At the Sony PlayStation Press Conference at E3 in L.A. today Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) unveiled Hideo Kojima’s first Kojima Productions title DEATH STRANDING for PlayStation 4 (PS4) and its first teaser trailer. As with all of his past masterpieces, the latest title will be produced, written, directed and designed by Hideo Kojima himself. The lead character will be played by Norman Reedus.

“Today I am very excited to be able to deliver this teaser trailer of DEATH STRANDING, which marks a fresh new start for Kojima Productions,” said Hideo Kojima, Game Designer, Kojima Productions. “Since the establishment of Kojima Productions last December, I have been fully focused on what lies ahead. Thanks to our fans and everyone at SIE who has been supporting us as our partner, and we look forward to delivering ground breaking ‘play’ to our users worldwide.”

Aswell as DEATH STRANDING there was also debuted a line-up of premier content for PlayStation 4, including Days Gone (SIE Bend Studio), Spider-Man (Insomniac Games), LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens (TT Games and Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment), God of War (SIE Santa Monica Studio), FINAL FANTASY XV (Square Enix), RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard (Capcom Co.), and many more.

SIEA also announced the North American launch date as October 13th, 2016, for the release of PlayStation VR (PS VR), a virtual reality system that takes PS4 to the next level of immersion. PS VR will also launch in Australia and New Zealand on October 13th, 2016.

Along with the launch date announcement, SIEA unveiled a breadth of unique PS VR experiences, including Farpoint (Impulse Gear), Star Wars Battlefront: X-Wing VR Mission (Electronic Arts), and Batman: Arkham VR (RockSteady and Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment).

“PlayStation’s heritage has been built around innovation and ground-breaking gaming experiences, and today’s reveals of new PS4 and PS VR content speaks to our continued commitment to this evolution of gaming,” said Shawn Layden, President of SIEA and Chairman of SIE Worldwide Studios. “From the reimagining of God of War to the brand new world of Days Gone, this E3 marks one of the best content line-ups in PlayStation history. With the launch of PS VR on the horizon, innovation also has never been stronger at PlayStation as developers, from smaller independent teams to larger studios, have been able to quickly leverage the technology and create unique experiences that truly embody VR’s potential.” PlayStation 4 continues to remain the fastest-selling console in PlayStation history with more than 40 million units sold worldwide, and new game announcements revealed on stage at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles demonstrated how PS4’s library will further expand with an unparalleled line-up of games.

SIE’s Worldwide Studios (SIE WWS) unveiled three new ambitious games during the show — God of War, Spider-Man and Days Gone. Developed by Santa Monica Studio, God of War opened the show with a reveal showcasing a refreshed gameplay experience that continues the next chapter for iconic character, Kratos. As part of the reveal, renowned musical artist Bear McCreary, composer for God of War, shared his score for the game while conducting an incredible live orchestra.

The debut of Spider-Man for PS4 introduced players for the first time to an authentic new Spider-Man story and universe being developed through a close collaboration between Insomniac Games, Marvel and San Mateo Studio. Additionally, Days Gone marks the long awaited return of Bend Studio, who debuted a trailer highlighting a story about loss and regret set in a stunningly realistic high-desert of the Pacific Northwest, and closed the press conference with a live demonstration of emergent, open-world gameplay.

Other featured titles from SIE WWS included highly-anticipated titles Horizon Zero Dawn, Detroit: Become Human, and The Last Guardian. SIEA also announced that The Last Guardian will launch on October 25th, 2016 (October 26th in Australia and New Zealand).

It was also announced that PlayStation has worked with Activision to bring back one of PlayStation’s most fan favorite characters, Crash Bandicoot.

Coming to PS4 first this October, Crash appears in Skylanders Imaginators, the latest game from one of the most beloved franchises. Additionally, in 2017, fans can play Crash 1, Crash 2, and Crash Warped, fully remastered for PS4 by Activision and Vicarious Visions.

SIE will also continue its partnership with Activision on Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, ensuring once again that PlayStation is home to one of the world’s biggest franchises. PlayStation 4 gamers will be the first to play all downloadable map packs from Infinite Warfare, and those who prepurchase select editions of the game for PS4 will be the first to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered’s campaign 30 days prior to launch on November 4th, 2016.

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On Monday at the Xbox E3 2016 Briefing, Microsoft Corp. unveiled a new family of Xbox One devices, a host of new Xbox Live features and the biggest lineup of games in Xbox history. Head of Xbox Phil Spencer underscored the Xbox team’s commitment to building a future of gaming beyond console generations and inviting gamers to play without boundaries.

Xbox is working to bring Xbox Live to all devices and networks — PC, console, virtual reality and mobile — to create a unified experience where all gamers are welcomed, respected and supported. The new Xbox Play Anywhere program lets gamers buy a game once and play it on both their Windows 10 PC and Xbox One console with shared progress, game saves and achievements. Every new Microsoft Studios title shown at the Xbox E3 2016 Briefing will support Xbox Play Anywhere, with more titles on the way.

“Gamers have never had more choice in how and where they play,” Spencer said. “We are bringing our biggest games lineup ever to Xbox One and Windows 10, uniting gamers across networks on XboxLive and expanding the Xbox One family of devices with the addition of Xbox One S and “Project Scorpio” to give gamers more choice in how and where they play. There’s never been a better time to be an Xbox gamer.”

Introducing the Xbox One family of devices

The new lineup of Xbox One hardware and accessories delivers unprecedented choice and level of personalization for gamers. All Xbox One devices will play current and future Xbox One games as well as titles in the Xbox One Backward Compatibility program, and all accessories will work across every console in the Xbox One family as well.

Xbox One S. Debuting a sleek new design and “robot white” color, the new Xbox One S is the smallest and most compact Xbox ever. The 40 percent smaller console has an internal power supply and supports 4K Ultra HD for Blu-ray movies and content streamed from partners like Netflix and Amazon Video. High Dynamic Range (HDR) support for video and gaming delivers richer, more luminous colors in games like “Gears of War 4.”

“Project Scorpio.” Coming holiday 2017, “Project Scorpio” will be the most powerful console ever created, with 6 teraflops of GPU delivering a premier console gaming experience including true 4K gaming and high-fidelity virtual reality. “Project Scorpio” will join the Xbox One family and coexist alongside Xbox One and Xbox One S and all of your Xbox One games and accessories are compatible.

New Xbox Wireless Controller. We’ve enhanced comfort with a textured grip and introduced a sleek, streamlined design in white. Added Bluetooth radio gives you easy wireless connection to your Windows 10 PCs and tablets.² The new Xbox Wireless Controller will be available worldwide starting in August.

Xbox Design Lab. Now fans can create their own official, one-of-a-kind Xbox Wireless Controllers with more than 8 million color variations to customize the controller body, D-pad, thumbsticks, ABXY buttons and more. Each controller is handmade to order and shipped directly to fans.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller – “Gears of War 4” Limited Edition. A pro-level controller designed in collaboration with The Coalition, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller – “Gears of War 4” Limited Edition features laser-etched claw marks and a battle-weathered design, telling the survival story of a confrontation with the Swarm.

Uniting gamers through Xbox Live

The goal of Xbox Live is to cultivate a safe, fun and reliable online community, where all types of gamers are welcome, respected and supported. Team Xbox announced a slew of new features to break down barriers between gamers playing on different devices and make gaming more accessible for all.

Clubs on Xbox Live. A new way to connect with gamers and create private communities with people who have similar play styles, personal interests and values.

Looking for Group on Xbox Live. Like a “want ad” for multiplayer, Looking for Group on Xbox Live is the easiest way to seek out players who are available — and qualified — to jump into your multiplayer match right now.

Arena on Xbox Live. A new online tournaments platform designed for everyone, from novice to aspiring pro, Arena on Xbox Live brings competitive gaming to Xbox One and Windows 10 devices. Sign up for tournaments directly through the Xbox UI or the Xbox app and play for prizes and bragging rights.

Cross-play. Gamers on Xbox One and Windows 10 can now play select multiplayer games together. “Gears of War 4,” “Forza Horizon 3,” “Sea of Thieves” and “Scalebound” all support cross-play between Xbox One and Windows 10 PC, and now “Minecraft” players on iOS, Android, Windows 10 phone and Windows 10 devices can all join together in cross-device multiplayer fun.

Cortana on Xbox One. We’re bringing the popular digital assistant Cortana to Xbox One, featuring familiar voice commands available on Windows 10 devices and new gaming-specific scenarios for Xbox One. Cortana will initially launch on Xbox One in the U.S. and U.K. with additional markets coming soon after.

PC games (Win32) in Xbox Live. With the Xbox update coming this summer you’ll see the top PC games on Xbox Live, with more added every month. Use the Xbox app to see what PC games your friends are playing, view game clips and upload your own, and message and voice chat with friends across game.

Language Region Independence. Based on overwhelming fan feedback, we’re enabling Language Region Independence to give gamers even more control over their Xbox experience and how they engage with their Xbox One. Language Region Independence gives gamers the freedom to choose any supported language on Xbox One, regardless of their location.

Biggest lineup comes to Xbox One and Windows 10

Xbox premiered a wide range of games launching in 2016 and beyond for Xbox One and Windows 10, including a mix of exclusives, blockbusters and independent games through the ID@Xbox program.

• “ARK: SURVIVAL EVOLVED” (FIRST ON XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10). The wildly popular indie game from Studio Wildcard has sold over 1 million copies on Xbox One via Game Preview, and is soon coming to Windows 10. Stranded naked, freezing and starving on a mysterious island, you must hunt, harvest, craft items, grow crops and build shelters to survive. Learn how to tame, train, breed and ride dinosaurs and primitive creatures living on the ARK as you forge new paths across the beautiful open world in this large-scale survival game. Team up with hundreds of players online, play split-screen locally or brave the island on your own.
• “BATTLEFIELD 1” (ELECTRONIC ARTS). Featuring some of the largest, most dynamic battles in FPS history, experience the dawn of all-out war across war-torn France, in the sand dunes of the Arabian Desert, and in the skies over London — only in “Battlefield 1.” Join in massive 64-player battles and experience unexpected Only in Battlefield moments during a time where the old world was destroyed, giving way to the new one. Play it first, exclusively on Xbox One with EA Access beginning Oct. 13. Available worldwide on Xbox One and Windows PC on Oct. 21, 2016.
• “DEAD RISING 4” (WORLD PREMIERE). Developed by Capcom Vancouver, “Dead Rising 4” marks the return of photojournalist Frank West in an all-new chapter of one of the most popular zombie game franchises of all time. With an unmatched level of weapon and character customization, ambitious new features including new zombie classes and EXO Suits, “Dead Rising 4” delivers a heart-pounding experience as players explore, scavenge and fight to survive in an epic open-world sandbox. Available Holiday 2016 on Xbox One and Windows 10.

• “FINAL FANTASY XV” (SQUARE ENIX). “FINAL FANTASY XV” is the highly anticipated action RPG and 15th mainline entry in the iconic “FINAL FANTASY” franchise. Set in an enthralling world where fantasy meets reality, players will join Crown Prince Noctis and his comrades on an epic journey of brotherhood, love and despair as they unravel Noctis’ destiny and take up arms against the nefarious Niflheim empire. With a captivating cast of characters, breathtaking visuals, open world exploration and action-packed real time combat, “FINAL FANTASY XV” is the ultimate “FINAL FANTASY” experience for fans and newcomers to the series. Available worldwide for Xbox One on Sept. 30, 2016.
• “FORZA HORIZON 3” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE — WORLD PREMIERE). The best-selling racing franchise returns with “Forza Horizon 3.” Race and explore the rugged wonder of Australia with your friends in over 350 of the world’s greatest cars as you win millions of new fans and build the world’s greatest automotive festival. As the new boss of the Horizon Festival, you can modify every aspect of race events, and how you get to the finish is up to you. Available worldwide as an Xbox Play Anywhere title on Sept. 27, 2016.
• “GEARS OF WAR 4” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). A new saga begins for one of the most acclaimed video game franchises in history. After narrowly escaping an attack on their village, JD Fenix and his friends Kait and Del must rescue the ones they love and discover the source of a monstrous new enemy. “Gears of War 4” returns the franchise to the dark tone and intensity of the original and includes split-screen and online co-op, the next generation of the five-player favorite, Horde Mode, 60 frames-per-second Versus multiplayer, and stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4. Available worldwide as an Xbox Play Anywhere title on Oct. 11, 2016.
• “GWENT” (WORLD PREMIERE OF CLOSED BETA ON XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10). “Gwent,”the hit card game from CD PROJEKT RED’s game of the year — “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” — is now its own standalone collectable card game. Inspired by player feedback, with new rules and mechanics, “Gwent” puts players and their style of play, and not only their cards, in the center of the action. In “Gwent,” You are the Wild Card.

• “HALO WARS 2” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). The best-selling console real-time strategy (RTS) of all time is back! Developed in partnership by 343 Industries and Creative Assembly, “Halo Wars 2” is an action-packed RTS on the biggest Halo battlefield ever. Get ready to lead armies of Spartans and other Halo fighting forces like Warthogs, Scorpions and exciting new units in a brutal war against a terrifying new enemy, The Banished. Available worldwide as an Xbox Play Anywhere title on Feb. 21, 2017.
• “INSIDE” (FIRST ON XBOX ONE). Developed by Playdead, “INSIDE” is the long-awaited follow-up to 2010’s groundbreaking digital hit “Limbo.” Featuring Playdead’s trademark dark art, emotion and game craft, this adventure puzzler ships June 29, 2016, and is available for pre-order now. To celebrate the launch, “Limbo” will be free to all Xbox players from June 13‒20.
• “MINECRAFT” (REALMS AND ADD-ONS). Mojang and Microsoft showcased cross-device multiplayer between iOS, Android, Samsung Gear VR and Windows 10 devices, made possible with Monday’s launch of the “Friendly Update” for “Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition” Beta and “Minecraft: Pocket Edition.” With Xbox Live and the “Minecraft Realms” service, Windows 10 and mobile Minecraft players can host their own multiplayer worlds on private, cloud-based servers and play with friends 24/7, even when the original world creator is offline. Starting today, players with Xbox Live accounts can try “Minecraft” Realms on mobile and Windows 10 free for one month through the “Minecraft” app. The team also announced new game add-ons coming this fall that will let players modify their in-game worlds to customize key game elements and create their own maps and minigames.
• “RECORE” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). From legendary video game creator Keiji Inafune and Armature Studio LLC, the team behind the “Metroid Prime” series, comes “ReCore,” an action-adventure game masterfully crafted for the modern generation. Play as Joule, one of the last remaining humans, and forge friendships with courageous robot companions to lead them on an epic adventure through a mysterious, dynamic world. Available worldwide as an Xbox Play Anywhere title starting Sept. 13, 2016.
• “SEA OF THIEVES” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). Developed by Rare, the legendary creators of “Perfect Dark” and “Banjo-Kazooie,” “Sea of Thieves” is an immersive, shared world adventure game filled with pirates, unexpected dangers and loot for the taking. Be the pirates you want to be, share adventures with friends, and set your own rules, roles and goals in a world where every sail on the horizon is another crew of players with unknown intent. “Sea of Thieves” offers an experience that will evolve over time, landing in players’ hands early and growing based on feedback from the community.

• “STATE OF DECAY 2” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE, WORLD PREMIERE). The next installment in the fan favorite “State of Decay” franchise immerses you in an all-new multiplayer zombie survival fantasy. Players work together to build lasting communities where choices made shape an interconnected world and form a unique experience every time. Available worldwide as an Xbox Play Anywhere title in 2017.
• “SCALEBOUND” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). From critically acclaimed developer PlatinumGames Inc. and renowned Game Director Hideki Kamiya, “Scalebound” brings epic adventures and battles at enormous scales across the beautiful and dangerous open world of Draconis. Customize main hero Drew and your dragon, Thuban, to suit your playstyle as you battle legions of soldiers and massive monsters solo or cooperatively with up to three additional friends on Xbox Live. Available worldwide as an Xbox Play Anywhere title in 2017.
• “TACOMA” (FIRST ON XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10). It is the year 2088, and humanity has taken to the stars. You step aboard the abandoned space station “Tacoma,” the facility’s Augmented Reality technology your only connection to the crew that once lived here. What happened to them — and what role did the station’s AI overseer, ODIN, play? Discover the truth in “Tacoma,” Fullbright’s follow-up to the genre-defining story exploration game “Gone Home,” when it comes to Windows 10 and Xbox One next year.
• “TEKKEN 7™” (BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT INC.). An engrossing story intertwines the past, present and future fates of fan-favorite characters in “TEKKEN 7.” Known for revolutionizing the fighting genre through both its hard-hitting gameplay and diverse cast of characters, “TEKKEN 7” introduces enhanced fight mechanics alongside a slew of new combatants to ensure that your next fight won’t ever be your last. Available worldwide for Xbox One in early 2017.
• “TOM CLANCY’S THE DIVISION™ – EXPANSION I: UNDERGROUND” (UBISOFT®). Dive into the underbelly of New York to save what remains in Underground, the first expansion for “Tom Clancy’s The Division.” Explore the randomly generated mazes of subways, tunnels and sewers to fight deadly enemies and recover powerful loot. Experience an all-new incursion and find the latest weapons, gear and more. Available first on Xbox One and Windows PC beginning June 28.
• “WE HAPPY FEW” (FIRST TO CONSOLE ON XBOX ONE). Developed by Compulsion Games, “We Happy Few” is coming to Windows 10 and Xbox One this summer. In a dystopian, mod 1964 England that lost World War II, the citizens of Wellington Wells are taking a happy drug called “Joy,” and living in denial of their grim existence and a terrible past. Can you survive among them once you stop taking your Joy become a “Downer?”

Don’t forget to tune in live to Xbox Daily: LIVE @ E3 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Tuesday 14th of June and Wednesday 15th of June 2016.

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Nintendo had their usual Treehouse setup at E3 2016 and their prize gem, Zelda at the top of their showcase.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild represents the next great boundary breaking adventure from Nintendo. The game marks a new pinnacle for the franchise, and today Nintendo gave the world its first look at the immense, living and breathing world of the Wii U version of the game at the E3 video game trade show in Los Angeles. The game challenges and surprises players at every turn, while giving them incredible freedom to explore the massive world found in this open-air adventure.

Nintendo gave fans just a taste of how The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild takes the franchise to new heights. As E3 attendees investigate Hyrule, they can explore the game any way they want because the world is so vast and players are not required to take a pre-determined path. This sense of freedom and vastness will truly come alive in the final game when the experience isn’t limited by the restrictions of a show floor demo. During a Nintendo Treehouse: Live demo, Nintendo showed that heroic Link needs to be resourceful as he explores his environment. It’s important for players to become familiar with their surroundings so they can find weapons or collect them from defeated enemies.

Food helps Link sustain his hearts and can give him a temporary boost or ability that will sustain him. The game breaks with some conventions from the series. For example, many of the minor enemies are no longer scattered randomly around the world, as many now live together in colonies. Link can climb towers and massive structures to get a bearing on his surroundings. He can even reach the top of mountains – any mountain he can see, he can climb. He can paraglide to lower areas or even use his shield to slide down a mountain. Link will travel across fields, through forests and to mountain peaks. The game’s wild world surrounds Link, and he must pay attention to changes in climate, as a shift in weather or temperature can affect the environment and his ability to survive in it.

A sudden downpour might douse a roaring campfire or a lightning storm might be attracted to Link’s metallic weapons. Players might need to bundle up with warmer clothes or change into something better suited to the desert heat.

More than 100 Shrines of Trials dot the landscape, waiting for players to discover and explore them in any order they want. As players work their way through the traps and puzzles inside, they’ll earn special items and other rewards that will help them on their adventure. Puzzles in the game often have multiple answers, and secrets can be found everywhere. Exploration and discovery are a huge part of the fun. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is scheduled to launch simultaneously for both the Wii U console and Nintendo’s next system, code-named NX, in 2017.

The game also includes compatibility with amiibo, which are sold separately. Nintendo announced a new series of amiibo figures specific to the game that includes Link with a bow (“Archer”), Link on horseback (“Rider”), and a “Guardian” that is the first amiibo with flexible parts. The existing Wolf Link amiibo works with the game as well: when players tap a Wolf Link amiibo to the Wii U GamePad controller, Wolf Link will attack enemies on his own and help players to hunt.He has three hearts, unless players carry over save data from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD. Wolf Link disappears when his hearts run out.

While The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is clearly the star of Nintendo’s presence at E3, Nintendo Treehouse: Live also gave Pokémon fans something to go wild about this morning: the world premiere of live gameplay from Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, the seventh, and newest, era of the core Pokémon series. The games, made for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, include new Pokémon, a new Pokédex, a new region and a new battle format to enhance the Pokémon experience in almost every way.

In the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon games, players embark on a new adventure as a Pokémon Trainer. They catch, battle and trade new Pokémon characters on the tropical islands of the Alola Region, which is comprised of four islands rich in natural beauty and an artificial island. Players can choose from one of three new Partner Pokémon (Rowlet, Litten and Popplio) and discover the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon (Solgaleo and Lunala) Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon launch in Australia and New Zealand on November 18th, 2016.

Previously announced Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games, including Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE (launching on June 25th, 2016), Monster Hunter Generations from Capcom (launching on July 16th, 2016), Paper Mario: Color Splash (launching on October 8th, 2016) and Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past (2016) also made a feature and were playable. Additionally, a first look at a new Mario Party game for Nintendo 3DS that includes additions and changes to make it much more fast-paced and portable-friendly, is also viewable. Players no longer have to wait for their turn, as everyone moves at once. Mario Party Star Rush launches in Australia and New Zealand on October 8th, 2016. Also on October 8th, 2016, Nintendo will launch new amiibo in the Super Mario series.

The collection will feature the debut of amiibo figures for Daisy, Waluigi and Boo – and the Boo amiibo figure glows in the dark! The collection also introduces new poses for Wario, Rosalina, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Launching first on October 8th, 2016 in Australia and New Zealand will be Boo, Donkey Kong, Rosalina and Wario, followed by Waluigi, Diddy Kong and Daisy on November 5th, 2016. As a special treat for fans, Nintendo eShop is offering discounts of up to 50% for some of its most popular games until June 23rd, 2016. Discounts have been applied to dozens of games, including multiple games in The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon series, as well as a number of Virtual Console games. In addition, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U is 35% off on Nintendo eShop until June 21st, 2016, and users with a Nintendo Account who have subscribed to Nintendo’s promotional emails at the moment of purchase can get an additional 10% “Just for You” discount on the reduced price, for a 41% discount in total.

So now’s a good time to get those Nintendo games you have been putting off.

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During the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Ubisoft announced Grow Up, a new acrobatic adventure game, and a follow-up of the 2015’s critically acclaimed Grow Home, a title that is a community favourite and was a fan-voted winner of the first ever PlayStation Plus Vote to Play program last year. In Grow Up, players must guide little robot BUD around an entire alien world as he embarks on a dizzying mission that will see him leaping, rolling, bouncing and flying his waythrough a stunning and virtually boundless new open world. Grow Up will be available digitally worldwide on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC in August 2016.

This new adventure comes from a small team at Reflections, a Ubisoft studio, who experimented with procedural animation in Grow Home and ended up creating a cute creature named BUD. In Grow Up, while out exploring the galaxy, BUD’s parental spaceship MOM falls to pieces as an unfortunate lunar accident sends her all over the place. Now her ship parts are scattered far and wide across an alien planet so rich in flora and fauna, it would make even the most jaded galactic gardener’s head spin. It’s up to BUD to collect all the parts and get them back to the moon, so he can rebuild MOM and reunite with her once again.

“We wanted to give fans of Grow Home the chance to explore a world where there is no edge, no invisible wall to hit,” said Pete Young, Producer at Reflections, a Ubisoft studio. “We can’t wait for them to join BUD in Grow Up on a fantastical new adventure to the moon.”

Working with new best friend POD, an adorable flying robot who likes planets perhaps a little too much, BUD must use his veritable tool belt of abilities to traverse the planet. Using BUD’s shiny new Floradex, players can put their own stamp on the world by cloning any of the 24 weird and wonderful plant types to catapult, shoot or float through the lush landscape filled with surprise discoveries. With all-new timed challenges, collectibles and abilities, players can tackle their mission head-on or spend time navigating the limitless landscape at their own pace.

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Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment has announced Batman: Arkham VR, the very first virtual reality experience that allows fans to Be the Batman like never before.  Developed by Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham trilogy, Batman: Arkham VR is based on DC’s core Batman license and will be available exclusively for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system with PlayStation VR in October 2016.

Batman: Arkham VR immerses players into the Dark Knight’s universe as they experience Gotham City through the eyes of the World’s Greatest Detective.  Delving deep into an all-new Batman: Arkham mystery, those who enter this virtual reality world must think like Batman and utilize his legendary gadgets to unravel a plot that threatens the lives of his closest allies. 

“Virtual reality is expanding the video game space and entertainment overall, so it is extremely exciting to have our incredible team at Rocksteady Studios dive into this new storytelling medium with the Batman™ Arkham franchise,” said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  “Rocksteady is one of the best at creating story-driven content, and Batman: Arkham VR will deliver a more immersive experience than anyone could have imagined only a few years ago.”

“Rocksteady is always looking for new ways to further engross players into the worlds we create and Batman: Arkham VR is an example of how we’re taking advantage of the latest technology to do that,” said Sefton Hill, Game Director, Rocksteady Studios.  “The team is committed to delivering a Batman experience that stays true to the character and allows players to fully immerse themselves in the role of the World’s Greatest Detective.”

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During the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Ubisoft and Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced an expanded partnership for WATCH_DOGS 2, the newest installment in the blockbuster Watch Dogs franchise in which players embody Marcus Holloway, a young hacker from the San Francisco Bay Area. WATCH_DOGS 2 will release on November 15th, 2016 and all PlayStation 4 players will be granted a 30-day exclusive access to all the post launch downloadable content.

Ubisoft and Sony Interactive Entertainment have collaborated on the WATCH_DOGS brand from the start. At the forefront of new generation consoles, WATCH_DOGS was one of the first to announce a title exclusive to next generation consoles in 2012. Ubisoft and Sony then worked hand in hand with a partnership in the early days of the PlayStation 4 and WATCH_DOGS became the best selling new franchise on these new platforms within the first week of its launch. The partnership goes farther as Ubisoft Motion Pictures, the film and television division of Ubisoft, announced its collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment and New Regency on development of a feature film based on WATCH_DOGS.

In WATCH_DOGS 2, players will use hacking as their ultimate weapon and explore their surroundings as a hacker and use the networked infrastructure of the city but also every person and connected device available in the game world to achieve their goals. Pushing the hacking gameplay even further, players will have the freedom to choose how to control their environment to complete their missions, and enjoy the chain of events they create in this living, dynamic open world environment.

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At E3 2016, Ubisoft announced Star Trek: Bridge Crew, a new virtual reality game where players explore space as a member of the Federation. Playable co-operatively with a crew or solo as Captain, Star Trek: Bridge Crew puts players directly onto the bridge in a Starfleet ship. Under license by CBS Consumer Products, Star Trek: Bridge Crew will be available on Oculus Rift and HTC Vive this fall, and PlayStation VR at launch of the platform/October.

The mission: explore a largely uncharted sector of space known as The Trench, in hopes of locating a suitable new home world for the decimated Vulcan populace while coming into direct conflict with the vaunted Klingon Empire. Star Trek: Bridge Crew puts a player and their friends into the heart of a new starship, the U.S.S. Aegis, where every action and decision that is made together will determine the fate of the ship and crew.

Developed by Red Storm Entertainment, a Ubisoft Studio, Star Trek: Bridge Crew was designed exclusively for VR, capitalizing on the powerful sense of social presence only possible through virtual reality. Through hand tracking and full-body avatars, including real-time lip-sync, players can experience what it’s like to serve as an officer on the bridge of a Federation starship.

As a crew, players will form a team of four to operate the roles of Captain, Helm, Tactical or Engineer. Each role is crucial to the success of the varied missions players face, and only by working together can the crew complete their objectives. Also playable in solo, players will assume the role of Captain and dispatch orders to their NPC crew mates. The Captain’s strategic decisions will be vital in order to successfully complete missions.

“We feel privileged to work with this amazing brand, especially considering its decorated history and what it has meant to people over the last five decades,” said David Votypka, Sr. Creative Director at Red Storm Entertainment. “This game is particularly exciting because for the first time players will actually get to be a part of a Starfleet crew and work together to operate the ship as they face a variety of missions and challenges.”

“We’re always looking for new and compelling ways for fans to experience the Star Trek universe. This is the Star Trek game we’ve always wanted to make, but until now the technology didn’t exist,” said John Van Citters, Vice President of Product Development at CBS Consumer Products. “Working alongside Red Storm Entertainment, we’ve been able to bring to life a new ship, the U.S.S. Aegis, for fans to control as they take their turn in the captain’s chair and carry on Starfleet’s mission of exploration and truly bring the Star Trek experience to life.”

It’s up to players and their crew to chart the region, and to secure a peaceful Federation presence. The maiden voyage of the U.S.S. Aegis is theirs to command.

Star Trek: Bridge Crew marks the latest venture into virtual reality for Ubisoft, who believes in the strong potential of VR to redefine social gaming with a unique sense of reality. Keen to explore the opportunities of this emerging technology, Ubisoft recently announced the games Werewolves Within and Eagle Flight, as well as a VR partnership with the film company, SpectreVision.

The post Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before in VR Space & Time… appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

At the Sony Interactive Entertainment E3 press conference, Capcom announced Resident Evil 7 biohazard, the next major entry in the renowned Resident Evil series. Resident Evil 7 sets a new course for the Resident Evil series as it leverages its roots and opens the door to a truly terrifying horror experience. A dramatic new shift for the series to first person view in a photorealistic style powered by Capcom’s new RE Engine, Resident Evil 7 delivers an unprecedented level of immersion that brings the thrilling horror up close and personal. Resident Evil 7 is scheduled for release on PlayStation 4 (the full gameplay experience will also be available via the included PlayStation VR mode), Xbox One and Windows PC (Steam and Windows 10 store) across, Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe on January 24th, 2017.

Set in modern day rural America and taking place after the dramatic events of Resident Evil 6, players experience the terror directly from the first person perspective. The Resident Evil 7 Teaser: Beginning Hour demo, also announced today, portrays events leading up to the main game and ties directly into the impactful PlayStation VR “KITCHEN” tech demo first shown at E3 2015. In the new teaser demo, the player awakens inside a dilapidated cottage on an ominous plantation mansion. Can they make it out alive?

Resident Evil 7 embodies the series’ signature gameplay elements of exploration and tense atmosphere that first coined “survival horror” some twenty years ago; meanwhile, a complete refresh of gameplay systems simultaneously propels the survival horror experience to the next level. Terrifying fans at events across the globe last year, the PlayStation VR “KITCHEN” tech demo was developed utilizing the RE Engine’s VR oriented tools, and is the foundation on which the talented Resident Evil team has crafted the immersive horror experience in Resident Evil 7. Powered by the RE Engine in tandem with industry leading audio and visual technologies, Resident Evil 7 is poised to deliver a disturbingly realistic experience that will define the next era in horror entertainment.

PlayStation Plus subscribers can now download the standalone teaser demo for PlayStation 4 called Resident Evil 7 Teaser: Beginning Hour and will have first access before it is available on other platforms at a later date. Players can get a taste of what they can expect from Resident Evil 7 with a sampling of the nail-biting exploration and terrifying atmosphere the game will offer when it releases early next year.

The post Fear Comes Home w. Resident Evil 7 (PS VR Compatible!) appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Today, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Ubisoft announced the development of Steep, an action sports game set in the open world of the Alps. Steep is scheduled to be released December 2016 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.

With development led by Ubisoft Annecy, Steep drops players onto the peaks of mountains, with exhilarating experiences that include skiing, wingsuiting, snowboarding, and paragliding. These sports establish an incredible level of freedom to explore the game’s open world, allowing players to choose the way they travel and play. Steep’s vast playground offers a wide range of activities that give players the opportunity to discover, compete, pull off crazy stunts, and more. Players can meet with friends from all over the world to create unique and memorable moments.

In Steep, players can use the innovative trail feature to relive their most inspiring rides and trailblazing achievements, and share them on social networks with friends. Along with sharing ride replays, players can also use this feature to challenge friends to outrace them on a shared path, create epic stunts or set out to discover the massive mountain playground.

“Along with Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Kiev, we used our significant online and multiplayer expertise to create a game that captures the excitement and adrenaline we feel when we explore the snowy mountains surrounding us,” said Rebecka Coutaz, studio manager at Ubisoft Annecy.

“We love seeing videos of adventures and stunts that riders from all over the world share on social media,” added Igor Manceau, Creative Director at Ubisoft. “Steep’s open-world and wealth of multiplayer activities were built to inspire this type of creativity. We can’t wait to see what players will discover and share when they first experience Steep.”

In addition to exploring the Alps, Steep riders will be able to travel across the world and traverse the majestic slopes of Alaska, available as a free update after launch.

To have a chance to play first during upcoming live periods, please register at http://www.steepgame.com.

The post Ubisoft Announces Open World Action Sports Game appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Technomancer, the sci-fi RPG set on Mars, releases on June 28th for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Today we’re showcasing the game’s E3 Trailer, driven by the Frijid Pink’s legendary cover of the rock classic “House of the Rising Sun”. Delve into the chaotic world of Mars, a planet that is torn by war and political conflict.

Mars is a barren wasteland that is home to the forgotten children of Earth. On the surface, warring corporations fight wars from their massive domed cities for one resource: water. Underground, hidden between the crags or in unexplored valleys, you will face factions struggling for their own profit, or mutants permanently changed by the sun’s radiation and hated by the rest of humankind.

Here you play as a Technomancer – a formidable warrior harnessing destructive electrical powers. Travel with your companions, choosing between diplomacy, combat, or trickery to resolve quests. Gain experience to level up your character, and learn new skills or upgrade perks across 4 unique skill trees. Loot, buy, and craft more powerful equipment and weaponry for yourself and teammates to stand a chance of surviving! Only you can forge the destiny of Mars.

The post E3 2016 Red Planet Trailer for The Technomancer! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.