This year’s QuakeCon will once again be a digital-only event, August 18-20, 2022. Like you, we’re disappointed to not return to Dallas this year. An event of this size requires months of planning, and in this case, we had to make decisions when there was still too much uncertainty to commit to successfully executing an in-person QuakeCon.
The QuakeCon team is already working hard to put together exciting new streaming programming, online meetups, giveaways, charity opportunities, the virtual BYOC, and more, and we will announce more details in June.
We’re committed to returning with our full in-person festival in 2023, and already looking forward to reconnecting with friends, a massive BYOC packed with your latest custom PC creations, our wild contests, and tons of great new games and hardware for attendees to try out.
We can’t wait to see you online this August and in-person next year.
Today Beamdog and Aspyr revealed their first original title: MythForce. Inspired by beloved 80s cartoons like, MythForce unites colorful swords & sorcery with gripping first-person combat in a roguelite adventure. Published by Aspyr Media, the game will launch into Early Access on April 20, 2022 as an Epic Games Store exclusive for Windows PCs, priced at $29.99 USD. See the Mythforce trailer.
“I’m beyond excited to finally show off our team’s original work,” said Trent Oster, Beamdog CEO. “MythForce is pure, unadulterated fun— right out of the Saturday mornings of my childhood. With a simple yet satisfying game loop, it’s a big departure from the RPG classics we’re known for, but the Beamdog DNA is evident if you know where to look.”
The Early Access launch includes four playable heroes for MythForce Episode 1: Bastion of the Beastlord. Wielding legendary weapons and powerful magic, the heroes of MythForce face a series of increasingly difficult challenges as they explore overgrown ruins teeming with cartoon enemies. Players can brave the dungeon alone or join forces with friends in online co-op mode for up to four people.
Heroes level-up as they explore the dungeon, unlocking different perks for each playthrough, as well as special rank upgrades that carry over to new sessions. Procedurally-generated maps with randomized encounters and loot keep each playthrough fresh. In true roguelite fashion, each time players are defeated they have to start over at the beginning, but every playthrough makes them a little stronger
MythForce is currently available to wishlist from the Epic Games Store, and Episode 1: Bastion of the Beastlord will be playable on April 20, 2022. Beamdog will release additional episodes and updates during Early Access, incorporating input from Early Access community members.
“MythForce is a feel-good game that speaks to the kid in us. In Early Access we want to collaborate with players who are excited by our wholesome, 80s vision for MythForce, and build up the best game possible. Community will be key to getting us to 1.0,” said Oster.
Today, North America’s No. 1 collegiate game design program USC Games announced their 6th annual USC Games Expo with support from long-term partner Jam City, a leading international game developer behind some of the world’s highest-grossing and most enduring games. The virtual event will feature up-and-coming game designers and developers from USC Games’ program, packed with world premieres of over 50 student-made games. This year’s Expo will be the third time the multi-hour event is livestreamed and will air on May 12, 2022 at 2pm PT on uscgamesexpo.com and USC Games’ Twitch and YouTube channels. IGN is the official media partner of Expo Day and will also be concurrently streaming the live virtual event.
“USC Games Expo is a unique opportunity for our students to show their skills in game development, the challenges they’ve faced, and share the results of their hard work with the world,” said Danny Bilson, Chair of the USC School of Cinematic Arts’ (SCA) Interactive Media & Games Division (IMGD), and Director of USC Games. “We’re very excited for our Trojan family and our friends at Jam City to join us for another showcase featuring the talented game designers and developers of tomorrow.”
“We are continually wowed by the creativity and innovation that comes out of USC’s game program. It undoubtedly deserves its spot as North America’s No. 1 collegiate program and we are so proud to continue to sponsor and support the USC Games Expo each year,” said Chris DeWolfe, Co-Founder and CEO of Jam City. “The incredible talent this program hones and produces will undoubtedly usher in the games of the future.”
The USC Games program, a truly interdisciplinary program shared between the School of Cinematic Arts and Viterbi School of Engineering’s, champions diversity, equity and inclusion with 48% of program students identifying as female and initiatives like the Gerald A. Lawson Endowment Fund for Black & Indigenous Students, to catalyze the inclusion of underrepresented voices in the games industry.
USC Games will feature the best games of the past year both at the Expo on May 12 as well as give a livestreamed “virtual field trip” for junior high and high school students and their families on May 11, prior to the official show. On Expo Day, eight projects developed in USC Games’ capstone course, the Advanced Games Program (AGP), will be featured with their first hands-on showcase.
Those featured AGP titles include:
1. Bounty Heart (Mobile iOS/Android)
Bounty Heart takes you on a journey through a fantasy world full of quirky characters, renegades, and outlaws. Devise the best strategy to match orbs, recruit allies and defeat enemies to obtain the legendary bounty in Bounty Heart.
2. Charon (PC)
Charon is a single player action-adventure game where the player traverses the perilous River Styx as the ferryman of the underworld. They must utilize weapons and maneuverability to survive raging rapids, vengeful spirits, and the goddess Demeter’s onslaught of monsters to bring the lost soul Alexis to her lover in the afterlife.
3. Impasto (PC)
Impasto is a dark fantasy adventure inside the macabre imagination of the legendary Spanish painter Francisco Goya. Step inside the world of his paintings and unravel the mystery and the tragedy of the man who painted them directly onto the walls of his home.
4. Skylost (PC)
On a rescue mission, brave the mysteries of Spire, a series of beautiful, mysteriously floating islands that few have dared travel to and even fewer have ever returned from. Armed only with your wits, limited supplies, and the items you discover during your journey, traverse the exhilarating verticality of this gravity-defying wilderness. Craft, climb and glide your way past the Spire’s hazardous flora and fauna, reach the top, and find your lost missing love, Amelia before she—like so many before her—is lost forever!
5. Social Moth (PC)
Social Moth is a game that explores social anxiety. As Moth, you can explore vibrant environments, get to know your neighbors, and attend a party while coping with your desire to avoid social interactions. Developed with input from subject-matter experts, help the Moth manage his anxiety while making friends with the insects in his neighborhood and keep his thoughts under control to avoid the dreaded Anxiety Monster.
6. Spookulele (PC)
When a fabled disaster causes ghosts to spill into the human world, an apathetic reaper and a fearless young girl with magical powers must use their musical abilities to fight ghosts and save the world from an endless night. Spookulele is an action-adventure game where you play a pair of reapers and use musical abilities to fight ghosts.
7. That’s Not How it Happened (PC)
Disaster! When the Turner family’s inn burns down, they must recall the events that took place leading up to its fiery end, and ultimately explain HOW IT HAPPENED…That’s Not How It Happened is a rashomon-style beat’em up-point-and-click-dating sim that explores different art styles and game mechanics to show each character’s unique perspective. Follow George, Alan, and Zoey Turner as they try to decide who saved(?) the day!
8. Turtle Town (PC)
When the whimsical forest of Brightleaf Hollow is threatened by rogue mechanical animals, it’s up to you, to assemble, and protect a town of forest animals finding refuge on the shell of Tortimer Turtle. In this unique base builder on the move, every building you construct changes the way you explore the forest and every encounter in the forest will change the way you build and protect your city.
Fracked, the trailblazing and critically acclaimed VR action-adventure game from nDreams, is coming to Viveport and Steam on Thursday, May 5th. The game will also be available on the Rift Store soon afterwards.
The game is natively compatible with HTC Vive Pro, Valve Index and Rift S headsets, while Meta Quest and Quest 2 owners can get involved in the action via the Oculus Link Cable or Air Link.
In Fracked, you are a reluctant hero, stuck deep inside a remote mountain facility and forced into a final stand between the planet and the ‘Fracked’ – an army of gun-wielding, interdimensional enemies. There’s no room here for subtlety and stealth, this is bold, brash and uncompromising explosive action! Alone. On the edge. And really fracked off… humanity’s survival is in your hands!
“It’s been fantastic to see the love that Fracked has received from players and critics alike since it’s PlayStation VR launch last year,” said David Corless, VP of Publishing at nDreams. “We’re excited to give new audiences the chance to experience the thrill of Fracked’s high-octane action as they fight to save the world!”
Fracked’s innovative VR gunplay blends improvised run and gun combat with a 1:1 grabbable cover system allowing you to move freely around the battlefield outflanking, outsmarting, and outgunning the Fracked. The game also features free and intuitive no-rails movement on foot, on skis and climbing.
Originally released for PS VR last summer, Fracked’s first-person combat and free movement earned praise from reviewers and the game was featured on multiple ‘Best of 2021’ lists.
We’ll have more Fracked news to share in the coming weeks so follow us on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram for further updates.
Robot Entertainment, an independent development and publishing studio, announced the all new Tipping the Scales DLC for Orcs Must Die! 3 is launching today on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Stadia, Steam, and PlayStation® 4. Featuring the brand new Tuatara Race and its four enemy types, players will come equipped with a new Hand Gatling weapon, the Briar Patch Trap, and a Reptilian Carapace Trinket all set in a new desert biome.
The Tipping the Scales DLC also includes five new scenarios including a War Scenario- Untrained Grounds (inspired by Orcs Must Die! Unchained Training Grounds map), Sandstorm Shelter, Oasis Outpost, Sand Sea Castle, and Desert Wall (War Scenario). Lastly, four Endless Maps, two new skins – Cygnus Sand Skin and Vorwick Sand Skin and six new Achievements will be included in this new DLC. The Tipping the Scales DLC will be available for $7.99 on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Stadia, Steam, and PlayStation® 4.
All players returning to the game will have access to two new Endless Mode maps (Split Stairs and Secret Fortress), new Scramble Mode buffs and debuffs, and a host of fixes and improvements.
Calling all mecha pilots! BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announced that the popular free-to-play team battle action game MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM BATTLE OPERATION 2 is coming to PC on Steam in 2022. To ensure all systems are go for the game’s upcoming launch, players are invited to join the Network Test starting April 14.
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM BATTLE OPERATION 2 features intense 6v6 online team battles, with players from all around the world fighting for survival as they pilot their favorite Mobile Suits. The free-to-play game immerses players in epic battles set in the Gundam universe, whether on land or in space. Mobile Suits are not the only heroes in these battle theaters. MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM BATTLE OPERATION 2 adds a new dimension to mecha combat with Infantry Battles, giving pilots the ability to take part in the fight alongside their Mobile Suits, placing bombs in enemy bases or requesting support fire to help decide the outcome of the battle. Additionally, customizable Mobile Suits offer players the opportunity to enhance their favorite mecha through DP earned in battle.
Players can sign up for the Network Test for MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM BATTLE OPERATION 2 and get new game information and assets by visiting the newly launched Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1367080.
The Network Test will be held in two sessions, with the first running April 14-16 and the second on April 21. Each day will be divided into two blocks of playtime based on the following schedule:
Session 1
Thursday, April 14 – Friday, April 15
First half: 5:00pm – 8:00pm PDT
Second half: 10:00pm – 1:00am PDT
Friday, April 15 – Saturday, April 16
First half: 5:00pm – 8:00pm PDT
Second half: 10:00pm – 1:00am PDT
Saturday, April 16 – Sunday, April 17
First half: 5:00pm – 8:00pm PDT
Second half: 10:00pm – 1:00am PDT
Session 2
Thursday, April 21 – Sunday, April 24
Open continuously from April 21 at 6:00pm to April 24 at 1:00am PDT
Additionally, a new trailer highlighting the explosive mecha action in MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM BATTLE OPERATION 2 can be found at the following YouTube link.
Kerbal Space Program has earned a reputation for being scientifically accurate in its depiction of the physics of space travel. For the sequel, Intercept Games plans to expand on this by introducing interstellar travel, which sends players on a voyage to the vast reaches of space on an unprecedented scale.
In the video below, the Kerbal Space Program 2 dev team with a guest appearance from writer Paul Gilster, author of Centauri Dreams, share the concepts and philosophy guiding them in understanding and crafting interstellar travel. This feature video also covers in-depth details on the brand new travel systems, details about various propulsion engines, and more.
The Warner Bros. Pictures global blockbuster, from writer/director Matt Reeves, THE BATMAN, starring Robert Pattinson in the dual role of Gotham City’s vigilante detective and his alter ego, reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne, will be available to stream on HBO Max on MONDAY, APRIL 18. Dylan Clark (the “Planet of the Apes” films) and Reeves produced the film. THE BATMAN will also air on HBO on Saturday, April 23 at 8:00PM ET.
When a killer targets Gotham City’s elite with a series of sadistic machinations, a trail of cryptic clues sends the World’s Greatest Detective on an investigation into the underworld, where he encounters such characters as Selina Kyle, The Penguin, Carmine Falcone and The Riddler. As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator’s plans becomes clear, The Batman must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit, and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued Gotham City.
Starring alongside Pattinson (“Tenet,” “The Lighthouse”) as Gotham’s famous and infamous cast of characters are Zoë Kravitz (“Big Little Lies,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”) as Selina Kyle; Paul Dano (“Love & Mercy,” “12 Years a Slave”) as Edward Nashton, aka The Riddler; Jeffrey Wright (“No Time to Die,” “Westworld”) as the GCPD’s James Gordon; John Turturro (the “Transformers” films, “The Plot Against America”) as Carmine Falcone; Peter Sarsgaard (“The Magnificent Seven,” “Interrogation”) as Gotham D.A. Gil Colson; Jayme Lawson (“Farewell Amor”) as mayoral candidate Bella Reál; with Andy Serkis (the “Planet of the Apes” films, “Black Panther”) as Alfred; and Colin Farrell (“The Gentlemen,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”) as Oz, aka The Penguin.
Reeves (“The Planet of the Apes” franchise) directed from a screenplay by Reeves & Peter Craig, based on characters from DC. Batman was created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger. Michael E. Uslan, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Simon Emanuel served as executive producers.
343 Industries shared a teaser trailer ahead of the Halo Infinite Lone Wolves: Season 2 launch, set for May 3, 2022. Players can expect a fresh slate of content including new maps, modes, themed limited-time events, and an all-new Battle Pass that never expires. More details on maps, modes and everything else Season 2 will be shared throughout April as we gear up for launch on May 3.
For the latest on what’s coming in Season 2 you can find the Halo Infinite March 2022 update blog here. And for details on the feedback and development priorities stemming from Season 1, check out the Outcomes reports focused on gameplay and live service.
Today, as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the KINGDOM HEARTS franchise, SQUARE ENIX® and Disney announced that KINGDOM HEARTS IV, the newest installment in the beloved RPG series, is in early development, and also revealed a brand-new mobile game, KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link.
Watch the KINGDOM HEARTS 20th Anniversary Announcement Trailer here:
In the announcement trailer, Sora makes a triumphant return with an updated look at the beginning of an epic new storyline titled the “Lost Master Arc.” Beginning with Sora facing off in a boss battle against a giant enemy, players are introduced to the Quadratum, a large, expansive city set in a gorgeous, realistic world unlike anything ever seen before in the KINGDOM HEARTS series. Fans will be excited to see the return of Sora’s well-known companions Donald and Goofy, in addition to the first appearance of Strelitzia, a mysterious new character who appears before Sora in this strange new setting.
Fans can also look forward to KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link, an all-new game for iOS and Android devices, which allows players to embark on adventures from the realm of Scala ad Caelum into the real world. Players will be able to engage in exhilarating battles against the Heartless and discover a new, original story. A closed beta test is planned for 2022*.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the series’ 20th anniversary with the announcement of two new KINGDOM HEARTS titles,” said KINGDOM HEARTS series Brand Manager, Ichiro Hazama. “We’d like to thank the fans for all of their support over the years, and we can’t wait for them to experience all that’s to come for Sora.”
“Sora is an original Disney video game hero like no other, beloved by our team, and fans across the world. We’ve been honored to work with Tetsuya Nomura and his team for two decades to introduce these original stories of discovery, courage, and friendship,” said Nana Gadd, Director, Walt Disney Games. “This glimpse into Sora’s next adventure is just the beginning – we can’t wait to show more when the time is right.”
Additionally, the KINGDOM HEARTS team announced that the highly anticipated final chapter of KINGDOM HEARTS DARK ROAD will be released in August 2022 as a free update to the KINGDOM HEARTS Union χ Dark Road app.
SQUARE ENIX and Disney hosted the KINGDOM HEARTS 20th Anniversary event in Tokyo, Japan where together with fans, they celebrated the past 20 years of the beloved franchise and provided a first look at what’s to come next. The event also featured a live music performance, a showcase of stained-glass artworks and on-stage appearances from Series Director, Tetsuya Nomura, series’ composer, Yoko Shimomura, and other development members. Fans can enjoy photos from the event on the official social channels and look forward to a recording of the event which will be shared at a later date.
Lastly, there is a variety of anniversary themed merchandise available for Pre-Order through the official SQUARE ENIX Store. For more information, please visit: https://sqex.link/5n9x
