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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

Frank@megacatstudios.com

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.

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.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered now available for consoles & PC

AUSTIN, Texas – Feb. 14, 2025 – Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics are excited to release Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, available today on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store and GOG for $29.99. Developed and published by Aspyr, this new three-game collection features Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider: Chronicles, and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness, each remastered with improved visuals, modern control options, Photo Mode, classic cheat codes, trophies, achievements, and more.
 

Launch Trailer: YouTube
 

Aspyr has also released a new bundle, “Tomb Raider I-VI Remastered,” featuring all three titles from the acclaimed Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft (Tomb Raider I + The “Unfinished Business” Expansion, Tomb Raider II + The “Gold Mask” Expansion, and Tomb Raider III + The “Lost Artifact” Expansion) plus everything included in Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered. Grab this 6-game bundle deal today on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and GOG for $54.99.
 

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered brings the next trio of beloved, globe-trotting Tomb Raider adventures, originally developed by Core Design, to modern platforms with a variety of improvements for players to relive or experience for the very first time. Building on the success of last year’s Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft, Aspyr has raised the bar even further this time around, introducing several fresh tools to improve the experience, including the new Flyby Camera Maker, an on-screen ammo counter, a cutscene skipper, and multiple new animations.
 

Key Features

  • Enhanced Visuals: Discover remastered visuals that bring new life to environments, characters, and artifacts, with the option to toggle between classic and modern graphics on the fly!
  • New Modern Control Scheme: Choose between new modern controls inspired by later entries in the series for smoother movement and camera capability, or opt for the original tank-style controls.
  • The Return of Photo Mode: Photo Mode is back with all poses from Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft included, along with brand-new ones to commemorate the adventure!
  • Flyby Camera Maker: This new tool empowers players to create their own dynamic, cinematic shots. Map out moving camera paths through any scene, opening up a world of creative possibilities. See it in motion with this special video preview.
  • And So Much More! Enjoy a variety of quality-of-life updates like boss health bars, an ammo counter, cutscene skipper, new animations including ledge hangs and 180-degree turns, and new trophies and achievements* nodding to iconic moments from the series.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered includes:
 

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999)
 

Lara Croft uncovers the lost tomb of the Egyptian God Set, unwittingly unleashing him and fulfilling an ancient prophecy—one that plunges mankind into darkness. Pursued at every turn by her archrival, the unscrupulous archaeologist Werner Von Croy, Lara embarks on a journey of discovery across Egypt, where she must overcome the most ingenious puzzles and infernal traps ever devised while facing terrifying evil from beyond the grave.
 

Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000)
 

Following the events of The Last Revelation, Lara Croft is buried in an Egyptian tomb and presumed dead. At her memorial, those closest to her reminisce about secrets from her past. Travel back and experience Lara’s untold adventures, introducing new gameplay mechanics like stealth and tightrope balancing!
 

Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003)
 

Accused of murder, Lara becomes a fugitive on the run, uncovering a sinister conspiracy involving alchemical experiments and the search for ancient artifacts. It’s up to Lara to stop this unholy alliance from unleashing its incredible powers on the world.
 

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is available today on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG for $29.99.
 

*Trophies and achievements available on supported platforms.
 

For more information about TOMB RAIDER, follow at:

Official Website: www.TombRaider.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TombRaider Discord: https://discord.gg/Tomb-Raider YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TombRaider Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TombRaider Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TombRaider
 

About Aspyr

Aspyr is a leading video game publishing and development partner focused on maximizing the potential of games across all platforms for all players. Most recently, the organization launched Legacy of Kain™: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered and STAR WARS: Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles, available now on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Today, the company supports a growing network of partners that includes many of the industry’s leading entertainment IP holders, publishers, developers, and technology providers. Aspyr is an Embracer Group company. Aspyr is based in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.aspyr.com and follow Aspyr on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, YouTube, Bluesky, and Threads.
 

About Crystal Dynamics

Crystal Dynamics is an award-winning, best-in-class game development studio headquartered just south of San Francisco in sunny San Mateo, Calif. Founded in 1992, Crystal Dynamics has grown into a world-class studio by developing iconic franchises and keeping at the forefront of the very latest in technology and graphics. Having created beloved properties such as Gex and the Legacy of Kain series, as well as driving the award-winning, massively successful Tomb Raider franchise at over 100M franchise units sold to date, Crystal Dynamics is now laying the groundwork for the next generation of innovative and technologically stunning projects. Crystal Dynamics’ website can be found at https://crystald.com.
 

About TOMB RAIDER

The TOMB RAIDER video game franchise includes more than 20 video games, is loved by more than 160 million people around the world according to a May 2022 survey, and has sold over 100 million copies since the first entry was released in 1996. The franchise’s popularity has exploded into a series of blockbuster films based on the original Tomb Raider game and 2013 reboot. Its protagonist Lara Croft has been a contemporary global icon for over two decades and was listed as one of TIME Magazine’s 15 Most Influential Video Game Characters of All Time. The most recent “Survivor Trilogy,” comprised of Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018), garnered more than 200 “Best of” awards and nominations, and chronicles Lara Croft’s remarkable origin story. All of this continues to make TOMB RAIDER a destination brand for adventure entertainment.
 

TOMB RAIDER Related Links: Official Website, Twitter, Discord, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads
 

© 2025 CRYSTAL DYNAMICS, TOMB RAIDER, RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER, SHADOW OF THE TOMB RAIDER, LARA CROFT, LARA CROFT AND THE GUARDIAN OF LIGHT, LARA CROFT AND THE TEMPLE OF OSIRIS, and LEGACY OF KAIN are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Crystal Dynamics group of companies. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Revenge of the Savage Planet locked in for May 2025 as Raccoon Logic Announces Release Window

Montreal, 5th December, 2024 –  Raccoon Logic have revealed their self published, sci-fi adventure Revenge of the Savage Planet will release on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox one, and PC in May 2025. Shown as part of the PC Gaming Show, the new trailer also sees the return of Martin Tweed (of Journey to the Savage Planet fame), and reveals his new nemesis, Gunther Harrison, along with some never before seen gameplay.

Bringing back everything players love from their first intergalactic adventure, but bigger and better in every way – Revenge of the Savage Planet has more planets, gear, critters, laughs, and is 1000x more gooey. The second chapter in the Savage Planet universe also welcomes back Kindred Aerospace CEO Martin Tweed, as he sets his sights on knocking fellow CEO, Gunther Harrison, down a few pegs in some interstellar corporate conflict. 

Abandoned on an alien planet after your mission to colonize space is deemed too costly by Alta Interglobal, your now former employer, you’ll head out to explore strange new lands, scavenge what you can from the vibrant landscape, and repurpose your salvage in an attempt to return home. Your intergalactic exploration will see you scanning plants, capturing creatures, upgrading gear, and unearthing secrets aplenty as you jump, slide, and shoot your way across alien worlds.

Welcome Back, Explorer!
https://youtu.be/7WQ8EEDycDk?si=y9bJCHD20yKMqBVS 

Alex Hutchinson, Creative Director, Raccoon Logic said: “We’re thrilled to share that Revenge of the Savage Planet launches in May next year. This new chapter sees the return of everyone’s favorite Kindred Aerospace CEO, Martin Tweed, as he rallies the troops against his new nemesis, Gunther Harrison, the CEO of Alta Interglobal. While that’s all we can say on Tweed and Gunther for now, we hope you enjoy watching the story unfold as you explore the far reaches of space, stick your nose in every nook and cranny, and work on serving up some delicious, delicious revenge.”

Depending on your preference for pioneering, Revenge of the Savage Planet can be played solo, or co-op (either split screen / couch co-op or online!), with the latter allowing you to use the marvel of the modern day internet to play with your pals on your platform of choice with crossplay. 

An in depth look at  Revenge of the Savage Planet will drop 17th December at 2pm GMT, so stay tuned as we throw back the curtain and reveal more on some of the new planets, equipment, creatures, abilities, and laughs that await you at launch next year. 

Revenge of the Savage Planet will be available in both digital and physical formats from select retailers, with a Day One Edition available which includes an exclusive in-game ‘Hot Wizz’ spacesuit, and an aromatic scratch ‘n’ sniff art card.  

Revenge of the Savage Planet Key Features:

  • Third-Person Online Co-Op & Crossplay – Play with your best friend, partner or hellspawn on/or between any platform and now in third-person! You’ll be tasked with fully exploring and understanding these beautiful alien landscapes and uncovering its secrets.   
  • Couch Co-Op with Split Screen – Experience the nostalgia tinged joy of sitting on the same couch and playing on the same screen with someone you love, like the olden days but with 100% more corporate satire
  • Survive a FOUR Savage PlanetS – Populate your Kindex by exploring four large, vibrant worlds each with their own weird and wonderful plants and creatures. Scan everything, catalog everything, hopefully increase your clearance level… and you might even unlock new (yet still 4th best) gear! Plus… there may be more than four planets. Maybe.
  • Space Action & Adventure – Run, Jump, Shoot, Grind, Stomp, Dodge, Slide, Lasso and Grapple your way through the world! While you’re at it you’ll also be experimenting with three different types of gameplay goo, most of which are highly flammable! Overcome challenging combat encounters with alien boss battles, suggestive fauna, problematic software and maybe even a greedy CEO.
  • Habitat & Character Customization – Alien plants! Exciting gear! Weird rocks! Each planet is packed with nooks and crannies hiding all manner of rewards and secrets.  While you’re at it you can even customize yourself,  and your tiny habitat-like corner of the universe.
  • Collect Alien Creatures –  Intergalactic Hoarders can also use their Lasso to Capture and Collect dozens of strange creatures, then go visit them once they’re relocated “happily placed” in Pens outside your customizable space trailer in scenic Nu Florida.  After all, who is the real dangerous enemy, the corporate profiteers who fired you or a slimy exploding alien creature? 
  • SAVAGE PLANET FRANCHISE – Originally released on Xbox, PS4, Epic Games Store, Steam, Stadia and Switch platforms enabling fun space adventures for millions of players across the globe.  The original game earned multiple awards as a humorous, cooperative indie adventure, Typhoon Studios captured attention of press, creators and earned its Very Positive consumer ratings and Critics endorsements. 

For more information on Revenge of the Savage Planet please like us on X and Instagram, follow on Facebook and Tik Tok, subscribe on YouTube, and check out the official website. 

About Racoon Logic

A friendly pirate crew having fun making indie games, and sometimes causing mischief. Hand crafted. Super spicy. Irreverent and earnest.  We make games we want to play, for people who love discovering new wacky worlds, messing around with surprising and fresh mechanics, and playing games their own way.

For more information, please contact:

Stefano Petrullo, CEO, Renaissance PR

stefano@renaissancepr.biz 

Greg Jones, Head of Comms, Renaissance PR 

greg@renaissancepr.biz 

Rebecca Nicol, Senior Account Manager, Renaissance PR

rebecca@renaissancepr.biz  

Matthew Taylor, Content Creator Specialist, Renaissance PR 

matthew@renaissancepr.biz 

Reid Schneider, Studio Head, Raccoon Logic

reid@raccoonlogic.com

Pre-orders now live for Outbreak Shades of Horror: Chromatic Split on Xbox Series X|S!

Players can now preorder Outbreak: Shades of Horror Chromatic Split on Xbox Series X|S ahead of its October 25th launch.  Running on the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5, Chromatic Split delivers spine-tingling survival horror gameplay and high-stakes exploration just ahead of Halloween for both experienced and novice games with a wide array of difficulty settings.  The game also launches on PC via Steam on October 25th, with PS5 and PS5 Pro enhanced versions releasing in autumn 2024.
 

When Detective Lydia Daniels heads to the Cypress Ridge sewers to meet a contact, she gets much more than she bargains for on the eve of a deadly zombie apocalypse.  Chromatic Split is a standalone story bridging together the events of Outbreak The FEDORA Files: What Lydia Knows and the upcoming Outbreak: Shades of Horror.  Lydia will need to shoot, jump, climb, craft, and sneak through an expansive three act campaign if the city of Cypress Ridge is to have a chance at survival.  She’ll begin her ordeal in the city’s labyrinthine sewer system completely unarmed and at the mercy of her environment before getting access to new items that allow her to progress and fight back.  Will she discover the many secrets of the Cypress Ridge underground?
 

Early on in her exploit, Lydia will discover a lead pipe that not only allows her to combat zombies but also access new areas. Zombies are extremely dangerous and must be approached carefully; Lydia will need to employ stealth and careful movement to avoid attracting a deadly horde.  Landing strategic blows with her melee weapon will stun and even stagger zombies, but getting into large fights is not recommended. Eventually, Lydia will discover weapons like the handgun and shotgun, allowing her to dismember zombie limbs, incapacitating her foes and buying her a chance to escape and continue her journey.  With the ability to swap between third person and first person views at the press of a button, players can enjoy the game however they want!
 

In traditional survival horror fashion, Lydia’s resources are highly limited. She will need to forage through her environment to find precious crafting components, allowing her to create ammo, healing remedies, and more.  The choices are tough; does she combine gunpowder and bullet casings to build more ammunition? Or does she use it to concoct an ink jar, allowing for a one-time save?  With many materials and item types to create, managing her limited inventory is challenging; what items does Lydia keep with her, and which should be stored away into linked item boxes for future use?
 

The power of Unreal Engine 5 enables dazzling effects, massive enemy counts, and intense set-pieces. Moody and intimidating lighting mixes with terrifying sound design to fully immerse layers into the world of Chromatic Split. Lydia doesn’t have much time to take in the bloody, creepy sights as she defeats enemies and solves puzzles, but players can enjoy the slime and grime of the sewers, the decay and rotting flesh of the undead, and the sparking and flickering of subterranean machinery gone awry.
 

Beyond the main quest, Chromatic Split is rich with bonus modes and content.  Obliterate massive numbers of zombies on unique maps in the Onslaught and Besieged Modes, and escape old Cypress Ridge in the ultra-hard Looming Dread Mode. Revisit the main story, and carry over your weapons in New Game Plus.  Secret cheat codes, hidden costumes, and a multitude of achievements can be discovered and unlocked, and all modes can be enjoyed on one of six difficulties, including Assisted for players new to the game and genre.  Post-launch, expect to unleash carnage in the extra Trials of Hank side-campaign, explore optional Developer Commentary for a behind-the-scenes look at the game’s development, and more!
 

The time is nigh for Cypress Ridge, and only Detective Lydia Daniels can prevent a full zombie outbreak from extinguishing the city.  Will she be able to contain the chaos in Outbreak: Shades of Horror Chromatic Split before all hope is lost?
 

From the Developer:

“The first taste of Outbreak: Shades of Horror has arrived via Chromatic Split,” says Julia Wolbach, co-founder of Dead Drop Studios. “This standalone prologue is a tight and moody adventure built on the latest version of Unreal Engine 5, enabling a captivating world and the polished, modern gameplay that survival horror fans have come to expect.  Exploring the underbelly of Cypress Ridge and discovering a wealth of secrets along the way is both deeply satisfying and unnerving, and players will need to contend with nasty creatures and sinister puzzles to emerge victorious.  Add to that a flock of bonus modes, multiple difficulties, and a new game plus, and you have a comprehensive package bound to excite even the most hardened horror veterans.”
 

Platforms and Pricing:

Outbreak: Shades of Horror Chromatic Split debuts on Xbox Series X|S and on PC via Steam on October 25th at an MSRP of $24.99 USD.  International pricing may vary.  Pre-orders for the Xbox Series X|S edition of the game are now available.  Dead Drop Studios will also release both PS5 and PS5 Pro enhanced versions this autumn.  More specific information on launch timing and on which enhancements the game includes when played on PS5 Pro will be revealed in the future.
 

About Dead Drop Studios:

Dead Drop Studios is an indie game developer and publisher created and run by a husband and wife duo which focuses on creating retro-style survival horror games for the modern gamer. Their next announced title, Outbreak: Shades of Horror, is built in Unreal Engine 5 and brings a thrilling next-generation survival horror experience to console and PC platforms.
 

Genshin Impact Version 5.1 arriving October 9th

Singapore, September 27, 2024 – HoYoverse announced the upcoming release of Genshin Impact Version 5.1, titled “The Rainbow Destined to Burn,” on October 9th today. The main story will continue in the new region of Natlan, where Xilonen will join as a master forger and a dependable ally in combat and exploration. Meanwhile, Sumeru will celebrate the return of the Sabzeruz Festival, filled with joy, festivities, and a special birthday surprise for Nahida.
 
Check out Genshin Impact Version 5.1 trailer here:
https://youtu.be/yJ-tllvBvmI
 
Following the last Archon Quest, Natlan is in urgent need of assistance to save herself from destruction and the looming threat of the Abyss. While players and Xilonen work together to forge an Ancient Name for the Traveler, Citlali, a member of the Masters of the Night-Wind, will finally appear to lend a hand. Meanwhile, her fellow tribe member, Ororon, is devising a secret plan. Players’ efforts to rescue Natlan will be rewarded, as they can claim an additional 500 Primogems by completing the two new acts of the Archon Quest in Version 5.1. Additionally, up to 400 Primogems can be obtained by completing specific World Quests and gaining Natlan Exploration Progress.
 
Xilonen, renowned for crafting legendary items like the Pyro Archon’s sunglasses, is not only a talented smith but also an agile and reliable warrior. Unlike traditional climbers, this five-star Geo Sword wielder can skate effortlessly and execute agile leaps along cliff walls. In combat, Xilonen demonstrates versatile support skills by reducing enemies’ Elemental RES or healing her teammates, thanks to her unique combat equipment: Samplers. All three Samplers initially record Geo Source Samples, which Xilonen can instantly activate using her Elemental Skill to reduce enemies’ Geo Elemental RES while enhancing her Normal and Plunging Attack DMG. When she teams up with Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, or Electro characters, the Source Samples will undergo Elemental Conversion and change colors, but they can only be activated after maxing out her Nightsoul Points through Normal Attacks, allowing her to reduce the corresponding Elemental RES of enemies. If at least two Source Samples change color, Xilonen can activate them more rapidly, shifting her Elemental Burst from dealing Geo AoE DMG to healing nearby active teammates. Additionally, she can help the team regain a certain amount of Phlogiston by triggering a Nightsoul Transmission.
 
In the Version 5.1 Event Wishes, Xilonen will feature in the first half alongside the rerun of Chiori, while the second half brings back Nahida and Hu Tao. As more allies join the team, Natlan introduces a new Enemy Boss: the “Secret Source Constructor,” an ancient construction machine with a lethal nature that awaits challengers in a long-forgotten cave.
 
Back in Sumeru, the streets come alive with joyful rhythms during the Sabzeruz Festival, honoring the birthday of Lesser Lord Kusanali. This year, players will reunite with Dehya, Tighnari, and Collei to prepare a heartwarming birthday surprise for Nahida, taking on the special role of Knight of Flowers to escort her carriage through the festival parade. In Port Ormos, the festivities feature a series of mini-games, including “Rocking Carriage,” where players control a carriage to collect flowers and dodge obstacles; “Interreflection of Reality and Dreams,” which challenges players to spot anomalies in the dream world; and a combat challenge where participants fight as the Knight of Flowers. By earning enough Festive Fervor through these activities, players can claim various rewards, including a chance to recruit Candace for free.
 
Version 5.1 also introduces several quality-of-life improvements for the Spiral Abyss, character ascension, Artifacts, and Echo Cosmetics. In the Spiral Abyss, a new skip feature allows players to bypass Floor 9 if they achieved full stars on Floor 11 in the previous update. Similarly, players who completed Floor 12 with full stars can skip both Floors 9 and 10. Character ascension has become more intuitive, with inventory updates displaying the quantities of craftable materials. A new formula filter at the Crafting Bench will also simplify crafting management. Additionally, in the character Artifact interface, Artifact Set filters and affix sorting preferences for individual slots will now be saved, eliminating the need to reset them after each session. Lastly, Zhongli and Keqing’s Echoes can now be obtained by completing new Envisaged Echoes challenges introduced in the latest update.
 
Genshin Impact Version 5.1 will be arriving on October 9. With cross-progression and Co-Op functions, players can enjoy their adventure across PlayStation®, PC, Android, and iOS. The game has been rated T for Teen by ESRB on PS5, PS4, PC, and Google Play, and 12+ on iOS. For more information, please visit the official website (genshin.hoyoverse.com) or follow @GenshinImpact on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
 
About Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play open-world adventure RPG that brings players to the visually stunning world of Teyvat. The player takes on the role of the mysterious “Traveler,” who sets off on a journey to discover the fate of their lost sibling. Starting from Version 5.0, Natlan, the sixth of the seven nations is open for exploration. Players can explore each nation with unique cultures and vast landscapes, meet a diverse cast of characters, master the art of element-based combat, and unveil the secrets of Teyvat. With cross-progression and Co-Op functions, players can now continue their adventure across PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PC, Android, and iOS alone or with friends.
 
About HoYoverse
HoYoverse is committed to providing immersive virtual world experiences to players around the world. We have brought fans popular games including Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Honkai Impact 3rd, Tears of Themis, and Zenless Zone Zero, as well as a wide range of entertainment content.
Community is at the heart of everything we do. We are devoted to engaging fans and fostering an enthusiastic and inclusive global community that provides access and encouragement for people to share their passion for ACG (Animation, Comics, and Games) through their own creativity and skills.
Pushing the boundaries of imagination, we consistently explore cutting-edge game development technologies, and have accumulated leading technical capabilities in cel shading, cloud gaming, and other fields.
In the future, we will continue to expand our content production, technology research, and publishing duties through operations in offices in Singapore, Montreal, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Seoul, and other areas.
 
Media Contact:
Steven Ruygrok: steve.ruygrok@hoyoverse.com
Xin Yang: xin.yang@hoyoverse.com
Amos Yeo Kaizong (SEA): amos.yeo@hoyoverse.com

VALORANT

VALORANT™ now available on Xbox Series X|S & PS5

Riot Games surprises fans with VALORANT’s official launch on console in the United States and Canada, Europe, Japan, and Brazil  

Date: August 2, 2024 (9:00am PT)

What you need to know: 

  • VALORANT is now available to players in the US and Canada, Europe, Japan, and Brazil on Xbox Series X|S & PS5
  • As Riot’s first live service console game, VALORANT on console will bring the same uncompromising, competitive experience that we’ve provided PC players for years: a precise, team-based, tactical shooter.
  • Cross-play will not be available between PC and console player matches to maintain VALORANT’s renowned standard for competitive integrity.
  • Both PC and console players will receive simultaneous platform releases of all live patch balances, new agents, maps, premium content, and additional live service features.
  • Riot is a global games company and will continue to monitor other regions for further expansion onto consoles. 
  • Riot’s goal is that anyone who wants to play VALORANT can play and experience the game at the quality for which it was intended.

Quote from Arnar Gylfason, Production Director of VALORANT at Riot Games: 

  • “We’ve received so much valuable feedback from players during Limited Beta, and feel confident to deliver on our gameplay promise for console players. Whether it’s hitting that perfect shot, executing a flawless team play, or wiping out the enemy team, we look forward to seeing console players experience the same gameplay thrill as VALORANT PC players.”

Learn More:

  • Visit PlayVALORANT.com for more details about VALORANT on console and how to get started.

ABOUT VALORANT

VALORANT is a competitive 5v5 character-based first-person tactical shooter developed and published by Riot Games for PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation®5. VALORANT is a precise and lethal multiplayer game with high-fidelity gunplay, a diverse arsenal of guns, agents with unique abilities, and competitively tuned maps for unlimited hours of play. In VALORANT, players lock in their agent for the entire duration of the match and then attempt to win a round-based, attackers vs. defenders, best-of-24-rounds fight. 


VALORANT is a free-to-play game and optimized to perform on a wide variety of PC and console platforms, allowing for a global audience to compete. Demonstrated by the game’s best-in-class game server quality, global infrastructure, and proprietary anti-cheat technology, Riot Games is committed to preserving the core tenets of the tactical shooter genre and upholding the competitive integrity of the gameplay experience across all available platforms.

TRANSFORMERS: GALACTIC TRIALS RELEASES ON CONSOLES AND PC THIS OCTOBER

London, UK – 2nd July 2024 – Outright Games, the leading publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, in collaboration with Hasbro, a leading toy and game company, are thrilled to reveal first details of their upcoming video game TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials. Developed by 3DClouds and based on the iconic TRANSFORMERS brand, this unique racing adventure game, with rogue-lite elements, will give fans an intense fusion of arcade racing and robot combat. TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials will release on 11th October 2024, and will be available to play on PlayStation 4®, PlayStation 5®, Nintendo Switch™, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.
 

After the evil NEMESIS PRIME steals the Prime Relics, the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS must set out on a rip-roaring adventure to recover these artifacts and control the powers they bestow. Fans can play as iconic AUTOBOTS or DECEPTICONS, including Bumblebee, Megatron, Elita-1 and Optimus Prime and race across battle-race circuits to collect relics and beat opponents. The gameplay incorporates both traditional arcade racing in vehicle form and dynamic combat in bot-form, as players must defeat enemies and make it to the finish line.
 

As players progress and collect new relics, they will level up their skills and unlock new iconic playable characters and skins. Two game modes are available; play Galactic Trials to progress through levels and collect relics in single-player mode. In Arcade mode, grab a friend with 2-player, local multiplayer and enter a quick race, creating a custom racing experience with your track, character and weapons, or enter location-based specialized tournaments.
 

Watch the announcement trailer here

“It has been a pleasure to continue our collaboration with Hasbro and return to the world of TRANSFORMERS”, said Stephanie Malham, Managing Director of Outright Games. “With 2024 marking the 40th anniversary of this iconic IP, we are very excited to be releasing the first ever console racing video game in the franchise’s history. With the inclusion of rogue-lite elements, TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials’s gameplay complements the dynamic Transformers robots.”
 

“As TRANSFORMERS celebrates its 40th year alongside the theatrical premiere of its first fully CG-animated film, TRANSFORMERS ONE, we are proud to continue our collaboration with Outright Games to unveil an epic journey that speaks to the enduring legacy of the iconic brand,” said Eugene Evans, SVP Digital Strategy and Licensing at Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro. “With immersive gameplay, and a storyline that resonates with fans old and new, TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials is sure to ignite excitement. Through this all-new TRANSFORMERS racing experience, we continue to expand our digital offerings through strategic licensing and internal development and we can’t wait for TRANSFORMERS fans to see what else we have in store.”
 

TRANSFORMERS started life as a toy-line in 1984 and has gone on to depict the epic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons across movies, TV shows, comic books, innovative toys, and digital media. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, the TRANSFORMERS franchise is a global powerhouse spanning generations that has produced over 10 feature films, with the upcoming film TRANSFORMERS: One expected to hit cinemas this September, and countless video games, making it a household name around the world.
 

TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials will be coming to PS4®, PS5®, Nintendo Switch™, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam on 11th October 2024. Physical editions are now available to pre-order from specialist retailers.
 

GRAVEN, a Dark Fantasy FPS from 3D Realms and Fulqrum Publishing is now out on consoles

RAGUE, Czech Republic — June 25, 2024 — GRAVEN, the dark-fantasy action-adventure FPS co-published by 3D Realms and Fulqrum Publishing with development by Slipgate Ironworks™, unleashes righteous fury on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S today!

Rise as an Exiled Priest of the Orthogonal Order and embark on a mission of bloody vengeance. Guided by the divine instruction of The Creator, cleanse the Order of its corruption in hopes of saving the world from rapidly encroaching evils.

Armed with a staff and a journal, set out into dark lands using magic to spread fires, freeze rivers, charge up machinery, and more, all while finding weapons to upgrade and evil to vanquish. Explore expansive hubs, solve tricky puzzles, and uncover heresies to exhume the evil rooted across the land once and for all.

Face off against over 20 distinct enemies and challenging bosses during fast-paced combat sequences. Explore levels to uncover well-hidden secrets and engrossing side quests across three hub worlds, and experiment with different spell and ability combinations to create a satisfying and immersive gameplay loop that rewards creative solutions in a mysterious world.

GRAVEN features character designs by Chuck Jones (Duke Nukem 3D, Half-Life), with Stephan Weyte (Blood, Fire Emblem, Dusk) lending his vocal talents to this blend of classic first-person shooters and fantastical RPGs. Stand against GRAVEN’s evils solo or seek multiplayer madness with online co-op for up to 8 players.

GRAVEN is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One for $29.99 USD/€29.99. For more information, please explore the official websites for GRAVEN, 3D Realms, Fulqrum Publishing and Slipgate Ironworks™, and follow 3D Realms on Twitch, Twitter/X, YouTube, and Steam. 

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