Los Angeles – May 23, 2019 – TOHO and NEXON put the power of Godzilla into the hands of gamers all over the world today with the release of GODZILLA DEFENSE FORCE, featuring 70 iconic kaiju seen in Toho’s classic films (more than 29 films ) from the Godzilla franchise (1954-2016). Players can fight the onslaught of fan favorites such as Mechagodzilla, Rodan, and Mothra using special weapons while also building and reinforcing defensive bases. The action-packed clicker game is available worldwide from NEXON, a global leader in online games and developed under its consolidated subsidiary NEOPLE INC. by development team STUDIO42, and overseen by TOHO.
“Nexon is the perfect gaming partner to capture the power and personality of Godzilla and its years of rich history and lore in GODZILLA DEFENSE FORCE,” said Emi Haraguchi, Licensing Manager of Toho of TOHO. “Fans will become nostalgic when they can interact with the weapons, vehicles and characters seen in the iconic Toho’s Godzilla films.”
“Godzilla Defense Force weaves TOHO’s Godzilla series with a fantastic blend of card and defense building mechanics to create unique mobile experience that reflects the heart of the franchise,” said Jaeho Hwang, Director of Neople Studio 42.
GODZILLA DEFENSE FORCE is a stand-alone, base management game that lets players defend large and populated cities including New York, Tokyo, London and Sydney against gigantic beasts. Kaiju from across the Godzilla series are on the move, and it’s up to players to recruit these powerful beasts to save the world! Defeated Kaiju can be collected as KaijuCards, which can then be used as Skills or Buffs in various stages. Players can defeat and collect Kaiju Cards to unlock the Codex, which contains detailed descriptions of all the Kaiju alongside images from their respective movies. When players are not defending their city, forces are bolstered through lunar colonization and even a special time-traveling mechanic! The game is free to play (with micro transactions) and available at the App Store and Google Play.
Universal City, CA, May 23, 2019 – Stars of the JURASSIC WORLD films Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and BD Wong reprise their roles as Owen Grady, Claire Dearing and Dr. Henry Wu, bringing their characters from the silver screen to Universal Studios Hollywood’s much anticipated mega attraction, “Jurassic World—The Ride,” opening this summer.
This marks the first time the cast will appear as their iconic characters outside of the JURASSIC WORLDfilms for a theme park attraction. As part of original content created exclusively for the new ride, Owen, Claire and Dr. Wu will shed light on their interactions with the dinosaurs along with facts and information about the imposing prehistoric creatures that first roamed the earth more than 65 million years ago.
This spectacular new ride will feature an original storyline that will take guests on a breathtaking excursion through the theme park as depicted in Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s film, JURASSIC WORLD. It will soar to new heights with the addition of iconic dinosaurs from the movie, including the colossal Indominus rex and the magnificent aquatic Mosasaurus in her natural habitat.
For the first time, JURASSIC WORLD fans will have the chance to see this impressive creature and become immersed within her massive Aquarium Observatory. Appearing to span over 60 feet in length and tipping the scales at over 30K pounds through stunning state-of-the-art visual effects, the Mosasaurus is a sight to behold as she moves just inches away from guests throughout her glass enclosure filled with the equivalent of 3.5 million gallons of water.
Universal Creative collaborated with Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) to bring the Mosasaurus to life and to capture the realism of her underwater environment using a combination of spectacular visual effects and cutting-edge technologies, including the use of motion parallax, a technique that shifts the guest’s perspective of the Mosasaurus as she moves throughout the tank.
The team also employed a series of lighting enhancements allowing the aquarium to intuitively shift from day to night, as well as visual changes to the environment during inclement weather, thus creating a variety of visual scenarios guests can experience based on when they experience the ride.
“Jurassic World—The Ride” captures the essence of the blockbuster movie and comes to life in collaboration with the award-winning and inspired minds at Universal Creative, the Academy Award®-winning special-effects visionaries at Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm, Ltd., Universal Pictures and acclaimed filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow and Frank Marshall.
When “Jurassic World—The Ride” opens this summer, guests will be welcomed to a dramatically reimagined space reflective of the hitfilms. A fresh entry statement, stonework landscaping, and a contemporary redesign of the iconic JURASSIC WORLD gates, illuminated with billowing flames, will create the framework for the all new aesthetics.
Once guests pass through the queue, they will board specially designed rafts that will navigate the lush environs of dense vegetation and traverse new areas besieged with towering dinosaurs meandering at just an arm’s length away. Encounters with such docile creatures as the Stegosaurus and Parasaurolophus will quickly turn awry as predatory Velociraptors and Dilophosaurus begin to wreak havoc, turning guests from spectators to prey. When the Tyrannosaurus rex begins to battle one of the attraction’s new ferocious dinosaurs, the rafts will spill down a treacherous 84-foot waterfall as the sole means of escape.
Located adjacent to the ride will be a new elaborately themed “Raptor Encounter” where Blue, the beloved Velociraptor from the JURASSIC WORLD franchise, will engage guests in daring face-to-face encounters.
In addition, a new interactive “Dino Play” area will incorporate educational components within an inspired space where children of all ages can explore and excavate giant dinosaur fossils.
With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the new California Neighbor Pass invites guests to experience 175 days of fun for $149 when purchased online. Visitwww.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.
Newport Beach, CA (May, 2019) – VoltEdge™, LLC, a new developer of high-performance game accessories, has announced that it will showcase its flagship line of gaming audio headsets at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. Core products on display at E3 include the TX70 Wireless Headset for PlayStation® 4, PC’s and Nintendo Switch™, along with wired headsets for PlayStation® 4, Xbox ONE™ and Nintendo Switch™. The VoltEdge lineup will be available for play at Booth #433 South Hall.
VolteEdge was started by industry veterans who are dedicated to driving innovation and re-energizing the video game accessory category. Having delivered some of the biggest products and brands in the industry, the VoltEdge team is focused on high-performance products and value offerings that will appeal to the full spectrum of gamers. With extensive relationships and partnerships VoltEdge is poised to be a key player in the creation and design of the next-generation of gaming hardware.
“With a focus on innovation and affordability, we are passionate about developing new gaming accessories,” stated Chris Richards, co-founder and CEO of VoltEdge. “We feel very confident that VoltEdge will set a new standard for the industry in terms of advanced product design combined with remarkable value, and we have a team with all the experience necessary to make it happen.”
VoltEdge will have the following products on display at E3:
· TX70 Wireless Headset for PlayStation 2, PC’s and Nintendo Switch – 2.4 GHz Wireless Headset offers uncompromising performance with unparalleled value. The first wireless headset in the industry offered at an SRP of $59.99.
· TX50 Headset for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One – Large impact 50mm speakers deliver exceptional audio quality, coupled with a bold look focused on comfort. SRP $39.99.
· TX40 Universal – Delivers a great gaming experience for playing at home or on the go, with a classic design. SRP $29.99.
· TX30 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch – High quality audio delivered through 40mm drivers and achieves crystal clear chat through the in-line directional mic. SRP $24.99.
· TX20 Universal Headset – Inspired by a retro design, the TX20 is the ultimate headset for gamers who want quality audio without the weight of traditional headphones and headsets. SRP $19.99.
VoltEdge will have many of its products available for testing at booth #433 in the South Hall. Members of the media and other industry participants are invited to visit the booth to speak with the VoltEdge team about their impressive line of new audio equipment designed for the next generation of gaming.
For Red Nose Day 2019, Critical Role teamed up with the Stephen Colbert in what is an amazing moment in Dungeons & Dragons history. Watch Critical Role DM Matthew Mercer run a solo game for Stephen Colbert in this awesome video:
If you’d like to donate to Red Nose Day 2019 and Critical Role’s goal of ending child hunger, you can do so here!
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – May 23, 2019 (9:00 a.m. PT) – Daybreak Games announced today that the free-to-play massively multiplayer online super hero game, DC Universe™ Online (DCUO) is coming this summer to Nintendo Switch™.
Currently available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC, DCUO will allow players to adventure through exhilarating stories, travel to iconic DC locations, and meet over 300 DC characters with handheld mode and TV mode options on Nintendo Switch.
“Bringing such a massive online game to Nintendo Switch has been a dream come true,” said SJ Mueller, Creative Director of DC Universe Online. “As soon as the Nintendo Switch released, the development team couldn’t help but wonder, what if…? Long story short, we are so excited for players to take their DC experience wherever they go.”
DC Universe Online allows players to channel their inner hero or villain by creating a unique, customizable character with a variety of superpowers. Players will experience thrilling, fast-paced battles alongside and against DC characters including Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, The Joker, and more. Fans explore immersive, story-driven adventures in Gotham City, Metropolis, Titans Island, Themyscira, Atlantis and many other famous DC locations.
For additional game information, visit www.DCUniverseOnline.com and follow the official DC Universe Online social channels on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Twitch.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands – May 23, 2019 – SOEDESCO and Creazn Studio have unveiled the launch trailer for film noir psychological horror game Dollhouse. The game launches on May 24th, for PlayStation®4 and Steam®. A physical version will be released as well for PlayStation®4.
A dismal story
In the Dollhouse Singleplayer story, players delve deep into the mind of mysterious detective Marie. She suffers from amnesia and is now on a terrifying investigation to recover her traumatic memories. Stalked by a strange identity and surrounded by haunting mannequins, she risks her life trying to unveil the truth behind her daughters death.
Online Murder Party
In addition to the Singleplayer story, Dollhouse also features an online multiplayer mode with fourteen playable characters, like aspiring actress Faithand underworld escort Vesper. Each of the characters has their own story, special abilities and passives.
The multiplayer supports two to eight players, who each get assigned a different target to murder. Players will have to stalk their prey and collect as many memories as possible in order to win, all while eluding their own pursuer and the unnerving mannequins that lurk in the shadows.
Features:
Escape your pursuer as you decipher the eerie story of your past in Singleplayer
Customize and upgrade your character with 40+ Abilities and Passives
Scan the environment and see through the eyes of your pursuer
Investigate procedurally generated maps, no restart is the same
Murder wisely in online Multiplayer where each player has a different target
Play with 14 different Multiplayer characters, each featuring unique abilities
Vienna/Austria and Munich/Germany, May 23rd, 2019 – The Dwarves! Masterful builders, legendary blacksmiths, seasoned warriors and the most stubborn folks you’ll ever meet are making their way into SpellForce 3. With the Soul Harvest expansion, two more playable factions will boost the ranks of the RTS smash hit. Watch the new faction trailer and pick a side! The stand-alone expansion SpellForce 3: Soul Harvest will launch on May 28th, 2019 on PC for an SRP of $24.99 | £19.99 | €24.99!
Features:
Build distinct heroes through various options and combinations on a skilltree
Lead your army to victory in a reworked sector-based RTS system
Use unique mechanics of your army units to win epic battles
Use flying units for even more advance tactics
Epic fantasy soundtrack and bleeding edge top down graphics
Multiplayer Features:
Each faction has two unique heroes that compliment individual play styles
A modern multiplayer lobby will allow easier matchmaking and ranked play
Create your own maps with the powerful modding tools.
New features compared to SpellForce 3:
All-New Campaign: Featuring new storyline with over 20 hours of content
All-New abilities and skilltrees for even more diverse heroes
All-New RTS Gameplay: Sector-based system with a focus on global resource distribution and unique faction mechanic
Unique mechanics and unique unit kits make the races feel very diverse and offer replay-value in the campaign
Flying units allow more tactical elements
New factions: Dwarves and Dark Elves
Overhauled UI makes the game more pleasant to look at and more readable
Lesquin, 22 May 2019 – One month before the game’s release, Bigben and Frogwares are pleased to present a new gameplay video of The Sinking City.
In this video, the player witnesses the madness and atmosphere afflicting Oakmont. Charles Reed is a private detective gripped by more and more disturbing hallucinations, and he believes he can find the cause in this devastated town.
Surrounded by monsters and unexplained events, he desperately hopes that it is all nothing but a figment of the imagination.
Discover all the answers soon on June the 27th, on PC, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.
Vienna/AUSTRIA, Essen/GERMANY, May 22nd, 2019 – THQ Nordic today announced that the acquisition of the Piranha Bytes team and trademark and the intellectual property Gothic has been finalised. Piranha Bytes’ rights to Risen and ELEX were also acquired.
“Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder.” John F. Kennedy (1961)
Although statements like the following should not be done within the context of a press release, we still do it:
All of us here at THQ Nordic welcome every single member of the Piranha Bytes team to our family. We already had our fair share of laughter (well, every time we meet in person), fun (conventions, Christmas- and Summer parties, or karaoke singing), tears (when the wrong person hits the karaoke stage), and sweat (Batman cosplay @Gamescom 2018 comes to mind) together, and from now on it is in an officially joint capacity as well. The closing of the transaction is subject to the approvals of the committees of Piranha Bytes.
The newly formed entity (Piranha Bytes GmbH, Essen, Germany) will host the entire development team and is a 100% subsidiary of THQ Nordic GmbH, based in Vienna, Austria. As in the past, the team will focus and concentrate on the creation of outstanding and unique RPG gaming experiences, having full creative freedom in doing so, whereas THQ Nordic GmbH will act as Piranha Bytes’ publisher, responsible for distribution, marketing and further support.
“There are situations in life where you think to yourself “This feels right.” Well, this is exactly one of them. We have been working on some great and exciting things over the past couple of years and we are extremely stoked about what the future brings with the right partner and the right network of companies”, says Björn Pankratz, Project Director and Game Designer of Piranha Bytes. “After all, we want to continue to create great, memorable, and impactful games with as much creative freedom as possible, and with THQ Nordic we know we are now part of a family, which support us by all means in our efforts.”
FAQ
Employees/Staff Q: Will there be any changes in personnel at Piranha Bytes (PB)?
A: No.
Q: Will PB change location and move to Vienna?
A: No, what happens in Ruhrpott, stays in Ruhrpott.
Company/legal technicalities Q: What is the deal, why is there a new company being incorporated?
A: Technically speaking, Pluto 13 GmbH (the former company behind the Piranha Bytes brand) sold the trademarks “Piranha Bytes” and “Gothic” as well as the entire Gothic IP to THQ Nordic AB. The remaining rights of Risen and ELEX, which were in other entities of the Piranha Bytes folks, were also acquired by THQ Nordic AB. In the forefront of the closing of this deal, THQ Nordic GmbH set up a new entity (initially named “THQ Nordic Reserve 1 GmbH”; in the next days renamed to “Piranha Bytes GmbH”). This company is now stepping into the existing employment and service agreements with all personnel and has also acquired the existing office equipment (furniture, hardware, coffee machine).
Intellectual Properties Q: What about ELEX 2?
A: Semi-official comment: Have a guess.
Q: What does this mean for potential remakes of Gothic and/or Risen?
A: Nothing to say at this stage.
Moenchengladbach, Germany, May 22, 2019 — Renowned international simulation publisher astragon Entertainment and developer stillalive studios proudly announced today that new map content for best-in-class transit sim Bus Simulator 18 is now available on Steam.This map extension adds two new districts to Seaside Valley: Kerststadt, a bustling education and tech hub containing Seaside Valley’s airport, and Sonnstein, a rustic alpine village with winding mountain roads that encircle its gorgeous vistas. Also included are new tasks, mission-givers, and rider dialogue that further enrich the experience. Starting today, the map extension for Bus Simulator 18 is available on Steam for 12.99 EUR / 15.99 USD / 11.69 GBP. The base game is also available on Steam for 29.99 EUR / 34.99 USD / 26.99 GBP.
The trailer for Bus Simulator 18’s official map extension shows off the new roads and scenery coming to Seaside Valley. Players will be tasked with expanding their transit empire into industrious Kerststadt and tranquil Sonnstein to join them up with the rest of Seaside Valley. Along the way they’ll meet new NPCs and unlock new livery for their buses.
This Official Map Extension DLC adds nine missions, two new districts with 20 stops, new cosmetics, and unique rider dialogue to explore as you build upon your transportation network. The vibrant and busy Kerststadt will be full of students, entrepreneurs, and other busybodies that have places to be and want an efficient way to get there. On the other side of the spectrum Sonnstein is a laid-back, rural town where you can unplug and take time to appreciate the simpler things in life. New characters will help you lay the groundwork, but it will be on you to determine how you develop your company into these new regions. If that’s too much pressure, recruit some friends and run your routes in multiplayer, fully supported in these new areas, just like in the base game.
Julian Mautner, CEO of stillalive studios says of the team, “We’re really grateful to our community for supporting the game and helping us to get this far. We invite everyone to pick up the DLC and hop back behind the wheel alone or with some friends for a tour of the new districts.”
