NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES and HKEX: 9999, “NetEase” or the “Company”), one of China’s leading internet and online game services providers, today announced that it anticipates that its licenses covering the publication of several titles of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in China will expire in accordance with their terms on January 23, 2023 and will not be renewed. The affected games are World of Warcraft®, the StarCraft® series, Hearthstone®, Heroes of the Storm®, Overwatch® and Diablo III®.
“We have put in a great deal of effort and tried with our utmost sincerity to negotiate with Activision Blizzard so that we could continue our collaboration and serve the many dedicated players in China. However, there were material differences on key terms and we could not reach an agreement. We hold high regard in our product and operational standards and abide by our commitments to Chinese players.
We are honored to have had the privilege of serving our gamers over the past 14 years and have shared many precious moments with them during that time. We will continue our promise to serve our players well until the last minute. We will make sure our players’ data and assets are well protected in all of our games,” said William Ding, CEO of NetEase.
The net revenues and net income contribution from these licensed Blizzard games represented low single digits as a percentage of NetEase’s total net revenues and net income in 2021 and in the first nine months of 2022. The expiration of such licenses will have no material impact on NetEase’s financial results. The co-development and publishing of Diablo® Immortal™ is covered by a separate long-term agreement and will continue.
Laminar Research is proud to present the brand new trailer for X-Plane 12. The simulator includes 18 unique aircraft models and detailed 3D scenery for more than 17,000 airports around the world – all with new ground textures, towers and pavement effects to enhance realism. X-Plane 12 will be released in December 2022 on PC, Mac and Linux.
X-Plane 12, is the most realistic and powerful flight simulator with real-world physics, accurate aircraft systems and an immersive simulation of the world. X-Plane 12, built by pilots and engineers, is for everyone who craves a realistic flight simulation experience.
Features in X-Plane 12
Volumetric 3D Clouds
Physics-Based Photometric Lighting Model
18 Aircraft – from the Piper Cub to Airbus A330
Worldwide 3D Water
Rewritten AI Air Traffic Control System
Global 3D Forests
Seasonal Textures and Weather Effects
Revamped Real Weather Data and Rendering
X-Plane 12 is still in development but you can already try out the Early Access version.
RØDE has today announced a new addition to its industry-leading range of USB microphones, the NT-USB+. Based on the legendary NT-USB, the NT-USB+ is a professional-grade USB microphone loaded with next-generation features. It is also compact, portable and versatile, making it the ideal microphone for musicians, podcasters, streamers and professionals who want to capture studio-quality sound with ease.
KEY FEATURES OF THE NT-USB+:
Studio-grade condenser capsule and tight cardioid polar pattern, delivering pristine audio ideal for recording vocals, speech and instruments
Ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp™ and high-resolution 24-bit/48kHz analog-to-digital conversion for professional sound quality with stunning clarity
Internal DSP for advanced audio processing powered by APHEX® – including a compressor, noise gate and legendary Aural Exciter™ and Big Bottom™ effects
High-power headphone output for zero-latency monitoring, complete with level and mix controls
USB-C output for plug-and-play connectivity with computers, smartphones and tablets
Includes high-quality pop filter and desktop mount – an all-in-one solution for recording professional sound at home or on the go
Designed and made in RØDE’s state-of-the-art facilities in Sydney, Australia
A LEGEND REBORN
The NT-USB+ is based on the original NT-USB, which was released in 2014 and has long been an industry-standard professional USB microphone for musicians, podcasters, streamers and other creators. Featuring the same iconic form factor and studio-quality sound as the original, the NT-USB+ builds on this legacy with a number of next-generation enhancements and is set to become a modern classic.
“The original NT-USB was an instant success when it launched almost a decade ago, setting a lofty standard for studio-quality USB microphones,” said RØDE CEO Damien Wilson. “With the NT-USB+, we are setting a new standard. We have kept the form factor and functionality that made the original such a success and introduced several new features, integrating cutting-edge technology for the next wave of creators. Plug-and-play USB audio has never sounded this good.”
STUDIO SOUND AT HOME OR ON THE GO
The NT-USB+ features a studio-grade condenser capsule that evokes the sound of a classic large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Delivering warmth and clarity, with a full frequency response and tight cardioid polar pattern for clear, focused audio, it excels on everything from vocals and speech to acoustic guitar and other instruments. The NT-USB+ features enhanced circuitry, with RØDE’s ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp™ technology – first introduced with the groundbreaking RØDECaster Pro II – as well as upgraded high-resolution 24-bit/48kHz analog-to-digital conversion for pristine audio quality.
It also features powerful internal DSP, which allows users to apply advanced APHEX® processing to their audio. This includes a high-pass filter for cutting out low-end rumble, a noise gate for eliminating background noise, a compressor for delivering punchy and balanced sound, and the legendary Aural Exciter™ and Big Bottom™ effects for rich, broadcast tone.
This studio-quality processing can be activated via the companion app RØDE Central – available for desktop and mobile – for use with any other software or application. It is also available in RØDE’s free podcasting and streaming software, RØDE Connect.
SIMPLICITY, PORTABILITY AND VERSATILITY
Not only does the NT-USB+ sound amazing, but it is also incredibly easy to use, portable and versatile. It features a class-compliant USB-C output that is plug-and-play compatible with Mac and Windows computers; it is also fully compatible with any Android or iOS smartphone or tablet, making it an excellent portable recording solution.
It comes with a professional pop filter for minimising plosives, as well as a tripod mount for perfect positioning on a desktop. It also features a zero-latency headphone output for monitoring audio with no distracting echo or delay, complete with level and monitor mix controls. With its plug-and-play connectivity, included extras and all-in-one design, the NT-USB+ is the ultimate microphone for anyone who wants to record professional sound effortlessly.
The NT-USB+ is shipping worldwide and available now for US$169. To find out more, head to rode.com/nt-usb-plus.
Dune: Spice Wars, the 4X real-time strategy game from Northgard developer Shiro Games and co-publisher Funcom, is today launching its third major Early Access update. After adding multiplayer and the Imperial House Corrino faction in the previous update, Shiro Games is excited to significantly expand the game yet again by adding a whole new dimension to combat with flying units, along with a long list of other improvements and additions across every aspect of the game.
Shiro Games and Funcom are also thrilled to announce that alongside the new update, Dune: Spice Wars has now landed on PC Game Pass!
While combat may see the biggest changes, the additions and improvements touch on every aspect of the game.
As the most recent Dune game and the first in two decades, Dune: Spice Wars weaves the universe’s deep lore and themes into its gameplay. In the Air & Sand update, players see the expansion of several of these mechanics, such as spy missions, political resolutions, and brand-new Spacing Guild mechanics.
Additionally, balancing has been tweaked, quests updated, the UI and multiplayer chat system improved, new village features and Sietches added – the list goes on. Gather intel, garner political authority, make plans within plans within plans, and predict those of your opponents. The Spice War rages on.
Dune: Spice Wars is available on PC game Pass and is now 20% off on Steam. Experience the innovative blend of 4X and real-time strategy on the legendary planet of Arrakis and join forces or compete for the spice with friends in multiplayer. Discover more on https://spicewars.dunegames.com.
Funcom also recently announced that they are developing Dune: Awakening, an open world survival MMO set on Arrakis. For more information visit www.dunegames.com.
Sharing a quick heads up that a new video for Marvel’s Midnight Suns was released today. Titled “Welcome to the Abbey,” this trailer showcases how players will Live Among the Legends and explore The Abbey — their very own mystical secret base — to discover powerful hidden items and secrets to aid them in the conflict against Lilith and her minions.
Also released earlier this week, the third Prequel Short — “Hell On Wheels” — features Robbie Reyes, a young mechanic who is possessed by a Spirit of Vengeance, making him the Ghost Rider!
Marvel’s Midnight Suns is available for pre-order today and will release globally on December 2 on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5*.
For more information on Marvel’s Midnight Suns, visit www.midnightsuns.com, become a fan on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube, follow on Twitter and Instagram, and join the conversation using the hashtag #DarknessFalls.
*Launch timing for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch versions of the game will be shared at a later date.
Faranga needs a new hero – will you heed the call? THQ Nordic is excited to announce that Risen is coming to PlayStation®4, Xbox One™, and Nintendo Switch on January 24, 2023. THQNordic has partnered exclusively with GameStop to bring Risen to PS4 and Switch players in North America. The Cult RPG that follows the game design direction of the early Gothic games will be finally running smooth and in its full quality on console platforms, while the old PC version will get a gamepad support update.
Delve into the gritty and atmospheric world of Risen, where every action has a consequence. Master the sword, learn the art of staff fighting, or become a powerful mage, forging your path across a land filled with mysterious earthquakes, fearsome monsters, and unimaginable treasures.
Explore the mysterious volcanic island Faranga and the heavy tremors which bode ill for its inhabitants. As ancient temples have risen from the ground, they are bringing with them bizarre creatures that terrorize the area – are you brave enough to face the dangers? Find yourself caught amidst rebellion, tyranny, and mystic rituals. It is up to you to decide which way the pendulum of fate will swing.
Do you feel it? Do you feel the heat on your body, the thirst in your throat, the panic rising in the fight for pure survival? No, you are not dreaming! You are actually here, on this strange, eerie desert planet, in the midst of desperate loneliness.
Rub the sand out of your eyes, fire up your console or PC and face the adventure! Starsand is available now for Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One Nintendo Switch™ and PC (1.0 release).
Far away from any civilization, you fight your way through lonely dunes, always looking for the next watering hole, which, however, not only holds water and food for you. In the oases lurk just as great dangers as in the vastness of the desert. Be careful, explore the world with all its peculiarities and decipher the all-encompassing mystery. Build a strong base/fortress to protect yourself from the many dangers that lurk.. Not everything that awaits you here seems to be of earthly origin….
You wonder why you of all people ended up here? There is a reason for everything. Find long forgotten scriptures, explore partially decayed monuments, build weapons and find extraterrestrial materials that open up new possibilities. Hunt, plant and harvest your fruits.
With a little luck and effort, you will find an animal friend. Camels will make your travels easier. Take good care of them, they will help you and they will help you overcome your loneliness as a loyal companion!
Defy the dangers! Heat, cold, enemies, alien creatures and whims of nature – there are many ways to die here, but only one to survive!
Best-selling gaming headset and accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR) today announced its highly-anticipated Turtle Beach® VelocityOne™ Flightstick is now available. Designed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs, VelocityOne Flightstick is the gaming flight stick of the future. Whether you’re an air combat or space ace, the VelocityOne Flightstick is a joystick designed for all forms of flight, giving immersive and accurate controls for navigating the top air and space flight sim and combat games. VelocityOne Flightstick boasts eight control axes, including contactless hall effect sensors on the main X&Y axes, that provide precise control, while two multifunction levers operate main engine power and the adjustment of control surfaces. The VelocityOne Flightstick’s precise nano trim wheel allows for fine tuning of altitude, and an OLED Flight Management Display makes for easy adjustments. Turtle Beach’s VelocityOne Flightstick gives gamers on Xbox and Windows PCs a multitude of flight controls with 27 programmable buttons, a rapid-fire trigger, an integrated trackpad, and Bluetooth® connectivity to its companion app.
VelocityOne Flightstick is available now from www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers for a $129.99 (£119.99/€129.99) MSRP.
“Our VelocityOne Flightstick gives sim gamers in the skies and in space an unmatched, modern controller experience that’s ready for today and tomorrow’s AAA flight-based games,” said Juergen Stark, Chairman and CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “VelocityOne Flightstick is perfect for fans of Microsoft Flight Sim 2020, X-Plane, Elite Dangerous, War Thunder, Star Citizen, Everspace, and Star Wars flight games, whether you want to fly casually or go rocketing through space. With VelocityOne Flightstick now added to our growing VelocityOne family of products, both the flight sim and gaming communities can fly confidently knowing the controller in their hands delivers superior performance.”
Full details on Turtle Beach’s all-new, groundbreaking VelocityOne Flightstick include:
8 High-Precision Axes: High-resolution, contactless sensors on the main stick axes (left/right, forward/back, and twist) provide precise response and extended longevity to the main stick controls. A nano trim wheel allows for fine tuning of attitude, and an analog POV hat delivers finite adjustment to cockpit views or strafe thrusters in space sims.
Multifunction Throttle & Flap Levers: Throttle levers control main engine power, while flap levers let gamers quickly adjust secondary control surfaces. Plus, swappable throttle tops allow for customization of controls for fighter jets, or airliners.
Multiplatform Compatibility: Connect via the included 10 ft/3m USB-C to USB-A cable and play fan-favorite titles on Xbox or Windows PCs with an integrated input mode switch. Optimized for maximum compatibility on each platform, the VelocityOne Flightstick is built for navigating air and space flight simulation & combat games on Xbox and Windows PCs.
27 Programmable Buttons: Equipped with an 8-way digital POV hat, rapid-fire trigger, stick-mounted buttons, dual throttle lever detents, and eight programmable base buttons, gamers are well-armed with controls for their most critical flight functions.
Flight Management Display: An integrated OLED Flight Management Display lets gamers tune performance to suit the game being played. Plus, pilots can adjust control profiles, trim wheel input mode, rudder lock and more.
Flight Configuration Wheel: Navigate the Flight Management Display and configure the Flightstick using the intuitive rotary dial with click at base of the stick. Browse through the configuration options and update the product performance in real-time with all information stored in on-board memory.
Touchpad Navigation Sensor: The touch sensor with precision button press gives full control of mouse cursor functionality, which is ideal for navigating simulation systems, and can also be used for weapon control in popular air & space combat sim titles.
Ambidextrous Design: Designed to control fighter jets or airliners, the main stick has an ergonomic, ambidextrous shape with a reversible wrist rest. Plus, with eight programmable base buttons, gamers can set up the controls to their exact preference regardless of which hand is on the controls.
Pro-Aim™ Focus Mode: Adjust main stick sensitivity for accurate enemy targeting and precise control of landings.
The Turtle Beach Audio Advantage: Connect any 3.5mm headset and take advantage of proven Turtle Beach audio functions like Superhuman Hearing®, EQ modes, Mic Monitoring, and Game & Chat Balance.
Xbox Navigation Controls: Effortlessly control your console with licensed Xbox buttons. An additional white LED indicates successful connection and operation.
Bluetooth Companion App: Connect tablets or smartphones to adjust product performance on Windows PCs using the Flightstick app available for iOS & Android devices.
Adjustable RGB Lighting: Set the color, brightness, and response of multiple RGB LED zones.
Time to rev up those engines and turn up the bass. Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and Criterion Games™ have announced their genre-defying one-of-a-kind soundtrack to Need for Speed™ Unbound — releasing worldwide on December 2. Built to bump at any street race, Need for Speed Unbound’s curated soundtrack features trailblazing global artists from the worlds of electronic music and hip-hop. Showcasing a range of global talent, like A$AP Rocky, Brodinski, SCH, Lous and the Yakuza, Alina Pash, Slikback, Villano Antillano, The Synaptik, COUCOU CHLOE, Balming Tiger and Shirin David, the extensive track list gives players worldwide the ability to discover new artists while drifting through the streets of Lakeshore. For the first time ever in Need for Speed, players can also customize their cars with decals from a selection of music artists featured in the soundtrack.
Multi-hyphenated artist, entrepreneur, actor and fashion icon, A$AP Rocky and his creative agency AWGE premiered his new track “Sh*ttin’ Me” in the Need for Speed Unbound reveal trailer and it will be an exclusively licensed track in the game. A$AP Rocky’s track “Sh*ttin’ Me” and the music video for the song will debut on Friday, December 2. The soundtrack features songs from AWGE artists, including Kelvin Krash, slowthai, Smooky MarGielaa, Thoto, and ICYTWAT, plus A$AP Mob favorites A$AP Ant and A$AP Ferg. A$AP Rocky appears in-game as the leader of the Takeover Events, a new replayable precision driving mode that brings together the community to take over parts of the city and celebrate driving with style over pure speed.
When players aren’t vibing to up-and-coming artists, they can immerse themselves in the original genre-blending score composed by Brodinski, the French electronic and hip-hop producer and founder of the French electro label Bromance Records. Brodinski has formed a close relation with the underground rap community in Atlanta and has dedicated his career to mentoring and promoting the region’s young, talented rappers. His collaborations with Tohji, JMK$ and Peewee Longway are also featured in the Need for Speed Unbound soundtrack. You can listen to Brodinski’s original score on Spotify starting on December 2.
Need for Speed Unbound’s official licensed soundtrack features:
Big Hass, Taffyraps, Little G Fresh, Rann, Medusa TN, Nayomi & Big Moe
Arab Femcee Cypher
Bizarrap & Villano Antillano
Villano Antillano: BZRP Music Sessions Vol. 51
Bonez MC & AK AUSSERKONTROLLE
In meinem Benz
Botany
She Will Be
Brodinski ft. Peewee Longway
Split
Buku
Front To Back
Charli XCX
Trophy
clipping.
Check the Lock
Cristale
Militant
Danger Mouse & Black Thought (feat. A$AP Rocky and Run The Jewels)
Strangers
Diplo ft. Lil Yachty & Santigold
Worry No More
DIVINE
Punya Paap
Ecko Bazz
Mmaso
Eliza Legzdina
Curse 4 U (Joo Joo)
Grebz
Несправедливо
Higher Brothers
Empire
ICYTWAT
Eyez on Em
IDK & Kaytranada
Taco
JMK$
Sxuthside
JP THE WAVY
Neo Gal Wop
KALUSH feat. alyona alyona
Гори (Gory)
Kasien, Kelvin Krash
TIME
Kelvin Krash & COUCOU CHLOE
THIEF IN THE NIGHT
Kidd Kenn
Vroom Vroom
KOKOKO!
Azo Toke
Lil Eazzyy
Forever Been Steppin’
Lous and The Yakuza, Sfera Ebbasta
Je ne sais pas
Maxo Kream ft. Tyler The Creator
BIG PERSONA
MILKBLOOD, PVRIS
WICKED
Moksi, LexBlaze
Shout Like
Mura Masa
blessing me w/ Pa Salieu & Skillibeng
Mura Masa, slowthai
Deal Wiv It
ODZ, Ivory, Slowface
TAPPAT DET HELT
Oki ft. Gedz
SIRI
Oliver Olson, Gibbs
Tłoki
Payday, Danny Brown
Vampire
Pépe
Life Signs – Roll Mix
Playboi Carti
Slay3r
poutyface
HEY NEIGHBOR!
Princess Nokia
Versace Hottie
Rico Nasty ft. Flo Milli
Money
Rozzma
Hout
SCH
Autobahn
Shirin David, Kitty Kat
Be a Hoe/Break a Hoe
Shygirl
SLIME
Slikback
Ascension
Smooky MarGielaa
Stay “100”
Space 92
The Door
Steff da Campo, SMACK
Renegade
Strategy
Carbon Footprint
Terror Jr
Fun
The Synaptik
Tared
Thoto
SP*** OUT
Tkay Maidza
Where Is My Mind?
Tohji, Loota, Brodinski
Yodaka
Tokischa, ROSALÍA
Linda
Tommy Cash
Racked
Tropkillaz, Rincon Sapiência, Clau
Dame Mais
UMEK
Cryptic Speech
Need for Speed Unbound puts players worldwide in the driver seat of their own street racing fantasy as they outsmart cops and prove they have what it takes to win The Grand, Lakeshore’s ultimate street racing challenge. The game features an all-new, unique visual style blending elements of street art with the most realistic looking cars in the franchise’s history.
Need for Speed Unbound Palace Edition is available now for pre-order on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via the EA app, Origin, Steam and Epic Game Store for $79.99. The Palace Edition will provide players with three days of early access to Need for Speed Unbound beginning on November 29.
Need for Speed Unbound Standard Edition will launch on December 2, 2022 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC via the EA app, Origin, Steam and Epic Game Store for $69.99. EA Play Pro members on PC will also be able to enjoy unlimited access to the Need for Speed Unbound Palace Edition starting November 29. For more information on EA Play and EA Play Pro, see www.eaplay.com.*
Slitherine released a content update for their real-time strategy hit Starship Troopers: Terran Command. The update is delivered free of charge to all players, and it’s designed to spotlight the newly introduced high-score system.
Released in June, Starship Troopers: Terran Command brought the RTS genre back to the gaming headlines. It attracted tens of thousands of players thanks to its fast-paced, action-driven mechanics and an accurate recreation of the movie’s atmosphere.
“An incredible amount of constructive feedback backed the tremendous success of Starship Troopers. Our first goal is to address a big part of that feedback by giving players content they want to play and reconnect them with the game as much as we can”, said Marco A. Minoli, CMO at Slitherine. “The development studio, The Artistocrats, are working hard to improve the game, create more content, and increase replayability, while keeping the community active and captivated”.
This free content update includes:
Three new scenarios, two of which make use of a new high-score system;
One new unit type: Chemical Troopers; this unit is currently only available in the new scenarios, but there are plans to include it in future content as well. It’s a squad of expert troopers using biochemical weapons, which they use to great effect for exterminating anything with more than two legs;
The Target Priority setting (TPS); units can be set to prioritize firing at specific enemy types instead of aiming for the nearest target. For instance, if you want to automatically target Spitter Bugs with your Snipers, TPS allows you to avoid that level of micromanagement.
