Square Enix has announced the release of a new book titled Square Enix AI featuring the FFVII Remake, with Cloud Strife on the cover. The book aims to provide an easy-to-understand guide on game AI and will be published on July 30, 2024. Pre-orders are now available.[Thanks, BD Publishing!]

View the announcement post below: 

The book was created by Square Enix staff involved in AI development, aiming to make game AI accessible to a broader audience. It covers various aspects of game AI, including character definition, navigation mesh, pathfinding, steering, avoidance, 3D navigation, decision-making systems, and character animation.

Additionally, the book explores character interaction, emotional AI, natural language processing, and the concept of "meta-AI." It also discusses deep learning applications in games, such as style transfer, automatic lip-sync animation, and character animation generation. The final section addresses the use of AI in automating quality assurance, including bug classification and data analysis.

The book is published by Bourne Digital and will be available in Tankobon Softcover format, consisting of 336 pages. It is written in Japanese and currently ranks #879 in Japanese Books on Amazon.

FFVII Rebirth is readily available for the PlayStation 5, and the exclusivity arrangement ended on May 29, 2024.

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Bandai Spirits has announced the launch of a new comprehensive brand called Rowtashii Noise, which aims to bring high-end collectible items to fans worldwide. This brand inherits the manufacturing techniques of the TAMASHII NATIONS line known for its collector's products for adults and is including figures for Oshi no Ko and Gintama for it's launch. The announcement was made on July 11, 2024. [Thanks, Hobby Watch!]

Rowtashii Noise will introduce two new figure series: "Adokenette" and "Tekupiku. Adokenette is a 5-head-tall figure series that focuses on the concept of innocence. The figures feature poses that make it seem as if they are peeking out from behind something. The first Bandai spirits releases in this series will include Oshi no Ko in September, followed by Gintama in November. Each figure is priced at ¥3,960 (approximately $25 USD).

The Tekupiku series consists of chibi figures designed for portability, characterized by their large bag and eye designs. Figures from Bandai Spirits Gintama and Haikyu!! will be available starting in November. Each figure in this series is priced at ¥3,850 (approximately $24 USD).

Bandai Spirits plans to expand both series with various IP products and introduce new figure series in the future.

The first season of Oshi no Ko can be streamed on HIDIVE. Gintama and Haikyuu are streaming on Crunchyroll.

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The Overlord series movie Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom is set to release in Japan on September 20, 2024. Crunchyroll previously announced that it will handle the worldwide release, bringing the film to theaters in North America and select international regions, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Specific dates for these releases will be announced at a later time.

Watch the teaser trailer on YouTube: 

Overlord began as a light novel series in 2010 and was adapted into a manga and anime after. The story is set in a futuristic MMORPG and follows Satoru Suzuki, also known as Momonga, the guild master of a prominent guild in the game. When the game’s servers shut down, Suzuki became trapped in the body of his player character. He then reestablishes his guild and embarks on a quest to explore the world, seeking other players who might have experienced the same fate.

The Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom movie picks up after the conclusion of season 4 of the anime. Naoyuki Ito returns as director, with Satoshi Tasaki as the character designer and chief animation director, and Shuji Katayama (Team-MAX) handling the music for the MADHOUSE production.

Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom airs in movie theaters in Japan on September 20, 2024. The first four seasons of the anime series are available to watch on Crunchyroll. Both the manga and light novels are also available in English through Yen Press. 

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Shueisha announced the manga series Moriarty the Patriot is set to return in December 2024 with the second part of the series. Serialization will resume in the January 2025 issue of Jump SQ, available online starting December 4, 2024. This announcement was made by Jump SQ through its official channels.

Moriarty the Patriot is set in the late 19th century and follows Albert James Moriarty and two adopted orphans. The series explores the social divide between the upper class and the working class in Great Britain. Witnessing the cruelty inflicted upon the orphans by his own family, Albert develops a hatred for the aristocracy. This experience leads him to conspire with the older of the two orphaned boys, who has both a genius mind and a killer instinct, to rid the world of corrupt nobility, starting with his own family.

For those looking to catch up on the series, Moriarty the Patriot, Vol. 1 is available in both paperback and digital formats. It can be purchased through various retailers, including Kinokuniya and Crunchyroll. The price for the paperback edition is approximately $9.99, though actual prices may vary.

Moriarty the Patriot is published overseas by VIZ Media. The anime is streaming on Crunchyroll.

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Uniqlo revealed new details about the upcoming shirt collection collaboration for One Piece Day 2024. The event will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the TV anime One Piece and feature exclusive merchandise, including a new collection of Uniqlo unisex men and kids shirts themed around the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy from the East Blue arc to the current Egghead arc.

These  limited-edition shirts will be available online and in-store starting on July 22, 2024. These designs will include various themes such as Determination, Friends, and Strength, with each being a reference to key moments and characters from the series. The collection includes sizes ranging from XXS to 3XL for both unisex men's style and kids shirts, with prices set at ¥2,490 (approximately $14.49 USD) for adult sizes and ¥1,490 (approximately $9.27 USD) for kids' sizes.

Here are all the unisex men's style designs:

And here are the kids' shirt styles:

One Piece Day 2024 will also feature a large-scale exhibition of 173 carefully selected apparel from past Uniqlo collaborations and a runway event with appearances by the voice actors of the seven Dr. Vegapunks.

One Piece Day 2024 will take place from August 10-11, 2024, at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba, Japan. The manga series is available via Viz Media. You can find the anime on Crunchyroll and Netflix, and the live-action series is on Netflix.

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Good Smile Company has announced the upcoming release of a Marcus Fenix from Gears of War Nendoroid figure. Preorders for the figure are now avaliable, priced at ¥7,300 (approximately $50 USD). The preorder period runs from July 2, 2024, to August 21, 2024 (JST), with a shipping date set for January 2025.

The Marcus Fenix Nendoroid comes with two face plates, featuring a grizzled expression and a combat-ready look. Additionally, the figure includes a variety of optional parts such as the iconic Lancer MK II Assault Rifle, gunfire effects, and blood spray effects, allowing for dynamic action set pieces.

The figure is painted plastic, non-scale, and stands approximately 100mm (about 3.9 inches) in height. It was sculpted by Shichibee (Matsuda Model) with production cooperation from Nendoroid.

In related news, a new mainline game in the Gears series, Gears of War: E-Day, was announced during the Xbox Game Showcase 2024. Set as a prequel to the original game, it takes place 14 years prior and features a young Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago. For more details, check out our article on the announcement.

Gears of War: E-Day is currently in development for the Xbox Series X. There is no announced release date or window for the game yet.

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Square Enix has announced the expansion of its business structure with the opening of a new office in Shibuya, Tokyo. Scheduled to begin operations in October 2024, this new location will join the existing Shinjuku and Osaka offices, transitioning the company to a three-based business structure in Japan. [Thanks, Square Enix!]

The Square Enix Shibuya Office will be situated in the Shibuya Sakura Stage SHIBUYA Tower complex in Sakuragaoka, Shibuya, Tokyo. This move is part of Square Enix's efforts to create an environment that supports the creativity of its employees. The head office of Square Enix Holdings, Inc. will remain in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

The Shinjuku Office is located in Shinjuku East Side Square, Shinjuku, Tokyo, while the Osaka Office's specific details remain undisclosed. The Shinjuku location will continue to house the Square Enix motion capture studio, sound studio, and the official character goods store "ARTNIA." Additionally, the Square Enix Café in Akihabara, Tokyo, will remain unchanged.

In related news, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Producer Yoshinori Kitase, Director Naoki Hamaguchi, and Battle Director Teruki Endo will be attending Otakon 2024 for its 30th anniversary. This will be the first time these creators visit Otakon. For more details on this announcement, check out our coverage.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is available on the PlayStation 5. The first entry in the remake series is on the PS4, PS5, and PC. 

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Producer Yoshinori Kitase, Director Naoki Hamaguchi, and Battle Director Teruki Endo will be attending Otakon 2024 for its 30th anniversary. This marks the first time these creators will visit Otakon. The announcement was made on Twitter.

You can view the official announcement post below, which includes a video message from Kitase and Hamaguchi: 

Otakon, known for celebrating Asian pop culture, will host Kitase, Hamaguchi, and Endo. It is unknown how involved the creators will be when present at the event, which runs from August 2-4, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The official site doesn't yet list a Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Otakon 2024 panel for them, but that should be updated on the schedule in the coming weeks.

For those new to the series, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a sequel and remake of the original FFVII, offering a fresh narrative while paying homage to the classic. It involves three parts, though only the first two are out now. FFVII

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is available on the PlayStation 5. The first entry in the remake series is on the PS4, PS5, and PC. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit the official Otakon website. The convention will be held from August 2-4, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

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HoYoverse's latest action RPG, Zenless Zone Zero, is set for release on July 4, 2024, and in a Game Watch interview Producer Zhenyu Li shared how Devil May Cry and Evangelion influenced it. He also offered insights into the game's development. [Thanks, Game Watch!]

Li discussed the pressures of developing Zenless Zone Zero, highlighting his concerns about creating an engaging experience for players and meeting their expectations. He also noted that the early development of Zenless Zone Zero was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented various challenges. He noted that also pushed the team to innovate and adapt.

Li specifically mentioned that the stylish combat and fluid action mechanics of Devil May Cry influenced the game's battle system, aiming to provide a similar sense of intensity. As a longtime fan of Evangelion, Li drew inspiration from its complex narrative and character depth, striving to incorporate these elements into the Zenless Zone Zero world-building and character development. He also stated that he takes cues from Western comics and art, studying a wide selection of works when working on projects.

Regarding the game's character roster, Li revealed that Nicole Demara is his favorite character. She is an A-rank Agent tied to the Cunning Hares faction. She's an Ether unit who will always be available in the gacha.

Zenless Zone Zero will release on July 4, 2024 for the PS5, Windows PC, and mobile devices. 

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HoYoverse has announced a new festival exhibition to be held in Tokyo and Osaka that features Ganyu, a character from the popular open-world RPG Genshin Impact. The exhibition will provide three-dimensional sculptures and art panels that depict the landscapes of Teyvat. General ticket sales for the Tokyo venue will begin on June 29, 2024. [Thanks, PR Times!]

The exhibition will be held in Tokyo at Space Galleria from July 19, 2024, to August 19, 2024, and in Osaka at Space Gratus from September 20, 2024, to October 21, 2024. Tickets for the Tokyo venue will be available from June 29, 2024, to July 18, 2024, priced at 2,000 yen (approximately $12 USD) with a bundle exchange ticket for 700 yen (approximately $4 USD).

Merchandise:

• Ganyu Acrylic Stand: 1,980 yen (approximately $12 USD)
• Ganyu Clear File: 550 yen (approximately $3 USD)
• Ganyu Desk Mat: 3,300 yen (approximately $21 USD)
• Ganyu Badge: 880 yen (approximately $5 USD)
• Ganyu Acrylic Block: 1,210 yen (approximately $8 USD)
• Ganyu Wood Keyring: 935 yen (approximately $6 USD)
• Ganyu Glitter Sticker: 440 yen (approximately $3 USD)
• Ganyu Glitter Badge: 715 yen (approximately $5 USD)
• Ganyu Pillow: 2,750 yen (approximately $17 USD)
• Kaeya Clear File: 550 yen (approximately $3 USD)
• Ganyu Acrylic Block (Alt): 1,210 yen (approximately $8 USD)
• Kirara Wood Keyring: 935 yen (approximately $6 USD)
• Alhaitham Glitter Sticker: 440 yen (approximately $3 USD)
• Freminet Glitter Badge: 715 yen (approximately $5 USD)

Additionally, visitors who spend over 5,000 yen (approximately $31 USD) will receive a free  Ganyu-themed shopping bag.

The exhibition will be held at Space Galleria in Tokyo from July 19 to August 19, 2024, and at Space Gratus in Osaka from September 20 to October 21, 2024.

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The Suicide Squad ISEKAI anime released its full opening theme song, featuring vocals from Hololive's Calliope Mori. The anime is set to premiere on June 27, 2024, and the opening was released on YouTube via Warner Bros. Japan's channel.

Watch the full opening sequence below:

The Suicide Squad ISEKAI opening theme, "Go-Getters," is composed by Giga and TeddyLoid with lyrics by Calliope Mori and Yuki Tsujimura. 

The video highlights the titular Suicide Squad members: Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Peacemaker, Clayface, King Shark, and Amanda Waller. The accompanying video showcases the cast dancing to the song, with Waller, the hardcore government official in charge of the team, prominently displaying intense dance moves and poses reminiscent of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. In contrast, the squad is showing off their style with poses reminiscent of Vogue magazine, with Harley Quinn prominently displaying center stage.

Suicide Squad ISEKAI  features , Amanda Waller, the head of A.R.G.U.S., assembling a group of notorious criminals for a mission. Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Peacemaker, Clayface, and King Shark are sent into an otherworldly realm, an "ISEKAI" filled with fantasy creatures such as orcs and dragons.

"Go-Getters" by Mori Calliope will be streaming from July 5, 2024 alongside the show, and can be found on various music platforms here.

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The Kirby Café Summer 2024 event was announced on their official twitter, and is taking place at Kirby Café locations in Tokyo and Hakata from July 3 to September 24, 2024. This limited-time summer event, will heavily feature pineapples. [Thanks, PR Times!]

You can view the announcement post below:

The new menu items include:

• Cook Kawasaki's Tropical Hamburger with Star-Shaped Fried Egg. A hamburger steak topped with a pineapple slice and a sweet and sour sauce with diced pineapple. Price: 1,848 yen (approximately $12 USD).
• Sparkling Pineapple Shave Ice: Shave ice topped with lemon syrup, whipped cream, and pineapple jelly, available with or without a souvenir bowl. Price: 2,508 yen with a souvenir bowl (approximately $16 USD), 1,628 yen without (approximately $10 USD).
• Summer Kirby Burger & Lemon Cream Pasta: A burger with sunglasses served with lemon and gorgonzola pasta. Price: 3,278 yen with a souvenir plate (approximately $20 USD), 2,288 yen without (approximately $14 USD).
• Car Kirby Cake - Tanoshii Tropical version: A cake featuring Kirby in mouthful mode surrounded by pineapples and sweets. Price: 2,178 yen (approximately $14 USD).

In addition to the special menu, original goods designed exclusively for Kirby Café Summer 2024 will be available for purchase. These include glass tableware and acrylic coasters with summer-themed designs featuring Kirby and his friends.

Kirby Café Summer 2024 will be held from July 3, 2024, to September 24, 2024. The event will take place at the Kirby Café locations in Tokyo and Hakata.

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Capcom announced the release of new Mega Man Battle Network merchandise from the series, available at their directly managed Capcom Store locations across Japan. This new collection features characters from the series in an American comic book art style, with artwork by Capcom designer Keisuke Mizuno. [Thanks, PR Times!]

The merchandise includes:

• Canvas Art (2 types) - 2,200 yen each (approximately $14 USD)
• Clear File with Pocket (2 types) - 990 yen each (approximately $6 USD)
• IC Card Sticker (2 types) - 880 yen each (approximately $5 USD)
• Mug Cup (2 types) - 2,750 yen each (approximately $17 USD)
• Long T-shirt (L, XL sizes, 2 types) - 5,500 yen each (approximately $34 USD)
• PC Case (2 types) - 4,620 yen each (approximately $32 USD)
• Mobile Phone Holder (2 types) - 1,980 yen each (approximately $12 USD)
• Acrylic Stand (Trading, 12 types) - 990 yen each (approximately $6 USD)
• Pin Badge (Trading, 12 types) - 880 yen each (approximately $5 USD)

The products will be available online starting June 26, 2024, and in-store starting June 29, 2024. The Capcom Store locations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Umeda will carry the new items, as well as on Capcom Store online via PARCO.

Mega Man Battle Network merchandise is now available for pre-order.

The post New Mega Man Battle Network Merchandise Available appeared first on Siliconera.

Capcom announced the reissue of the Nergigante figure from their Capcom Figure Builder Creators Model series. This reprint edition of Nergigante is scheduled for delivery starting January 30, 2025. The figure is priced at 22,000 yen (approximately $152 USD). It is immediately available for pre-orders through the official e-Capcom store.

Nergigante, introduced in Monster Hunter World, is an elder dragon known for its fearsome spine-covered appearance. In the Monster Hunter 20th Anniversary Showcase, Nergigante was voted the second most popular monster in the Hunter’s Choice popularity poll, just after Zinogre. A highlight reel of Nergigante was posted to their YouTube channel, showcasing the elder dragon's fierce presence. 

You can watch it below:

The figure, sculpted by Takayuki Higashi, depicts Nergigante perched atop a pillar from Elder's Recess, the location where most players encounter the monster. It measures approximately 320mm high (12.6 inches), 300mm wide (11.8 inches), and 280mm deep (11 inches), made from PVC and ABS materials.

You can take a look at the statue below:

In addition to the Nergigante, Capcom is also reissuing figures of other popular monsters such as Rathalos and Rathian. Pre-orders for the Nergigante statue are now open on the official e-Capcom website. Delivery is scheduled to start on January 30, 2025.

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is available on the PS4, Xbox One, and PC. 

The post Monster Hunter Nergigante Figure Returns appeared first on Siliconera.

A completely new anime adaptation of Ranma 1/2 has been confirmed. This exciting announcement was made on the official Twitter page of the original author, Rumiko Takahashi, marking the first new Ranma 1/2 anime in 14 years since the 2010 OVA.

View the announcement post below:

The announcement on twitter stated, "A completely new anime of Ranma 1/2 is going to be produced!" Alongside this, an official twitter account for the Ranma 1/2 anime has been launched, further confirming the production. It's also been announced that more details will be revealed during a special event on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 6:00 PM JST. The event will be streamed live on the official twitter account.

Ranma 1/2 is a romantic comedy about Ranma Saotome, a high school student who transforms into a woman when splashed with cold water, and his fiancée, Akane Tendo. The series follows their daily life and the comedic and dramatic events that ensue. Originally serialized in Shogakukan's Shonen Sunday Comics, Ranma 1/2 has seen various adaptations, including an animated series, OVAs, and a live-action drama.

The Ranma 1/2 Ova and Movie Collection is available now via Viz Media. The anime is streaming on Hulu. Viz Media handles the manga outside Japan.

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