Author: Donster

headquarters-world-war-iiThe Market Garden expansion introduces a new British campaign with eight meticulously crafted battles, focusing on the events of Operation Market Garden.

The first DLC expansion for Headquarters: World War II deployed on Steam today. The Market Garden DLC continues the story from the base game following the Normandy landings of 1944 and covers the daring and massive offensive from Allied forces that was Operation Market Garden.

Watch the Headquarters: World War II – Market Garden Trailer HERE.

In this new campaign, players command British land forces tasked with reaching and relieving Allied paratrooper units that have landed in the Netherlands and are holding key bridges in the area of operation. However, due to stubborn German resistance and a series of setbacks, players find themselves fighting to save the paratroopers.

In addition to an all-new British campaign, which is made of eight meticulously crafted battles, the Market Garden DLC also introduces new units for every playable country – 5 British units, 2 US units, and 3 German units. For the first time, players can deploy the UK’s Staghound Tulip and the US’s Sherman Calliope rocket launcher, ensuring that all three factions now have their own powerful rocket units. All new units in the DLC are available in Skirmish and Multiplayer modes.

You can find out more details about Headquarters: World War II HERE.

gary-grigsbys-war-in-the-east-2A new update is out for War in the East 2. This is planned to be the Final Feature update for WITE2. You can download the update here.

We still intend to fix bugs as they are reported. If you do find a bug please report it on the Matrix Forum or the Gary Grigsby Discord. We would like to thank our fans for their steadfast support over the last three years as WITE2 has grown with the Steel Inferno DLC and numerous major updates.

We have added many new gameplay options to allow the player to customize morale by nation as well as combat delay effects, campaign end conditions, repair rates, leader casualties, and more. All of this is aimed at allowing players to tailor WITE2 to suit their preferred playstyle and historical balance.

We’ve also added the option to allow for production for the Axis side as an optional feature, which will require support from modders to provide the necessary data, but makes possible a system for both sides similar to what the Soviet side has had from release.

There are many other smaller fixes and improvements all with the goal that this will be the final, stable update for WITE2 for the long term.

The full changelog is available to read here.

We hope you enjoy playing War in the East II in the years to come. We are very excited to see what the modding community will implement with this framework.

crusader-kings-3Major Expansion for Crusader Kings III Available Today

Explore a richer and deeper medieval world in Roads to Power, the highly anticipated expansion of Crusader Kings III, Paradox Interactive’s best-selling strategy role-playing game about the Middle Ages. Travel a world of danger and opportunity as your character seeks wealth and adventure, or navigate the perilous waters of imperial politics – a setting where brute force often bows to diplomacy and intrigue.

Watch the Roads to Power Release Trailer HERE.

Roads to Power is the newest Major Expansion of Crusader Kings III, focusing on two significant changes to the core game experience. First, Landless Adventurer characters start with a camp and a few followers but can gain great power and influence by offering their skills to neighboring rules. Second, the Administrative Government playstyle comes to the Byzantine Empire, in a more historically appropriate representation of the political system of one of the great Mediterranean powers. An associated comic book about the rise of Basil I, “Many Roads to Power”, was published in August, free for everyone to read and enjoy.

Features of Crusader Kings III: Roads to Power include:

  • Administrative Government: Experience medieval rule outside of the feudal system with a new style of empire management. A web of Governors jockeys for position in the empire with intrigue and power, sometimes rewarding merit and sometimes rewarding perfidy. Only a truly skilled Emperor can keep these squabbling forces in line.
  • The Family Estate: Run and manage a powerful Family Estate, the seat of your House’s power, even when you hold no other land. Construct new buildings and improvements to further your power and influence within an administrative empire.
  • Influence System: Build up a character’s influence within an administrative empire to climb the rungs of bureaucracy. Raise your status in the realm and gather more power for yourself. Start as a landless noble on an estate, and compete for valuable provinces to govern before making your bid for the Purple.
  • A Life of Adventure: Freely roam the map, untied to any realm or holding, going wherever the winds of fortune blow you. Fulfill contracts as a landless adventurer, even through the generations, building up a reputation of your own. Earn gold, prestige and fame travelling the globe until you decide to settle down and claim land you have earned through merit.
  • Choose Successor or Caesar: Spend the influence you have gathered to determine the course of the Empire and get the successor you want, whether a royal family member, a powerful noble, a martial hero, or any other candidate you can rally the people behind. The Emperor can even opt to co-rule if the burden of the throne is too much for one person.
  • New Byzantine Flavor Content: New events, monuments and activities built around the Byzantine theme, including chariot racing.
  • Cosmetic Additions: A Byzantine-themed UI skin and new court fashions for your characters, new 2D event art, new on-map monuments of the Byzantine world, new on-map holding designs, and a Byzantine throne room for Royal Court sessions, among other aesthetic improvements. New music inspired by Orthodox holy chants is also included.
  • Crusader Kings III: Roads to Power is now available for the suggested retail price of $29.99/£24.99/€29.99. It is also available as part of Crusader Kings III: Chapter III – which includes the Core Expansion ‘Legends of the Dead’, the Major Expansion ‘Roads to Power’ and the Event Pack ‘Wandering Nobles’.

    More game information is available on the official Crusader Kings III website.

    scramble-battle-of-britainSlitherine Games have announced that the major update to the Scramble demo is out now! Grab the demo on the games official Steam page!

    Here’s a list of the new features included in this version:

    Aircraft

  • Player can now fly the Me 109
  • Me 110 now appears as enemy aircraft
  • Missions

  • New pack of missions to showcase 109 and 110. 110 also crops up in some existing missions!
  • Gameplay options

  • Metric measurements now supported
  • Option to reset controls to zero at the start of each turn
  • UI

  • New-look menus with improved controller and keyboard functionality
  • Menu flow and UX unified and improved
  • In-game

  • Game can now be played with a mouse (this is very WIP and not refined!)
  • Player is now warned about dangerous loss of speed and potential stalling
  • Player can click on plane icons at top of screen to select individual aircraft
  • Score screen improved to give better breakdown
  • New pilot portraits added
  • Luftwaffe pilots now have portraits
  • Level flight autopilot option to reduce busy work for players
  • Match replay

  • Improvements to Replay system include unbroken playback option
  • Review phase UI and tools improved (e.g., player can now view entire match to date after any turn)
  • Too many bugfixes, balancing tweaks and performance improvements to mention!

    sea-power-naval-combat-in-the-missile-ageFrom the Lead Designer of Cold Waters, Sea Power Brings the Cold War Era to Life with a Thrilling Blend of Realism, Strategy and Dynamic Combat

    Prepare to take command of NATO and Warsaw Pact forces as Sea Power: Naval Combat in the Missile Age is set to release in Early Access this November. From the lead designer of Cold Waters, this highly anticipated naval warfare game offers an immersive Cold War-era experience with deep strategic gameplay across sea, air, and land engagements.

    A Proven Formula for Success: Building on the critical and commercial success of Cold Waters—which holds an impressive ‘87% Positive’ review rating on Steam—Sea Power is crafted with the same attention to detail, leveraging years of development experience in naval warfare simulation. The Early Access approach is designed to foster continuous improvement, with regular updates and community feedback shaping the games’ future.

    Early Access Features Packed with Content: Sea Power enters Early Access with a rich array of content on Day 1. Dive into a spectacular array of historical and fictionalized cold-war scenario missions spanning the entire globe, or simply create your own via the intuitive mission editor. In minutes, players can easily recreate any famous Cold War conflict or blockbuster movie scenario from day one. You’ll be able to create your own ‘take’ on historical Cold War era encounters or simply recreate famous battles from beloved Hollywood blockbusters.

    Early Access launch content will include:

  • Over 20 Scenarios: Including both historical and fictional encounters
  • Dynamic Campaign (Alpha): An evolving theatre-scale campaign that will grow throughout Early Access
  • Mission Editor: An intuitive and flexible tool to recreate any conflict of the 60’s to 80’s Cold War era around the entire globe.
  • Massive Cold War Arsenal: over 150 naval units, 60+ aircraft, 130 weapon systems, and 50 different ground objects
  • Dynamic Campaign, Strategic Depth, and Immersive Cold War Realism: Sea Power offers both strategic depth and realistic naval engagements across multiple global theatres, including the North Atlantic, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Tonkin, and the Mediterranean. Players will manage surface ships, submarines, and aircraft, balancing between combat missions and strategic theatre-scale operations. The game’s attention to detail and historical authenticity includes advanced ship and weapon physics, sensor modelling and dynamic weather systems, all combined with richly detailed 3D graphics that bring the Cold War atmosphere to life.

    Tailored for Veterans and Novices Alike: Sea Power is crafted for both experienced players and newcomers to naval warfare games. Whether you prefer an in-depth simulation or a more approachable gameplay experience, Sea Power offers something for everyone.

    November Roadmap: A roadmap outlining upcoming features and content for the Early Access period will be shared on launch day, showcasing the developer’s commitment to evolving the game alongside the community.

    Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled Cold War experience. Sea Power will be available in Early Access on Steam this November, 2024.

    Watch the Sea Power – Release Announcement Trailer HERE.

    For more information, visit the Sea Power Steam page.

    New update brings latest German IFV, first Swiss military aircraft and more

    Gaijin Entertainment announces the release of the “Dance of Dragons” major content update for the online military action game War Thunder. It is named after the Chinese-made J-10 and JF-17 fighters, while dozens of other new interesting military vehicles have been added to the games, such as the famous Soviet Su-24M bomber, the state-of-the-art German Puma IFV with Spike missiles, and the heavily armed Japanese battlecruiser Amagi. In addition, the first domestically designed Swiss jet in the game, the P-16 attack aircraft, a model of which was created by players, debuts in the game as well.

    Watch the ‘Dance of Dragons’ Trailer HERE.

    The Su-24M frontline bomber with variable wing sweep was designed primarily to destroy ground targets, although it can also stand up for itself in an air battle. The aircraft is equipped with a six-barreled GSh-6-23M cannon with a rate of fire of up to 9,000 rounds per minute. There are 8 suspension points under the fuselage and wings capable of carrying a total of up to 8,000 kg of payload. It will rain fire on ground targets using Kh-23, Kh-25 and Kh-29 families of guided missiles (including the laser-guided Kh-29L and TV-guided Kh-29TE) and the KAB-500Kr and KAB-1500Kr guided bombs, the KAB-500S ( new for War Thunder), as well as the laser KAB-500L and the new large-caliber KAB-1500L, plus unguided bombs and rockets.

    PUMA VJTF differs from the basic Puma by the presence of a launcher with two Spike-LR ATGMs. Missiles and an automatic target tracking system significantly increase the combat range of this IFV, allowing it to destroy even top MBTs at long distances, as well as try to shoot down low-flying aircraft and helicopters with a decent chance of success.

    The update improves many aspects of the game ranging from the improved interface of suspended weapons to the customizable aiming grid. In addition, the damage model of individual helicopter modules has been improved, meaning that it now takes into account damage dealt specifically to the avionics system, weapons control, night vision devices, countermeasures and radar equipment. The separation of the tail boom during strong impacts of the fuselage and tail on the ground and other objects is now also calculated more accurately.

    You can learn more about the new vehicles and other features of the “Dance of Dragons” update on the official website of the game.

    MMORPGs War Thunder | Donster | |

    victory-at-sea-atlanticPrepare to navigate new depths of strategic warfare with the latest update to Victory At Sea Atlantic! This highly anticipated update introduces historical scenarios, offering players the opportunity to relive iconic World War II naval engagements in real-time. Players have eagerly requested this feature since our Early Access launch, and we are excited to deliver it, expanding the strategic experience even further.

    With these four new playable historical scenarios, players can immerse themselves in the intense naval conflicts that defined the Atlantic Theatre. Whether commanding Allied or Axis forces, these missions offer thrilling challenges that blend historical accuracy with the fast-paced strategy that fans of the series know and love.

    You can check out the intro to one of the Historical scenarios here!

    What’s New in This Update:

  • Four Playable Historical Scenarios: Step into the boots of naval commanders and take part in pivotal battles with carefully recreated scenarios.
  • The Nelson-Class Battleship: A new addition to your arsenal, this powerful British battleship enhances your fleet options and adds a new layer of tactical depth.
  • Improved Combat Positioning: Fleet entry positions now reflect their global positioning and heading, adding more realism to engagements.
  • Expanded Arenas: The default arena size has been increased to 100x100km, providing more space for large-scale naval warfare.
  • Enhanced Gun Accuracy: A gunfire spread indicator has been added, improving your ability to manage firepower with more precision during intense combat.
  • Additional Gameplay Enhancements:

  • Tactical Combat Adjustments: Improved enemy evasive maneuvers, convoy formation behavior, and more realistic escort tactics make for dynamic engagements.
  • Submarine Mechanics: Adjustments to submersible turn speeds, torpedo reload times, and depth charge mechanics provide a more authentic experience for underwater warfare.
  • User Experience Improvements: Players can now toggle formation spacing in combat setup, while minimap zoom and panning behavior have been refined for easier navigation.
  • Find out more about Victory At Sea Atlantic on Steam.

    Wargaming, the publisher and developer of the world’s leading naval battle MMO World of Warships, is setting sail into a sea of celebrations, as the game marks nine years since its release. To commemorate the occasion, Festive Rewards, an Aquatica Fair event, and a new Port will be introduced to the game. Accompanying all this anniversary content will be Early Access to new Pan-American battleships, and new seasons of Brawls and Ranked Battles. World of Warships: Legends will also introduce a new campaign, Pan-European destroyers, and the European Navies collection for players to enjoy.

    Join the celebrations for World of Warships’ 9th anniversary

    To celebrate nine years on the seven seas, World of Warships is introducing a series of rewards, a new Planeta Aquatica Port, and boatloads of other celebratory content. Festive Rewards are also returning for the anniversary, allowing players to earn Festive Tokens that can be redeemed for a variety of items, including U.S. Tier VIII Premium cruiser Rochester, a range of containers, Aquatica Tokens for the newly introduced Aquatica Fair, expendable economic bonuses, patches, and flags.

    A new puzzle collection will also be released, featuring 60 pieces that can be obtained from Battle of Paso de Patria containers. Upon completion, players will be rewarded with unique historical Pan-American Commander Joaquim Marques Lisboa. Finally, the anniversary will introduce the Aquatica Fair event to the Armory, offering new items to earn, special Anniversary Daily Rewards, and the Ninth Anniversary Event Pass that unlocks additional opportunities for players.

    Early Access to Pan-American battleships begins

    A brand-new line of Pan-American battleships are sailing into the game, first stopping at Early Access. Players will be able to obtain battleships Ipiranga, Los Andes, and Libertad, each boasting powerful main battery guns and secondary weaponry, Enhanced Repair Party consumables, and Combat Instructions to help improve each ships’ firepower in the heat of battle.

    New Clan Battles, Brawls, French destroyers, and more in World of Warships

    To make space for the Pan-American battleships, the previous line of Early Access French destroyers will now be available through the Tech Tree, giving all players access to Tier V L’Adroit, Tier VI Duchaffault, Tier VII Le Hardi, Tier VIII L’Aventurier, Tier IX Orage, and Tier X Cassard, each equipped with devastating torpedoes that deliver incredible damage. Along with the destroyers, the update will also introduce a new season of Ranked Battles on September 5, new Brawls from September 9, and Season 27 of Clan Battles on September 11.

    Watch the Update 13.8: The 9th Anniversary Trailer HERE.

    For more information about the update please visit the official World of Warships website.

    MMORPGs World of Warships | Donster | |

    The World of Tanks development team is excited to launch one of the biggest updates of the year: Hailstorm. This update introduces a wealth of exciting content, including a new line of Czechoslovakian light tanks with completely new firing mechanics, more dynamic Random Events, a fully reworked Crew Perk system, and a brand-new Battle Pass Season. Additionally, there is a special Back in Action event for those who have been away for a while, offering the chance to earn great rewards like days of Premium account, vehicle rentals, credits and more.

    Watch the Update 1.26 Trailer HERE.

    Leading the charge in this update is the new line of Czechoslovakian light tanks, consisting of four swift flankers with the formidable Tier X Vz. 71 Tesák at the top. The high-tier tanks feature unique autocannons that unleash thousands!! of rounds per minute, so tankers should be ready to master these dynamic firing mechanics. Three vehicle branches just got stronger so players can expect the updates to the Bat.-Châtillon 25 t, M48 Patton, and K-91 branches.

    Eight maps have been revamped for gameplay comfort, and three more have received Random Events. Players will witness the central plant in Pilsen being bombed, a plane crashing on the Malinovka mountain, and a rockslide altering the landscape in Karelia. These events reshape the battlefield, creating fresh opportunities and challenges.

    The improvement of the Crew Perk system, which has undergone significant changes over several years, culminates in this update. From now, each crew member can learn up to 6 perks, and the XP earned thereafter will allow players to receive universal training manuals. Alongside these enhancements, players will find new and rebalanced perks, bonus perks, and more. This is the perfect time to fine-tune crew’s setup, as there will be a one-month period of free perk resets available after the first login to experiment and optimize.

    Finally, the last Battle Pass Season of the year infused by the Waffenträger universe, echoing the excitement of the future battle, is ready to explore. It unveils Max von Krieger’s early life and features exclusive customization rewards.

    World of Tanks Update 1.26: Hailstorm is now live and ready for players to enjoy.

    For more information on World of Tanks, visit the games official website.

    MMORPGs World of Tanks | Donster | |

    over-the-top-wwiFlying Squirrel Studio is poised to announce the next playtest of its bloody and gruesome WWI shooter, Over the Top WWI, on Steam today.

    Flying Squirrel Entertainment is initiating a special play test campaign. This maneuver, set to commence today, and conclude on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 9 am ET, invites players to enlist and engage in the game’s initial skirmishes. Prospective soldiers eager to join the play test can rally at the Steam page here.

    Play Test Campaign Briefing

    From September 6, 2024, onward, the play test campaign offers players a unique opportunity to engage in the pre-release battlefield. This period will allow participants to experience the intense trench warfare scenarios, strategic operations, and the dynamic environmental conditions that authentically mirror the Great War’s brutal realities.

    Check out the Over the Top WWI playtest trailer HERE.

    Over the Top: WWI is scheduled for early access release in 2024 for PC on Steam.