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11 bit studios Announces Collaboration with AMD for Frostpunk 2, The Alters, and More

11 bit studios is proud to announce a new collaboration with AMD focused on technological development and mutual support. This applies to all games currently under development at 11 bit studios – Frostpunk 2, The Alters, Codename Project 8 – alongside upcoming titles within the 11 bit studios publishing division—The Invincible (launches Nov. 6th) from Starward Industries, The Thaumaturge (launches Dec. 5th) from Fool’s Theory, and more to be revealed.

Through the collaboration, the two companies will work together to optimize 11 bit games for performance and with open source technology that works across multiple gaming platforms, including PCs, laptops, handhelds, and consoles.

“11 bit is stepping up as a developer and publisher, establishing cooperation with a top global tech company,” said 11 bit studios board member Pawel Feldman. “For us, gameplay is super important, but so is technology and we’ve got an awesome tech partner for years to come.”

“There is always a constant need to push gaming technology further, to make each generation of video games deliver astounding visuals,” followed up Szymon Jabłoński, Director of Technology at 11 bit studios. “For the engineers working on the tech it’s an exciting challenge and to face that challenge we’re working closely with AMD. Our games are unique and have many different angles of focus. Working with AMD we can include some of their incredible technologies like AMD FidelityFXTM Super Resolution 3 (FSR 3) in our latest titles, and optimize those titles to maximize performance and visual fidelity on AMD RyzenTM processors and AMD RadeonTM GPUs.”

“11 bit Studios is a world class developer with a strong history of releasing exciting and innovative games that push the boundaries of technology,” said Cedrick Collomb, corporate VP of Software Development at AMD. “We are delighted to work with them on their next generation of titles that are sure to delight users, helping to ensure that these amazing new games deliver incredible experiences.”

You can check out a sneak peek of our work with AMD in this high-resolution trailer for The Invincible captured on an all-AMD powered PC. The game launches on November 6th and you can watch the trailer here.

In addition to cutting-edge technology, the collaboration also carries over to include co-marketing efforts. For example, AMD served as the official hardware partner at 11 bit studios’ booths at Gamescom, PAX West, and Poznan Game Arena this year.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Lead Protagonist Trailer

Paradox Interactive and The Chinese Room today introduced Phyre, the lead protagonist in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. An Elder Kindred Embraced during the early 17th Century, Phyre influences Seattle’s power structures with fully-voiced conversations. Players will customize this protagonist, choosing gender and clan – as well as outfits, behavior and the blood they feed on, all of which affect the way Seattle reacts to Phyre and their progression. Paradox will announce
the playable vampire clans on the game’s website in the coming weeks.

In Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, players choose one of four clans for Phyre and begin exploring Seattle’s dark vampiric-inspired underbelly. Along the way, players learn about the world around them through Fabien, the strange and ever-present voice in Phyre’s head. With branching dialogue options, every conversation with Seattle’s powerful elites shapes how the environment and characters react to Phyre, impacting how the story unfolds.

“Creating a character that resonates with players in the World of Darkness, yet shakes up what they know about Seattle, is a core pillar of our storytelling,” said Ian Thomas, Narrative Director at The Chinese Room. “We maintain Vampire: The Masquerade’s essence and leverage its dark undertones to weave Phyre’s intricate narrative. Leveraging a protagonist adds weight to the narrative choices with room for players to customize Phyre’s background throughout the story. All these elements combine to create a deeply immersive experience that players expect from a Bloodlines game while maintaining our signature Chinese Room flair.”

“Bloodlines 2 comes to life with Phyre as they wake an Elder vampire in a very different world than they remember. They have a certain edge to every encounter, whether combat or social – a few hundred years’ practice makes for an advantage,” said Sean Greaney, Executive Vice President of World of Darkness at publisher Paradox Interactive. “Seattle adapts and changes to the choices and dialogue options players choose, resulting in a different story experience.”

Fans eager for more Bloodlines 2 content can tune in to the second season of Seattle by Night, the actual play tabletop RPG series, today at 5:00 PM PT on the Penny Arcade Twitch channel. The events that transpire in Seattle by Night set the stage for Phyre’s awakening in Bloodlines 2. Catch up on season one and watch all episodes from season two after they air every Tuesday on Penny Arcade’s YouTube channel.

To learn more about Bloodlines 2, visit the official website, follow #Bloodlines2 on all social media platforms, and join the community on the game’s Discord.

Achilles: Legends Untold Launch Trailer

The independent game development team at Dark Point Games is pleased to finally release the 1.0 version of their first game, action RPG with souls-like combat Achilles: Legends Untold, today for PC, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S consoles. The long battle of game development leads us to a new challenge, one against those who threaten the existence of our titular hero’s home:

Explore the mythical world of ancient Greece, where you’ll assume the role of the fearless warrior, Achilles. Dive into a world where mastering combat is key to survival. Block and evade attacks, then sever limbs and heads of your foes with any weapon combination that suits your fighting style. Develop your own tactics and achieve success over your enemies. Explore open worlds and take on countless challenges. If you fall in battle, don’t give up – try again and strengthen your character by enhancing their attributes and acquiring new skills in a deep RPG progression system. The multilayered story takes you through the diverse locations of ancient Greece, where danger lurks at every corner. Learn how to cope with your new nature and step on the hero’s journey to save the mortal world from impending doom.

A combat-based, horde-like mode makes its debut on the PC version of the game and will be available at a later time on consoles. Play solo, team up with a friend, or even join random games. Your character’s progress in the story affects your co-op character, and vice versa! Embark on exciting arenas that unlock as you progress through the main storyline. Each arena offers unique items and Weapon Skills available in the co-op store, obtainable with in-game currency. Additional tasks on every map allow you to earn extra rewards! To kickstart your co-op adventure, simply create a game, choose to play solo or invite a friend. You can also jump into random games or join an ongoing game hosted by a colleague.

Crossfire: Sierra Squad Launch Trailer

Smilegate Entertainment, a leading publisher of online multiplayer games, is leaving Early Access and delivering the final PC VR release of the intense arcade-style VR shooter Crossfire: Sierra Squad via Steam. Compatible on top headsets; including Valve Index, Oculus Rift and Rift S, Quest and Quest 2, HTC VIVE and more, players can experience a variety of single-player and co-op campaign modes, now with cross-platform play and more. Crossfire: Sierra Squad is available now on Steam for PC VR for $29.99 USD as well as PlayStation™Store for $29.99 USD.

Watch the Crossfire: Sierra Squad trailer via YouTube HERE.

Crossfire: Sierra Squad has proven to be a can’t-miss VR title as the top downloaded PlayStation VR2 game in September in both North America and Europe, along with winning a 2023 NYX Grand Award for “Sony PlayStation Game – AR/VR.”

Since launching in Steam Early Access in August of this year, Smilegate Entertainment has been receiving and adapting feedback from the global community to enhance the immersion and performance of the game – including UI/UX improvements, addition of manual reloading, improved scope performance, integration with bHaptics accessories and more – and expanding the thrills through added content. Additionally, as of today, PC VR players can now team up with PS VR2 friendlies via crossplay.

In Crossfire: Sierra Squad, players can choose between 13 single-player campaign missions, 50 single-player or 2-player co-op squad missions, and Horde Mode for up to 4-player co-op. Mercenaries will battle 17 enemy types using their arsenal of 39 different weapons – including pistols, shotguns, sniper rifles and throwable grenades that can be tossed back directly at the enemy. As part of the full release, players will now be able to play across platforms (PC and PlayStation VR2), as well as choose optional manual reloading as requested by the Steam community, allowing players to engage in combat in a whole new way.

Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire Gameplay Trailer

Schell Games today revealed gameplay for Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire, the studio’s debut VR horror title. Silent Slayer is a thrilling single-player jumpscare horror game where players must quietly destroy slumbering vampires before they wake. The game will launch in 2024 for Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro, and Meta Quest 3 VR headsets, and eager slayers can wishlist the game today on the Meta Quest Store.

Get a glimpse of the spine-chilling experience that awaits in the gameplay trailer here:

In Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire, players embark on a mythic quest to defeat a powerful clan of ancient vampires. Players must carefully dismantle their coffins’ defenses using various tools, creating the perfect opportunity to plunge a stake through the heart of undead foes. Silence and precision are key – one wrong move and the fanged monsters will rise, immediately draining the player’s life force.

“After our success with the I Expect You To Die franchise and Among Us VR, our team started exploring other ways to create suspenseful VR experiences. A small team created a prototype all about stealthily opening a vampire’s coffin, and after jumping out of our skin several times while playing it, we all could see right away it would be an amazing game,” said Jesse Schell, CEO of Schell Games. “Silent Slayer continues our tradition of pushing VR to its limits, offering players a rich, horror-filled experience overflowing with more jumpscares than you can shake a stake at!”

Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire key features include:

  • Vicious Vampires – Players who make even one wrong move will have a royal court of deadly vampires, each with their own peculiarities and macabre predilections, at the ready to sink their fangs in slayers’ necks before they can say “Nosferatu.”
  • Diabolical Defenses – Slayers will untangle increasingly imposing and intricate traps ready to be tripped by an unsteady hand.
  • Tactical Tools – Players will master many unique instruments, though a stake through the heart is the only way to end it.
  • Creepy Crawlies – Only slayers who maintain unwavering focus will have the resilience to conquer unsettling diversions.
  • Jumpscares Galore – Tension builds with every move. Only the bravest of souls will survive.
  • An Unfolding Tale – In the end, slayers will accept their fate, souls be damned

Blasphemous 2 Xbox One and PS4 Launch Trailer

The Game Kitchen and Team17 Digital have today launched punishing Metroidvania Blasphemous 2 on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Having launched in August on Nintendo Switch™, PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S, Blasphemous 2 follows a newly reawakened Penitent One, as players are thrust back into an endless cycle of life, death, and resurrection as they face monstrous enemies and inconceivable challenges to halt the prophetic birth of a new Child of the Miracle.

Featuring three unique weapons to acquire and master, and an enhanced skillset to choose from, players will have to use these new tools to survive and explore a land hell bent on sending them back to the grave as they collect scattered pieces of lore, unpick long forgotten secrets, and avoid deaths final embrace.

Blasphemous 2 Key Features

  • Discover a rich non-linear world: A series of enchantingly grotesque landscapes await, oozing gothic charm and littered with unforgiving traps; there is no wrong turn to take, only scores to settle
  • Unleash savage combat: Brutal executions and expanded combos provide new and devastating ways to rain destruction on the abominations that await
  • Play your way: Blasphemous 2 provides the ability to customise and improve the Penitent Ones’ base skillset, and introduces new unique weapons that expand player tactics
  • Overcome intense boss battles: Twisted bosses with unique attack patterns and sundering abilities await in the darkest corners of this twisted new land

Jagged Alliance 3 Hits Consoles on November 16th

Our strategy game of the year, Jagged Alliance 3, is arriving on consoles this November 16th. We understand that some players may wonder: how does a turn-based strategy game translate to a console experience? Is it as enjoyable with a controller, or does it feel cumbersome?

To address these questions, we’ve put together an insightful video, offering a comprehensive look at Jagged Alliance 3’s gameplay and demonstrating precisely how it fares with a controller instead of a typical PC mouse and keyboard setup. Join us for an exciting journey into the world of tactical gaming on consoles!

Console Pre-Order live – save 20%
The critically acclaimed turn-based tactics/strategy game, Jagged Alliance 3, is set to launch on PlayStation and Xbox on November 16th, extending an enticing 20% discount to people who pre-order and are dedicated to liberating the nation of Grand Chien! And that’s not all – by pre-ordering, you’ll also gain early access: Jagged Alliance 3 starts 48 hours prior to the official release for all pre-orders.

Jagged Alliance 3 will be available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, as well as on Xbox One and the Xbox Series S/X. The multiplayer functionality will be ‘cross-gen’, allowing PlayStation 4 players to team up with their PlayStation 5 buddies, and Xbox One users to join forces with those on Xbox Series S/X. The game hits the shelves on November 16th, with a suggested retail price of $59.99 / €59.99 / £49.99.

Pre-Order Now:
Xbox: https://www.microsoft.com/store/productid/9p1c5873zm3d
PlayStation: https://store.playstation.com/concept/10005890

PowerWash Simulator VR Out Now on Meta Quest

It’s time to grab hold of the power washer and get cleaning – PowerWash Simulator VR is out now on Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro! FuturLab and nDreams are also delighted to confirm today that post-launch content is coming to PowerWash Simulator VR, with more details to follow in the coming weeks.

Check out PowerWash Simulator VR’s launch trailer here:

The eagerly anticipated VR version of the super soothing simulator brings the quaint yet grimy town of Muckingham to life in true 360-degree immersion and delivers full 1:1 motion control of the power washer, encouraging players to wash their way with precise and expressive control.

PowerWash Simulator VR brings all of the good, clean fun, and base game content – more than 40 levels in total – from the PC and console versions, including the ability to PowerWash and chill in co-op multiplayer – the perfect way to wash those worries away at the end of a long day.

Critics have praised PowerWash Simulator VR for its super soothing gameplay and use of VR features.

“Meant to be in VR” – The Gamer
“Really relaxing” – UploadVR
“Instantly satisfying” – whynow Gaming

New features exclusive to the VR version dial up the immersion even further. Players can pick out the perfect outfit and the right equipment from the back of the iconic PowerWash van and change nozzles on the fly with the all-new tool belt.

FuturLab, developers of PowerWash Simulator VR, have teamed up with VR veterans nDreams – creators of Synapse and Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord – to bring PowerWash Simulator VR to market.

“The good, clean fun of PowerWash Simulator has arrived in VR and we can’t wait for players to get their hands on it!” says Chris Mehers, COO of FuturLab. “Our team has put so much passion into bringing you all the satisfaction of the base game, along with added features to really bring to life the tactility of PowerWash Simulator VR. We hope you enjoy!”

“We’re incredibly excited to be launching PowerWash Simulator VR,” said David Corless, VP of Publishing at nDreams. “This is a game that lends itself so naturally to VR and is a pure joy to play; whether you’re a VR veteran or putting a headset on for the first time, PowerWash Simulator VR will leave you grinning from ear to ear.”

For more information on PowerWash Simulator VR, visit: https://ndreams.com/games/powerwash-simulator-vr

Dead Island 2 HAUS DLC Out Now

Dead Island 2’s first story DLC – Haus – is out today. Set within a mysterious villa in Malibu, where the boundaries of morality are somewhat vague, players need to investigate the secrets of a cult – and its enigmatic leader – as they slug it out amid the Zompocalypse.

Players can tool up with a range of new weapons – as they hack and slash their way through a deranged labyrinth of biomes – including:

  • K-ROSSBOW – crafted for precision and lethality, allows players to unleash devastating long-range firepower and explode zombified brains with ease
  • Hog Roaster – the ultimate ticket to visceral slaying while simultaneously allowing you to butcher and BBQ zombies
  • Dead Islands – to take the weight off your shoulders while you smash the undead into oblivion
  • Eight New Skill Cards – enhancing players’ slaying abilities with an expanded arsenal of skills

The Dead Island 2 DLC Haus is out now on PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC (Epic Games Store).

View more at the official site here: https://deadisland.com/

Gangs of Sherwood Steam Demo Available Now

Publisher NACON and developer Appeal Studios are giving players the opportunity to team up for Gangs of Sherwood ahead of the November 30 launch for the futuristic dystopia game inspired by the legend of Robin Hood, as a Steam demo is now available to play up until November 27, 5pm UTC.

In this explosive action game, play solo or in a team of up to 4 players as one of four unique characters with customizable gameplay styles influenced by the famous Robin Hood tale; Friar Tuck, LIttle John, Maid Marian, and Robin Hood.

Ahead of trying out the demo, please do check out the Gameplay Overview trailer to provide everything you need to know about Gangs of Sherwood.