This will be fun to see again..
The original version of the 1977 Star Wars will return to theaters on February 19, 2027, for the film’s 50th anniversary.
For more info: https://bit.ly/4pSjs15
Star Trek Gaming in the 2000s
I did some mod work on 4 different Starfleet Command games, and never actually played the campaigns all the way through. There was ‘Starfleet Command’ ‘Starfleet Command II: Empires At War’ ‘Starfleet Command: Orion Pirates’, Starfleet Command 3′, and limited work on ‘Bridge Commander’.
For Starfleet Command I created a ‘TNG’ Mod. For ‘Empires at War’ there was a TOS and a TNG Mod. ‘Orion Pirates’ was the quite fun with the ‘Universe at War’, very popular. Starfleet Command 3 was TNG already, but we made it so much better. My Bridge Commander mod work was limited to lots of new maps to fly around in.
With Universe At War we had a ‘dynaverse’ that was quite popular. That was an ‘all eras’ mod covering all eras of Star Trek.
The 2000s were filled with Star Trek gaming.
This image is from The Ultimate Universe Mod for Star Trek: Legacy – our crown jewel.
Email me at chrisjones@chrisjonesgaming.net if you like.
Backyard Baseball ’01 releasing on Steam & mobile devices July 8th
CHICAGO – June 30, 2025 – Following the chart-topping success of the relaunch of Backyard Baseball ’97, Playground Productions will launch Backyard Baseball ‘01 on July 8th on Steam and mobile devices. As part of the announcement, 28 of the original 31 MLB Pros are returning to the game including Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and Cal Ripken, Jr. Mega Cat Studios, which developed the other Backyard games relaunched over the past year with Playground Productions, will develop ’01 as well.
Similar to the remastered ’97 game, the 2001 relaunch will include the classic gameplay for touch and modern PC controls. Backyard Baseball ‘01 will include official MLB marks, including usage of individual team logos, names and likeness.
“We’re honored to partner with MLB to bring this iconic game to modern gaming devices for the first time. Backyard Baseball ‘01 was a game-changer in many ways—introducing some of the sport’s biggest legends into the Backyard universe,” said Lindsay Barnett, CEO, Playground Productions. “We can’t wait for fans to relive the joy of building their dream team with both our beloved original characters and baseball’s greatest pros from that unforgettable era.”
“Backyard Baseball stands out with a special place in so many fans’ memories thanks to its endearing qualities and features that were especially rare for a video game of its time. We are really excited to play a small part in authenticating this revitalization with MLB marks and look forward to the full circle moment where those who played this beloved game as children can bring it to a new generation in their families and friends,” said Jamie Leece, MLB’s Senior Vice President, Gaming & Virtual Reality.
The news comes on the heels of Playground Productions’ announcement in mid-June that Backyard Baseball ’97 is now available on Nintendo Switch and PS5. In October, Playground relaunched Backyard Baseball ’97, which quickly became a global top selling sports game on Steam, and in November, the company re-launched “Backyard Soccer ’98 on Steam.” In March, Baseball ’97 launched on mobile in iOS and Android as the #1 game in sports, family and kids games on the iOS app store for paid games.
Contact:
For Playground Productions and Interview Requests:
Brandon Shaw
Brandon@BShawCommunications.com
For Review Requests:
Frank DiPersio
PR Manager, Mega Cat Studios
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit Physical Editions Now Available Worldwide
LOS ANGELES – June 20, 2025 – iam8bit, together with developer Mega Cat Studios, launch physical editions of the chilling adventure Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit. Starting today, fans can buy the physical retail edition and iam8bit Exclusive Edition for Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X|S with Smart Delivery.
The ‘Available Now’ trailer can be viewed here.
The iam8bit Exclusive Edition, which includes a haunting glow-in-the-dark poster, three Sticker Sheets and the digital soundtrack, is available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S with Smart Delivery for $34.99.
Physical editions for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S with Smart Delivery feature the main game on a cartridge or disc as well as the digital soundtrack for €29.99 / £25.99 from retailers worldwide.
All physical editions of Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit can be bought from intothepit.iam8bit.com.
Fans in North and South America who purchase the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 versions of the game will receive their shipments after Tuesday, July 1.
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit is the latest haunting action-adventure game in the Five Nights At Freddy’s universe. Players must survive five nights of terror by traveling between time periods to solve puzzles, gather clues, and outrun the threats relentlessly in pursuit. By moving swiftly and staying hidden, players just might survive. But be careful—it’s not just their life that’s on the line this time.
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About iam8bit
iam8bit is a creative production emporium that’s been boldly redefining the entertainment industry since 2005. Its collaborative works have taken a variety of forms, including groundbreaking community events, immersive art experiences, and exclusive collectibles, all designed to bring surprise and delight to people’s lives. iam8bit played a crucial role in the vinyl renaissance, minting its first record in 2010, and is the industry leader in premium physical editions of top-tier games. iam8bit evolved into financing and publishing games under its iam8bit Presents imprint, including the smash hit Escape Academy and its upcoming sequel; Petal Runner, a love letter to Game Boy Color-era RPGs; and the chill vibes simulator Simpler Times. The company is based in Los Angeles and co-owned/co-creatively directed by Jon M. Gibson and Amanda White. Visit iam8bit.com or follow @iam8bit on Instagram or Twitter.
About Mega Cat Studios
Founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mega Cat Studios strives to deliver unforgettable experiences for gamers of all generations. With our hearts firmly planted somewhere in the 1990s and gazes set on the future, our team combines a passion for crafting new retro classics with an unwavering commitment to delivering compelling current-gen content.
Backyard Baseball ’97 now available on Nintendo Switch and PS5
CHICAGO, June 12th, 2025 – Children’s and family entertainment company Playground Productions today announced the long-awaited console debut of “Backyard Baseball ’97.” The widely beloved game that teed up a generation of kid-powered sports entertainment will be available on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 beginning June 12th.
Following recent chart-topping success on Steam, Android, and iOS devices—where the game hit #1 across multiple categories and was named an Apple editorial pick—the console release continues Playground Productions’ mission to preserve and celebrate the nostalgic fun of the original Backyard Sports titles. The June launch marks a major milestone as Backyard Baseball ’97 is brought to console for the first time.
“Whether you grew up playing on a family desktop or are just discovering the magic for the first time, this game’s pick-up-and-play charm, funny characters, and nostalgic art style remain unrivaled,” said Lindsay Barnett, CEO of Playground Productions, which owns Backyard Sports, in announcing the launch. “It’s an incredible retro game that celebrates the joy of play, and we’re proud to bring it to kids and families everywhere – in the living room or on the go.”
To celebrate Backyard Baseball 97’s console debut, publisher Playground Productions and Mega Cat Studios have released a new trailer, offering a front-row seat to the nostalgic action. Watch the Backyard Baseball ’97 console announcement trailer here for Switch and here for PlayStation
Remastering the original Backyard Baseball game to modern devices was no walk in the ballpark, as the team did not have the source code from the original game. Developer Mega Cat Studios, alongside a dedicated team of passionate fans, made the impossible possible earlier this year – unlocking the game through reverse engineering of the source code for modern console play.
“For 28 years, this game has held a singular place in sports and game-lovers’ hearts,” said James Deighan, Founder and CEO, Mega Cat Studios. “To be able to bring this game back to life for the modern gamer, to expand the base of those who enjoy playing it, and to have those two audiences play together is a privilege and a pleasure for all of us. We’re excited to bring this to continually new audiences.”
For more information on the launch and Backyard Sports, visit Playground-Productions.com or follow @playground.productions.
Contact:
For Playground Productions and Interview Requests:
Brandon Shaw
Brandon@BShawCommunications.com
For Review Requests:
Frank DiPersio
PR Manager, Mega Cat Studios
Step into Tales of The Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game in Wholesome Direct Showcase
At the Wholesome Direct digital showcase today, Wētā Workshop welcomed viewers home to The Shire in a brand-new trailer for the Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings™ Game featuring charming gameplay, serene surroundings, and in true Hobbit fashion – plenty of food.
The new trailer gives glimpses of life in Bywater, meeting new friends and familiar faces. Decorate your own Hobbit hole, exactly as you like, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in The Shire. Bask in colourful seasonal changes as you stock up your pantry by fishing, gardening, foraging and trading ingredients for shared meals with friends. Your fellow Hobbits don’t need an excuse for a party, they’re just waiting for your invitation….when you’re ready, of course!
You can check out the full trailer here. Additional assets can be downloaded here.
In addition, those eager to jump in can wishlist the game now on PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S!
From the creative studio Wētā Workshop, live the cosy life of a Hobbit in the wonderfully serene landscape of The Shire. Discover, decorate, and share in this peaceful corner of Middle-earth. Launching on July 29, 2025, for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the game will be available digitally and physically worldwide. Pre-orders for the $39.99 Retail Edition and iam8bit Exclusive Edition are available now for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 at talesoftheshire.iam8bit.com.
For all the latest updates on the game, follow Tales of the Shire on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds ™ Warps into Stores this September
Burbank, Calif. – June 6, 2025 – Today, during the Summer Game Fest 2025 livestream, SEGA® announced Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will release on September 25, 2025, and is available for pre-order now for PlayStation®5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC starting at £64.99.
Physical pre-orders for Nintendo Switch™, Nintendo Switch™- OLED Model, and Nintendo Switch™ Lite are available now starting at £54.99 with digital pre-orders coming soon. The Nintendo Switch 2 system version will be coming at a later date and will be available starting at £64.99. There will be a paid upgrade path available for owners of the Nintendo Switch version. Keep an eye out for more details soon!
To celebrate, SEGA shared a new trailer showcasing the high-octane action players can expect this fall:
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds features a huge roster of everyone’s favorite characters from the Sonic universe, which will continue to grow after launch with the addition of familiar faces from other SEGA franchises including Joker and Kasuga Ichiban, and even guest characters like Hatsune Miku and more. These characters will be available to all players for free through a series of game updates.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Digital Deluxe Edition expands the roster even further with playable characters from the hit Netflix series, Sonic Prime and a Season Pass that brings guest characters, vehicles, and tracks from other iconic entertainment franchises such as Minecraft to race alongside Sonic and friends.
Fans who pre-order the Digital Standard or Deluxe editions of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will receive an additional character – Sonic the Werehog from Sonic Unleashed™ – along with a special vehicle and decal! Look forward to more details soon!
Please see below for more information on each offering:
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – Physical Standard Edition
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch- OLED Model, and Nintendo Switch Lite – £54.99
- PlayStation®5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC – £64.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 version available at a later date
- *PRE-ORDER BONUS – Sonic Unleashed Sonic the Werehog character + vehicle + decal
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – Digital Standard Edition
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch- OLED Model, and Nintendo Switch Lite – £54.99 PlayStation®5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC – £64.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 version available at a later date
- *PRE-ORDER BONUS – Sonic Unleashed Sonic the Werehog character + vehicle + decal
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – Digital Deluxe Edition
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch- OLED Model, and Nintendo Switch Lite – £69.99
- PlayStation®5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC – £79.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 version available at a later date
- Season Pass
- Play the game three days early (September 22, 2025)
- Early Access not available for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch- OLED Model, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch 2
- Sonic Prime Playable Characters
- Knuckles the Dread
- Rusty Rose
- Tails Nine
- *PRE-ORDER BONUS – Sonic Unleashed Sonic the Werehog character + vehicle + decal
Race across land, sea, air, time, and space in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Warp through Travel Rings into new dimensions where something new awaits around every twist and turn. Speed to victory solo or as a team in a variety of offline and online modes and compete against players from around the world. Build the ultimate machine to match your racing style, unlock gadgets to gain the upper hand, and unleash power-up items for the win!
Key Features:
- Ready, Set, Warp!
- Introducing Travel Rings, a new gameplay mechanic that transports the iconic characters from the Sonic and SEGA universes into new dimensions, making every race feel unique. Players can use unpredictability to their advantage with Travel Rings and change the landscape of each race!
- Race Across Space and Time
- With the largest roster of any Sonic Racing game, players will be able to choose from 23 characters and race across 24 main tracks and use Travel Rings to transport to 15 different CrossWorlds.
- Level Up Races with Gadgets
- Prior to the race, players will be able to equip and combine Gadgets that give different perks to shake up the race for more unique ways to play. Choose from over 70 gadgets to increase vehicle and power-up performance.
- Utilize a Deep Customization System
- Players can mix and match vehicle parts, powers, and abilities to create a customized racing experience suited to their gameplay style.
- Extreme Gear is Back!
- Having first appeared in Sonic Riders™, the long-time fan favorite Extreme Gear flying hoverboards, are back for some extreme fun in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
To pre-order Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds today, please visit the official Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds website or check with your preferred retailer for pre-order availability.
To stay current on Sonic the Hedgehog news, follow Sonic on X, Instagram, and TikTok, like him on Facebook, and subscribe to the Twitch channel and the YouTube channel. For even more game-specific details and updates, follow the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds X account. Also, don’t forget to visit the SEGA e-shop at shop.sega.com to purchase products for the SEGA fan in your life.EN PEGI: https://youtu.be/evUV88SFKAk
About SEGA of America, Inc.
SEGA of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA CORPORATION, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment. Established in 1986, SEGA of America publishes innovative experiences for console, PC, mobile and other emerging platforms. SEGA is the first publisher to rank #1 three separate times (2016, 2020, and 2024) in Metacritic’s Game Publisher Rankings. Its globally beloved franchises include Sonic the Hedgehog, Total War™, Like a Dragon, Football Manager™, Virtua Fighter™, and Crazy Taxi™, along with Atlus’ Persona series and the critically acclaimed new IP, Metaphor: ReFantazio™. The company is also expanding its transmedia strategy, with numerous film and TV projects underway across multiple franchises. SEGA of America has offices in Irvine and Burbank, California. Visit www.sega.com.
ⒸSEGA. All rights reserved. SEGA is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. SEGA, the SEGA logo, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG and SONIC RACING CROSSWORLDS are registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA CORPORATION. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are property of their respective owners.
Minecraft
© 2025 Mojang AB. TM Microsoft Corporation.
© 2025 Mojang AB. TM Microsoft Corp.
TM & © Mojang AB.
Undying Flower Now Available on Steam
[Indonesia] May 16, 2025 — Undying Flower, the debut title from Indonesian indie studio Calcatz, has been released on Steam. Published by indie.io, this emotionally charged interactive narrative invites players to confront grief, trauma, and buried guilt through the surreal journey of a young woman named Nala. Blending exploratory gameplay with symbolic storytelling, players follow Nala as she’s guided by a mysterious entity known only as The Flower, and must relive the most painful moments of her past in search of peace. Request a Key for Undying Flower
The story begins with an experimental treatment that allows Nala to enter a dreamlike realm where memory and emotion shape reality. In this world, players explore pivotal moments from both Nala’s life and the life of her late grandfather, experiencing two sides of the same tragic memory. Through interactive storytelling, players piece together what happened between them and whether anything can be changed.
At the heart of this experience is the Memory World: a space constructed entirely from Nala’s recollections, shaped by The Flower’s interpretation of her past. Initially a blank void, this world gradually fills with emotionally charged objects known as Memory Fragments. Some float in the space like fleeting impressions, while others are grounded, vividly detailed, and tied to specific moments. These fragments—along with symbolic statues and color-coded emotional cues—create a layered, abstract environment where emotion outweighs realism, and every element carries a story.
While the journey Nala takes is surreal and dreamlike, the regret that drives it stems from something painfully human: a misunderstanding between two people who love each other. Undying Flower explores how something as simple as a single argument—a moment that could happen in any family—can spiral into a lifelong source of guilt. That tension between the ordinary and the otherworldly is what gives the story its emotional weight.
“Undying Flower is a story of ‘What if,’” says Eien Nagi, Game Director at Calcatz. “What if a simple misunderstanding—something as ordinary as an argument—could lead to the biggest regret of your life? Regret is irreversible. But what if you were given a chance to change it… would it really go the way you want? We’re excited to see how players interpret the story, sit with the emotions, and reflect on what it means to forgive.”
Players can experience the surreal and emotional journey today on Steam for USD $9.99, with a limited-time discount where players can save 10%. Join the conversation and share your reflections with the developers on X/Twitter and their Steam Community.
Assets
Streaming Trailer
Marketing Assets
ABOUT CALCATZ
Calcatz began in 2015 in the room of a college student with a belief that “video games are the ultimate form of art.” Now a six-person indie studio based in Indonesia, Calcatz blends local cultural inspiration with global emotional themes to craft interactive experiences with meaning. Undying Flower is their debut release—a passion project years in the making.
Find out more at Calcatz’s official website.
ABOUT INDIE.IO
indie.io is home to hundreds of the world’s most innovative independent video games and developers. Founded in 2020 by Donovan Duncan and Ben Robinson – industry veterans with a collective 40 years of experience across the video game landscape – our mission is to provide support to independent developers and set the standard for gaming creation, management, and promotion. Our tools and services include marketing, QA, playtesting, partnership deals, and distribution to all major platforms to maximize your visibility, revenue, and engagement to ensure long-term success – with no upfront costs. You may know us from Echoes of the Plum Grove, HumanitZ, the Dark Deity franchise, and Coromon!
We’re powered by a worldwide team of 35 remote employees; a mix of semi-professional esports players, developers, and gaming enthusiasts whose passion and technical know-how fuel the company’s mission. As industry experts, we dedicate ourselves to providing innovative marketing support services and integrations; as players, we want to discover and elevate the creators of exceptional, inspiring, and unexpected games of every genre. Join us on our quest to cultivate a vibrant global community of players and creators alike!
Vagrus – the Riven Realms Console Versions Announced
Lost Pilgrims Studios, developer and publisher of Vagrus – the Riven Realms has announced the release for their critically acclaimed game on consoles, bringing it to PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Vagrus – The Riven Realms is a niche blend of strategy, RPG, and interactive novel set in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world where the player takes on the role of a vagrus, a caravan leader trying to make a living in the bleak wasteland. To celebrate this event, Lost Pilgrims presents a trailer for the console releases.
These releases will incorporate both already existing free DLCs with players also being able to purchase all other existing and future DLCs separately, including the forthcoming At the Heart of Ruin, scheduled to release in 2025, and the already available Sunfire and Moonshadow, as well as Old Acquaintances.
Described as a complex, difficult, well-written, and lore-rich game by the majority of its players, Vagrus is an absolute curio on today’s market, with nothing quite like it on the console platforms when it comes to the blending of genres and depth of content. The developer has also noted just how much impact those fans have had on the porting of the game to consoles, most of which concerned the UI and UX decisions the team had to make.
Vagrus – the Riven Realms and its attendant DLC content is available for purchase digitally on the 31st of March on their respective console digital marketplaces and stores, such as the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store. For Nintendo, please visit the respective store page of your country/region.
