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Layers of Fear Cinematic Intro and Demo News

To celebrate the upcoming release, Bloober Team and Anshar Studios have announced that a PC demo of Layers of Fear (2023) will be available on Steam starting from May 15th at 8 AM PT until May 22nd at 3 PM PT. This short demo will allow players to jump into the first few minutes of the game and experience the game’s opening cinematic video, which introduces the story of the Writer, the game’s final protagonist.

In addition to the demo, Bloober Team is excited to announce a special Steam livestream for Layers of Fear debuting next week. Joining the livestream will be Damian Kocurek, Creative Director of Anshar Studios, who will provide a walkthrough commentary of the demo and engage in a discussion with Laura Bernaś, PR Manager at Bloober Team. The livestream will be available on the game’s Steam page and is scheduled to go live around 8:30 am PT on Monday, May 15th. Don’t miss this opportunity to get an exclusive look into the game with insights from the Creative Director himself.

PC Requirements (Click to Embiggen)

Bloober Team and Anshar Studios are excited to jump into the final stretch of the development cycle for their upcoming horror magnum opus. Layers of Fear (2023) is the series’ crowning work and will be the definitive way to experience Bloober Team’s critically-acclaimed psychological horror franchise. This title is also one of the first games to utilize the highly-anticipated Unreal Engine 5, leaning heavily on the game engine to support Ray Tracing, HDR, 4K resolution, as well as a myriad of other visual enhancements which will help make it one of the best-looking horror games in the market.

The development team is also happy to share with players the expected minimum and recommended system requirements to run Layers of Fear on PC, including some considerations for those who intend to play using Ray Tracing.

Key Features:

  • The Ultimate Layers of Fear Experience – The series’s crowning work casts an overarching narrative over the entire franchise.
  • Horror Reimagined – Everything in the Layers of Fear series melds together into a single experience, including all DLCs, so players can find all the answers they seek.
  • Shocking New Looks – Enhanced with Unreal Engine 5’s improved technology. This version offers a more immersive horror experience with the addition of Ray Tracing, HDR, 4K resolution, and the Lumen system.
  • Psychological Horror – A grim but gripping first-person psychedelic horror game focused on tense exploration, puzzle-solving, and immersive storytelling. Discover what lies in the depths of the human psyche with this mature, cathartic game.
  • New tricks – New brand-new core mechanics that will be introduced to Layers of Fear and its sequel, as well as additional features, so all the chapters and stories will blend seamlessly
  • Horror Through the Many Lenses of Art – Explore the depths of obsession with three different stories of craft-obsessed protagonists (The Painter, The Actor and The Writer) which are interwoven to create a truly immersive experience and gripping storyline
  • Classical, Ominous Soundtrack – Hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by the highly-acclaimed musician Arek Reikowski. He has composed a hypnotic score that adds an extra layer of tension to the game and will leave you on the edge of your seat

Shame Legacy New Gameplay Trailer

Publisher Destructive Creations, together with developers Fairyship Games and Revenant Games, released today the first Gameplay Trailer of Shame Legacy, a survival horror coming to PC and consoles on May 30, 2023.

Building on the previous Announcement Trailer, this newest Gameplay Trailer introduces the cane – a valuable device used for defensive purposes and puzzle-solving, allowing the main character to get closer to figuring out his connection to the bloody events in the village. The trailer also uncovers more locations, showcasing the dark mood and atmosphere of the 19th century forsaken cultist village.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Boomer Shooter Gameplay Trailer

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, the explosive homage to the retro shooters of yore set in Games Workshop’s iconic universe, just released a new gameplay trailer supercharged with a bombastic mix of action and cinematic footage. Published by Focus Entertainment and developed by Auroch Digital, the stylish indie FPS releases May 23, 2023, on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Pre-order now and get in shape with today’s ecstatic boomer shooter gameplay video!

Get ready for Boltgun, a rapid-fire boomer-shooter blast from the past that’s as nostalgic as its gameplay is fluid and modern. You’ll take control of a mighty Sternguard Veteran, along with his faithful servo-skull, and plunge headlong into the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000. Summoned by the Inquisition, ready your righteous arsenal, indomitable armor and battle-honed instincts to Scour Graia, a Forge World on the brink, overrun by cultists, traitors and daemons.

Obliterate hordes of foes with an array of iconic weapons. Blast cultists with your mighty Boltgun! Smash traitors with your Charge! Shred the spawn of the Archenemy with your Chainsword! Unleash your wrath upon the enemies of the Imperium – only in death does duty end!

Let the hordes of Chaos know fear when Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun releases on May 23 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Pre-order now!

Sign up as a Focus member to get exclusive news and upcoming special offers for Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun and the whole Focus catalog.

World of Warships: Legends Introduces Jötunn of the Seas Campaign

Wargaming, the publisher and developer of the popular multiplayer naval battle MMO game World of Warships, are making waves with its latest content update for World of Warships: Legends. Plenty of Tier VIII ships drop anchor in Legendary waters, with a mix of cruisers, destroyers and battleships, including a brand-new German cruiser waiting at the end of a new campaign. On top of this, a new line of Italian destroyers comes to the Tech Tree in Early Access, a five-week calendar with a brand-new Commander becomes available from the get-go, and three seasons of Brawls await players.

Italian Destroyers make waves in the Early Access
Leading this update comes a new line of Italian destroyers to the Tech Tree to surprise your foes! Equipped with Engine Boost and Exhaust Smoke Generator consumables, these destroyers can generate significant power, making them swift additions to any fleet. In addition, this line also features Semi-Armour-Piercing shells, and can inflict serious direct damage to enemy ships via their high-powered guns and torpedoes.

This new line can be discovered through Early Access crates, available through campaign rewards & the new Squadrone Sfuggente Calendar, and special “random bundles”, a new entity, that drops a variety of in-game items.

Jötunn of the Seas Campaign summons Ägir
Legends also sees a new campaign introduced in this update, called Jötunn of the Seas. Waiting at the end is the new German Tier VIII cruiser Ägir, named for the Norse giant, a personification of the seas. The O-Class cruiser sports nine 12-inch (305 mm) guns, and two quadruple torpedo launchers built to destroy anything standing in its way. On top of all this, Ägir also has Enhanced Secondary Targeting, which is a rare feature for cruisers, as well as a robust hit point pool, Sonar consumable and a solid anti-air suite.

Even more Tier VIII Ships
Beyond the addition of Ägir come five more Tier VIII ships to take into battle. Available to players who have unlocked Tier VIII ships from this respective mix of cruisers, destroyers and battleships, these ships span Italian, Soviet and Pan-European origin. Special highlights include Pan-European destroyer Småland and Italian batleship Lepanto.

Counting down the days to Squadrone Sfuggente Calendar
The month of May also brings a special calendar, called Squadrone Sfuggente, to Legends. Dedicated to Italy’s fleet, this five-week calendar will be packed with exciting challenges and daily and weekly rewards. Waiting at the end of the calendar is an exclusive final prize, a brand-new Italian Commander Carlo Bergamini, already at rank 7, perfectly equipped to helm the new line of Italian Destroyers.

Called to the Brawl
Finally, Brawl returns in this update with three seasons to play through. Commencing on June 1, get in on the action with non-aircraft carrier ships to assert naval dominance and win a variety of prizes!

This update also brings some bug fixes, upgrades and balance changes across the game.

EVE Online Looks Back at The Battle of B-R5RB

CCP Games is continuing to celebrate EVE Online’s 20th anniversary, as well as its upcoming Viridian expansion, all through this month! This game’s history is full of shenanigans, heartwarming stories, and epic events that make for great nostalgic coverage that makes for great storytelling narratives!

This week, CCP Games is turning back to the Bloodbath of B-R5RB.

The Battle of B-R5RB

Part of a larger conflict known as the Halloween War, this fight started in January 2014 after a single player controlling a space station failed to make a scheduled in-game maintenance payment, making the star system vulnerable. A record-setting battle erupted in the system, resulting in one of gaming’s most destructive conflicts with thousands of players participating.

Bloodbath of B-R5RB by the numbers:
576 capital ships destroyed
75 Titans destroyed, the largest ships available to players
7,548 players participated
Lasted over 21 hrs

To commemorate the event, CCP Games erected a permanent monument in-game named “The Titanomachy.”

The battle was so significant that CCP Games documented the event to preserve its place in history:

 

Ebusco Brand Kicks Off Bus Simulator 21 Season Pass on May 16

On the heels of publisher astragon Entertainment and developer stillalive studios recent announcement of upcoming Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop update scheduled for May 16, fans can now also look forward to a new brand of buses. With Ebusco, three new electric buses and six new interior designs will find their way into the game. The Ebusco Bus Pack is the first DLC from the Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Season Pass.

The Dutch bus manufacturer Ebusco allows you to expand the local transportation network of Angel Shores and Seaside Valley more sustainable with its zero-emission, all-electric buses. Three new buses are coming to the game including the Ebusco 2.2 – 12m, a 12-meter-long bus that can accommodate up to 90 passengers and is equipped with 2 axles and 3 doors, as well as the 18-meter-long articulated electric bus Ebusco 2.2 – 18m with space for up to 150 passengers 3 axles and 3 doors. Also available is the Ebusco 3.0. The 12-meter-long bus can carry up to 95 passengers and is equipped with 2 axles and 3 doors. In addition to the new electric buses, the Ebusco Bus Pack includes six new interiors.

Season Pass includes four upcoming DLCs

The Ebusco Bus Pack is the first DLC of the new Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Season Pass, which includes a total of four upcoming DLCs that expand the game experience of the simulation. The Ebusco Bus Pack will be followed by the Official School Bus Extension as well as the Thomas Built Buses® Bus Pack, bus fans will automatically get access to all upcoming paid DLCs as soon as they got released. More information on all DLCs will follow in the coming months.Season Pass in the fourth quarter. With the Official Tram Extensionin the third quarter and the

On May 16, Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Ebusco Bus Pack, Season Pass, and the big Next Stop Update will be released. The update introduces numerous gameplay improvements and a brand-new game mode. Additionally, the Official Map Extension including numerous new orders, as well as dedicated versions for PS5™ and Xbox Series X|S will become available.

Meanwhile, with Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Gold Edition, new bus fans can look forward to the all-in-one package. The Gold Edition will also become available on May 16, both digitally and in stores, and includes not only Bus Simulator 21 but also all previously released paid DLCs for the game. Those who already own the main game can alternatively purchase the additional content bundled via the Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Gold Upgrade on the digital platforms.

On May 16, Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Ebusco Bus Pack will be released at a price of 8,99 EUR / 8,99 USD / 7,49 GBP (SRP). The Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Season Pass including all planned paid DLCs can be purchased as a bundle for the special price of 24,99 EUR / 24,99 USD / 19,99 GBP.

Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop will be available on May 16 for Steam, the Microsoft Store and the Epic Games Store at a price of 34.99 EUR (SRP) and for 49.99 EUR (SRP) for PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. An overview of selected offers including links to the digital stores can be found here: https://www.bussimulator.com

Death from Above Announcement Trailer

Lesser Evil is pleased to announce that the release date of its inaugural title, Death From Above, will be May 25th, exclusively on Steam Early Access. The game will be priced at €9.99/$9.99/£8.99.

You can find our Steam page here, ready to wishlist for the 25th.

“Early Access is the perfect opportunity for our backers and the wider community to get their hands on Death From Above for the first time and bonk some vatniks. We’re proud to be supporting the Ukrainian people in the defence against Russian imperialism. Remember, Putin, you pronounced this nonsense. Not us.” said Lesser Evil CEO Hendrik Lesser.

Death From Above is an arcade-style drone simulator game set during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. You will play as a Ukrainian military drone operator fighting the occupation forces, salvaging valuable equipment, and restoring communication lines disrupted by the conflict.

When Death from Above is released on Steam Early Access, 30% of its net revenues from game sales will be sent to two Ukrainian charities: Come Back Alive and Army of Drones. Once we cover our production costs, that donation will increase to 70% of all net game revenues, with the final 30% going towards continued development.

In it, you’ll get your first look at the details of the gameplay we’ve been putting together for you over the last few months and some of the surprises we’ve added as a thank-you to our incredible community.

We hope you enjoy it – please do share it with your friends! Please check the Press-kit for assets and additional information, or contact us directly!

Finally – we’d like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful Ukrainian organizations we’ve been working with: Gis Arta, Aerorozvidka, Army of Drones, and the mighty Antytila. We’re very proud to have you on board.

Slava Ukraini!

Limerick: Cadence Mansion Gets First Gameplay Trailer

Indie developer Jenito Studios has today unleashed the first gameplay trailer for their upcoming fantasy thriller adventure game Limerick: Cadence Mansion, due to be released on PC in 2023 via Steam. Solve puzzles, outwit evil creatures and explore the arcane halls of Cadence Mansion as you dive deeper into a story of manipulation and dark science.

“I’m so happy to finally show off the Limerick: Cadence Mansion gameplay trailer to the world,” said Daniel Hall, Solo developer at Jenito Studios. “Using Unreal Engine 5, everything you see has been painstakingly handcrafted with nearly every monster and environment an original creation. Even the musical tracks have been composed by myself. Any assets used have been carefully curated to ensure they match the style, feel, and flow of the world perfectly. Cadence Mansion will soon be open to all, do you dare enter?”

In Limerick: Cadence Mansion, explore an abandoned mansion inhabited by monsters, both beast and man, and discover its secrets in your attempts to escape. Solve puzzles to progress through increasingly haunting environments, fend off or hide from evil creatures and tear through the fabric of reality in cinematic boss fights. Scavenge for resources throughout the forgotten mansion and use Panic closets to escape from harm.

A new ballad sounds across Nightsonnet Isle.
Awaken, Proofreader, and solve the ancient writ.

The seas will swallow light with darkness. The boulders will shatter and shake.
The Poets will be silenced and the Resplendent will rise.

Will you take the quill and right the wrongs of Splendor?
Can you unlock the mysteries of its games and riddles?
What will you learn of the Anachronism, of the Dissonance and Cacophony, of the Dark Refrain and Prism?

And when you face the darkness, will you be ready?

Stellaris: Galactic Paragons Launch Trailer

Paradox Interactive today launched Galactic Paragons, the latest expansion for the sci-fi strategy game Stellaris. Players can strengthen their empire by customizing and fine-tuning their empire’s leaders to make the most of their unique characteristics. Galactic Paragons is available today via online stores for a suggested retail price of $14.99/£12.79/€14.99.

Galactic Paragons expands Stellaris’ Council mechanic, introduces leaders who bring specialized abilities to your empire, and adds tons of additional features. Players gain control over how they invest in and strengthen their leaders to guide their empire and influence the galaxy’s future.

Features of Galactic Paragons include*:

  • Unique Council Roles: Specialized roles and benefits are included in Galactic Paragons to expand upon the new Council Mechanics in Stellaris! Find dozens of unique council roles based on your civics and government types, and unlock additional positions as your empire evolves.
  • New Dynamic Leaders: Recruit, improve, and follow the leaders of your empire through the ages! You may shape them by picking their traits, selecting their veteran class, and guide them towards their destiny, up until they retire – or perish!
  • Meet Galactic Heroes: Attract paragons of renown to your council: unique leaders with their own art, events, and stories may join your empire and bring their own benefits to your government. Or, discover four Legendary Paragons with intricate event chains and unique mechanics!
  • New Traditions, Civics, And More:
    • A new “Under One Rule” Origin that tells the tale of the leader who founded your empire
    • Eight new Civics focused on leadership, from immortalizing the personalities of leaders past in digital archives to heavily optimized council selection via corporate charter
    • 12 new Veteran Classes
    • Hundreds of new Leader Traits
    • Two new Tradition Trees, giving players new edicts and improved leaders
    • New ships, art, and story content

Crimen – Mercenary Tales Launch Trailer

Dive into eight thrilling mercenary escapades with Crimen – Mercenary Tales, launching exclusively on Meta Quest 2 and Pico on May 25, 2023, by renowned VR developer Carbon Studio. Hunt a vampire through an army of spawn; fight off undead Spanish conquistadors in a haunted Aztec temple; invade a Saxon fortress; steal an aristocrat’s fortune (for love!).

Take up historically accurate 17th century arms in Arcade-style combat and puzzles, presented in eye-catching cel-shaded art and cheeky narration. Explore towering castles, ancient temples, derelict pirate ships, and an idyllic countryside through these eight compelling character-driven tales.

Features:
  • Action-packed, gory arcade slasher that distinguishes itself
    from conventional physics-driven VR games
  • Eight hilarious escapades narrated by a cast of eight charismatic personalities
  • Attractive and vibrant comic-inspired graphics
  • Abundant humor, hidden surprises, and nods to popular culture
  • A wide array of authentic 17th-century European weapons and settings
  • Engaging Slavic folk music score composed by the talented Arkadiusz Reikowski

Don’t miss out on the latest news and exclusive content – be sure to follow Carbon Studio on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Discord and join a community of avid fans eagerly awaiting the thrilling world of Crimen – Mercenary Tales.