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Arc System Works suspended Mike "MikeZ" Zaimont from an update he was working on for Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R. Gamasutra's Bryant Francis broke the story via direct communication with Arc System Works. Zaimont recently made racist statements and was accused of abuse, sexual harassment, and other misconduct.

On October 30, 2020, a representative from Arc System Works, Takeshi Yamanaka, confirmed Zaimont's suspension. Team French CaliBurst originally requested Zaimont's involvement, and Arc System Works contracted him to work on a rollback netcode patch for Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R. Mike Zaimont reportedly worked on the update until October 24, 2020.

Yamanaka clarified to Gamasutra:

Arc System Works has now agreed with Team French CaliBurst to suspend MikeZ's participation in development until he has addressed the outstanding matters.

When Gamasutra asked Yamanaka further about the timing for suspending him, he told the outlet:

It was decided on the basis of delivering the best service to our s, and putting the s as our utmost priority. In the ultimate interest of our fans waiting for the GGPO update, we express our utmost regret that we chose to overlook certain aspects of our harassment policy.

We have the expectation for MikeZ to resolve the allegations against him in good faith. Now that the development has came to a milestone, and with your [outreach], we thought it to be a good time for MikeZ to start working towards a resolution.

Mass resignations took place at Lab Zero Games back at the end of August 2020. A large amount of ex-staff made public statements on Twitter that Zaimont's misconduct was the reason for their resignations. Zaimont then fired all remaining staff and told Kotaku, "Unfortunately, Lab Zero was forced into layoffs because we were no longer able to meet our payroll obligations." This affected Indivisible's post-launch DLC. Several key staff ended up forming a new studio, Future Club, shortly after leaving Lab Zero Games.

The post Mike Zaimont, Formerly of Lab Zero, Suspended from Guilty Gear Update appeared first on Siliconera.

There’s yet another twist in the Indivisible Switch physical copy saga, but this one is a more positive development. Even though, for a time, it looked like there might not be enough to go around in North America and the release wouldn’t be happening, it now is. 505 Games took to Twitter to confirm that people will be able to find the game in stores on December 1, 2020. (Switch physical copies are already available in Europe and Japan.)

For those just catching up, here’s what happened. As a result of the pandemic, the Indivisible Switch physical copies were delayed. Europe ended up getting them in June 2020, with Japan’s copies arriving back in July 2020. The Switch Razmi’s Challenges DLC was delayed too, with it supposedly set for May.

After Lab Zero Games dissolved, 505 Games issued a statement saying the guest characters would never be added and the North American physical copies were canceled. However, later the company confirmed that a “small batch” of copies would head to some stores. It also finally released the Indivisible Switch new game plus update and paid DLC in October 2020. Now, the official statement on the game’s website from October 20, 2020 said, “Indivisible for Nintendo Switch will be arriving at ALL North American retailers starting on Tuesday December 1st.”

Indivisible is available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The Indivisible Switch physical copies will show up in North American stores on December 1, 2020.

The post Indivisible Switch Physical Copies Will Come to North America in December appeared first on Siliconera.

Some loose ends are now officially tied up. 505 Games announced the Indivisible Switch new game plus free update and paid Razmi’s Challenges DLC arrived. People can update their game to go ahead and add new features for the base game or pay to add some new levels.

Both of these updates are immediately available in the other versions of the game, so we know exactly what to expect from them. The Razmi’s Challenges DLC is a collection of platforming levels. (So if you preferred Indivisible’s story or battle system, this DLC isn’t for you.) There are 40 to complete for $7.99. That’s the same price as the add-on is on other platforms.

The free update adds two major features. One is the Indivisible Switch new game plus save option. Your abilities, allies, and equipment will all carry over. You’ll also have a different look for Ajna, to signify you’ve done all this before, and get to hear a new song by composer Hiroki Kikuta at the end. Also available is co-op multiplayer, which lets up to four people control the other three allies you have in battles.

Unfortunately, following the end of Lab Zero Games, all development on Indivisible ended. This meant the guest characters wouldn’t be added to the game. Also, the North American Switch physical release won’t be happening as planned.

Indivisible is available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

The post Indivisible Switch New Game Plus and DLC Appear appeared first on Siliconera.

When Lab Zero Games shuttered, it turns out Indivisible updates ended with it. 505 Games issued a statement on Twitter and the game’s site discussing its future. While a final Switch patch will be released on October 13, 2020 and an IndieGoGo Ajna/Heruka statue for backers will still be made, the Indivisible guest characters and North American Switch physical copies are canceled. Update: On October 12, 2020, 505 Games said select retailers will have Nintendo Switch physical copies.

Here is the full statement from 505 Games, just in case it is removed from any sites.

With regards to the Indivisible Switch physical copies, it is still possible to get it on a cartridge. While 505 Games initially said the release was canceled, it later amended the statement to note a small number of copies would appear at unspecified retailers. People can also import cartridges from Europe or Japan, the two regions that did see a wider release. Also, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions are available physically worldwide.

As for the Indivisible guest characters, back in November 2015 it was announced that people from other indie games would appear in Indivisible. Shantae, Shovel Knight, Hyper Light Drifter’s Drifter, Leia from Curses & Chaos, Juan from Guacamelee, Super Time Force’s Zackasaurus, and Battle Chasers’ Calibretto were mentioned as additions to the roster. Former Indivisible Lead UI and Graphic Designer Brady Hartel said assets for over 15 character were ready to go following this announcement.

Absolutely saddening to read. There are ~15 characters with 100% completed art, animation, and UI elements just waiting to be implemented that people spent 100s of hours creating. :( https://t.co/AosILR0meD

— Brady Hartel (@BradyHartel) October 9, 2020

Indivisible is available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Former Lab Zero Games staff who left the company have formed a new studio called Future Club.

The post Indivisible Guest Characters and Switch NA Physical Release Canceled (Update) appeared first on Siliconera.

Multiple Lab Zero staff and companies working with them have issued statements saying they will no longer work with the company over Mike “Mike Z” Zaimont and his inappropriate behavior. Zaimont is the 100% owner of Lab Zero and is the studio head. After abusive behavior, sexual harassment, a racist joke, and other misconduct alluded to, former Art Director and Lead Animator Mariel Cartwright, Senior Animator Jonathan Kim, Art Producer Brian Jun, and Senior Artist Jessica Allen have all left the developer. In addition, Skullgirls IP owner Autumn Games and Skullgirls Mobile developer Hidden Variable Studios have committed to not working with Zaimont or Lab Zero.

Here is Cartwright’s statement about the situation and her resignation announcement.

I've resigned from Lab Zero Games. pic.twitter.com/I0dazMz4XB

— Kinuko (@kinucakes) August 24, 2020

Here is Jun's resignation announcement, which also noted that Zaimont refused to leave his position.

I'm leaving Lab Zero Games.

Short version:

Mike Z creates an unsafe work environment for everyone.

He is the sole owner of Lab Zero Games, and removing him is difficult. He originally agreed to leave, but is unwilling to make a reasonable compromise, so I’m taking my exit now. pic.twitter.com/Uk4GjMt62k

— EU03 (@ClickAgain) August 23, 2020

Here is Kim's resignation and statement on the situation.

Hey guys, I've resigned from Lab Zero Games. pic.twitter.com/9xlr3X0IHD

— Persona (@personasama) August 24, 2020

Here is Allen's tweet about leaving Lab Zero.

lrt i quit yesterday it's been a stressful last few weeks but now i can look forward to the future!

— nami (@nomnomnami) August 23, 2020

And here is Hidden Variables and Autumn's statement. In addition to pledging to not work with Zaimont or Lab Zero, it did confirm that Skullgirls will still remain updated and alive, with the Annie of the Stars addition planned for both Skullgirls Mobile and Skullgirls 2nd Encore even after these events.

An official statement from Hidden Variable and Autumn regarding Lab Zero Games and the future of Skullgirls. pic.twitter.com/4qeoN9fgRj

— Skullgirls Mobile (@sgmobile) August 25, 2020

Editor's note: In catching the statements posted, one that was a retweet of an additional resignation was accidentally shared twice.

Lab Zero Games was founded in 2012, and its two games were Skullgirls and Indivisible.

The post Lab Zero Staff , Hidden Variable, and Autumn Games Cut Ties With Lab Zero and Mike Zaimont appeared first on Siliconera.

The Indivisible Switch physical copies have been dated. After a rather messy launch, which turned out to be due to an accident, the game made its debut on a Nintendo platform at the end of April 2020. Now, it turns out people in North America and Europe will have to wait until the end of June 2020 for an Indivisible Switch physical release.

Ideally, the retail versions of Indivisible will end up showing up in both regions almost simultaneously. Europe will be getting it first on June 25, 2020. Then, on June 26, 2020, it will show up in North America. However, due to the worldwide situation, the official announcement did note the Americas’ copies will appear “in the days following as supply chain allows.”

As for other regions, Japan will have to wait an additional month for its Indivisible Switch physical release. It won’t end up appearing on the system there digitally and physically until July 16, 2020.

Indivisible is available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC worldwide. In addition to the game making its Switch debut in April 2020, that’s when the other versions ended up getting local cooperative multiplayer and a new game plus option via a free update.

The post Indivisible Switch Physical Copies Should Begin Appearing in June 2020 appeared first on Siliconera.

Things have been busy for Indivisible, Lab Zero’s Valkyrie Profile-like RPG. The game recently received a new game plus update and co-op multiplayer. There was also that accidental Nintendo Switch shadowdrop. But this next update is on purpose. The first Indivisible DLC is now available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Razmi’s Challenges will cost you $7.99.

Here’s how it works. Ajna’s Inner Realm, the hub you can access at any time, now includes battle and platforming challenges. If you visit Razmi after getting the Indivisible DLC, she’ll offer you a chance to take on 40 different levels. Before you head in, you’ll know what kind of challenge it is, if you need any specific abilities, and how difficult it is. If you’ve already played it, you can also see your rank and best time.

Here’s a brief clip from Twitter offering a look at one of Razmi’s Challenges. It gives you a look at a platforming section you’d have to complete.

Each of Razmi's Challenges' 40 levels is more difficult and dangerous than the last! Take the challenge on May 7th! #RazmisChallenges pic.twitter.com/pvzcySgxAU

— Indivisible (@IndivisibleRPG) May 5, 2020

There’s no word on when this Indivisible DLC will come to the Nintendo Switch. However, with this DLC to always save, so you make sure you don’t lose your Razmi’s Challenges scores.

Indivisible is available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

The post Indivisible DLC Forces You to Face Razmi’s Challenges appeared first on Siliconera.

The Nintendo Switch Indivisible game launch has been a saga. It went from not having a release date to suddenly appearing abruptly on August 28, 2020. Even Lab Zero, the developer, didn’t know what was going on. Initially, 505 Games issued a statement to USGamer blaming an “unexpected series of event” for it appearing in April instead of May, also calling it a “happy accident.” Now a full explanation has been offered on the official website that also tells how Indiegogo backer keys will be distributed. It all comes down to a release tool issue.

As 505 Games mentioned, the Indivisible Nintendo Switch version wasn’t supposed to appear until sometime in May 2020. This is connected to an issue pointed out when the game did launch, which is that it was an older build. The May 2020 debut would have ed for that and had a day one update released alongside it that would have had features like 1080p docked resolution, an option to choose your framerate, the appearance of Roti, Ajna’s tapir, and other improvements. (The Indiegogo update confirmed, “Co-op and New Game+ were not going to be part of the original Switch launch, and was something that was communicated to Lab Zero in advance.”) However, the release tool still had April 28, 2020 set in it, which was the tentative initial release date.

The official update also addressed backer copy issues. Due to the surprise launch, no keys went out when it happened. 505 Games says it is working on getting BackerKit surveys out in May 2020 to help send them to those who deserve them. Due to shipping and manufacturing delays caused by the state of the world, the company noted that physical copies will be delayed by between one and two months. On its IndieGogo page, it asked people to provide an updated address by May 10, 2020.

You can now find Indivisible on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

The post Early Switch Indivisible Game Release Was An Accident appeared first on Siliconera.

The Indivisible Switch port has finally arrived, but it isn’t as simple as an expected game appearing for everyone to enjoy. Rather, it’s something seeped in mystery and intrigue. First, because 505 Games didn’t mention anything about the launch ahead of it happening. Second, because apparently Lab Zero Games, the developer behind it, didn’t know it was being released now either. It is on the eShop for $29.99, though there is a $23.99 discount and it doesn’t include some of the latest features.

Lab Zero’s surprise over the Indivisible Switch launch was voiced by Mike Zaimont, the Indivisible Project Lead and Lead Designer, brought all of this up in an extensive Twitter thread going over this version of the game. He noted that the eShop’s art included the wrong image and that the game itself runs well and maintains a stable framerate. However, he also noted, “This launch does not represent the quality standards of Lab Zero.”

This is because the Indivisible Switch version is missing current featured. The port is, as Zaimont noted, based on the build released before the April 2, 2020 update that added cooperative multiplayer and a new game plus option.

Here are some of Zaimont’s tweets regarding the port.

HEY, THAT THING EVERYONE WANTED?@IndivisibleRPG is out RIGHT NOW digitally for Switch in North America!

Feel like you missed the announcement? You're not alone, our team found out because people on Twitter sent us congratulations! I had no idea! But there it is! :^P

1/ pic.twitter.com/bByIeD0rhj

— Mike Zaimont (@MikeZSez) April 28, 2020

No release date announcement, no lead-up PR at all. 🦗

It's missing current features like co-op.

The eShop art is the wrong image.

This launch does not represent the quality standards of Lab Zero. It just doesn't. I'm sorry. It wasn't us.

But hey, it's 20% off! :^) pic.twitter.com/pFr0k6hSMT

— Mike Zaimont (@MikeZSez) April 28, 2020

Zaimont also noted on Twitter that he found all this out by buying the game himself and does not yet know how this will impact the crowdfunding rewards. Also, in regards to the situation, he noted, “I’ve been told to say nothing about a bunch of previous issues. I’m pretty sure I’ll get told to take this down, too.”

Indivisible is a Valkyrie Profile-inspired RPG that is immediately available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

The post Indivisible Switch Version Launches Without Anyone, Even Lab Zero, Knowing appeared first on Siliconera.

An update that makes Indivisible bigger, better, and more interesting is on the way. Lab Zero has announced the Indivisible co-op and new game plus update. On April 2, 2020, people will be able to return to a cleared game to see a few rewards or hand out controllers to local friends for them to in the fight.

The Indivisible co-op feature will involve careful collaboration. Up to three people can the first player, who will control Ajna, on the adventure. They will control these allies both in and out of battles, though when exploring they won’t have Ajna’s different tricks and will instead automatically teleport to her side after the first player needs to perform some tricky platforming. In a fight, everyone controls their own character. Hopping in involves pressing any attack button on a connected controller when you aren’t in the middle of a fight.

The Indivisible new game plus feature is about giving you more access to different elements the second time around. If you have beaten it, a Game Clear option will be available when starting a new game. Choosing that will give you a different-looking Ajna and all of the abilities, allies and equipment you had in your cleared file. Should you beat the game again with this new game plus file, a new Hiroki Kikuta song will play over the credits. 

Indivisible is immediately available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It will also come to the Nintendo Switch. If someone has Xbox Game , they can find the game on the service. The Indivisible co-op and new game plus update will arrive on April 2, 2020.

The post Indivisible Co-op and New Game Plus Features Being Added April 2, 2020 appeared first on Siliconera.

A lot more games developed in Japan will be ing the Xbox One’s subscription service. The Yakuza 0, Ninja Gaiden II, and Kingdom Hearts III Xbox Game debuts have all been dated, and each one will be arriving in February 2020. Microsoft confirmed launch dates for each one, though it didn’t note how long each one will be available for people to play.

Things will kick off on the Xbox One on February 20th with Ninja Gaiden II. After that, the Kingdom Hearts III Xbox Game debut will occur on February 25th. This includes an Xbox One X Enhanced version, for people who have the updated version of the system. One day later, Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima will show up with Yakuza 0 on February 26th.

In addition to those, a few other games were confirmed. Two Point Hospital and Wasteland Remastered will appear on February 25th and Jackbox Party Pack 3 will show up on February 27th.

Xbox Game for PC also had a few games confirmed, but not dated. It will be getting Indivisible, Reigns: Game of Thrones, Two Point Hospital, Wasteland Remastered, and Yakuza 0.

Other recent Xbox Game additions include Final Fantasy XV in early February 2020 and both Tekken 7 and Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet in January 2020.

The post Yakuza 0, Ninja Gaiden II, and Kingdom Hearts III Xbox Game Debuts Announced appeared first on Siliconera.

I love Valkyrie Profile. Its battle system, characters, story, and use of mythology resonated with me. I’ve made it a point to play every game tied to it, even a more obscure title like Covenant of the Plume, and ones that call back to its concepts, like Exist Archive or Super Neptunia RPG. While I’ve enjoyed these, I’ve never found one that not only stood as tall as the original game I loved, but sured it until Lab Zero’s Indivisible. It is both its own entity, one which is clearly a labor of love, as well as a tribute that can sur the game that helped inspire it.

It’s most evident with Indivisible’s battles. The original Valkyrie Profile was about knowing when to strike and with whom. Basically, you went in knowing if you were going to try for ground combos or air combos, then button mashing until you could pull off a Great Magic, Special Attack, or Soul Crush. Certain characters are definitely at higher tiers, like Brahms, Freya, Janus, Lenneth, Lawfer, and mages like Gandar, Lezard, Lyseria, and Shiho. (I would say Lenneth, Lawfer and two mages would be best.) In Indivisible, fights feel much more tactical and every possible character feels viable. Even people you are acquiring hours in or near the end could still be welcome additions to a party.

This is because things are more involved with Indivisible and it feels like there’s a better way to play around with characters different attacks. People have different sorts of standard, up, down, and Iddhi attacks, and the game is very clear about explaining what they are and giving you a place in Ajna’s Inner Realm to practice them. Even a character, let’s use Ginseng & Honey since they are an early example, has some practical and damaging attacks, in addition to healing. While someone might have needed to level grind in Valkyrie Profile, that isn’t an option here. Instead, it comes down to knowing what your party is capable of, understanding the telegraphed strengths and weaknesses of enemies (like a color change for a shield), guarding when necessary, and using Iddhi to use stronger attacks more often. Each person you recruit could be as helpful and viable as another, letting someone build teams around designs or personalities they like.

But then, this talk about characters also goes into how well Indivisible handles its cast. Both Indivisible and Valkyrie Profile each have a large roster of people who fight alongside their heroines, though Indivisible doesn’t lock some of its characters away behind difficulty levels. Each has some characters who you may have to venture off the beaten path to meet. But with Indivisible, there’s this extra element of interactivity with all of them. With Valkyrie Profile, you’d recruit certain characters and… that would be it. Maybe you’d eventually send them up to Odin, but there wouldn’t be much further exposition for them unless they were someone special, like Lucien or Mystina. People matter in Indivisible. They’ll take part in conversations with Ajna and among one another. You’ll be able to spend time with them in the hub. It feels like a real evolution is made.

It also means that people have more of a chance to love these characters. Lab Zero’s Indivisible script is delightful. While in Valkyrie Profile, you might have felt like you cared about people because they had such a rough life or death. Here, the characters come alive with their conversations and personalities. Razmi, voiced wonderfully by Stephanie Sheh, will clearly be an early favorite, due to her darkly funny demeanor, yet still clear affection for Ajna. But, others are just as strong. Zebei is someone who is boasting and very sure of his skills, but Matthew Mercer also perfectly captures how there’s a bit of a blowhard element and someone who gets a bit flustered if people pry too deeply or take him 100% at his word. Baozhai is this incredibly fearsome pirate, one the Iron Kingdom greatly fears, but she starts blushing whenever she has to interact with Thorani. Meanwhile, Thorani is this wonderful, motherly influence for Ajna, who never had that. Naga Rider is delightful, due to him basically being an excuse to have Kamen Rider in the game, with an over-the-top performance.

Indivisible is also a better platformer than Valkyrie Profile ever was. In its time, Valkyrie Profile did dare to be different and unique, with maps that forced you to pay attention and crystals that you really had to learn to use effectively to reach new places. But Ajna’s skill set pulls from Metroidvania games to offer new alternatives to, “Maybe if I get a couple crystal shards right here, then stand on top of them, I’ll have enough extra height to reach that platform?” Getting new abilities that enable new actions, like the ability to spear-hop over areas, shoot an arrow to unlock things, or knock down a freaking wall, is much more satisfying and fits the overall premise.

Indivisible wears its heart on its sleeve. You can see Lab Zero studied and understood what made Valkyrie Profile a great game, then built on that formula to make their own RPG that has similar touchstones, but attempts to do more and tell a different sort of story. The result is something that can be really enjoyable, with compelling battles, lots of characters who feel unique, and a heroine you can’t help but root for.

Indivisible is available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It will also be heading to the Nintendo Switch.

The post Indivisible Builds And Improves On The Valkyrie Profile Formula appeared first on Siliconera.

Today, we have a special weekend Siliconera stream. Starting at 12pm PT/2pm CT/3pm ET, we’ll be playing Lab Zero’s Indivisible. Our session should last about two hours, though we may go a bit over if we’re not at a good stopping place.

We’ll be kicking off our Indivisible adventure at the very beginning of the game. This means we’ll see Ajna’s training session with her father, watch as she experiences a devastating loss, and discovers her unusual ability to bring friends along with her on the journey.

Indivisible will come to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in North America on October 8, 2019 and worldwide on October 11, 2019. The Nintendo Switch version will arrive in 2019.

The post Watch Siliconera’s Indivisible Livestream appeared first on Siliconera.

Back in July, people got a quick taste of the opening animation Studio Trigger and Titmouse, Inc. made for Lab Zero’s Valkyrie Profile-like RPG, Indivisible. Now, the full introduction has been revealed. People can see the entire over two-minute video, which looks at Ajna, her friends, and her other form.

The original 30 second clip consisted of footage from the very beginning of the Indivisible opening movie. People got to see Ajna run up a hill and begin some training. This is much more comprehensive. We start by seeing her village, then the returning footage. After that, we not only have her starring in the clip, but also people like Baozhai, Dhar, Naga Rider, Razmi, and Thorani. Toward the second half, we even get to see Ajna’s Heruka form.

Here is the Studio Trigger and Titmouse Indivisible opening movie.

Indivisible will come to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in North America on October 8, 2019 and worldwide on October 11, 2019. The Nintendo Switch version will arrive in 2019.

The post Studio Trigger And Titmouse’s Full Indivisible Opening Movie Shared appeared first on Siliconera.

Lab Zero’s Indivisible finally has release dates! On October 8, 2019, people will be able to get it on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in North America, while it will show up worldwide on October 11, 2019. Digital and physical PlayStation 4 and Xbox One copies will be available.

An Indivisible preorder promotion is in effect on Steam that brings a little Valve into the game. People will get a pet to follow Ajna, the lead character. It is a little Tapir named Roti. There will also be different skins, like one inspired by Chell, and a Companion Cube.

However, this launch window doesn’t apply to all consoles. The Nintendo Switch version is scheduled to arrive sometime in 2019.

After Ajna’s hometown is attacked, she gains the ability to meet incarnations of people. These can be recruited as characters as she pulls their sense of selves into herself, then brought into battles to fight alongside her. (It is a process similar to the way Lenneth would gather the souls of those who would become Einherjar to fight alongside her in Valkyrie Profile.) When a battle triggers, each of the four characters in the party is assigned to an action button and you string together combos to attack foes.

Here is the latest Indivisible trailer.

Indivisible will come to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in North America on October 8, 2019 and worldwide on October 11, 2019. The Nintendo Switch version will arrive in 2019.

The post Indivisible Will Finally Bring Its Valkyrie Profile-Like Adventuring To Most Platforms In October 2019 appeared first on Siliconera.