Developer Starbreeze and publisher Deep Silver today announced two new additions to the PAYDAY crew arriving in PAYDAY 3. Joy, a supporting character in previous games, and Pearl, an all-new heister, have joined up with Dallas and the rest of PAYDAY 3 crew and will be playable at launch. This thrilling announcement is accompanied by the first details of the high-level post-launch content plan for PAYDAY 3.
Pearl and Joy will join the original gang of clown-masked criminals (Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf, and Chains) for a total of six heisters available when PAYDAY 3 launches this month.
Pearl is an expert con artist and infiltrator who is as comfortable running scams on the street as she is rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. She leaves nothing to chance, and it’s a rare occasion when things don’t go her way. Make no mistake though, she plans for every contingency, even the rare occasions where she has to pull out her own weapons.
Joy is a genius hacker and security expert who is now an official part of the crew. As a merciless heister, Joy is a dangerous combination of strength and subterfuge. With no respect for the law and a twisted sense of humor, Joy is a wildcard character who ends up being an ace during any heist.
High-level post-launch plan:
Starbreeze is excited to share the content and updates players can look forward to for Year One post-launch content. The high-level post-launch plan includes the following updates:
DLC 1 – Syntax Error set for Winter 2023
DLC 2 – Boys in Blue is set to release in Spring 2024
DLC 3 – The Land of the Free will release in Summer 2024
Greetings commanders! “Star Trek Fleet Command” is embarking on a three-month celebration of the game’s 5th anniversary, starting with a special video available today, just in time for Global Star Trek Day!
Over the course of September, October and November, special contests, experiences, giveaways and more will roll out, including real-world activities and immersive in-game events. The festivities are intended to honor the game’s legacy; celebrate the dedicated player community who has made the award-winning, massively-multiplayer online game endure and thrive; and offer fans a glimpse of what’s in store for the future.
Highlights of the 5th-anniversary celebration are below, and check here for more information:
Beginning today, fans can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles and attend an exclusive live screening of Star Trek First Contact at the Paramount lot. The sweepstakes runs through Sept. 25.
Next month, all players will receive a bespoke personalized look back at their in-game commander achievements, to celebrate how each Commander has valiantly navigated the cosmos and left their own stamp on the “Star Trek Fleet Command” universe.
Next month, all players will receive a bespoke personalized look back at their in-game commander achievements, to celebrate how each Commander has valiantly navigated the cosmos and left their own stamp on the “Star Trek Fleet Command” universe.
Next month, all players will receive a bespoke personalized look back at their in-game commander achievements, to celebrate how each Commander has valiantly navigated the cosmos and left their own stamp on the “Star Trek Fleet Command” universe.
Celebrate 25 years of the award-winning NBA 2K series featuring new ProPLAYTM* technology, Crossplay**, a new MAMBA MOMENTS™ mode and more
Today, 2K announced that NBA® 2K24, the latest iteration of the top-rated NBA video game simulation series, is now available worldwide on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo SwitchTM family of systems, and PC***. Players can experience the past, present, and future of hoops culture with innovative updates in NBA 2K24. A focus on increased realism and competition are at the forefront of the newest entry with the introduction of immersive ProPLAY technology and crossplay functionality for New Gen, alongside so much more.
“NBA 2K24 is a special entry for us because we get to celebrate one of basketball’s greatest players of all time – Kobe Bryant – and the 25th anniversary of the series,” said Greg Thomas, President at Visual Concepts. “We’ve ushered in a new era of 2K, thanks to the groundbreaking ProPLAY technology delivering the most authentic and realistic NBA 2K gameplay to date. NBA 2K24 also introduces new updates to our beloved modes with incredible details that will delight gamers and basketball fans alike.”
NBA 2K24 features a series of innovations, from ProPLAY, a brand-new beachfront City*, to the MAMBA MOMENTSTM mode and more, including:
UNPARALLELED REALISM* – NBA 2K24 New Gen introduces ProPLAY, a groundbreaking new technology that directly translates actual NBA footage intoNBA 2K24 gameplay. ProPLAY delivers animations and movements via on-court NBA action for a generational leap in authenticity on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
GAME RECOGNIZESGAME – New gameplay innovations in NBA 2K24 deliver an elevated basketball experience for all. Experience next-level gameplay and lifelike visuals as players compete with their favorite NBA and WNBA teams. Showcase your deep arsenal of moves with revamped interior defense and dribble combo controls for more rewarding skill-based actions and effectiveness. Enjoy pure, authentic action with up-to-date rosters and historic teams bringing players even closer to the game like never before.
MAMBA MOMENTS™ – In the all-new mode, players can recreate some of Kobe’s most dominant and captivating performances during his rise to global superstardom. Revisit his early career triumphs as a young phenom, and progress through his transcendent journey from elite scorer to one of the greatest players of all time.
HOOP IN PARADISE – Explore the brand-new City on New Gen as you flex your skills with non-stop hoops. Take in the vibrant and sun-soaked beachfront views during the day and explore the electrifying and vivid atmosphere as night falls. Step up your game with your MyPLAYER in a new picturesque Neighborhood (for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC) filled with streamlined quests as they rise to the top. Players can take control of their legacy in MyCAREER and ascend from a generational talent to a Hall of Famer as they chase greatness and championships along the way.
MANAGE YOUR MyTEAM – MyTEAM is back with foundational changes delivering one of the most all-encompassing card-collecting modes in the industry. Draw from the past and present using today’s All-Stars and all-time legends to form a squad capable of dominating single player and multiplayer modes. MyTEAM features a collection of innovative improvements, including an all-new salary cap mode, while maintaining its signature competitive feel.
PURSUE GREATNESS WITH THE W* – Pick your path in NBA 2K24 and become one of the greatest players The W has ever seen. New Gen players on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles will be able to take on their rivals in the all-new “Pursuit of Greatness” feature and climb the ranks with the GOAT meter that tracks in-game performance. Compete in 3v3 street games, complete challenges, and unlock exciting rewards on the way to becoming a legend on the court.
MyNBA* – New to MyNBA will be the LeBron era, beginning in 2011. Players can guide their team against, or even with LeBron and take their franchise to the next level against some of the all-time greats. Also coming to NBA 2K24 is MyNBA Lite, a casual, easier to navigate version of the main mode aimed at players who just want to make a few moves and get on with the action.
18-time All-Star, five-time NBA Champion, two-time Finals MVP, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, all-time leading scorer for the Los Angeles Lakers and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, Kobe Bryant is featured as the NBA® 2K24 KOBE BRYANT Edition and BLACK MAMBA Edition cover athlete. The KOBE BRYANT Edition is available for $59.99**** on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC and $69.99**** on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The BLACK MAMBA Edition is available for $99.99**** on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch family of systems, and PC. In addition, the limited availability 25th Anniversary Edition will be available through September 10, 2023, for $149.99**** on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
Players in the U.S. and Canada can also purchase an exclusive GameStop version of the game, the NBA® 2K24 WNBA Edition featuring WNBA All-Star, NCAA all-time triple-doubles leader and New York Liberty guard, Sabrina Ionescu, on this year’s cover. A full breakdown of each available version is available on the NBA 2K24 official website.
Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K24 is rated E for Everyone from the ESRB. For more information on NBA 2K24, please visit https://nba.2k.com/2k24/.
Paradox Interactive and Nimble Giant Entertainment today announced that their upcoming grand strategy game Star Trek: Infinite, under license from Paramount Consumer Products, will launch on Mac and PC on October 12, 2023. Players can now pre-order either the base game or Digital Deluxe Edition, granting them access to bonuses like skins, ships, and special voiceover. Star Trek: Infinite takes players on an interstellar saga with its emergent gameplay and complex choices, as they face the powers of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants.
Players who pre-order Star Trek: Infinite will receive the following bonuses:
● Star Trek: Lower Decks uniform options
● The U.S.S. Cerritos, a science ship with special options for minor nations (Second Contact)
● A Klingon advisor voice line, “Qapla”
The Digital Deluxe Edition (DDE) of the game includes a digital artbook, the game soundtrack, and an in-game music pack featuring iconic compositions from across Star Trek’s illustrious legacy.
Beginning decades before the Star Trek: The Next Generation era, Star Trek: Infinite grants players the power to shape the galaxy’s destiny as a faction of their choice. The immersive grand strategy game puts players in the captain’s chair to lead one of four unique Quadrant Powers: The United Federation of Planets, Romulan Star Empire, Cardassian Union, or Klingon Empire. While remaining faithful to Star Trek lore, Star Trek: Infinite introduces fresh avenues for adventure as players can explore the Alpha and Beta quadrants, govern empire dynamics, handle economic intricacies, and engage with undiscovered civilizations. To learn more, please visit the website and stay tuned for further information and updates on the game’s official Twitter, Instagram, and the Paradox Interactive YouTube channel. The game is now available to pre-order for Mac and PC via Steam.
‘Impossible Objects’, the fourth episode of The Expanse: A Telltale Series, has been released. Drummer has been stranded, left behind by the crew of The Artemis in yet another mutiny. Now, she must hatch a desperate plan to escape the mysterious station where she’s been marooned. Drummer must explore and scavenge what she can to survive, but who will come to her aid now? Belters always find a way.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series is available now as a Standard Edition ($39.99 USD) and a Deluxe Edition ($44.99 USD) for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, and for PC on the Epic Games Store. Players who purchase the game today will get immediate access to Episodes 1, 2, 3 and 4, with Episode 5 to come on September 21st.
Players who purchase the Deluxe Edition will also receive the ‘Archangel’ bonus episode, starring Shohreh Aghdashloo, reprising her role as Chrisjen Avasarala, Secretary-General of the United Nations in The Expanse.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series is the first new game from leading narrative game developer and publisher Telltale, renowned for titles such as The Wolf Among Us, Batman: The Telltale Series, and The Walking Dead, since its reformation in 2019.
Fulqrum Publishing and PLAION are thrilled to announce that King’s Bounty II, successor to the unique and critically acclaimed turn-based tactical role-playing King’s Bounty series, is out today in an enhanced version for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. This improved release features dynamic 4K (only on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5), a performance mode enabling 60 FPS, faster load times, and generally enhanced performance.
About King’s Bounty II:
Darkness descends over the world of Nostria. Conspiracies, sabotage, and necromancy are overshadowing the country. Counties are demanding independence, bandits prowl the roads, and rumors about the overwhelming power of Blight emerge from a whisper in the dark. The old King Claudius was poisoned and cannot lead the kingdom, and so his son, Prince Adrian, must now unite the struggling lands while his power and faith fall under attack. But maybe a savior – the kingdom’s last hope – is already here, to fight back and finally restore peace and order in Nostria?
King’s Bounty II allows players to pick one of three heroes – each with their own personality and unique skill set – and journey out into the fantasy world of Nostria. There is much to explore – from recruiting, developing, and commanding your personal army to venturing into a non-linear world full of betrayal, sacrifice, and survival. With big bustling towns, small hamlets, frozen wastes in the north, wide grasslands, and oppressive wetlands to brave, King’s Bounty II offers the largest open-world Fulqrum Publishing has ever created.
Forge your own destiny in King’s Bounty II, out now for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This enhanced version comes with a free upgrade and save file compatibility for current owners on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
To learn more about King’s Bounty II, visit https://kingsbounty2.com/en/
“Goosebumps,” the chilling new series inspired by R.L. Stine’s worldwide bestselling Scholastic book series, is set to debut across both Disney+ and Hulu on Friday, Oct. 13, it was announced today. From Disney Branded Television and Sony Pictures Television, the 10-part series will launch with a five-episode drop as part of Disney+’s “Hallowstream” and Hulu’s “Huluween” celebrations, with subsequent new episodes streaming weekly. Additionally, the series’ first two episodes will air on Freeform on Oct. 13th, as part of its “31 Nights of Halloween” programming. A premiere date teaser and new images were also released as part of today’s announcement.
“R.L. Stine’s ‘Goosebumps’ franchise is a pop culture phenomenon that holds a special place in the hearts of people of all ages,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “We are delighted to bring this spooky new series to audiences everywhere in a big way on Disney+ and Hulu, which we hope will not only captivate new audiences with its elevated thrills and chills, but also lifelong fans nostalgic for the stories that are a staple of their generation.”
Plunging viewers into a world of mystery and suspense, the new “Goosebumps” series follows a group of five high schoolers as they embark on a shadowy and twisted journey to investigate the tragic passing three decades earlier of a teen named Harold Biddle — while also unearthing dark secrets from their parents’ past.
Published by Scholastic, “Goosebumps” is one of the bestselling book series of all time, with more than 400 million books in print in 32 languages. The new television series draws on elements from five of the most popular middle grade books including “Say Cheese and Die!,” “The Haunted Mask,” “The Cuckoo Clock of Doom,” “Go Eat Worms!” and “Night of the Living Dummy.”
“Goosebumps” stars Justin Long (“Barbarian”) and Rachael Harris (“Lucifer”), alongside newcomers Zack Morris (“EastEnders”), Isa Briones (“Star Trek: Picard”), Miles McKenna (“Guilty Party”), Ana Yi Puig (“Gossip Girl”) and Will Price (“The Equalizer”).
Nicholas Stoller (“The Muppets”) and Rob Letterman (“Pokémon Detective Pikachu”) developed the series and serve as executive producers, alongside Hilary Winston (“Community”), Neal H. Moritz (“Fast & Furious” franchise”), Scholastic Entertainment’s Iole Lucchese (“Clifford the Big Red Dog”), Pavun Shetty (“The Boys”), Conor Welch (“Platonic”), Scholastic Entertainment’s Caitlin Friedman (“Stillwater”), Erin O’Malley (“New Girl”) and Kevin Murphy (“Desperate Housewives”). James Eagan (“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”) and Nick Adams (“BoJack Horseman”) serve as co-executive producers.
Through September 20, new and returning customers can subscribe to Disney+ Basic (with ads) for $1.99/month for three months by visiting www.disneyplus.com.
Razer™, the world’s leading lifestyle brand for gamers, today unveiled the latest addition to its award-winning BlackShark headset line: the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed. This wireless, ultra-lightweight esports headset elevates the standard, delivering non-stop comfort and extraordinary performance for marathon gaming sessions.
Heavyweight Performance in an Ultra-Light Form Factor
Weighing a mere 280g, the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed is the lightest wireless BlackShark headset in existence. With its optimized weight reductions and improved clamping force, this headset creates a perfect seal for focused gameplay. The new headset also comes equipped with breathable hybrid fabric and plush leatherette memory foam cushions, offering unparalleled comfort that endures throughout extended gaming sessions. Comfort is the name of the game.
Crystal-Clear Team Comms with the Razer™ HyperClear Super Wideband Mic
At the heart of competition, team communication is key. Enter the HyperClear Super Wideband Mic, first heard on the award-winning BlackShark V2 Pro 2023. This next-generation bendable mic captures such incredible detail that every shot call sounds clear, rich, and natural, unmatched by other current wireless headsets. With high-definition, pro-level voice quality, strategizing and executing plans with your team has never sounded better. These factors position the HyperClear Super Wideband Mic at the zenith of all wireless headset mics – remaining unrivaled by its competition. Maintaining the legacy of the patented Razer™ TriForce Titanium 50 mm Drivers known for their superior audio quality, the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed allows gamers to hear audio cues clearly.
Robust Razer™ HyperSpeed Wireless Technology and a Staggering 70 Hours of Battery Life
The BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed comes equipped with Razer’s industry-leading HyperSpeed Wireless Technology, ensuring maximum responsiveness and reliable connectivity. The extended cable design minimizes electronic interference, and the Razer SmartSwitch button enables smooth transitions between PC and mobile devices, making the switch between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity effortless with a single button press. Boasting an impressive 70-hour battery life from a single charge, gamers can stay focused on the competition without having to constantly check battery levels. When the battery does need to be replenished, the Type-C charging cable is positioned for audio transmission as well – allowing for wired usage whenever preferred or needed.
For more information on the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed, please visit Razer.com.
1C Game Studios announces development of a new large-scale project, an action/adventure game called The War of the Worlds: Siberia, inspired by H.G. Wells’ classic science fiction novel.
In an alternate 1896, Earth was the target of a massive Martian invasion. The War of the Worlds: Siberia takes place in Russia, where several characters attempt to save themselves by fleeing panic-stricken Petrograd and head for the eastern end of the Russian Empire.
The War of the Worlds: Siberia features:
Thrilling action/adventure experience
Unique setting of the Russian Empire under the rule of alien invaders
An intricate story with memorable characters who represent classic archetypes of 19th-century Russia
Shootouts with dozens of weapons, from cap-lock rifles and black powder pistols to the Maxim machine gun
Stealth elements and spatial puzzle
“We’ve always dreamed about making a ‘What if?’ kind of game,” explains 1C Game Studios director Albert Zhiltsov. “What if the invasion wasn’t limited to Victorian Britain and instead took place all over the world? We wanted to include Russia in that story. During that period, the country was a powerful empire, plagued by internal struggles. An alien invasion is a historical trigger, much like the revolution of 1917: all the issues accumulated over the years spill out all at once.”
Andrey Shumakov, producer of The War of the Worlds: Siberia: “When we were developing the concept of Siberia, our main inspirations were emotionally resonant, narrative-heavy games that are not so common nowadays. Our primary goal is to tell an interesting and believable story, introduce the player to a cast of colorful characters and immerse them in a large-scale spectacular adventure.”
Sergei “SerB” Burkatovskiy, scriptwriter, author: “The idea of The War of the Worlds was formed almost twenty years ago, during a once-popular Video Game Developer Conference in 2005. Martian tripods against the snowy Siberian landscape, Cossacks versus aliens—how cool is that? For years this idea was slowly brewing, so to speak. We were learning to make our own games, watching what others were doing, and today the moment has finally come when we can say we’re doing this!”
Sergei “Serb” Burkatovskiy is a scriptwriter and author of novels. Sergei has been working in IT since 1997. In 2009-2014 he was the lead developer on the World of Tanks team.
Serenity Forge and This I Dreamt today announced that Long Gone Days, the gripping narrative-driven RPG set in a war-torn version of our world, is headed for release on Oct. 10 across PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch for $24.99. Today’s news was unveiled alongside a new trailer showcasing the game’s gorgeous pixel art and the first-person combat system players will encounter as they step into the shoes of Rourke, whose entire worldview is shattered when he enters a war he has trained for his entire life:
Rourke’s life was always predetermined. As a child of The Core, he was chosen from birth to be a sniper. Just like that, training for this role became his world. But on his first mission, he realizes that the war he’s been training for his entire life isn’t what it seems, and everything changes. Rourke never anticipated being called a deserter, but there has to be a way to stop this war and end the bloodshed: https://serenityforge.com/games/long-gone-days
In Long Gone Days, embark on a journey where you will grapple with numerous real-world complexities, including an intricate web of language barriers. Every encounter becomes a pivotal moment, as the ripples of your choices extend to shape the fates of those around you. Can you rise above these formidable barriers, forging connections that transcend linguistic confines, or will the unforgiving grasp of warfare shatter the fragile bonds you endeavor to build? The answers lie in your hands, as you navigate a narrative that delves deep into the essence of shared humanity.
Unfortunately, peace is elusive in Long Gone Days, and Rourke’s expertise as a sniper frequently comes into play. Spot and take down targets from afar or engage up-close in strategic, turn-based combat where specific parts of an enemy’s body can be targeted. Rourke’s shots will change the world and plot of Long Gone Days.
Explore diverse cities, meet grounded, realistic characters and make choices that will change lives when Long Gone Days launches on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch on Oct. 10.
Stay in the loop on all things Serenity Forge by visiting the team’s website and Twitter page.
