“We’ve been proud to have Curve Games, a multi-award-winning publisher of great indie games, within our group,” said Catalis Group chair Shaon Baylay in a press release announcing the acquisition. “However, we know that they will take their successes to a new level as part of Nazara Technologies. We are grateful for the contribution of the Curve Games team, and we wish them well on the next stage of their journey.”

As part of the acquisition, Nazara is now also the parent company for developers under Curve Games – Brighton, UK-based Runner Duck and IronOak Games from Vancouver, Canada. Nazara also seemingly doesn’t have plans to make any changes to personnel as of yet, with Curve Games continuing to operate out of its London office. In-house leadership is also staying on.

“This deal is a perfect fit,” said Curve Games executive chairman Stuart Dinsey. “We’re joining a group that lives and breathes games and tech, including mobile, where we’ve barely scratched the surface. With Nazara, we will build on our strengths across console and PC, staying true to our indie spirit. It’s still about great games, great studios, and great players. Our next chapter starts here.”

This latest acquisition is the second one by Nazara of a UK-based company. Back in 2024, the company had also acquired Fusebox Games, which primarily made smartphone games based on licenses from reality TV shows. Games under Fusebox’s catalogue include Love Island The Game and Love Villa.

“Curve’s proven publishing expertise and strong track record with indie studios make them a perfect fit for Nazara’s vision in premium gaming,” said Nazara CEO Nitish Mittersain. “This acquisition not only brings valuable IP, global market access, and a highly experienced team into our fold – it also reflects our broader strategy of doubling down on core gaming. We’re committed to scaling high-quality game IPs, investing in new development, and supporting passionate indie creators as we build a global gaming powerhouse from India.”

The acquisition has seemingly been part of Nazara’s plans to expand its holdings in the gaming industry. The company has previously stated that it has earmarked a fund valued at $100 million that it will use for this goal.

The last game released by Curve Games was the Runner Duck-developed Badlands Crew. The game is the third entry in the studio’s Crew series, and was released on PC (via Steam) back in April. It revolves around players creating and customising a land-based vehicle with weaponry and appropriate supporting equipment that would allow them to take on the challenges presented by an the unforgiving Badlands.

Curve has also published other popular titles, such as single-player action adventure game Dungeons of Hinterberg, which is available on PC and Xbox Series X/S.

Much like the first game, players will venture through procedurally maps with different quests, events and loot. You’ll encounter foes and explore dungeons, partaking in turn-based combat which promises to be fairly unforgiving. As you complete playthroughs, you’ll unlock items which can be utilized in future runs. Until then, find some good armor and weapons, and hope that the dice fall in your favor.

Along with solo play, there’s also support for online and local multiplayer for up to four players. There are different classes to choose from with their own unique stats and abilities, and new biomes to explore. Stay tuned for more details and gameplay for the title in the coming months.

This week’s free titles on the Epic Games Store are now available, and include some familiar names. IronOak Games’ rogue-like RPG For the King and 4A Games’ Metro: Last Light Redux can be claimed for free until February 11th. All you need is an Epic Games account and the Epic Games Launcher to play them.

For the King essentially takes place in a procedurally generated world with different quests and events to complete. Combat is turn-based and there’s even co-op for up to three other players. With several free DLC packs and an intriguing aesthetic, it’s definitely worth checking out. As for Metro: Last Light Redux, it’s the second title in the FPS franchise and features revamped visuals and quality of life improvements.

After completing it, those keen on continuing the story can check out Metro Exodus, also available on the Epic Games Store. Next week’s free game will be Halcyon 6: Lightspeed Edition, a strategy RPG focused on crew management, random events and much more. It’s from the team behind the recent Star Renegades and may be worth looking into for some FTL: Faster Than Light-style gameplay.

https://twitter.com/EpicGames/status/1357388450983518208

We’ve had a string of months where some excellent titles have been added to the Xbox Game Pass catalog, with both March and April seeing some strong games joining its ever-growing library. May is looking similarly exciting, and offers a number of great games. Of the eight games being added, the most notable is Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus, which is probably among the best stories and single player campaigns you’ll find in a first person shooter.

Chucklefish’s recently released turn based strategy title Wargroove also joins Game Pass. With solid gameplay, a decent campaign, and excellent creation tools, it’s a great game regardless, but at the price of free, it’s an absolute steal. Also part of the new games is Fullbright’s excellent science fiction adventure title Tacoma, while Paradox Interactive’s unique simulation game Surviving Mars joins the library as well.

Deck13’s Soulslike sci-fi title The Surge is also coming to Game Pass, while the recently released Xbox One version of the MMO Black Desert, Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, and strategy RPG For the King are included as well.

You can get the details on exactly when each of the eight titles joins the Game Pass catalog below:

• Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus – May 2
• Wargroove – May 2
• Surviving Mars – May 9
• Tacoma – May 9
• Black Desert – May 9
• For the King – May 10
• The Surge – May 16
• Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham – May 16

Ironoak Games’ For The King did fairly decent when it exited Steam Early Access and released on PC in April 2028. The time is now upon console players to get their fill of adventure – For The King has been dated for Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. It will arrive on May 10th for Xbox One. Nintendo Switch and PS4 will receive it on May 24th, with the physical Signature Edition out on the same day.

For The King takes place in the land of Fahrul. The King has been murdered by a mysterious killer and the Queen is calling upon heroes to help bring the realm to order. That’s where you come in, controlling a set of adventurers and journeying across procedurally generated maps to fulfill different quests. With each playthrough, players will earn Lore that can be used to acquire new characters, items, encounters, and more.

Thus far, five expansions have released, available for free. These include the Gold Rush Un-cooperative Mode, Dungeon Crawl Adventure, Frost Adventure, Hildebrants Cellar, and Into The Deep. Each offers something new on top of the base game, like Into The Deep adding sailing and new creatures. Those interested in the Signature Edition will receive the following:

• Full region-free game
• Original soundtrack
• Numbered certificate
• Player guide
• Shield keyring
• Axe enamel pin
• Chaos enamel pin

IronOak Games has brought even more free DLC to its rogue-lite, tabletop-esque RPG For The King. It’s called Into The Deep and brings a brand new story chapter focused on the sea. Players will come across the Fishfolk who – surprising no one – are trying to summon a Kraken deity.

In order to stop this, players must sail across the ocean and visit different islands to destroy the Kraken’s sources of power. Along with four boat variants, new weapons, and nine new enemy types, players will also encounter friendly and hostile NPCs throughout the world. New outfits, armour, and trinkets will assist you on the journey.

If that weren’t enough, players also have a new weapon class to play around with: Guns. You can choose from the Blunderbuss, Musket, or Hand Cannon. Because if you’re going to sail the high seas, it’s probably best to bring a gun to a Cthulhu fight. For The King is currently out on PC via Steam. It arrives for Xbox One and PS4 in 2019.

The King has been murdered by an unknown killer and it’s up to the players to slowly piece together what has happened through multiple playthroughs. To learn more about the inspirations behind the game as well as about the game’s development, Gamingbolt reached out to IronOak Games’Gordon Moran to answer some of the following questions.

"Each game will randomize the map and realms so that it’s never the same experience. Death is a part of FTK, so you’ll most likely have to start over from scratch several times before completing an adventure."

Will the game feature less enemies or some similar mechanic to make the game easier for solo players?

Solo players control all 3 members of their party. However it is possible to start a 2 character game if you’re playing with just one other person or are looking for a challenge. For games with 2 characters or less, the number of enemies in combat is limited and/or their difficulty is reduced to make things fair.

This is a game that looks to be quite difficult. Will the game feature multiple difficulty levels, or is there only one intended way to best play or experience the game?

For The King is meant to be a challenging game but does feature 3 difficulty levels for players who wish to have an easier or more challenging experience. The lowest difficulty level takes the edge off by giving the player more time to complete quests as well as a stat boost and some bonus starting items among other things. It still won’t be easy, as the game still features perma-death, but perhaps more manageable for new players. However you’ll receive more Lore (FTK’s in-game currency) at the higher difficulty levels so it pays to challenge yourself.

Can you tell us a little about the Procedurally Crafted Map in the game and what inspired you to use this in the game?

Each game will randomize the map and realms so that it’s never the same experience. Death is a part of FTK, so you’ll most likely have to start over from scratch several times before completing an adventure. Having a procedural map system helps keeps things fresh and interesting.

The game has a very distinctive art style which is immediately noticeable. What were some of the inspirations behind this visual style of the game?

The art style is very much an homage to the first generation of 3D RPGs from which FTK draws a lot of it’s inspiration. We also wanted a simple and clean style that would allow our small team to create hundreds of items, enemies, and realms as variety is super important for rogue-like games.

"The classes in FTK aren’t traditional classes in that each class is based of a medieval profession rather than a fighting archetype."

What were some of the challenges you faced during the game’s development?

Given that we’re a small team consisting of only 3 core members, we all had to learn things outside our respective disciplines. While ultimately rewarding, it took a lot of work and effort to expand our skill sets beyond what we were used to from AAA development.

Can you elaborate about the different classes in the game and how they contribute in to the team?

The classes in FTK aren’t traditional classes in that each class is based of a medieval profession rather than a fighting archetype. These are very much regular citizens rising up to answer the call in a time of need. That being said, there are still analogies to more traditional RPG classes. For example the Blacksmith plays much like a tank. She has high vitality and can shrug off otherwise deadly blows with her special Steadfast ability. The Scholar is similar to a mage character in that he has high intelligence and can make the most use out of scrolls and tomes. The Hunter is very quick and has high awareness, making him the perfect choice for running quests and avoiding traps and ambushes. And the Minstrel is a support class who can buff the party with her songs, grant XP to nearby party members with her inspire ability, and earn extra money from encounters.

There are at least 6 other unlockable characters, each with their own stats and special abilities.

What can you tell us about the game’s story?

The King is dead, murdered by an unknown assailant. Now the once peaceful kingdom of Fahrul is in chaos. With nowhere left to turn and stretched beyond her means, the queen has put out a desperate plea to the citizens of the land to rise up and help stem the tide of impending doom.

Each play through you’ll reveal more and more about the mystery surrounding the King’s death and the source of Chaos. FTK keeps the story quite light as it’s simply meant to guide you along your own personal adventure. Each adventuring party will experience different challenges and rewards and unique highs and lows making the story very personal.

Can you tell us about how the Chaos mechanic in the game works? How can players reduce the Chaos meter?

In some adventures, Chaos is creeping into the land over time. When Chaos rises, enemies are emboldened and the land itself begins to erupt with Chaos, creating obstacles on the map. If the level of Chaos gets too high, players are stalked by the Chaos Beast and death is not far away.

Fortunately there are many ways to reduce the Chaos through completing the main quest, special side quests, finding and dismantling cult devices and chaos shrines, through various encounters and several other ways. Balancing Chaos is an important part of the main adventure and leads to some interesting strategic decisions along the way.

If you haven’t had enough of procedural generation or rogue-lites, you’re in luck. IronOak Games’ For The King, a rogue-like RPG that’s been on Steam Early Access, will be releasing for PC in April.

The game focuses on a quest to avenge the King of Fahrul with different maps, quests and so on being procedurally generated on each playthrough. Combat is turn-based but there are elements of strategy, build optimization and planning. Along with solo play, there is co-op support, both local and online.

Speaking about the game’s upcoming release, designer Colby Young stated that, “For The King is a passion project for us and very much an homage to the RPG genre. Early Access has been great for the game, allowing us to listen to fans and make the game as strong, polished and fun as possible. Now with its full release, and our new publishing deal with Curve, we can’t wait for more players to experience For The King.”

Originally funded on Kickstarter, For The King went into Early Access in March 2017. The game currently costs $14.99 but on its full launch, the price will go up to $19.99. It currently has a “Very Positive” rating on Steam Early Access based on 2160 reviews. There will likely be a proper day one update to bring the game to its finished state so stay tuned for more information.