, claustrophobia and much more!
Wax Works (Final Year) – Buy a ticket for the final showing of the most amazing wax museum the world has ever seen! The figures look so lifelike you’ll swear you saw them move. And it’s rumored that blood-curdling screams can be heard as victims are horrifyingly submerged into a scorching hot cauldron of bubbling wax.
Origins: The Curse of Calico – Pierce the veil of time and discover the secret of the evil fog that hangs over Knott’s Scary Farm in Origins: The Curse of Calico. Unearth the sinister paranormal activity that plagues the town as Sarah Marshall is put on trial for her suspected crimes of witchcraft.
Returning Scare Zones
Knott’s Scary Farm is far more than a collection of haunted attractions. Every night monsters take over the streets and turn theme-park midways into murderous scare zones. From the world-famous Ghost Town Streets to the Boardwalk area filled with evil clowns, there’s nowhere to hide in Knott’s Scary Farm.
Ghost Town Streets is where Scary Farm began! The dark streets of Calico are the original and largest, most fear-filled scare zone that started it all. Terror lurks around every corner as the fog-filled alleys hold monsters of every size. Good luck finding a safe passage through the cursed town.
Return to the dark decadence of a bygone era as The Gore-ing 20’s scare zone terrorizes even the bravest and most brutal souls. The revelers at The Blind Tiger, the secret speakeasy on Memory Lane, danced their way into oblivion when their decadence brought upon them a deadly curse.
Step right up and come face to face with your worst nightmares on the Boardwalk. Deviant clowns and circus freaks are dying for your undying attention in the CARNEVIL scare zone. Smell the cotton candy as the maniacal midway monsters close in on you.
The Lake underneath Silver Bullet recedes to reveal the Forsaken Lake scare zone, where gothic creatures ravaged by the dark and murky waters wander from their crypts. Each night brings new terrors as a funeral procession makes its way to the spirit world.
In The Gauntlet, characters return to invade Camp Snoopy, but with an updated twist. Guests will again encounter the King and Queen of the realm, maniacal jesters, brutal barbarians, wicked wizards and lawless peasants. They’ve all returned with an onslaught of fresh terror.
Returning Favorites
The Hanging: The Errors Tour (Show) – Wagon Camp
The town of Calico is once again under siege! It’s up to the Lawman and the Hangman to rise up and battle the evildoers in all out bloodfest featuring the vilest villains of the past year. Grab a seat at the Wagon Camp and bear witness to the ultimate skewering of pop culture. This show is not for the squeamish!
Conjurers (Show) – Bird Cage Theatre
You won’t believe your eyes when our skilled Illusionist takes the stage in the heart of Calico. Get there early as seats have been known to vanish.
Timber Mountain Log Ride: Halloween Hootenanny (Attraction Overlay) – The Timber Mountain Log Ride residents celebrate the Halloween Hootenanny, which adds a seasonal twist to a park favorite. Mysterious creatures of Timber Mountain that live out in the woods and caverns join the citizens as they honor the season at the Halloween Hootenanny. The Ride’s interior features surprises as guests venture past the Calico Coffin Creeper band, the town’s green witch, and splash down Skull Mountain through a labyrinth of jack-o-lanterns all set to an original soundtrack by Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies.
Into The Fog: A Scary Farm Tribute Art Show – The Factory Store
Into the Fog is an art show specially curated for the discerning Scary Farm fan. The show is home to a collection of original art by unique and talented artists from across the country. These artists have drawn inspiration from Knott’s Scary Farm’s rich decades long history and we’re certain you’ll find an original or print you’ll want to take home with you. Along with the Scary Farm art show, you can find all sorts of souvenirs any Halloween fan will be dying to make their own.
Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque (Show) – Calico Mine Stage
Step right up and walk into the mystique and darkness of the malevolent Le Magnifique Carnaval Du Grotesque. A collection of death-defying feats and carnival acts that will delight your darkest desires and fill your senses with terror and delight.
Knott’s Scary Farm Admission
Scary Farm Pass – Enjoy the ultimate Scary Farm experience with unlimited visits to all event nights. A Scary Farm Pass is just $159 for a limited time. Knott’s Season Passholders can currently get a Scary Farm Pass for the discounted price of $155. Limited quantity available.
Single Night tickets – Buy tickets at knottsscaryfarm.com and save with prices as low as $59.99. Knott’s Season Passholders receive a discount on single-night tickets. Taxes may apply.
Fright & Fast Lane – Ride and scream all night long with unlimited priority access to all mazes plus priority boarding on all Fast Lane rides. Fright & Fast Lane starts at $150 and varies by night. Separate Scary Farm event admission is required and not included.
Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-fet – Boo-fet offers a special chance to dine with the monsters of Scary Farm. Meals include a 2024 souvenir bottle and one digital download photo with a monster at the Boo-fet location. After dinner, enjoy early entry into select areas of Knott’s Scary Farm before it opens to other mortals. Boo-fet early entry will be to the mazes Bloodline 1842, Wax Works and two all-new mazes. The Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-fet dinner starts at $45 when purchased online. Taxes may apply. Separate Scary Farm admission is required and not included.
Knott’s Scary Farm Vacation Packages – Turn your Scary Farm experience into a gruesome getaway with an overnight stay at the all-new The Knott’s Hotel. The Knott’s Hotel Package includes a one-night stay and hotel parking. Depending on the package, each registered guest can receive daytime admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, admission to Knott’s Scary Farm on the night of arrival, an exclusive Knott’s Scary Farm t-shirt, Fright & Fast Lane for unlimited priority access to all mazes and select rides at the park, Pre-Scare Dinner Experience at the Knott’s Hotel with early entry into select areas and access to the breakfast buffet.
Event Parking – All season-long parking is valid for Knott’s Scary Farm nights. Knott’s Scary Farm General parking is $35 per vehicle and can be purchased online or at the parking booth upon arrival. For those looking to park closest to Knott’s Scary Farm, Preferred Parking is $50 per vehicle at our Grand Preferred Lot and subject to availability.
Knott’s Scary Farm Event Details
Knott’s Scary Farm has welcomed millions of visitors for over 50 years of never-ending nightmares and has become an institution in the Southern California theme park landscape. This year, the event returns on September 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, October 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, November 1 and 2. Knott’s Scary Farm is open 7:00 pm – 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7:00 pm – 1:00 am on select Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Due to the explicit and frightening nature of the event, it is not recommended for children under 13.
A chaperone policy will remain in effect for all Knott’s Scary Farm event nights. Under this policy, all guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old to be admitted into the park. The chaperone must present a valid government-issued photo identification with date of birth at ticket entry. One chaperone may accompany no more than ten guests ages 15 or younger per day. In addition, the chaperone must accompany their party during entry, remain inside the park during their visit, and be available by phone throughout their stay. Guests 16 years of age or older may be asked to present a valid government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport) with date of birth at entry to verify their age. If unable to verify proof of age, guests may be denied entry into the park. Guests ages 15 years old or younger who are found inside the park unaccompanied by a chaperone will be subject to ejection.
In addition, a bag policy will remain in effect for this year’s Knott’s Scary Farm. Clear plastic bags smaller than 12” x 12” x 6” as well as non-clear wristlets or clutches no larger than 5”x 8”x 2” are allowed at Knott’s Scary Farm. All bags are subject to search prior to entry.
For more information on Knott’s Scary Farm, including admission, park hours, and events, visit knottsscaryfarm.com. Join the scary conversation by using #ScaryFarm on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Today, BioWare published their latest development blog titled PC Features for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The blog offered a look at the Dragon Age: The Veilguard team’s dedication to PC optimization, with over 200,000 hours of performance and compatibility testing.
Additionally, the blog discussed the game’s controller support, upscaling and ray-tracing implementation on PC, Steam Native status, as well as other advanced settings and options that underscore how getting the PC experience just right was crucial for the development team.
Hello everyone,
Today, we want to specifically touch on the PC experience for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The Dragon Age franchise started out on PC, and we wanted to make sure PC is a great place to play our game. Many of us at BioWare are PC players ourselves, and when testing, PCs made up 40% of our platform testing effort, with over 200,000 hours of performance and compatibility testing. Getting the PC experience just right was crucial to us and we created a dedicated team to focus on PC. We can’t wait for you to experience it for yourselves!
Let’s talk about inputs first. We wanted to ensure the controls and UI are a good experience for both KBM and controllers; so we did close to 10,000 hours of user research testing to make sure of it. Dragon Age: The Veilguard will feature native support for PS5 DualSense controllers with haptics support in addition to the standard of Xbox controllers & keyboard + mouse. Additionally, you can seamlessly transition between controllers or keyboard + mouse while playing or in menus. There are many different ways to play our game; so, in order to allow you to find the most comfortable set-up, we’ve added the ability to customize class-specific keybinds that you can easily switch between. This means that your Rogue Rook can use a different set of keybinds than your Warrior Rook, if you’d like!
Along with the standard resolution options, we also have full support for 21:9 Ultrawide monitors. Don’t worry; we didn’t forget the cinematics, either – just disable the option titled “Cinematic Aspect Ratio.” This will remove the enforced black bars; so you can watch the cinematics in full ultra widescreen glory. No matter what size monitor you’re rocking, you can adjust your FOV with an FOV slider in the Settings. There will be an option for uncapped framerate, as well. We’re also launching with full HDR support.
Most changes to Graphics and Display Settings are reflected in real time, and you can see the impacts of those changes through the cutout in the UI. This will help you make informed decisions as you tweak your game to look exactly how you want. For a full list of Settings, check the rest of the blog below!
We know a lot of you play on Steam, and we wanted to meet you where you are. We’re happy to be completely Steam Native for Dragon Age: The Veilguard! We’re already Steam Deck Verified; and with Cloud Save on Steam supported, you can seamlessly switch back and forth between your PC and your Steam Deck as much as you want, with no interruption to your progress. We also have Remote Play enabled if you’d rather play on your TV! If you’d like to utilize it, there will be a completely optional linking process to your EA Account.
If you want to hear about a few advanced settings and options for the PC community, let’s go over that now. We support a suite of Ray Tracing features, as well as an “Ultra RT” mode for extremely high end rigs. We have several types of upscaling available: NVIDIA DLSS 3, FSR 2.2 which has been heavily modified, specifically for the game, and XeSS. We also support DLSS 3 with frame generation and NVIDIA Reflex. As we have more PC features to share, we’ll circle back on those before launch.
We’re inching closer to our release date of October 31, 2024! We still have more information coming on Combat, the Companions, Exploration, and more; so keep your eyes peeled on our socials. We are eager to see your battle stations running Dragon Age: The Veilguard and the resulting screenshots. Chat soon!
The Dragon Age Community Team
To summarize the above, check out an overview of the PC specs and features we’re ready to unveil now:
Display Features
Full Support for 21:9 Ultra Wide Resolutions
Ability to Uncap Frame Rate
VSync, including fractional rate VSync
HDR Support
Optional Upscaling (DLSS 3, FSR 2.2, XeSS)
NVIDIA Reflex
DLSS 3 Frame Generation
Optional Dynamic Resolution Scaling
Cinematic Aspect Ratio (Disable this option for cinematic 21:9 ratio)
Graphics Settings
Presets Available (Low, Medium, High, Ultra)
Texture Settings
Texture Quality
Texture Filtering
Light & Shadow Settings
Lighting Quality
Contact Shadow
Ambient Occlusion
Screen Space Reflections
Volumetric Lighting
Sky Quality
Ray Tracing Settings*
Ray-Traced Reflections
Ray-Traced Ambient Occlusion
Ultra Ray Tracing
Geometry Settings
Level Of Detail
Strand Hair
Terrain Quality
Terrain Decoration Quality
Visual Effects Quality
Camera Effects
Depth of Field
Vignette
Motion Blur
Post Processing Quality
Field of View
Controls
Class-specific Keybinds
Keyboard + Controller Bindings
*Ray Tracing can be “ON” or turned to “Selective”. Selective Mode enables Ray Tracing features in specific areas that can best take advantage of the feature.
Incoming message from the United Citizen Federation! Offworld—in collaboration with Sony Pictures Consumer Products—has arrived at gamescom ‘24, showcasing its up to 16-player FPS Starship Troopers: Extermination ahead of the game’s launch on PC, PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X | S consoles this coming October 11th. Witness the terrifying Tanker Bug in action and get an inside look at General Rico’s Special Operations Group (S.O.G.) in this exclusive developer diary that aired during the Future Games Show!
In the Dev Diary trailer, key members of the Starship Troopers: Extermination development team share more information about the new features coming with the game’s launch onto consoles on October 11th. The Tanker bug is a new enemy variant that is as deadly as it is massive, appearing just as it did in the 1997 film and necessitating careful strategy and teamwork to take it down. This ferocious and massive bug breathes fire and appears randomly during matches, challenging players with its unpredictable nature and formidable strength. The Tanker Bug will take more than bullets to bring down; players will have to use General Rico’s wits to find its weak points to defeat it.
Boreas, meanwhile, is the new ice planet infected by a bug meteor. Set to debut alongside the console launch, this chilling environment presents a new battleground where players will face mutated bugs that have adapted to the frosty environment, creating brand-new enemy variants: the Frost Drone and Frost Warrior.
Project Lead Peter Maurice revealed new details regarding the game’s single-player mode, which features the iconic Casper Van Dien reprising his role as General Johnny Rico. Code-named Special Operations Group (S.O.G.), this new mode sees the player undertake a multitude of missions dispatched by the General himself, as he forms the Spec Ops division within the UCF to bring together the best of the best for top-secret assignments. Varying in scope and objectives, these missions are designed to prepare soldiers for the more challenging 16-person multiplayer missions; more missions will be added in subsequent content updates beyond the October 11th launch.
For those in attendance at gamescom, visit Hall 10.1, Booth E021 to try out the multiplayer mode against the merciless arachnids and take photos with a life-sized replica of an enemy Arachnid—as well as General Rico himself, Casper Van Dien, alongside the Starship Troopers German Division cosplayers.
Casper Van Dien and members from the Dev team will be available for a meet & greet on Thursday, August 22nd from 6:00 pm CEST in Hall 10.1, Booth E021. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the actor in person and find out more about his role in the game.
Polish development team Angry Bulls Studio and Toplitz Productions jointly announce a publishing deal for the open world action game Survive The Fall.
With a planned release in the first half of 2025, the highly anticipated Survive The Fall is one of the most promising new entries in the genre of isometric action. Spearheaded by a team based real-time fighting system, the ambitious game also adds a captivating story with memorable characters, roleplaying elements, extensive party management as well as a deep basebuilding feature with an expansive research tech tree.
“We are very happy to have Toplitz Productions as a publishing partner in our corner.” says Michal Luszcz, CEO at Angry Bulls Studio. “Being able to tap into the wide-ranging experience that Toplitz brings to the table, will make a big difference for both the development and the publishing of Survive The Fall. We are looking forward to a successful partnership.”
Powered by Unreal technology, players get drawn into a beautifully designed, yet challenging and dangerous world devastated by a meteor strike that pushed humanity to the brink of extinction. Opposing factions fight for dominance, while you divide your time between expeditions on one side, where you collect resources, fight enemies as well as wildlife and try to find allies to rebuild society and extensive base building on the other, aiming to construct a safe haven for all who want to join you on your cause. Prepare your team for the dangers lurking in the handcrafted levels with the help of a deep crafting system. Manage and rest your injured characters, so you can utilize their unique abilities in the field to the fullest extent.
Lead your party on expeditions, where you have the choice to utilize a stealthy approach to surprise both enemies and wildlife. Or go on an all-out-attack leveraging the realtime fight system, where you can pause time to give your teammates orders and use the environment to your tactical advantage.
After a successful showing at Steam Next Fest in February 2024, Survive The Fall garnered critical acclaim, when it was a finalist at the prestigious Indie Showcase of this years’ annual Digital Dragons event.
We can also reveal that Survive The Fall will be shown at gamescom at the Toplitz Productions Booth in the Business Area Hall 4.1, C029g – D038g, where media and influencers can take a look at the game.
More details on Survive The Fall can be found on the official Steam product page, where the game can be already wishlisted.
As the excitement around this edition of gamescom reaches fever pitch, NACON is pleased to present its latest offerings for this year. These are set to include an introduction to our latest accessories, as well as the reveal of the recently announced wireless controller officially licensed for Xbox: the Revolution X Unlimited. NACON is also featuring its new line-up, including 2 games showcased exclusively at Future Games Show, plus the first Revosim steering wheel, a new premium product from our Racing unit which was revealed at Bigben Week, and is now being previewed at gamescom.
Find us at Market Point Hall 2.1, Stand A010
Based on its expertise in the gaming industry, NACON has set itself the ambition of publishing even more high-quality games and premium accessories, combining innovation and high performance. So in particular this year we have created a whole new department dedicated to the racing genre, but also a catalog as varied as it is original, among which we can highlight several eagerly awaited titles such as Hell is Us, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown and GreedFall 2: The Dying World.
Here’s a detailed look at all the new releases presented at gamescom.
NACON’S NEW RACING UNIT LIFTING THE LID ON SEVERAL PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE
NACON has undertaken another innovation this year with the establishment of its Racing Department, the aim of which is to develop a whole ecosystem around driving simulation games and top-end accessories. Its future projects are based on the gaming industry expertise of the KT Racing studio, and on the business’ premium accessories know-how, with the creation of the Revosim simulation accessories brand.
After being announced during May’s Bigben Week, NACON’s first Revosim steering wheel makes its debut here, and is available to test. Made from premium materials, this steering wheel kicks off the whole Revosim ecosystem, and provides a whole number of setting and customization options, as well as a mobile app enabling full gameplay configuration. This kit presented today includes a 9Nm Direct Drive base, a steel and aluminum load cell pedal set and an imitation leather steering wheel 30 cm in diameter: all the essentials for top simracing performance from the very first revs. As it develops over the coming months, the Revosim ecosystem will enrich this bundle, and further enhance your gameplay.
Having been unveiled during the last NACON Connect, the Endurance Motorsports Series game presents its first playable version at this show. Developed by KT Racing studio, this endurance racing title gives you the chance to experience the thrills of circuit racing as the driver. But it can also take you right into the pits, as you step into the shoes of the race engineers. The game will be released on PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2025.
Eagerly awaited by the player community, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, the massively multiplayer online racing game set on a 1/1 scale recreation of Hong Kong Island, is out on September 12 2024 for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). Players can build a collection of exceptional vehicles, explore the island on their own or in a group, and also take part in the Solar Crown competition. Those who have preordered the Silver Sharps/Streets edition (consoles) will be able to start roaming Hong Kong Island from September 10 2024 (on consoles), while owners of the Gold edition can get going on September 5 2024 (on all platforms).
Finally, after a 3-year absence, the official MXGP game is back, developed by KT Racing studio. So MXGP 24 – The Official Game is the first part in a series signed until 2028, providing players with the opportunity to experience the whole of the MXGP 2024 championship with its 21 official circuits and more than 50 drivers from two categories (MXGP and MX2). Thanks to its comprehensive career mode, the game also provides complete immersion in this iconic event. The game will be released before the end of the year on PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S.
NACON GAMES AVAILABLE TO TRY OUT AT GAMESCOM
Hell is Us, the forthcoming ambitious project from Canadian studio Rogue Factor, is being presented behind closed doors at this year’s edition. This action-adventure game, combining exploration, narration and combat, offers players an enthralling quest in a contemporary world ravaged by civil war. It features an innovative concept where players feel the thrill of adventure, only guided by their feelings and instincts. Directed by the talented Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, artistic director on Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Hell is Us is set for release on PC and consoles in 2025.
The end of NACON’s year will be marked by a number of big releases, some of which were showcased at Future Games Show, an essential event for the industry. Yesterday evening at this event, we dropped some exclusive gameplay videos of 2 eagerly awaited titles due out in 2024-2025, GreedFall 2: The Dying World and Ravenswatch.
GreedFall 2: The Dying World: as part of the “games to watch” segment at Future Games Show, the new narrative RPG from Spiders studio unveiled a brand-new trailer aimed at providing further information about its unique world which has already captivated a player community over 2 million strong, but also its scheming, characters, and an all-new tactical combat system. Due out on early access on Steam from September 24, the game will then be released for PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2025.
Ravenswatch: the cooperative action roguelike game revisiting well-known tales and legends from around the world has revealed its release date and the content of its 1.0 version in a new trailer. From September 26 2024 on PC (Steam) and Fall 2024 on consoles, players will get the chance to discover the mysterious threat hidden behind the Nightmare, as well as a new playable hero, the half-vampire Carmilla.
Besides the racing games already presented above, NACON’s stand will also feature 3 other titles that will satisfy both sports fans and those with a passion for realistic immersion games.
Our Australian studio, Big Ant, has come out this year to present 2 games from its line-up: TIEBREAK and Rugby 25. Available on early access on Steam since June 28, Rugby 25 is on the booth to present the content of the game’s forthcoming update, including new photogrammetrically modelled players, new officially licenced stadia and teams, as well as a number of gameplay improvements based on players’ feedback. Further content and improvements will be added in successive updates, right through to the final release, to create the best rugby simulation to date.
TIEBREAK: Official game of the ATP and WTA, the official tennis game of the ATP and WTA, is now available in its final version on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam). With the aim of becoming the most advanced and realistic tennis simulation to date, TIEBREAK is offering an officially licenced player roster more than 120 strong, including the Big Three (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer), stars like Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, as well as the complete ATP and WTA seasons. In an all-new mode, the Novak Djokovic Slam Challenge, players can also relive the greatest matches in Djokovic’s career. The Nintendo Switch™ version is due for release at a later date.
Finally, Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator, the forthcoming game in the LIFE range, dedicated to real-life simulations, is also available to try out at the NACON booth. Developed by Aesir Interactive studio, the creators of the benchmark simulation Police Simulator: Patrol OfficersTM, Ambulance Life gives players the chance to step into the shoes of a paramedic. The aim of the game is to get out to the accident locations as quickly as possible and treat the victims by establishing a diagnostic and administering first aid before driving them to the hospital. Every situation is different: adaptability and making the right choices are key to saving lives! Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator will be released in the fall of 2024 on PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S.
NEW GAMING ACCESSORIES FOR ALL PLAYERS
The end of 2024 will be packed with new products, especially the arrival of eagerly awaited new accessories, for all the gaming platforms.
A new premium controller for Xbox and PC gamers
NACON is taking advantage of gamescom to preview its new controller currently in development with Xbox: the Revolution X Unlimited for Xbox and PC. A unique combination of customization, durability and precision, it incorporates Hall Effect technology, to reduce the risk of joystick drift. Meanwhile, the instant triggers combined with the trigger blockers enable the controller to adapt to various genres, and its high-performance permanent battery provides more than 10 hours’ play without needing to recharge. It can also boast a major new feature: an LCD screen in the center of the controller makes it really simple for the player to customize various game profiles without having to use the dedicated app. The Revolution X Unlimited will be released in late 2024.
RIG 900 MAX Dual Wireless Gaming Headset Launches in Europe
The RIG audio brand introduces the critically acclaimed RIG 900 MAX to the European market. The 900 MAX marks the pinnacle in wireless game audio, merging capabilities such as Dolby Atmos®, dual wireless connectivity, a seamless charging base station and a dedicated mobile app for advanced audio customisation to suit your play style.
Designed with both durability and comfort in mind, the RIG 900 MAX features an ultralight reinforced steel headband coupled with breathable dual fabric and a headband sling, providing unmatched comfort for all-day gaming. It also features an impressive 60-hour battery life, which can be extended with the use of the included base station that keeps your headset always charged and ready to go.
Alongside the RIG 900 MAX, RIG is set to release an exciting collection of limited-edition models in late 2024. Gamers can look forward to the RIG 600 PRO in Acid Camo, the RIG 300 PRO in both Acid Camo and Cosmic Purple, and a permanent addition with the RIG 600 PRO White.
PlayStation®5 range set to expand
Following on from the release of the Revolution 5 Pro in November 2023, NACON expends its PS5® catalog with new colors variation. The R5P is now available in three colors: Forest, Urban and Arctic. There is also a whole range of charging, protection and optimization accessories complementing its PlayStation®5 compatible accessories.
Revealed during the Future Games Show as part of Gamescom 2024, Tripwire Presents, the publishing division of Tripwire Interactive that focuses on releasing great games from other independent studios, today revealed their publishing partnership with Ice Code Games to release Rogue Waters, an upcoming tactical turn-based rogue-lite sailing the high seas of a swashbuckling pirate world. Ice Code Games is an independent development studio based in Warsaw, Poland and is known most recently for developing the critically acclaimed Hard West 2, a turn-based tactics game set in the Wild West released in 2022. Rogue Waters is currently in development for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store and is available to pre-order now for an additional 20% discount ahead of its release on Sept. 30, 2024.
“Bringing Rogue Waters to life has been a real adventure,” said Mateusz Pilski, Vice President of Development at Ice Code Games. “Our goal in creating games is always to contribute to the genre in ways that bring players more satisfaction and fun in tackling tactical challenges. Dynamic melee combat which recreates the dance-like fencing bouts of boarding actions, combines immersion with thoughtful planning.”
“The Tripwire Presents team is thrilled to introduce the world to developer Ice Code Games’ Rogue Waters,” said Bryan West, Publishing Production Director at Tripwire Presents. “It’s fantastic being able to take control of an immortal, undead pirate as the protagonist of a turn-based, roguelite game. We can’t wait for players to get their hands on Rogue Waters and explore the world of betrayal, plunder, mystical forces, swashbuckling action, tactical cannon-fire, and ultimately revenge.”
Rogue Waters is a tactical turn-based rogue-lite set in a pirate world overtaken by a terrible curse. Recruit a ragtag crew of pirates and grow them into fierce warriors, befriend and call upon classic creatures of pirate myth, chart a course through an ever-changing game world, and turn the tides of battle on land or sea by manipulating the map to gain an advantage in a fresh take on tactical turn-based combat. The crew and the Kraken await your command–will ye heed the call?
Indie Studio, Raccoon Logic (previously Typhoon Studios), have announced their newest title, Revenge of the Savage Planet will crash land into a solar system near you in early-ish 2025 for PC and consoles. Revealed during both Opening Night Live and the Xbox Gamescom showcase, Revenge of the Savage Planet brings back everything you loved about the first game in the series, but bigger and better in every way, with more planets, gear, critters, laughs, satire, and this time, in third person.
Revenge of the Savage Planet will see you unceremoniously ousted from your mission to colonize space after the powers that be deemed space exploration far too costly and challenging, they ultimately made you redundant during your 80 years of cryosleep. So, stranded on an alien planet with nothing but your wits and whatever you can scavenge from the vibrant landscape, you’ll head out on an adventure to explore strange new lands, collecting and crafting new gear in an effort to make your way home.
Playable both solo and co-op, you can jump into Revenge of the Savage Planet with a friend, partner, mortal enemy (we won’t judge), either nestled in the same room with split screen co-op, or even across the mystery that is the internets on the platform of your choosing with crossplay.
Alex Hutchinson, Creative Director, Raccoon Logic Said:
“We’re beyond excited to welcome budding explorers back to the Savage Planet universe. A lot has happened since we launched the original title – both in-game and life, with the whole studio being shuttered during a global pandemic. On the back of this, Raccoon Logic was born, and with it Revenge of the Savage Planet, which may or may not incorporate an element of the journey we all went through. The XBOX showcase today is the tip of the asteroid, and we can’t wait to show everyone the world we’ve created next year”
Revenge of the Savage Planet Key Features:
Third-Person Online Co-Op & Crossplay – Play with your best friend, partner or hellspawn on/or between any platform and now in third-person! You’ll be tasked with fully exploring and understanding these beautiful alien landscapes and uncovering its secrets.
Couch Co-Op with Split Screen – Experience the nostalgia tinged joy of sitting on the same couch and playing on the same screen with someone you love, like the olden days but with 100% more corporate satire
Survive FOUR Savage PlanetS – Populate your Kindex by exploring four large, vibrant worlds each with their own weird and wonderful plants and creatures. Scan everything, catalog everything, hopefully increase your science level… and you might even unlock new (yet still 4th best) gear! Plus… there may be more than four planets. Maybe.
Space Action & Adventure – Run, Jump, Shoot, Grind, Stomp, Dodge, Slide, Lasso and Grapple your way through the world! While you’re at it you’ll also be experimenting with three different types of gameplay goo, most of which are highly flammable! Overcome challenging combat encounters with alien boss battles, suggestive fauna, problematic software and maybe even a greedy CEO.
Habitat & Character Customization – Alien plants! Exciting gear! Weird rocks! Each planet is packed with nooks and crannies hiding all manner of rewards and secrets. While you’re at it you can even customize yourself, and your tiny habitat-like corner of the universe.
Collect Alien Creatures – Intergalactic Hoarders can also use their Lasso to Capture and Collect dozens of strange creatures, then go visit them once they’re relocated “happily placed” in Pens outside your customizable space trailer in scenic Nu Florida. After all, who is the real dangerous enemy, the corporate profiteers who fired you or a slimy exploding alien creature?
SAVAGE PLANET FRANCHISE – Originally released on Xbox, PS4, Epic Games Store, Steam, Stadia and Switch platforms enabling fun space adventures for millions of players across the globe. The original game earned multiple awards as a humorous, cooperative indie adventure, Then later Raccoon Logic developed the “Employee of the Month” version for Gen 9 consoles. Raccoon Logic Typhoon Studios captured the attention of press,creators and earned its Very Positive consumer ratings and Critics endorsements.
Developer Superkami and publisher Toplitz Productions are excited to reveal their new showcase trailer for its multi genre open-world RPG, city builder, life simulation and survival game Sengoku Dynasty.
The new showcase trailer provides an all encompassing insight into the stunning world of Sengoku Dynasty which has continuously evolved through a series of updates that have refined gameplay mechanics, enhanced historical accuracy, and added immersive content. From the humble beginnings of peasant life to the success of leadership and respect, Sengoku Dynasty takes players on an enthralling journey where the destiny they choose to create is through the decisions they make.
Players can build villages, and settlements into flourishing communities throughout the valley using the resources they gather, and work the land through agricultural crop cultivation as they farm and trade in a life of peace and harmony.
From beautiful cherry orchards and flower meadows, to the rugged coastline and dense bamboo forests, Sengoku Dynasty is a visual splendor to behold, made even better with recent updates to lighting and graphical improvements. Furthermore, Sengoku Dynasty has enjoyed a revised progression system, improved NPC AI worker behavior and responsiveness, improved UI and implemented a new road placement system.
In Sengoku Dynasty, players have enjoyed a peaceful journey, far from the turmoil of daimyo territories. However, the release of the 1.0 version later this year will allow players to experience the chaos of the era through the newly introduced combat system.
With version 1.0 on the horizon, Sengoku Dynasty will continue to expand with extensive combat features, a dynamic dynasty system, bandit camps, seasonal quests and events, a character editor, and more endgame content. The arrival of each update brings the player community closer to an immersive living world that perfectly encapsulates the essence of feudal Japan.
For more details on the recent updates to the game and current content, visit the games official Steam page here.
