Paradox Interactive, a developer and publisher of effective contact solutions, today announced that First Contact, the newest Story Pack for sci-fi strategy game Stellaris, will release on March 14, 2023. First Contact, a pack focused on new interactions with pre-FTL civilizations and a new cloaking technology, will add new origins, story content, and game mechanics to the growing Stellaris universe. Pre-orders for First Contact are available today at https://store.steampowered.com/app/2277860/Stellaris_First_Contact_Story_Pack/.
See how First Contact can lead to unexpected places in a new trailer:
You are not alone! The galaxy is vast and full of wonders, but it’s also full of alien empires you’re going to encounter, whether you’re ready or not. First Contact offers a set of new origins and mechanics that give players the chance to tell stories about their civilizations’ early encounters with visitors from the stars — ones that may not have come in peace!
Features of First Contact include*:
New Origins:
Broken Shackles:You didn’t take to the stars; you were taken to the stars as an alien captive! Now, you and your fellow prisoners have overtaken the ship and found yourselves banding together to survive and thrive as a diverse new community. Can you rise to greatness from this humble origin… and will your former captors take notice?
Payback: No one would have believed your world was being watched keenly by intelligences greater than your own – until they actually showed up. But you did not go quietly into the night! Your civilization has repelled a would-be conqueror from space, and with sudden access to their advanced technology, you’re about to discover just what else is out there beyond the stars!
Fear of the Dark:As you’ve explored your home system, you’ve always suspected you weren’t alone in the galaxy… especially when one of your planets suddenly suffered an “incident” a while back. A very large faction of your own people have long advocated against tempting fate out in the dark abyss of the unknown. What path will you choose as you find yourself needing room to grow?
New Pre-FTL Interaction Options: What will your role be when the next member of the galactic community tells their origin story? New mechanics allow for a broader range of interactions with pre-FTL civilizations, depending on their level of technology and their awareness of your presence. Will your arrival be celebrated, or met with violent panic?
Cloaking Technology: Nobody saw this feature coming! Equip your ships with cloaking devices to survey in secret or catch a foe unaware; keep subtle tabs on your pre-FTL neighbors with cloaked observation posts. Just be sure your own scanners and intel are strong… you never know which of your neighbors might be lurking in the shadows!
First Contactwill launch alongside the free 3.7 ‘Canis Minor’ update from the Stellaris custodians team, including gameplay improvements, adding new Archaeotechnologies to dig up in the Ancient Relics Story Pack, and more. For more information about Stellaris and First Contact, visit http://stellaris.com/.
SnowRunner, the blockbuster off-roading experience from Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment, has unveiled the latest content update coming with Season 9: Renew & Rebuild, releasing February 28. This new season for the game opens the Year 3 Pass, which will include four seasons featuring new maps, trucks and a host of cosmetics. Season 9 introduces two new maps, two new vehicles, and all-new activities based on the challenges of firefighting and recovery.
Season 9: Renew & Rebuild takes you to Ontario, Canada, a brand-new region in SnowRunner, where you’ll help a devastated area get back on its feet following ravaging wildfires. Drive off the roads of Albany River and Burnt Forest, two new 4km² maps with early autumn moods and a soothing, melancholic feel as you bring life back to a desolate landscape of burnt forests and buildings, flooded farmland, water towers and disaster relief tents.
To fulfill their mission, players will take the wheel of two new vehicles: the Derry Special 15C-177, a dedicated Heavy-class vehicle specialized in carrying water with serious torque and incredible durability, and the ZiKZ 566A, a versatile Off-Road-class truck compatible with a wide variety of add-ons.
Season 9 marks the beginning of SnowRunner’s Year 3 Pass. The pass includes upcoming seasons 10 and 11, as well as the game’s third expansion with Season 12. The grand debut of iconic brands like Kenworth and Mack, in addition to numerous new add-ons and cosmetics, will delight fans as the Year 3 Pass unfolds. On top of it all, Year 3 Pass owners will receive the exclusive Save the Day Vinyl Wrap Pack, featuring four skins for the Freightliner M916A1, Freightliner 114SD, International HX520 and Chevrolet Kodiak С70.
Season 9: Renew & Rebuild releases February 28 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. All Year 3 Pass owners will be able to download and play this content for free. Players can save money on all the content released since launch and beyond with the 2-Year and 3-Year Anniversary Editions of SnowRunner, available today. For more information, check out the game’s page on the Focus Store.
THQ Nordic GmbH and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) revealed a brand new AEW: Fight Forever match featuring Hangman Adam Page vs The American Dragon Brian Danielson as a part of IGN Fan Fest.
Developed by YUKE’s Co. Ltd, AEW: Fight Forever is the arcade wrestler that harkens back to the Golden Age of wrestling games. Players can look forward to pulling off the most current wrestling moves seen on wildly popular AEW programming. This, in addition to innovative tandem offensive moves. Online co-op wrestling is going completely next level with Tag-Team matches that feature sequences of team maneuvers performed with simple commands. A long roster of the most popular AEW wrestlers, deep career mode, wrestler customization, signature AEW arenas, multiple match types and even some good ol’ fashioned, unsanctioned fun await! AEW: Fight Forever is coming soon to to PS4™, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo® Switch. Follow @aewgames for news and updates!
As seen during the latest edition of IGN Fanfest, Bloober Team and Anshar Studios are excited to kick off 2023 by sharing an updated look at Layers of Fear and its upcoming release schedule. Get ready to experience a meticulously refined horror journey with what Bloober considers to be the ultimate Layers of Fear experience. Prepare to make peace with the unknown as you delve into the twisted and eerie stories of three obsession-driven artists in this first-person psychedelic horror game launching for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC in June 2023.
The series that defined narrative-focused first-person psychological horror is back to tell its last spine-chilling story with Layers of Fear (2023). The series’ crowning work is the definitive way to experience the critically acclaimed franchise as it features Layers of Fear and Layers of Fear 2, as well as all DLCs (including the new ‘The Final Note’ DLC that will give you a new perspective on the Layers of Fear storyline) and the never-before-told story of The Writer, which will tie everything together.
Layers of Fear (2023) was developed from the ground up using cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 technology. The game will support Ray Tracing, HDR, 4K resolution, and makes use of the Lumen system to offer the most immersive and visceral horror experience in the market. Arek Reikowski, the two-time nominee in the Best Soundtrack category of the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, and winner of the Digital Dragons Best Soundtrack award for The Medium, has composed a hypnotic score that adds an extra layer of tension to the game. His hauntingly beautiful compositions—paired with the enhanced visual fidelity made possible by Unreal—will leave players sitting on the edge of their seats with chills shooting down their spines.
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
Layers of Fear is being published by Bloober Team and co-developed by Bloober Team and Anshar Studios and will be available in June 2023. To be up to date with the latest, wishlist the game over on Steam and follow Bloober Team on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Critically Acclaimed Gamedec Definitive Edition will be available to on the PlayStation Store, this Friday and to celebrate we have released a new trailer.
The Tech of the future is so advanced that the term “real” is relative and “life” and “death” have many meanings. Virtual worlds give rise to problems of the human nature: lust, sloth, envy, and pride. The residents of these virtual game-worlds need specialists – Gamedecs – Private Investigators with experience in those worlds who work to discover the secrets and explores mechanics hidden in those realities for the commission of your clients.
YOU ARE ONE OF THEM. YOU ARE A GAMEDEC
Gamedec is an authentic RPG experience where decisions are important and come with consequences. The world in which you live adapts to each decision you make. As the story progresses, your hero adapts as well. Just like in “real” life, the consequences of your choices can be immediate, long-term, or stay hidden, surfacing only when you least expect them. Whatever you decide, the game will remain neutral without judging your choices or suggesting “better” options. It is up to you to evaluate what you’ve done.
Gamedec is available to buy from the PlayStation Store this Friday for $34.99/ £29.99/€34.99. PS5 retail copies can be purchased in Europe from 10th March with USA Physical release to follow.
Become a graduate of the Wildlife Trooper School on February 23rd! Protect the natural resources of Aurora Shores as you explore untouched nature and choose from a broad selection of hunting equipment to score the top trophies – Alaska and all its natural wonders await. Experience Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and the diverse wildlife in the upcoming expansion for Way of the Hunter: Aurora Shores!
The Aurora Shores DLC for Way of the Hunter is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on February 23rd, 2023.
As a newly graduated Wildlife Trooper, your mission is to preserve the region’s natural resources. Immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness and encounter 14 different species, from Kodiak Bears to Roosevelt Elk and beyond. As a trooper, it’s up to you to manage the delicate ecosystem by controlling the population of certain species for the benefit of others. Discover the diverse beauty and open-world habitats of Aurora Shores, from verdant grasslands to soaring mountaintops and lush rainforests. Despite the harsh Alaskan winter, the region boasts breathtaking landscapes year-round. Explore the Nianuk Rise peaks and the sprawling Aivuk Rainforest, and be captivated by the idyllic charm of this unique wilderness.
Free DLC content available
With the Aurora Shores DLC comes a free content patch for the Way of the Hunter base game, which introduces a new weapon class: Crossbows! These are the perfect weapons to hunt silently without disturbing other animals in the vicinity.
Today at IGN Fan Fest, Blizzard revealed the first look at the opening in-game cinematic of Diablo IV alongside our upcoming Early Access and Open Beta Weekend dates.
Beginning in March, players will be able to experience Diablo IV during the two Beta weekends available on Windows® PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation®5, and PlayStation®4. For those that pre-ordered Diablo IV, Early Access to the Open Beta will be from March 17 – March 19 and code redemption is live now. On the following weekend, the Open Beta Weekend will be available to everyone from March 24 – March 26.
For the Open Beta weekends, players will be able to experience a deep look into the early game including the Prologue and the entirety of Act 1 with a level cap of 25. We will be sharing much more information about the specifics of the Open Beta in the coming weeks. Check out the Diablo blog for continued updates and be sure to tune into our next developer livestream on February 28 where we’ll be covering Open Beta details and more!
Eagle Dynamics is delighted to announce the pre-sale of the F-15E Strike Eagle by RAZBAM. The F-15E is one of the most potent multi-role fighter-bombers ever developed. It first came into service in the mid ‘80s, designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An impressive array of avionics and electronics systems give the F-15E the capability to fight at low or high altitude, day or night, and in all weather.
The Strike Eagle delivered fighter aircrew several first-time capabilities. Its APG-70 radar, based on the very capable APG-63 from the F-15A-D, boasted a synthetic mapping capability that can create pictures of the target based solely on radar imaging. A self-contained, networked electronic warfare suite gives the aircraft excellent self-protection capabilities with enhanced battlespace information being delivered to the ergonomic two seat cockpit layout.
The Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) allows the aircraft to fly at low altitudes, at night and in all weather conditions to attack ground targets with a variety of precision-guided and unguided weapons. The LANTIRN system, consisting of two pods attached to the exterior of the aircraft, gives the F-15E unequalled weapons delivery accuracy. The Navigation Pod contains a Terrain-Following Radar that allows the pilot to operate at very low altitudes following cues displayed on the heads-up display. This system can also be coupled to the aircraft’s autopilot to provide fully “hands off” capability.
Each of the low-drag Conformal Fuel Tanks adapted to smoothly fit the fuselage can carry 750 gallons of fuel. The tanks hold weapons on short pylons rather than conventional weapon racks, reducing drag and further extending range. For air-to-ground missions, the F-15E can carry most of the weapons in the United States Air Force inventory including AIM-9M Sidewinders and AIM-120C AMRAAM for the air-to-air role. The “E” model also has an internally mounted 20mm gun that can carry up to 500 rounds.
The subject of this study level simulation is the F-15E Strike Eagle Suite 4E+ software installed in Strike Eagles around 2003.
Key Features include:
Advanced Flight Model that provides realistic performance and flight characteristics for the F-15E Strike Eagle with P&W F100-PW-229 engines.
Highly detailed external 3D model and textures for the most accurate F-15E currently available in any simulation software.
Highly detailed and accurate 6 DOF cockpit based on 3D scanned objects with high resolution textures, specular and bump mapping, and mouse-interactive controls.
Detailed and thorough simulation of the AN/APG-70 Radar.
Joint Tactical Information Distribution Systems (JTIDS) datalink.
Ukrainian developer Frogwares has made the decision to delay their upcoming game, Sherlock Holmes The Awakened by a few weeks.
While development of the game since April 2022 had always been challenging due to the war, the last 5 months starting in October 2022 have been extremely difficult on the team.
Initially Frogwares was aiming for a late February / early March release window but the relentless strikes on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine have forced the team to work around continual blackouts and redo their entire production pipeline. A delay of a few weeks moving the game into late March / April 2023 was therefore decided by the team.
An update video from the devs showing more of the current situation in Kyiv has been released.
“We had been trying so hard to make our planned release window, but the continual interruptions to power on top of the frequent missile attacks since October meant we had to replan and reschedule almost every month. We’re now at the spot we’re the game is content complete so we need to move into doing final QA, polishing and launch setup. To say we are tired of how much all this has derailed our day to day work since the start of winter is an understatement. But we’re doing our best to push on. Once we feel we are maybe a month away from release, we’ll be able to announce our full release date with an exact day. ” – Sergiy Oganesyan, Head of Publishing, Frogwares – Sergiy Oganesyan, Head of Publishing, Frogwares
The Awakened will be coming to PC, PS4, PS5, XB1, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.
Universal Studios Hollywood rolled out the red carpet to mark the eagerly-awaited arrival of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ to the world-renowned Southern California theme park. The energetic event was punctuated by a momentous countdown, spectacular fireworks display and special appearances by Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach, signaling the opening of this incredibly interactive and immersive land. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD officially opens to the public on Friday, February 17, 2023.
Joining in the celebration wereShigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow, Nintendo Co., Ltd; Shinya Takahashi, Director, Member of the Board, Senior Managing Executive Officer; Nintendo Co., Ltd.; Jeff Shell, CEO, NBCUniversal; Mark Woodbury, Chairman & CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, Tom Mehrmann, President & COO, Pacific Rim, Universal Parks & Resorts; and Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood.
Mario Kart!
“The opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD represents one of the most exciting times in the history of Universal Studios Hollywood and is truly emblematic of the extraordinary entertainment experiences we create within our theme park portfolio,” said Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts. “Collaborating with Nintendo and the creative genius of Shigeru Miyamoto to bring their gaming world to life as part of an entirely new theme park entertainment genre has been incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to sharing this innovative land and groundbreaking ride with our guests.”
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an all-new, visually spectacular land, located within an expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood. Within the vibrancy of colors and architectural ingenuity, the land features the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom.
Along with themed dining at Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an inspiring, game-changing addition to the world-famous theme park.
From the moment guests pass through the iconic green pipe, a journey filled with exploration, discovery and play awaits that is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Their journey begins as they enter Peach’s Castle before venturing further into the colorful Mushroom Kingdom.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD sweeps guests into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach where they become an integral part of their exhilarating universe. At a glance, this is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD:
“Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge”: This all-new, technologically advanced ride, inspired by the popular Mario Kart™ video game series, seamlessly fuses cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track. Set against a multi-sensory backdrop of color, sound and movement, guests will be seated in stadium-style, four-seat vehicles as they navigate familiar courses through the creative use and integration of head mounted AR goggles. This unique feature is a key point of differentiation that distinguishes this ride from other theme park attractions.
The premise of “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is simple but equally inspiring and challenging, appealing to guests of all ages regardless of gaming experience. As part of Team Mario, guests will steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting digital coins to defeat Team Bowser and win. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” raises the stakes for guests as an intriguing and repeatable ride with a variety of outcomes.
Mount Beanpole: This towering landmark sits at the heart of the land and also serves as the entry queue for “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.”
Bowser’s Castle: Adorned with a breathtaking sculpture of a large and powerful Bowser, this structure serves as a key centerpiece of the land, home to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s signature ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” As guests navigate the corridors and pass through the hall of medallions and trophies of the ominous castle towards the ride, they will learn more about Bowser’s calculated plans to defeat Team Mario for the coveted Golden Cup.
Power-Up Band™: These wearable, state-of-the-art wristbands sync with the official Universal Studios Hollywood’s free downloadable app to level-up the guest experience within the land and enhance its many interactive elements. These include, but are not limited to, keeping individual and team scores, collecting digital coins and obtaining keys after winning Key Challenges throughout the land. When riding “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel. By doing so, they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the app. The Power-Up Band will enable guests to enjoy “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” over and over again in an attempt to beat their best scores. Guests with a Power-Up Band may enjoy an enhanced experience when meeting Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. They are available in six design options with character themes and can be purchased both within the land and at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located within the theme park and on Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
Interactive Gameplay: Within the land, guests can enjoy many interactive areas, including punching ? Blocks to collect digital coins. They will discover a new dimension of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD via the interactive binoculars positioned within the land, employing augmented reality technology. Guests can also collect keys after winning the Key Challenges from Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic – collecting at least three keys will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.
Toadstool Cafe™: The land’s signature restaurant Toadstool Café will serve a delicious menu perfected by Chef Toad where he greets guests upon entry. Menu items prepared fresh daily include Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, Luigi Pesto Chicken Burger, ? Block Tiramisu and Princess Peach Cupcake.
1-UP Factory: What better way to commemorate a visit to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD than to visit the 1-UP Factory retail shop to purchase collectable memorabilia. The 1-UP Factory offers an extensive selection of merchandise from Mario and Luigi themed apparel to iconic character hats and an array of plush characters, including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach and Bowser.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo® and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.
