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| (Image Source: Interactive Games & Entertainment Association) |
As Australian game developers prepare to present their work at Japan’s BitSummit and the World Expo in Osaka, the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) has unveiled Game On Australia, a new digital showcase highlighting Australia’s world-class game development industry. Proudly supported by the Australian Government through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund, the Game On Australia initiative shines a spotlight on the creative talent, infrastructure, and government support that position Australia as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for game development. From globally recognized indie gems to high-end studio productions, Australian games continue to make a major impact on the international stage. Now, with the introduction of the 30% Federal Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO) and a suite of state-based incentives, the global industry is taking notice.
Why Australia?
🎮 A Thriving Development Ecosystem – Home to renowned studios and rising talent, Australia’s collaborative industry produces exceptional titles across PC, console, mobile, and VR.
💰 Generous Government Incentives – The 30% DGTO, combined with state and territory incentives, makes Australia one of the most financially competitive locations for game development.
🌏 Global-Ready Talent – Skilled, diverse, and internationally connected, Australian developers are delivering titles that resonate worldwide.
🌿 Unmatched Lifestyle – With modern infrastructure, vibrant cities, and a strong creative culture, Australia supports long-term, sustainable game development.
📍 Gateway To The Asia-Pacific – Strategically located, Australia offers direct access to the fastest-growing markets in global gaming.
“Game development in Australia is more than just a creative endeavour, it’s smart business. With world-class talent, generous tax incentives, and a proven track record of global success, Australia is ready to welcome the world’s studios, publishers, and partners into our thriving game development ecosystem,” said IGEA CEO Ron Curry. Visitors to www.gameonaustralia.com can explore a curated showcase of outstanding Australian-made games, including titles from studios such as Team Cherry, Big Ant, PlaySide Studios, and House House. A highlight reel of featured games is also available to watch online. Game On Australia and Australia's presence at the World Expo in Osaka are proudly supported by the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
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KRAFTON Acquires Eleventh Hour Games, Creators Of Last Epoch
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| (Image Source: Game World Observer/KRAFTON Inc.) |
KRAFTON Inc. recently announced its decision to acquire the creators of the Last Epoch, Eleventh Hour Games (EHG). Founded in 2018 by passionate ARPG fans and players who first connected via Reddit, EHG emerged from the community with a dream to craft the next great Action RPG. In 2024, the studio officially launched Last Epoch, which has since sold over 3 million copies worldwide. The game has gained a dedicated following, praised for its innovative systems, gameplay design, and commitment to refining the core elements that define the genre. Following its recent update, Last Epoch has delivered strong performance in player activation and concurrency metrics and is increasingly recognized as one of the most notable titles in the global Action RPG space.
Through this acquisition, KRAFTON aims to secure a competitive franchise IP in the Action RPG genre and further strengthen its position in the global market. The deal provides EHG with the resources and infrastructure to better serve its community, ensuring that Last Epoch continues to evolve and meet the expectations of its growing player base. The acquisition will also enable EHG to scale development across console platforms and expand seasonal content pipelines, setting the stage for long-term franchise development. KRAFTON will support EHG’s live service roadmap, team expansion, and international publishing, while allowing the studio to retain full leadership and creative autonomy. "Joining KRAFTON is a dream come true for Eleventh Hour Games. Their deep-rooted passion for ARPGs aligns perfectly with our mission. With KRAFTON's support, EHG is poised to elevate the Last Epoch franchise to even greater heights. As a studio built from players of the genre, we couldn’t be more excited for its future," said Eleventh Hour Games CEO Judd Cobler.
"We are thrilled to welcome Eleventh Hour Games into the KRAFTON family. The team’s commitment to the ARPG community and innovative approach to game development resonated strongly with our values. Their rise from a grassroots studio to a globally renowned ARPG developer is nothing short of remarkable. We believe this acquisition lays the groundwork for diversifying KRAFTON’s genre portfolio and expanding distinctive franchise IPs. This acquisition also reaffirms our unwavering passion for great games and the teams that build them. We will always stand behind developers who put players first,” said KRAFTON Head of Corporate Development Maria Park. KRAFTON acquired 100 percent of Eleventh Hour Games’ shares. The acquisition amount includes an initial consideration of US$96M (96 million US dollars).
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Whitethorn Games Partners With Blacknut To Bring Inclusive, Accessible Games To Players Worldwide
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| (Image Source: Blacknut) |
Whitethorn Games, publisher of accessible and inclusive titles like APICO, Botany Manor, Calico, and Lake, has partnered with global cloud gaming platform Blacknut to bring their games to the cloud. Joining Blacknut’s collection of over 500 premium video games, the Whitethorn titles will soon be accessible in more than 65 countries via streaming, playable seamlessly across a range of connected devices, including Smart TVs, PC, Mobile, and more. This partnership furthers both companies’ missions to make games more approachable — removing barriers like hardware limitations or gaming experience — and enabling players to enjoy cozy, welcoming titles across their devices of choice.
“Everyone should be able to play games. With Blacknut, we’re making our titles easier to access on devices people already use, and helping bring inclusive, low-stress games to more people, anywhere,” said Whitethorn Games CEO Matthew White. “We’re thrilled to welcome Whitethorn to Blacknut. Their cozy titles bring warmth and charm that resonate across age groups and experience levels. This partnership reflects where we believe the future of gaming is headed — more welcoming, more meaningful, and more for everyone,” said Blacknut Vice President of Business Development and Licensing Nabil Laredj. Blacknut subscribers will now be able to enjoy the following games:
• Magical Delicacy — cook up spells in a delectable pixelated world
• AGROUND — survive, explore, and rebuild society
• APICO — breed, collect, and preserve pollinators
• Beans: The Coffee Shop Simulator — build and run your café
• Calico — design the cat café of your dreams
Additional titles like Lake, Botany Manor, and Slime Heroes will join Blacknut’s cloud gaming platform in the coming months.
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Palawan Group Partners With DSWD NCR, Land Bank NCR For Expanded Aid
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| (Image Source: Cebu Daily News/Palawan Group Of Companies) |
The Palawan Group of Companies (PGC) is reinforcing its mission of uplifting Filipinos through a significant new partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Land Bank of the Philippines. This collaboration, formalized at a ceremonial contract signing at the DSWD Sanctuary Center, follows a successful initial rollout in Region IV and is set to benefit approximately 300,000 individuals under DSWD’s core assistance programs in NCR. PGC is thankful to once again be tapped for the crucial role of providing fast, dignified, and compassionate payout services for beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and the Ayuda Para Sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP). Beyond payouts, PGC continues to support DSWD’s Family Development Sessions (FDS), a vital component of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), which focuses on financial literacy, parenting, and community development.
Furthering its commitment to financial resilience, PGC has also introduced two new microinsurance products: PAMILYA 100 and PAMILYA PREMIUM 300 for the 4P’s member of DSWD. These affordable options, presented informatively by trained branch associates at payout counters, are designed to help families navigate unexpected crises. Upholding its long-standing promise of “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos” (affordable, fast, and hassle-free) service, Palawan Group of Companies aims to deliver financial assistance and strives to empower lives. PGC Chief Business Development Officer Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado expressed the Group’s gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We are deeply grateful to be entrusted with this critical role in facilitating the payout for the beneficiaries under DSWD NCR programs, in collaboration with Landbank. This collaboration is a powerful testimony that public-private partnerships can make a remarkable contribution to the lives of our kababayans (countrymen).”
Director III Bienvenido V. Barbosa Jr. of DSWD NCR highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying, “This is one of those opportunities that we truly want to happen. At DSWD NCR, we are fully committed to pushing forward with the digitalization of all our programs. This marks a breakthrough for DSWD, LandBank, and the Palawan Group of Companies.” As Palawan Group deepens its involvement in social protection and financial empowerment, it continues to demonstrate that accessible, community-driven services can create a lasting impact. Through its growing participation in government aid programs, microinsurance, and community development initiatives, Palawan Group solidifies its position as a private sector leader dedicated to uplifting lives and helping every Filipino family achieve a more secure and empowered future.
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Nearly 3,000 Travelers Staying In Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Properties Donate Sampaguita Seedlings
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Megaworld Hotels & Resorts) |
What started as a symbolic gesture for Earth Hour has bloomed into a heartfelt advocacy as guests of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) properties across the country donated nearly 3,000 Sampaguita seedlings under the “Petals To Purpose” campaign. In March 2025, the campaign aligned with Earth Hour by offering guests the opportunity to purchase a Sampaguita seedling for only Php60 which will be planted by the group in several locations and partner communities promoting sustainability while celebrating the Sampaguita, the Philippines’ national flower and the group’s brand of hospitality. As part of this initiative, 100 Sampaguita seedlings were officially turned over to Project PEARLS Foundation, a non-profit organization that empowers underprivileged children and families through education, healthcare, nutrition, and community development.
“Sampaguita started as MHR’s brand of service, but it has become the heart of our purpose. Through this initiative, we wanted to plant seeds of hope, joy, and national pride. We are humbled and grateful to be embraced by Project PEARLS in this advocacy and it is a blessing to be part of something so deeply rooted in compassion and purpose. As this movement continues to blossom, we look forward to creating more shared spaces where people can experience the Sampaguita spirit together,” said MHR Head of Marketing Innovations Charlene Go-Co. The turnover was held at the Project PEARLS Community in Bocaue, Bulacan last July 11, 2025, attended by MHR executives including Eden Decano, Director of Finance Eden Decano, Head of Marketing Innovations Charlene Go-Co, and Corporate Sustainability Manager Karlo Evangelista joined by the sustainability champions of each MHR properties. Project PEARLS plans to plant the donated Sampaguita seedlings around its learning center while some will be given to local families and young scholars to care for and grow at home. “One of the beautiful outcomes of this partnership is the growing awareness of the Sampaguita among our young scholars. Our on-site teacher has started incorporating lessons about the flower, its meaning and cultural significance,” said Project PEARLS Deputy Executive Director Monica Aclan.
This collaboration builds on MHR’s earlier engagement with Project PEARLS in November 2024 where MHR hosted a Sampaguita-themed Thanksgiving event. During that celebration, MHR planted 300 Sampaguita seedlings and led interactive community workshops including storytelling, coloring, Sampaguita lei-making, and feeding programs, all inspired by the national flower. The remaining Sampaguita seedlings raised through the Petals To Purpose campaign will soon take root in thoughtfully chosen locations, including spaces where more communities can gather, reflect, and experience the quiet beauty of this national flower. This furthers MHR’s long-term commitment to sustainability and community partnerships.
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Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado Visits Philippine Pavilion At Expo 2025 Osaka
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| Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado exploring the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka (Image Source: Tatler Asia/Tourism Promotions Board Philippines) |
Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado recently graced the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, marking a momentous occasion for cultural diplomacy and deepening ties between Japan and the Philippines. The Princess, known for her enduring relationship with the Philippines — including her role as Honorary President of photography competition Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes and for gracing cultural events at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo with her presence — was welcomed by Ambassador Mylene Garcia‑Albano, Consul General Voltaire Mauricio, and Pavilion Manager Raquel Tria-Joya. The Princess admired the pavilion’s woven façade showcasing 212 indigenous fabrics, experienced the immersive display of 18 handwoven artworks inside, and witnessed a vibrant cultural dance performance.
At the close of her visit, the Princess met Kokoro‑chan, the pavilion’s tarsier mascot, which represents the smallest primate in the world, endemic to the Philippines. She was also honored with three handmade gifts: a rattan-woven scarf, a bag with woven details, and a Tangkulo scarf. The Princess commented, “It is a well-thought-of pavilion. From the handwoven artworks that show how the Philippines has so much to offer, to the façade that truly showcases sustainability.” “We are immensely honored to have Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado at our Pavilion. Her presence highlights our collective effort to foster goodwill and mutual understanding through art, culture, and diplomacy between our two countries. We thank Her Imperial Highness for her continuing support to our Embassy’s cultural initiatives,” said Ambassador Garcia‑Albano.
“Princess Takamado’s presence reminds us that tourism is more than travel; it is a bridge that connects cultures and nurtures partnerships. Through policies that champion sustainable and community-based tourism, we hope to inspire more Japanese visitors to discover the many reasons to love the Philippines,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia‑Frasco. Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) COO Marga Nograles stated, “We are deeply honored by Princess Takamado’s visit to ‘Woven’. Her appreciation for our Pavilion’s theme — Nature, Culture, And Community: Woven Together For A Better Future — reinforces our commitment to share the Filipino story through craft, creativity, and meaningful human connection.” Princess Takamado’s visit underscores the enduring friendship between Japan and the Philippines. The Pavilion’s focus on weaving as a cultural metaphor — uniting nature, culture, and community — resonates deeply with both countries’ dedication to preserving heritage while looking to a creative, shared future. Her presence at the Pavilion reinforces the positive reception of the Philippines at the Expo and strengthens ongoing cultural and tourism collaborations.
