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Venba is a game about culture, cooking, and change and how food can wonderfully represent it all, coming to the PS5 on July 31. We spoke with Abhi, creative director of Venba, on the ways the game showcases the challenges of immigrating to a new home and the things it can teach us as a person and community. Play Video PlayStation.Blog: What inspired you to make Venba? Abhi: A lot of immigrant media focuses on the assimilated children and their struggles, but we felt that the story of the parents is often overlooked. Moving to a completely different country is a huge risk and often isolating. This makes their cultural identity very important to them, and this is what we wanted to explore in Venba. PSB: How did you get your start in the gaming industry? Abhi: I have always had a huge interest in playing and making video games. I pursued a Computer Science degree with the intention of becoming a programmer in the game industry. Once I graduated, I started working at a mobile game studio right up until I left to start my own studio. PSB: How many iterations/angles did you explore before landing on Venba being a narrative cooking game? Was it always planned this way? Abhi: Venba was always a narrative cooking game! The idea of telling the story through cooking was very compelling to us and was a core concept from the start. However, the specific way we approached the cooking gameplay took a lot of iterations and prototyping. Ultimately we settled on the idea of restoring a lost recipe book and framing the cooking sections as puzzles, which we feel fits the game really well. PSB: What motivated you to start your own game studio? Abhi: I didn’t set out to start a studio, but I’ve always wanted to make my own games and tell certain stories. While at my full-time job, I would often be working on a side project or two. Venba was one such game, and its reception has allowed me to transition to working on it full-time and starting a studio! PSB: Where did you draw inspiration for the characters from? Abhi: The characters are strongly inspired from the many Tamil families I’ve seen both in Canada and back home. Apart from that, their characterizations also take a lot of inspiration from Tamil movies. PSB: Living in Toronto, were there any places or events that helped you find your way in this industry? Abhi: Working in the mobile game studio was definitely very helpful, as I was able to meet a lot of people who were passionate about game development. PSB: What was the most challenging part of developing a game like Venba? How did you and your team persevere? Abhi: We started working on Venba while working other full-time jobs. Transitioning from part-time work to starting a studio wasn’t straightforward, and there were a lot of challenges. Thankfully the reception to Venba has been overwhelming and has given us the confidence to start doing this project full-time. PSB: Are there any people in your life that played a key role in kickstarting your development journey? Abhi: I’d love to shout out Chandana Ekanayake, who’s the co-founder and creative director at Outerloop Games (Falcon Age, Thirsty Suitors). He got in touch with us after seeing Venba in its early stages and has been a constant source of support and mentorship! He’s really helped us a lot in our journey and is a big reason why we’re able to get as far as we did. PSB: What message are you hoping to convey through this title? Abhi: When I first pitched the idea of Venba to our producer, Shahrin Khan, she said, “I feel like people will call their mom after playing it.” So I think if that happens, we’ll be happy. PSB: If you had to share one word of advice for a new up-and-coming game dev, what would it be? Abhi: One of my favorite film directors often says, “The more local you are, the more international you become.” There’s an idea that telling personal, specific, and authentic stories is not commercially viable, but I find that if it comes from a genuine place, it always finds an audience. This is something that has been true with Venba as well. PSB: How did you decide on the art style? What was the process like? Abhi: Sam Elkana, our art director, has a unique art style that’s very stylized and inspired by the likes of Samurai Jack and Dexter’s Laboratory. When developing the art direction for Venba, he wanted to adopt a similar approach to stylization. But since we’ll be introducing these dishes for the first time to a lot of the audience, Sam had to strike a balance between stylization while maintaining authenticity, which we think he has done really well. PSB: How important is food to your cultural identity? Abhi: I think food has a very strong connection to culture. One thing I’ve noticed about 2nd and 3rd generation immigrants is that no matter how assimilated they are, food from their culture finds a way to them. It has a staying power that other things from their culture, like movies, music, or even language doesn’t. PSB: Outside of cooking, what is the story you want to tell with Venba? Abhi: We mostly wanted to introduce players to the culture that we’re very passionate about. We’ve taken a lot of time and effort to help the player feel like they’re really stepping into a Tamil kitchen. Our sound designer, Neha Patel, spent a lot of time recording the sounds you hear by actually cooking the dishes and recreating them carefully. Additionally, since music plays a big part in our households, Venba has an original soundtrack that the in-game radio plays during the cooking sections. These songs pay homage to the different eras of Tamil music we heard growing up. PSB: What are you looking forward to creating next? Abhi: The Visai Games motto is to tell intimate stories with interesting mechanics. We have quite a few exciting new ideas that we’re already exploring. View the full article
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Name: PlayStation - The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie - Gameplay Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games Category: Gaming Industry Videos Date Added: 06/12/2023 Submitter: Commander Fury The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie - Gameplay Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games PlayStation - The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie - Gameplay Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games
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Greetings, everyone! I’m Sky, Lead Designer at Hotta Studio of Perfect World Games and I’m absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news with you. Our highly anticipated open-world RPG, Tower of Fantasy, is making its way to PlayStation this summer, published independently by Perfect World Games. Pre-orders will start on June 20, I can’t wait to introduce you to this incredible world! Play Video Open-world, immersive exploration in various styles At Hotta Studio, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of open-world gaming, exploring different forms of ‘openness’ to create truly immersive experiences. From the desolate sci-fi wasteland of Astra to the vibrant cyberpunk desert metropolis of ‘Vera Sector’, Tower of Fantasy offers a diverse array of freely explorable worlds. Our commitment to innovation and unique styles challenges us to consistently deliver high-quality game content that captivates players. Domain 9, an exquisite Eastern magical world Speaking of Domain 9, in Tower of Fantasy, we aim to create a unique Eastern aesthetic by seamlessly blending Eastern architectural elements with our sci-fi universe, resulting in a distinct art style. The new Domain 9 map features mountains, the Great Wall, citadels, and floating ships, intricately interconnected. You’ll encounter traditional Eastern cultural adornments like the eternal flame lamp and traditional ink-wash paintings, alongside futuristic elements like neon lights and floating structures. To enhance the mystical ambiance of the Eastern world, we drew inspiration from ancient myths such as the Classic of Mountains and Seas and designed over ten different creatures based on these mythical beasts. By infusing them with our game’s sci-fi universe, these creatures take on dual forms, capable of spewing molten fire and summoning mechanical weapons for combat. Now, let’s dive deeper into the intriguing character of Liu Huo, our latest addition to the character roster from the world of Domain 9. Picture her in a stylish qipao dress and rocking twin buns, giving off that charming girl-next-door vibe. But don’t be fooled by appearances! When the heat is on, she’s ready to unleash her secret weapon: a massive mechanical ink brush that packs a punch. As she swings it around, fiery Chinese characters light up the battlefield, adding a touch of flair to her fierce fighting style. Get ready to witness the perfect blend of tradition and modernity with Liu Huo in Tower of Fantasy! Freedom is at the heart of exploration in Tower of Fantasy We’ve gone the extra mile to provide an incredibly fluid parkour experience, allowing you to traverse the map seamlessly. Each weapon, relic, and vehicle offer its own unique flight postures and effects. For example, Lan gracefully descends with an umbrella and petals, while Alice transforms into a dragonfly, effortlessly soaring over towering mountains. Rubilia, on the other hand, spreads her mechanical wings, propelling herself through the sky at breathtaking speeds. In the 3.0 version, we introduce the brand-new relic Speedwalkers, enabling you to freely walk and run on walls and mountains, breaking free from the limitations of stamina bars and ensuring a seamless exploration experience. In addition to parkour, we’ve incorporated various fixed-point movement modes throughout the game. Each map features specific means of transportation, such as taxis and subways in the cyber city of Mirroria or the ornate Dragonfly Cruiser in the mystical Eastern realm of Domain 9. These movement modes not only allow you to cover long distances quickly, unlocking new areas and collecting resources, but they also offer a fresh perspective on the game world, ensuring that traversal never becomes monotonous or boring. Pre-order items for PlayStation players As a celebration of Tower of Fantasy’s arrival on PlayStation, we have prepared exclusive bonus content for PlayStation players. Pre-order the game to receive the Move Planes outfit, the Icy Blue Blooming racecar, and White-Tailed Meteor jetpack skin. In addition to allowing players to freely customize their characters on a high-definition screen, cutting-edge ray tracing technology is also used to experience the appeal of an open-world with higher quality graphics. The game also supports the DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback. Unending creativity, endless possibilities In Tower of Fantasy, our creative journey knows no bounds, offering endless possibilities for our players. We aspire to forge ahead into the future, constantly pushing the boundaries of imagination. There is a world of untapped potential waiting to be explored, and we’re committed to delivering unforgettable gaming experiences that captivate and inspire. Together, let’s embark on this remarkable journey into the unknown! View the full article
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Name: PlayStation - Gran Turismo World Series Showdown 2023 - Amsterdam Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Category: Gaming Industry Videos Date Added: 06/12/2023 Submitter: Commander Fury Gran Turismo World Series Showdown 2023 - Amsterdam Trailer | PS5 & PS4 PlayStation - Gran Turismo World Series Showdown 2023 - Amsterdam Trailer | PS5 & PS4
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Name: PlayStation - JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R - Alternate World Diego Reveal Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games Category: Gaming Industry Videos Date Added: 06/12/2023 Submitter: Commander Fury JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R - Alternate World Diego Reveal Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games PlayStation - JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R - Alternate World Diego Reveal Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games
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Final Fantasy XVI fans, great news: while Final Fantasy XVI launches in just under two weeks, you’ll be able to commence your journey to Valisthea tomorrow as the game’s demo launches June 12. The demo will give PlayStation 5 players a taste of the game’s vibrant world and fast-paced action combat with two lengthy sections showcasing what you can expect from FFXVI. The first is the game’s opening prologue, approximately a two and half hour slice of gameplay giving players insight into Clive Rosfield’s past and the events that set him on his present day journey. Save data from this portion can be carried over to the main game when it launches next week. Completing the prologue then unlocks a special battle demo, approximately a two-hour, action-heavy segment. This features an infiltration of a fort at night, with Clive supported on his mission by his faithful wolf Torgal and Cidolfus Telamon. You’ll encounter various enemies and epic bosses. While you won’t be able to save your progress in this segment of the demo, it will let you test out the fuller range of combat options by way of numerous unlocked abilities and accessories. This can be replayed as many times as you’d like, giving players a head start on experiencing Clive’s full-fledged action battles. Need a primer? Get an idea of what to expect here. Experience the dark fantasy world of Valisthea with the PlayStation 5 Console – FINAL FANTASY XVI Bundle. Pre-order now from direct.playstation.com and select local retailers, while supplies last. Explore Valisthea’s vast and beautiful world, return to the action faster than ever with the PS5’s high-speed SSD and unleash incredible power with support for Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers. Experience the dark fantasy world of Valisthea with the PlayStation 5 Console – FINAL FANTASY XVI Bundle. Pre-order now from direct.playstation.com and select local retailers, while supplies last. Explore Valisthea’s vast and beautiful world, return to the action faster than ever with the PS5’s high-speed SSD and unleash incredible power with support for Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers. Experience the dark fantasy world of Valisthea with the PlayStation 5 Console – FINAL FANTASY XVI Bundle. Pre-order now from direct.playstation.com and select local retailers, while supplies last. Explore Valisthea’s vast and beautiful world, return to the action faster than ever with the PS5’s high-speed SSD and unleash incredible power with support for Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers. Experience the dark fantasy world of Valisthea with the PlayStation 5 Console – FINAL FANTASY XVI Bundle. Pre-order now from direct.playstation.com and select local retailers, while supplies last. Explore Valisthea’s vast and beautiful world, return to the action faster than ever with the PS5’s high-speed SSD and unleash incredible power with support for Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers. Experience the dark fantasy world of Valisthea with the PlayStation 5 Console – FINAL FANTASY XVI Bundle. Pre-order now from direct.playstation.com and select local retailers, while supplies last. Explore Valisthea’s vast and beautiful world, return to the action faster than ever with the PS5’s high-speed SSD and unleash incredible power with support for Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers. Experience the dark fantasy world of Valisthea with the PlayStation 5 Console – FINAL FANTASY XVI Bundle. Pre-order now from direct.playstation.com and select local retailers, while supplies last. Explore Valisthea’s vast and beautiful world, return to the action faster than ever with the PS5’s high-speed SSD and unleash incredible power with support for Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers. Experience the dark fantasy world of Valisthea with the PlayStation 5 Console – FINAL FANTASY XVI Bundle. Pre-order now from direct.playstation.com and select local retailers, while supplies last. Explore Valisthea’s vast and beautiful world, return to the action faster than ever with the PS5’s high-speed SSD and unleash incredible power with support for Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers. Experience the dark fantasy world of Valisthea with the PlayStation 5 Console – FINAL FANTASY XVI Bundle. Pre-order now from direct.playstation.com and select local retailers, while supplies last. Explore Valisthea’s vast and beautiful world, return to the action faster than ever with the PS5’s high-speed SSD and unleash incredible power with support for Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View the full article
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Name: PlayStation - Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age - Official Reveal Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games Category: Gaming Industry Videos Date Added: 06/11/2023 Submitter: Commander Fury Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age - Official Reveal Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games PlayStation - Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age - Official Reveal Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games
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Name: PlayStation - Baldur's Gate 3 - Larian Revisits Baldur's Gate After 20 Years | PS5 Games Category: Gaming Industry Videos Date Added: 06/11/2023 Submitter: Commander Fury Baldur's Gate 3 - Larian Revisits Baldur's Gate After 20 Years | PS5 Games PlayStation - Baldur's Gate 3 - Larian Revisits Baldur's Gate After 20 Years | PS5 Games
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Name: PlayStation - Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin - Gameplay Reveal Trailer | PS5 Games Category: Gaming Industry Videos Date Added: 06/11/2023 Submitter: Commander Fury Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin - Gameplay Reveal Trailer | PS5 Games PlayStation - Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin - Gameplay Reveal Trailer | PS5 Games
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Name: PlayStation - Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew - Release Date Trailer | PS5 Games Category: Gaming Industry Videos Date Added: 06/11/2023 Submitter: Commander Fury Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew - Release Date Trailer | PS5 Games PlayStation - Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew - Release Date Trailer | PS5 Games