The latest update for Dakar Desert Rally, the largest open-world rally racing game from Saber Interactive, introduces legendary classic vehicles from the Paris-Dakar Rally today in the new “Classics Vehicle Pack #1” DLC, available as a free download on all platforms for owners of the Dakar Desert Rally Season Pass. It is also available to purchase standalone for $9.99.
Race across the desert with both the all-wheel-drive Porsche 959 as well as the powerful six-wheel Tatra 815 truck. Today also marks the release of Patch 1.9, which adds an overall performance boost for the game, as well as new voice-over support for a variety of languages. You can read a complete list of patch notes on Saber’s website.
Dakar Desert Rally captures the genuine scale and thrill of one of the world’s most challenging off-road events across over 20,000 square kilometers of diverse terrain with dynamic weather. Choose from some of the sport’s most renowned racing teams, or create your own and build up your garage with a long line of cars, bikes, trucks, quads and SSVs from the world’s top manufacturers. Forge your path to victory across a variety of game modes, including an arcade-style Sport mode for quick pick-up-and-play action, Professional and Simulation modes for a true rally experience, and online multiplayer for up to four players for the ultimate competitive challenge.
Dakar Desert Rally is available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4, Xbox One and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. For more information, check out www.DakarTheGame.com, and #DaretoDrive by following the game on Twitter, Instagram, Discord and Facebook.
Wargaming, the publisher and developer of the leading naval multiplayer World of Warships, is sailing all around the world in its latest update. Packed with content, this update sees Japanese Tier IX battleship Daisen in the Dockyard, an exotic new map of the Seychelles added into the game, plus a collection themed around the Allied powers of World War II. In addition, hololive production makes a return to the game with four new VTuber Commanders to take the lead in battle.
Sail into the Seychelles
Expanding the horizons of Warships’ waters, a new map of the tropical Seychelles Islands has been introduced in Update 12.3. Bearing strong resemblance to the mountainous islands of Praslin and La Digue, this new, leafy green map will be available for both Random and Co-op Battles. Ships spanning Tier V-IX can compete in Domination mode with four key areas, scattered across the map in two different variations.
A New Allied Heroes Collection
World of Warships also welcomes a themed “Allied Heroes” Collection in dedication to the end of World War II in Europe. With 12 different elements to collect, players who complete each section will be rewarded with corresponding Commanders for the allied nations, each equipped with 10 skill points. These elements can be found through new “Allied Heroes” containers, which are obtainable for credits and free XP in the Armory. Sitting at the end of the entire collection is a redeemable three-days of Warships Premium Account.
Say Hello to hololive production
Closing out Update 12.3’s content drop, hololive production characters make a return to the game. Four Japanese virtual bloggers (VTubers) join the ranks of Commanders. Choose from different commanders including Watson Amelia and Takanashi Kiara, who are each equipped with their own unique voiceover, to take the helm in battle. Alongside these new additions, this partnership also introduces a special expendable camouflage and a commemorative flag.
This update also brings several bug fixes, upgrades and balance changes across the game.
GameSir, a leading provider of innovative, high-quality gaming peripherals today announces the launch of its new T4 Kaleid RGB gaming controller. Equipped with special motion aim/steer technology, users can enjoy their favorite games with motion control, or through regular analog stick gameplay. The GameSir T4 Kaleid is available on the GameSir website now at a discounted rate of $41.99/£41.99 (RRP £41.99) and AliExpress for £37/$43.
Boasting Hall-Effect magnetic sensing joysticks providing anti-drift technology, the T4 Kaleid is a durable controller that retains its precision over the course of its use. Joy-con drift can greatly impact gaming, so users of the T4k can rest assured that their controller will not be affected by the wear down caused by continued heavy usage.
The tactile face buttons on the T4 Kaleid are crisp, yet cushioned, and expertly tuned for fast and comfortable button presses. The buttons are designed with micro-switches to reduce travel distance to only 0.6mm, so gamers can use the controller with confidence and satisfaction in its performance. In-game racing, accelerating, or braking are all intuitive while using the T4 Kaleid controller thanks to the consistent precision it provides through the Hall Effect analog triggers.
With an in-built 6-axis gyro, the T4k allows gamers to combine more motion inputs in Switch games, like tilt and rotation, enabling a more active and immersive gaming experience. Additionally, the special motion aim/steer tech takes games to the next level also on PC and Android devices, especially for FPS and Racing games. Equipped with rumble motors that respond to in-game action, the T4k offers gamers multiple features that heighten the quality of their gaming sessions.
The exterior of the GameSir T4 Kaleid is innovatively designed with kaleidoscopic lights that can be set to the user’s preferences, with 4 light effects available. Additionally, the GameSir T4k App software also offers users even more opportunities to fine-tune the controller to their liking. Gamers can fine-tune the keyframe, speed, and brightness to suit the individual games they are playing. Furthermore, a multi-function M button allows for convenient control of a variety of settings, such as the light effects, brightness, trigger mode, and ABXY layout, meaning the control of settings across platforms is easy and seamless
The T4K works with Windows 10/11, Switch, and Android 8.0 or above devices, allowing gamers to use it across all their favorite platforms.
The GameSir T4 Kaleid is available on the GameSir website now at a discounted rate of £38 (RRP £47.99), AliExpress for £37/$43.
It will also be available on Amazon.com and Amazon UK at the end of April for $41.99/£41.99/€57.99
Tech specifications:
Working Platform: Windows 10/11, Switch and Android 8.0 or above devices
The Razer Stream Controller X is Razer’s newest addition to their streaming ecosystem of products, designed to captivate audiences during gameplay or casual socializing. With 15 programmable LCD buttons in a compact form factor, streamers can effortlessly flash stream lights, blast customized sounds, or switch between applications with a simple click, elevating their streams to the next level.
The Stream Controller X is powered by Loupedeck Software, ensuring play-and-play compatibility across all major streaming platforms such as OBS Studio, Twitch, Streamlabs, Adobe Premier Pro, and more. With access to Loupedeck’s UI, streamers can effortlessly install popular applications, plugins, and even emotes to further enhance their streaming experience. Streamers can also easily drag and drop preferred applications via the Loupedeck Marketplace, for endless customizability. Popular plugins include Spotify, Phillips Hue, Adobe Photoshop, and even Voicemod which can help streamline creative processes. Additionally, Loupedeck’s full suite software also provides users with access to native profiles that are preset for convenience and inspiration. Each comprehensive set of profiles contains premade macros and functions that can be easily interchanged to suit the user’s needs, further enhancing the Stream Controller X’s customizability.
Equipped with customizable icons for easy visual navigation, the Stream Controller X allows streamers to create matching themes or moving GIF icons with their favorite characters for a more personalized touch. It is designed for efficient multi-tasking, enabling streamers to easily switch between multiple profiles and build a folder system that ensures organization during streams and daily workflows. Each button can be programmed as multi-link macro functions to automate synchronized processes, increasing productivity and streamlining daily tasks. With creative customizations, users can quickly take screenshots or record on stream, making it easier to share their highlights with their audiences.
The Stream Controller X also utilizes a detachable 50° anti-slip magnetic stand, ensuring a comfortable viewing angle and keeping the controller stationary during long and intense gaming or streaming sessions.
For more information on the Razer Stream Controller X, please visit here.
For more information on how Razer empowers you to #WinItYourWay, please see here.
Gaijin Entertainment announces that two albums featuring the new War Thunder soundtrack are now available on all popular streaming platforms. These albums include 20 tracks added to the game in the Apex Predators update that serve as background music when Cold War-era or modern ground and air military vehicles clash in the game.
The War Thunder Original Game Soundtrack Air Forces Vol. 2 and War Thunder Original Game Soundtrack Ground Forces Vol. 2 are over an hour and a half in total, and are available on dozens of platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and others, as well as on YouTube. A similar new naval combat soundtrack and other projects are also in the works at Gaijin.
The first volumes of albums featuring the original music from War Thunder meant for World War II-era ground, air and naval battles, are also available on the same streaming services and YouTube.
Today, Gun Interactive—the multimedia development firm behind the upcoming asymmetrical-horror adaptation of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre—is pleased to to share a brand-new behind-the-scenes video detailing their creative process and the benefits and challenges that come with making a video game based on one of the most celebrated horror franchises of all time. Featuring interviews with eight different team members of both Gun Interactive and co-developer Sumo Nottingham, the video illustrates the guiding philosophies that informed the design and development of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, as key members from both teams share their personal ties to the series as well as their individual contributions to the game.
With insight on what it takes to work with such an important piece of film history, as well as the process of introducing new characters into an established narrative, this featurette is a glimpse into the world of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre itself. From digitally scanning every scratch on an authentic 70’s chainsaw, to digging through the journals of original screenwriter Kim Henkel to revive the drifter Sissy, this latest behind-the-scenes video has all kinds of details for fans to dig into as they await the game’s August 18th launch.
This latest video arrives in advance of the technical playtest for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, which will be conducted on May 25th. The best way for fans to stay informed on the technical test is to add the game to their wishlists on Steam and to follow The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on social channels (Reddit, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook). Eligibility for the test will be limited, but further details and instructions will be shared in the coming weeks. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre will debut in full on August 18th, 2023 for PC, PlayStation® 5 (PS5™) & PlayStation® 4 (PS4™), Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, and will launch into Game Pass on Xbox and PC.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre video game takes place in the months leading up to the events of the original 1974 film, and features authentic recreations of the locations, characters, and imagery of the source material. Players control either the Victims or members of the Slaughter Family—including the infamous Leatherface—in a vicious game of 3v4 cat-and-mouse that takes the tension and suspense of the film and repurposes it into thrilling, competitive action. The Victims and the Slaughter Family must both utilize their unique abilities to come out on top, as the former use stealth and smarts to escape their fearsome tormentors, while each member of the Slaughter Family wields brutal and murderous attacks to hunt their prey.
Milestone is pleased to announce RIDE 5, the latest chapter of the two-wheel racing simulation franchise that has become a home for virtual bikers around the world. As the first current-gen-only Milestone title, RIDE 5 will be available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Epic starting August 24.
For the first time in the franchise, career mode features a narrator and 10 rivals to beat to become #1 in the rankings.
Several technological improvements will allow players to experience the most immersive and realistic rides ever.
Take what’s yours: A new career mode featuring a narrator and 10 rivals – For the first time in the series, virtual racing fans will enjoy a career mode featuring a narrator who will introduce events and guide players throughout their riding journey. A leaderboard will track progress through the career mode’s four main racing events, which will include various races to be completed before unlocking the next one. To spice up the competition, RIDE 5’s career mode will also feature 10 rivals with their own personalities, backgrounds, and distinctive looks. Players will have to beat these colorful opponents to reach the top of the leaderboard. A set of secondary challenges completes the career structure for a total of over 200 playable events.
Alongside career mode, players will find a more fleshed-out single races. Endurance races now support in-race save and rewind features to grant more control and flexibility over each session, while the single-race and time-trial game modes will be the perfect places to refine riding styles, get familiar with the different bike categories, and push performance to the limit.
High-end technology will blur the game with reality – Technological improvements will fully exploit the potential of current-gen consoles and top-range PC configurations ensuring a new, stunning level of realism and lifelike detail that results in an extremely lifelike, authentic riding experience.
For the first time in the franchise, the Milan-based development team has implemented a dynamic weather system which will calculate track and air temperature in real-time to generate a realistic weather change during races, adding a strategic dimension to the racing experience. The sky system has also been changed, moving from a 2D technology based on real photos to 3D volumetric clouds, ensuring a more immersive visual result; now players can see clouds changing shape and interacting with the lighting based on their density, creating breathtaking views. Technological improvements also affect motorbike physics, which has been improved in every aspect, from the interaction between the rider and the bike to different lean-angle speeds for each bike category.
Split-screen and cross-play: who will break last? – Bike culture knows no boundaries and with RIDE 5 bike lovers can unleash such passion through an enhanced multiplayer experience. Online, players will be able to join cross-play lobbies both on console (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S) and on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store). World leaderboards will push players to become the best rider they can be. Finally, following requests from the RIDE community, for the first time since RIDE 2 local split-screen is back to let players challenge their friends, side by side on the couch.
Customization options for maximum longevity – Among the pillars in the design of RIDE 5 is the desire to allow players maximum freedom in living their own journey into the bike world. The race creator feeds directly into this, letting players direct the competition and create unlimited scenarios, customizing their races and championship experience by choosing which types of bike categories to allow in the competition, selecting AI opponents and tracks, creating new liveries from scratch, and even deciding the scoring and rule system.
Though RIDE 5‘s totally immersive experience will cater to experienced bikers, those new to two-wheel racing simulations will be able to tear up the track with ease. An enhanced set of riding aids will ease the learning curve and help less experienced players get full control of their bike. Tools such as assisted brakes, cornering, automatic steering and throttle, ideal trajectory, and many others will help players master even the most difficult tracks.
Finally, with RIDE 5 players can express their creativity with editors that can create customized bikes, suits, and helmets. Players will be able to share these creations online across platforms, giving everyone access to the RIDE 5 community’s creations.
Curve Games and French indie studio Homo Ludens are excited to announce that their casino-themed sim-management game, Blooming Business: Casino will be officially launching May 23rd on Steam. Blooming Business: Casino sees 1960’s Las Vegas-inspired aesthetics and animal inhabitants combine for a satirical take on the tycoon formula.
Homo Ludens also unveiled that there will be a customizable sandbox game mode available at launch. Unlike the campaign, players can customize casino types, items, decorations, and casino games when playing the sandbox mode one of two ways: creative mode and endless mode. In creative mode, players can play in any casino from the campaign, with everything unlocked, including all items, casino games, decorations themes and management research. In endless mode, players can choose their starting casino and game parameters but need to unlock all the bonuses and items from the research tree themselves.
Blooming Business: Casino is a unique sim-management game with a satirical narrative twist. Players must design, build and run their own retro casino in a bustling world full of drama and danger. Work alongside animals who are anything but cuddly and attempt to maximize client satisfaction while juggling customers’ complicated demands. The game offers an exploration into a fantasy world where players embody the role of a casino manager. Attract various types of customers with competitive tastes! Fill the casino with personality and carve out a place on the Strip. Players can grow a casino from a gambling den to the biggest name in town where the sky’s the limit in this electrifying new take on the sim-management genre.
As a result of long-term cooperation between Vrgineers and Razbam Simulations, the new F-15E Strike Eagle trainer will be showcased for the first time at the IT2EC show in Rotterdam. The companies want to provide affordable reconfigurable COTS trainers to the U.S. Air Force, combining the Vrgineers’ Portable Trainer and XTAL 3 Virtual Headset with the F-15E Strike Eagle model by Razbam. The F-15E Strike Eagle model was released earlier this year and is available to everyone using Digital Combat Simulator at home.
This unique concept allows Air Forces to train cooperation and mission rehearsals using the most advanced and affordable solution currently on the market. Portable Trainers are easy to deploy (under 30 minutes, link to the video) and convenient to transport (by two people). The device offers the highest level of immersion thanks to the usage of XTAL, a 180 degrees field of view, and a 4k resolution headset.
“The fidelity of the RAZBAM F-15E Strike Eagle is incredible. The level of detail of the cockpit and scale of the functions available in combination with our trainers allows practically anyone to become a skilled F-15 pilot,” says Marek Polcak, CEO & co-founder of Vrgineers.
Growing demand for pilots, acceptance of virtual pilot training to ensure aviation safety, and the need to reduce the cost of pilot training are the major factors why we see a rapid increase in using these COTS trainers as a part of growing Pilot Next, RVCT, and other advanced training programs.
“We estimate that till 2030 every pilot will have one of these trainers at their disposal anytime and can use it from home, connecting to the centralized synthetic training environment using a secured VPN to continue exercise despite any restriction such as we saw during the COVID,” adds Marek Polcak, CEO of Vrgineers.
Vrgineers & RAZBAM F-15E Portable Trainer uses F-15E throttle and stick replicas. The rest of the instrumental panel and cockpit is virtual. All the switches and knobs manipulation are solved by hand tracking of the trackball allowing a pilot to access the full capabilities.
The current platform is not suitable for procedural training due to the lack of needed features for muscle memory training. However, Vrgineers is working on a mixed-reality version of the F-15E trainer, which aims to be presented for the first time at the I/ITSEC in Orlando this year. The mixed reality setup will allow full 1:1 training.
“The integration we did with Vrgineers simulators enables all the features of our model to become an ultimate training solution and offers a cost-efficient solution to all F-15E air forces and operators,” says Ronald Zambrano, CEO & founder of Razbam Simulations.
On top of all mentioned, the F-15E model integrates new TALON AI, a co-pilot AI handling tactical tasks such as locking the target and navigation. This advanced assistance is another step to increase the training curve and support the training of complex tasks before the mission.
Skybound Entertainment, the creator-led, multi-platform entertainment company, in collaboration with Universal Games and Digital Platforms, today unveiled and released Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood, a video game inspired by Universal Pictures’ new horror-comedy, Renfield (in theaters April 14), starring Nicolas Cage as Dracula and Nicholas Hoult as his long-suffering servant, Renfield.
Renfield, a Skybound/Giant Wildcat production, is from a screen story by Skybound founder Robert Kirkman, who is also a producer of the film.
Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood is being developed by Skybound partner Mega Cat Studios and is available globally in Steam Early Access for PC starting today for $4.99 / €4.99 / £4.49. Skybound and Mega Cat will be delivering additional content and updates post-launch and throughout the summer.
In the game, inspired by the events of the movie, Dracula tasks players with a simple job – do everything he wants them to do for the rest of his immortal life. It’s a demanding gig, but the benefits are great – immortality, mystic powers and a high-fiber diet of mostly insects. Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood is a single-player adventure that combines the simplicity of one-touch gameplay with frenetic, room-based action for a new roguelite experience. With unique stages, dozens of enemies, diabolical bosses and enough weapons for a bug-powered bloody rampage, Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood shows players the ups and downs of serving the worst boss in history – Dracula.
“Our team is so excited to bring our expertise in fun, retro-style games that are filled with wild humor to the amazing world of Renfield,” said James Deighan, Founder of Mega Cat Studios. “It’s an incredible opportunity for us to be working on this with Skybound and Universal Games and Digital Platforms.”
Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood captures the Renfield film universe with one-touch gameplay that innovates on the familiar roguelite recipe and takes inspiration from extraction shooter games. The simple controls allow players to clear rooms filled with frenetic action while environmental objects and collectibles will create new split-decision moments as players pick their path through hordes of enemies. Players will also deal with Dracula’s constant and hilarious fetch quest demands that parallel the storyline from the movie.
