Starting from tomorrow through January 5, 2024, we’re celebrating the holiday season with a month full of activities for our PlayStation community. As part of the PlayStation Plus Season of Play, PlayStation Plus members can redeem free avatars for PS5 and PS4 consoles, join eSports tournaments, earn points on PlayStation Stars, save on PlayStation Gear merchandise, and enter a competition for your chance to win amazing prizes. Activities for those who are not PlayStation Plus members are available as well.
New PS5 and PS4 Avatars
(No PlayStation Plus membership required)
December 5, 2023 – January 5, 2024
Players can redeem a voucher code for new PS5 and PS4 avatars that commemorate some of the popular titles offered through PlayStation Plus, including games like Ghost of Tsushima, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege (available on Ubisoft+ Classics), Final Fantasy VII Remake, and more. Visit the PlayStation Plus website or check the PlayStation Season of Play page on your PS5/PS4 console for the voucher code, which can be redeemed from December 5, 2023 – January 5, 2024.
PlayStation Gear Discount
(No PlayStation Plus membership required)
December 5, 2023 – January 5, 2024
Players can keep the celebration going between December 5, 2023 – January 5, 2024, with a 15% discount on official PlayStation Gear using promo code SEASONOFPLAY15. Visit gear.playstation.com for more details and terms.
Enter to Win a PS5 Console & 12 Months of PlayStation Plus Premium/ Deluxe
(No PlayStation Plus membership required)
December 19, 2023 – January 5, 2024
Join the Season of Play celebration for the opportunity to win a PS5 console and 12 months of PlayStation Plus Premium / Deluxe for access to hundreds of game titles through the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog. This campaign will be available December 19, 2023 – January 5, 2024 – to participate, head over to the PlayStation Plus website and answer a total of five questions about the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog.
Here are the participating regions: United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Italy , Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan
You can find information on the competition rules here as well as the Terms that apply.
Free Online Multiplayer Weekend
(No PlayStation Plus membership required)
December 9, 2023 – December 10, 2023
Get ready for another online multiplayer weekend, starting December 9 at 12:01am through December 10 at 11:59pm local time. Online multiplayer is available without a PlayStation Plus membership during this time, so players can go head-to-head or play alongside other players online.
PlayStation Tournaments
(PlayStation Plus membership required)
December 12, 2023 – December 17, 2023
There will be PlayStation Tournaments happening from December 12th 12:01am to December 17th 11:59pm local time, featuring titles like EA Sports FC 24, NBA 2K24, Madden NFL 24 and MLB the Show 23.
Players who participate have a chance to win a PlayStation Plus Premium / Deluxe membership. The signup process is similar to traditional PlayStation Tournaments, featuring custom tournament cards and an in-game button that includes a list of available tournaments for participating titles. Upon entering the PlayStation Tournament, players will face off in 1v1 brackets on a set schedule.
In addition, everyone who participates in a PlayStation Tournament during this timeframe will be entered into a prize draw to win a PlayStation 5 Digital Edition console (vertical stand sold separately). Visit the official site to learn more about the competition.
Prize draw is only valid in Canada, United States, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
PlayStation Stars Campaign
(PlayStation Plus membership required to redeem PlayStation Plus Monthly Games)
December 5, 2023 – January 5, 2024
As part of Season of Play, PlayStation Plus members can earn 50 bonus points on PlayStation Stars by redeeming and playing any of the December PlayStation Plus Monthly Games:
LEGO 2K Drive
Powerwash Simulator
Sable
As a reminder, if you are both a PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Stars member, you can earn PlayStation Stars points with eligible purchases on PlayStation Store, including purchases that go toward a PlayStation Plus membership.
Sony Pictures Core Benefits for PlayStation Plus Members
(PlayStation Plus Premium / Deluxe membership required)
Sony Pictures Core provides access for players to buy or rent up to 2,000 movies* straight from their consoles, and as a PlayStation Plus member, you’ll get additional benefits. Starting December 1 for a limited time, each week PlayStation Plus members will have access to big discounts on 7 movies for 7 days. Check back every Friday for new discounts hand-picked for PlayStation.
PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe members have access to a curated catalog of 100 movies* to stream on demand from Sony Pictures Core. Today, we’re excited to share that starting December 5th in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand, additional select content from Crunchyroll will be added to this catalog, which includes episodes from popular series such as Eighty Six, Iruma-kun and To Your Eternity. Additional regions will launch at a later date
We want to wish all our players a happy holiday season. We hope you’ll enjoy the PlayStation Plus Season of Play, and everything else we have lined up for 2024.
Happy gaming!
*Access requires a Sony Pictures Core app account, subject to Sony Pictures Core Terms of Service. Must be age 18+. Availability of content varies over time, region/country, format and plan. PlayStation Plus is subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Terms apply:https://www.playstation.com/legal/ps-plus-usage-terms/
And in the weeks ahead, horror thrills, survival horrors, action blockbusters and cozy sims await. Below you’ll find a roundup of PS VR2 games launching imminently and introduced by their developers. And with other titles such as Among US VR , Wanderer: The Fragments of Fate and Mannequin on the horizon, there’s more to look out for in the future.
Arashi: Castles of Sins | Out: December 5
“In Arashi: Castles of Sin – Final Cut, players are transported into the ultimate shinobi fantasy as assassin Kenshiro, the last surviving member of House Arashi. Using a combination of samurai skills and sneak attacks, along with your canine companion Haru, players will take their revenge by defeating the Six Oni who destroyed their house. The improved PSVR2 capabilities have not only allowed the stealth gameplay to be fun for players of all skill levels, but we’ve also used it to create a wide arsenal of immersive weapons like a blowgun, poisoned food, pistols, mines, arrows, and swords.
– Tom Doyle, Co-Founder, Endeavor One, Inc.
Arizona Sunshine 2 | Out: December 7
“Get ready for next-level zombie carnage: Arizona Sunshine 2 is coming to PlayStation VR2 on December 7. Vertigo Games is back with the next-gen sequel to the original VR zombie shooter, packed with adrenaline-fueled VR gameplay and an all-new roller coaster story campaign. The best part? You won’t only have your friendly canine companion Buddy or Freds (editors note: zombies) to play with — co-op mode makes its return.”
-Nick Witsel, Game Designer, Vertigo Games
Resident Evil 4 VR Mode | Out: December 8
“The same development team who brought you the incredible full-length VR experiences of Resident Evil 7 biohazard and Resident Evil Village have worked to make a truly immersive VR Mode for Resident Evil 4 using the latest technology. Resident Evil 4 VR Mode is available as a free DLC for owners of the game. All of the weapons from the main story are represented in incredible detail and with intuitive controls to ensure you remain immersed at all times. In addition to these controls, the PS VR2 Sense controllers offer haptic feedback which feels unique for each weapon, be it a handgun, submachine gun, rifle or even combat knife. Combined with the intuitive feel of aiming and shooting in VR, the combat experience is more visceral than ever before. In addition to stunning VR visuals, 3D audio increases your immersion even further, making you feel as if you are right there in the game.”
– Kumazawa Masato, Promotion Producer, Capcom
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 | Out: December 14
“Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 is the latest installment in the iconic horror franchise, immersing players like never before through the astounding capabilities of the PlayStation VR2. Help Wanted 2 drops the player into dozens of intense, terrifying jobs offered by Fazbear Entertainment in order to discover which part of the Fazbear family suits them best. Whether it’s preparing food for guests, glamming up the animatronic stars, fixing technical issues with attractions, performing first aid in emergency situations, or manning the DJ booth, there’s a long term career path for all who are interested! The core of the game is designed to be replayable through randomized, dynamic challenges – keep up, or face termination.”
– Ray McCaffrey, Executive Producer, Steel Wool Studios
Toy Trains | Out: January 16
“Feeling the need to relax, unwind and immerse yourself in a cozy, welcoming world? Look no further than Toy Trains!
Let your creativity loose as you put track after track creating your own, unique railway diorama. Grab a magical catalog and help tiny Railies build various meeting places and bring them closer together. PS VR2 unparalleled performance will allow you to see every crisp detail of this tiny world and truly feel it thanks to adaptive triggers. Being the most family-oriented VR device it’ll let you easily hop on board together with your loved ones.”
– Cezary Skorupka, CEO, Something Random
Bulletstorm VR | Out: February 8
“In Bulletstorm VR, you’ll embark on an ultraviolent journey of survival and revenge as you and your squad battle across the abandoned resort planet of Stygia. Skillfully dispatching your opponents into oblivion has never felt better since we’ve worked with the PS VR2 Sense controller’s adaptive triggers. We’ve made sure each weapon will feel a little different in your hands: you’ll feel the Chaingun’s insane rate of fire as you rain bullets down indiscriminately. A lack of resistance could mean you’re due for a reload or need a little more time to get a target lock on for that devastating sniper headshot. Thanks to these groundbreaking PS VR2 features, you’ll feel completely immersed in the heat of the action. This time when you crash land on Stygia, you’ll feel the heart-pounding, frenetic combat like never before – especially when you feel the vibrations of a big ass explosion.”
– Ashley Nicollette, Lead Community Manager, People Can Fly
Border Bots VR | Out: February 8
“Border Bots VR is a light-hearted puzzle simulation set on a future earth where AI is in control. As a human border agent, you begin a new role as a booth operator at an AI travel border where you interact with a colourful cast of robots. Taking advantage of PS VR2’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, feel the immersion as you undertake inspections, root out contraband, and master a wide array of tools. It’s a riotous race against the clock to maintain order in a world teetering on the edge of robotic rebellion. The future is in your hands!”
Last week, we asked you to tap into the gaming moments that made you feel something powerful using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:
Simon0aVpshares Kratos growling and thrusting his body forward in God of War Ragnarök
mr_normandieshares Jill weeping in Final Fantasy XVI
jester1489246shares a somber graveyard scene from Metal Gear Solid 3
Fergvega88shares Abby taking an exhausted moment of respite from The Last of Us Part II
MrioMoreno5shares a euphoric moment of victory from eFootball 2024
SithMorrisonshares a bewildered reaction from The Callisto Protocol.
Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?
THEME: Fortnite
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on December 6, 2023
Next week, we’re diving into the creative worlds of Fortnite. Share moments captured in an Unreal Editor for Fortnite creation using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.
Today, December 1, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) held the PlayStation Partner Awards 2023 Japan Asia (hereafter PlayStation Partner Awards) to recognize and award some of the best PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 titles that proved to be a huge success over the past year. Read on for a rundown of all the games that received awards at this event.
The PlayStation Partner Awards is a celebration that honors the creativity of talented developers, and celebrates the amazing variety of hit titles that the Japanese and Asian PlayStation communities enjoyed throughout the year. This year marks the 29th year of this historic event, which initially commenced as the PlayStation Awards, following the birth of the original PlayStation in 1994.
For the 2023 PlayStation Partner Awards, the Grand Award was presented to three titles, the Partner Award to seven titles, the Special Award to three titles, and the Users’ Choice Award to five titles. The Users’ Choice Award is awarded to games selected by user votes in the Japan/Asia region.
This year, the Special Award recognizes PlayStation VR2 titles with highest worldwide sales, as well as titles that implemented accessibility features that created experiences which can be enjoyed by players of all abilities. SIE is dedicated to delivering innovative gaming experiences to all players around the world, and this commitment extends to improving accessibility in both our hardware and software products. Along with the support of our creators and publishers, SIE will continue to push for an even more inclusive and accessible industry.
Grand Award
Awarded to the top three titles developed in the Japan / Asia regions with the highest worldwide sales between October 2022 and September 2023*.
Genshin Impact – HoYoverse
Resident Evil 4 – Capcom Co., Ltd.
Final Fantasy XVI – Square Enix Co. Ltd
Partner Award
Awarded to titles developed in the Japan / Asia region with top-ranked worldwide sales between October 2022 and September 2023**, with particularly noteworthy accomplishments.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon – FromSoftware, Inc.
eFootball 2023 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd.
Elden Ring – FromSoftware, Inc.
Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion – Square Enix Co. Ltd
Street Fighter 6 – Capcom Co., Ltd.
Sonic Frontiers – Sega
Special Award
Awarded to titles developed outside the Japan / Asia region that reached the highest sales within Japan / Asia between October 2022 and September 2023 on PS5*. Also awarded to titles developed in the Japan / Asia region during the same period, notable for their exceptional accessibility features. Additionally, this category includes PlayStation VR2 titles with top-ranked worldwide sales* during this period.
Hogwarts Legacy – Warner Bros. Japan LLC.
Street Fighter 6 – Capcom Co., Ltd.
Resident Evil Village VR Mode – Capcom Co., Ltd.
Users’ Choice Award
Awarded to the top five titles released in the Japan / Asia region between October 2022 and September 2023, selected by user votes in the Japan / Asia region, out of the top 30 titles with the longest total game play time.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon – FromSoftware, Inc.
Resident Evil 4 – Capcom Co., Ltd.
Final Fantasy XVI – Square Enix Co. Ltd
Persona 5 The Royal – Atlus. Co., Ltd.
Hogwarts Legacy – Warner Bros. Japan LLC.
* Calculated based on physical sales as well as digital sales made through PlayStation Store (including additional content and in-game currency). ** SIE’s own indicators, such as player numbers, are also factored into the selection of nominees. Listed publishers are that of the Japanese PlayStation Store.
Genshin Impact
HoYoverse
An open-world action RPG set in the fantasy world of Teyvat, where players take on the role of a “Traveler” who is on a journey to find their lost sibling, while uncovering the secrets of the world in the process.
The game supports cross-platform play across PS5, PS4, mobile and PC, allowing players to enjoy a single player experience in the vast open-world, or a multiplayer adventure with friends. Genshin Impact features a beautiful open-world that invites players to explore freely, as well as strategic battles using elemental attacks and a deep engaging story. The game continues to evolve with rich content, cutting edge technology, and extensive localization support.
“Hello everyone! I am extremely honored to attend the PlayStation Partner Awards ceremony on behalf of the entire HoYoverse team. This is the third consecutive year that we have received the Grand Award since the release of Genshin Impact in 2020, and we are truly grateful to the entire PlayStation team as well as all the players around the world for their continued support. 2023 has been an exciting year for us, as we continued to grow as a team. We also released a new region in the game called Fontaine, which allows players to explore underwater for the first time ever. At the same time, we improved the visuals and animations of the game on PS4 and PS5, to make the overall gameplay even smoother and more immersive. We will continue to deliver engaging and high-quality content to players around the world that will hopefully exceed everyone’s expectations.“
– Wenyi Jin, VP, Global Publishing and Marketing, HoYoverse
Resident Evil 4
Capcom Co., Ltd.
Resident Evil 4 (RE4), which has now sold more than 5-million copies worldwide, is a remake of the original game released back in 2005. As the latest title in the Resident Evil series, RE4 achieves state-of-the-art quality, with updated controls, reimagined storylines, and the latest graphics, while preserving the essence of the original game. The Separate Ways DLC that features Ada Wong’s parallel journey through the events of RE4 is also available now. This winter, Resident Evil 4 VR Mode, a free DLC that allows players to enjoy the game on PlayStation VR2, will also become available, offering players the ultimate immersive experience.
“We are honored and delighted to have received the Grand Award and the Users’ Choice Award as part of this year’s PlayStation Partner Awards. The entire development team would like to thank everyone who played, supported, and voted for this game. It was a challenge to create a remake of a game that is beloved by so many fans around the world. However, receiving these wonderful awards has made us realize that we were successful at achieving our goal, even if only a little. In addition to the new Separate Ways story DLC, we are excited to release Resident Evil 4 VR Mode for PS VR2 this winter, as a free DLC. Thank you everyone for your continued support of the Resident Evil series!“
– Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, Producer, Capcom
Final Fantasy XVI
Square Enix Co. Ltd
Players take on the role of Clive Rosfield, the firstborn son of the Archduke of Rosaria, who is driven by revenge and overcome with unavoidable tragedy following the loss of his homeland and younger brother. Selling more than 3-million copies worldwide, this latest standalone entry in the legendary Final Fantasy series is the first full-fledged action RPG in the series. The game features stylish combat and epic Eikon battles that unlock the PS5 console’s full potential. The game will continue to evolve with additional DLC coming in the future,
“We are extremely thrilled to receive the prestigious Grand Award and Users’ Choice Award. I would like to thank everyone on behalf of all members that worked on Final Fantasy XVI. This achievement was made possible thanks to the many players who enjoyed the game. Again, thank you very much! Please continue to look forward to what the Final Fantasy series and what Square Enix have in store for the future.“
– Hiroshi Takai, Main Director, Square Enix Co. Ltd
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the players who have made it possible for Final Fantasy XVI to receive the Grand Award and the Users’ Choice Award. Thank you very much. We hope that Clive Rothfield’s story serves as a source of motivation and inspiration for everyone who played the game. We hope you will continue to support us on our journey as we strive to create more memorable and exciting games in the future.“
– Kazutoyo Maehiro, Creative Director & Original Screenplay, Square Enix Co. Ltd
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
FromSoftware, Inc.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a fast-paced action game where players create their own customized mech from a wide variety of parts and weaponry, and take on challenging, three-dimensional battles. Players can deploy a wide variety of offensive and defensive tactics at close and long range to take down powerful enemy bosses. Selecting different parts not only changes the mech’s attacks, but also directly affects its movement and battle style, so each mission can be approached with a unique mech strategy.
“Thank you very much for this amazing award. As this is our first new game in 10 years, we had to start many things from scratch, and the whole development process was a lot of trial and error. We were very anxious about the launch, but we are extremely pleased with all the amazing feedback we’ve received from players so far. This is all thanks to the tremendous effort of everyone who was involved in the development, all the team members who stayed with us until completion, and above all, to the new users who picked up an Armored Core game for the first time, as well as all the AC fans who had been patiently waiting for this latest installment. We hope you continue to support the team at FromSoftware and the Armored Core series.“
– Masaru Yamamura, Director, FromSoftware, Inc.
eFootball 2023
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
The game eFootball is a 2022 rebrand of the long-running Pro Evolution Soccer series (first released in 1995, known as Winning Eleven in Japan). The gameplay and mechanics have been completely overhauled, and the game is now available free-to-play on all compatible devices. Players can sign and develop perennial legends and high-profile players from the world’s most prestigious clubs to build a one-and-only Dream Team. You can also play matches with multiple friends (up to three vs three). Weekly updates will reflect real-life player transfers and seasonal results, allowing players to experience an even more authentic soccer experience.
“Thank you very much for this prestigious award. [The year] 2021 was a challenging year for us — we made the big decision to rebrand Winning Eleven to eFootball, but unfortunately the result was not what we had hoped for. From there, in order to regain the trust of those who had placed their faith in eFootball, the entire development and management team worked hard to create a soccer game that would meet everyone’s expectations. We are truly honored that our work has been rewarded in the form of this prestigious award. We would like to thank everyone who has been playing eFootball, and we hope you will continue to support and enjoy the series in the future.“
– Hiroshi Nakanishi, Senior Director, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a dark fantasy action RPG set in the Later Han Dynasty where demons plague the Three Kingdoms. You can master a range of weapons, with authentic swordplay based on the Chinese martial arts, and adopt offensive fighting styles to battle your way through intense combat. In less than two months since its launch, the game exceeded 3.8-million players and sold more than 1-million copies worldwide.
“Thank you so much for the Partner Award – it is truly an honor. First and foremost, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played this game. Our team will continue to work hard to deliver an even better experience, and we hope you will look forward to the third round of downloadable content, which will be released on Tuesday, December 12. We look forward to your continued support of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty and Team NINJA. Again, thank you very much for this exceptional award.“
– Masakazu Hirayama, Producer and Director, Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd.
Elden Ring
FromSoftware, Inc.
Shipping more than 20-million units worldwide, Elden Ring is an action RPG that explores the unknown and the threatening in an authentic dark fantasy world. The game features a vast world, tense dungeon exploration, a sense of accomplishment overcoming difficulties, adventures with a high degree of freedom, and an ensemble drama woven by the characters. Critically acclaimed worldwide, Elden Ring was awarded Game of the Year in The Game Awards 2022, and the Grand Award at the Japan Game Awards 2022.
“Thank you very much for this wonderful award. We would like to take this opportunity to once again thank all the users who have played this game. We are currently developing the downloadable content Shadow of the Erdtree. We hope you will look forward to it as well. We hope you will continue to support Elden Ring.“
– Elden Ring team, FromSoftware, Inc.
Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion
Square Enix Co. Ltd
His presence gave birth to Final Fantasy VII; Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion follows the story of Zack Fair, a young warrior admired by the boy destined to save the world. Since its initial release in 2007, Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII has received many praises for its gripping and moving story. In addition to the fully remastered HD graphics, all 3D models — including characters and background — have been completely renewed in this game. Fully voiced dialogue and the new soundtrack arrangements make for a dynamic new retelling of a beloved classic. Enhanced visuals and a vastly smoother gameplay experience breaks the limits of an HD remaster.
“Thank you very much for the wonderful Partner Award we received at the PlayStation Partner Awards. Our teams worked very hard to make this game an exciting experience for as many players as possible, so we are truly honored to be presented with this award. We would especially like to thank the many players who played and enjoyed this game. We will continue to work on games that everyone can enjoy, and we hope you will continue to support us. Thank you very much.“
– Mariko Sato, Producer, Square Enix Co. Ltd
Street Fighter 6
Capcom Co., Ltd.
Hit the streets with new ways to play and fight in the latest entry of Capcom’s legendary fighting series. Ryu, Chun-Li, Luke, Jamie, and Kimberly – the game features a vibrant roster of fighters, from Legendaries to the New Generation, which takes the stage with striking visuals and dynamic move sets. The Street Fighter 6 experience spans across three distinct game modes – Fighting Ground, World Tour, and Battle Hub. The traditional, pinnacle of fighting games can be found in the Fighting Ground, World Tour features an immersive single-player story mode, and lastly, Battle Hub represents a core mode of Street Fighter 6 where players can gather, communicate, and become stronger together. Your path to becoming a World Warrior starts here. Your moment. Your fight.
“Yes!! I’m so incredibly excited!! The entire development team, led by Director Nakayama, worked tremendously hard on Street Fighter 6 to create the next evolution of the Street Fighter series. World Tour, Battle Hub, modern controls, character visuals and animations, flashy effects to showcase the incredible things happening on-screen, cool sounds, cool design, a smooth online experience… the list goes on and on. Street Fighter 6 blends innovative new features with the more traditional elements that make Street Fighter so great and special. The development team continues to work hard on the game, not only through crossover events but also through monthly content updates. If you’re just starting out, or even if you haven’t picked up the series since Street Fighter II, this is a game you’ll definitely enjoy, so jump in anytime!“
– Shuhei Matsumoto, Producer, Capcom Co., Ltd.
Sonic Frontiers
Sega
Accelerate to new heights in Sonic the Hedgehog’s newest high-speed, open-zone adventure that has sold more than 3.2-million copies worldwide. In this game, players explore the Starfall Islands which are home to strange creatures Sonic has never encountered before. Experience an all-new Open Zone Platforming Race across five massive overworld islands, each with their own unique action-platforming challenges and hidden secrets to uncover.
“I am extremely honored to receive this prestigious award, thank you so much. It has been 32 years since the birth of Sonic. I am very grateful we were able to release a brand-new, innovative game in a series that is beloved by fans worldwide, as well as receive the Partner Award at the PlayStation Partner Awards. We will continue to strive to bring players even more exciting Sonic games in the future.“
– Morio Kishimoto, Director, Sega
Hogwarts Legacy
Warner Bros. Japan LLC.
Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. The game became an instant global hit, selling more than 15-million copies worldwide and was awarded with the Award for Excellence in the Annual Game of the Year category at the 2023 Japan Game Awards. Experience Hogwarts in the 1800s, as you take on the role of a fifth-year student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Customize your character and craft potions, master spell casting, upgrade talents and become the wizard you want to be. Discover the feeling of living at Hogwarts as you make allies, battle Dark Wizards and ultimately decide the fate of the wizarding world.
“On behalf of Avalanche Software, we are honored to be selected for both the Special Award and the Users’ Choice Award at this year’s PlayStation Partner Awards. Being able to work on Hogwarts Legacy on the PS5 console was an incredible experience, as PS5 allowed us to bring every fantasy imaginable to life. We owe these awards to not only our passion for creating the ultimate Wizarding World video game for fans around the world, but also to our amazing partnership with Sony who supported us on our journey to bring the game to life. We look forward to your continued support of Hogwarts Legacy, WB Games and Avalanche Software.“
– Kelly Murphy, Senior Designer, Avalanche Software
Resident Evil Village VR Mode
Capcom Co., Ltd.
Resident Evil Village VR Mode is a special game mode that allows you to play through the entirety of Resident Evil Village’s story on PS VR2 as the game’s main protagonist, Ethan Winters. Jump head-first into the ultimate VR experience and fully immerse yourself in the game’s chills and thrills, as well as its enthralling story that captivated gaming fans around the world. It is now available as a free DLC, so if you have not experienced it yet, we hope you take this opportunity to challenge yourself with this ultimate survival horror experience.
“The entire development team as well as myself are delighted to receive the Special Award, especially after receiving the Partner Award for Resident Evil Village last year. This is our second VR Mode following Resident Evil 7, and we’re confident that Resident Evil Village VR Mode takes full advantage of the technological advancements PS VR2 has to offer. However, as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words – it can be challenging to convey the full potential of VR. We wanted as many people as possible to experience the unparalleled realism that goes far beyond the 2D experience, so we made sure a free trial was available. Resident Evil 4 VR Mode will be available soon as well, so we invite players to enjoy the game on PS VR2 for the ultimate immersive experience.“
– Tsuyoshi Kanda, Producer, Capcom Co., Ltd.
Persona 5 The Royal
Atlus. Co., Ltd.
Persona 5 The Royal is the definitive edition of the award-winning RPG, which has now sold more than a total of 3.2-million copies worldwide, and expands on the original Persona 5 by featuring a slew of additional content. The PS4 version, released in 2019, has garnered numerous awards, including the Future Division for the 2019 Japan Game Awards, and Games of the Year Division – Award for Excellence for the 2020 Japan Game Awards. The PS5 version was then released in October 2022. Set in the metropolis of Tokyo, an unexpected event one day awakens a teenage boy’s power as a Persona-user. During the day he is an ordinary high school student, but after school he dons the mask of a Phantom Thief who steals Treasures that embody the corrupt hearts of evil adults. Reclaim the world to become the voice for the powerless!
“Thank you very much for this prestigious award! Our entire team is absolutely delighted to see that even more players have jumped into the world of Persona 5, and have shown support with the release of this remastered version. Persona 5 Royal has been beloved by many players since its release in 2019. We will continue to work hard to return the favor by delivering even more exciting games to our fans, so we hope that you will continue to support us moving forward. For now, I would like to share this joy with all the staff who were involved in this project!“
– Kazuhisa Wada, Persona team production manager, Atlus. Co., Ltd.
Hello again, everyone. Blake from Ironwood Studios here. Today, we’re discussing what goes into a road trip in the Olympic Exclusion Zone and the fantastic news that Pacific Drive is coming to PlayStation 5 on February 22, 2024.
Our gameplay loop has multiple stages – repairing and upgrading the car, planning your routes, and making it back in one piece after raiding the Zone. As you get deeper into the forests, swamps, and other areas of the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll build the knowledge and skills you need to survive. Let’s talk about what goes into planning your road trips.
Repair, tune-up, and upgrade your vehicle
Hopefully, you’ve made it back to the garage in one piece after your last harrowing adventure, and you can start fixing the car before your next outing. Take a minute to assess the damage – getting a good look at your car’s individual parts will often tell you what needs the most work. It’s possible you have a flat tire that needs to be repaired with a sealing kit, or you can make an entirely new wheel. If a panel is dangerously close to broken or flat-out missing, you can craft new ones from the scrap metal and other materials you gathered on your last trip. If you’re lucky, some of these might even be upgrades. It’s not just body panels either; your headlights, engine, and wheels can all take damage from the Zone (or your driving), and it’s also a good idea to look them over.
It’s time for the fun stuff once your car is back in one piece. Spray on a slick new coat of paint, or apply some racing stripes using consumable decals. You can even swap out the bobblehead that adorns your dashboard. There are a few different ones to choose from, so keep an eye out the next time you’re looting containers in the Zone. You should also take care of the essentials like gas and charging your batteries once you’ve made your upgrades. There’s a gas pump in the garage to fill up with – if you’ve got the optional and beneficial side-mounted gas tanks, those can get topped off, too. Flip the switch on the desk to recharge your car instantly, and you’re good to go.
Plan your next road trip
Well – you’re not leaving just yet. You need to make a stop at the route planner, a giant map on the wall that tracks your progress through the Zone, and it gives you essential information about what you might need on your next run. Hover over locations to reveal information about where you’re headed before selecting your final destination. It’s not all about where you end up, though – you’ll be making stops on your trip along these abandoned highways, so knowing a little bit about the journey ahead of you is a good idea, too. Check for atmospheric shifts, radiation density, potential Anomaly encounters, availability of resources, and more. At the same time, you look at stops on the road – you’re still able to modify the car while in the garage, too, so take this opportunity to adapt the vehicle to your route if needed.
Keys in the ignition? Is the parking brake off? Great. Hit the gas, and let’s finally get out and into the surreal world of the Olympic Exclusion Zone.
Generally, you’ll pass through a few different biomes on the way to your final destination. Forest biomes have a lot of foliage multiple types of road surfaces, and changing weather can make driving through trickier sections a little difficult. Swamp biomes feature a little more open space, but there are watery sections that will slow the car down and majorly impede your progress. You’ll pass through towns and research stations on your way forward that contain valuable items if you know where to look. There’s a variety of lootable containers, some harder to get into than others – but that’s why you brought your trusty crowbar, right?
You’ll also be collecting Anchors – artifacts originally meant to contain the expansion of the Zone. These glowing orbs provide you with a special energy that you can use to upgrade the car and escape from the Zone – more on that later. Eventually, you and the car will come upon a wall hundreds of feet high and clearly there to keep the more dangerous parts of the Zone isolated. However, that’s not a problem for someone equipped with the best 80’s wood-paneling and sci-fi gadgetry. You’ll find your way through the wall and into deeper parts of the Zone, but stay vigilant because things can only grow wilder from here.
Hit the road and dodge hazards
Once you’ve gathered your resources and have enough Anchors – it’s time to leave. Assess your surroundings and look at your in-car map before you select one of many available exits – but be smart. Some exits will be easier to get to than others. As you choose, a Zone Storm will start to close in on you; from then on, it’s a race to safety. Crash through the foliage, fishtail through the mud, and try to keep the wheel pointed straight towards the giant pillar of light ascending into the sky because that’s where you’re headed. Anomalies and other hazards don’t give up just because you’ve found an exit, so make sure to dodge the Abductors, Bunnies, and Can Openers – it’s going to hurt if you get caught in the storm’s radiation. As you take that final drive of faith through the illuminated pillar, everything will go white as you leave the Zone behind.
As the light fades, you’ll find yourself warped back to the safety of your garage. Ready to gas up and pick the next location to investigate in this strange and wonderful world. After a healthy amount of repairs and upgrades, of course. Maybe even some painted-on flames.
Pacific Drive will be available for PlayStation 5 on February 22, 2024.
Something Random – a new studio founded by the creators of Superhot VR – releases their new game, Toy Trains on PS VR2 on January 16, 2024. What is it, how did it come to be, and why can switching genres lead to better games? Hop on board to find out the answers to all these questions!
What is Toy Trains? It’s a playful, track-building game taking place on a miniature railway brought to life. “At its core, it’s a game about making connections,” says Marcin Jóźwik, the project’s lead. “On the gameplay side, we pair little houses with construction sites in order to build meeting places for inhabitants of that world – Railies. On the story side, it’s about the need to uphold connections with other people, even when it proves hard. The theme radiates even outside the game itself. Our goal was to make something that can connect various generations. A title that can be enjoyed by kids, their grandparents, and everyone in between.”
Toy Trains is not something you would probably expect from former Superhot VR developers. Indeed, these two games couldn’t be any more different! The first one is focused on ‘the dark side’ of games. Mainly, how young people can be influenced and consumed by them. The second shows that games can also be calming, relaxing and actually help dealing with hardships. Superhot VR was a shooter for ‘core gamers’ while Toy Trains is directed to players of all ages. While Superhot VR was mainly red and white, Toy Trains is colorful and cartoony. So, is there anything that connects them?
“The design principles in both games are basically the same,” explains Cezary, the team writer/designer. “We’re always laser-focused on delivering gameplay that is easy to understand, fluent, devoid of any unnecessary fluff. If the player is not having fun within the first 15 seconds of the game – we failed at our job.” The other thing that connects those games is that both of them make time stop – but in a very different sense.
From the first track put on the table you’ll be drawn to the gameplay and presented world. Most likely you’ll find yourself immersed to the point that you’ll take off your goggles in awe of how many hours have already passed. The ease of use, comfort and lack of distractions truly pulls you into Toy Trains and refuses to let go. Atmospheric music, clattering of little trains, the sounds of nature make for a very soothing experience. There is no rush, no timers, no score – only you and the place you create on the board.
“We didn’t want the game to force the player to do anything,” adds Marcin. “Every challenge you face is open-ended and has various possible solutions. You always get to be creative and strategic about the map’s final outcome instead of simply solving a puzzle.” To enhance the creativity aspect, Toy Trains also leaves space for self-expression. The player can freely decorate the board once they’ve finished building the rails. Placing farms or little stacks of hay can transform the miniature entirely – make it personal and unique.
The creation and puzzle-solving aspects of the game, along with its cozy, nostalgic presentation, make it a perfect game to enjoy by families and friends in front of a big screen. The timing and platform it comes to are not accidental either. Cold, winter afternoons will be perfect to sit in the living room, pass the PS VR2 headset along, discuss the challenges and admire tracks and decorations placed by our loved ones. With that, the team wants to prove that VR can bring people together instead of isolating them.
The last remaining, unanswered question is – why did the team decide to make Toy Trains instead of another action title like Superhot?
“It would be easy to make only shooters for the rest of our careers,” says Kuba, the company’s lead programmer. “But if you want to make truly unique things you can’t stand still. You need to challenge yourself, shake things up. Creativity comes from discomfort. That’s why we have begun with Toy Trains, but who knows what we’ll follow up with!”
Toy Trains is set for a release on January 16 on PS VR2.
A new month means a new PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup. December’s titles of Lego 2K Drive, Powerwash Simulator and Sable will be available to PlayStation Plus members on Tuesday, December 5 until Monday, January 1. Let’s take a closer look at each game.
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Lego 2K Drive | PS4, PS5
Welcome to Bricklandia, home of a massive open-world Lego driving adventure. Race anywhere, play with anyone, build your dream rides, and defeat a cast of wild racing rivals for the coveted Sky Trophy! Race across the streets, seas and sands as you build your dream rides, brick by brick, and enjoy Lego 2K Drive’s sprawling story mode. Play together with a friend at home or with up to five pals online in the crossplay-enabled Play With Friends and Play With Everyone online modes. Explore Bricklandia together, or show off your skills in Cup Series and Race modes. From mini-games to side missions, a whole host of vehicle-filled fun awaits you.
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Powerwash Simulator | PS4, PS5
Grab your trusty power washer and blast away the grime from vehicles, buildings, parks and more. PowerWash Simulator is a satisfying clean ’em up where the stress is low and the water pressure is high. Use your earnings as a professional power washer to upgrade your collection of washers, nozzles, cleaning fluids and extensions, allowing you to tackle bigger jobs and leave them sparkling clean with greater efficiency. Leave your mark on the dirt-covered town of Muckingham alone, or chill out with friends in online co-op. Most importantly, make sure you have good, clean fun.
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Sable | PS5
Embark on a unique and unforgettable journey and guide Sable through her Gliding; a rite of passage that will take her across vast deserts and mesmerizing landscapes, capped by the remains of spaceships and ancient wonders.
Explore the dunes on your hoverbike, scale monumental ruins and encounter other nomads as you unearth mysteries long forgotten and discover who she really is behind her mask. With its unique art style and original soundtrack by Japanese Breakfast, envelop yourself in Sable’s world and explore everything at your own pace. There is a lot in this world just waiting to be discovered.
Last chance to download November’s Monthly Games
PlayStation Plus members have until December 4 to add Mafia II: Definitive Edition, Dragon Ball: The Breakers and Aliens Fireteam Elite to their game library.
The Gran Turismo World Series 2023 reaches its conclusion in Barcelona on 1-3 December.
A live public audience will witness all the action in the denouements of the Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup on Friday, December 1, Manufacturers Cup on Saturday, December 2 and Nations Cup on Sunday, December 3.
The World Finals will celebrate 10 years of Vision Gran Turismo with eight full-scale models on display in the venue and the live unveiling of two exciting new Vision Gran Turismo cars.
All the action will be streamed live on Gran Turismo YouTube and PlayStation Twitch as well as Eurosport and Discovery+
Following the stunning Gran Turismo World Series Showdown that took place in Amsterdam in August, the top GT racers from around the world are back in action for the World Finals. Sixty-five competitors from 20 countries will travel to Barcelona in Northern Spain for three days of competition.
Three days of top-class racing
The action takes place at the Fira de Barcelona, close to the historic Montjuic F1 circuit and Barcelona’s Olympic Park, in the centre of Catalunya’s vibrant capital. It starts with 24 drivers competing in two Semi-finals, a last-chance Repechage and the 12-way Grand Final to decide the 2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup winner on Friday, December 1 from 10:00am PT / 7:00pm BST.
The competitive field features many established Gran Turismo World Series racers, but the TGR GT Cup always introduces some new talent into the fray, such as fast American Calen Roach who has just turned 18 and so is eligible to compete for the first time. With five Spanish drivers in the mix, there will be plenty for the home crowd to cheer for. The popular Coque López will be keen to make a winning start to the biggest weekend on the Gran Turismo calendar, but he’ll face stiff opposition in this ultra-competitive series.
On Saturday, December 2, the action turns to the Manufacturers Cup where 36 competitors will represent the leading Gran Turismo manufacturers, including Series partners Toyota, Mazda and Genesis. A qualifying sprint race will be followed by a Grand Final that features all three drivers racing around the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Reigning World Champions Team Subaru were relegated to second place by Team Porsche in the World Series Showdown in Amsterdam. They will be keen to seek revenge, while Team Porsche will be buoyed by the return of their talisman, Chilean Angel Inostroza, who was forced to miss the Amsterdam event while recovering from injuries.
Team Lamborghini put in a highly impressive and entertaining run at the Showdown event to take the final podium place but will be under pressure from 2022 podium finishers Team Toyota and Team Mercedes AMG as they aim for the top step and their chance to win the Boccioni-inspired trophy.
Sunday, December 3 sees national pride at stake as 12 teams of three battle for the Nations Cup over three individual sprint races and a 3-driver endurance race. Team Spain is on a roll and will surely be the favourites for a win on home soil in front of a partisan crowd. Coque López took the Nations Cup title for Spain in 2022, when the Nations Cup was an individual competition. Teamed up with Jose Serrano and Pol Urra at the Amsterdam Showdown event in August, the trio were unstoppable and took a stunning victory.
Team France, Team Brazil, Team Japan, Team Chile and Team Italy all have the raw talent, speed and race craft to beat them on their day and it will be fascinating to see if the home crowd can make the difference for the Spanish threesome and push them all the way to the top step of the podium.
Celebrating 10 years of Vision Gran Turismo
As well as the on-track action, the World Finals 2023 will also celebrate 10 years of the innovative Vision Gran Turismo project. Embraced by the automotive industry, more than 30 Vision Gran Turismo cars have been designed and released in Gran Turismo games, in many cases giving a glimpse into the future of the automotive industry.
Eight full-scale models of Vision Gran Turismo cars will be on display at the World Finals venue, but most exciting of all will be two new Vision Gran Turismo cars set to be unveiled live during the Manufacturers Cup broadcast on Saturday and the Nations Cup on Sunday.
In addition to the Vision Gran Turismo cars, the in-venue experience for spectators will be enhanced by Gran Turismo World Series partners. Toyota will display some of their flagship GR models, Michelin will have a booth and offer a chance to win prizes and Fanatec will showcase its latest products, as will Brembo and BBS.
Watch and win in Gran Turismo 7
Following the release of the Spec II Update earlier in November, Gran Turismo 7 players can benefit from two special in-game bonus campaigns during the World Finals 2023.
The Predict the Winners Campaign by Brembo is open until the start of each race broadcast. Players can win in-game Credits by correctly predicting the winners of the three championships. 1,000,000 Credits will be delivered for a correct guess, with a total of 3,000,000 Credits being delivered for correctly guessing the winners of all three.
The Viewers Gift Campaign by BBS starts from the start of each race broadcast and lasts until Sunday, 10 December. Players can receive the Toyota FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo, Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo and the brand-new Vision Gran Turismo model due to be unveiled during the weekend by clicking the Viewers Campaign banner in the top right corner of the Gran Turismo 7 World Map and watching the streams.
World Final Celebration Race
Be part of the action as you can experience the same races as the Gran Turismo World Finals 2023 in Gran Turismo 7.
The Gran Turismo World Series Anniversary Race is open from November 17 to December 10 and can be accessed from the World Map screen. Players can race in either the Manufacturers Cup race at the Nurburgring 24h or Nations Cup race at Spa 24h layout.
Find out more and watch live
To find out more about the Gran Turismo World Series 2023 World Finals click on the links below:
During today’s Dragon’s Dogma 2 Showcase 2023, the release date of Dragon’s Dogma 2 was finally revealed to be March 22, 2024. The digital event featured the latest trailer, along with a variety of new game details.
Check out a breakdown of all the news and reveals from the showcase below.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a narrative-driven action-RPG game set in a fantasy world. Players can experience a variety of actions, and the Pawn system allows players to feel as if accompanied through this single-player game. Enjoy a unique adventure set in a world woven by exquisite graphics, artificial intelligence (AI) and physics technology.
The world of Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is set in an immersive fantasy world. The Dragon, feared as a threat that brings misfortune, takes the player’s heart. This sets the journey for the player to slay the Dragon as the Arisen. The human kingdom of Vermund and the beastren nation of Battahl thrive in this world and each have their own culture, customs, beliefs, and their respective motivations.
Vermund, the human kingdom. The Arisen rules as king.
The Queen Regent Disa of Vermund. She plots to have her son take the throne.
Battahl is a nation covered in a harsh natural environment, and is defined by beastrens’ own unique culture.
With empress Nadinia at its center, the Lambent Flame is worshiped in Battahl to ward off calamity.
In addition to humans and beastrens, the elves also inhabit this land though they avoid contact with other races.
Sacred Arbor, the elf settlement. They communicate in their own Elvish language.
Glyndwr, a young elf. He is fluent in human language, making him rare among his race.
The world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 has inhabitants of various races, each with their own agendas and motivations. How to interact with them is entirely up to the player.
Some characters might approach you for assistance, and it is up to you to accept or decline their requests.
New monster: Talos
There are a variety of monsters that inhabit the world of Dragon’s Dogma 2. Let us introduce the bronze giant Talos, new in Dragon’s Dogma 2.
The enormous Talos.
A man-made creature that brings chaos to the lands. How can its advance be stopped?
As they seem to come straight from mythology and lore, the monsters are sure to inspire you to embark on this adventure!
New vocation: Trickster
In Dragon’s Dogma 2, you will have multiple vocations at your disposal such as Mage, Archer and Fighter among others, essential when adventuring in a fantasy world. In today’s showcase, we announced a unique vocation, the Trickster. Exclusive to the Arisen, the Trickster vocation wields a special weapon called the Censer to create smoke and conjure various illusions to confuse enemies into fighting against themselves, for example. The Trickster can also increase the party’s power for a limited time, making it a perfect vocation for players who prefer to play a support role.
The trickster provides a unique experience, wielding their wits from a supporting role.
Deceive your enemy by using an illusion of yourself as a decoy.
Temporarily increase the power of your Pawns beyond their limits.
Create your character as a beastren
You can create your character (the Arisen) and the main Pawn that serves the Arisen.
The game uses photogrammetry technology for more realistic character creation.
Players can create their character intuitively and with ease, or thoroughly down to the last detail.
Photogrammetry allows for realistic characters, and they can have pointed ears like those of an elf.
You can create your character human or beastren.
Select an image that is closest to what you want multiple times.
The game will be available in both physical and digital versions. The digital exclusive Deluxe Edition is bundled with the “A Boon for Adventurers – New Journey Pack” DLC. Each version has pre-order exclusive bonuses!
Message from the game’s director
Finally, a message from Hideaki Itsuno, the director of Dragon’s Dogma 2.
Dragon’s Dogma is a game that I dreamed of playing as a boy who loved TRPG-based games and action games, and I have a special attachment to it. Dragon’s Dogma 2 incorporates ideas that were not technically feasible at the time we created the first game. I believe this game will let you experience the fantasy world you’ve always dreamed of, a fantasy world action simulator game, and ultimately be the ultimate Dragon’s Dogma.
The entire team is working hard on the final touches of the game. Whether you’ve played the first game or not, we hope you’ll enjoy your adventure in this open fantasy world.
On the surface, the adventures of a stoic monster-hunting hero exploring a grim fantasy world of dark magic and ancient lore might have little in common with a game like Destiny 2. But, when you look closer, it’s apparent that Destiny 2 and CD Projekt Red’s long-running The Witcher series have more in common than you might think.
After all, transplant dual-blade-wielding Geralt of Rivia into the far future, and it’s reasonable to assume that he’d be right at home in the role of a Guardian. Intent on hunting down the enemies of humanity? Check. Access to an impressive arsenal of weaponry and otherworldly powers drawn from mysterious sources? Yep. A slew of challenging enemies and a deep trove of worldbuilding that add life and color to the adventures? In both cases, a resounding yes.
Today, with the start of Season of the Wish in Destiny 2, Bungie is launching a new set of items inspired by The Witcher, including three new sets of armor ornaments (one for each Guardian class), new accessories, and more. When creating these items, the Bungie team worked closely with CDPR to bring authentic touches of Geralt’s world into Destiny 2.
“CDPR were excellent creative partners to collaborate with,” said Destiny 2 Art Lead Josh Deeb. “They came to the table ready with ideas that started with Destiny 2 at their core and built authentically onto that framework with iconic Witcher visuals.”
“Destiny is known for its futuristic look. When it came to what we could bring to that world, I think it was the opportunity to fuse it with low fantasy elements,” said Przemysław Juszczyk, CDPR’s head of franchise art. “We focused the design process on introducing more combinations of leather padding, belts, thick fabrics, and chain mails with metal accents similar to those in The Witcher franchise.”
“Witchers are known for their proficiency in hunting and killing monsters,” continued Juszczyk. “Every armor has to scream that it’s ready to deal with that type of encounter. We also included iconic Witcherelements: looking closer, you can spot the wolf medallion, two swords, Glagolitic script inscriptions. All this got the Destiny spin from talented Bungie artists. Even if everything is happening in a cosmic reality, I believe the spirit of The Witcher is present in every item introduced in our collaboration.”
Each of the three new armor sets was inspired by armor donned by Geralt in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
“The goal was to empower our players to feel like true witchers in Destiny 2,” said Deeb. “Using armor designs inspired by the witcher schools (Bear, Wolf, and Viper) enabled us to create silhouettes that immediately bring this fantasy to life, complete with steel and silver swords.”
Of course, for fans, the devil is in the armor’s details. That’s where the Bungie team got a chance to flex their creative muscles and have some fun bringing the details to life. “The goal for all the sets was to get that Witcher medieval look with damage to show these armors have gone through battles already,” said Joel Moran, art outsourcing specialist with Destiny 2. “I think most of the fun details were probably on the swords. We all had to sync and work together to get these to look similar across all sets.”
While those twin swords aren’t usable as weapons in the game, they add to the pervasive Witcher vibe that the Bungie team took seriously. “The problems began cropping up when it came to scaling them so they didn’t look like toys, maintaining the fiction that they could be drawn from their scabbards,” said Destiny 2 Senior Artist Jay Rios. “We also needed to make sure that they weren’t so long that they started interfering with our cloth animation simulations. Finding the right balance between scale, position, length, and technical hurdles certainly made the swords challenging, but I think we did a good job.”
Hunters will take to battle in the new White Wolf set. Inspired by Geralt’s Legendary Wolven armor set, this set features the Hunter’s trademark hood and crossed straps on the chest piece, plus studded leather gauntlets, among other details.
“During the production for the Hunter armor, we noticed that the small crossbow (a cosmetic detail that sits on the Hunter’s thigh) was too simple, and we all wanted it to look better with more material variation and more interesting shapes,” said Moran. “I had the pleasure of sketching some solutions with the CDPR team’s direction and using other reference images from other pieces we were working on, such as the Sparrow, since it had the layered wood and metal look the team at CDPR wanted on the crossbow. We sent different versions of the crossbow to them and additional changes were made per their request until we were all happy with the results.”
Just as Geralt is a master of elixirs and magical signs, Warlocks plumb the mysteries of Destiny’sworlds. They’ll do so in style in the new Hexer set, which finds its influence in Geralt’s Legendary Ursine armor. With fur trim and ample padding throughout, this is a set that’s suitable for the harshest environments the game has to offer.
“It was about getting the materials and colors to bring The Witcher side of [each armor set] to life,” said Rios. “The use of fur, leather, quilted padding, and chainmail pushed the medieval-inspired fantasy. As for the Destiny aesthetic, that was more about iconic shapes within our armor sets. Trying to match iconic silhouettes for the classes became important and having all the class items represented helped tie the look to Destiny.”
Sometimes the best way around a problem is straight through. It may be the unofficial tagline for Titans and the new Kaer Morhen armor set is designed for that head-first approach. Named for the stronghold that serves as training grounds and headquarters for witchers and modeled after the Viper School armor, this set is as solid and straightforward as a punch to the throat. In other words, just how Titans like it.
“It was important to CD Projekt Red that all the helmets have deep asymmetrical gouges and scarring on them,” said Rios. “At the end of the day I think that gave them all some more character, but making sure that each scarring was unique was an interesting challenge.”
Beyond the trio of armor sets, Witcherfans will also find three new accessories inspired by the world of Geralt, including a new ship, the Wolven Storm, as well as the Wolven Shell Ghost shell. There’s also the new Roach-VGH Sparrow, complete with Glagolitic inscriptions, a large Vex skull tied up on the side of the vehicle (presumably for bounty collection later), and an Igni sign thruster effect.
Bungie VFX Artist Amanda Golla worked on the Igni effect for the Sparrow’s trail, among other contributions to the collaboration. As a big Witcher fan herself, Golla spent a great deal of time and care on getting those Igni effects just right for the Sparrow. “The Igni trail itself is a reference to Igni’s alternative sign mode, where the player shoots a straight blast of fire towards their enemies. The [Sparrow’s trail effect] was particularly difficult since the sparks go in a linear direction, but the Sparrow is designed to curve and turn. I had to combine short core sparks that are completely straight with a longer trail of sparks with varied direction to make the sparks feel like they followed the Sparrow and kept their directional velocity.”
Whether getting the details of the steel and silver swords just right or capturing the correct motion of dipping into the bathtub for a new Tub Time emote, the Bungie team has worked hard to bring the look and feel of The Witcherinto Destiny 2. You can check out all these items for yourself starting today in the Eververse Store, launching alongside Season of the Wish on all platforms.
