Train2Game News GameBlast 2022 Starts Today

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Gamers’ charity SpecialEffect are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of people from the gaming community and industry who are taking part in their annual GameBlast challenge this coming weekend, 25-27 February.

 
With face-to-face fundraising severely restricted over the last two years due to the pandemic, GameBlast is again taking on vital importance this year as a major source of funding for the charity’s work in helping people with physical disabilities to enjoy video games.

 
Heralded as ‘the best excuse to game ever,’ the GameBlast weekend will see hundreds of gamers take on sponsored fundraising gaming-themed challenges of their own design, including marathon livestreams, speed runs, pub quizzes and fitness challenges. The event has raised over £1m over the past seven years to help the charity create custom control setups for disabled gamers and collaborate with the gaming industry to make their games more accessible.

 
As well as the individual gamers and creators who’ll be gaming hard over the weekend, many names in the games industry will also supporting or taking part in the event, including SEGA, Corsair, Coatsink and many others.

 
The SEGA community have a team of over 60 streamers participating. Marta Camilo, Digital Design Manager at SEGA Europe from SEGA said “I love taking part in GameBlast as a streamer. It’s so thrilling, the energy is always positive and everyone, from viewers to streamers and industry, unite for a cause they care about.”

 
SpecialEffect’s Tom Donegan commented: “GameBlast is so close to our hearts here at SpecialEffect because it’s all about gamers coming together to help their fellow gamers. The range of challenges streamers take up to support the charity is always such a joy to see and it’s a real feel-good weekend from start to finish! A huge thank you to everyone taking part and we hope they all have a fantastic time while raising vital funds.”

 
Check out the streams and fundraising events happening throughout the GameBlast weekend at https://www.specialeffect.org.uk/gameblast and get the latest Updates at https://twitter.com/GameBlast 

Train2Game News Elden Ring Launch Trailer

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Your journey is about to begin Tarnished, a mere few days now separate you from venturing into the Lands Between and seek your place as Elden Lord.
 
Watch our latest trailer here but beware if you want to discover the game with unclouded eyes, as it contains characters and scenes never seen before.
 
ELDEN RING is available for pre-orders now and will launch on February 25, 2022, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via STEAM.
 
The game offers a free Upgrade to PS5 for players who purchase the PS4 version and supports Smart Delivery for Xbox, allowing players to play on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S with a single purchase.
 
For more information about ELDEN RING and other titles from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe, please visit our website, follow us on Facebook, or join the conversation on Twitter.

Train2Game Game2Give Final Push

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Game2Give is an epic global charitable fundraiser that proudly unites gamers around the common goal of making positive change happen.

This highly successful campaign, first launched on December 2, 2021, has already raised over $1.59 million to date.

Even with this incredible achievement, the support, anticipation, and momentum continue to grow as the action heats up from February 24 to March 3, 2022. Game2Give has a firm focus on achieving its $2 million fundraising goal.


Our highly engaged global community features an outstanding lineup of streamers who continue to support the cause. Notable live-streamed fundraisers include a stellar list of content creators from around the world, including Tamsin Wood on February 25 from 12 AM to 2 AM PST;  T1Riot  on February 27 from 8 PM to 10 PM PST; Bungie wraps up the event on March 2 from 10 AM to 12 PM PST, which promises to be an action-packed stream full of amazing donor incentives that you’ll only find during this two-hour block.

You won’t want to miss out on your chance to spin the prize wheel!

Game2Give’s event format is simple.

First, participants register online, create personal fundraising pages, and set a personal fundraising goal. Next, they engage their network of friends, family, and coworkers to donate any amount, bringing them closer to reaching their goal. Based on the size of their contributions, participants and donors have the opportunity to receive incentives such as brand-new Destiny 2 in-game rewards.

These exceptional rewards include the Light Keepers emblem, the Arc Propellant emblem, the Hi-5 Heart Exotic multiplayer emote, and the first-ever charity ship: the Altrux Pura Mk1. Participants can also continue to collect donations while hosting their live-stream fundraisers, receiving unique rewards that every Destiny 2 player will be eager to get their hands on!

 
Proceeds raised will support the Bungie Foundation’s newly expanded core initiatives.

The Foundation’s work continues to be headlined by its highly successful iPads for Kids program, delivered to children’s hospitals around the world.

Recently, the organization has also added two additional core initiatives: to fund global humanitarian aid and support community programs that impact inclusion, diversity, and equity.

To find out more or to donate go to www.game2give21.com

Train2Game News Pokémon Day 2022

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On February 27, 1996, the first Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, launched in Japan, kicking off a global phenomenon that would grow into one of the most popular and influential entertainment brands in the world.

Each year, fans celebrate their love for Pokémon on this day as a community.

To help them celebrate, The Pokémon Company International and its partners host a variety of fan-focused activations annually.

Beginning today, The Pokémon Company International invites fans around the world to get excited for this year’s Pokémon Day by unveiling news and events from across the franchise in the lead-up to February 27.

These updates will be revealed globally on the brand’s official social media channels @PokemonNewsUK, and fans are invited to join the conversation with #PokemonDay.

“The Pokémon fan community is one of the most passionate and dedicated in the world. We look forward to helping Trainers celebrate their love of all things Pokémon from the Pokémon Trading Card Game to the video games, mobile apps, animation and more every year on Pokémon Day,” said J.C. Smith, senior director of consumer marketing for The Pokémon Company International.

“Following Pokémon’s landmark 25th anniversary in 2021, one day did not feel like enough for Pokémon Day 2022, so we invite fans to join us in a weeklong countdown to February 27 and enjoy the daily surprise reveals and activations along the way.”

Additionally, Pokémon Center, the premier online destination for official Pokémon merchandise in the US, Canada and United Kingdom will be celebrating by unveiling and releasing a variety of new products featuring fan-favourite Pokémon throughout this week.

Fans around the world can also check their local Pokémon animation broadcaster and streaming services for Pokémon Day-related celebrations featuring classic episodes of the beloved series and movies. Curated collections of episodes and movies leading up to and on Pokémon Day are also available now for free on Pokémon TV.

Train2Game News Street Fighter 6 & Capcom Fighting Collection

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Get ready, another fight is coming your way!

Capcom, the powerhouse behind 35 years of the video game industry’s most legendary fighting games, today delivered a one-two punch during the Capcom Pro Tour 2021 Season Final with a sneak peek at the highly-anticipated Street Fighter™ 6 and the reveal of Capcom Fighting Collection™.
 
Watch the teaser trailer here: https://youtu.be/SwPzuBj01AM
 
Street Fighter 6, the next evolution of the renowned Street Fighter™ series which has sold more than 47 million units since it charged onto the scene 35 years ago, is now in development. The teaser trailer showcased a glimpse of the future of Street Fighter™, as series mainstay Ryu locks horns with new challenger Luke.

The 45th and final character in the Street Fighter™ V roster was teased to have a key role in the next Street Fighter project, which has now been confirmed.

More details will be shared this summer. Stay tuned to the official Street Fighter 6 website for all the latest info.
 
While the excitement for the next chapter in the Street Fighter saga builds, fans can kick off celebrating 35 years of Capcom fighting games with Capcom Fighting Collection, an anthology of 10 classic titles – including the full Darkstalkers™ series together for the first time ever outside of Japan.

Each of the 10 titles in the collection has been revitalized with online multiplayer, enhanced features, and quality of life updates.
 
Capcom Fighting Collection will be released digitally on June 24, 2022 for PlayStation® 4, Nintendo Switch™, Steam and Xbox One.

Capcom Fighting Collection will also join forces with Street Fighter™ 30th Anniversary Collection and unleash a heavy-hitting combo in Capcom Fighting Bundle, launching digitally on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Steam and Xbox One

Train2Game News Final Fantasy VII The First Solider

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SQUARE ENIX® is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the fan-favorite RPG FINAL FANTASY® VII with a special collaboration event in the battle royale action mobile game FINAL FANTASY VII THE FIRST SOLDIER.

From today until February 28, players can take part in celebratory in-game events and obtain FINAL FANTASY VII-themed skins, accessories, banners and more as they embark on an intense battle royale experience where they must fight to be the last SOLDIER standing.
 
To view the FINAL FANTASY VII collaboration trailer for FINAL FANTASY VII THE FIRST SOLDIER, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLEooyXQ7jc
 
New content arriving in the FINAL FANTASY VII collaboration event includes:

  • Polygon FINAL FANTASY VII Characters – Players can obtain event-limited character skins based on the original FINAL FANTASY VII polygon designs for Cloud, Aerith, Tifa, Barret, Red XIII and Chocobo, with more coming soon.
  • 25th Anniversary Collaboration Events – For a limited time, players who defeat event monsters on the battlefield will obtain special reward boxes and collect data pieces that unlock event-limited collectibles. Mission clears will also reward Premium Shinra Pack Tickets (FF7)　and data pieces.
  • Character Skins & Accessories – Event-exclusive skins and accessories will be available for free for a limited time, including Shinra SOLDIER and Cloud Dress character skins, and a Buster Sword back accessory.
  • FINAL FANTASY VII Banners – Players can obtain thematic FINAL FANTASY VII banners to display next to their character name.
  • Celebratory Login Bonuses – Players will receive event login bonuses and collect Premium Shinra Pack Tickets (FF7), which can be redeemed for a chance to obtain the collaboration store items, simply by logging in daily during the campaign period.
  • FINAL FANTASY VII App Revamp – For a limited time, the FINAL FANTASY VII FIRST SOLDIER game icon, in-game home screen, and UI will be revamped similar to the look of the original FINAL FANTASY VII. In addition, players will hear iconic FINAL FANTASY VII music when entering battles.

“Thank you so much for continuing to play FINAL FANTASY VII THE FIRST SOLDIER,” said Producer Shoichi Ichikawa. “I played the original FINAL FANTASY VII as a child, and I am ecstatic to come back after all these years as a producer of a title within the FINAL FANTASY VII franchise to celebrate the 25th anniversary with you all! We are about to begin the FINAL FANTASY VII collaboration, and I hope that this will evoke a sense of great nostalgia for fans who’ve played the original FINAL FANTASY VII from 25 years ago, while appealing to newcomers to the franchise with their cute polygon style. I would love for everyone to join the fray during this collaboration period and have fun.”

Players can look forward to more updates to FINAL FANTASY VII THE FIRST SOLDIER with the upcoming Season 2 content on February 28th, including new materia, weapons, boss and summons, a new Dragoon style and more.

FINAL FANTASY VII THE FIRST SOLDIER is available as a free download with in-app purchases through the App Store® and Google Play™.

Train2Game News Cyberpunk 2077 Next Generation Update

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CD PROJEKT RED announced today that Cyberpunk 2077 has just received its latest free update, introducing players to the next-gen Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 version of the game, and further improving the original platform releases.

 With Patch 1.5 — Next-Generation Update, Cyberpunk 2077 takes advantage of the additional power of the newest generation of console hardware, allowing for ray tracing features and 4K with dynamic scaling on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, faster loading times, and a variety of other visual and technical improvements. On PlayStation 5, the game will additionally utilize the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback functionalities.


Watch the Patch 1.5 — Next-Generation Update Launch Trailer

The studio has released two gameplay footage videos from Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Players wishing to try out the game before purchase can do so courtesy of a free, time-limited next-gen trial available on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. The trial will be available for 30 days, until March 15th, 5 PM CET, and will allow players the option of continuing their adventure after purchase. Similarly, those who started their walkthrough on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will be able to transfer their saved game states to the respective next-gen version. Details regarding the transfer process can be found on the update website.Learn more about Patch 1.5 — Next-Generation Update

The new update also comes equipped with a host of changes and improvements across all versions of Cyberpunk 2077. These range from further performance and stability optimizations, to tweaks to gameplay and economy, the open world of the game, map usage, along with new interactions for relationships and an overhauled Fixer system. Furthermore, new pieces of free additional content have also been introduced, including rentable apartments, new gear, character customization options, and more. Details regarding the new content are available here.

View list of changes for Patch 1.5

Following the release of Patch 1.5 — Next-Generation Update, Cyberpunk 2077 is now available Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 as a free upgrade for current owners of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions, as well as a standalone digital purchase. The game, along with Patch 1.5, is also available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and PC.

For more information regarding the game, please visit cyberpunk.net.

Train2Game News Tomb Raider Collaborates With Girls Make Games

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As a part of Crystal Dynamics’ ongoing effort to encourage under-represented communities to join the game development industry, the company today announced a charity drive in collaboration with Girls Make Games, celebrating 25 years of Tomb Raider and Lara Croft’s birthday.

Available exclusively from the Square Enix Store, gamers can purchase a complete set of 15 prints of reimagined Tomb Raider box art created by legendary artists from around the world for a limited time for only $49 (plus shipping and sales tax). All proceeds from the sale go to Girls Make Games, a program dedicated to inspiring the next generation of game designers, creators, and engineers.

Artists were chosen to ensure a diverse array of styles and were given full freedom to reimagine the series’ box art, resulting in Lara Croft portrayed in comic, anime, whimsical, realistic, and surrealistic styles.

“No matter the genre or medium, as a pop-culture icon of 25 years, Lara Croft is instantly recognizable throughout this incredible art series,” said Scot Amos, Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics. “Girls Make Games is an amazing program and we are proud to partner together on this charity fundraiser. Our hope is that it will translate into hundreds of girls getting the chance to attend Girls Make Games summer camps, workshops, and other outreach activities.”

Among the accomplished and supremely talented crew of artists were Marvel Studios’ Visual Development Supervisor Andy Park, legendary Japanese artist, character designer, and illustrator Yoshitaka Amano, Batgirl, Gotham City Sirens, and Overwatch graphic novel artist Babs Tarr, and Crystal Dynamics’ own Art Director Brenoch Adams, who kicked off the initiative with his take on the original Tomb Raider’s box art and followed up with an original version of Tomb Raider: Anniversary. All 14 artists crafted unique takes on the box art for each game through their own lens, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular.

Participating artists include:

The full set of prints can be seen here

To buy the print set, visit this link to the Square Enix Store
 

More information about the 25th anniversary celebration of Tomb Raider and its amazing history can be found at https://tombraider.com/25.

Train2Game News Preorder Chocobo GP Now

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SQUARE ENIX® announced today that Chocobo GP, an exhilarating kart racing experience set in the Chocobo® universe, is now available for digital pre-order on Nintendo Switch™ in anticipation of its March 10, 2022 release.

Players can put the pedal to the metal in Chocobo’s newest racing adventure, full of magic and mayhem, and featuring beloved characters from the Chocobo and FINAL FANTASY® franchises, including fan-favorites Vivi and Steiner from FINAL FANTASY IX.

Chocobo GP features a variety of game modes and both online and offline multiplayer modes that will challenge players of all skill levels as they take on thrilling courses from well-known Chocobo and FINAL FANTASY series locations.


SQUARE ENIX also introduced the first Season, which players can join in on in the game’s 64-player bracket-style tournament, Chocobo GP Mode.

Lasting roughly two months, each Season will present special rewards which players can earn by raising their season score and season level through participation in Chocobo GP Mode. An optional Prize Pass will be available for purchase, granting players access to additional rewards and the ability to earn resources, such as Gil, more efficiently. Gil can be used to purchase various rewards in the game’s Gil Shop.
 
As a Season One login bonus, all players can obtain 800 mythril (equivalent to a Prize Pass) for a limited time, allowing them to obtain FINAL FANTASY VII’s fan-favorite Cloud as a level reward of the first Prize Pass.

Additionally, all players of the full game have the chance to obtain FINAL FANTASY VIII’s Squall from the Gil Shop.

  


 
Chocobo GP and the free-to-download Chocobo GP Lite are rated E10+ by the ESRB and will be available digitally for Nintendo Switch on March 10, 2022.

Train2Game News Kingdom Hearts Comes To The Switch

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As a part of the ongoing 20th anniversary of KINGDOM HEARTS celebration, SQUARE ENIX® and Disney today released four beloved KINGDOM HEARTS titles for the first time on Nintendo Switch™ via cloud.

Cloud versions include KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC) and the all-in-one KINGDOM HEARTS INTEGRUM MASTERPIECE for Cloud collection.

Players who purchase KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC), either as a standalone title or through the all-in-one collection, will receive the Advent Red Keyblade for use in that game.


Watch the KINGDOM HEARTS Series for Nintendo Switch Cloud Version launch trailer here: https://youtu.be/5T7Gp3s4liQ

For a full list of games included in each collection, visit: https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/news/kingdom-hearts-switch
 
Players can test their internet connection prior to purchasing any of the title(s) with free playable demos, available to download now from Nintendo eShop for three of the beloved KINGDOM HEARTS titles, including KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC).
 
The first entry in the KINGDOM HEARTS franchise first released twenty years ago in 2002, thus launching the longstanding collaboration between SQUARE ENIX and Disney. Since then, over 35 million copies have shipped worldwide.

Nintendo Switch players, who have eagerly awaited the arrival of the series’ back catalogue on the platform, will soon be able to join Sora, Donald, Goofy, and many other Disney and Pixar characters on adventures through the “Dark Seeker Saga,” spanning from the original KINGDOM HEARTS to the critically acclaimed KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC).
 
To order these titles, please visit the page here: www.kingdomhearts.com/switch