Tag Archives: Games Developer

Train2Game News 30 Years Of Sonic

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IDW Publishing (OTCQX: IDWM) and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced a special comic book collaboration celebrating 30 years of the video game sensation-turned-pop culture icon, Sonic the Hedgehog™.

Timed to the speedster’s 30th trip around the sun this June, IDW will release the Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Special, a super-sized 80-page comic book featuring three tales of colorful heroes and dastardly villains, sure to tug at the heartstrings of fans of all ages!

With the franchise entering a new decade, the anniversary issue will feature the writings of New York Times best-selling authors Gale Galligan and the McElroy Brothers to bring a fresh spin to the Blue Blur’s next chapter.

“We’re celebrating a major milestone for the world’s coolest hedgehog, so we needed creators who could capture the vibrant comedy and action of Sonic in style,” said IDW editor David Mariotte. “The 30th Anniversary Special features possibly the greatest creative lineup ever assembled on a single issue of Sonic!”

For this spectacular tribute comic, IDW has tapped Gale Galligan, known for her illustration work on The Babysitters Club, along with Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy, podcasters recognizable from The Adventure Zone and the wildly popular My Brother, My Brother, and Me. This group of newcomers will be contributing their first-ever Sonic adventures alongside fan-favorite and longtime scribe Ian Flynn and artists Mauro Fonseca, Reggie Graham, Aaron Hammerstrom and Thomas Rothlisberger.

“Seasons of Chaos,” the first of three stories featured in the 30th Anniversary Special, comes courtesy of Flynn, Hammerstrom and Graham, and sends Sonic on a mission from pleasant spring valleys to winter wonderlands in search of Chaos Emeralds alongside his friends Miles “Tails” Prower, Knuckles the Echidna, Amy Rose, Mighty the Armadillo, and Ray the Flying Squirrel.

“Sonic has been central to my creative career for fifteen years,” said Flynn. “I’ve had the pleasure of writing the little blue hedgehog in a variety of media, and he in turn has introduced me to an army of artists and editors who have helped me grow as a professional (and made me look good). I’ve had a long run with Sonic, and I hope that continues for years to come!”

The vile Dr. Eggman takes center stage in the second story, with the surprisingly poignant “Dr. Eggman’s Birthday” by Galligan and Rothlisbeger… because this momentous occasion belongs to the bad doctor, Sonic’s 30-year long nemesis, as much as it does to the Blue Blur.

“When my sister and I were little, we borrowed the Sonic the Hedgehog OVA from our local video library and proceeded to watch it about a billion times,” said Galligan. “I still remember quoting it back and forth with her for weeks after that! Sonic has held a special place in my heart ever since. I’m thrilled to be able to contribute to the 30th Anniversary Special, and I can’t wait to send my sister a copy!”

Finally, in the action-packed and laugh-inducing third story “Sonic Learns to Drive” by the McElroy Brothers and Fonseca, Sonic’s up against a tough challenge: when the fastest thing alive can outrun any car, will Sonic have the patience to learn what to do behind the wheel… or will he finally get left in the dust?

The Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Special will be available with multiple cover variants for retailers and fans to enjoy, including Cover A by Sonic Team, Cover B by Christina-Antoinette Neofotistou, and two retailer incentive editions featuring art by Patrick Spaziante and Tyson Hesse, respectively.

For ardent Sonic enthusiasts, IDW will also be producing the Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Celebration: The Deluxe Edition, a hardcover version with special bonus content and a level of added prestige for $19.99 USD. Hitting stores on October 5, 2021, the Deluxe Edition features an additional story by Gale Galligan, a cover gallery, a “From Script to Comic” feature and much more.

As another way to commemorate 30 years of Sonic, IDW will release Sonic the Hedgehog: The IDW Collection, Vol. 1 for $59.99 USD on June 22, 2021, debuting a new line of oversized Sonic hardcover editions that will encompass the ongoing series, annuals and mini-series in the recommended reading order.

Featuring everything a beginner could need and everything a diehard could want, the first volume collects issues #1-12 of IDW’s Sonic the Hedgehog comics, comprising the complete “Fallout,” “The Fate of Dr. Eggman” and “Battle for Angel Island” story arcs.

For information on how to acquire Sonic the Hedgehog comics and graphic novels from IDW, please contact your local comic shop or visit www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you.

Train2Game News Life Is Strange True Colors

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SQUARE ENIX Ltd. today announced Life is Strange: True Colors™ during the company’s showcase livestream, SQUARE ENIX PRESENTS.

This newest entry in the franchise has been created by Deck Nine Games, the developers behind Life is Strange: Before the Storm, in collaboration with Square Enix External Studios. Presented by musical artist and social media star, mxmtoon, Life is Strange: True Colors took centre stage during the digital show, where its new protagonist, her dynamic supernatural power and a thrilling mystery was introduced. The company also announced the Life is Strange Remastered Collection, a new edition of the critically acclaimed Life is Strange and Life is Strange: Before the Storm game featuring all new enhanced graphics and animations.

Watch the Life is Strange: True Colors trailer here: 
https://youtu.be/vliFdPEadKQ

For the first time in the franchise, there will be no more waiting for the next episode – players will be able to experience Life is Strange: True Colors in one single release.

Brought to life through full performance capture tech by rising talent Erika Mori, players will navigate Haven Springs as Alex Chen who has long suppressed her ‘curse’: the psychic power of Empathy, a supernatural ability which allows her to experience, absorb and manipulate the strong emotions of others – which she sees as blazing, colored auras. When her brother dies in a so-called accident, Alex must at last embrace her volatile power to find the truth – and uncover the dark secrets buried by a small town. Alex Chen’s journey and power is yours to control, and her future is in your hands.

Players’ time exploring Haven Springs will be underpinned by the exclusive soundtrack, with new tracks by mxmtoon and Novo Amor, and licensed songs including Radiohead, Phoebe Bridgers, Gabrielle Aplin, and much more.

Jeff Litchford, Vice President at Deck Nine Games stated, “It has been such an honor to return to the vibrant, emotive, and impactful world of Life is Strange. We are delighted to share this new story with you: a story of empathy, human connection, and the struggle to find a place to call home. All of the advancements in storytelling, development technology, and premium voice acting that we have made since Life is Strange: Before the Storm will allow players to be more immersed in the compelling world of Life is Strange: True Colors than ever before.”

Also announced during the show, the Life is Strange Remastered Collection. This collection will contain remastered editions of Life is Strange and Life is Strange: Before the Storm, featuring improved visuals and animations. The collection will be available as part of the Ultimate Edition of Life is Strange: True Colors and as astand-alone edition later this year.

Watch the entire Square Enix Presents stream here:
https://youtu.be/XK-E3CY6vWk

Life is Strange: True Colors will be available physically and digitally in three editions; the Standard Edition, the Deluxe Edition and the Ultimate Edition. Full details on each Edition can be found at lifeisstrange.com. Customers who pre-order Life is Strange: True Colors now will receive 4 additional in-game outfits for Alex.

Life is Strange: True Colors is slated for release on PlayStation 5®, PlayStation 4®, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC Steam, Windows Store, and Google Stadia on September 10, 2021.

Read more on the Life is Strange website: https://lifeisstrange.square-enix-games.com

Train2Game News EE Game Of The Year Nominees

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Six nominees for the all-new EE Game of the Year Award are announced ahead of the British Academy Games Awards on Thursday 25th March 2021.

Brought to fans by EE, the UK’s number one network for gaming, the new award is the only category to be voted for by the global community of games fans. The shortlist was decided by a panel of games experts* who were tasked with nominating six games that have resonated most with players around the world – capturing our imaginations and keeping us entertained and connected over the past year.

However, the jury panel have handed over control, with the decision now in the hands of the public.

This is the last week that the public can vote, with voting for EE Game of the Year open until 12:00PM on Monday 22nd March 2021 at ee.co.uk/BaftaGames.

The EE Game of The Year nominees for 2021 are:

ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS is a life simulation game developed and published by Nintendo. A carefree life is just beyond the horizon! Step off the plane and onto your very own deserted island where new friends, discoveries and opportunities are waiting for you. There are lots of ways to play Animal Crossing: New Horizons together with friends and family – locally or online. Share gifts, compete in bug contests or just enjoy one another’s company – there’s always more fun to be had with friends! Seasons change, time passes, and residents get on with their day – even when you’re not around, life on your island goes on. Experience every season and all the unique things that each one brings to your new home! Paradise is what you make it in Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch.

CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE is the hit free-to-play, free-for-everyone online experience developed by Infinity Ward and Raven Software that has dropped millions of players into the fictional world of Verdansk. Explore a massive battleground with up to 150 players, where you drop in, armour up, loot for rewards, and battle your way to the top. The game is available on PlayStation® 5, PlayStation® 4, the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, and on PC.

GHOST OF TSUSHIMA is an open world action-adventure game set in feudal Japan, developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. In the late 13th century, the Mongol empire has laid waste to entire nations along their campaign to conquer the East. Tsushima Island is all that stands between mainland Japan and a massive Mongol invasion fleet led by the ruthless and cunning general, Khotun Khan. As the island burns in the wake of the first wave of the Mongol assault, samurai warrior Jin Sakai stands as one of the last surviving members of his clan. He is resolved to do whatever it takes, at any cost, to protect his people and reclaim his home. He must set aside the traditions that have shaped him as a warrior to forge a new path, the path of the Ghost, and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima. The game is available on PlayStation® 4.

HADES is a roguelike dungeon crawler developed and published by Supergiant Games. Players control Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape from the Underworld and his father’s clutches, at times aided by blessings bestowed on him by the Olympian gods. Each escape attempt presents different combinations of chambers filled with foes and rewards, as well as unique story encounters. Zagreus will inevitably die during his journey, but his immortality means he can always try again. The story continues unfolding from one play-through to the next, and players can use found resources to improve abilities or unlock new weapons, raising their chances of success next time. The game is available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Nintendo Switch.

THE LAST OF US PART II is Naughty Dog’s most ambitious project in the studio’s more than 35-year history. From its acclaimed story and performances to its industry-leading advancements in graphics, audio, dialogue, representation, and accessibility, The Last of Us Part II explores mature themes about love, loss, and the obsessive nature of vengeance by challenging players to experience its harrowing story from opposing perspectives as Ellie and Abby. As each character’s journey unfolds and intersects, The Last of Us Part II prompts difficult questions about empathy and the lengths we would go to in order to bring justice for the people we love. The game is available on PlayStation® 4.

VALORANT is the free-to-play, competitive 5v5 character-based tactical shooter for the PC developed by Riot Games. A precise and lethal multiplayer game with high-fidelity gunplay, a diverse arsenal of guns, agents with unique abilities, and competitively tuned maps for thousands of hours of play. Optimised to perform on a wide variety of PC hardware, allowing for a global audience to compete; and demonstrated by the game’s best-in-class game server quality, global infrastructure, and proprietary anti-cheat technology, Riot Games is committed to preserving the core tenets of the tactical shooter genre and upholding the competitive integrity of the gameplay experience.

Dr Jo Twist OBE, Chair of the Games Committee at BAFTA, said: “In a year when games have been an invaluable way to stay socially connected and entertained for so many around the world, we are delighted to be working with EE to give the global community of games fans the chance to choose their favourite. The shortlisted games are all excellent contenders and I look forward to seeing which title the public choose to crown our first ever winner of the EE Game of the Year Award.”

Producer and Presenter Aoife Wilson, Head of Video at Eurogamer and member of the EE Game of The Year 2021 jury panel, said: “It’s a great honour to have been a jury member for the first ever BAFTA EE Game of the Year Award. It’s a particularly important award because in the last year, games have done more to bring people together than ever before. Games have the power to connect, to heal, to teach and to empower, and that’s never been clearer or more needed than right now. In a year where we’ve been separated physically, it’s very special that players now have the power to celebrate the games that have meant so much to us. It’s an incredible shortlist, and I can’t wait to see which of the amazing games featured will be voted the winner.”

Kirk McKeand, Editor-in-Chief at TheGamer.com and EE Game of the Year juror, added: “Enjoying video games is one of the only things we can do safely at the moment. Video games have been a sanctuary this last year – they allow us to travel, be with friends, and experience touching stories. We can empathise with characters, socialise with loved ones, and compete with rivals. Everyone is looking to games for a different reason, and I think the jury reflected that variety in the shortlist. On top of that, critics are often a bit disconnected from the audience. We play a lot of games, and we do so within strict time-constraints and a need to get to the next piece of coverage. That’s why it’s important for the fans to have a voice in an award like this.”

Pete Jeavons, Director of Marketing Communications for BT and EE, said: “We are thrilled to unlock the public vote, bringing fans closer to the action. The jury panel have done their part and now it’s over to the public to decide who will be crowned the first ever EE Game of the Year Award winner at this years’ BAFTA Games Awards!”

Voting for EE Game of the Year is open until 12:00PM on Monday 22nd March 2021 at ee.co.uk/BaftaGames. The EE Game of the Year winner will be announced at the BAFTA Games Award on Thursday 25th March 2021.

Train2Game News National Videogame Museum Receive First Donation

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Evercade, Codemasters, and The Oliver Twins are delighted to share the news of the first donation to the National Videogame Museum.

Following the launch of The Oliver Twins Collection cartridge, exclusively for the Evercade Retro Gaming console, it was announced that all profits from this would be donated to the National Videogame Museum in Sheffield.

Today Evercade and Blaze Entertainment are happy to announce that the first payment of donations for over £11,000 has been made to the National Videogame Museum. The funds raised from all sales of The Oliver Twins Collection Cartridge from Evercade will continue to be donated until 31st December 2021, meaning that more donations will be made in the future.

Rick Gibson, CEO of the charity the BGI which runs the National Videogame Museum, said: “We have been preserving and displaying the Oliver Twins’ important work for the nation for many years and their support has been pivotal. We’re delighted and grateful for such generosity from Philip and Andrew, Codemasters, and Evercade. Thank you!”

“We’re absolutely delighted that the Evercade fans have responded so well to The Oliver Twins Collection,” said Andrew Byatt, Managing Director of Blaze Entertainment. “One of the key things about Evercade and its community is the desire for preservation of gaming history and the industry that forms an incredibly formative part of gamer’s lives. It’s our pleasure to donate these funds to the museum to help further their efforts and we hope that we can have just as healthy a donation in the future.”

“We loved seeing The Oliver Twins Collection added to the already impressive Evercade library and it’s been great to see fans old and new enjoying the games we created almost 30 years ago,” said Philip Oliver. “As patrons of the National Videogame Museum, it’s great to see our collection has raised these funds and we hope it will continue into the future. We also want to also thank Codemasters and Blaze Retro for supporting this great charity,” added Andrew Oliver.

“It’s incredible to see how much love there is for both the Oliver Twins and their early Codemasters titles,” said Jonathan Bunney, SVP Publishing at Codemasters. “The Collection, which wouldn’t be complete without Dizzy, is a time capsule for the die-hard Codemasters fans, and we’re proud to contribute towards such a worthwhile charity as the National Videogame Museum.”

The National Videogame Museum was originally opened in 2016 in Nottingham, before moving to Sheffield in 2018 and then taken over by the BGI in 2020, which is now a registered charity. The Coronavirus crisis has affected the NVM, as it has multiple places over the last year, although the NVM managed to briefly reopen.

The Evercade is a handheld retro gaming console that features curated collections of games from historic publishers like Codemasters, Team 17, Atari, Namco, Data East, and many more, all officially licensed. These are released in the form of physical propriety cartridges that work with the Evercade handheld console. The Oliver Twins Collection cartridge is one of 14 currently available since its launch in June 2020, and the Evercade will have over 250 games available by the end of 2021.

For more information on the Evercade, visit www.evercade.co.uk or email press@evercade.co.uk

For more information on The Oliver Twins Collection, visit https://www.evercade.co.uk/oliver-twins-collection-cartridge/

For more information on the National Videogame Museum and the BGI, visit https://thenvm.org/

Train2Game News Square Enix Presents

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SQUARE ENIX® today announced the debut of a new video program called SQUARE ENIX PRESENTS, a series of shows in which the company will reveal new games, updates and news directly to the global gaming community throughout the year.

The first show, debuting on March 18 at 10:00 a.m. PDT / 1:00 p.m. EDT on Square Enix’s official Twitch and YouTube channels.

These shows will run approximately 40-minutes and include the world premiere of the next game in the critically acclaimed and award-winning Life is Strange™ series, featuring an all-new protagonist wielding an exciting new power.

The show will also feature trailers, gameplay videos and announcements for the following:

  • Outriders™, the high-intensity RPG-shooter set in an original dark and desperate sci-fi universe, coming out on April 1
  • Balan Wonderworld™, which arrives on March 26
  • The ongoing celebration for the 25th anniversary of TOMB RAIDER®
  • Marvel’s Avengers, the story-driven, third-person action-adventure game from Crystal Dynamics
  • Upcoming action shooter Just Cause® Mobile
  • New mobile game announcements from the award-winning Square Enix Montréal studio
  • A look at a few of the whimsical games from Square Enix sister company TAITO

To receive event updates and other Square Enix news, sign up to become a Square Enix Member; and be sure to subscribe to Square Enix’s official Twitch and YouTube channels ahead of the showcase on March 18.

Additional information about SQUARE ENIX PRESENTS can be found at: http://www.sepresents.com/

Train2Game News Realm Engine

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Indie game developer Pixel Ghost Studios is proud to announce the release of Realm Engine, a system-agnostic Virtual Tabletop worldbuilder aimed at RPG enthusiasts.

Created by Blake Johnson, Realm Engine is available as a FREE download via STEAM™ and is continuously being updated with additional content and features. 

  Official Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G_kpa4rHT0

Realm Engine allows for images of created maps to be exported for easy integration to other platforms and includes 100s of high-quality assets supporting a diverse range of campaign styles from arid deserts to ocean-based campaigns.

Currently in Early Access, you can make or furnish each room in a crowded Inn or map out large village scenes for a chase scene. The base world supports 250 x 250 and the upcoming Elite version for later release will support unlimited sizes. Scenes can be set with dynamic weather and you may control fog, rain and the sun using intuitive sliders to tailor your needs. The dynamic lighting allows you to create very realistic scenes and light-levels experienced by the players. With a little practice you can achieve just the right mood for your setting. Fog-of-war is supported as well and adds an additional layer of realism.

Realm Engine has 3D terrain sculpting options that enable you to build mountains, valleys, rivers, islands and almost anything you can imagine. Alternatively, using a single click, you can create randomly generated environments. From the TableTop there is projector and second-monitor support, capable of delivering an amazing experience for those who want to utilize its in-person/tabletop features through the use of an external screen.

Realm Engine has a thriving community supporting the creation and development of upcoming content and features. An online multiplayer feature is currently in the works for BETA Testers via Patreon. The project is a labor of love and more than 8000+ hours of development has gone into the current build.

At its core, Realm Engine is a world builder that supports the building and running any game of your choice and with more than 500+ of placeable assets, interactive doors, locks and lighting, there is plenty to get you up and running.

  KEY FEATURES

  • 100s of assets
  • Dynamic lighting, fog-of-war, day & night cycle
  • Grid and grid-less play
  • Procedural terrain generator
  • Terrain sculpting and painting
  • Local TableTop & Multiple-view support
  • In-game web-browser
  • Realtime weather & environment
  • Animated spells
  • In-game chat
  • Import you own 3d Models
  • Share and maps on the Steam workshop

And so much more!

Realm Engine | Virtual Tabletop is available from here:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1427700/Realm_Engine__Virtual_Tabletop/

Train2Game News Harvest Moon One World

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Rising Star Games are proud to announce Harvest Moon: One World is available now across Europe for Nintendo Switch.

The game is rated PEGI 3 and USK 0 and is available across Europe physically and digitally for £39.99 / €49.99*.

“Harvest Moon: One World is our largest Harvest Moon game yet,” said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. “With five different lands inspired by real life places, mystical Harvest Wisps, innovative tools that help you quickly travel and take your barn with you, and new rare and exotic animals, this is truly a new world for players to explore. Players will ride camels across the deserts of Pastilla, venture deep into the snowy mountains of Salmiakki, and even visit a volcano near the cozy mountain town of Lebkuchen!”


Can you imagine a world without cabbage, tomatoes, or even carrots? Believe it or not, that’s the world you’ll find yourself in at the beginning of Harvest Moon: One World, as the Harvest Goddess, the queen of crops herself, has vanished…

However, before the Harvest Goddess disappeared from this world, she imbued the tiny Harvest Wisps with the knowledge of various seeds, thus ensuring the various fruits and vegetables of the world would not be lost. Using the power given to these Harvest Wisps, you’ll unlock various seeds as you progress through the game! But the Harvest Wisps can be tricky to find, as they all appear at different times and places. You’ll need to use your noggin to make sure you seek out as many of them as you can!

  • Explore five unique and colorful areas: the sprawling grasslands of Calisson, the gorgeous beaches of Halo Halo, the searing desert heat of Pastilla, the cozy hills of Lebkuchen, and the snowy mountains of Salmiakki!
  • Choose your main character and meet all of the five handsome bachelors and five beautiful bachelorettes, each with their own unique personality and backstory!
  • Raise and keep animals such as cows, sheep, goats, and even reindeer!
  • Use your Expando-Farm to easily travel from one area to another!

Season Pass & Four DLC Packs

We also have a free feature update coming later this year to Lonely Mountains: Downhill. Introducing Daily Rides where players will compete cross-platform for the top spot on the daily leaderboard. Each day a trail will be selected randomly with new obstacles and shortcuts. The daily challenges will take place in a 3 to 8 week season where you can unlock new and unique rewards for participating and be among the top players at the end of a season.

The farming fun continues in four DLC packs! Interior Design & Tool Upgrade Pack and the Season Pass are available today. Far East Adventure Pack, Precious Pets Pack, and Mythical Wild Animals Pack will be launching later this Spring.

Live your best life! Customize the interior of your house with five fabulous designs! You will also be able to upgrade your hoe, watering can, hammer, axe, and fishing rod an additional level, making growing crops, fishing, and mining easier and faster! This pack includes an additional level for all of your tools and five Different Interior Design Sets: Farm, Castle, Steampunk, Spaceship, and Starlight!

The Interior Design & Tool Upgrade Pack is available NOW!

Purchase the Season Pass today to receive access to all four DLC’s for a special price*.

DLC’s launching after March 5th will automatically update in-game on their release dates.

To learn more about all DLC Packs, please follow our social media channels for more information.

*Physical and digital prices may slightly vary in your territory

Train2Game News Ebuyer Joins Forces With Make-A-Wish UK

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Leading online retailer Ebuyer has joined forces with Make-A-Wish® UK as their official tech gaming partner.

Every day, the lives of 10 families in the UK are changed forever when a child is diagnosed with a serious illness. From that moment, childhood takes a backseat to medical appointments and worry.

When children with serious illness or life-limiting condition are referred to Make-A-Wish, they really do make a wish, and the charity does everything it can to make it come true. The charity, established in 1986, works with partners around the world to help fulfil those wishes.

Ebuyer E-Commerce Director Andy Roberts said, “We’re really excited about being the official tech partner of Make-A-Wish. They do such an incredible job creating life-changing wishes. Ebuyer is playing a small part by providing the tech that the children and young people wish for, yet this small gesture can make a huge difference to them and their families.”

The East Yorkshire based online retailer has over 6 million registered customers and supplies tech to consumers, businesses and educational establishments throughout the UK.

Make-A-Wish Corporate Partnerships Manager Gina Fuoco said: “Ebuyer has been helping us grant our gaming and tech wishes since August 2020. Their support came at a vital time – making 54 wishes a reality when so many had to be cancelled or postponed because of the pandemic.

“That included 21 wishes for PS5s which were like gold dust to obtain! Gaming enables young people to interact, improve their motor skills and have fun. It often creates a level playing field online that contrasts with a seriously ill child’s real life experience so these wishes have a long-term impact.

“Ebuyer’s support has also included gifts-in-kind worth £22,636 which is incredible. We are hugely grateful to Ebuyer and excited to grow our partnership to grant even more wishes together this year.”

Train2Game Big Pokémon Announcements

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Over the weekend, during a Pokémon Presents video presentation, Tsunekazu Ishihara—president and CEO of The Pokémon Company—announced Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus—new video games coming to the blockbuster series that spans 25 years.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl will launch in late 2021, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus will launch in early 2022. All three games will be available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch™ system.

In 2006, Trainers were introduced to the Sinnoh region with the release of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl on the Nintendo DS system. Players can once again visit the Sinnoh region in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl, which are faithful remakes of two iconic Pokémon games. Pokémon Legends: Arceus will introduce fans to the Sinnoh region of old—before the existence of Pokémon Trainers and Pokémon Leagues. It’s in this long-gone era that players will embark on an entirely new adventure to create the region’s first Pokédex.

  “Trainers caught their first Pokémon in 1996 and began an adventure that has lasted 25 years. Through eight regions, many different platforms, and countless Pokémon encounters, they have strived to be the very best,” said Mr. Ishihara. “We hope that fans of all ages will enjoy creating new memories while exploring the Sinnoh region in these new games.”

More details about the highly anticipated New Pokémon Snap game were also shared in the video presentation, in addition to information about special in-game events taking place in celebration of Pokémon’s 25th anniversary.

For more information about the Pokémon 25th anniversary celebration, please visit Pokemon.uk/25.

Train2Game News Pokémon 25th Anniversary Celebrations Starts Today

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A Pokémon Presents video presentation will be streamed later today—at 3:00 p.m. GMT on the official Pokémon YouTube channel.

Fans can look forward to approximately 20 minutes of Pokémon news.  

Separately, in anticipation of the Pokémon Day virtual concert on Sunday, February 28, Post Malone has released a cover of Hootie and the Blowfish’s smash 1995 hit “Only Wanna Be with You” – appropriately dubbed the “Pokémon 25 Version”. The original record was last on the Billboard charts 25 years ago and Post recorded his version to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pokémon.

The song will be included as part of Post’s headlining appearance in the Pokémon Day virtual concert which begins promptly at 00:00 GMT on February 28 (7:00 p.m. EST / 4:00 p.m. PST on February 27), and can be viewed for free on the official Pokémon YouTube and Twitch channels, and on Pokémon’s 25th anniversary website.

In the meantime, fans can find links to the song here.

In addition to this exciting news, starting today, Trainers will have the opportunity to add a special Pikachu to the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games by using a special password.

In keeping with the music theme for this year’s celebration of Pokémon’s 25th anniversary, this Pikachu knows the move Sing, which Pikachu can’t ordinarily learn.

Fans will be able to find the special password in Pokémon’s email newsletter and on Pokémon’s official social media channels, as well as on the 25th anniversary website and Pokémon.com.

For more information about this Pikachu distribution and the year-long Pokémon 25th anniversary celebration, please visit 25.Pokemon.com/en-gb/