Source: Blue’s News

The first shots are being fired in Warfare 1944, which is now available in Early Access for Windows on Steam. This is a World War II tactical shooter developed by Drakeling Labs in conjunction with undead publisher MicroProse. They say this release is to help support further development of Drakeling’s Operation: Harsh Doorstop even though Warfare 1944 is still in its nascent stages: “This is a very early version of the game, an alpha demo that is primarily aimed at testing and feedback-gathering.” A Development Blog from a few weeks ago discusses the project, and the Announcement Teaser Video from the same time offers a look at gameplay. Here’s word:

Fight on the frontlines of World War 2 in this stylized tactical shooter. Engage in large open environments with a variety of weapons and equipment during the pinnacle of World War 2. Make smart decisions, and lead your team to victory.

Warfare 1944 focuses on tactical gameplay. Bullets are deadly, one shot can kill. Team communication is essential and Warfare 1944 features robust proximity voice communication which allows you to communicate with your fellow soldiers alongside you. Wield a wide variety of weapons and equipment while you attempt to survive the chaos of war. Rally your friends to your team, and fight in massive battles across vast open landscapes. Keep your wits, and defeat your enemies. Warfare is unforgiving.

1C Entertainment and Team Fusion Simulations announce IL-2 Sturmovik: Desert Wings – TOBRUK

1C Entertainment, in partnership with Team Fusion Simulations and in association with 1C Game Studios, is happy to announce IL-2 Sturmovik: Desert Wings – TOBRUK, the new addition to the acclaimed realistic air combat simulator IL-2 Sturmovik: Cliffs of Dover. The game is set to launch this summer via Steam, il2sturmovik.com and other digital stores.

Watch the announcement trailer HERE.

In this exciting new IL-2 Sturmovik: Cliffs of Dover – Blitz Desert War expansion, you can fly with over 40 aircraft and variants from the Royal Air Force, the Luftwaffe or the Regia Aeronautica. See combat in the legendary Spitfire, sturdy Hurricanes, stubby Martlets, and rugged Kittyhawks, or take wing in deadly Messerschmitts and Macchis. The game introduces a flyable Wellington bomber, as well as updated versions of the Ju-88 and Heinkel 111H. Desert Wings allows bomber and fighter jocks of all skill levels the opportunity to fully challenge themselves in this historically based campaign.

In addition to the long list of flyable aircraft, there are over 25 new tanks, artillery and vehicles as well as 17 new ships, including massive battleships, cruisers, destroyers, patrol boats, submarines, torpedo boats and merchant ships; these additions allowing huge land and naval battles in ferocious detail.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Desert Wings will feature a 385km x 385km North African map recreating in precise detail the strategic stronghold of Tobruk and the rugged contours of coast, desert and sea which surrounds it, with over 75 airfields, multiple landmarks and towns, an extensive road system as well as the historical fortifications, minefields and defenses, all based on actual maps from the war. Combined with the excellent multiplayer environment that allows over 100 players and dozens of AI aircraft online simultaneously, IL-2 Sturmovik: Desert Wings promises intense and challenging human versus human aerial battles.

This add-on is a must-have for experienced flight sim enthusiasts as well as newcomers to the genre, and will provide endless hours of entertainment in the company of an established, numerous and dedicated online community.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Desert Wings – Tobruk will be available for purchase this summer via Steam for 69,99 USD with a 15% launch discount during the first week of the launch.

Source: Blue’s News

Ubisoft now offers a free content update for Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 and the Warlords of New York expansion for the open-world action/RPG. This adds a second eight-player raid and sees the return of the Race to World First competition and Twitch drops for the game. There is also a level 30 version of the new raid that will launch on July 7th. Here are the details:

Today, Ubisoft announced the release of “Operation Iron Horse,” the much-anticipated second eight-player raid in the Tom Clancy’s The Division® franchise. Operation Iron Horse is a free content update for owners of Tom Clancy’s The Division® 2 and the Warlords of New York expansion.

In this raid, Division Agents will head to a foundry, where the True Sons are manufacturing weapons as they devise a plan to re-establish their grip over Washington D.C. For this challenge, teamwork and the ability of even the most experienced agents will be tested.

Players who have reached Level 40 after playing The Division 2 Warlords of New York expansion will be able to participate in the raid. Players who own The Division 2 base game can participate in the Level 30 version of Operation Iron Horse, which will be released July 7. Operation Iron Horse can be played in Normal and Discovery Difficulty modes. Discovery mode will come at a later date and will feature matchmaking for the raid.

In addition to the second eight-player raid, the Race to World First competition is back. The first team on each platform to complete Operation Iron Horse after it goes live will be forever immortalized in-game by having their team photo and names displayed in a portrait in the White House in The Division 2 for all players to see.

Alongside the return of Race to World First, Twitch Drops are also back, allowing fans to receive drops from selected Twitch partner streamers who are streaming the raid on their platform. Twitch Drops will be available until July 2 at 5 am PT.

Source: TechPowerUp!

AMD has released its first public beta driver that enables graphics hardware scheduling feature support with Windows 10 May 2020 Update (version 2004). This oddball release has the same version number as the previous-release, version 20.5.1 Beta, but with graphics hardware scheduling retrofitted. The driver hence ships with the version name “Radeon Software Adrenalin 2020 Edition 20.5.1 Beta with Graphics Hardware Scheduling.” This Microsoft-supplied feature allows GPU hardware to better manage its resources, and potentially improve performance in certain applications. Currently, only AMD’s RDNA-based Radeon RX 5600-series and RX 5700-series GPUs support graphics hardware scheduling – not even the RX 5500-series gets it; older generation AMD GPUs, such as the RX Vega series lack it, too.

The Radeon Software Adrenalin 2020 Edition 20.5.1 Beta with Graphics Hardware Scheduling drivers are available online at the AMD driver download page.

Check out these latest hardware announcements for today from around the web. Also included are some hardware news bits, and on some days, a few rumors tossed in for good measure. Click on the links below to read the official press release, visit the products web page, or to an independent news source.

• Kolink Announces Observatory Lite Series and Inspire K7 Cases
• Samsung Announces 870 Series QVO SSDs incl 8TB Model
• Montech Launches Z3 Pro ARGB Fan 3-in-1 Pack
• NETGEAR Extends WiFi 6 Leadership With 2nd Orbi Mesh System Delivering Gigabit WiFi Everywhere in the Home
• Louqe and Noctua Present NH-L12 Special Edition CPU Cooler for the Ghost S1 Case
• CORSAIR Launches iCUE LT100 Smart Lighting Towers
• ASRock Launches Radeon RX 5600 XT Challenger Pro 6G OC Graphics Card
• TEAMGROUP Announces T-FORCE CARDEA Ceramic C440 M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD
• BenQ Announces Updated ZOWIE FK-B, ZA-B Standard Edition Series Mice with 3360 Sensor
• AeroCool Launches its Prime Mid-tower Case
• Sabrent Rocket XTRM Q – A portable SSD going for 2700 MB/s
• ASUS Unveils New RT-AX55 802.11ax Router
• GALAX Launches A TU106-Based Nvidia GTX 1650 Ultra
• Shuttle Announces Fanless All-in-One PCs with Intel Core i3 Processor
• EK Quantum Torque Series Fittings Expanded With Static Extenders
• Alphacool NexXxos ST30 Copper Radiators & Eisbaer Extension Kits
• DeepCool Intros Gamer Storm TF-120S and TF-140S Fans for Radiators
• EK Pumpless Quantum TBE DDC Pump-Reservoir Combos Hitting the Market
• Bitspower Unveils Mono Block for ASRock X299E-ITX ac LGA2066 Motherboard
• EK Expands Professional Portfolio With New Water Blocks
• ZADAK Announces a New Flagship Compact Water Cooled PC with the MOAB II ELITE
• Bitspower Intros Mono Block for ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero
• Alienware Launches AW410K Gaming Keyboard
• Sharkoon Announces the REV220 PC Chassis
• Team Group Announces ASUS TUF Gaming Alliance Co-branded SSDs

The key battle of the Arab–Israeli War will also be available to players

Gaijin Entertainment announces that the 3rd season of World War mode is coming to the military online action game War Thunder in a few weeks. In this mode some of the players will serve as commanders moving armies on the strategic map, whilst others will resolve the clashes of those armies in the form of classic War Thunder gameplay sessions. While the first two seasons reconstructed famous World War II battle scenarios with the relevant military hardware used, the new one will feature ground and air vehicles built in the second half of the 20th century – T-80 and Leopard 2 tanks, Mi-24 and Bo 105 helicopters, MiG-21 and F-104 fighter jets. The advanced weaponry will be used to recreate a hypothetical scenario of a key World War III battle and a famous tank battle from the Yom Kippur War.

During the Cold War, NATO strategists studied various scenarios of a potential 3rd World War. They thought that no matter what and how the conflict would start, the Soviet group of Forces in Germany would probably attack through the so-called Fulda Gap – a lowland area between the Hesse-Thuringian border and Frankfurt am Main. This is a perfect place to operate a large tank force that the Soviet Union thought to be its trump card in this hypothetical war. The Fulda Gap battle scenario in War Thunder places the Soviet army against the Western German army with Frankfurt am Main as the prize.

Fulda Map

The Yom Kippur War began in 1973 on October 6th, when a coalition of Arab states simultaneously attacked Israel. On October 17th the successful counter-offensive of Israeli forces brought them to the western bank of the Suez Canal in Egypt. The Arab armies tried to push them back and organized a massive attack near an agricultural research station that was marked as the “Chinese farm” on Israeli maps. The battle for this feature became the largest tank battle since World War II times. The Battle for Chinese Farm scenario in War Thunder will allow players to control either Arab forces armed with Soviet-made vehicles or Israel with a mix of American and French equipment.

More information on the new gameplay features in the new season – i.e. the role of the helicopter armies – and the dates when the battles will take place will be published on the official War Thunder website in the coming days.

Destroyer: the U-Boat Hunter is an interactive war thriller which seamlessly blends tactical anti-submarine warfare simulation with a gripping storyline. Take command of a meticulously reconstructed Fletcher-class destroyer and lead your crew against nazi U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic!

It’s all in your hands, captain!

The game is set in 1942, i.e. when the convoy system was finally introduced by the US Navy in response to operation ‘Drumbeat’ and the bloodbath that the U-boats had caused along the US east coast. The player will take full command of USS Janson (DD-524), a fictional Fletcher-class destroyer based on USS Kidd (DD-661), which will lead the escort group of an important convoy. It will be assisted by three AI-controlled destroyers that the player will be able to give orders to. From setting the formation, through ordering attacks and search plans to picking up survivors.

“ Our goal is to build a credible, highly authentic game environment. To that end, we are aiming at recreating naval warfare technology and US naval combat doctrine from the 1940s, as well as portraying day to day activities of the crew, their problems, and interpersonal relations. These motifs will be incorporated into the main plot, and will be based on actual stories and anecdotes by US Navy veterans” says Bartosz Pluta, CEO of Iron Wolf Studio.

Simulator with a cinematic feel

The plot of Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter will be conveyed via highly detailed cutscenes which strongly tie into the game’s choice and consequence mechanic. The captain’s strategic decisions, as well as certain story-related aspects of the game will be controlled by the player, with consequences for both the situation in combat and plot development. Gameplay as such will focus on several key locations on-board: the combat information centre, the bridge, the sonar room, the engine room, and observation posts. The player will be able to switch between these locations at any moment in the course of the battle.

“One of the main premises that we keep to in our design is something that we call ‘realistic combat awareness’. What it means is that there will be no way to see through the fog of war other than by using authentic equipment and procedures. There is no ‘bird’s eye view’, and the player will be far from omniscient. We believe this is especially important in recreating anti-submarine warfare, where advantage in combat is achieved mainly through detecting, locating, and keeping track of enemy presence” adds Artur Salwarowski, vice-president of Iron Wolf Studio.

Key features of the game:

• Platform: PC
• Genre: tactical milsim with interactive story element.
• Realistic radar, sonar, and navigation instruments.
• A choice and consequence mechanic will allow players to make key decisions as the plot develops.
• Xsense and Face Ware technologies (motion capture) will be used in cutscenes to ensure high quality character animation.
• The first episode in the series will focus only on anti-submarine warfare – the studio is planning to release further episodes which will take place in the Pacific Theatre and expand the gameplay by adding surface and surface-to-air combat.

Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter is published by Iron Wolf Studio. The release date will be announced soon. Find out more about the game on its Steam webpage.

The concluding mission to the ‘Hell Cult’ campaign is out today New BRUTAL difficulty mode also available FREE!

Welcome to DEEPER THAN HELL, the third and concluding chapter in Zombie Army 4’s ‘Hell Cult’ campaign. Deeper Than Hell has launched on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, the Epic Games Store and Stadia!

Click here to watch the Deeper Than Hell launch trailer.

Having uncovered the cultists’ plan to drill miles beneath the surface, you and your fellow Deadhunters must fight your way through a long-forgotten city, creeping with ancient, raging terror. Allies will become enemies as you discover the source of the horrifying occult power – but will you make it out alive?

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

As well as Deeper Than Hell, there’s plenty of other brand new content out today for Zombie Army 4 fans to bite into, including:

• Luger Pistol Bundle
• Shotgun Pistol Bundle
• French Resistance Fighter Character
• Paratrooper Zombie Character
• Wrapping Weapon Skins

The Zombie Army 4 Season 1 Pass offers access to ALL Season 1 content including Deeper Than Hell. It’s available to purchase on all platforms and it’s also included in the Zombie Army 4: Super Deluxe Edition. Content can also be bought individually.

THE BRUTAL DEAD

Finally, for Zombie Army 4 fans who laugh in the face of death, Rebellion has added a brand new, monstrously challenging BRUTAL difficulty mode. And it’s free!

In Brutal difficulty, enemies deal loads more damage and are much, MUCH harder to take down. There are numerous other changes designed to push you to your limits; the HUD is severely limited, the dead resurrect with greater frequency, reviving your comrades will now require a medkit, and more!
Brutal difficulty mode will unlock upon completing the main campaign.

For more info, please visit ZombieArmy.com.

World of Warships Adds Ship Skins, Commanders, Camouflages and More – All Based on the Imperium of Man and Chaos Factions

Today Wargaming brings the gothic splendor of Warhammer 40,000 to World of Warships. Players can choose between different bundles containing themed ship skins, commanders with unique voiceovers, camouflages and flags from two of the biggest factions in the Warhammer 40,000 universe — Imperium of Man, a galaxy-spanning interstellar human empire; and Chaos, those devoted to serving the Chaos Gods.

On June 22, Warhammer 40,000 inspired bundles will also be coming to World of Warships: Legends available on Xbox and PS4.

Watch these videos to see what players can expect with this epic collaboration on both World and Warships (PC) and World of Warships: Legends.

Imperium of Man and Chaos will be represented through unique and dreadful ships helmed by their fearless commanders: Justinian Lyons XIII and Arthas Roqthar the Cold.

“As a Warhammer 40,000 fan myself, I’m very excited to finally see these epic themed ships in our ports. Their striking visual appearance paired with the dramatic voiceovers that will give you chills, promises to evoke the grim dystopian splendor of 40K. I have no doubts our players will enjoy playing these ships as much as we did while designing them, said Philip Molodkovets, World of Warships’ Executive Producer.

“After our extremely successful previous collaborations with World of Tanks: Blitz and World of Tanks we’re thrilled to work with Wargaming again. We’re big fans of World of Warships, and we can’t wait to see players celebrating Warhammer 40,000 in their games with these beautiful and authentic themes.” said Jon Gillard, Global Head of Licensing at Games Workshop.

World of Warships has had great success bringing various collaborations to life in its game without hurting the historical aspect or distracting players who prefer the standard gameplay. Providing a flexible system of filters, players can choose to customize their visual experience or, if they are not interested, turn it off completely. The collaboration with Games Workshop celebrates the unique visual style of their universe, but does not alter the gameplay.

Visit the official World of Warships website now for more game info and to sign up for World of Warships for free!

The studio also published today a summary of the most relevant changes and additions to the game during its first 10 weeks in Early Access

TaleWorlds Entertainment announces today that Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is now available on the Epic Games Store. First released on Early Access on March 30th to the universal praise of critics and gamers alike (with an 87% approval rating on Steam), it quickly became one of the most successful games released on Steam of this year.

Applauded for its deep and engaging gameplay, its vast and alive world and the sense of freedom that is the mark of the franchise, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord reaches the Epic Games Store at last with a 20% release discount. The game is also available from today with the same 20% off on taleworlds.com, Steam, and partner stores such as Humble Bundle or Greenman Gaming, etc.

Since its first Early Access launch, TaleWorlds has released dozens of patches and updates, not just fixing performance issues but also adding new content and features, paving the road for the months to come until full release. The studio just published a summary of the most important improvements and new content implemented since March 30; you can read more info about all the changes that have been released so far HERE.