Tokyo, Japan - August 08, 2014 - GAMKIN Inc., formed by veterans of Square-Enix, Capcom and SEGA, announced today they have begun a crowdfunding campaign on the Indiegogo platform for their latest game: X-Tactics. X-Tactics, is an episodic RPG, set in the modern world, that combines tactical gameplay with elements of urban exploration.

The campaign starts today and will last until Monday, September 15. More details about the campaign can be found here: http://igg.me/at/xtactics

“When we set out to make X-Tactics, we didn’t want to make just another tactical game, nor create some sort of perfect tactical experience. Our goal was to create something new.” said Robert Gould, X-Tactics's producer and lead designer. “Leveraging our expertise, we combined equal parts of tactical gameplay like that of ‘Final Fantasy Tactics’ and ‘Valkyrie Chronicles’, with fighting game mechanics and aesthetics, like those found in the ‘Street Fighter’ series, to create a new gameplay experience, that we at least, have not seen done before.”

“It is our mission here at GAMKIN, to mashup our gamedev expertise with other fields. So we are using real world data streams, like weather, and location-based data, to enhance X-Tactics gameplay, creating an urban exploration sandbox mode for our players. This combined with the curated episodic nature of X-Tactics will allow us to build a living game, and allow us to expand the X-Tactics universe based on our community's feedback.”

Regarding crowdfunding, Kengo Okinaga, founder and CEO of GAMKIN, explained that "unlike most other game-related crowdfunding, that depends on funding to start production, we wanted to wait until we had the game’s systems nailed down before starting our campaign, so we could reduce the risks for both our supporters and partners.” adding that “the development team is now focusing on improving features and creating the remaining content needed for release, not simple tasks, but tasks that we feel confident we can handle.”

"We chose Indiegogo as we are based in Japan, and Indiegogo is the best truly global crowdfunding platform out there. And that same global reach will also play an important role to help us build an international community of players that will be able to make the most out of the title’s unique urban exploration features.”

To download the announcement assets for X-Tactics and the latest game information, please visit the GAMKIN’s Press Site at http://gamkin.com/ , and our Indiegogo campaign at http://igg.me/at/xtactics

About X-Tactics (“Cross”-Tactics)

X-Tactics, pronounced "Cross-Tactics”, takes place in a world, something like our own, where top-secret government agencies and secret societies, maintain the world order. X-Tactics puts players in command of a ragtag cast of secret agents, adventurers, and treasure hunters, as they risk their lives trying to keep the truth in check. Wrapped in dark humour and a stylish anime punk art style, X-Tactics brings a new twist to modern conspiracy theories and urban legends, by placing the player in the shoes of those that know, and manipulate, the truth to maintain the peace and civil order.

X-Tactics, is an Episodic Tactical RPG, which blends tactical and fighting game mechanics for a fresh take on the genre; and also offers an online collaborative urban exploration sandbox experience to players, by leveraging GPS and other real world data streams.

Title:             X-Tactics
Release:      Fall 2014
Platforms:    iOS, Android, Kindle (2014), PC, Mac, Linux, Google Glass  (2015)
Genre:         Tactical RPG & Urban Exploration
twitter:           http://twitter.com/gk_xtactics
IndieGoGo:   http://igg.me/at/xtactics
Copyright:    ©2013, 2014 GAMKIN All Rights Reserved.

About GAMKIN Inc.

GAMKIN, is a small Indie studio formed by Square-Enix, Capcom and SEGA veterans, as well as talented young creators. Established at the end of 2013, and dedicated to creating new forms of entertainment by combining their game development expertise with other media. Besides working on games, GAMKIN also works on interactive children's television in Japan, and collaborating with local game schools and text publishers to help bring up a next generation of game developers.

Submitted by: E. Thomas

On-platform Tools Provide Resources for New Developers to Create and Publish Games on OUYA

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Aug 6, 2014 - OUYA today launched the Developing Developers initiative, an Android education program that provides hands-on instruction for aspiring developers to learn the building blocks of making games. The hallmark tool for the new initiative is the first console-based launch of Android Integrated Developer Environment (AIDE), which offers developers an unprecedented opportunity to learn the coding skills they need to build games from the comfort of their living room. The basic AIDE app will be available for free and include several introductory lessons on Java, the Android OS, and game development - interested developers can unlock all of the remaining app content for $29.99.

“Our top priority is fostering the next generation of game developers, even those who have never built a game before but always wanted to,” said Kellee Santiago, head of developer relations at OUYA. “Developing Developers is the latest initiative by which OUYA continues to expand beyond the box, and this is just the beginning.”

The premium AIDE purchase unlocks 46 additional lessons of educational content, including Java and in-depth Android development tutorials. In addition to AIDE, the Developing Developers campaign will offer video guides and workshops on topics ranging from core game design to publishing. OUYA will work with successful game developers and various educational organizations that engage students of game design and casual hobbyists to provide an ongoing stream of content. The AIDE program itself will continue to receive updates and additional content to expand the learning opportunities on OUYA.

For more information about AIDE or the Developing Developers program, contact TriplePoint PR at ouya@triplepointpr.com

Submitted by: E. Thomas

5th August 2014: The wait is finally over! Playrise Digital’s critically acclaimed powered-up micro racer Table Top Racing is out now in the US on PlayStation®Vita, and is due to screech onto PlayStation®Stores in Europe tomorrow 6th August. The Playrise Digital team along with Publisher Ripstone have confirmed that the game will be available for £4.99/ €5.99/ $7.99 and that PS Plus subscribers can also expect to see discounts at launch.

Described by the development team Playrise Digital as the “definitive version” the PlayStation®Vita game boasts a silky-smooth 60 FPS, enhanced environments, double the polygon count in the track geometry and superior handling. Not only is this the best looking version of the game to date, it’s also best played on PlayStation® Vita – thanks to the Vita’s dual analog controls, rear touch capabilities and ad-hoc online multiplayer.

Table Top Racing is a AAA micro combat racer that pits all manner of custom-made, miniaturised cars against one another. Welcome to a world of table top race tracks, over-sized obstacles and glorious power-ups. Table Top Racing may be miniature but don’t be fooled by its size! It comes complete with a full championship mode in single player along with quick play and drift modes and over 30 special events. Players can also look forward to full live online multiplayer and play with up to 4 friends online or locally.

Hold onto your seats and take a look at the brand spanking new launch trailer, its powered-up micro racing at its best!

http://youtu.be/j5ze9mZI7Jw

Submitted by: E. Thomas