(For Southeast Asia) Stand a chance to meet Hideo Kojima and Yoji Shinkawa at DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 TAIPEI

(For Southeast Asia) Stand a chance to meet Hideo Kojima and Yoji Shinkawa at DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 TAIPEI

(For Southeast Asia) Stand a chance to meet Hideo Kojima and Yoji Shinkawa at DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 TAIPEI https://ift.tt/pgySINY

PlayStation®5 exclusive “DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH” is set to launch on 26 June and we are excited to announce that DEATH STRANDING fans in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines will have the special opportunity to meet Hideo Kojima (GAME CREATOR) and Yoji Shinkawa (ART DIRECTOR) at DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 TAIPEI on 6 July 2025.

Meet the legends behind the new DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH in Taipei as they share their passion and thoughts on their latest PS5 blockbuster.

How to Join:

1.        Pre-order physical version of DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH (Standard Edition or Collector’s Edition)

2.        Click the registration link here (in English/in Thai) and upload your proof of purchase.

3.        In the same form, answer a couple of questions and submit your contact details.

Registration period begins on May 22, 2025 at 00:00:00 (Singapore time) and ends on June 20, 2025, 21:59:59 (Singapore time) 

Prize: 

A round-trip flight ticket to Taipei, 2-nights hotel stay, and entry to the DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 TAIPEI *

* DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 TAIPEI event will be conducted in Mandarin.

Please see more details of DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 TAIPEI’s Terms and Conditions here: English/Thai.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 4 — full details, live May 29

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 4 — full details, live May 29

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 4 — full details, live May 29 https://ift.tt/4yLbGW6

Russell Adler didn’t eliminate Vikhor “Stitch” Kuzmin after all, instead confining the villain to an Icelandic black site prison as insurance for a rainy day. That day has come as Adler and crew free their former foe, their only chance to finally crack the Pantheon codenames.

Witness the return of Stitch in the massive Season 04 update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone, bringing new maps, modes, weapons, and more. Season 04 launches May 29 on PS5 and PS4.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 4 — full details, live May 29

Multiplayer overview

New Core 6v6 Maps

Shutdown (Launch): Shut off the power to the prison with an attack on a hydroelectric dam in Iceland. Fight over the rugged terrain, dive into the lake, and battle around the damaged turbine.

Fugitive (Launch): With the power cut, it’s time to break Stitch out of the black site prison. Infiltrate the frozen compound, climbing, ziplining, and battling over the grounds and in the cell block where alarms warn of the jailbreak.

New 2v2/6v6 Strike Maps

Blitz (Launch): Traffic comes to a halt as Pantheon agents race towards the prison but get ambushed by the Rogue team. Duck under the bridge for quick cover or trek the cliffside seeking enemy targets.

Eclipse (Mid-Season): Stitch arrives in Avalon, slipping into an underground nightclub to discuss business. Battle in the neon lights down the halls and over the dance stage.

Remaster, Core 6v6 Map

Fringe (Mid-Season): Revisit Fringe, originally featured in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and coming to Black Ops 6 reimagined as the grand opening of the Rolling Hills distillery.

New Multiplayer Modes

Team Elimination (Launch): This twist on Kill Confirmed gives both teams a limited number of lives each round. Eliminated players drop a dog tag on death that can be picked up by the enemy to confirm the kill and drain the opposing team’s remaining lives, or by a teammate to prevent the action.

One in the Chamber (Launch Window): One pistol, one bullet, a knife, and three lives. Eliminate enemies to earn more bullets in this Black Ops classic.

Party Ops (In-Season): Get the party started in a new Limited-Time Mode arriving later in the season dropping players into a randomized set of themed minigames.

Now launching: The Grim Reaper

Scorestreak: Grim Reaper (Event Reward): The quad-tube loaded Launcher returns from the original Black Ops, inflicting heavy explosive damage on enemy Operators and Scorestreaks alike.

 

Zombies overview

Returning Mode: Grief (Launch)

The fan-favorite competitive Zombies mode returns! This 4v4 indirect PvP mode pits S.A.M. against Director Richtofen as teams pledge their support for one or the other, receiving handler comms guiding them throughout the match. Secure Capture Zones to thwart the enemy with modifiers including reduced damage, drained ammo, slowed movements, and more.  Put your Zombies talents to the test in this mode while competing against real players attempting to survive longer than you and your squad. 

New Ammo Mod, GobbleGums, Grim Reaper 

Ammo Mod: Shatter Blast: Modify your ammo to explode on contact, dealing armor-piercing damage in a blast radius. Research Major and Minor Augments to specialize Shatter Blast’s abilities in all-new ways.

Three New GobbleGums: Chew on Explosive Flourish to trigger an area-of-effect explosion around your Operator when reloading. Pop Flavor Hex to activate a random Ultra GobbleGum, and force eliminated zombies to belch sparkly rainbow bubbles via Rainburps.

Grim Reaper: Build the new Support weapon at the Crafting Table and blast those zombies to bits!

New Challenges and LTMs

Expect an influx of Dark Ops Challenges awarding Calling Cards and bounteous amounts of XP for those able to complete the secret challenges. Play new Limited-Time Modes, including the Starting Room LTM and Abomination Challenge LTM later in the season.

Call of Duty: Warzone Overview

New Point of Interest: The Overlook

Battle up and down The Overlook, a new skyscraper under construction in Downtown. Burger Town and the SKN Comm tower have been demolished to make way for the building. Two cranes flank the dominant POI and checkpoints line the entrances. Work your way from ground level including the relocated Burger Town up to the Penthouse and Roof, or latch onto an ascender and get some serious height.

New Limited-Time Modes

Clash (Launch): Two teams of 52 drop into a specific POI within Verdansk. With no Circle Collapse and instant access to your Loadouts, be the first team to earn 500 points by eliminating enemies, completing contracts, and participating in Public Events. Earn upgrades like the new Door Barricade Field Upgrade and the Hand Cannon, spend cash to activate SAM Turrets, and earn powerups that alter the course of the match.

Havoc Royale (Mid-Season): Compete in a Resurgence mode where modifiers bend the rules in game-changing ways. Survive the havoc, be the last team standing, and claim victory!

Resurgence Casual (Mid-Season): Drop into a Resurgence match mixing human players and bots. A great mode for warming up, teaching new players about the game, or just chilling out.

Mid-Season Loadout Items 

Care Package: Deploy this rare throwable to summon an aerial drop with the chance to obtain rare equipment, the Specialist Perk, and more.

Perk: Loot Master: Available only in Resurgence and Plunder, gear up faster by increasing the amount of loot you find while opening caches, including an increased drop rate for equipped weapon ammo, Tacticals and Lethals, cash, Field Upgrades, Killstreaks, and other high-tier gear.

General Overview

New Weapons: In the Battle Pass, unlock two rapid fire weapons in the LC10 SMG and the FFAR 1 Assault Rifle. Earn more across multiple seasonal events including the lever-action Essex Model 07 Marksman Rifle, Olympia Special weapon, and the Pickaxe Melee weapon.

New Attachments: Lock in with the G-Grip Tactical Foregrip available on most SMGs and Assault Rifles. Get three weapon conversions, including a burst conversion for the Stryder. 22 Pistol and full-auto conversions for the SVD Sniper Rifle and TR2 Marksman Rifle.

Events & Ranked Play

Earn additional rewards across several in-season events, including coveted items like the Essex Model 07 Marksman Rifle, Stryder .22 3-Round Burst Mod, and the Grim Reaper Scorestreak.

Plus, compete in a new season of Ranked Play for Multiplayer and Call of Duty: Warzone, including Ranked Play: Battle Royale and, in Mid-Season, Ranked Play: Resurgence. Play using a competitive ruleset and earn new seasonal rewards based on the highest Rank obtained in the season.

Season 04 Battle Pass & Store Content

Purchase the Battle Pass to immediately unlock rewards including a seasonal 10% Battle Pass XP Boost, the new “Supermax” Stitch Operator Skin, and more, providing access to over 110 pieces of unlockable content. Plus, earn up to 1,100 COD Points as you progress through the Battle Pass Pages. Get even more with BlackCell.

Look for exciting new Store Bundles including the cel-shaded Tracer Pack: Ink and Smoke plus the Tracer Pack: System Breach, Tracer Pack: Olympus Bolt, and much more.

Season 04 launches May 29

Black Ops 6 is available now on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Experience the spy action thriller Campaign, the in-depth tactical chaos of Multiplayer, and soak in the gory glory of round-based Zombies.

PlayStation Stars coming to a close as SIE evaluates new ways to evolve future Loyalty Program efforts 

PlayStation Stars coming to a close as SIE evaluates new ways to evolve future Loyalty Program efforts 

PlayStation Stars coming to a close as SIE evaluates new ways to evolve future Loyalty Program efforts  https://ift.tt/DFE5HvA

At Sony Interactive, we’re always experimenting with new and exciting ways to bring our community of players together to share the joys of gaming and create lasting memories. That’s why three years ago, we created PlayStation Stars, a loyalty program to celebrate our players. The unique program includes playing games to earn rewards – including our unique Digital Collectibles that pay homage to incredible games and our PlayStation legacy. The program has helped foster a deeper connection with fans around the world.

Since launching the program, we’ve learned a lot from evaluating the types of activities our players respond best to, and as a company, we are always evolving with player and industry trends. Through this evaluation, we have decided to refocus our efforts and will be winding down the current version of PlayStation Stars. We will continue to evaluate our key findings from this program, and are looking into ways to build upon these learnings.

Here are some key things to know as these changes take place:

  • Starting today, PlayStation Stars will no longer accept new members for this version of the program. 
  • If members choose to cancel their PlayStation Stars membership starting today, it will not be possible to rejoin this version of the program, and members will lose all earned Points.
  • Current PlayStation Stars members can still earn Digital Collectibles, Points and level up their status until July 23, 2025 at 7:59AM PDT | 3:59PM BST | 11:59PM JST. After this date, there will be no new PlayStation Stars Campaigns available, or any additional rewards or status benefits to earn.
  • This version of the PlayStation Stars program will fully end on November 2, 2026 and current PlayStation Stars members can continue to redeem Points as long as their Points don’t expire before then. 

We also wanted to let you know that PlayStation Stars members can still access their Digital Collectibles, even after these changes take place. 

We want to thank all of our players for supporting PlayStation Stars since the launch in 2022. As we explore new ways to evolve our loyalty program efforts for the future, we’ll continue to celebrate all of our players through the various community activities we have planned. 

The programs we create are all inspired by you, and we look forward to bringing you compelling new experiences for many generations to come.

Mukti PS5 gameplay revealed

Mukti PS5 gameplay revealed

Mukti PS5 gameplay revealed https://ift.tt/4yLbGW6

Today marks a special milestone for us at underDOGS. After years of sweat, love, and relentless passion, we’re proud to reveal the first official gameplay teaser of our upcoming narrative adventure game, Mukti. 

And yes, you can wishlist it today on PlayStation Store. 

Mukti PS5 gameplay revealed

A glimpse into Mukti

Mukti isn’t just a game. It’s a journey of discovery, redemption, and the impact of hidden narratives in a first-person exploration set within the authentic backdrop of an Indian museum.  

Following her grandfather’s mysterious disappearance amid accusations of heinous crimes, Arya returns to find the museum he owned vandalized and abandoned. Through the silent echoes of the past, she pieces together a narrative of heritage, compassion and obscured truths, questioning everything she knew about his existence. What truths lie in her grandfather’s museum? 

As the story unfolds, you’ll uncover layers of mystery, ancient secrets and a world that blurs the line between myth and reality.

​​

From India, for the world – backed by Sony

Mukti is proud to be part of the prestigious Sony India Hero Project, being selected for this program not only gave us the fuel to bring our vision to life, but also reaffirmed our belief that Indian stories belong on the world stage.

After over a year of working closely with the fantastic folks at Sony, the journey has been nothing short of insightful and full of learning. Now, we’re thrilled to finally give you a glimpse of what we’ve been crafting behind the scenes.

Built for the big screen

On PlayStation 5, Mukti is designed to fully harness the power of Sony’s hardware. Our immersive environments, intense sequences, and emotionally-driven scenes are meant to be experienced in 4K, with responsive controls that pull you right into the heart of the story.

We’re also working closely with the PlayStation team to ensure features like DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers elevate the experience, from feeling the impact of every hit in combat to the subtle tension of solving puzzles and uncovering truths.

Why wishlist matters

As an indie studio from India, every wishlist counts. It tells the world, especially platforms and publishers, that there’s a growing hunger for Indian stories told through high-quality, console-level games. It pushes boundaries and opens doors, not just for Mukti, but for a whole generation of Indian developers.

So if the teaser stirs something in you… if you believe in bold stories, fresh voices and unforgettable adventures – hit that wishlist button today.

We’re only just getting started.

Helldivers 2: Heart of Democracy update live, brings the fight to the streets of Super Earth

Helldivers 2: Heart of Democracy update live, brings the fight to the streets of Super Earth

Helldivers 2: Heart of Democracy update live, brings the fight to the streets of Super Earth https://ift.tt/kKaLM1C

The worst nightmare of all those who fight for Managed Democracy has been made a grim reality.

Helldivers 2: Heart of Democracy update live, brings the fight to the streets of Super Earth

Despite the valiant efforts of our Helldivers to push back the fleet, the Illuminate have reached Super Earth. Now they are swarming our cities, terrorizing citizens, and destroying our infrastructure. It’s time to rise up and take arms and fight for the precious foundations and soil of Democracy manifest. Helldivers, return to our planet and defend what is rightfully ours.

Super Earth… our home

The urban sprawl of Super Earth is the site of the conflict. Fight among the towering skyscrapers and crowded streets of our home turf as the Illuminate rain down destruction all around you.

Inside the city biomes, you will tackle operations and work to liberate cities together, having a significant impact on planetary campaigns.

Repel the invasion

The Helldivers are tasked with a new objective: to repel the Illuminate invasion by gaining ground over the squids as they fight to control areas where the fleet is landing. It won’t be a walk in the park, divers. Like a game of intergalactic tug-of-war, you will struggle against the incoming forces, gaining and losing control quickly.

Arm the cannons

Even in the face of such danger, we are not helpless, and all is not lost. The might of Super Earth’s arsenal lies hidden beneath our peaceful, democratic streets. With your help, we must activate our Planetary Defense Cannons and take down the Illuminate fleet in a grand show of power.

Call for backup

It’s all hands on deck as you encounter SEAF troops who will help join the fight to defend our Freedom. These small squads will fight enemies on their own, or they can be ordered to follow Helldivers and provide temporary backup as you navigate toward objectives. Salute and lead them on the path to victory, divers!

Protect citizens

However, you must also be aware of the many civilians still roaming the streets, fearing for their lives. They may be panicked, Helldivers, but it is your sworn duty to keep them safe and they look to you as the ultimate protectors of liberty. Remember: any civilian lives lost from friendly fire will be punished.

Prepare for the fight

Last week, we released a powerful primary weapon customization system and expanded surplus options to fight against the Illuminate as they emerged from the singularity. Now that you have learned the tactics of these new squid troops–like the Crescent Overseer and the hulking Fleshmob–you must master these tools to continue the fight on Super Earth. Use every available resource, divers, and decimate their forces!

Our major update, Heart of Democracy, is now live. Helldivers, to your hellpods immediately! Citizens, enlistment centers will remain open for recruitment.

The battle for Super Earth has begun.

Internet Connection and Helldivers 2 game required for update.

Share of the Week: Days Gone Remastered – Landscapes

Share of the Week: Days Gone Remastered – Landscapes

Share of the Week: Days Gone Remastered – Landscapes https://ift.tt/u39Sh1Q

Last week, we asked you to share portraits of broken down and nature-filled landscapes from Days Gone Remastered using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

dfgmendes shares a snowy mountain top 

​​

MrioMoreno5 shares waterfalls along the canyon

AdamWilson82 shares a winding wooden path into the abyss 

tulippooh3 shares a hazy forest morning 

meza6_9 shares a beautiful starry night 

EZ_takayoshi shares an island in the center of a lake 

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter/X or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: Afterlife 
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on May 21, 2025 

Next week, we’re exploring photos that represent or capture the afterlife. Share your creative photos representing the other side using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Stellar Blade launches June 11 on PC, specs and features revealed

Stellar Blade launches June 11 on PC, specs and features revealed

Stellar Blade launches June 11 on PC, specs and features revealed https://ift.tt/rRqolKm

On June 11, the PC version of Stellar Blade will be released*. The PC version of Stellar Blade will support several new features and introduce exciting additional content. This additional content will also be available on the PS5 console version, This additional content will also be available on the PS5® console version. PS5 users will receive the free update content through a patch download. It will deliver the best experience to everyone – both users who couldn’t join Eve’s mission due to platform limitations, and fans who have already witnessed the end of Eve’s protocol.

Stellar Blade launches June 11 on PC, specs and features revealed

With this in mind, we are pleased to share detailed information about the Stellar Blade PC version.

NVIDIA DLSS 4 & AMD FSR 3 upscaling and unlocked frame rate*

Blade, blood, and  beauty. Eve is a ruthless executioner and an elegant liberator.
 
The PC version of Stellar Blade supports NVIDIA DLSS 4 resolution scaling and frame generation, NVIDIA DLAA image enhancement, and NVIDIA Reflex latency reduction features. AMD FSR 3 is also supported.* Additionally, it supports unlocking the frame rate, allowing you to maximize your PC’s potential.
 
With these enhancements, Eve’s action will transcend its limits, becoming even more merciless and all the more mesmerizing.

Wide Resolution and High-Resolution Texture Support**

The desolate and lonely scenery of a fallen Earth, along with the majestic yet delicate artwork, are the pride of Stellar Blade.
 
The PC version of Stellar Blade supports ultrawide 21:9 and super ultrawide 32:9 resolutions, allowing you to use a wide range of aspect ratios from 5:4 to 32:9.** High-resolution background textures are also supported. The beauty of the artwork will become even broader and more detailed on Eve’s journey toward her mission. (Please check the 4K texture option in the settings)

DualSense Controller and user key customization support

A desperate escape in the labyrinthine darkness of the sewers, a fierce brawl across the magnetic levitation tracks of the Hyper Tube. In the PC version of Stellar Blade, you can experience all of these moments vividly with the DualSense controller, which fully supports haptic feedback and adaptive trigger features.***
 
Additionally, the game now supports full user key customization for gamepads, keyboards, and mice. Complete the Eve Protocol in your own play style.

Mann’s test and additional Nano Suit

Mann, the leader of the Sentinels, comes to test Eve. He is a seasoned warrior, a master of weapons, the bodyguard of Orcal, and the guardian of Xion. Face his might in the Boss Challenge and prove why Eve is truly ‘worthy.’ As a reward for overcoming the trial you can obtain the ‘Royal Guard Suit.’

That’s not all. After the update, you can collect a total of 25 new Nano Suits as additional rewards. This will provide even more options to highlight Eve’s beauty. 

And to celebrate the release of the PC version, we will be giving all users the new outfit Crimson Wing as a token of our gratitude.

Support for Simplified Chinese and Japanese facial animation

Stellar Blade  now supports Simplified Chinese voiceovers, and Japanese voiceovers can now be selected in all regions. Of course, facial animations matching both languages will also be applied. We hope that even more players can immerse themselves in Eve’s mission and her fateful choices, with familiar languages and natural performances.

Minimum and recommended specifications

To enjoy the PC version of Stellar Blade smoothly, we recommend the following PC specifications.

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED HIGH VERY HIGH
AVERAGE PERFORMANCE 1080P @ 60FPS 1440P @ 60FPS 1440P @ 60FPS 4K @ 60FPS
GRAPHIC PRESETS Low Medium High Very High
CPU Intel Core i5-7600K
AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
Intel Core i5-8400
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Intel Core i5-8400
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Intel Core i5-8400
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
GPU NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER
AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
RAM 16GB 16GB 16GB 16GB
STORAGE 75GB HDD
(SSD Recommended)
75GB SSD 75GB SSD 75GB SSD
OS Windows 10 64-bit Windows 10 64-bit Windows 10 64-bit Windows 10 64-bit

Thank you once again to all Stellar Blade fans for your unwavering support and love over the past year. We also extend our gratitude to everyone waiting for the release of the PC version. Stellar Blade has come this far thanks to your passion as its driving force. We look forward to even more players joining Eve’s journey starting June 11.

Stellar Blade launches June 11 in Los Angeles (3pm PDT), Mexico City (4pm CST), New York (6pm EDT), Sao Paulo (7pm BRT) and London (11pm BST), and June 12 in Paris (12am CEST), Stockholm 12am CEST), Johannesburg (12am SAST) Dubai (2am GST), Beijing (6am CST), Seoul (7am KST), Tokyo (7am JST), Syndey (9am AEDT).

*Launch timing may be June 12, depending on your region. Please refer to the above global release timing image to confirm.
**A compatible graphics card is required.
*** A compatible display device is required.
**** A wired connection is required to use all features of the DualSense controller.

Ghost of Yōtei: How Sucker Punch chose Hokkaido for the game’s setting

Ghost of Yōtei: How Sucker Punch chose Hokkaido for the game’s setting

Ghost of Yōtei: How Sucker Punch chose Hokkaido for the game’s setting https://ift.tt/wqhdW0r

The best part of working on Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost of Yōtei has been getting the opportunity to go on reference gathering trips to Japan. As an American, I had primarily seen the country through the lens of beloved classic samurai movies. But actually going there, feeling the wind on your face, smelling pine forests, and meeting locals is deeply inspiring. Everyone from Sucker Punch that went on those reference gathering trips came back to the studio with a driving passion to bring a sense of authenticity to our fictional depiction of these real life places. We strive to create an original landscape which captures the feeling of the real location, then to set players free inside it, allowing them to explore as they will, following their curiosity.  

But most of all, the trips are humbling. I vividly remember standing on a beach in Tsushima, the same beach where 80 samurai died attempting to defend their home from a Mongol invasion.  The people on both sides of that conflict were real. All of us at Sucker Punch wanted to do right by the reality of Tsushima’s history, even though we were going to tell a fictional story in a digital version of Tsushima that was not a stone for stone recreation of the island. We felt that by listening to our cultural advisors and by doing research we could deliver a respectful representation of what made Tsushima so special. To deliver a feeling of authenticity and believability to our fictional story. 

For Ghost of Yōtei, we’re doing the same thing.  

So, how did we pick the setting for our new game? That’s easy, Hokkaido is unbelievably beautiful and in 1603 it was the edge of the Japanese empire. Back then it was called Ezo, a mysterious island to the north, sparsely populated by Wajin (Japanese) people bold enough to build a life for themselves in the cold wilderness. This combination of beauty and danger spoke to us. It was the perfect place to tell Atsu’s tale; a warrior so driven by revenge that locals start to believe she’s an onryō walking the land. If you’re going to tell a ghost story, do it in a dramatic location. 

The Sucker Punch reference gathering team from left to right: Ian Ryan, Jason Connell, Nate Fox, JoAnna Wang, Rob Davis, Ryuhei Katami.

Sucker Punch sent out two reference gathering trips, both exploring different areas of Hokkaido.  Thankfully, our group visited Shiretoko National Park. A place that effortlessly combines natural beauty and a sense of danger.  While hiking through the park, taking in majestic views of ocean waves crashing on towering cliffs we spotted a number of trees scarred by bears sharpening their claws. This forest was their home, we were the outsiders. Suddenly we had to split our attention between gazing up at the beautiful snowcapped mountains and looking down at the nearby bushes in case there was a predator nearby. That experience was magic! A perfect marriage of beauty and danger, that was the exact feeling we wanted for our game. For me, that was the moment I knew Hokkaido was the right choice. 

See the claw marks on that tree? Would you want to camp in that forest?

While traveling in another part of Hokkaido we were introduced to a mountain so tall it seemed to be watching over everyone on the island. You guessed it, it was Mt. Yōtei, which the Ainu call ‘the Female Mountain’. Of course, on the trip we’d been thinking a lot about our hero. Hearing the Ainu name for the mountain really bonded it to Atsu. For us, Yotei became a symbol of Hokkaido. While for Atsu, it’s a symbol of home and of the family she lost. This process of being there, talking about the game with locales, then synthesizing new ideas is what made the trip so fulfilling.  

Mount Yōtei, so tall it pierces the clouds. 

Here are some photos we took during this research trip: 

As you can see, we were all very inspired by the natural beauty of Hokkaido. The landscape spoke to us and we’ve done our best to capture the spirit of it in our fictional version of the island. But that wasn’t all we learned while on this trip. As a bunch of Americans we knew how ignorant we were about Japanese culture. To help start to solve that problem we met with a wealth of knowledgeable individuals and visited important cultural sites… but more on that at a later date.

PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for May: Sand Land, Soul Hackers 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted, Battlefield V and more  

PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for May: Sand Land, Soul Hackers 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted, Battlefield V and more  

PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for May: Sand Land, Soul Hackers 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted, Battlefield V and more   https://ift.tt/3q860dM

Whether you’re seeking adventure, mystery, or a good scare, May’s PlayStation Plus Catalog has got you covered. Explore a vast desert world filled with action in Sand Land, delve into the cyberpunk universe of Soul Hackers 2 or step into the eerie world of Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted… There’s plenty to choose from in May’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup*. 

Meanwhile, PlayStation Plus Premium welcomes PS2’s FPS simulation classic, Battle Engine Aquila. 

All titles will be available to play on May 20. 

PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog 

Sand Land | PS4, PS5 

From the creator of Dragon Ball comes a new action RPG, Sand Land! Create incredible vehicles to explore a desert world & beyond. Meet the Fiend Prince Beelzebub, his chaperone Thief, and the fearless Sheriff Rao, and follow the team on an extraordinary adventure in search of the Legendary Spring hidden in the desert. Learn how to control Beelzebub’s powers and lead your company of heroic misfits exploring the legendary world of Sand Land. Beware of the many dangers that populate it: between bandits, fierce wildlife, and the Royal Army, reaching the spring won’t be easy! Use your tact and imagination to develop tanks and other vehicles that will help you navigate this vast land, using a wide array of part combinations. 

Soul Hackers 2 | PS5 

Explore a dark, supernatural realm and investigate the world’s end in this sci-fi, neo-noir mystery. Amidst the glimmer of neon lights, technological advancement causes humans to be consumed by commercial convenience. In the shadows, a war between the Yatagarasu and the Phantom Society is brewing, Devil Summoners who harness the otherworldly powers of “Demons”. Existing in the secret sea of humanity’s data, a digital hivemind has evolved into sentience: Aion. Observing humankind from afar, Aion calculates that a world-ending disaster is imminent and creates two agents to combat against it: Ringo and Figue. Together, these agents of Aion must investigate and prevent a butterfly effect that will lead to the end of the world. 

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted – Full Time Edition | PS4, PS5 

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted is a collection of classic and original mini-games set in the Five Nights universe. Survive terrifying encounters with your favorite killer animatronics in a collection of new and classic Five Nights at Freddy’s experiences. Repair claustrophobic ventilation systems, troubleshoot broken animatronics that could activate at any moment, or spend your evenings cowering in the nighttime security guard office. Scenes from classic titles have been updated and remade for a fully immersive experience including Five Nights at Freddy’s, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s 3, Five Nights at Freddy’s 4, and Five Nights at Freddy’s: Sister Location.  

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted – Full Time Edition is a combined version of Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted and its DLC, Curse of Dreadbear, for PS5 & PS VR2. The base version for PS4, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted, is also available as part of Game Catalog’s May lineup. Standard non-VR and VR modes included. 

Battlefield V | PS4 

Enter mankind’s greatest conflict with Battlefield V as the series goes back to its roots in a never-before-seen portrayal of World War II. Experience all-out multiplayer with your squad in the vast Grand Operations and the cooperative Combined Arms, or take on single player War Stories. Also includes Firestorm – Battle Royale, reimagined for Battlefield. 

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy | PS4, PS5 

Delve into the renowned classics of open-world survival with the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy, now upscaled and enhanced for a new generation. Investigate the Zone’s origins, taking on the roles of legendary stalkers and forging paths that can lead to different outcomes based on your actions and decisions. Test your gumption while navigating through radioactive debris and anomalies, and put your reflexes to trial during intense gunfights. Search for the answers to the darkest mysteries that could cost you your sanity in sinister catacombs filled with starved mutants.  

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising | PS4, PS5 

Rise to glory in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, a delightful fighting game experience for beginners and veterans alike. Newcomers can fully enjoy the intensity and thrills of one-on-one combat without needing to memorize complicated controls—simple inputs can be used to perform skills with the press of a single button! Embark on a journey through the vast skies of Granblue Fantasy and immerse yourself in an epic adventure while mastering the fundamentals of gameplay. As you take on more quests in this action RPG-inspired experience, you’ll continue to grow stronger. 

Humankind | PS4, PS5 

Humankind is a historical strategy game, where you’ll be re-writing the entire narrative of human history and combining cultures to create a civilization that’s as unique as you are. Combine up to 60 historical cultures as you lead your people from the Ancient to the Modern Age. Face historical events, take impactful moral decisions, and make scientific breakthroughs. Each battle in Humankind plays out like a mini turn-based board game on top of the actual world map. Unstack your armies and command each of your units, including the emblematic units of your culture and their special abilities. Construct siege weapons to besiege and occupy cities. Fight in large battles spanning multiple turns, and don’t hesitate to bring in reinforcements! 

Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life | PS5

This reimagined version of A Wonderful Life brings all of the heart and charm of the original to a new generation as the definitive experience of one of the most cherished entries in the long-running farming series. Put down roots on your new farm in the peaceful town of Forgotten Valley. Forge precious memories as you weave your own generation-spanning tale of friendship, family, and farming. Bring life to the land by cultivating crops and raising animals, find love among the town’s friendly folk, and make lasting memories with a family of your very own in this reimagining of a beloved farming classic. 


Gloomhaven Mercenaries Edition | PS4, PS5

Experience a tough tactical RPG and lead your band of mercenaries through an unforgiving land where every choice is crucial. Carve your way through terrifying dungeons, dreadful forests and dark caves filled with horrific monsters to reap your rewards… or die trying. Sell your sword to anyone who can afford it, may they be city officials or corrupt cultists. You are paid to get results and not ask questions. Where will you draw the line? 

PlayStation Plus Premium 

Battle Engine Aquila | PS4, PS5

The forces of the Forseti and the evil Muspell are in a fight to the death for a flooded world’s most limited resource: land. You are Hawk Winter, plucked from obscurity to pilot Battle Engine Aquila. Airborne or on land, you’ll harness Aquila’s versatile mobility and awesome fire power in guiding legions of allies to victory. By commanding a device so powerful and advanced, your battlefield decisions will shape the direction of each engagement and, ultimately, the entire war. 

*PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe lineups may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day.