Auckland, New Zealand – April 23, 2020 – Grinding Gear Games will be releasing the sequel to the BAFTA award-winning Action RPG, Path of Exile in 2021 for PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Path of Exile 2 introduces seven new acts which will share an end-game with the original and be playable alongside its campaign. Grinding Gear Games has also taken this opportunity to overhaul its game systems, art, environments, character classes and more.
Path of Exile 2 also comes with an outstanding fresh musical score created by in-house composer, Kamil Orman Janowski who is a fan favorite among Path of Exile players due to the exceptional quality of his music and endearing persona. Behind the Music – Act One gives a behind the scenes look at upcoming Path of Exile 2 art and, most notably, a sneak peek at the new soundtrack. Kamil provides insight into his composition process, inspirations and more.
April 23, 2020 – Perfect World Entertainment and Echtra Games are excited to share a first look at the new Forts system in Torchlight III, the highly anticipated successor to the beloved Torchlight series. While the upcoming ARPG builds on the familiar hack’n’slash combat and mechanics fans loved about the original series, it also includes brand new features for adventurers to explore, starting with the introduction of Forts. When Torchlight III releases on PC later this year, players will have the opportunity to build and customize their very own fortress on the frontier. Forts allow each adventurer to leave their personal mark on the world, as these structures can be personalized and adorned with treasures that have been crafted or earned through combat. Forts also serve as an important hub where players can meet up with friends, progress their characters, plus swap out skills and entire armor sets.
All forts will be available and ready to customize in early Act 1, right after adventurers have cleared out a mob of attacking goblins. For an introduction to how the Forts System works in Torchlight III, check out latest blog from the Echtra dev team: https://www.torchlight3.com/en/news-article/11410803
PARIS — April 23, 2020 — Passtech Games and Focus Home Interactive have released the first free major content update for the rogue-lite action game Curse of the Dead Gods, currently in Steam Early Access for PC. The “Cursed Temple” update delivers new challenges imbued with fresh curses, weapons, relics and modifiers for you to take on.
The Cursed Temple brings new ways to play with the debut of the deadly Eternal Curse modes, a series of highly replayable thematic challenges with special modifiers (e.g., a constant speed increase buff, taking less damage in the shadows, or playing with a retro display). But there are side effects, so watch out! The update spices things up even further by doubling the number of available curses, increasing room and weapon variety, adding a number of fixes and balance changes, and more.
Curse of the Dead Gods is a fast-paced action game featuring intense combat challenges and a variety of powerful weapons, treasures, abilities and bosses to master. Venture deep into accursed labyrinths and slay the false deities, but beware the corruption building inside you with each step forward — these curses promise great power, but demand a high price…
The Dead Gods team is committed to bringing frequent new additions and improvements to the early access community. Upcoming updates include the poisonous halls of the Temple of the Snake, which will feature even more mechanics, weapons and adversaries to discover.
Hamburg, April 23rd, 2020 – Unfrozen and Daedalic Entertainment are delighted to announce that their popular dark fantasy roguelike RPG Iratus: Lord of the Dead leaves Steam Early Access today. Additionally, thanks to a successful Early Access phase, the first large expansion Iratus: Wrath of the Necromancer has been announced for September.
If you like challenging tactical RPGs like Darkest Dungeon and you possess a dark sense of humour, Iratus: Lord of the Dead is the game for you. Iratus rises from the dead and rebuilds his undead army of monsters from the remains of his enemies. The necromancer and his mouldy minions have hundreds of different skills you must develop and combine effectively in order to fight your way out of your crypt and get your revenge on the good guys.
With the full release comes two new epic dungeon levels, more enemies, items, quests and the three levels that have been playable since Early Access launch also have additional content. Of course, the full release also contains all content and quality of life updates that have been implemented since last year.
Iratus: Lord of The Dead was Steam No. 1 at its Early Access launch and has been very popular with the community ever since, with about 90% positive user reviews. Fans can look forward to the large expansion Iratus: Wrath of the Necromancer, coming in September, where they can once more become a megalomaniacal necromant, with more story content, additional bosses, minions and more to enjoy.
Key Features:
Play on the side of evil, embodied by the necromancer Iratus!
Expand and improve your underground lair.
Craft 18 types of obedient servants from the body parts of your conquered enemies: zombies, vampires, skeletons, mummies, banshees and many more!
Each minion has six unique abilities for a total of nearly one-hundred abilities for you to command.
Advanced combat system: to win you need to know both the strengths and weaknesses of your troops and enemies.
Iratus can kill his enemies not only by magic or claw but also by draining their sanity!
Four talent trees that alter the way you play: Alchemy, Magic, Ire and Destruction.
Roguelike elements: minions that die are gone for good and the game saves automatically, making each choice irreversible.
Detailed 2D graphics and a gloomy atmosphere of dark fantasy.
Various difficulty levels, satisfying every type of player from novice to hardcore.
Iratus himself is voiced by the voice-acting legend Stefan Weyte, famous for his performance as Caleb in the cult game series “Blood”
News and updates can be found at Iratus: Lord of the Dead on Steam.
Minsk, Belarus / Giebelstadt, Germany, April 23rd, 2020: Victor Zuev has won. The ruthless crime lord now controls the town of Ripton. All the officials are on his payroll, businessmen are at his mercy, even the local police have surrendered to his will and any opposition has been smashed to pieces. Well, not quite: there is a small rag-tag squad of true policemen, who still believe in the words “to serve and protect” and will fight against all odds to serve justice and to protect the citizens. Not all heroes wear badges …
Rebel Cops features thrilling, high-stakes tactical missions with complex turn-based strategy mechanics. No warrant required – get it today on the App Store and on Google Play.
Rebel Cops is a HandyGames premium title available for $7.99 / € 7,99 / £ 6,99. It contains no ads, micro transactions, loot boxes or other gambling mechanics. Just one price, one great game.
ATLANTA ––COV-AID™ is proud to present a massive, multi-platform, one-day online charity event on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at 1pm EDT / 10am PDT. The event will feature more than 10 hours of content showcasing popular gamers, athletes, artists and other personalities streamed across top social game-streaming platforms including Twitch, YouTube, Mixer, Twitter and Facebook. All proceeds will be donated to Americares and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help the fight against COVID-19, and to support front-line medical professionals, first responders, and families most directly affected by COVID-19.
The event will feature a mix of interactive, live-streamed competitions and performances, plus pre-recorded content from entertainers, athletes, and other personalities. Talent will include Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Jon, Super Bowl champion Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski, and many others. Additional talent will be announced.
COV-AID™ is an egoless alliance of talent, distribution and nonprofit partners coming together to fight COVID-19. Event organizers and logistical partners will earn no revenue from COV-AID. All proceeds will support the event’s nonprofit beneficiaries and their work.
“This is such an extraordinarily challenging time for people all over the world,” said United in Gaming Co-Founder Andrew Smoltz. “I am grateful to my partners for coming together for this event so we can help make a difference for Americares and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the essential workers and families they support.”
Skillshot CEO Todd Harris added: “Everyone is at home. Everyone. Some people are feeling isolated and we figured this was a great moment for digital-native talent to step up and take the lead in bringing people together, albeit remotely, to enjoy each other’s company while also addressing the urgent challenges we all face.”
“We’re especially thankful for our amazing talent, all of whom are all donating their time to participate in this event,” added Uspech Marketing Consultants Founder Jennifer Erdman. “No one involved in COV-AID is taking any fee or percentage, which allows us to ensure every penny raised goes directly to these two essential organizations at this critical time.”
Americares is providing desperately-needed personal protective equipment (PPE), training and emotional support to ensure health workers on the front lines of the pandemic can continue their lifesaving and life-changing work.
“Americares is heartened to see such an outpouring of support to help health workers on the front lines of the pandemic,” said Americares President and CEO Christine Squires. “With support from COV-AID, we can provide even more masks, gloves, gowns and essential training to protect our health care heroes.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of America is committed to remaining open to support the children and families of front-line medical professionals and essential workers while also providing meals and virtual learning at thousands of Clubs around the country.
“For 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs have navigated times of tragedy and crisis to provide safe places for kids and teens. Today, we are committed more than ever, to ensure Club staff, members, families and communities have the resources and support they need to navigate these uncertain times,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of America President and CEO Jim Clark. “Thank you to COV-AID and its partners for helping support our work during this critical time.”
For more information, or to make a donation, please visit cov-aid.org.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands – April 22, 2020 – On May 22, 2020, the critically acclaimed survival horror game Monstrum is coming digitally to PS4™, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The physical release is postponed to a later date due to the current global developments related to COVID-19. Monstrum combines deadly AI driven predators and permadeath within a procedurally generated container ship level, to create a truly re-playable horror experience on the open seas. A brand new trailer has released today to accompany the news.
A Nautical Horror
In Monstrum, players awaken trapped on a massive, derelict cargo ship with no knowledge of how they got there. Hunted by a horrific predator, they must scavenge the ship for clues and tools to find a means of escape. Left completely defenseless against a prowling beast; the only way to survive is to distract, hide, or slow the creature down before running for your life. Players only have one chance; permadeath and no save points means that once killed, they’ll have to start from scratch – so try not to get caught!
The procedurally generated ship not only ensures you stay lost in the labyrinth of rooms, pathways, and items that change with each new game, but also randomizes the monster hunting you too… so brace for the unexpected.
PARIS – April 21, 2020 – Blackbird Interactive and Focus Home Interactive have announced that the first-person zero-g spaceship salvaging sim Hardspace: Shipbreaker will enter Steam Early Access on June 16. To celebrate, the team today released the first episode in a new developer diary series diving into the making of this very unique game.
This first episode introduces you to Hardspace: Shipbreaker’s gameplay and universe, where you’ll use cutting-edge tech to carve up massive vessels in outer space to recover valuable loot for the corporation you’re indebted to. Cut up ships however you choose, slicing panels, fuel lines, hull infrastructure and more — with each choice, Hardspace: Shipbreaker responds dynamically to your actions, creating new potentially explosive physics objects to manage.
Although best known as the studio behind Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak and the upcoming Homeworld 3, developer Blackbird Interactive was inspired by the real history of skyscraper construction and rig workers to create a sandbox game with a blue collar atmosphere and true-to-life physics. Blackbird’s recent collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Project Eagle, an interactive demo of how a future Mars base might operate, further fueled the drive to deliver a creative demolition sim that feels playful yet complex and lived in.
Hardspace: Shipbreaker will arrive in early access with a variety of exciting features, including the first act of the story campaign, two classes of spaceship to chop up, and multiple upgradeable tools and perks. Throughout early access, the team will release new ships, missions, challenges, leaderboards, modding support and more based on feedback from the community.
You can wishlist Hardspace: Shipbreaker now on Steam. The game is also in development for PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.
Vienna, Austria/ Munich, Germany, April 21st, 2020: He’s almost quicker to the draw than his own shadow, and his bullets always hit their mark. When the smoke from his revolvers slowly clears, you can read it clearly: JUNE. 16. 2020. Yeeehaw, folks! Desperados III finally has a release date, presented by the notorious gunslinger John Cooper himself.
So shoot it into your calendars, Desperados III will be available for PC, Xbox One™ and PlayStation®4 on June 16th, 2020.
Watch the brand new John Cooper Trailer:
Watch the slightly spiced up Collector’s Edition trailer:
Desperados III is available for pre-order now on PC at an SRP of € 49.99 / $ 49.99 / £ 44.99 (PC). For the early adopters: The Digital Deluxe Edition is available for pre-order for the price of the Standard Edition for a limited time! Make sure to shoot first, and ask questions later.
The physical side of things always gets some love from everyone here at THQ Nordic and has been up and running for quite som time. The Collector’s Edition is available for pre-order now and comes in hot at an SRP of € 109.99 / $ 109.99 / £ 99.99 (PC) and € 119.99 / $ 119.99 / £ 109.99 (PlayStation®4 and Xbox One™).
Digital pre-order for consoles will start soon with an SRP of € 59.99 / $ 59.99 / £ 49.99 (PlayStation®4 and Xbox One™).
Check out our entire vendor’s tray over at the pre-order website: https://desperadosgame.com/#order-here
LOS ANGELES – April 21, 2020 – WarnerMedia today announced that its highly anticipated streaming platform HBO Max will officially launch May 27th, 2020 and has unveiled its slate of premium Max Originals that will be available to viewers on DAY ONE. The slate includes the scripted comedy Love Life, starring Anna Kendrick; Sundance 2020 Official Selection feature documentary On the Record; underground ballroom dance competition series Legendary; Craftopia, hosted by YouTube sensation LaurDIY; the all-new Looney Tunes Cartoons, from Warner Bros. Animation; and Sesame Workshop’s The Not Too Late Show with Elmo (full program details available below.) Starting May 27th, HBO Max will offer an impressive direct-to-consumer experience with 10,000 hours of premium content including the entire HBO service, together with beloved franchises, titles past and present from Warner Bros., the best of the best from around the world, and a monthly offering of new Max Originals which guarantee something for everyone in the house – from preschoolers to teens to grownups – with scripted and unscripted series, docs, animation for kids and adults, and movies.
Today’s announcement comes with an exciting first look at the line-up of Max Originals to debut on the platform on day one.
“Our number one goal is having extraordinary content for everyone in the family, and the HBO Max programming mix we are so excited to unveil on May 27th will bear that out,” said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of Warner Media Entertainment and Direct-To-Consumer. “Even in the midst of this unprecedented pandemic, the all-star teams behind every aspect of HBO Max will deliver a platform and a robust slate of content that is varied, of the highest quality, and second to none. I’m knocked out by the breadth and depth of our new offering, from the Max originals, our Warner Bros library and acquisition titles from around the world, and of course the entirety of HBO.”
“Consumers will quickly see that HBO Max is set apart by a foundation of loved brands built over decades but stitched together with a distinctive voice and product experience,” added Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer, HBO Max, President, TNT, TBS, and truTV. “Our team has meticulously selected a world class library catalogue and collaborated with top creators across all genres to offer a monthly cadence of original series and movies that we will program and promote for cultural impact.”
“It is thrilling to be approaching the launch of HBO Max so we can finally share the first wave of content our teams have been developing in partnership with a group of unparalleled creators,” said Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max. “The originals slate available at launch represents a diverse range of unique voices emblematic of the quality and scope of our programming still to come.”
After the initial launch, Max Originals will continue to premiere on the streamer at a regular cadence through summer and fall including The Flight Attendant, starring and executive produced by Kaley Cuoco, from Berlanti Productions and based on the novel by New York Times bestselling author Chris Bohjalian; the highly anticipated Friends unscripted cast reunion special; all-new original episodes of the critically acclaimed DC fan favorite Doom Patrol; the return of the critically beloved mystery comedy Search Party with a brand new season; the three-part documentary series Expecting Amy, an unfiltered and intimate view into comedian Amy Schumer’s life on tour creating a stand-up special during her difficult pregnancy; sci-fi series Raised by Wolves from director and executive producer Ridley Scott, the award-winning creator behind The Martian, Gladiator, and Blade Runner; the adult animated comedy Close Enough, from J.G. Quintel (creator of Cartoon Network’s Emmy-winning Regular Show), a hilarious look at the surreal life of a millennial family living with roommates; and Adventure Time: Distant Lands- BMO, the first of four breakout specials resurrecting Cartoon Network’s Emmy and Peabody award-winning franchise Adventure Time.
HBO Max will pull from WarnerMedia’s deep library of fan favorites including motion picture and TV series from Warner Bros.’ 100-year content collection, New Line, library titles from DC, CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, Rooster Teeth, Looney Tunes, a selection of classic films curated in partnership with TCM, and more. HBO Max will also offer an extensive selection of third-party acquired series and movie titles that stand out in the expanding marketplace.
Inspired by the legacy of HBO’s excellence, unparalleled quality, and innovative, award-winning storytelling, the new offering will be bundled with the HBO service including all of HBO’s premium originals such as Westworld, Big Little Lies, Game of Thrones, Sex and the City, Veep, The Wire, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Insecure, Succession, Watchmen, Barry, Euphoria, The Jinx, The Sopranos and more.
Highlights of the extensive WarnerMedia portfolio of programming and acquisitions that will be available on day one include the libraries of Friends; The Big Bang Theory; (new)
Doctor Who; Rick and Morty; The Boondocks;The Bachelor; Sesame Street; The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air; CW shows such as Batwoman, Nancy Drew, and Katy Keene; the first season of DC’s Doom Patrol; The O.C.; Pretty Little Liars; the CNN catalogue of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown; and much more. Soon after, the platform offering will continue to grow adding the libraries of South Park, Gossip Girl, The West Wing, and more within the first year of launch.
In addition to series, specials, and docs, HBO Max will feature a library of more than 2,000 feature films within the first year. Audiences will be able to watch 700 blockbuster films via the HBO service, including Crazy Rich Asians, A Star is Born, Aquaman, and Joker, as well as films acquired specifically for HBO Max via Warner Bros., the Criterion Collection, and the acclaimed Studio Ghibli. Streaming for the first time ever in the U.S., 20 films from Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli animation house will be available on HBO Max at launch, including Academy Award® winner Spirited Away and Academy Award nominees Howl’s Moving Castle and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, as well as fan favorites My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Ponyo, and Kiki’s Delivery Service. Fans of all ages will be able to enjoy these wonder-filled films any time they want.
In addition to the premium acquired content on the platform, the WarnerMedia portfolio gives HBO Max the opportunity to curate from 100 years of the most iconic films ever made, as well as access to a library of new theatrical hits. Available films will include Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, The Matrix, The Goonies, When Harry Met Sally, The Lord of the Rings, Citizen Kane, Gremlins, and the Lego movies, along with every DC film from the last decade, including Wonder Woman, Justice League, and every Batman and Superman movie from the last 40 years.
HBO MAX ORIGINALS AVAILABLE ON DAY ONE, MAY 27th:
CRAFTOPIA
Craftopia is an epic kids crafting competition show hosted and executive produced by YouTube influencer Lauren Riihimaki aka (LaurDIY). Creating and demonstrating crafts to over 8.9 million subscribers on her YouTube channel, LaurDIY has been deemed the “millennial Martha Stewart” by Forbes. On Craftopia, 9 to 15-year old contestants put their imaginations to the test and make their crafting dreams come true in a magical studio. After racing to fill up their carts with inspiring materials from the studio “store,” crafters meet larger-than-life challenges, making truly inventive and amazing creations in order to take home the ‘Craftrophia.’
Craftopia is executive produced by Rhett Bachner and Brien Meagher for B17 Entertainment.
LEGENDARY
Pulling directly from the underground ballroom community, voguing teams (aka “houses”) must compete in unbelievable balls and showcase sickening fashion in order to achieve “legendary” status. The cast includes MC Dashaun Wesley and DJ MikeQ as well as celebrity judges Law Roach, Jameela Jamil, Leiomy Maldonado, and Megan Thee Stallion. From Scout Productions, Emmy Award ® winners David Collins (Queer Eye), Rob Eric (Queer Eye) and Michael Williams (Queer Eye) serve as executive producers. Jane Mun (People’s Choice Awards, MTV Music Awards, America’s Best Dance Crew) and Josh Greenberg (Lip Sync Battle, Sunday Best, America’s Best Dance Crew) serve as executive producers and showrunners.
LOVE LIFE
Love Life, the first full-length scripted series to star Oscar® nominee Anna Kendrick, is about the journey from first love to last love, and how the people we’re with along the way make us into who we are when we finally end up with someone forever. This fresh take on a romantic comedy anthology series is from creator and co-showrunner Sam Boyd (In a Relationship) and is produced by Lionsgate Television and Feigco Entertainment. The series will follow a different protagonist’s quest for love each season, with each half-hour episode telling the story of one of their relationships. Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect, A Simple Favor) stars in the first season along with Zoë Chao (Downhill, Strangers), Peter Vack (Someone Great, The Bold Type), Sasha Compere (Miracle Workers, Uncorked), and Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread, Another Year).
Kendrick serves as an executive producer alongside Paul Feig (A Simple Favor, Bridesmaids) and Dan Magnante (Someone Great). Sam Boyd, who wrote the pilot and directs, also executive produces with co-showrunner and executive producer Bridget Bedard (Transparent and Ramy).
LOONEY TUNES CARTOONS
Looney Tunes Cartoons, an all-new series from Warner Bros. Animation starring the cherished Looney Tunes characters. Looney Tunes Cartoons echoes the high production value and process of the original Looney Tunes theatrical shorts with a cartoonist-driven approach to storytelling. Marquee Looney Tunes characters will be featured in their classic pairings in simple, gag-driven and visually vibrant stories. The new series will include 80 eleven-minute episodes, each comprised of animated shorts that vary in length and include adapted storylines for today’s audience. Fans can also look forward to holiday-themed specials. Looney Tunes Cartoons is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and features a talented group of voice cast members including Eric Bauza, Jeff Bergman and Bob Bergen. Pete Browngardt (Uncle Grandpa) and Sam Register (Teen Titans Go!) serve as executive producers.
THE NOT TOO LATE SHOW WITH ELMO
Elmo is the host of his very own talk show and he’s going to bring you some (not-too-late) fun with an all-new, celeb-studded talk show series. This brand-new “primetime” series brings familiar Sesame Street friends like Elmo, Cookie Monster, celebrity guests, and laughs the whole family can enjoy! Elmo will interview guests such as fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and John Oliver, comedian John Mullaney, New York Times best-selling author Kwame Alexander, actress Blake Lively, and award-winning musical acts Lil Nas X and The Jonas Brothers.
The Not Too Late Show with Elmo is produced by Sesame Workshop.
ON THE RECORD
Directed and produced by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering (The Hunting Ground, The Invisible War), and first reported by the New York Times, On The Record presents the powerful haunting story of music executive Drew Dixon (collaborator on hit records by Method Man and Mary J. Blige, Estelle and Kanye West, and Whitney Houston) as she grapples with her decision to become one of the first women of color, in the wake of #MeToo, to come forward and publicly accuse hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons of sexual assault.
The documentary, which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews, chronicles not only Dixon’s story but that of several other accusers – Sil Lai Abrams, Sheri Sher– delving deeply into the ways women of colors’ voices are all too often silenced and ignored when they allege sexual assault; as well as the cultural forces that pressure them to remain silent.
On The Record is produced by Dick and Ziering’s Jane Doe Films with Dan Cogan, Geralyn Dreyfous and Jenny Raskin for Impact Partners, Regina K Scully for Artemis Rising, Ian Darling for Shark Island Institute and Abigail Disney for Level Forward serving as executive producers. The creative team includes producers Jamie Rogers and Amy Herdy.
