RUGBY 18: AUTHENTICITY AT THE HEART OF THE GAME

Bigben and Eko Software have released a Developers' Diary to show how the RUGBY 18 team has translated all the details and specific aspects of 'real' rugby into a video game. RUGBY 18 will be released October 27th on PlayStation®4, Xbox One and PC. 

To stay true to the sport and its particular characteristics, the developers had to overcome a number of challenges to ensure the game phases linked seamlessly and to provide a realistic experience. Player movements were recreated using motion capture technology on real rugby players. Each player's statistics are also individually represented using real match data.

You can see the Developers' Diary called "Recreating the depth of rugby" here 

RUGBY 18 will be available October 27th on PlayStation®4, Xbox One and PC.

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ASSASSIN’S CREED ORIGINS – SAND CGI TRAILER

Watch the Assassin’s Creed Origins Sand Cinematic Trailer and face a civilization on the brink of collapse. 

Assassin’s Creed Origins will be released worldwide on October 27^TH, 2017 for the Xbox One family of devices including Xbox One, Xbox One S and Xbox One X when it launches on November 7^TH, PlayStation^®4 Pro computer entertainment system, PlayStation^®4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.

For more information on Assassin’s Creed®, please visit: assassinscreed.com

For the latest news on Assassin’s Creed Origins and all of Ubisoft’s games, visit the UbiBlog: http://www.ubiblog.com

THE WORLD’S GAME EA SPORTS FIFA 18 IS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE TODAY

FIFA 18 Delivers Gameplay Innovation to Player Control, Team Styles, and Immersive Atmospheres

The Journey: Hunter Returns Takes Players on a Football World Tour

FIFA 18 is Feature-Packed on Nintendo Switch Marking the First EA Title on the Platform 

Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) launched EA SPORTS™ FIFA 18 on PlayStation®4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®3, and Xbox 360 systems*. The World’s Game blurs the line between the virtual and real worlds bringing to life players, teams, and atmospheres with all new gameplay features including Real Player Motion Tech, a Dribbling Overhaul, Player Personality, and Dramatic Moments*. FIFA 18 also delivers a robust Ultimate Team™ experience with the introduction of FUT ICONS, the most iconic football legends available as three unique versions representing their storied careers. Furthermore, Alex Hunter returns for his second chapter in The Journey, the franchise’s critically-acclaimed story mode. To read more about the feature set in FIFA 18 visit: here. 

“When you play FIFA 18, I think you’ll immediately notice the benefits of the Frostbite engine across the game, the level of detail that has gone into gameplay to deliver unprecedented fidelity of control, and the passion that has gone into the modes like FUT, Career Mode, and The Journey to make them even more engaging,” said David Rutter, VP and GM of EA SPORTS. “Today FIFA 18 will launch in more than 50 countries and 19 languages; I’ve never seen the team this proud to launch and I know fans will get many, many hours of enjoyment out of FIFA 18.”

Players can continue the career of Alex Hunter in The Journey: Hunter Returns on the PS4, Xbox One and PC. This season Alex takes his talents around the globe, with opportunities to play for world-class clubs including Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain FC, FC Bayern Munich, and LA Galaxy. Along the way Alex meets up with the star-studded cast including Antoine Griezmann, Thierry Henry, Dele Alli, Rio Ferdinand, James Harden, and more, as well as some surprising new characters and returning fan-favorites. Can Hunter prove himself an international star, or will major shakeups in his personal and professional life prove too much to overcome?

The launch of FIFA 18 also marks a big season ahead for Ultimate Team with the introduction of FUT ICONS. Players across PlayStation®4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch™ can take the pitch with some of the greatest football legends of all time on their FUT roster, including Ronaldo Nazário, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, Pele and many more. Each of the FUT ICONS will have three unique versions available, marking different moments in their storied careers. In addition, Squad Battles is an all new single-player mode where fans on PS4, Xbox One or PC can play against teams built by community members, influencers, and professional players to earn rewards in FUT.

FIFA 18 is also feature-packed on Nintendo Switch with fan-favourite modes like Career Mode, Ultimate Team, and Local Seasons where up to four friends can compete in head-to-head matches across two Nintendo Switch consoles. FIFA 18 for Nintendo Switch also boasts console-specific controls supporting a myriad of console configurations such as docked, handheld, and tabletop, as well as support for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. FIFA 18 earns the nod as first title on the platform from EA.

FIFA 18 is developed by EA Vancouver and EA Romania and will be available worldwide today for, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 systems*.

Whether it launches new careers for streamers or influencers, helps break the latest song into the mainstream, or inspires the creation of an all new type of football club, EA SPORTS FIFA is more than a game. 

Join the EA SPORTS FIFA community at Facebook and on Instagram. Follow us on Twitter @easportsfifa and use the hashtag #FIFA18.

EA Access and Origin Access members receive a 10 percent discount** when they purchase a digital version of FIFA 18 on Xbox Live and Origin.

The World's best-selling Home Computer - Reborn! 
·        Mini version of the best-selling 80’s home computer
·Comes with a joystick and 64 fully licensed classic games
·        Connects directly to any modern TV

A timeless classic is being given a new lease of life with the launch of THEC64® Mini.

Developed by Retro Games Ltd. - and distributed by Koch Media – THEC64® Mini  is a fully licensed reimagining of the 80’s bestselling home computer.

Half the size of the original, THEC64® Mini connects directly to your television and comes with a classic joystick, that plugs into one of the two USB ports available, allowing you to play the built-in games. 

Launched in 1982, the C64 home computer went on to dominate the home computer scene throughout the 1980s. Millions of units were sold across the world and have a special place in the hearts of its former owners.

35 years later and it’s back. THEC64® Mini plugs into any modern TV via its HDMI port and gamers can play any one of the 64 licensed classic pre-installed games. This includes games from original legendary developers such as Epyx, Gremlin Graphics, Hewson and The Bitmap Brothers; and boasting titles such as California Games, Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, Paradroid and Impossible Mission. Most of these were rated over 90% by leading publications of the day, with many winning coveted awards. From sports to shooters, platformers to puzzlers, there’s a plethora of titles to keep the most discerning retro enthusiast happy.

“We are delighted to be able to bring back some of the most loved retro games ever, on one of the most successful formats of all time”, said Paul Andrews, Retro Games’ Managing Director.  

“THEC64® mini is a reimagining of the classic C64 computer and the first in a planned series of products on the way.” 

As befits a home computer you can also plug in a standard USB PC keyboard and use as a classic C64 to type in those old BASIC computer listings or program new games.

THEC64® Mini will hit the shops in early 2018 with a suggested retail price of £69.99/$69.99/€79.99. For more information please visit www.thec64.com 

UBISOFT^® ANNOUNCES DAN ROMER AS COMPOSER FOR FAR CRY^® 5  

Today, Ubisoft^® announced that Dan Romer, the award-winning film composer, songwriter and music producer, is composing the score for Far Cry^® 5 in addition to writing songs for the game. The Far Cry 5 soundtrack will be available closer to the game’s launch on February 27^th, 2018.

Known for his film score work on Beasts of the Southern Wild and Beasts of No Nation, and for producing the Grammy-winning single, “Say Something,” and worldwide hit, “Treat You Better,” Romer sought to create a soundtrack that transports players into fictional Hope County, Montana, where fanatical doomsday cult Project at Eden’s Gate has taken over. Utilising many Americana instruments, including banjos, fiddles, dobros and more, Romer’s score will fluctuate as players explore the dynamic world and come head-to-head with cultists. Each of the regions will have specific character-centric music that ties into the motives of the Father and the Heralds.

Along with the musical composition, the Far Cry 5 score will also include original hymns written by Romer, produced by Bobby Chin and performed by the Bobby Chin Nashville Choir. The lyrics of these reflect the inspirations of the leadership and members of the cult while also hiding more sinister messages toward the Resistance. Each of these hymns will mix into the existing music that players experience as they explore the world or engage in combat.

Set in America, a first for the franchise, Far Cry 5 offers players total freedom to navigate a serene-looking yet deeply twisted world as the new junior deputy of fictional Hope County, Montana. Players will find that their arrival accelerates a years-long silent coup by a fanatical doomsday cult, the Project at Eden's Gate, igniting a violent takeover of the county. Under siege and cut off from the rest of the world, players will join forces with residents of Hope County and form the Resistance.

For more information about Far Cry 5, please visit farcry.com.

For the latest on Far Cry 5 and other Ubisoft games, please visit ubiblog.com.

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES
MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR™ MOBILE ON iOS AND ANDROID DEVICES

Free-To-Play Strategy RPG Mobile Game Puts Players in Command of Iconic Middle-earth Characters Such As Talion, Celebrimbor, Gandalf, Gimli and more

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced the worldwide launch of Middle-earth: Shadow of War™ mobile on the App Store for iPhone and iPad and on Google Play for Android devices. Co-created by IUGO Mobile Entertainment, WB Games San Francisco and Monolith Productions, Middle-earth: Shadow of War mobile is an epic free-to-play strategy RPG that continues Talion’s journey through Mordor and unites Middle-earth’s greatest Champions together with the fiercest of Orcs in a quest to defeat the Dark Lord, Sauron.

The official Middle-earth: Shadow of War™ mobile launch trailer can be viewed below.

In Middle-earth: Shadow of War™ mobile, Celebrimbor, the master ring-maker, has forged all new Rings of Power, calling out to Champions across Middle-earth to join in the Shadow War against Sauron’s armies. With every ring given, players can sharpen and hone their characters’ special skills to strategise their way through Mordor and defeat Sauron and his army.
 
Players take part in real-time battles by creating their own personal armies from a hefty roster of iconic Champions, including Talion, Celebrimbor, and Shelob from the upcoming Middle-earth: Shadow of War™ console game, as well as beloved characters from The Lord of the Rings, including Gimli, Gandalf and many others.
 
 “We’re thrilled to have collaborated with the incredible team at IUGO whose passion and innovation were paramount in creating an authentic Middle-earth adventure on mobile that lives up to players’ expectations,” said Jonathan Knight, VP, Studio Head at WB Games San Francisco. “Together we’ve brought to life Middle-earth’s greatest Champions and combined that with the award-winning Nemesis System, setting the stage for an epic battle against Sauron and his armies to take back Middle-earth.”
 
The award-winning Nemesis System™ is coming direct to players' fingertips in Middle-earth: Shadow of War mobile, where each Orc enemy faced remembers all past encounters and battles, creating wholly unique experiences from player to player. The choice is then in the player's hand to recruit different Orcs to either fight on their behalf or to execute them in exchange for rewards that upgrade character abilities.
 
Download today and forge a fellowship to play with friends from across the globe to discuss strategy, tactics and request rare character upgrades.
 
For more information or to join the Middle-earth: Shadow of War mobile conversation, visit https://shadowofwar.com/mobile/ or find us on YouTube (ShadowofWarGame), Facebook (@ShadowofWarMobile), Twitter (@Shadowofmobile), Instagram (@ShadowofWarGame) and our official forums (ShadowOfWar).

Today we are proud to present the all-new trailer for Red Dead Redemption 2, the story of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the Van Der Linde gang as they rob, fight and steal their way across the vast and rugged heart of America in order to survive. Coming Spring 2018 to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One systems.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Red Dead Redemption 2

Formats:  PS4, XO Out:  Autumn 2017 Publisher:  Rockstar

UBISOFT^® CONNECTS HISTORY WITH TECHNOLOGY THROUGH THE HIEROGLYPHICS INITIATIVE

A MACHINE LEARNING BASED RESEARCH PROJECT, THE HIEROGLYPHICS INITIATIVE WILL HELP EVERYONE LEARN ABOUT ANCIENT EGYPT, THE MYSTERIOUS SETTING OF ASSASSIN’S CREED ORIGINS. 

Today, during an International Media event for Assassin’s Creed Origins, Ubisoft unveiledThe Hieroglyphics Initiative, a machine learning based research project powered by Google TensorFlow, to simplify the decipherment of hieroglyphics, one of the oldest written languages in the history of mankind.

During the recreation of Cleopatra’s Egypt for Assassin’s Creed Origins, the most ancient time period ever explored in an Assassin’s Creed game, the development team at Ubisoft realised how challenging it still is to unlock the secrets of the past and wondered how modern technology could help. Translating hieroglyphics is a manual and time-consuming process. It has been over 200 years since the Rosetta Stone first helped to understand them. Collaborating closely with Google, Ubisoft set out to explore the potential of machine learning technology in order to make the hieroglyphics written language accessible to everyone.

“The Hieroglyphics Initiative not only has the potential to save us time as Egyptologists, it could unlock the magic of hieroglyphics for a new audience”, said Perrine Poiron, Egyptologist, Ph. D student (Sorbonne/UQAM).

Machine Learning is the technique used to develop artificial intelligence, which is the science of making things smart. Image recognition is a classic example of machine learning, where the application learns to identify an object by being told which images contain the object and which don’t.  The Hieroglyphics Initiative will use this technique to identify the images of hand-carved hieroglyphs, all of which differ significantly from one source to another, in order to recognise individual hieroglyphs which we know the meaning of.

One of the main elements of this project is to gather source material (imagery of Middle Period hieroglyphics in its original form), and multiple samples of the thousand or so hieroglyphs which have been identified and translated by scholars in the past. Therefore, Ubisoft calls for Researchers and Historians to add their contribution, in order to collect as much data as possible and to create the ultimate hieroglyphics translator.

“By making the Hieroglyphics Initiative an open source project, we aim to create a new connection between two things that we love at Ubisoft - history and technology”, said Pierre Miazga, Hieroglyphics Initiative Project Coordinator at Ubisoft. Contributors can register on the Hieroglyphics Initiative website at www.hieroglyphicsinitiative.com

Assassin’s Creed Origins will be available on October 27^th, 2017, for major consoles and Windows PC.

For more information on Assassin’s Creed Origins, please visit: www.hieroglyphicsinitiative.com

For the latest on all of Ubisoft’s games, please visit: ubiblog.com

UBISOFT ANNOUNCES DISCOVERY TOUR BY ASSASSIN’S CREED^®: ANCIENT EGYPT

NEW LEARNING MODE ALLOWS PLAYERS TO IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN THE HISTORY OF ANCIENT EGYPT 

Today, Ubisoft^® announced that a new game mode is coming to Assassin’s Creed^® Origins, called Discovery Tour by Assassin’s Creed: Ancient Egypt, in which players can explore the diverse landscapes of Ancient Egypt and learn about its rich history from audio guided tours. Discovery Tour will be a free update for all Assassin’s Creed Origins owners available in early 2018.

In this dedicated mode, players can free roam the entire interactive 3D recreation of Ancient Egypt in Assassin’s Creed Origins, free of combat, storyline or time constraints. From Alexandria to Memphis, the Nile Delta to the Great Sand Sea, the Giza plateau to the Faiyum Oasis, players can immerse themselves like never before in the rich history of Ancient Egypt. Discovery Tour will offer dozens of guided tours curated by historians and Egyptologists, each with a focus on a different aspect of Ptolemaic Egypt, such as the Great Pyramids, mummification or the life of Cleopatra. 

“From the beginning the Assassin’s Creed franchise has always explored pivotal moments in history, from the Third Crusade to the Italian Renaissance, and this year Ancient Egypt.” said Jean Guesdon, Creative Director of Assassin’s Creed Origins. “It’s a dream come true for us to offer Discovery Tour by Assassin’s Creed: Ancient Egypt, an educational mode built specifically for people to learn more about the incredible history of Ancient Egypt through the interactive experience made possible via a video game.” 

Assassin’s Creed Origins will be available on October 27^th, 2017, for major consoles and Windows PC.

For more information about Assassin’s Creed Origins, please visit assassinscreed.ubisoft.com

For the latest about all Ubisoft’s games, please visit ubiblog.com.

Shrouded in mystery, Father Theodore has remained an enigma…until now. Along with Stefano, Theodore is one of the human “monsters” who have made their way into the new STEM world in The Evil Within 2, and he’s finally ready to reveal his message to the masses – a message that promises a “righteous” fury and immolation to those who oppose him. Sebastian will need to survive the wrath of this master manipulator if he’s going to have any hope of finding Lily and escaping the nightmare of STEM.

Find out more about Theodore in our newly released trailer: 

Theodore has his own reasons for being in STEM that are separate from Mobius’ goals, which he sees as misguided. Though what he’s actually after only becomes apparent as Sebastian becomes more entangled in his world.

Like Stefano, Theodore isn’t alone in STEM, although unlike Stefano – who commands the gruesome and terrifying Guardian and Obscura – Theodore’s main helpers aren’t creatures he created. Referred to as Harbingers, they are normal people whose minds Theodore has bent to his will. These Harbingers wield flamethrowers and seem to exist solely to carry out Theodore’s fiery will, burning any who would stand in the way of his pursuits.

Any detail about his past pushes into HUGE SPOILER territory. In other words, you’ll have to play the game in order to unlock the secrets he hides. Check out Bethesda.net for even more details and insights from the team at Tango Gameworks.

As Sebastian Castellanos, you’ll have to dive into hell once more in the sequel to the hit 2014 survival horror game from the mind of Shinji Mikami. Take on twisted creatures in horrifying domains and face off against your own worst nightmares as you race to save your daughter. The Evil Within 2 will launch worldwide Friday the 13th, October 2017 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. For more information about the game, visit www.TheEvilWithin.com.

NEW LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 2 Vignette Spotlights Marvel’s Inhumans​​​​​​​

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today released a NEW vignette for LEGO®Marvel Super Heroes 2, spotlighting members of the Inhuman Royal Family, including Black Bolt, Medusa, Crystal, Karnak, Gorgon, Maximus and the lovable canine, Lockjaw, all in LEGO® form. Also showcased is their ancestral home, the Inhuman city of Attilan, which is one of 18 different iconic Marvel locations featured in the game, all ripped from time and space to form the expansive Open Hub World of Chronopolis.

The Official LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 2 Inhumans Vignette 

For the latest information or to join the LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 2 conversation, visit us on Twitter @LEGOMarvelGame), Facebook (@LEGOMarvelVideoGame) or Instagram (@LEGOMarvelGame) or YouTube (LEGOMarvelVideoGame).

LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 2 is an all-new, epic adventure and sequel to the smash hit, LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes. This original branching storyline, co-written by award-winning comics writer Kurt Busiek, transports players into a cosmic battle across a myriad of Marvel locations ripped from time and space into the incredible Open Hub World of Chronopolis. Packed with signature LEGO® humour for fans of all ages, gamers will go head-to-head with the time-travelling Kang the Conqueror in this fun-filled journey spanning the Marvel Universe.

LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 2 will be available starting 17th November 2017 for PlayStation 4®, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Make all your Star Wars fantasies come to life in Star Wars Battlefront II! Check out the new “This is Star Wars Battlefront II Trailer” where John Boyega aka Finn reveals the full game experience that players can expect to immerse themselves in this holiday. Whether it’s dominating as your favorite iconic hero in epic multiplayer battles with up to 40 players, piloting a starfighter through thrilling dogfights in space, or stepping into the boots of commander Iden Versio in the campaign’s all new untold Star Wars story, there’s something for everyone in Star WarsBattlefront II. Along with 5 unique multiplayer modes to suit any play style and 18 locations set across all three cinematic Star Wars eras, the new class based system, Battle Points and reworked Star Card system offer greater depth and progression than ever before.

Check out the new “This is Star Wars Battlefront II Trailer” 

Head to the Star Wars Battlefront II blog here to get a closer look at all the Galactic Assault locations that will be available at launch, and website here to learn more about the game’s multiplayer modes.

UBISOFT INTRODUCES ASSASSIN’S CREED ORIGINS HIGH-END HEADPHONES BY FOCAL

Two Limited Editions of Headphones Will Release: Focal’s Listen Wireless Headphones designed exclusively for the Ubisoft Store and the Prestigious Utopia Headphone in Collaboration with the French Jeweler Tournaire.

Today, Ubisoft^® announced a new and long-term collaboration with Focal, a global leader in high fidelity products. Focal’s Listen Wireless headphones customised for Assassin’s Creed Origins will sell exclusively on the Ubisoft Store. Additionally, renowned French jeweler Tournaire has crafted an extremely limited number of Focal’s Utopia headphones featuring yellow gold design elements.

The first collection, Assassin’s Creed Origins Listen Wireless Headphones, has been designed exclusively for the Ubisoft Store in a limited series of 2,222 units.

Equipped with Bluetooth^® wireless technology, the Listen Wireless headphones offer Assassin’s Creed fans an exceptional product of French expertise with a sophisticated design. The quality of Focal headphones will let them enjoy high quality sound for up to 20 hours while immersing them into the huge world of Assassin’s Creed Origins. They are also equipped with a “clear voice capture” double microphone system for even greater clarity of speech and conversations. The design celebrates the upcoming launch of the new Assassin’s Creed game. 

Involving French jeweler Tournaire^®, a synonym for excellence and uniqueness in jewelry, Focal have pushed the partnership on Assassin’s Creed even further. Tournaire^® will release the numbered copies of a custom-designed, handcrafted headphones, Assassin’s Creed Origins Utopia by Tournaire^®.  A 3D artist, an art caster and a goldsmith worked together with the jeweler for several months in order to create this piece of art which features yellow gold design elements, which comes as a celebration of Ancient Egypt, the setting of Assassin’s Creed Origins. This incredible piece of art will include 18-carat gold elements. The headphones are displayed on a bronze head of Assassin’s Creed Origins’ protagonist, Bayek, also a limited edition, of 10 numbered pieces.

Assassin’s Creed Origins Utopia by Tournaire^® and mount are displayed on demand at Tournaire’s boutique in Paris (7 place Vendôme – Cour Vendôme, 75001 Paris). 

“Focal and Ubisoft share the same commitment to excellence, enhanced service and creating an emotional connection. The Assassin’s Creed Origins limited headphones represent a first step for a long term collaboration”, said François Tallec, Director of Licensing Out and Publishing at Ubisoft EMEA.

“Sound is a key element in gaming for a true immersive experience. Focal, leaders in the hi-fi acoustic world, is proud to collaborate with Ubisoft for the launch of Assassin’s Creed Origins. This is the first step of a French partnership dedicated to excellence in these two matching universes”, said Sébastien Dumas, FOCAL Brand and Communication Director.

“Making unique creations and masterpieces is part of the philosophy of Tournaire. This partnership showcases outstanding French expertise. It is always a pleasure to work in collaboration with innovating brands and pushing boundaries to make exceptional creations”said Mathieu Tournaire, Managing Director and Creative Director at Tournaire

Since the very beginning and the very first Assassin’s Creed game, ten years ago, the Assassin’s Creed franchise has always been about epicness, history, mystery and beauty. Assassin’s Creed origins set the beginning of everything. The action takes place in Ancient Egypt, inviting players to explore the most mysterious place in history, during a crucial period that will shape the world and give rise to the Assassin’s Brotherhood. Plunged into a living, systemic and majestic open world, players will discover vibrant ecosystems, made of diverse and exotic landscapes that will provide them with infinite opportunities of pure exploration, adventures and challenges.

 

The Listen Wireless headphones, Assassin’s Creed Origins by Focal will be sold exclusively on the Ubisoft Store for a unit price of €249.

Assassin’s Creed Origins Utopia by Tournaire^® is sold at a unit price of €50,000 and the bronze head of Bayek for a unit price of €12,000.