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The 7th Guest VR Announced at Meta Showcase

Today, at the Meta Showcase, publisher Vertigo Games and co-developers Vertigo Studios Rotterdam and Exkee unveiled their thrilling new project: The 7th Guest VR. This virtual-reality reimagining of the interactive mystery puzzle adventure, that helped revolutionize PC gaming, is to the Meta Quest 2, Quest 3 and PC VR later this year.

As Bill Gates astutely put it, The 7th Guest marked “the new standard in interactive entertainment” back when the original game launched in the mid-90s. Developed by Trilobyte and Virgin Interactive Entertainment, The 7th Guest was a pioneer in leveraging CD-ROM technology. The game garnered millions of fans globally due to its impressive pre-rendered 3D graphics, mature narrative, and use of live-action video clips to enhance its storytelling.

Now, the beloved dark mystery returns, entirely reimagined for VR gameplay and featuring additional enhancements to create the definitive way to experience The 7th Guest.

“I can still remember being mesmerized when I played the original. It all felt so real to me. And so mysterious! Being able to bring that iconic game to VR is a dream come true and I can’t wait to share the result with everyone”, says Game Director, Paul van der Meer.

Through innovative VR gameplay and the interpolation of live-action, volumetric storytelling, The 7th Guest VR invites players into a grandiose mansion filled with cryptic secrets and challenging puzzles, as they attempt to unravel the mystery surrounding the estate’s sinister owner, the toymaker Henry Stauf.

Other key gameplay elements include:
 Volumetric Storytelling: The 7th Guest VR employs cutting-edge ghostly volumetric video capture with 3D live-action graphics and exquisite performances that help tell an visceral & haunting story.
● A Narrative Legacy: Featuring the original story as written by Matthew J. Costello, The 7th Guest VR brings back characters like Martine Burden, Brian Dutton, Edward & Elinor Knox and others, as well as some surprise appearances.
● Expertly-crafted VR Puzzle Gameplay: All-new puzzles that have been carefully redesigned to take full advantage of the technological possibilities of VR. The mansion’s many puzzles are all meaningfully connected to the main story, and use recognizable aesthetic elements to pay homage to the original.

● Dynamic VR Environments: The 7th Guest mansion awakens, as the environments are vividly realized with high-end visuals and VR-powered optical illusions. This immersive approach lets players delve into every corner of the haunted mansion, and see how it changes around them as they unlock intricate puzzles and unveil cryptic clues.

The 7th Guest is now available for wishlisting on Steam and Meta Quest.

Remedy Partners with Airam on Alan Wake 2 Thermos Bottle

The Finnish lighting company Airam and gaming company Remedy Entertainment have worked together to create a unique Oh Deer Diner thermos bottle. This collaboration between Alan Wake 2 X Airam combines Finnish design, storytelling, and everyday quality. The limited edition Oh Deer Diner thermos is part of the highly anticipated launch of the Alan Wake 2 video game and will be launched in September 2023.

The cooperation was inspired by the award-winning and popular game Alan Wake, which was first released in 2010. This story-driven action-adventure game successfully combined horror and ambience with a memorable story.

After a long wait, the game’s sequel, Alan Wake 2, will be released on October 17th, 2023. The Oh Deer Diner thermos, as part of the new game launch, is the first time Airam’s classic thermos collaborates with another brand.

“The thermos bottle has become a notorious little detail that has achieved cult status among the Alan Wake player community. Fans remember the achievement in the original game which the player earned after finding 100 hidden thermos bottles. In the sequel, the thermos plays a significantly more important role. This got us excited about the idea of creating an authentic Oh Deer Diner thermos for our fans,” says Remedy’s Communications Director Thomas Puha.

“At Remedy, we really value Finnish design sensibilities, which is what the iconic Airam thermos bottle also represents, so this collaboration was obvious to us,” says Puha.

Behind the Alan Wake 2 X Airam collaboration is the design work of two prominent Finnish companies. The sequel to Alan Wake is the result of years of work by the Remedy development team. Airam’s red thermos bottles, on the other hand, have been a part of Finns’ everyday life for decades. The goal was to turn the game’s thermos bottle into a real physical, high-quality extension of the gaming experience for fans.

“The Oh Deer Diner thermos is an example of a fan product designed with authenticity and quality first in mind. We are happy with how a nearly 90-year-old classic product gets a new generation look inspired by a video game,” says Airam’s Marketing Director Elina Tolonen.

The limited edition of Oh Deer Diner thermos bottles

The appearance of the Oh Deer Diner thermos bottle is completely true to the light blue patinated thermos bottle of the Alan Wake video game series. In terms of design and features, the thermos bottle of the limited edition corresponds to Airam’s traditional 0.45 liter bottle with a high-quality glass interior.

Airam’s red thermos bottle has a long history in Finns’ everyday life. The production of thermos bottles began in Helsinki in the 1930s. Vacuum technology was already used in the manufacturing of incandescent light bulbs, and the same technology could also be used in the manufacturing of thermos bottles. Today, Airam has moved from incandescent light bulbs to LEDs and smart lighting, but the iconic thermos is still a quality product loved by Finns.

The Oh Deer Diner thermos bottle produced in cooperation will be available as a limited-edition item from selected retailers from September 2023. In Finland, the Alan Wake 2 X Airam collaboration thermos is sold by K-Citymarket, Prisma, Kärkkäinen, Verkkokauppa.com, VPD Pelikauppa, Pick N Pay and Eurohamsteri. In addition, the special edition thermos can be ordered from the Remedy Store at https://store.remedygames.com/ and from Amazon at amazon.se, amazon.de, amazon.co.uk.

Forever Skies Launch Date Trailer

Forever Skies, the upcoming first-person, sci-fi survival game has a release date for its Early Access PC launch – 22 June / July / August 2023

Forever Skies is a post-apocalyptic, sci-fi survival game that has players exploring an ecologically ruined Earth. Players will navigate the world in a high-tech, mobile airship that they will build, upgrade and customize. On top of exploring the skies, players will also venture beneath the toxic dust that blankets the Earth’s surface. Scavenge for rare resources, defend yourself against viruses and modify pathogens to boost your body. Discover what became of humanity before its downfall and be wary of what mother nature has allowed to evolve in this new, toxic environment under the dust.

The new trailer highlights this never-before-seen “Under The Dust” footage for the first time.

Wargaming and FORCE BLUE Team Up for Ocean Month

Wargaming, developer and publisher of the leading naval battle simulator World of Warships, has shared additional details on its newest charity partnership as a part of its collaboration with King Features’ iconic character Popeye the Sailor Man. Taking place in June during World Ocean Month, the limited run of themed in-game content will benefit the marine conservation charity organization FORCE BLUE. Co-founded and led by actor and Recon Marine Veteran Rudy Reyes, FORCE BLUE unites the community of Special Operations veterans with the world of marine science and conservation for the betterment of both.

With a longstanding history of supporting veteran and historical non-profit organizations, this collaboration marks World of Warship’s entry into ocean conservation, as they work in partnership with Popeye the Sailor Man to support the charity FORCE BLUE.

In support of FORCE BLUE’s efforts, Wargaming will be donating $50,000 USD to the organization. In addition, 10% of the net revenue generated from the sale of Popeye items will also be shared in support of the charity following the conclusion of the campaign.

FORCE BLUE, which was founded in 2016, is a charity with a focus on resolving two issues, the deterioration of the planet’s marine ecosystems and the difficulties far too many military veterans face when their service ends and they no longer have a mission. FORCE BLUE has used this as an opportunity to bring highly qualified veterans from special forces under the instruction of renowned scientists and environmentalists. Through this training, these veterans are equipped to travel to different parts of the world, carrying out missions to preserve and restore marine biodiversity.

FORCE BLUE will also be joining World of Warships for a World Ocean Day Twitch live stream event on June 8th. As a part of the livestream, they’ll be joined by two key figures from the FORCE BLUE team; Rudy Reyes, actor, U.S Recon Marine veteran and the organization’s Co-founder, and Steve “Gonzo” Gonzalez, U.S. Navy SEAL Veteran and FORCE BLUE Special Projects & Events Director. The two will discuss the two-fold mission of the charity, providing insight into the vital importance of marine conservation, as well as how the charity’s operations work to support the mental health of veterans during and after their transition back to civilian life.

“FORCE BLUE is honoured to be partnering with World of Warships in support of World Ocean Month. I don’t think there’s a single veteran on our team who isn’t a fan of Popeye, and so to be working with the two of them, while championing our mission of preserving and restoring the world’s marine ecosystems is an incredible opportunity,” commented Jim Ritterhoff, Co-Founder and Executive Director at FORCE BLUE.

Live beginning June 1, the Popeye Charity Bundle includes two Commanders, Popeye and Bluto, equipped with unique voice overs, as well as two flags, and a unique camouflage for the Tier VII USS Colorado. In addition, throughout the month of June until July 1, World of Warships will also see a special “Save the Ocean” chain of missions equipped with weekly sprints and a free themed Container waiting at the end.

This follows the latest World of Warships content update, which launched on May 24th, bringing European destroyers in Early Access, the release of the Pan-American cruisers and Convoy battle mode to the game. World of Warships is the world’s leading free to play naval warfare game from developer and publisher Wargaming, where players battle against each other in the largest library of over 600 historically accurate war vessels from the 20th Century.

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons Release Date Trailer

Modus Games and developer Secret Base today announced a July 27 release date for the upcoming beat ‘em up Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons. Featuring tag-team brawls across a city devastated by criminal mayhem, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons revives the iconic franchise with new roguelite elements and a roster of diverse characters when it hits PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4:

Wishlist today: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1967260/Double_Dragon_Gaiden_Rise_Of_The_Dragons

Preorder here: https://doubledragongaiden.com

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons recalls the series’ classic aesthetic with refreshed pixel art visuals, sporting updated-yet-faithful appearances for both returning heroes and villains and a stirring soundtrack that keeps players ready for the next fight. With unlockable bonuses, adjustable difficulty levels and optional permadeath and infinite modes, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a robust revitalization of the series’ signature side scrolling action. With two-player local co-op, the action quadruples as you and a friend clean up the mean streets of NYC. Online co-op is planned as a post-launch update later this year.

To land hits on the latest updates for Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, visit DoubleDragonGaiden.com or follow @modusgames on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Discord.

Classified: France ’44 Announcement Trailer

Team17 Digital and Absolutely Games have today announced the turn-based tactics game, Classified: France ’44. Launching on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation®5 in 2023, Classified: France ’44 is inspired by the untold story of the Jedburghs – a group of heroic Allied special forces dropped behind enemy lines – and disparate brave Resistance groups working across Northern France during the weeks and months ahead of the decisive Normandy landings on D-Day.

Classified: France ’44 features a series of evolutionary gameplay mechanics for the turn-based tactical genre, including a much greater emphasis on the use of stealth to complete missions, an enhanced overwatch ability that provides further tactical options, and an engaging morale-based combat & suppression system that means every shot matters.

Classified: France ’44 Key Features

  • Engage in tactical realism: Combined with tactical stealth play, enemy engagements are designed to replicate real-world military strategy, with combat relying on suppressing opponents with morale damage, then flanking pinned targets to finish the job
  • Discover an untold story: Follow a campaign based on the heroic exploits of the Allied special forces and French Resistance factions ahead of the Normandy landings, as you lead a unique and memorable team with their own skills, politics, and personalities
  • Define D-Day’s success: In the game’s non-linear and highly replayable campaign, gain the trust of disparate political factions, manage your growing team, face challenging dilemmas, and ultimately, raise a Resistance force that will make or break the D-Day landings
  • Fight on: Classified: France ’44 will include a mission editor for the community to craft and share missions using the very same tools that the game itself was built in (PC only) and upcoming DLCs

James Brooksby, CEO, Absolutely Games, said: “Myself and the team are huge fans of tactical turn-based games and strategy games, and so for Classified: France ’44 we not only wanted to evolve the genre and be ambitious in the game we have created, but also, we wanted to depict the largely untold story of heroism behind enemy lines in Northern France before D-Day. The Allies created groups of the world’s first special forces who teamed up with the French Resistance to cause destruction and mayhem in the lead up to D-Day, something that we can tell through Classified: France ‘44’s tense and exciting campaign and our characters. We’re looking forward to delivering our unique turn-based tactical game with its mix of tactical stealth, intense firefights, strategic campaign, and strong characters.”

Roger Carpenter, Head of Studios, Team17 Digital, said: “Being able to partner with James and his team at Absolutely Games to elevate the turn-based tactics genre and peel back the pages of history to the events of June 1944 is so exciting for us. They are very focused on delivering a campaign based on real-life events and the people who helped bring about the beginning of the end of World War II, one that will wholeheartedly deliver when Classified: France ’44 is deployed on PC and consoles.”

Amnesia: The Bunker ‘Three Key Aspects’ Trailer

Fredrik Olsson, the Creative Lead of Amnesia: The Bunker, is peeling back the layers of The Bunker, revealing its intriguing features, and giving us a glimpse into the game’s future with some juicy behind-the-scenes insights into our post-release plans.

In this captivating three-part video series, Olsson dives deep into the heart of the game. He spotlights the crucial elements of experimentation, difficulty adjustments, and replayability that make the gameplay an unforgettable experience. He’ll guide you through how this new installment in the Amnesia series is designed to be played, highlighting the various difficulty levels we’ve crafted to suit a diverse range of players and gameplay styles.

Your time to delve into this thrilling exploration of Amnesia: The Bunker is here!

System Shock Remake is Out Now

The wait is over. The full-fledged remake of the groundbreaking System Shock from 1994 is now available for PC from Steam, Epic Game Store, and GOG.

Developer Nightdive Studios’ stunningly-faithful recreation of this classic shooter/immersive sim invites players to experience the classic video game, updated and upgraded for modern audiences.

Starting today, [human insects] players all across the world get to face off against SHODAN — the iconic rogue AI with attitude.

The System Shock remake combines the gameplay of the iconic original game with all-new HD visuals, updated controls, an overhauled interface, and all-new sounds and music.

Never-before-seen enemies, quality-of-life gameplay tweaks, a revamped hacking system, and visceral new combat options — featuring a brutal dismemberment system — also await players new and old.

A legion of hostile and mutated creatures — created and controlled by the delightfully villainous SHODAN herself — await players as they make their way through Citadel Station’s all-new areas, flexing their puzzle-solving skills and hacking prowess to reach new sectors of the station.

Players will also encounter traps, puzzles, and secrets in their pursuit of (hopefully) defeating SHODAN once and for all. A combination of stealth, cunning, and futuristic weaponry will be required to survive. When the System Shock remake arrives, players’ puzzle-solving and survival skills will be put to the test.

Nightdive Studios worked closely with many of the members of the original System Shock team, including the voice of SHODAN, Terri Brosius.

Console editions of System Shock will release on PlayStation 4|5 and Xbox One and Series S|X in due course; more details will be shared in the future.

Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance RTS Announced

Renowned strategy publisher Slitherine today announced Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance will launch on Steam in Winter 2023.

Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance is a gritty real-time strategy game set in a war-torn future where surviving humans fight for their existence against the all-powerful synthetic intelligent machine network Legion, but the greatest threat may not come from the ravaging machines but from bands of other human survivors.

Players will take control of armies as they fight complex tactical battles using near-future and machine-tech weaponry as part of one of three factions available at launch: Founders, Legion or Resistance. Prospective commanders will be able to play across a riveting single-player campaign with massive strategic maps or take part in multiplayer modes.

Throughout the game, players will have freedom of choice and will make decisions that will have an effect on subsequent missions and resonate throughout the game as players progress. These decisions can result in various outcomes including gaining intel, weaponry or allies in future conflicts.

A first look at new gameplay was showcased as part of today’s live. A ragged force of Founders, hotly pursued by Legion machines, have encountered various other bands of human survivors. While the player has a choice to ally or not, joining forces with certain groups will reap specific benefits. In the mission highlighted, a steady stream of Legion convoys provides a juicy target for the resistance fighters to destroy. In addition, successfully retrieving a downed pilot in the area gives critical air support in later missions, while the appearance of a new human group – the Integrators – means either additional soldiers to be folded into the Founders ranks or another foe to be battled. What’s more, with the mission’s success lies the possibility to re-establish radio contact with Founders’ command center – a newfound connection that might be less fortunate than the player thinks.

In addition, the team shared teaser trailers for the game, which can be viewed on Slitherine’s YouTube channel (links below).

A beta for Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance will be available in the coming months. Players interested in participating should sign up through Slitherine’s official site.

ELEX II Coming to Mac in June

Following its successful launch on Windows PC and console, Piranha Bytes presents the highly ambitious Science-Fantasy-RPG, ELEX II, is coming to Mac. Available this summer on the Mac App Store, ELEX II stands as one of the pioneering titles to fully embrace the GPU driven pipelines with Indirect Command Buffer (ICB) approach on Mac. ELEX II is also among the select few games that have shaders specifically optimised for the Metal shading language.

For those seeking more technical details, please refer to the following information: https://shorturl.at/hiqBF

ELEX II offers players a vibrant open world to explore, featuring five major factions, each with their own captivating story arc for players to engage with and experience. The game’s fictional world of Magalan is teeming with extraordinary creatures, hidden secrets, and breathtaking vistas. As an explorer, the possibilities are boundless—you can venture to every location you encounter within the game. By utilizing a jetpack, you can soar to the top of ancient skyscrapers or gracefully descend like a feather into the depths of an underground cave, all without risking your hero’s legs.