NACON and Daedalic Entertainment are pleased to announce that they have signed a co-publishing and distribution agreement for the game The Lord of the Rings: Gollum. Developed for Xbox and PlayStation consoles, Nintendo Switch™ and PC, the game will be released in 2022.
The two companies decided to join forces to ensure that the game will meet the expectations of fans of The Lord of the Rings and fully leverage the power of the new generation of consoles. The universe will be faithfully represented thanks to the partnership with Middle-earth Enterprises, the company that holds the adaptation rights to the novel series by J.R.R. Tolkien.
As soon as it was announced in spring 2019, the game generated an enormous amount of attention amongst players and fans, and achieved a high profile through the first video showcase last fall:
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is a story-driven action adventure. Take on a perilous journey as Gollum, chasing the only thing that is precious to him. Climb, leap and sneak your way past dangers or into advantageous spots. Gollum is skillful and sly, but also torn by his split personality. It is up to you to decide whether the darker side of Gollum takes over or if there is a spark of reason left in what once was Sméagol.
Today, Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a leading publisher of online games, and Cryptic Studios announced Magic: Legends will enter PC Open Beta on March 23, 2021. Soon players will experience the thrill of becoming a Planeswalker in the free-to-play, persistent world, action RPG based on Wizards of the Coast’s iconic strategy card game, Magic: The Gathering. Over the last year, the development team at Cryptic Studios has been working closely with Closed Alpha testers to ensure that the game’s signature spell-slinging combat feels powerful and that the Multiverse stays true to that of the original card game. Starting on March 23, millions of players from around the world will be able to explore the Magic Multiverse, as Magic: Legends begins Open Beta on Arc Games. The game will make its official launch on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation®4 later this year.
“The new year ushers in a new era for Magic: Legends,” said Yoon Im, CEO of Perfect World Entertainment. “The chorus of gamers eager to join Magic: Legends’ beta has been both exciting and humbling to us all. We are thrilled to finally announce that both Magic and ARPG fans will get to explore the Magic: The Gathering world we’ve brought to life and ignite their Spark this Spring.”
“It’s hard to believe we’re finally opening the gates to the Multiverse to all gamers and Magic fans,” said Stephen Ricossa, executive producer of Magic: Legends at Cryptic Studios. “Over the last year, the development team has been working non-stop to bring this legendary card game to life. We want to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in our Closed Alpha tests for providing the feedback we needed to help evolve Magic: Legends into what it is today.”
Fans of Magic: The Gathering can attest to the fact that spell casting is the heart and soul of the game, and Magic: Legends is no different. At launch, the ARPG will offer 175 mana-based spells inspired by the original card game, plus 50 artifacts, 165 pieces of equipment, four planes and five regions. Players will explore diverse planes in the Multiverse to collect these spells and strategically construct and pilot different decks to control the chaos of the battlefield. Planeswalkers can also collect various artifacts and spell pages to modify and upgrade spells and their effects. Following ample feedback from Closed Alpha testers, Magic: Legends is also implementing an equipment system to capstone powerful, player-built loadouts. Check out the video below to get a first look at deckbuilding for Magic: Legends:
Magic: Legends is a free-to-play, persistent world, hack’n’cast online Action RPG based on Wizards of the Coast’s iconic trading card game, Magic: The Gathering. Ancient forces move in the darkness, requiring players to assume the role of a Planeswalker, powerful spellcasters who can travel between worlds. While exploring different planes, players will collect mana-based spells and strategically build out the perfect deck of balanced attacks to control the chaos of the battlefield and save the Multiverse from its greatest threat yet. Developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Perfect World Entertainment, Magic: Legends will release on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation®4 in 2021. For additional details, visit PlayMagicLegends.com.
Just released for Fallout 76, The Inventory Update kicks off a new year of upcoming content, improvements, fixes, community requests, and so much more for the ever-growing online RPG.
The Inventory Update Overview Video
Stash Increase
The Inventory Update addresses one of the most frequent requests from the community, highlighted by a whopping 50% increase to player Stash to a maximum of 1,200 pounds. Players can fill it up to their heart’s content with gear, Junk, and anything else they come across in the wasteland.
Pip-Boy Updates
The Inventory Update also includes UI improvements and updates to the Pip-Boy. Three new tabs are added to the Pip-Boy Inventory menu: “New,” “Armor,” and “Food/Drink.”
New – This tab will keep track of all the items players gather during a play session, sorted by newest to oldest.
Armor – Armor receives its own menu tab so that players can keep their gear separate from their other Apparel.
Food/Drinks – Food and drinks are now split out from “Aid” into their own Pip-Boy Inventory tab. Chems and Serums will remain in “Aid.”
Stack Weight
From now on, when players select any stackable item in their inventory, its Item Details in the Pip-Boy will show how much total weight that stack is consuming. This change allows players to see quickly and easily what in their inventory is taking up significant carry weight.
Vending Machine Map Previews
The tooltip when previewing another player’s Vending Machines on the Map will now show the number of 1, 2, and 3-star legendary weapons and armor that player is selling. Additionally, it will no longer display any empty categories.
Looking ahead, the return of the fan-favorite Fasnacht event and a new Valentine’s Day-themed event are set to arrive in February.
With one week to go before the release of Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood on February 4 2021, NACON and Cyanide are pleased to introduce a new gameplay trailer for the game.
The video highlights one of the core gameplay elements: the different forms that the Garou Cahal can shift into. Choose the Lupus form for exploration and infiltration. Choose the Homid form for stealth takedowns of guards and hacking into enemy defenses. And when your rage reaches its ferocious limit, transform into a Crinos and cut a swathe through hostile forces with your claws and teeth!
This unique transformation mechanic allows playstyle variation and different ways to overcome obstacles. Whether you choose stealth, assassination or brutal, gruesome combat, Cahal has many talents for you to use.
Team17 and Bad Yolk have announced that creative sandbox, Main Assembly, has today left Steam Early Access. Featuring a comprehensive array of freeform building tools, players can now construct an even more significant number of intricate machines and robots thanks to a brand new update launched alongside the game’s full release. The Final Frontier content introduces players to zero gravity, with a new sandbox map that includes a space station, a new space-based challenge level, the ability to add rocket engines and lasers to creations, and cosmetics so the in-game drone can cosplay as an astronaut.
Main Assembly has continually expanded during its Early Access phase, adding aquatic systems, environments, and Bot Brawls (a new game mode for players to battle against each other and their creations through online multiplayer) to the game over the last few months, regularly providing more activities for players.
Main Assembly key features:
Freeform building: Construct any robot or contraption imaginable and customise them with numerous cosmetic parts
Solo & multiplayer sandbox gameplay: Work individually to collect 156 stars in 24 single-player challenges or compete against each other in online multiplayer activities. Share inventions over Steam Workshop, and enjoy endless gameplay possibilities
Powerful visual programming: Harness the power of Main Assembly’s visual programming language to set up unique controls for creations, and even automate them with various types of sensors
Advanced physics: Experience aerodynamics and robot destruction; fly, drift, and destroy your creations.
Joel Jonsson, CEO and Creative Director, Bad Yolk, said:
“The road through Early Access has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re now at the point where we’re ready to unleash the full potential of Main Assembly. Working on the zero gravity content was the one giant leap we wanted to make before we left Early Access, and now there are a whole host of tools and toys to play with, letting players create bots great and small to experiment with and use in the sandboxes and challenges. We can’t wait to see what else players can come up with!”
Louise Chamberlain, Producer, Team17, said:
“At Team17 the collaboration with Bad Yolk has yielded some really incredible results, and we’re now ready to lift-off with a brand new update that will usher in the full version of this incredibly detailed sandbox. We’ve had a huge amount of fun creating bots and machines and increasing the amount of challenges, maps, and freeform building tools available to players, so all that’s left to do is to let players loose with the creative tools!”
Publisher Goblinz Studio (Legend of Keepers, As Far As The Eye) in collaboration with Fractale, and developer TeaForTwo Games today announced that ski resort tycoon game Snowtopia is available now on Steam Early Access. Traveling to ski resorts is an impossible dream for most this year, so Snowtopia is bringing the mountain to you. In the game, players will build their dream mountain ski resort, from forest trails and lifts, to those all-important apres-ski terraces. Ski, build and chill – the mountain is calling you!
Clip on your skis and jump straight into Snowtopia here:
Snowtopia makes resort building accessible and fun for all. There’s no money in the game, creating a new twist on the genre where resources are managed differently and the focus is squarely on skier satisfaction. The game’s snappy creation tool lets you drop pistes easily on the mountain side and add the right kind of ski lift for the terrain, while keeping an eye on the queues of impatient ski nuts of course.
Running a successful resort brings more skiers of all kinds to sample the slopes, terraces and tartiflette, so make sure you’re ready for them. Fix broken lifts, groom the pistes and run enough ski patrols to keep your visitors safe. Happy skiers will show their appreciation by joining the volunteers running the resort, making sure everything on the mountain stays in perfect shape.
During Early Access an avalanche of new features will be added to the game, including, yes, avalanches, plus dynamic weather, snow cannons, ski schools, more buildings, and new staff models. Modding is also planned for the coming months, so players can customize their dream ski resort down to the last icy detail.
Stay up to date with all the latest news on Snowtopia:
Today Plex is announcing Plex Arcade, making dozens of retro games available to stream right through Plex.
Spun out of Plex Labs, this is a passion project for Plex (which also means it’s a work in progress!). Here’s what you need to know:
Plex Arcade requires a Windows or macOS Plex Media Server (no Linux for now)
Platform support for playing includes Android (mobile and TV), iOS, tvOS, and Chrome. To get started, grab the latest Plex Media Server build and create a new Games library, just like you would any of your existing media types
Plex Arcade requires a subscription – $4.99/month for non-Plex Pass subscribers, and $2.99/month for those who already have a Plex Pass
Game controllers work great! You can use any Bluetooth or USB game controller that is compatible with your device or use a keyboard for Chrome-based gaming. For best results, Plex recommends a Sony DualShock 4 or Xbox One controller
Partnerships behind the magic:
Plex has partnered with Parsec, whose low-latency streaming technology makes fully playable game libraries within Plex possible
And of course, who better than the godfather of gaming, Atari, to bring you a catalog of classic titles right out of the box – from Centipede to Lunar Lander and more
With the addition of streaming games, Plex continues to make good on its mission to bring all types of media in one place, creating the ultimate entertainment experience offering thousands of free on-demand options, 137 free-to-stream live TV channels, and so much more.
In addition to the Plex Arcade blog and video linked above, here’s an FAQ
Smuggler Simulator, a unique game that will allow you to make a career in this very dangerous profession, will appear on the market in 2023 – announced Ultimate Games S.A. The creators will focus on stimulating players’ creativity and offering a system for procedurally generating locations and missions. The new title will also distinguish itself through, among others, an extensive crafting system and a large dose of humour. Smuggler Simulator is heading to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.
The new simulator is being developed by the Polish studio 3T Games and will be published by Ultimate Games S.A.
Smuggler Simulator is a singleplayer focused game with a 3D open world and procedurally generated missions and locations. The title will allow you to make a career in a very risky “profession” and move various goods across borders in a more or less spectacular manner. The key to success will be a cunning and creative approach to challenges, involving transferring goods and other commodities while remaining unnoticed. The extensive crafting system, as well as maintaining and upgrading tools of the trade, will also play a significant role.
According to the creators, individual tasks can be performed in different ways, and players’ creativity will play a vital role. For example, they will be able to use traditional smuggling tricks or decide to go for a solution taken straight out of Jackass. Smuggler Simulator will also offer very diverse locations in different parts of the world and, thanks to the procedural generation system, each gameplay session will prove unique.
“Smuggling is an old profession, practiced around the world both in times of progressing globalisation and during trade wars, transport restrictions and mass closing of borders. Smuggler Simulator is a completely unique proposition, in which the player will have to display great cunning and almost crazy levels of creativity. At the same time, our new game will reward you with a big dose of adrenaline and humour” – said Rafał Jelonek, CEO at 3T Games.
Smuggler Simulator – main features:
a career in a dangerous industry;
gameplay requiring a lot of creativity;
diverse locations;
unique gameplay (procedural generation);
extensive crafting system;
upgrades for tools and other equipment;
a large dose of humour.
The launch of Smuggler Simulator is initially scheduled for 2023. The game will hit PC (Steam) and consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.
The beginning of a new year is the right time to start a new journey with fresh content and features deploying in World of Tanks. Update 1.11.1 brings a new sub-branch of Italian heavy tanks with an improved auto reloading mechanic to the game. The updated Platoon system will allow you to find gaming buddies easier (without being limited to friends and contacts), and a few interface improvements make the gameplay even more enjoyable.
The new Italian heavy branch begins with the Tier VII Carro d’assalto P.88 and consists of four vehicles with great gun depression angles, well-armored turrets, and stylish exteriors. The top animal in the pack, the Tier X Rinoceronte (‘Rhinoceros’), reminds us that Italy is famous for its automotive design traditions. A distinctive feature introduced with the new sub-branch is the improved auto reloading mechanic. As well as being able to choose between firing intermittent shots or salvos, with Tier VIII–X Italian heavies you get a rebate (up to 50%) for the reloading time of your next shell—if you had to shoot just before an extra round would be fully loaded into the clip.
Along with the new branch, four sets of battle missions are being introduced, each one dedicated to a separate tank in the sub-branch and giving out an Ancient Roman-themed emblem, inscription, and decal as rewards, with the Rinoceronte set also yielding the “Testudo Formation” 2D style. The style fits Italian vehicles only, and all other customization elements can be applied to any vehicle. Each mission set is to be completed by its ‘own’ new Italian heavy, but all of them are also doable in the Rinoceronte or in the Tier VIII Premium tank, the Bisonte C45. A fifth customization collection will also be available, exclusive to Twitch Drops–check back on the Portal in the coming days for more information.
“Around 3 years ago, in May 2018, we revealed the Italian tech tree, with Gianluigi Buffon as an ambassador,” says Max Chuvalov, World of Tanks Publishing Director. “The players spent some time mastering the new mechanic, and they really liked the Italian tanks. Now we’re adding new researchable vehicles that not only complement the Italian tree, but bring their own distinctive features, in order to make the experience even more diverse and exciting. Take these awesome machines for a spin and enjoy the highly-tactical gameplay!”
Also coming with Update 1.11.1 is the Platoon 2.0 system. Available for Random Battles, it allows you to find battle buddies with ease: it’s fully automated, and the search can be performed using filters you apply. Moreover, you can team up with a friend the old-fashioned way and find a third partner using the new system if you want, and once the Platoon is complete, you’ll see the allied vehicles side by side with your current ride in your Garage.
The interface improvements that will arrive along with the update continue the tradition of integrating the best solutions from popular UI mods into the client. In the game settings, you can now activate such options as the Proximity spotting circle (showing the radius of ‘unconditional’ spotting on the mini-map) and a repair timer for damaged vehicle modules.
Fight tactically in the new Italians alongside your new buds, earn the new Roman style and don’t let any brutes stab you in the back! If you need more info on Update 1.11.1, take a look here:
Today, Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a leading publisher of live service games, and Cryptic Studios announced that Star Trek Online’s newest season, House Reborn, is available on PC and will release on PlayStation®4 and Xbox One at a later date. The beloved free-to-play MMORPG celebrates 11 years of expanding the emblematic Star Trek Universe for Captains around the globe with House Reborn, a brand new content update which kicks off Part 1 of the finale to the game’s epic Klingon War. The new season introduces two exciting featured episodes centered around Star Trek: Discovery’s L’Rell (voiced by Mary Chieffo, who originated the role) and Tenavik (voiced by guest star Sam Witwer). Captains will also discover a brand new Klingon Recruitment System, a Special Anniversary Event to earn the new Alliance Temer Rader and a complete revamp of the Klingon experience, including remastered environments, missions, stories and more. Plus for the first time ever, Star Trek Online will allow players of all factions to command any ship.
“It is truly amazing to witness how Star Trek Online continues to resonate with people after 11 years,” said Yoon Im, CEO of Perfect World Entertainment. “The Cryptic Studios team is incredibly passionate about Star Trek and has done a tremendous job of bringing the films and shows to life in the game. We could not be more thrilled to celebrate this milestone with them and our devoted players.”
“We feel so honored to be on this journey after 11 years,” said Andre Emerson, the game’s executive producer. “Each new year brings more Star Trek content than ever before and we feel like we’re just getting started. None of this would even be possible without the constant support from our players, and we would like to thank them dearly for it.”
After the Klingon Empire broke apart in House Shattered, J’Ula, matriarch of House Mo’Kai, travels to the sacred planet of Boreth. Plagued with guilt, she tracks down Tenavik (voiced by Sam Witwer from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, under the guidance of Kenneth Mitchell, who originated the role), the Klingon outcast who was first introduced in Star Trek: Discovery, with hopes that he can lead her to enlightenment. The journey won’t be an easy one, however. Players will be tasked with guiding J’Ula along her spiritual voyage, one where she will not only have to face ghosts of the past, present and future, but also descend into the pits of the Klingon underworld Gre’thor itself. There she will seek guidance from L’Rell, the famed Klingon warrior who played a pivotal role in the first few seasons of Discovery (voiced by Mary Chieffo, who originated the role). Captains will also reunite with General Martok (played by J.G Hertzler from Deep Space: Nine), Adet’Pa (voiced by Rekha Sharma from Star Trek: Discovery) and Aakar (played by Robert O’Reilly from Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine).
All this takes place across two brand new featured episodes. House Reborn also introduces a ton of new playable content for PC players to explore and exciting updates exclusively for Klingon characters. A full list of game features released with today’s update includes:
Two Brand New Episodes – In “Knowledge is Power,” Captains will play as J’Ula and return to the sacred planet, Boreth to seek guidance from Tenavik, before heading to Gre’thor to seek out guidance from L’Rell in “Leap of Faith.”
Klingon Recruitment System – Players who start a new Klingon Captain will now earn several rewards for all Captains on their account.
Klingon Revamp – This past summer, Star Trek Online began a full revamp of the Klingon Defense Force faction. With today’s update, all mission content exclusive to Klingon Captains is now fully remastered, including most environments, stories and missions, cutscenes and voice-overs from Star Trek actors like Michal Dorn (Worf) and Shannon Cochran (Lady Sirella). Updated content also includes:
Remastered Tutorial – Players will discover treachery aboard their ship and take command from a traitorous captain.
Empire Story Arc (5 missions) – Captains will travel across the empire and uncover a plot to overthrow the Empire.
Warzone Story Arc (4 missions) – After discovering the traitors of the Empire, players will join forces with Worf and House Martok.
Fek’lhir Story Arc (3 missions) – Once thought to be a legend, the Klingon demons known as the Fek’liri return to attack Qo’noS. Players will join forces with Kahless and send them back to Grethor.
Anniversary Event – Captains will be able to explore numerous episodes, patrols, and TFOs associated with the Klingon Civil War, and earn a new Alliance Klingon Bird of Prey.
Cross Faction Flying – For the first time ever, Federation Captains will have the ability to command Klingon Ships and Klingon Captains can command Federation ships. To unlock this feature, players will need a Klingon character who has reached level 65.
Free Discovery Uniform – To celebrate Star Trek Online’s 11th anniversary, all PC captains will be able to claim a free uniform from Star Trek: Discovery for a limited time.
