NACON and studio Shine Research are pleased to unveil the first gameplay footage of Architect Life: A House Design Simulator – the first simulation game that lets you embark on a career as an architect. The game will be available on PC, PS5TM, Xbox Series and Nintendo SwitchTM in June 2025.
Architect Life offers high replayability through two main game modes: the “Career Mode”, with 60 varied missions, and the “Free Mode”, which allows players to create their dream houses, with or without constraints. Thanks to Shine Research’s technical expertise, the team has made it a point of pride to ensure that the game is just as easy to control with a gamepad as with keyboard/mouse, so that everyone can become an architect in their own way.
Your clients are counting on you to design their dream home!
By following the specifications provided, players can design the ideal home for their clients. Architect Life offers a set of intuitive tools to help them unleash their creativity, such as the ability to build straight or curved walls, multi-storey houses or roofs of any shape.
Building constraints are also integrated into the game to create a healthy and comfortable living environment. Players must ensure proper heating in every room and meet their clients’ specific requirements for each space.
Players can furnish both the exterior and interior, placing a few pieces of furniture that will help their customers to envision themselves. A wide range of customizable textures and colors is available in-game, thanks to a color wheel that creates an infinite number of possibilities.
Step into the Architect’s shoes.
Once the plans have been drawn up, it’s time to choose the subcontractors and monitor progress on site. Budding architects must always be ready to adapt to unforeseen events during construction, such as the vagaries of the weather, problems with selected contractors and so on. They need to make the best decisions to complete the project on time and within budget.
As they progress in Career Mode, players can grow their business, unlock new terrains and bonuses in the skill tree. These upgrades grant access to new construction techniques and special materials, essential for tackling larger and more complex architectural projects.
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced the Instinct® 3 Series, its newest lineup of rugged smartwatches, now offered with a brilliant AMOLED or solar-powered display for maximum battery life. Designed with adventurers in mind, Instinct 3 Series adds a metal-reinforced bezel for extreme durability and a built-in flashlight on every model. And with incredible battery life, it’s easy to explore more; the AMOLED models get up to 24 days on a single charge in smartwatch mode while the solar charging models can get unlimited battery life1.
“With trendy, limited-edition colors and a durable design, Instinct 3 is the smartwatch you can wear whenever, wherever. Packed with connected features, popular built-in sports apps and 24/7 health and wellness monitoring, the latest lineup is built to help you follow your passions—whatever they may be.”
–Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales
Rugged yet bold
Featuring a metal-reinforced bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case and scratch-resistant display for maximum durability, Instinct 3 Series is ready for any challenge. The new lineup is also built to MIL-STD 810 for thermal and shock resistance and is water-rated to 100 meters. Plus, a built-in flashlight – now available on all Instinct 3 models – provides variable intensities, a red light and strobe mode to help provide greater awareness in dark environments, like while spelunking in caves, rummaging through a gear pack or telling scary stories around the campfire.
Both the AMOLED and solar options are available in two sizes – 45mm and 50mm—and come in sleek colorways like Black, Black/Charcoal, plus bright and bold colorways like Neotropic and Neotropic/Twilight, that are part of the new, limited-edition Tropical Pulse Collection.
Even more to love about the Instinct 3 Series
Increased solar efficiency: A larger, more efficient solar lens harnesses the power of the sun even better. Compared to Instinct 2 Solar, the new 50mm Instinct 3 Solar gets more than five times the battery life in GPS mode when solar charging.
Around-the-clock health and wellness monitoring: Track steps, heart rate, advanced sleep monitoring, wrist-based Pulse Ox2,heart rate variability (HRV) status and more3. Meanwhile, women’s health tracking features let users track their menstrual cycle and pregnancy while also getting exercise and nutrition information.
Morning report: Upon waking, receive a customized look at last night’s sleep, the day’s calendar and HRV status.
Smart notifications: Receive emails, texts and alerts right on the watch when paired with a compatible Apple® or Android™ smartphone.
Garmin Messenger™ app: Communicate with friends and family via two-way text messaging right from the watch4.
Garmin Pay™ contactless payments: Breeze through select checkout lines and transit systems through participating providers.
Multi-band GPS with SatIQ™: Experience superior positioning accuracy while optimizing battery life.
Garmin Share: Quickly and easily share saved locations, courses and workouts with other nearby, compatible Garmin smartwatches and Edge® cycling computers.
Explore more
With sports apps like hiking, running, cycling, golfing, fishing, skiing and more, Instinct 3 Series is the perfect companion to enjoy the great outdoors. While out exploring, TracBack® routing helps provide a route back to the starting point as well as reference points of known spots relative to that location. The built-in altimeter, barometer and 3-axis electronic compass can be used to navigate the next trail. Users can also pair their Instinct 3 with the Garmin Explore™ App to review more detailed maps, create waypoints and courses and more to make the most of their next adventure.
Get active
In addition to built-in sports apps for outdoor adventures, Instinct 3 Series is loaded with apps for activities like HIIT, cardio, indoor and outdoor track running, pickleball, basketball and more. Prepare for the next race, train for a milestone, or strive to improve overall fitness with Garmin Coach adaptive and prebuilt training plans for running and cycling. View an entire week of daily suggested workouts that adapt after every run or ride or create step-by-step workouts from more than 1,600 exercises in the Garmin Connect™ app, then send them directly to the watch. And track intensity minutes, VO2 max and recovery time to receive guidance on recommended recovery times to reduce fatigue and burnout.
Stay connected
When paired with a compatible smartphone, view smart notifications and workout with greater peace of mind thanks to safety and tracking features like incident detection, assistance and LiveTrack5.
Available to order on Garmin.com on January 10th, Instinct 3 AMOLED models have suggested retail prices starting at $449.99 while the solar charging models start at $399.99. See them on display during CES 2025 at the Garmin booth, #3540 in the LVCC West Hall.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garminoutdoor on social, or follow our blog.
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced the trailblazing zūmo™ R1 Radar, its first purpose-built radar system for motorcycles. Sleek and discreet, the robust system provides riders with high-performance rearview and blind spot monitoring. The device features two side-facing amber lights and an optional rear-facing red light that can help maximize visibility to nearby vehicles, while indicator lights on the handlebars provide riders with awareness of approaching vehicles.
“We’re excited to bring innovative radar technology to our motorcycle customers with the zūmo R1 Radar. As all riders know, situational awareness is paramount when sharing the road. Information about the location of approaching vehicles, especially those that may be in your blind spot, can allow you to ride with more confidence and the high-visibility external lights can help other drivers be more aware of you as well.” –Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales
Featuring multiple pairing options, zūmo R1 Radar can be connected to the zūmo™ Radar mobile app or a zūmo® XT2 motorcycle navigator (sold separately) for an enhanced experience.
Radar display: See a full-screen radar display of in-range vehicles.
Audio alerts: Hear notifications when other vehicles are approaching, when paired with a rider’s compatible helmet or headset via the zūmo™ Radar smartphone app.
Toggle settings: Adjust light and alert settings through the zūmo Radar app. Riders can decide how near or far away they want their indicator lights to notify them of approaching vehicles in their blind spot.
Designed for motorcycles
The zūmo R1 Radar provides a novel way for motorcycle enthusiasts to be seen by others on the road. The compact radar solution discreetly mounts above or below the license plate so riders can preserve the aesthetic of their motorcycle.
Featuring black powder-coated hardware with an IP67 dust and water rating, the zūmo R1 Radar is constructed to withstand harsh environments. Riders can also expect a clean installation on any motorcycle2 – no batteries or charging required.
Available now, the Garmin zūmo R1 Radar has a suggested retail price of $599.99. See it on display during CES 2025 at the Garmin booth, #3540 in the LVCC West Hall. Visit our website to learn more.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garminoutdoor on social, or follow our blog.
1Adverse weather conditions and wet roads may interfere with operation of the device. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings when using this device, especially in these conditions.
2zūmo R1 Radar must be hard-wired into the motorcycle’s electrical system.
Wargaming, the publisher and developer of the leading naval battle MMO World of Warships, is starting the New Year with a bang. Kicking off the first update of 2025 is a special version of Operations, featuring a brand-new, lethal enemy called Flagships. This update also introduces Early Access to Dutch Cruisers which is accompanied by a dedicated Event Pass, three chapters covering the epic Bjorn’s Ballad Adventure with a Commander up for grabs, and even more Combat Missions packed with rewards to start the year off in style.
On January 9 until February 6, high-tier ship Operations–which will run alongside standard Operations as a separate battle type–are sailing into the game, offering new challenges to players brave enough to tackle them. These special Operations feature a new deadly enemy known as flagships, which act as squadron leaders for their fleet and have significantly more hit points than standard vessels to withstand tactical efforts.
There will be three flagships on the high seas, each with various skills and abilities that players will have to outmaneuver to overcome the odds. The Incendiary Specialist makes its allies more dangerous by improving their chances of starting fires, whilst also being vulnerable to fires itself. Torpedo Master increases the torpedo reload speed for allies, however is susceptible to torpedo damage in return. Finally, Iron Fist delivers a speed buff to allies, while also arming them with special shells that have enhanced armour penetration. However, once Iron Fist is destroyed, it will damage all nearby vessels.
The first three weeks of the update will each see one of the three flagships scouring the waters for prey before the fourth week brings all three together for the ultimate challenge.
Dutch Cruisers Drop Anchor in Early Access
Dutch cruisers also enter Early Access on January 9 until March 6, bringing vessels with 128mm guns, improved high explosive shell penetration and armour piercing shell damage, Airstrike with long-range, and Engine Boost and fast-cooling Repair Party consumables to complete the package. The new line of ships includes Tier VIII cruiser Jaarsveld, Tier IX cruiser Menno Van Coehoorn, and Tier X cruiser Ultrecht. A brand-new Event Pass is also available, containing Jaarsveld, along with various permanent camouflages to use across the new line of cruisers.
Battle Alongside a Legendary Sea Wolf in the Bjorn’s Ballad Adventure
A brand-new journey is on the horizon, as Bjorn’s Ballad Adventure begins on January 16 and runs until February 6, which sees players join the renowned warrior, who has slain terrifying sea monsters and sailed to the darkest corners of the earth. This new quest sends players on an epic journey across several fantasy locations and will take place across three chapters, each equipped with standard and advanced missions. Complete these action-packed chapters to gain Commander Bjorn Stormbreaker, with six skill points, as well as Forsaken Chest Containers and an exclusive discount on themed bundles.
The latest update also includes the return of the Creatorverse collaboration, the continuation of the Hamburg Dockyard, a new season of Brawls, and plenty more for players to kick-start a new year in World of Warships.
Sniper Elite 4, the award-winning tactical shooter, is available to play now on iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store. Released today by Rebellion, one of the world’s most successful independent video game developers and publishers, players can now experience the first mission of Sniper Elite 4’s immersive campaign for free on their Apple device.
To celebrate the launch, Rebellion has released a new trailer, which is available to watch here:
Sniper Elite 4 is playable on all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and every iPad and Mac with the M1 chip or later. The first mission is available for free with the game’s full campaign, additional Deathstorm content and the ever-popular Target Führer mission available as individual in-app purchases. A Complete Edition with the campaign and all additional single player content included is also available. Universal Purchase means that players can seamlessly enjoy their content across multiple devices with cross progression support.
Sniper Elite 4 is one of the most popular entries in Rebellion’s sharpshooter series, with more than 30 million players worldwide. The game continued the series’ heritage of thrilling World War Two action, taking players to the lush Mediterranean landscapes of Italy, 1943 where the Resistance fights to defeat a terrifying new Nazi threat to the Allied counter-offensive. With powerful features like MetalFX Upscaling, Sniper Elite 4 delivers impressive performance and incredibly responsive gameplay across iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Signal Space Lab and Actrio Studio are proud to reveal that their multimedia sci-fi interactive VR project Human Within is out now on Meta Quest 2, 3 and Pro, with a planned release coming soon to SteamVR. Human Within is a one-of-a-kind VR interactive experience that explores the profound influence of AI and advanced technology on society, highlighting the potential threats if misused.
Directed by Avi Winkler and Anne Weigel, Human Within unfolds in a modern world where Nyla, a cyber engineer, and her sister Linh, are employed at Forward Industries. Together, they pioneer a groundbreaking supercomputer by harnessing the human brain’s processing power. However, when Nyla seeks to disengage from the project, both sisters are detained, compelled to continue their work amidst suspicions of their employer’s hidden motives. In a daring bid for freedom, Nyla is forced to connect the technology to Linh, and use it in the very way she feared it would be.
Human Within combines a thrilling branching storyline with video game playability. Its blend of original storytelling and gameplay features offer players a distinct interactive experience. It differentiates itself with a unique integration of technical features that includes:
User Involvement: Experiencing the story from Linh’s consciousness within a virtual internet space provides a unique way to observe the events taking place and have a level of participation unlike anything else.
Point Cloud Interactivity: Explore environments in digital recreations. These sequences serve as pace-breaking moments where users engage with the story even further, bringing a whole new degree of interactivity to the mix.
Choice and Consequence: At key moments in the story the events that take place are defined by the user’s choices. These moments define how events unfolded in the past and determine how it all ends in the present.
Style Variety: The story is told across a unique combination of three distinct visual styles: The Internet Space blending 2D film and 3D graphics, Flashback Scenes with interactive 360 degree stereo film, and Point Cloud recreations with 6DOF 3D environments.
Singapore-based publisher Soft Source Publishing, in partnership with Digital Happiness, are pleased to announce the release of DreadOut Remastered Collection for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4/5 worldwide on January 16th 2025.
About DreadOut Remastered Collection
DreadOut Remastered Collection includes the original cult-favourite DreadOut, and DreadOut: Keepers of the Dark.
DreadOut
When a group of high school students went astray from a field trip, When a group of high school students went astray from a field trip, they come across something unexpected; a long-forgotten town, trapped in a state of slumber. What seemed like an innocent stroll turns into disaster as the town reveals its dark and terrible secrets.
DreadOut: Keepers of the Dark
Taking place in the DreadOut universe, help Linda navigate The Mirror Realm; a portal of worlds that connect to 8 haunted dominions ready to greet her.
Macmillan Publishers announced today that it has entered into a sales and distribution agreement with Darrington Press, the publishing arm of Critical Role. Starting as a group of eight voice actor friends playing a tabletop roleplaying game, Critical Role has evolved into a rapidly growing media company at the forefront of storytelling, community, and imagination. In 2020, Critical Role established its publishing division, Darrington Press, which will launch Daggerheart – its eagerly anticipated and very first high fantasy tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) – in Spring 2025, to align with Critical Role’s 10th anniversary. Macmillan will ship the official Daggerheart Core Set to coincide with the game’s launch.
In addition to the Daggerheart Core Set, Macmillan will handle US and International sales for the Darrington Press titles Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn, Candela Obscura Core Rulebook, and new titles in 2026 and 2027.
“Crafting and inspiring storytelling through games has always been our passion, and our partnership with Macmillan will allow us to share our roleplaying books to an even broader audience,” said Ed Lopez, Chief Operating Offer of Critical Role.
“We are thrilled to partner with Darrington Press,” said Liz Tzetzo, VP, Publisher Services and Distribution for Macmillan Publishers. “Critical Role and Darrington Press have a passionate following and their creative vision makes them leaders in the TTRPG world. We look forward to bringing their books to a wider trade audience.”
The developers of World of Tanks have announced their newest action-packed season, BATTLE PASS SPECIAL: RAMBO. Launching on January 16th and running until January 30th, it invites players to unleash their inner warrior in a tribute to cinema’s fiercest lone wolf. The Battle Pass introduces five iconic characters from the Rambo film trilogy, with the greatest reward being the Rambo tank — a war machine as indomitable as John Rambo himself.
Tankers can recruit John Rambo through the Base Rewards Track, accompanied by Sheriff Will Teasle, a relentless enforcer. The Improved Rewards Track offers the chance to unlock Marshall Murdock, a cunning and deceitful strategist. Special bundles also include Colonel Trautman, Rambo’s trusted mentor, and Co Bao, a fearless freedom fighter and ally. Each character features a distinctive voiceover, adding unique personality and flair to every battle.
The event’s ultimate reward is the Rambo heavy tank, a premium, high-tier vehicle that embodies Rambo’s determination and resourcefulness. Its design incorporates iconic movie elements such as a stylized trap log, Rambo’s signature knife, a mounted machine gun adorned with Rambo’s headband, carved inscriptions, and more – making it a true testament to Rambo’s legacy.
In addition to the Rambo tank, players can enhance their experience with the themed 2D customization, featuring film-specific color schemes that reference Rambo’s journey from the forests of America to the jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of Afghanistan.
Take command on January 16th and conquer the battlefield in true cinematic style.
NACON and Big Ant Studios unveils today a brand new video of TIEBREAK: Official game of the ATP and WTA paying tribute to the great career of Novak Djokovic. TIEBREAK is available on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC (Steam).
TIEBREAK is a realistic tennis simulation showcasing the essence of the game on the court, and the challenge of managing a career over an entire season featuring over 90 official tournaments and more than 120 officially licensed professional players. Each of them has been studied in great detail to reproduce their techniques and strategies, immersing players in the very essence of the ATP Tour and Hologic WTA Tour.
Through an exclusive game mode, conceived and designed in collaboration with Novak Djokovic himself, the Novak Djokovic Slam Challenge allows players to relive the tennis legend’s greatest moments. By listening to his invaluable advice, players can replay the most emblematic matches of his last 17-year career.
To celebrate the New Year 2025, tennis fans and newcomers alike will be able to play TIEBREAK for free on PC (Steam), from Thursday January 9 at 6:00 pm UTC to Monday January 13, 2025 at 6:00 pm UTC. The game will also benefit from a 40% discount on the same platform from January 10 to January 17, 2025.
This free limited trial version offers all players unrestricted access to all game content for the duration of the event. Save data can be automatically carried over to the full version of the game.
—
TIEBREAK: Official game of the ATP and WTA is available on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC (Steam). The Nintendo Switch™ version will be available at a later date.
