Indie game development studio NonNobis Games announces that Dirge, a chilling multiplayer horror game has been available on Steam since February 2024.
Dirge is an online co-op game set in the post-World War II period, where players join the Paranormal Investigator Task Force to uncover the mysteries behind supernatural occurrences, facing terrifying monsters and malevolent forces while working together to survive and complete tasks.
In Dirge, players team up to explore haunted locations, gathering items and facing challenges against paranormal adversaries. In contrast, in PvP mode, one player becomes the monster hunting the rest, with fallen players aiding their team as spirit orbs, ensuring a strategic experience even in death.
Players can choose from various investigators with unique abilities to combat paranormal threats, strategize for survival, or take control of monstrous entities like the Wraith, utilizing stealth and power to eliminate investigators and dominate the night.
Delve into meticulously designed maps such as Hillview Manor, Quetico Forest, and City of Wakefield in Dirge, where each harbors secrets and challenges, fostering intense gameplay in cooperative or PvP modes. Explore these locations to uncover their mysteries and shed light on the supernatural threats menacing the world.
Dirge, a passion project for our team, has evolved during Early Access with community feedback, incorporating player ideas to enhance the gaming experience. As we transition to Full Release, we’re excited to embark on this journey with you, creating a unique gaming experience. Explore Dirge’s eerie world and face your fears today!
Huge surprises and big twists were on display during Dead by Daylight’s Eighth Anniversary broadcast showing that another year of awesome content is coming. Two of six upcoming Chapters were revealed, including the upcoming Dungeons & Dragons Chapter and a Castlevania Chapter later in the year. The long-awaited 2v8 Mode was also detailed. The good news didn’t end, as fans were also treated to updates on The Casting of Frank Stone and the enigmatic Project T as well as the surprise release of a brand-new game, What the Fog.
Dead by Daylight x Dungeons & Dragons
A new tale is about to begin! Dead by Daylight: Dungeons & Dragons was announced as the game’s next major Chapter. Iconic D&D villain Vecna, known in Dead by Daylight as The Lich will impose his deadly will as the new Killer, while a Bard, Aestri Yazar is the new Survivor. The thrilling new Map, Forgotten Ruins takes players to a mysterious dungeon chock-full of easter eggs for fans.
D&D staples such as getting loot, magical items, and rolling dice will also be woven into the gameplay letting players channel their inner adventurer.
Players can try out the new Killer, Survivors, and gameplay features in the Public Test-Build, available now.
2V8 Mode
In a news drop that’s sure to please long-time fans, the 2V8 Game Mode was announced for Dead by Daylight offering a brand-new gameplay experience that promises to shake up The Entity’s Realm. The widely requested mode will see 2 Killers face off against 8 Survivors on a much larger Map.
To ramp up the action, several gameplay adjustments have been made including the replacement of Perks for what essentially amounts to a class system and the addition of Cages instead of Hooks. More information on the 2V8 Game Mode will be revealed in a future livestream this July.
What the Fog, a brand-new game out now
In yet another surprise for fans, a brand-new 2-person co-op roguelite game from the world of Dead by Daylight called What the Fog was announced and released during the livestream. Players take on the role of Dwight, Claudette, or Feng Min and work together to survive a hostile world as they run, jump, and shoot their way through an army of deadly monsters and bosses.
The game is available now and the first 2 million copies can be obtained for FREE by signing in to or creating a Behaviour Account and following the steps shown on the site. What the Fog can also be purchased on Steam for $4.99 USD.
Dead by Daylight Expansion
Eager fans were also treated to updates on the previously announced games from the world of Dead by Daylight.
Still in its early stages of development, the unnamed session-based PvE action-horror shooter now codenamed Project T, is opening its doors to the community to involve them in its creation. Players will be able to join the Insider Program to receive exclusive news, and the chance to participate in playtests and share their ideas and feedback on the game.
A new gameplay trailer for The Casting of Frank Stone was also shared, hinting at the dark, branching narrative that lies before players as the creation of an independent movie unlocks horrors beyond comprehension.
To see all the exciting announcements, players can view the livestream in its entirety on YouTube and Twitch or read the full recap blog on the Dead by Daylight website.
Castlevania’s Gothic Horror Comes to The Fog
The final surprise of the show featured a trailer for the upcoming Castlevania Chapter. Players were treated to a small glimpse of what they can expect when the long-running gaming franchise swoops in to sink its teeth into Dead by Daylight later this year.
Today players can experience the epic saga of Homeworld 3, the newest chapter in the iconic sci-fi strategy series, on their PCs via Steam® and the Epic Games Store. Homeworld 3, developed by Blackbird Interactive and published by Gearbox Publishing, brings players a generational game that bridges deep strategy with tactical precision in dazzling, fully 3D environments where players will head into battles that shape the future of the galaxy.
The gripping launch trailer commemorating this moment is here:
“It’s difficult to put into words what it means to Blackbird, the individual team members and me personally, to deliver this next chapter in the Homeworld story,” said Blackbird Interactive CEO Rob Cunningham. “Players are about to embark on the next leg of the journey we began together more than 20 years ago. To all the players that put their faith in us, we are eternally grateful.”
“It’s a rare experience to be able to publish a generation-spanning franchise like Homeworld alongside a world-class developer in Blackbird Interactive,” said Steve Gibson, president of Gearbox Publishing. “The work they’ve done with Homeworld 3 has blown us away and stands as an example of the level of artistry and storytelling that is possible in this medium. It’s truly something we’ll always cherish.”
Key Features of Homeworld 3:
A Brand New Story – Homeworld 3 expands the Homeworld universe and is set 100 years after the events of Homeworld 2. It introduces a brand new protagonist, scientist Imogen S’Jet – the protégé of Karan S’Jet – who must become Fleet Command to solve the mystery behind Karan’s disappearance and determine the meaning of “the anomaly”, a threat that endangers the galaxy’s future.
Stunning 3D Space Combat – Homeworld 3 takes the signature, intense combat and simulated ballistics of the Homeworld series to the next level. New innovative features are introduced for players that open new dimensions of strategic gameplay including cover-based tactics and maps containing complex, varied terrain. These are all rendered in stunning, state-of-the-art graphics that simulate real-time ship damage, dynamic ship destruction, and situationally responsive audio to create a deep sense of immersion and realism.
War Games Mode – War Games is a new co-op mode that fuses Homeworld’s iconic RTS gameplay with roguelike elements. It enables players to take on a randomized series of combat missions and with unique challenges. Up to three commanders (players) must manage their fleet strength across each battle and then claim powerful rewards with each victory. Players will unlock incredible powers based on the results of those battles that ultimately carry over into their next run.
Skirmish Mode – In addition to the brand new narrative campaign Homeworld 3 also includes the classic Skirmish mode for players to test their tactical skills. Players can battle with human and AI opponents in 1 vs. 1 duals, team-based slugfests, or free-for-all combat with up to six total players. Modding will be supported in this mode through a partnership with Mod.io offering players integrated tools to create, share and play new Skirmish maps.
Players can choose from a variety of purchasing options:
Blackbird Interactive and Gearbox Publishing will continue to support Homeworld 3 following launch with additional updates to the War Games mode:
Witness the birth of evil when 20th Century Studios’ The First Omen arrives on Hulu on May 30. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson and Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™, The First Omen is a prequel to the classic horror film franchise that has been described as “death-fully intense” (Witney Seibold, Slash Film), “truly petrifying” (Daisy Phillipson, Dexerto) and “the best horror movie of the year” (Witney Seibold, Slash Film).
Set in 1971 and starring Nell Tiger Free (Game of Thrones) as American nun-to-be Margaret, who’s traveling to Rome to take the veil, The First Omen reveals the horrific events leading up to Damien’s inception. Fans can delve deeper into the franchise with exclusive behind-the-scenes bonus features when the film arrives on digital retailer platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home on May 28 and on Blu-ray and DVD July 30.
Horror fans can relive the cult classics with all five Omen films available to stream now on Hulu.
Film Synopsis
In this psychological horror prequel to the classic Omen films, a young American woman is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church. Soon, she encounters a darkness that causes her to question her faith, and that reveals a terrifying conspiracy to bring about the birth of evil incarnate. The First Omen stars Nell Tiger Free (Servant), Tawfeek Barhom (Mary Magdalene), Sonia Braga (Kiss of the Spider Woman), Ralph Ineson (The Northman) and Bill Nighy (Living). The film is directed by Arkasha Stevenson based on characters created by David Seltzer (The Omen), with a story by Ben Jacoby (Bleed) and a screenplay by Tim Smith & Arkasha Stevenson and Keith Thomas (Firestarter).
Bonus Features* Featurette
The Mystery of Margaret – Join director Arkasha Stevenson and stars Nell Tiger Free, Bill Nighy and Maria Caballero as they dive into the character of Margaret, her relationships with other characters, and how she’s manipulated while trying to solve the film’s horrifying mystery.
The Director’s Vision – Director Arkasha Stevenson talks about her love of horror films, the opportunity to expand on The Omen legacy, and crafting The First Omen entirely through a female lens. She also describes shooting in Rome, and the cast recounts working with Arkasha.
Signs of The First Omen – Join the director and talented artists as they reveal some of the symbolism within the set designs and the costumes. Learn how the use of practical effects blurs the line between what is real and what is not in The First Omen’s terrifying world.
Dragonis Games is excited to announce the release of the demo version of Necrophosis today! This chilling first-person horror adventure takes players into a nightmarish realm inspired by the spooky art of Zdzislaw Beksinski, a famous Polish artist who specialized in the field of dystopian surrealism. Explore a world of bizarre forms and dark visuals by watching the teaser trailer below.
Necrophosis offers a mystical puzzle adventure set billions of years after the universe has ended. In this surreal universe, you awaken in a realm dominated by decay, where even death itself may die! Each environment, a nightmarish masterpiece, is intricately designed to immerse players in a haunting journey.
The game features a unique mix of haunting narrations and evocative poetry, where each puzzle is a crucial part of a larger enigmatic narrative. Experience the relentless touch of decay as you solve intricate puzzles and unravel the mysteries of a world where death is not the end but a pervasive reality.
This compelling storyline tests your skills and draws you deeper into its dark realms.
As development continues, Dragonis Games reminds players that Necrophosis is still on its way to a full release on Steam. The demo version is now available and players are encouraged to try it out and add the game to their Steam Wishlist to stay updated with all future announcements and updates.
Blinkmoon is thrilled to announce that macabre bullet heaven Necromantic will launch into Early Access on PC via Steam on May 22nd, 2024. Start out as a lowly freshman at Valorborn Academy and prove yourself to become the coolest kid in school – or don’t, and repeatedly fall to the legions of horrors that await in Necromantic.
As a first-year Valorborn Academy student, you’ll juggle your academic aspirations during the day with mowing down hordes of monsters at night. Pull from a rich assortment of weapons and abilities to fuel your bloodlust as you carve your way to coolness by slaughtering waves of monsters across a variety of maps. After you’ve made dust of your foes, you’ll work to gain infamy by studying, going to class, and completing assignments to upgrade and master your skills.
Get those grades up, or else you’ll be fodder for the hordes of undead wandering around at night. Kathedril, the territory that Valorborn Academy sits above, is home to a never-ending graveyard of fun. Stay out at night to impress the cool kids, but do so at your own risk, as the horrors that await are otherworldly. Dive into this rich new dark fantasy world alone or via co-op play to see if you can help these freshmen pull off the impossible and survive the semester.
But Necromantic isn’t all about keeping your nose in a book. You’ll have access to over 40 different weapons and abilities that will hopefully help you survive through the night against hordes of undead creatures. Do battle, collect gems and other rewards, then choose wisely in order to level up.
Today, Ninja Theory released Senua’s Psychosis, a feature video detailing the studio’s approach to mental health representation in Hellblade II, including Senua’s experiences with psychosis.
Rooted both in neuroscience and real lived experiences, the featurette highlights how the studio combined expertise from mental health consultants, real players, a 10+ year partnership with Professor Paul Fletcher and Cambridge Neuroscience, and extensive research to help inform the game’s design and story. This featurette will be included in-game, and be available to play from the game’s main menu.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II will expand on the first game and will allow players to explore a new side of Senua’s psychosis. Players will witness firsthand Senua’s journey as she crosses paths with several characters and how her psychosis is impacted
in more social settings.
For the full blog post, visit Xbox Wire, and for the latest information on Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, stay tuned to
@NinjaTheory on Twitter/X. For further information on the themes discussed in Senua’s Psychosis, please visit hellbladehelp.info.
Stern Pinball, Inc. announces its newest line of pinball games featuring the world’s greatest assassin, John Wick. Created in collaboration with Lionsgate, players will experience the thrilling and action-packed billion-dollar grossing John Wick franchise with film-inspired mechanical features and artwork alongside Stern’s all-new dynamic AI combat system. John Wick pinball games are available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models. The John Wick film franchise is produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, along with franchise director Chad Stahelski through his 87Eleven Entertainment production company.
In Stern’s John Wick pinball games, players step into the role of the world’s greatest assassin as he fights to escape his past. As the titular character, players can engage in high-speed car chases and fast-action drifting across the playfield, which incorporates models and artwork inspired by iconic locations from the franchise, including the New York Continental Hotel and the Red Circle Club, all set against a dramatically edge lit New York City skyline. Players can also open John Wick’s weapons crate to reveal a hidden shot target path to retrieve an array of weapons. Players must use the sculpted Blood Oath Marker carefully – or risk the consequences. Players need to survive other assassins, complete jobs for the legendary Factions of the High Table, and eventually take on John Wick’s “Special Assignment!”
To raise the stakes, John Wick pinball introduces Stern’s all-new dynamic AI combat system, an innovation that brings the frenetic combat of the legendary films to the game. The Stern team has created a primitive video game AI system to control the enemy lights on the playfield, setting the John Wick pinball games apart from prior pinball machines, where all lights were controlled by player actions, timers, and random number generations. In this new AI combat system, enemy icons are responsive to player behavior and will illuminate dynamically around the playfield to challenge the player. The enemies move tactically with this dynamic software to counter player objectives, creating a unique challenge in each game session. The system also features a new action video player that dynamically reflects player action – as you defeat three enemies, you’ll see video clips of John Wick doing the same in the films!
Accompanying the high-quality film and audio assets woven into the gameplay, John Wick pinball games will include custom narration by critically acclaimed actor Ian McShane as Winston and an original score composed by Charlie Benante of Anthrax and Pantera fame. Additionally, pieces of John Wick’s iconic suits used in connection with the production of the films will be included as a franchise artifact in the LE models, courtesy of Lionsgate. The John Wick pinball games will feature original neo-noir style paintings illustrated by acclaimed artist, Randy Martinez.
“Inspired by one of the most iconic and thrilling film franchises of our time, we’re releasing John Wick pinball games with the most advanced technology we’ve ever created,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball, “We can’t wait for players to try out our new combat system and experience the action.”
John Wick pinball games include Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected™ system, which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of players in multiple ways. Through Insider Connected, players can track progress, earn new game-specific Achievements, take on special John Wick Quests and complete Faction Contracts to increase their Assassin ranking.
Insider Connected also provides an operator-focused toolset to drive location play through a better player experience, game location discovery, location leaderboards, performance analysis, automatic code updates, and remote diagnostics for easier maintenance. Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com/ or in the Insider Connected App. Download it today on iOSand Android.
Limited to 1,000 games globally, the highly collectible Limited Edition model includes the Expression Lighting System™ and Speaker Expression Lighting. These integrated lighting systems are synchronized to custom light shows specifically designed for every song and dynamically responsive to game events. The LE version also includes a full-color “Stained Glass” mirrored backglass, full-color reflective brushed silver foil high-definition cabinet decals with hand-drawn artwork by Randy Martinez, exclusive custom powder-coated pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Stern President & CEO Seth Davis.
Pricing and Availability:
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)*:
*MSRP for sales to USA end-users before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.
NeocoreGames is proud to announce that King Arthur: Legion IX is now out on Steam.
King Arthur: Legion IX is a turn-based, character-centric, stand-alone tactical RPG in the King Arthur: Knight’s Tale universe – a dark fantasy version of the Arthurian myth. King Arthur: Legion IX welcomes new players to the mythical land of Avalon with an all-new story and heroes, also offering tough challenges to returning veterans.
To mark the launch of King Arthur: Legion IX, we’re also unveiling our most enticing deals yet for all of our King Arthur games:
King Arthur: Legion IX – 10% off for one week
King Arthur: Knight’s Tale – 60% off for two weeks
“Tales of Avalon” bundle – an extra 15% off for a month
Today, Critical Role, a leader in innovative storytelling, announced the launch of Beacon, its new membership program, available on web browser and Android app (with an iOS app on the way), accessible on both mobile and tablet. Beacon will provide a wide range of exclusive and early access programming, live event pre-sales, instant access to VODs and podcasts, an exclusive Discord server invite, discounts on merchandise, and more. All current programming available on Critical Role’s Twitch and YouTube channels will remain accessible to fans worldwide, with some new content made available at a later date following its initial launch on Beacon.
“We’re incredibly excited about what Beacon opens up for us, and how we engage with our audience,” said Travis Willingham, CEO of Critical Role. “Nothing changes with how folks can watch our current slate of shows and we’re stoked to offer access, content and perks in ways that we never have before.”
Since Critical Role debuted nine years ago, the tabletop roleplaying game amongst a group of voice actor friends has evolved into a global multimedia company. During that time, the Critical Role team has ensured they maintain control over what they create both with and for the community. The launch of Beacon is a natural next step for Critical Role, providing a specialized service for Critters to gain early and exclusive access to all things Critical Role. Recent examples of Critical Role expanding into multiple areas to maintain independent control include launching its publishing company, Darrington Press; launching its 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Critical Role Foundation; and launching its production company, Metapigeon. In addition, the company has experienced significant growth, going from the 8 founders in 2015 to over 65 employees in 2024. The launch of Beacon is an extension of that growth, ensuring that everything developed is authentically Critical Role – and this is just the beginning. Beacon will continue to expand and improve to ensure it delivers the best experience possible for fans everywhere.
Beacon will provide the following to members at launch: Exclusive series
Critical Role Fireside Chat (LIVE): Join us in the tavern for a monthly Ask Me Anything (AMA) series where you can sit down with us and learn more about our Critical Role cast and guests! Questions will be curated directly from Beacon members via Discord and each episode will feature a different cast member for a 30-60 minute LIVE fireside chat. Cozy up by the fire and enjoy the deep dive with us starting May 21st with our first guest, Matthew Mercer.
Critical Role Cooldown: Get a backstage pass to a Critical Role episode! You’ll be right there at the table immediately after Matthew says “Is it Thursday yet?”, experiencing the cast’s post-show reactions. If you’ve ever wondered what lies just beyond the curtain, this is your chance to find out! Starting with Campaign 3, Episode 83, you’ll get instant access to 10 episodes with new episodes dropping every Thursday with each new Critical Role episode.
Early access series
Critical Role Abridged: All the twists and turns of an episode of Critical Role in half the time! In Critical Role Abridged, the rich tapestry of a Critical Role campaign is lovingly distilled to its most pivotal, hilarious, and poignant moments in about 60-90 minutes per episode. Plus, each episode is enhanced with new pieces of artwork, bringing key characters, items, and moments to greater visual detail. Critical Role Abridged begins with Critical Role’s third campaign, Bells Hells, with new episodes airing every Tuesday at 10am Pacific. Beacon members receive the first 12 episodes right away with two new episodes dropping every week on Tuesdays and Fridays. However, to celebrate the launch of Beacon, we’ll be dropping the first 4 episodes on YouTube over the next week for everyone to enjoy!
Re-Slayer’s Take: Follow the audio escapades of the second-coolest monster hunters this side of Exandria: The Re-Slayer’s Take! After six misfit mercenaries are rejected from the elite monster hunting group, The Slayer’s Take, they band together as The Re-Slayer’s Take, battling supernatural creatures across the rugged continent of Issylra. Can Idrin, Farah, Heera, Frog, Timpani, and Poogs work together to overcome the plight of The Timberblight and its undead army? This all-ages actual play is carefully edited into bite-size episodes, making for a fresh new suite of Exandrian adventures for a long-time Critter, or a perfect first dip into the world of Critical Role. The cast is led by a duo of veteran game masters, George Primavera and Nick Williams (Hero Club), and main party members including Jasmine Bhullar, Jasper William Cartwright, Caroline Lux, and Jasmine Chiong. The Re-Slayer’s Take premieres Monday, May 20th everywhere podcasts are found with new episodes every Monday. Beacon members get early access to episodes and stay two weeks ahead of the free feeds.
Critical Role Podcast Audio: For the first time, Critical Role podcasts will be available for Beacon members the same day that the show is broadcast on video platforms, a week earlier than non-Beacon members.
Early access ticket sales for events
First to access ticket sales for events, including the upcoming Critical Role Bells Hells LIVE show at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on June 15th! Game Master Matthew Mercer will lead players Travis Willingham, Laura Bailey, Liam O’Brien, Sam Riegel, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Marisha Ray and Robbie Daymond through an exciting live performance of Campaign 3, Episode 98 of Critical Role with the extraordinary Brennan Lee Mulligan (Dimension 20) serving as the Master of Ceremonies. VIP ticket holders get to enjoy a 45-minute Q&A moderated by Brennan Lee Mulligan with the cast ahead of the main show. Presale for Beacon members begins Monday, May 20th at 10am Pacific. Please note that you must be a paid member to receive the presale codes. To guarantee access to the presale, you must sign up for a monthly or annual membership no later than Thursday, May 16th at 11:59pm Pacific. If you miss the presale, don’t worry; tickets will be available for everyone on Tuesday, May 21st at 10am Pacific. Anyone unable to attend can watch the livestream on the Critical Role Twitch & YouTube channels on Thursday, June 20th, or the VOD on Monday, June 24th. For more information and tickets please visit critrole.com/events.
Discounts
10% discount for all online Critical Role shops (currently serving the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia, excluding sale and licensed products).
Discord
Private invitation to the Beacon Member Discord, a moderated destination for Critical Role’s Beacon community to connect with each other.
For more information on Beacon, please visit beacon.tv, and follow Beacon on Instagram at @hellobeacon.
