Liquid Swords Announces Investment From NetEase Games

Liquid Swords Announces Investment From NetEase Games

Swedish start-up takes a significant step in its mission to shake up video-game development. 

November 2, 2022, Stockholm-based indie game developer Liquid Swords AB today announced an exciting investment from NetEase Games, one of China’s leading online games service providers.

Liquid Swords, founded by game-development luminary Christofer Sundberg, will continue to operate independently. The investment enables Sundberg to realize his vision of simplifying the development process to create exceptional, narrative-driven, experiences for players.

This investment further highlights NetEase Games’ philosophy of supporting innovation and game development around the globe.

As founder and CCO, Sundberg, explains, “NetEase Games has been exceptionally supportive from the very get-go, believing in our high ambitions and quality-focused approach to game development. We are very pleased to have them as our partners on this adventure and with their support, we can begin to realize the vision for our studio.”

Equally as excited about the partnership is Simon Zhu, president of global partnerships and investments, NetEase Games, "NetEase Games has a proud tradition of unleashing the potential of creators and providing the support they need to build amazing experiences. We believe in the creativity of Liquid Swords and share their passion for building open-world games and experiences. They have built a strong, experienced team and we are very excited to partner with them as they begin their journey of creating something amazing for gamers worldwide." 

Speaking about why he founded the studio, Sundberg explains, “In December 2020, I set out on a journey to make a difference in the world of game development– which has been my professional and entertainment world since the early 90s. I want to make a difference to how games are made, how the teams work, and how the creative process evolves. Liquid Swords is the realization of an ambition to refocus the game-development process.” 

As the founder and former CCO of Avalanche Studios, Sundberg led the creation of the critically acclaimed, ground-breaking, blockbuster ‘Just Cause’ series.  Liquid Swords is the next chapter in his illustrious gaming career, with the studio currently working on its first title: a AAA+, single-player, narrative-driven, open-world, action RPG.

Liquid Swords is preparing to take huge strides in 2023 by ramping up the next phase of game development, reaching its growth ambition of a 100-strong team, and moving into a newly refurbished office designed to accommodate its dedicated and creative minds.

For Liquid Swords, this announcement is not only a momentous step toward Sundberg’s original vision of a quality-focused super studio but perhaps a small step toward a video-game industry without half-baked games and broken promises.

About Liquid Swords: Founded in 2020, Liquid Swords AB is a video-game developer, based in Sweden, focusing on narrative-driven open-world games. The studio was founded by Christofer Sundberg, founder and former CCO of Avalanche Studios and original creator of the acclaimed Just Cause franchise. Liquid Swords' goal is to deliver unforgettable experiences by reaching the highest quality possible and tell stories in new, innovative ways.

Liquid Swords’ development team is a mix of experts, who have contributed to franchises including Just Cause, Battlefield, GTA, and PayDay. The studio is backed by Christofer Sundberg, NetEase Games, and private investors.

For more information, connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Liquid Swords is a registered trademark of Liquid Swords AB. All other trademarks are registered trademarks by their respective owners.

www.liquidswords.com

Top Artists Draw Their Favourite Classic SEGA Games for a Limited-Edition Print Project by Art Gallery Cook & Becker and SEGA

Jet Set Radio, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Phantasy Star and Shinobi among first available prints

Amsterdam,  The Netherlands.  14 May 2015 - Cook & Becker asked some of the hottest artists working in entertainment and video games today to draw and create a print of their favorite classic SEGA games. The idea was to create a series of beautiful prints under direction of SEGA that would capture the heart of these classic brands, their aesthetic and what they meant for people playing them and growing up with them.

Maarten Brands from gallery Cook & Becker: "We're committed to the visual culture of video games and new digital art. The last couple of years we've worked successfully with top game developers, artists and publishers to release fantastic editions of concept art and designs of some of the best and artistically interesting video games.

If you go back further in history though, there is less high-resolution material available or images have not been archived etc. So we decided to work with the original rights holders and artists working in games and entertainment today - people who grew up with these classics - to make new prints that would capture the feeling of those games. A sort of tribute art but officially licensed and made in conjunction and with direction of the rights holders and people on the original teams if they were still there."

Many great artists participated and started working on concepts. Today the first 5 designs from 5 different artists are unveiled and made available to purchase worldwide. Among them artworks by known sci-fi and fantasy illustrator Kilian Eng, Marvel and game concept artist Gerald Parel and artist Julien Renoult, who was Sunset Overdrive's Lead Concept Artist among others.

The artists created the prints under art direction of Cook & Becker and SEGA working from the original assets. The images are made under official license. They are fine art Certified Art Giclees, available in a limited-edition of 200 each. They are large poster sizes of 24 x 36" or 60 x 90 cm that will fit any standard frame.

The first 25 of each will retail for €99 / $99 / £75 after which the price goes up.

In summer 2015 a second set for other games by other artists will be released. Cook & Becker warmly invites any artist that want to participate to contact them via their website. 

BACKGROUND ON THE ARTWORKS AND ARTISTS

Phantasy Star by Kilian Eng

Digital artist Kilian Eng (https://www.candb.com/en/biography/4/kilian-eng.html ) is well-known for his retro scifi and surreal landscapes. His prints and posters are in high-demand with collectors. He was worked on images and covers for many Marvel, Disney and HBO brands.

Kilian Eng says about his Phantasy Star print: "When I learned about this project I thought it would be fantastic to get the opportunity to work on Phantasy Star. I remember several older SEGA games fondly, but Phantasy Star was my first pick. It was really fun digging into the Phantasy Star universe again after so many years since I last played it. It’s a really good game with a lot of nostalgic value for me."

Golden Axe by Gerald Parel

Gerald Parel is an extremely talented artist. He works freelance and is part of top concept art and design studio Sixmorevodka. He is maybe best known for his Marvel comic book cover art.

"When I was a teenager, I was very much into Conan and all things barbarian. So when around that time I played Golden Axe, even only for a few hours, it left a precious mark in my memory. It was THE barbarian game in my book. Then decades later, I noticed Mastodon's (Metal Band) riff man was playing on a Gibson called "Golden Axe" and it brought back so many good memories! The choice to pick Golden Axe was then obvious when I started working with Cook & Becker."

Streets of Rage by Julien Renoult

Julien Renoult (https://www.candb.com/en/artist/25/julien-renoult.html) is one of the best concept/character artists working in the industry. Recently he was the lead concept artist on Insomniac's sumptuous looking Sunset Overdrive and worked on Nike's: The Last Game ad for the Brazilian World Cup as well as the 2012 BBC's London Olympics promo animation. He currently works on a project at MMO game maker Trion Worlds.

Jet Set Radio by Roman van der Haven

Roman van der Haven (https://www.candb.com/en/biography/10/roman-van-der-haven.html) is a visual storyteller and 3D character artist both active in the art market and in the creative industry with past clients such as Nintendo and Guerrilla Games. He has created ads, toys and prints.

"Jet Set Radio is maybe my most favorite game and to be able to make a new piece under SEGA's flag was one of my dreams come true. Jet Set Radio is such a rich world, full of character. We decided to go with the current design, a clear and iconic image of Beat running for the cops. I had to be respectful to the source material but also to add my own, unique style to it. Working with SEGA's creatives on the composition and style was an interesting and fun experience."

Shinobi by Emmanuel Malin

French artist Emmanuel Malin is a designer in the creative industry that also creates art. His almost analogue looking digital paintings often have a lot of Asian influences and Shinobi played a part in that.

"I remember when the first Shinobi was out on Master System, I was so frustrated because I didn’t have the console, and as a kid, I was totally fascinated by Ninjas. The mix of martial arts, swords, shurikens, and the great outfits were a winner for me ! After a long wait, I finally got my hands on The Revenge of Shinobi on the Megadrive, which remains one of my greatest videogame memories; I am still playing it on 3DS when the need for old-school platformer kicks in. I was thrilled to have this opportunity to paint a tribute to the game, with an emphasis on demons and dark magic."

Elite: Dangerous Alpha Phase 1.1 released today - Oculus Rift, 3D TV and Track IR support

Just in time for the holidays Frontier today releases the new Elite: Dangerous Alpha Phase 1.1 - Single Player combat, which is an updated version of 1.0 with new stereoscopic 3D features we are testing.

We'd like to thank everyone for their positive feedback on the Alpha test so far. Craig Pearson from the Rock, Paper, Shotgun website got a hands-on look at the Alpha Phase 1.0 build, and you can read his impressions in a detailed piece here.

To get the latest build Alpha backers can simply re-download the Alpha build from the Elite: Dangerous online store as before.  If you want to get involved, access to the ongoing Alpha testing phases can still be purchased from the store.

Alpha Phase 1.1 includes the following in addition to the 1.0 content:
• A selection of stereoscopic 3D support options added
- Oculus Rift
- Side-by-side 3D rendering for use with 3D TVs / monitors
- Anaglyph rendering: old school Red/Cyan rendering for those without Oculus Rift or a 3D TV but with some vintage red/cyan glasses
• Track IR support added
• Dashboard brightness option added
• Improved build stability
• Assorted improvements from Alpha feedback

Have a Happy Holidays! The Elite: Dangerous team is going to take a well-deserved rest now – although there will be people supporting Alpha backers over the holidays - and we’ll be back in the New Year with a bang!

Frontier Announces Elite: Dangerous Premium Beta

Frontier today announced the delivery date of the next milestone in the development of its forth-coming Elite: Dangerous game.

The Premium Beta effectively starts today, with Premium Beta players able to download a single player combat build of the game. The full Premium Beta will start on 30th May 2014, and until then, players will be able to practise with the single player combat build.

Upgrades are on sale now for anyone who has already pre-ordered the standard Beta or the final game, via this link.

Before the first Premium Beta release, Frontier will release one final Elite: Dangerous Alpha phase, Phase 4, which adds Travel and Trading.

Alpha phase 1 covered the vital moment-to-moment combat and ship controls.

Alpha phase 2 added internet-based multiplayer capability.

Alpha phase 3 expanded on these technology tests to add docking and the first elements of gameplay progression.

Alpha phase 4 expands significantly on this with two modes of faster than light travel - in-system 'super-cruise' and between-system 'hyperspace'.  The full Milky Way galactic map, containing some 400,000,000,000 star systems, will be present. Alpha 4 gameplay is focused on a 200 cubic light year volume of space, far from Earth.

The date and further details of Alpha Phase 4 will be announced shortly.  Alpha contributors get early access to future builds and a lifetime benefit of discounted in-game ship insurance. Elite: Dangerous Alpha access is available for order until 25th April.

David Braben, CEO of Frontier, said:

“The Alpha process has worked well for us. We have gradually built out the key elements of the game, first locally, with single player combat, then with a few thousand players across the internet. On 30th May the Premium Beta extends this to many thousands of players worldwide, with an increasingly rich game.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who have played such an important role in Alpha testing, and I’m very happy that we will continue to benefit from their valuable input as they test Beta builds approximately 2 weeks in advance of release.

400 billion star systems are yours to explore in Elite: Dangerous

On 30th May we move into a new phase of Premium Beta testing, and I’m delighted to be able to welcome a significant numbers of new players to Elite: Dangerous today.”

Frontier & Gollancz Announce Authors for Kickstarted “ELITE: DANGEROUS” Books

Frontier Developments plc (AIM:  FDEV) and Gollancz, an imprint of the Orion Publishing Company, are delighted to announce the authors who will be writing their three tie-in novels set in the world of ELITE: DANGEROUS, the ground-breaking Kickstarted sequel to best-selling computer game ELITE.

Frontier received crowd-sourced funding for ELITE: DANGEROUS via a hugely successful campaign on the Kickstarter website, and now has over 45,000 backers. Gollancz contributed over £13,000 to secure the rights to publish three related books. After much discussion and many volunteers, Gollancz editor Marcus Gipps selected the authors and collaborated closely with Frontier to ensure continuity and reflect the evolving game world.

The original game ELITE was one of the best-selling and most iconic computer games of the eighties, and has been credited with inspiring generations of game designers and players. It was the first game to be packaged with an accompanying novella – ELITE: THE DARK WHEEL, by Robert Holdstock. Holdstock was an award-winning and much-respected author, and had a long relationship with Gollancz.

ELITE: WANTED, by Gavin Deas, is a rip-roaring space epic told from two points of view – the hunted, and the hunter. When a routine bit of piracy goes wrong, the crew of the Song of Stone realise that there's a bounty hunter on their tail. One who might, finally, be able to outclass them. The Dragon Queen is feared across space, and for good reason. But even the bounty hunter doesn't realise what she's been hired to do. Or what is in the container she's been sent to retrieve. And she's not the only hunter in the game...

Gavin Smith and Stephen Deas are regular Gollancz authors – having produced 15 books between them over the last few years – and their combined talent makes this a gripping tale.

ELITE: NEMORENSIS, by Simon Spurrier, tells the story of an unlikely pair of star-crossed lovers who steal a spaceship and go on the run, attacking at random and revelling in the fame and glory their violence brings them. Celebrated by the jaded youth of the Federation and urged on to ever more flashy acts of destruction, they know it won't be long before they are caught and killed. But someone is following the couple. Someone who knows why they are so obsessed with each other. Who knows where they are heading. Who knows why. Someone who knows more about them than they do themselves. And has another plan for their deaths...

Simon is currently writing X-MEN for Marvel Comics and CROSSED for Avatar Press, and has written for Judge Dredd, Wolverine and many other popular characters. He has published two novels with Hodder and five licensed novels based on Warhammer and 2000AD properties.

ELITE: DOCKING IS DIFFICULT, by Gideon Defoe, humorously explores what life in the future is really like.  On what might be the worst planet in the universe, a young man dreams of the stars. Adventure! Lasers! Women! And the ultimate goal - to become Elite! Unfortunately, Misha has to do his chores first. And learn how to talk to Phoebe, the beautiful customs officer. And leave the planet. But the death of a famous author unexpectedly drags Misha and Phoebe into a system-wide conspiracy, complete with smuggling, international art thieves, multi-system corporations, canapés and exploding pigs. This is Misha's chance to prove he has what it takes! After all, surely anyone can be Elite if they dream...

Gideon is best known for his comic novels featuring THE PIRATES! and was the scriptwriter for the Oscar-nominated Aardman film THE PIRATES! IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS, based on his books.

Elite: Wanted

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1juWE29

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1i9BYdd

Apple UK: http://bit.ly/1fjn31l

Elite: Nemorensis

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1s1JIog

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1pHjFi6

Apple UK: http://bit.ly/1juXaNE

Elite: Docking is Difficult

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1kmWKXX

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1okWPBF

Apple UK: http://bit.ly/1i9AmzU

Marcus Gipps said:

I was delighted by the response to our involvement with ELITE: DANGEROUS, and very grateful for all of the authors who contacted me and asked to be considered. It was a difficult decision, but in the end I think we’ve ended up with three remarkable books, each of which takes a very different look at the expansive game Frontier has devised while still feeling part of the same universe. It’s been wonderful to work with Frontier and our four talented authors, who will bring their own fanbases to the books.

David Braben, CEO of Frontier said:

I am a huge science fiction fan, avidly reading sci-fi novels since I was small. I’ve always enjoyed rich, consistent worlds, so the ability to work closely with a number of authors as we create our own galaxy-wide fiction has been amazing. ELITE: DANGEROUS includes thousands of inhabited star systems with their own histories spanning more than a millennium, with details ranging from what people eat to how they are governed.  We have worked with the authors to include things in the game that they need for their fiction in the worlds in which their stories are set. Books are a great way to bring such worlds to life, and will fire players’ imagination and enthusiasm for the wider game as well as, of course, standing as creative works in their own right. I look forward to reading the final books.

The books will be released for sale as eBooks in major digital stores on the 15th of May 2014. Collector’s hardbacks will then be published for sale alongside the retail release of the game later that year.