Paradox Interactive, a publisher of games that loves the spell of napalm, today announced that Magicka: Wizard Wars has officially launched worldwide on PC. Magicka: Wizard Wars, the free-to-play player-versus-player (PvP) action game based around the iconic Magicka spellcasting system, has finished its Steam Early Access period and is now available as a general release. Today’s launch includes an all-new game mode, “Soul Harvest,” for the more strategically-minded sorcerer, where Wizards will have to worry about fighting AI creatures and monsters in addition to their opponents, all while dodging the always-on friendly fire of their own well-meaning teammates. Magicka: Wizard Wars is free to download and play at www.wizardwars.com/ .

In Soul Harvest, player-Wizards play a 4v4 match where each team must reach and destroy a magical effigy possessed by the opposing team. In order to destroy the effigy’s defenses and reach the target, players must collect souls by casting deadly spells upon AI monsters roaming the map – or upon enemy Wizards. True to the on-the-fly strategies and action of Magicka, there are no lanes, last-hitting, or levels in Soul Harvest – only pure skill at spellcasting and picking the right magic for the right moment. It’s never too late for a comeback!

“Obviously the launch of a game is a momentous occasion, and it’s definitely a relief to have it officially out there after two years,” said David Nisshagen, Game Director for Magicka: Wizard Wars. “Our job is certainly not over yet, however. Our players have been with us every step of the way, supporting us, giving us crucial feedback, and helping us make a Magicka PvP experience that feels right. We couldn’t have gotten to this point without them, and now that we’ve launched, we’re going to stick by them to keep the game growing, evolving, and repeatedly setting everybody on fire in new and unexpected ways.”

For more info, visit www.wizardwars.com/

Shadowrun is the mother of all cyberpunk settings, captivating fans around the globe for over 25 years. Now, with Shadowrun Chronicles: Boston Lockdown (previously known as Shadowrun Online), Cliffhanger Productions is releasing a unique and tactically challenging online game. In a world where magic and technology collide, the player takes control of the combat unit of one of the mighty megacorporations, tasked with doing their dirty work. And there’s a lot of that in the world of Shadowrun Chronicles…

The campaign mode in Shadowrun Chronicles: Boston Lockdown can be tackled either solo or in co-op multiplayer mode. First, you create your own hero in true RPG fashion in a level-free character system and gradually assemble a formidable team of Runners. With over 50 different enemy types, the missions require smart and prudent planning, cover from fire, suppressive fire, heavy weaponry and, of course, the well-considered use of powerful magic.

The Early Access phase of Shadowrun Chronicles: Boston Lockdown officially ends today and, following the successful Kickstarter campaign with over 6,000 supporters, to whom the developers extend their special thanks, is finally available in stores off- and online.

For more info, visit http://www.shadowrun.com/shadowrun-online/

Square Enix Ltd., has released a large content update for its mobile adventure role-playing game HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS™. HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS v3.0.0 brings players a number of improvements and new features, including:

• ·    Decreased app size for iOS, making future updates easier to download
• ·    A new introduction sequence to PvP matches
• ·    Streamlined battle screen UI (the Auto button has been moved and fast-forward lasts beyond the end of a turn)
• ·    The opportunity to obtain the Prison Warden as a bonus unit with your next core pack purchase
• ·    Easier access to Recruitment from the Squad screen
• ·    The addition of a turn counter in PvP battles
• ·    Potential Mage and Gunner secondary damage is highlighted in a clearer manner
• ·    Fast forward mode stays in effect between turns once selected
• ·    New sound effects

For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/hsr.en

WEBZEN, a global developer and publisher of free-to-play games, is delighted to announce that full-3D MMORPG MU ONLINE will launch a special event for new guilds who are about to embark on a new adventure tomorrow.

WHAT: United We Stand, Divided We Fall
WHEN: April 28th – May 6th, 2015 (UTC)

• Guild Creation Period: April 28th – April 30th
• Guild Recruiting Period: April 28th – May 3rd
• Event Submission: May 4th – May 5th
• Final Announcement: May 6th

DETAILS: Create a guild with a minimum of 30 members, recruit guild members to meet the special requirements like a character’s level or class, and submit the information to the official MU ONLINE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MUWEBZEN
Once your guild meets the requirements, the guild master will receive Tibetton (lv.1) + Wings of Angel and Devil (28 days), and also all guild members will get Wings of Angel and Devil (28 days).
In addition, two randomly chosen guilds will receive additional rewards such as 3rd Wing(+13 +Luck +2 Options) and Robot Transformation Ring (7 days). Join this event to get special rewards that will help your guild throughout the journey!

Full details on “United We Stand, Divided We Fall” will be available on the official MU ONLINE website: http://muonline.webzen.com/

In an official teaser video, Techland revealed its plans to further extend the capabilities of the Dying Light Developer Tools. To help players fulfill all their creative ideas for original Dying Light content, Techland will continue to expand the editor with regular updates, including new features as terrain creation & editing, custom models import, and multiplayer support.

In collaboration with Nvidia, Techland also announced the ‘Beyond Dying Light’ contest.  All users of the Dying Light Developer Tools who upload and submit their openly available maps by May 11, 2015 have a chance to win an ASUS GTX 980 Strix graphics card and exclusive Dying Light merch. Contest details and the submission form can be found at DyingLightGame.com/Devtools-Contest.

FINAL FANTASY® XIV producer/director, Naoki Yoshida, appeared at the Nico Nico Chokaigi 2015 event in Tokyo. During the show, Yoshida appeared in various on-stage segments, including an “on-the-road” version of the ‘Letter from the Producer LIVE’ where he discussed the upcoming expansion, Heavensward™. As part of the producer letter, Yoshida revealed a brand-new trailer for the Heavensward benchmark software which showcases the three new playable jobs, exciting dungeons, new areas, and flying mounts. He also announced the release of the benchmark software that will enable players to test their PC ahead of release. The benchmark also features the ability to try out the impressive new DirectX® 11 graphics, and create characters, including the new playable race, the Au Ra.

The FINAL FANTASY XIV: Heavensward benchmark software is available here: http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/benchmark/.