Category Archives: Technology

Hasbro and Xplored announce a partnership to develop a new tabletop platform

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Hasbro logo

Hasbro and Xplored have reached a strategic partnership to transform board games through the integration of smart-sensing technology, and dynamic multimedia content. Under the terms of the agreement, Xplored will collaborate with Hasbro to develop a new tabletop platform that integrates digital and physical play for fans around the world.

Xplored’s technology connects physical and digital worlds, keeping players focused on the game they’re playing while the system intelligently resolves rules and character behaviors, and provides innovative gameplay, new scenarios, and ever-changing storytelling events. The technology allows players to learn by playing with no rulebook needed, save games to resume later, enables remote gameplay, and offers features like immersive contextual sound and connected dice. Just play, and the game senses every move.

Paizo and Mirrorscape are Bringing Starfinder and Pathfinder to Augmented Reality

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Mirrorscape

Extended reality (XR) game development company Mirrorscape has announced its collaboration with Paizo to make acclaimed titles like Pathfinder and Starfinder available on Mirrorscape’s augmented reality tabletop gaming platform.

The Mirrorscape platform, which is slated for release in summer 2023, has generated excitement among tabletop roleplay gamers as an immersive and authentic AR virtual tabletop that allows players to interact with game pieces, terrains and minis exactly as they would in real life. The partnership with Paizo will bring its best-selling titles to Mirrorscape, allowing players and fans to bring legendary quests and gaming adventures they’ve enjoyed around the table to the AR world.

Mirrorscape has built its platform over the course of four years, and throughout this time has dedicated itself to open, community-based experiences that support gamer creativity and homebrew campaigns. This is in direct alignment with Paizo’s offerings, specifically its Open RPG Creative (ORC) License which is in the final stages of drafting.

Mirrorscape will soon launch as an open beta on iOS and Android devices, with Paizo titles available shortly thereafter for players to explore in augmented reality. Mirrorscape is also being developed for compatibility on AR glasses and headsets, which will enable enhanced hand- and eye-tracking tracking for gamers.

Manga comes to DC Universe Infinite with Kodansha and a Manga-Style Reader

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Earlier this year, DC announced its collaboration with Japanese publisher Kodansha to release English-language, manga-style collected editions of three popular manga titles featuring DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains: Joker: One Operation Joker, Superman vs. Meshi, and Batman: Justice Buster. The titles will be available for all paid subscribers to the DC Universe Infinite (DCUI) digital subscription platform, in the form of weekly chapters; each DCUI chapter will be an excerpt from the corresponding print chapter for each title.

As a bonus for DCUI subscribers, the platform has been updated today with a brand-new feature that enables these chapters to also be read from right to left, in the traditional manga style.

This new feature and content will be available to all paid DCUI subscribers immediately, regardless of subscription tier. In addition to the Kodansha titles, several current manga titles available on DCUI will also be converted for compatibility with the new reader, including all three volumes of Batman: The Jiro Kuwata Batmanga and Batman and the Justice League, plus the complete Batman: Death Mask.

The first volumes of Joker: One Operation Joker, Superman vs. Meshi, and Batman: Justice Buster arrive Tuesday, September 5, at participating comic book shops, bookstores, and mass-market retailers/e-tailers.

Joker: One Operation Joker

Superman vs. Meshi

Batman: Justice Buster

Check Out What’s Coming to DC Universe Infinite in July 2023!

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DC Universe Infinite

DC Universe Infinite, the DC Community forum and the DC Shop are all ready for July! DC’s subscription service and comic reader currently has a digital library of over 32,000 comics, with new titles dropping every week! Register here for DC Universe Infinite, the primary destination for fans to discover new comics every day, all year long. For fans not currently signed up, registration is free! The World’s Finest digital comic book reading experience is just clicks away!

On July 17, DC Universe Infinite is debuting a new feature: Public Lists! All subscribers will be able to share curated lists of their favorite DC comic books via text, social media, or on DC Community. DC Universe Infinite subscribers can currently build lists for future reference and reading, but this upgrade will give you the option to make your lists publicly accessible and searchable. This will allow you to easily share lists with friends, family, and fellow fans. You will also be able to discover and explore Public Lists by searching for lists featuring your favorite titles, characters, creators, and more, and will also be able to follow and save Public Lists. DC Universe Infinite’s Public Lists empower DC comic book fans to not only share your personal picks, but also discover new books and creators you weren’t aware of before!

How to create a Public List (as of July 17):

  1. Sign up or log-in to DC UNIVERSE INFINITE
  2. Verify your email address associated with your account at https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/settings
  3. Once verified, navigate to MyDC > Lists > + New List
  4. Set the list Title, Description, and toggle ‘Public’ ON to make the list public
  5. Click ‘Share’ to generate a shareable URL
  6. Copy and share this URL to your platform of choice

And speaking of discovering new comics to love…one of the rewards that comes with a DC Universe Infinite registration is free comics to read before you subscribe. This July, DC is inviting you to enjoy summer with a selection of books perfect for reading at the beach, from a hammock, or while on the road during your vacation: DC Beach Blanket Bad Guys Summer Special #1, Dog Days Of Summer #1, DC Cybernetic Summer #1, and Harley Quinn Road Trip Special (2015-) #1.

elow are all the comics arriving on DC Universe Infinite for Ultra subscribers throughout July 2023, with collected editions, exclusively on the service for Ultra subscribers, shown bold.  

Week of July 3

  • The Flash (1959-1985) #218
  • Green Arrow (1988-1998) #32
  • Warlord (1975-1988) #5
  • DC Challenge (1985-1986) #5
  • Blue Beetle (1967)  #3
  • Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent (2023)        #4
  • Batman (2016-) #136
  • Dark Knights of Steel (2021-) #11
  • New Talent Showcase: The Milestone Initiative #1
  • Peacemaker Tries Hard! (2023) #2
  • Poison Ivy (2022-) #13
  • Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? (2010-) #122
  • Shazam! (2023-) #2
  • Steelworks (2023)   #1
  • The Flash (2016-) #800
  • The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing (2022-) #9
  • The Joker: Uncovered #1
  • Batman: Fortress     1
  • Fann Club: Batman Squad
  • History of the DC Universe
  • Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons

Week of July 10

  • Multiversity: Harley Screws Up The DCU #6
  • Shazam! (1973-1978) #7
  • The Brave and the Bold (1955-1983)      #69
  • Warlord (1975-1988) #6
  • DC Challenge (1985-1986) #6
  • The Flash (1959-1985) #219
  • Superboy: The Man Of Tomorrow #4
  • Batman Incorporated (2022-) #9
  • Green Lantern (2023-) #2
  • MAD Magazine (2018-) #32
  • Spirit World (2023) #2
  • Static Team-Up: Anansi #1
  • Superman: Lost (2023-) #4
  • The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #9
  • The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country – The Glass House #3
  • Waller vs. Wildstorm (2023-) #2
  • WildC.A.T.s (2022-) #8
  • Batman: Beyond the White Knight
  • Dark Crisis: Young Justice

Week of July 17

  • The Brave and the Bold (1955-1983) #70
  • Warlord (1975-1988) #7
  • DC Challenge (1985-1986) #7
  • Blue Beetle (1967)  #4
  • Batgirls (2021-) #19
  • Batman/Superman: World’s Finest (2022-) #16
  • Batman: White Knight Presents: Generation Joker #2
  • Black Adam (2022-) #12
  • Catwoman (2018-) #56
  • Cyborg (2023) #2
  • Nightwing (2016-) #105
  • Superman (2023-)   #5
  • The Vigil (2023) #2
  • Titans (2023-) #2
  • Wonder Woman (2016-) #800
  • Batman – One Bad Day: The Riddler

Week of July 24

  • Tales of the Teen Titans (1984-1988) #76
  • The Brave and the Bold (1955-1983) #71
  • Warlord (1975-1988) #8
  • DC Challenge (1985-1986) #8
  • The Flash (1959-1985) #220
  • Action Comics (2016-) #1056
  • Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #6
  • Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2023-) #2
  • City Boy (2023) #2
  • DC/RWBY #5
  • Detective Comics (2016-) #1073
  • Fables #159
  • Green Arrow (2023) #3
  • Harley Quinn (2021-) #31
  • The Riddler: Year One (2022-) #5
  • Tim Drake: Robin (2022-) #10
  • Unstoppable Doom Patrol (2023) #4
  • Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths
  • Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League
  • Nightwing Vol. 3: The Battle for Blüdhaven’s Heart
  • Tales from Dark Crisis
  • The Flash Vol. 18: The Search For Barry Allen

Papercutz and Smurfs Team Up for FCBD 2023 and the First Ever Smurfs Augmented Reality Comic Book!

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Smurfs Free Comic Book Day 2023

65 years ago, legendary Smurfs creator Peyo drew the first Smurf. On Free Comic Book Day 2023 (May 6, 2023), the Smurfs jump off the pages with a brand new Augmented Reality comic from Papercutz. The FCBD issue, which marks the 65th anniversary of the franchise, will include three original stories by Smurfs creator Peyo, two of which have not been published in English before: “The Smurf from Outer Space,” and “Smurfs and the Robot X-XIII.” Among these classic pages, readers will be welcomed to enjoy a new dynamic reading experience with pages that activate through a virtual environment where people are increasingly spending more time.

Papercutz, which was acquired by Mad Cave Studios in 2022, is proud to present this augmented reality FCBD issue for fans to pick up at their local comic shops for free on May 6, 2023– where they’ll immediately be able to activate a digital Smurfette to pop up off the cover of the issue!

This Smurfs 65th anniversary special for Free Comic Book Day will showcase 65 years of evolution for the Smurfs franchise, and represent a major step for the brand. Combining the timelessness of the classic comic book experience with the exciting new frontier of the metaverse, this issue is an ode to the past and a vision for a smurftastic future. 

The three stories included in the book were created by Peyo himself. They include:

  • “A Kiss for Smurfette” – Gargamel has hatched another dastardly plot to put an end to the Smurfs.  This time, he practices a dangerous potion on Smurfette, turning her into a frog.  Will Gargamel’s plan work?  Or will the Smurfs find a way to stop him and return Smurfette to her natural form?  
  • “The Smurf from Outer Space” – When Lazy Smurf gets lost at night, he meets a Venutian named Brtt.  After a brief conflict with Gargamel, Brtt’s ship is destroyed! Can the Smurfs fix the ship of their new friend, or will Gargamel have the upper hand and finally get his revenge on his sworn enemies?
  • “Smurfs and the Robot X-XIII” – Brtt returns with his fiancee, chased by a robot sent from Venus because their parents don’t approve of the union.  The Smurfs try to help their friend, but Gargamel catches them!  Will Papa Smurf and the Smurfs be able to save their friend, or will Gargamel finally destroy the Smurfs once and for all?!

Mad Cave Studios joins Omnibus

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Omnibus

Mad Cave Studios has announced that they will be partnering with Omnibus to present their full catalog for digital readers everywhere! 

Omnibus is a modern digital comic store and reader app. By fans, for fans. Omnibus aims to move forward with options for discovering new things to read, and new experiences and interfaces for digital comics.

The partnership will include many amazing titles from the Mad Cave Studios catalog, such as the latest releases: A Legacy of Violence, You’ve Been Cancelled, John Tiffany, The Karman Line, and more!

GlobalComix adds Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, Archie Comics, Tokyopop, and more

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GlobalComix promotion

In the lead up to the launch of its app, GlobalComix has announced new comic publishers that are coming to the digital platform’s catalog; Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, Archie Comics, Tokyopop, NBM Graphic Novels, and more!

The GlobalComix App
for iOS and Android will feature:

  • Over 40k+ books in catalog with 25k+ more in pipeline and growing
  • In-App subscription purchase with worldwide access
  • Catalogs from top publishers, indie and webcomic creators
  • Curated recommendations for hundreds of new series, weekly
  • Opt-in to follow creators & publishers for new release notifications
  • Fully searchable personal library collection with reading status filters
  • Filter searches by type, format, genre, theme, art style, language, paywall, and other meaningful facets
  • Comment, react, and share your favorite stories with friends and community alike

Previously, GlobalComix partnered with publishers TKO Studios, Bad Egg Publishing, InterPop, Papercutz, Valiant Entertainment, Top Cow, Source Point Press, TPub Comics, Mad Cave Studios, and Humanoids. Since January 2023, the platform has seen a 50% increase in user signups and over 5,000 new books published; which includes PDF downloads and exclusive content partnerships. 

The GlobalComix App will be available for first impressions at the end of the first quarter 2023. Demos will be available at C2E2, McCormick Place in Chicago, IL (Mar 31 – Apr. 2).

Vault partners with Kajabi for Vault Unbound

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Vault Unbound

Vault Comics has announced a partnership with Kajabi, a platform for creator-led businesses, to build the first-of-its-kind fan community and digital reading experience on the Kajabi platform.

Using the Kajabi platform, Vault will build Vault Unbound, a new community experience where fans can interact with creators and other community members, access special behind-the-scenes offers and first access to product drops, attend special virtual events, and read favorites from the Vault catalog. 

The Vault and Kajabi partnership comes on the heels of Vault’s announcement of Headshell, a new line of graphic novels from iconic recording artists like Metallica, Def Leppard, Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, The Beach Boys, Redman, and more. In addition to supporting the Vault catalog, Vault will use the Kajabi platform to provide Headshell fans with special content, virtual backstage access, and live experiences about creators’ favorite recording artists.

Vault has opened sign ups for Vault Unbound and will launch on March 28. New subscribers will receive 60 days of free access to the premium subscription tier, and thereafter will be able to choose between a free or premium subscription starting at $4.99 a month. Free memberships will include access to a private fan community, select live events, and digital reading access to select titles from the Vault catalog. Premium memberships will include early access to new Vault releases, special private events with the Vault team and Vault creators, special private merchandise drops, and more expansive digitally reading access to the Vault catalog.

Vault announces its availability on the upcoming Omnibus App

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Vault Comics has announced a new partnership to make its titles available through the anticipated new digital comics marketplace and reader, Omnibus, expected to launch in spring of this year. The company continues to produce and publish the best science fiction, fantasy and horror  comics, and aims to make their titles available and accessible to audiences across both print and digital readership. This partnership is yet another example of the Vault promise of innovation and accessibility across formats.

Omnibus was founded by tech veterans and comic book lovers Kenny Meyers and Travis Schmeisser. It promises an alternative to the Amazon run ComiXology and a superior digital comics buying and reading experience for lapsed readers.

Vault will be among the first publishers available through the app at launch, with further details to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Vault Comics Omnibus

TKO Studios partners with GlobalComix

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TKO Studios

GlobalComix has announced a partnership with TKO Studios, and is now featuring best-selling titles such as Sara, Sentient, Djeliya, The Banks, Lonesome Days, Savage Nights Vol. 1, Black Mass Rising, and The Forgotten Blade, and more on the platform!

Since 2018, TKO Studios has published graphic novels by top creators. With 9 Amazon #1 bestsellers and dozens of titles, TKO’s goal is to widen out the readership of comic books, as well as become the industry’s first vertically integrated studio by publishing books and shepherding those projects into film and TV adaptations.

Previously, TKO Studios struck an exclusive deal with New Regency for its title catalog. The publisher’s growing success and recognition in the direct market and beyond, makes this partnership with GlobalComix a perfect fit for current and future titles for digital comics readers! 

Since January 2023, GlobalComix has seen an increase of user accounts 50% with an addition of over 4,000 issues and growing. The company also launched an open call for beta testing for the app, coming this spring.

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