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Watch Dogs Creator, Jonathan Morin Joins NetEase Games Montréal

NetEase is excited to announce Jonathan Morin as the new Creative Director for NetEase Games Montréal. Jonathan brings more than 24 years of experience making AAA games. He played a key role in shaping the critically acclaimed Watch Dogs franchise at Ubisoft and vastly contributed to the Far Cry series and other AAA brands in the past.

Jonathan will help lead NetEase Games Montréal to create a new IP, powering NetEase’s mission to become one of the biggest video game publishers in the world. The arrival of Jonathan at NetEase Games Montréal follows multiple announcements of major talent hires, as well as new NetEase studios, including Quantic Dream in France, Jackalope games in Austin, and Nagoshi studio in Japan.

Established in 2019, NetEase Games Montréal has allowed the global publisher to secure a foothold within one of the world’s most thriving video game development hubs, as NetEase sets its ambitions to enter the console and PC AAA market.

Jonathan Morin mentioned the following regarding his new position:

I am excited to announce my new adventure as Creative Director at NetEase Games Montreal. I am privileged to join a passionate and talented new team to create our own IP. This is the beginning of something special for me and I cannot wait to say more…

NetEase Games is the online games division of NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES and HKEX: 9999), developing and operating some of the most popular mobile and PC games in markets including China and Japan. As one of the world’s largest incubators of quality online game content, NetEase Games is dedicated to supporting the growth of innovative studios around the globe and growing an international presence along the way. To complement its self-developed games and world-class R&D capabilities, NetEase Games also partners with other industry leaders including Blizzard Entertainment, Mojang AB (a Microsoft subsidiary), and other global game developers to operate some of the most popular international online games in China.

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Scorn Releasing A Week Early – 14 October

Developer Ebb Software and publisher Kepler Interactive are ready to welcome you to their upcoming horror adventure one week earlier than planned. Initially set for Oct. 21, players will now be invited to envelop themselves in its Scorn’s nightmarish hellscape from Oct. 14, 2022.

Scorn takes players into an isolated, strange, dream-like world. Left unguided to fend for themselves, players must explore Scorn’s interconnected bio-labyrinth, learning its rules and mastering grotesque puzzles along the way as they come to understand their own predicament

By uncovering secrets and gathering the strange bio-mechanical tools that seem to have been used by the civilization that previously called this world home, surviving might just be possible. Finding the truth, however, is an entirely different question.

Scorn will be available on Xbox Series X|S (day one with Xbox Game Pass) and PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GoG). Let us know what you think about the game and whether or not you are interested in checking it out at launch.

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PC Building Simulator 2 Launches October 12, Pre-Orders Live

Spiral House and Epic Games announced that PC Building Simulator 2 will be released on the Epic Games Store on October 12. The sequel to the 2018 cult hit, PC Building Simulator 2 is available to pre-purchase from Oct 5 for 10% off the regular price of £19.99/€24.99/$24.99. As a “thank you,” players who participated in the free open beta test earlier this year will receive a 15% discount off the regular price through the end of 2022.

Developed by veteran Liverpool, UK development team Spiral House, and published by Epic Games, the game pushes the limits of virtual PC creation, rendering players’ dream machines in more detail than ever before. With over 1,200 officially licensed parts from industry giants like AMD, Intel, Nvidia, and enthusiast brands like Thermal Grizzly, players will be able to customize and optimize their builds to the next level. And yes – that means even more RGB.

Alongside a challenging new 30+ hour career mode, the simulator brings improved graphical fidelity, a host of new features to deepen the PC building experience, and steps up the realism of hardware and software simulation.

Since launching in early access in 2018, the PC Building Simulator franchise has gone from strength to strength, with two career mode expansions and seven workshop DLCs selling over 2 million copies, plus an additional 11 million players claiming the title for free on Epic Games Store in September 2021. PC Building Simulator 2 builds on the original’s recipe for success with an expanded and improved feature set, making those dream PC builds look and function more realistically than ever.

PC Building Simulator 2 will be available from October 12 on the Epic Games Store for £19.99/€24.99/$24.99.  Let us know what you think about the game and whether or not you are interested in checking it out. I for one played the previous game ever since it was released in early access and enjoyed it a lot.

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Skull And Bones Delayed Again, Open Beta Announced Ahead Of Launch

Ubisoft announced that Skull and Bones has been delayed to March 9, 2023, on Xbox Series X | S, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Amazon Luna, and Windows PC through the Epic Games Store and the Ubisoft Store. Players can also subscribe to Ubisoft+ on PC, Stadia, and Amazon Luna to access the game on day one.

An Open Beta will be held ahead of the game’s worldwide launch to ensure players get a firsthand look at the dangerous world of Skull and Bones. Players will have the opportunity to discover the game’s unique take on the piracy fantasy, its gritty naval combat as well as the immersive and beautiful seas of the 17th-century Indian Ocean.

While the game development is finished at this stage, the extra time will be used to further polish and balance the experience using players’ feedback from our Technical tests and Insider Program which happened over the past two weeks. This is the right decision both for our players and for the long-term success of the game as March 9, 2023, provides for a suitable release window for this very unique new brand.

Ubisoft also confirmed its full-year 2022-23 financial targets are unchanged. It is worth mentioning that the game has been delayed for the 5th time and I for one am wondering whether this game is ever going to come out.

Let us know what you think about Skull and Bones being delayed yet again and whether or not you are interested in playing the game.

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Amazon Games Details New Content in Lost Ark September Update

The September “Rage with the Machinist” Update arrives in Arkesia tomorrow. Downtime for the update will begin on September 28 at 12AM PT (7 AM UTC) and is expected to last 4 hours. Downtime for regions with server merges is expected to take longer, estimated at up to 16 hours. The Machinist arrives in Arkesia armed to the teeth with the highest-tech machine guns, laser weapons, and drones found in Arthentine— ready to blast, burn, and neutralize any threat with surgical precision. An old threat also resurfaces in the next Legion Raid; Mayhem Demon Legion Commander Kakul-Saydon and his dangerously alluring Midnight Circus. Here is what you need to know about the September update for Lost Ark.

Lost Ark September Update

Machinist Advanced Class

The Machinist is armed to the teeth with highest-tech machine guns, laser weapons, along with a Drone capable of remote, precise strikes and unique attacks. When standard weapons and drone strikes aren’t enough to take down a target, the Machinist can activate their identity skill and suit up in cutting-edge technology with the Hypersync ability. Energy cores for the high-tech Hypersync suit can be charged by landing attacks, and once entered, Hypersync core energy will be expended by abilities until the Machinist runs out.

The Machinist joining the Deadeye, Gunslinger, Artillerist, and Sharpshooter as the fifth Gunner Advanced Class. Learn more about the Machinist in the recent Lost Ark Academy focused on detailing its identity, Engravings, and skills.

Kakul-Saydon Legion Raid

Kakul-Saydon enters the fray as the third Legion Raid. In this raid, you’ll face the insanity of the Midnight Circus as you battle members of the Mayhem Legion and Legion Commander Kakul-Saydon. No revives are available mid-battle, so be ready to fight for your life. Differing from Valtan & Vykas, Kakul-Saydon is a four-player Legion raid. This Legion Raid has 3 gates, and is complete with a swathe of new unique characteristics, abilities, and mechanics.

While players will need to be Item Level 1475 to attempt the Normal difficulty of the raid, an easier version of the raid called Midnight Circus: Rehearsal can be entered by players at Item Level 1385 to practice the difficult mechanics and teamwork required to vanquish the Mayhem Legion.

  • Rehearsal and Normal Modes share a weekly lockout per character. A character that clears Rehearsal Mode first will not be able to do Normal Mode that week.
  • Once a player has completed Normal Mode Kakul-Saydon in a given week they can no longer clear Rehearsal Mode that week on any character.
  • Doing Normal Mode first will grant the rewards that would have been obtained in Rehearsal Mode, in addition to all of the Normal Mode rewards.

A new special training feature has been added, and can be accessed by speaking to Beatrice in Trixion. The special training contains the same minigames encountered in the Kakul-Saydon Legon Raid for players to practice.

Two new items used in exchange for rewards are introduced in this raid: Mayhem Marks and Mayhem Trumpets. Mayhem Marks are used at the Legion Raid Exchange NPC to obtain various rewards, such as card packs, accessories, and more. Some of items have a weekly limit while others have a roster limit. Mayhem Horns are used to upgrade the bonuses provided by Legion Raid gear sets. These sets grant unique effects when 2, 4, or 6 pieces of the same set are equipped. These set effects can be increased using Mayhem Horns at a new Set Gear Management NPC available in all major cities. A new Guide Quest will be available detailing the new system in-game.

Free Punika Powerpass

Players will receive a Punika Powerpass after completing Punika’s quest “Berver’s Friend”. To access this quest, players must first complete all Adventure Quests (marked by purple exclamation marks) on Punika to collect stamps and become a citizen. Once the final quest in this chain, “Honorary Punikan” has been completed, you can talk to Nia in Nia village to start “Berver’s Friend.” If you’ve already finished the quest before the update, you’ll get the Powerpass when the event starts! This Event Powerpass will be delivered via in-game mail.

The Punika Powerpass will function like the North Vern Powerpasses available to players in the launch version of Lost Ark— once you’ve completed the storyline through that continent, you can use it to bring an alternate character to that point in the game. With the Punika Powerpass, you’ll receive Item Level 1302 gear. This is an event Powerpass, and will expire on October 26.

Special Event Missions

Similar to an Express Event, you can designate a character between item Level 1302 and 1415 on your roster to participate in the Special Event Missions, where they’ll earn honing materials to quickly level up to 1415. Defeat Guardians, Abyssal Dungeons, and reach Item Level thresholds to earn impactful honing material rewards. The Special Event Missions will stay active until November 23.

We’re excited to see the new alternate characters roaming Arkesia as players experience different playstyles or quickly level up a brand new Mechanist. Both of these events are available for a limited time — so make sure you take advantage and use them while you can!

Let us know what you think about the Lost Ark September Update and whether or not you are interested in the new content. If you are interested in learning more then you can check out our Lost Ark guides hub.

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Kena: Bridge Of Spirits Comes To Steam Today With Anniversary Update And 25% Discount

Independent game development and animation studio Ember Lab is thrilled to confirm Kena: Bridge of Spirits launches for the first time on Steam today, alongside the Anniversary Update for all existing platforms.

The Anniversary Update is the biggest piece of DLC for Kena: Bridge of Spirits to date, including New Game+, Charmstones, Spirit Guide Trials, Kena Outfits, accessibility features, and more. Available for free on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Epic Game Store, the update is also part of the expanded Kena: Bridge of Spirits launching on Steam today for:

  • US: $39.99 Standard | $49.99 Digital Deluxe
  • UK:  £31.99 Standard | £39.99 Digital Deluxe
  • Europe:  €39.99 Standard | €49.99 Digital Deluxe

Josh Grier mentioned the following about the game:

Kena: Bridge of Spirits was our very first game and, as you might expect, means a great deal to everyone at the studio. It’s one of the reasons why developing this DLC has been a labor of love. In particular, we can’t wait to see fans play the New Game+ mode, which will allow players who’ve completed the game to restart Kena’s journey with all of their previously unlocked abilities, upgrades, outfits, Rot, etc, as well as redesigned and more challenging combat encounters.

One of the most talked about adventures from an indie studio in recent years, Kena: Bridge of Spirits offers players an action-adventure game that combines a compelling narrative with exploration, puzzle solving, and fast-paced combat. The game delivers a journey of self-discovery as Kena, a young Spirit Guide, restores balance to an ancient village in a once-thriving environment.

The Anniversary Update includes:

  • New Game+ – Players who’ve completed the game can set out on Kena’s journey from the beginning, taking advantage of their previously unlocked abilities, upgrades, outfits, Rot, etc, to take on completely redesigned and more demanding combat encounters.
  • Charmstones that are individually equipable – these unique collectibles each provide different adjustments to Kena’s stats and abilities.
  • Spirit Guide Trials, a new game mode challenging players’ skills with a variety of replayable challenges across three different categories: Obstacle Courses, Wave Defenses, and Boss Reflects. 
  • Completing the Spirit Guide Trials unlocks outfits for Kena, each one inspired by one of the characters she meets along her journey. Succeeding at bonus objectives within each trial can unlock color variations of each outfit, as well as some unique Charmstones. 
  • New outfit, exclusive for Deluxe Edition owners.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits launches on Steam today along with the Anniversary Update, free for all owners. If you are interested in learning more then you can check out our Kena: Bridge of Spirits guides hub.

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Genshin Impact To Host Genshin Concert 2022 On October 2

Global interactive entertainment brand HoYoverse today announced that Genshin Impact will carry on its concert series and host the GENSHIN CONCERT 2022 – Melodies of an Endless Journey on October 2, 2022. To present this year’s Genshin Impactglobal online concert, Genshin Impact and HOYO-MiX have invited the world-famous composer, arranger, and music producer Shiro SAGISU to serve as Music Director, in partnership with the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra and talented musicians around the world, and take a journey through the first two years of Teyvat’s musical landscape with fans and players around the globe.

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 and unveils the mysterious secrets of Teyvat along the way.

Players can now explore Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, and Sumeru, four of the seven major areas in Teyvat, each with unique cultures, stories, and landscapes. Composed and produced by Yu-Peng Chen and HOYO-MiX, the Genshin Impactoriginal soundtracks aim to depict the diversity of regions, cultures, and people in the world of Teyvat with a collection of symphonic music incorporating musical elements from different parts of the world. The game will soon release its thirteenth album that assembles the music from the rainforest of Sumeru, the game’s newly introduced area.

The GENSHIN CONCERT 2022 will be approximately 75 minutes long, featuring authentic renditions and creative adaptations of iconic Genshin Impactsoundtracks. As the trailer revealed, the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra will give classic symphonic performances, conducted by award-winning music conductor and composer, Eímear Noone, best known for her extensive work on video game music. In the meantime, the event’s Music Director will be Shiro SAGISU, who has served as music producer and composer for many fan-favorite films and anime, including Neon Genesis Evangelion. He will collaborate with popular bands, folk musicians, and talented artists from different backgrounds to reimagine Genshin Impactsoundtracks in contemporary styles

Yu-Peng Chen, Composer and Music Producer of HOYO-MiX mentioned the following regarding the event:

Creating music for Genshin Impact has always been an endless exploration for me and the HOYO-MiX team. In the past year, as Inazuma and Sumeru unfolded, we’ve strived to enrich the Genshin Impactmusic with inspirations drawn from all over the world. I’m excited to see how these soundtracks resonate with musicians and players across the world.

Shiro SAGISU added:

The original Genshin Impactsoundtracks fit perfectly into the actual in-game scenes and ambiance, and also provide much to imagine beyond the game. Together with the HOYO-MiX team and global artists, we’ve tried different touches to the music, weaving elements of pop music, rock, and jazz into it. Hopefully, we can create a refreshing and fun experience for the players.

The GENSHIN CONCERT 2022 can be watched for free at 12:00 noon (UTC+8)on October 2, 2022, via the official Genshin Impact YouTube channel. Let us know what you think about the Genshin Concert 2022 and whether or not you are interested in checking it out. If you want to learn more then you can check out our guide on all the ascension and talent materials you need to max level Candace.

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Why Are The Sun And Moon Still In The God Of War Ragnarok Trailer?

In the new God of War Ragnarok story trailer, we see that the sun and moon are actually still. Atreus then shoots an arrow, and the sun starts to move again, and the wolf starts chasing it. You must be wondering why there is an eclipse. This article will cover why the sun and moon are still in the God of War Ragnarok story trailer.

Note: While the article is based on theories, they might be accurate enough to spoil the story of God of War Ragnarok. If you want to enjoy the game and head into the story blind, then you should not read further.

Eclipse In God Of War Ragnarok

From what we know, the sun and moon in the God of War Ragnarok story trailer are not moving due to temporal magic. Mimir talks about this in God of 2018 and mentions the following:

My guess, temporal magic. Dangerous stuff the high Vanir gods used to play around with – the ability to freeze time. Happened to be a favorite of Njord himself in fact.

When Atreus asks Mimir why they stopped using temporal magic, he responds by saying:

Well.. turns out stopping time keeps the sun and moon from streaking across the sky. Unfortunately, it does stop the wolves that chase them. Always looking to sink their teeth in.

Ragnarok starts when the wolves catch the sun and moon, and Kratos might be trying to keep them in place so that the wolves can catch them. The scene in the trailer could be just for marketing or related to time travel since, according to the lore, Odin has already unleashed the wolves to chase the sun and moon.

This is what we know about the sun and moon from the new God of War Ragnarok story trailer. If you are interested in learning more, then you can check out our theory on who Kratos is saving in the trailer. You can also check out what Thor actor Ryan Hurst had to say about his portrayal of the character.

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Who Is Kratos Saving In The God Of War Ragnarok Trailer?

It has been a couple of days since the story trailer for God of War Ragnarok was released, and I am sure that anyone interested in the game has seen it by now. During the trailer, we see Kratos carrying someone on his back and running in a rush. This article will cover how Kratos is trying to save in the God of War Ragnarok story trailer.

Note: While the article is based on theories, they might be accurate enough to spoil the story of God of War Ragnarok. If you want to enjoy the game and head into the story blind, then you should not read further.

Who Is Kratos Carrying In The Trailer?

Theories suggest that the man Kratos is carrying in the trailer is none other than Freyr, Freya’s brother. He is a Vanir God and the uncle of Baldur. According to Norse mythology, he is associated with sacral kingship, virility, prosperity, sunshine, and fair weather. Freyr is also known to fall in love with a female giant, whom he later marries.

There is evidence to support these claims. Notice that as Kratos carries him, Freyr does not have his sword. While he could have dropped it or it might have been stolen, Freyr’s sword has the ability to fight on its own. So it is possible that while Kratos is running off trying to save Freyr, the sword is covering both of them and protecting them from harm.

As Kratos is carrying Freyr during the trailer, we also see elves in different shots. They seem to be helping Kratos. Freyr is the ruler of the elves, both light and dark. So it makes sense that the elves are coming forward to help their lord escape.

Why Is Kratos Saving Freyr?

It goes without saying that Kratos is not saving Freyr out of the kindness in his heart. There needs to be a reason why. Freyr has to offer something that Kratos needs. During the trailer, we see that the sun and moon are in an eclipse and are not moving. It might be possible that Kratos needs Freyr for temporal magic.

This might seem like a leap, but Mimir mentions the following in God of War 2018:

My guess, temporal magic. Dangerous stuff the high Vanir gods used to play around with – the ability to freeze time. Happened to be a favorite of Njord himself in fact.

When Atreus asks Mimir why they stopped using temporal magic, he responds by saying:

Well.. turns out stopping time keeps the sun and moon from streaking across the sky. Unfortunately, it does stop the wolves that chase them. Always looking to sink their teeth in.

Ragnarok starts when the wolves catch the sun and moon, and Kratos might be trying to keep them in place so that the wolves can catch them.

While this is all very interesting and might make sense, know that this is just a theory, and while we have connected plenty of dots, this might not be true at all.

Let us know what you think about this God Of War Ragnarok trailer theory and whether or not you think that the person Kratos is saving is indeed Freyr. If you are interested in learning more, then you can check out our theory on why we think the bald man in the trailer is Odin. You can also check out what Thor voice actor Ryan Hurst had to say about his portrayal of Thor.

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Open-World Adventure KAKU: Ancient Seal Coming To PC And PS In 2023

Chinese developer BINGOBELL is proud to reveal its upcoming open-world action-adventure fantasy game KAKU: Ancient Seal. Coming to PC and PS5 & PS4 in 2023, KAKU: Ancient Seal lets players navigate their own path through a mysterious continent full of strange creatures, ancient ruins, and unique tribes.

KAKU: Ancient Seal puts players in the role of a young primitive child, Kaku, who’s tasked with going on a journey across a sprawling continent. Accompanied by your pet pig, you’ll have to brave the four elemental regions – Flaming Mountain, Dragon Bone Desert, Misty Swamp, and Windy Snow Field – and conquer their lords if you’re to fulfill your destiny. Most importantly, you’ll have to find food, since your pig pal isn’t for eating.

t will take guts, whits, and skill to unearth the mysteries that lie deep within the ancient ruins of this land. Gather your own weapons, from wood, stone, and metal swords and shields to slingshots and other ranged weaponry. Gain access to multiple costumes and acquire new abilities by defeating bosses and completing quests. Maybe you’ll even make some new friends along the way!

Players will be able to get their first taste of KAKU: Ancient Seal on Steam from September 30th at 9 pm PDT / October 1st at 0:01 am EDT / October 1st at 5 am BST / October 1st at 6 am CET where a brand new demo will be made available.

Brian Wang, Producer at BINGOBELL had the following to say about the game:

With KAKU: Ancient Seal we wanted to create a sense of mystery and adventure, where you can forge your own path to victory. We offer players little guidance, as we find it more rewarding to experiment and find what works for you. It’s that feeling of freedom and adventure, peppered with small goals all throughout, that we can’t get enough of, and we’re very proud of the strange, varied world we’ve come up with.

Let us know what you think about KAKU: Ancient Seal and whether or not you are interested in playing the game.