This year’s NeoBards Tournament is welcoming its grand finale in December. NeoBards has upheld this tradition since its inception seven years ago. Not only has it made creating and playing games a professional ambition, but the tournament also provides a chance to showcase skills and determine who truly deserves the title of “Game Champion!”

However, the reason the tournament attracts such enthusiastic participation goes beyond just a love for games. There’s a special, symbolic item involved—small in size yet rich in meaning. It embodies and carries forward the spirit of the tournament each year. What is it, you ask? It’s the NeoBards Tournament’s commemorative badge.

 

A collection of NeoBards Tournament badges from 2018 to 2023.

 

Every Bard who participates in the tournament receives a badge commemorating the theme of the year. Each badge is a collaborative effort between our EBC members and the art team. From brainstorming and design to adjustments, the badge goes through a detailed process before final approval and production. Intricate and meticulously crafted, the badge represents NeoBards’ commitment to doing things with excellence.

This year’s badge and backing card design align closely with the tournament theme, “Cyberbards Game Tournament.” With the Paris Olympics concluded, it’s now NeoBards’ turn to host a gaming sports event! After the Bards selected the games for the competition, the EBC drew inspiration from these choices to bring the theme to life.

 

After enthusiastic nominations and voting, Fall Guys, PICO PARK 2, Counter-Strike 2, and The King of Fighters ’98 were selected for the 2024 Neobards Tournament, representing the categories of obstacle course, action puzzle, shooting, and fighting.

 

After the art team proposed four designs, the EBC members chose their favorite one and moved forward to further adjustment. The final design features a round badge with a cute character in the center inspired by this year’s tournament games and paired with elements from shooting games. On one side of the character are controller icons, and on the other are lines to accentuate a sense of speed. A slightly wide-angle perspective is used to create depth. The backing card design focuses on the spirit of the Olympic torch relay, symbolizing the ongoing legacy of the NeoBards Tournament year after year.

 

EBC members discussed the badge design with the art team, adjusting the scale and placement of each element. 

 

It’s no wonder that Bards joined the NeoBards Tournament in such enthusiasm. Not only do they get to enjoy gaming with colleagues, but they also receive a delicately crafted, collectible badge. As the tournament heads into the grand finale this December, we look forward to seeing the finalists battle it out for the championship title. This year’s commemorative badge will also be awarded on the day of the finals, carrying forward the spirit of NeoBards!

 

 

At NeoBards, we value the growth of each Bard, as it is only through learning that we can cultivate a better version of ourselves. We’ve crafted a series of training programs tailored to our Bards, considering their various experience levels, skill sets, and needs for intellectual growth. We aim to lead everyone to improve together, and become even better Bards!

NeoBards Training Program not only enhances work skills but also focuses on everyone’s spiritual growth, combining the cultivation of attitude and values. The sessions delve into effective leadership styles, team management, and self-management techniques, allowing Bards to navigate the workplace with ease and confidently face various challenges.

The sessions are arranged to suit each Bard’s needs: for junior colleagues, the topics are about solidifying their professional foundations while also taking care of their physical and mental well-being. For mid-level colleagues, the emphasis is on improving skills and work efficiency, while reflecting on personal growth. Management roles can expect to learn how to concentrate on enhancing communication and management skills, and build high emotional intelligence to cope with stress.

We’ve brought in some real industry heavyweights to share their wisdom. Through hands-on case studies and interactive sessions, Bards can apply what they learned directly to their work. It’s all about mastering and using those key skills! This isn’t just an average training course. It’s a melting pot of ideas where Bards can bounce thoughts off each other and make learning a blast!

 

[NeoBards Training Program #1 Leading Followers]

Who you are attracts who you lead.

The 2024 NeoBards Training Program officially kicked off in October, with the first course – “Leading Followers” – raising the curtain on the training!

As leaders straddling both old and new generations, Bards face diverse team members and must flexibly employ various management styles. They need to exert influence appropriately, touch the hearts of their subordinates, become worthy of being followed, and lead their teams toward successful goals.

During the one-day course, Bards gained insights into different mindsets and leadership approaches. Under the instructor’s guidance, everyone used performance-based training to put aside their usual selves and step out of their comfort zones. They exuded confidence and charisma from within, experiencing the true essence of management and leadership through practical exercises.

 

Bards’ witty and humorous sharing created a relaxed yet lively atmosphere throughout the entire course.

 

 

What kind of leader do you want to become? How will you lead your team?

 

When communicating, do you first see the big picture or the small details? How would you describe and explain these perspectives?

 

Mirror activities that simulate others’ feelings is an effective training method to strengthen empathy.

 

Use creativity to enhance body control, increase charisma, and bring out the best in your subordinates.

 

By sharing what they’ve learned, Bards were able to understand the differences among one another, thereby increasing the value and depth of experience of the course.

 

Bards who are high-level leaders face various challenges in their daily work. Through the course design, they can be stimulated or awakened to new perspectives and ideas, gain inspiration, and expand their vision. 

This enables them to become leaders full of possibilities, more effectively motivating and leading others. We hope that Bards will explore more in both work and life, and proactively take on challenges. By continuously engaging in self-reflection and growth, they can consistently stand out in an ever-changing environment. 

 

[NeoBards Training Program #2 Building a High-Performance Team]

Game development relies not only on communication between different disciplines, but also on collaboration among team members. 

Most participants in this session were highly experienced project leads at NeoBards. NeoBards has developed quite a lot of large-scale, high-quality game dev projects. Team sizes easily scale up to 80 or 90 developers, excluding outsourcing partners. Thus, organizing and leading cross-disciplinary communication has been the norm.

 

In this session, leads were required to overcome limited resources and race against time. Yet, even with these obstacles, everyone was able to effectively use their leadership skills and encourage team collaboration to meet the goals of each practice phase. All challenges were completed successfully!

 

The humorous interactions between Bards and the instructor added a lot of fun to the session.

 

Leads not only focused on the big picture, but also paid attention to each step and detail. This is how NeoBards’ high-quality games came to be–through the gradual accumulation of mindfulness.

 

Even in competitive activities, Bards still cared about giving support to each other. By having teams work closely together, we create good work dynamics that emphasize cooperation.

 

Through strategic negotiations and decision-making, Bards were able to reach the final goal with limited resources.

 

Bards were pulled from their day-to-day tasks to join this session to gain more insights about coordination, leadership and decision-making across different disciplines. We believe that through this thought-provoking and method-validating process, our leads can better serve in their accountable roles and become even more effective at leading members and managing tasks when they return to their daily work.

 

This session is just the beginning. We have prepared various sessions in this training program for Bards who play different roles in game development. Through these sessions, Bards will develop their management skills for both professional tasks and team collaboration. Let’s become better Bards!

 

Next up: Developing Workplace Competitiveness 

Stay tuned!

After announcing the game, “Resident Evil,” on Capcom’s stage at Tokyo Game Show in 2018, NeoBards was back to the exhibition again. This time, we set up our own booth to meet and interact with local and international partners and friends. Check out our highlights below!

 

As the balloon bearing NeoBards’ logo rose above the exhibition hall, we officially announced our return to TGS (Tokyo Game Show).

 

At the event, we showcased eight game titles from our partners including CAPCOM, KONAMI, and SQUARE ENIX, as well as one self-developed game.

 

Our game producer, game director, and art director of “Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster” seized the chance to take photos at the photo area with the cosplayer at the game’s dedicated booth. Their dedication throughout the development period has paid off, leaving them with a profound sense of achievement.

 

“Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster” took the stage at CAPCOM’s special showcase.

 

The launch trailer for “Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster” is also being showcased on the PlayStation stage.

 

“SILENT HILL f,” which NeoBards is responsible for, is still in development. “Silent Hill 2 Remake,” a major title from the same series, is scheduled to be released after TGS ends. Please support both games!

 

Sparing no effort in promoting great games, our booth’s good neighbor Taitra (Taipei Computer Association) was not only vigorously promoting Taiwanese game companies but also preparing to attract exhibitors for next year’s Taipei Game Show in early 2025.

 

“Making Games that Matter!” is NeoBards’ slogan. We have always been dedicated to creating impactful game titles!

 

Just as our booth’s tagline states — “We proudly present great works with partners!” We’re grateful for the visits from numerous industry partners and friends. This trip has been truly rewarding. Let’s continue to deliver game titles that make everyone proud.

 

TOKYO GAME SHOW 2024 INFO

  • Main Organizer: Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA)
  • Co-organizers: Nikkei Business Publications, Inc., Dentsu Inc. 
  • Exhibition Period: September 26-27, 2024 Business Days/ September 28-29, 2024 Public Days                                                                                                                         

 

For more details:

Tokyo Game Show 2024 Official Website

 

NeoBards currently has multiple game projects under development. Stay tuned for ongoing news updates!

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

 

 

About NeoBards

NeoBards Entertainment was founded in 2017 by a group of industry pioneers from various Eastern and Western cultures, each with over 20 years of experience. The company’s headquarters is located in Hong Kong, with three studio locations across Asia and Europe: Taipei, Suzhou, and Breda in the Netherlands. In the eight years since its establishment, the company has developed over ten games. These include the currently operating mobile game Dynasty Warriors M, licensed by Koei and published by Nexon; the well-received Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection released last year; as well as Resident Evil: Resistance, Resident Evil Re:Verse, Devil May Cry HD Collection, Resident Evil Origins Collection, and others. There are three games currently in development. Apart from SILENT HILL f, a co-dev project with KONAMI, two other games are yet to be announced.

We take pride in integrating international talent and resources to deliver high-quality, premium game products for established IPs and original properties alike.  At NeoBards, we are united by our love for creation, passion for storytelling, and the firm belief that hard work and high quality will always prevail!

The new title of the classic action game IP, “Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster,” developed by NeoBards Entertainment and published by CAPCOM, was released digitally on September 19 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam (physical version expected to launch in November this year). Following seven IP games including “Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection,” “Resident Evil Re:Verse,” and “Resident Evil Resistance,” NeoBards once again collaborated with CAPCOM for development.

“Dead Rising” is a sandbox action game centered around zombies. Players take on the role of freelance photojournalist Frank West, who enters a large shopping mall to look for the next big scoop. Within 72 hours, Frank can freely collect weapons and resources or rescue survivors in the mall. The gameplay is entirely dependent on the player’s decisions, while also requiring resistance against thousands of zombies and psychopaths, awaiting the arrival of a rescue team. Since the release of its first game in 2006, the “Dead Rising” series, including four main titles and spin-offs, has accumulated global sales of 16 million units.

“Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster” is a high-definition remastered version of the series’ first installment, “Dead Rising.” The NeoBards team spent over two years overhauling and rebuilding the game’s look using CAPCOM’s “RE Engine.” Characters, scenes, and lighting effects are presented in next-gen 4K resolution at 60 FPS, complemented by newly produced BGM and sound effects, with support for 3D audio technology and voice acting in 9 languages. Additionally, game controls, UI interface, and auto-save functions have been thoroughly optimized, offering players the ultimate gaming experience to fully enjoy this most thrilling zombie playground action game!

Launch Trailer

 

For more details:

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster Official Website

PlayStation

Steam

XBOX X/S

NeoBards currently has multiple game projects under development. Stay tuned for ongoing news updates!

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

 

About NeoBards

NeoBards Entertainment was founded in 2017 by a group of industry pioneers from various Eastern and Western cultures, each with over 20 years of experience. The company’s headquarters is located in Hong Kong, with three studio locations across Asia and Europe: Taipei, Suzhou, and Breda in the Netherlands. In the eight years since its establishment, the company has developed over ten games. These include the currently operating mobile game Dynasty Warriors M, licensed by Koei and published by Nexon; the well-received Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection released last year; as well as Resident Evil: Resistance, Resident Evil Re:Verse, Devil May Cry HD Collection, Resident Evil Origins Collection, and others. There are three games currently in development. Apart from SILENT HILL f, a co-dev project with KONAMI, two other games are yet to be announced.

We take pride in integrating international talent and resources to deliver high-quality, premium game products for established IPs and original properties alike.  At NeoBards, we are united by our love for creation, passion for storytelling, and the firm belief that hard work and high quality will always prevail!

 

FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, the second volume of SQUARE ENIX’s FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE trilogy, was released worldwide on February 29th! The story is a continuation of the previous game, depicting the adventures of Cloud and his friends after escaping from Midgar. Unlike its predecessor, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, this time players are free to explore a vast world. All scenes from the original game were reproduced in high-resolution 3D. The game has received critical acclaim by the global gaming media with an average score of 92 out of 100, including 9/10 on IGN, 10/10 on IGN Japan, and 8/10 on Gamespot, etc.


NeoBards collaborated with SQUARE ENIX again after Marvel’s Avengers. The team participated in parts of the game’s art creation, giving their all to make the best game. Don’t miss it if you are a fan of the FINAL FANTASY franchise!

 

FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Official Website: https://ffvii.square-enix-games.com/en-us

 

 

 

 

 

About NeoBards

NeoBards Entertainment Ltd. is an independent game developer founded in 2017 by a group of likeminded industry veterans boasting over 20 years of game development experience, with headquarters in Hong Kong and studios in Taipei, Suzhou and Breda, the Netherlands. Recent works include co-dev projects with Capcom on Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, Resident Evil: Resistance, Resident Evil Re:Verse, Devil May Cry HD Collection, Resident Evil Origins Collection, Onimusha: Warlords; and character skill design/ implementation for Square Enix’s Marvel’s Avengers. Our first mobile game, Dynasty Warriors M, was launched globally in November 2023. There are 3 games currently in development. Apart from SILENT HILL f, a co-dev project with KONAMI, two other games are yet to be announced.

We take pride in integrating international talent and resources to deliver high-quality, premium game products for established IPs and original properties alike.  At NeoBards, we are united by our love for creation, passion for storytelling, and the firm belief that hard work and high quality will always prevail!

In the exclusive interview, the Game Producer Antonio, Game Director Cosmos, and Art Director Adonis shared the development journey and design ideas of Dynasty Warriors M, disclosing how the team stayed true to the classic IP while seeking ways to make breakthroughs.

 

Core Developers of Dynasty Warriors M from NeoBards

 

In addition to the team’s game development experiences, the developers delved into the origin and concept of developing Dynasty Warriors M, and shared insights into the various challenges encountered along the way and detailed how the team overcame each obstacle. The interview sheds light on the actual process of game development and the heart and soul poured into the development. From the original intention to every step taken toward the finish line, it has been an arduous and creative journey.

 

NeoBards’ Game Director Cosmos, Game Producer Antonio, and Art Director Adonis (from left to right)

 

In the video, interesting behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes were also shared. One example included how the team navigated and overcame both language barriers while handling multinational tasks and the impact of the pandemic. The video effectively conveyed the professionalism and commitment of the development team. This is undoubtedly a rare opportunity to get a feel of the game development journey and secrets!

 

 

A major update for Dynasty Warriors M was released one month after its global launch. The update includes various new contents such as an Alliance-exclusive mode – “Alliance Challenge,” and new officers “Zhong Hui” and “Knight Wang Yi.” Don’t miss out on these new game experiences!

 

All-new Alliance Mode – “Alliance Challenge.” Defeat the Boss officer with Alliance members.

 

 

The first target of Alliance Challenge is “Dong Zhuo.”

 

 

Alliance Challenge comes with three difficulty levels – Normal, Hard and Chaos.

 

 

 

App store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dynasty-warriors-m/id1620103295

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nexon.dwm

Official Website: https://dwm.nexon.com/main

Official Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/TW.DynastyWarriorsM

 

About NeoBards

NeoBards Entertainment Ltd. is an independent game developer founded in 2017 by a group of likeminded industry veterans boasting over 20 years of game development experience, with headquarters in Hong Kong and studios in Taipei, Suzhou and Breda, the Netherlands. Recent works include co-dev projects with Capcom on Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, Resident Evil: Resistance, Resident Evil Re:Verse, Devil May Cry HD Collection, Resident Evil Origins Collection, Onimusha: Warlords; and character skill design/ implementation for Square Enix’s Marvel’s Avengers. Our first mobile game, Dynasty Warriors M, was launched globally in November 2023. There are 3 games currently in development. Apart from SILENT HILL f, a co-dev project with KONAMI, two other games are yet to be announced.

We take pride in integrating international talent and resources to deliver high-quality, premium game products for established IPs and original properties alike.  At NeoBards, we are united by our love for creation, passion for storytelling, and the firm belief that hard work and high quality will always prevail!

Published and operated by NEXON, developed by NeoBards and based on KOEI TECMO GAMES’ Dynasty Warriors 9, the mobile game Dynasty Warriors M was launched globally today on November 22!

Experienced in developing multiple classic console games, this time NeoBards brought console game quality to the mobile platform. Dynasty Warriors M impeccably reproduces each officer’s unique and extravagant Musou skills in the Dynasty Warriors 9 IP, presenting a classic ARPG game experience true to the memories of Dynasty Warriors’ fans. Additionally, the game incorporates strategic elements to elevate the complexity and richness of the overall gameplay. When forming a squad, “Tactics Combination” enables players to strategize on whether to maximize each officer’s advantage or boost the whole squad’s abilities to increase chances of winning. Also, with “city building,” players can develop high-level strategies: resource allocation and battle progression are all in the control of players. Built on the ARPG experience of the original IP, complemented with refreshing strategic elements and displayed in the highest quality visuals, Dynasty Warriors M allows fans and new players alike to have a blast in the Three Kingdoms era. Charge like a one-man army and conquer the world!

Dynasty Warriors M was released on both the App Store and Google Play Store on November 22. Apart from in-game celebrations of the launch, a series of activities held by Taiwanese, Korean and Japanese communities are in full swing. All players are welcome to join in the celebration and share the thrill and fun of the game! Please follow the official website and communities of Dynasty Warriors M for more game and event info!

 

Links

App store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dynasty-warriors-m/id1620103295

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nexon.dwm

Official Website: https://dwm.nexon.com/main

Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TW.DynastyWarriorsM

Official announcement: https://forum.nexon.com/dwmen/board_view?thread=2378708

 

 

 

 

About NeoBards
NeoBards Entertainment Ltd. is an independent game developer founded in 2017 by a group of likeminded industry veterans boasting over 20 years of game development experience, with headquarters in Hong Kong and studios in Taipei, Suzhou and Breda, the Netherlands. Recent works include co-dev projects with Capcom on Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, Resident Evil: Resistance, Resident Evil Re:Verse, Devil May Cry HD Collection, Resident Evil Origins Collection, Onimusha: Warlords; and character skill design/ implementation for Square Enix’s Marvel’s Avengers. There are 3 games currently in development. Apart from SILENT HILL f, a co-dev project with KONAMI, two other games are yet to be announced.

From Asia to Europe, NeoBards continues to bring rich and diverse gaming experience to players around the globe.

 

NeoBards Entertainment Ltd. was founded in 2017 by industry elites from all around the world, focusing on combining international resources to develop high-quality games. For years, NeoBards have worked together with renowned game companies such as CAPCOM, SQUARE ENIX, and KONAMI, to release a series of high-profile and well-known IP games, including Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, Resident Evil: Resistance, Marvel’s Avengers, and SILENT HILL f, which is currently in development.

 

Both studios in Taipei and Suzhou have been operating successfully. As the number and scale of our game development continue to grow, establishing a new studio in Europe has long been in the planning. Finally, NeoBards decided to set foot in Breda, a college town in the Southern Netherlands. Breda University of Applied Sciences, a top university in Breda, focuses on the cultivation of experts in digital science and technology, with in-depth research programs in the fields of gaming and AI. This advantage will provide NeoBards with access to excellent local talents, as well as experienced and skillful developers from all over Europe. The new studio also has exciting game projects on the way.

 

 

About NeoBards
NeoBards Entertainment Ltd. is an independent game developer founded in 2017 by a group of likeminded industry veterans boasting over 20 years of game development experience, with headquarters in Hong Kong and studios in Taipei, Suzhou and Breda, the Netherlands. Recent works include co-dev projects with Capcom on Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, Resident Evil: Resistance, Resident Evil Re:Verse, Devil May Cry HD Collection, Resident Evil Origins Collection, Onimusha: Warlords; and character skill design/ implementation for Square Enix’s Marvel’s Avengers. There are 3 games currently in development. Apart from SILENT HILL f, a co-dev project with KONAMI, two other games are yet to be announced.

The Studio Creative Director of NeoBards Entertainment, Al Yang, has been invited to give a speech: “Old but New – Creative Design within Established IPs” at devcom Developer Conference, held in Cologne, Germany from August 20th to 22th. He will share how to create a unique gaming experience from the world view and characterization of classic IPs.

 

Session Information: 

                                                2023.08.21 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Taipei Time)

 

 

About NeoBards

NeoBards Entertainment Ltd. is an independent game developer founded in 2017 by a group of likeminded industry veterans boasting over 20 years of game development experience, with headquarters in Hong Kong and studios in Taipei, Suzhou and Breda, the Netherlands. Recent works include co-dev projects with Capcom on Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, Resident Evil: Resistance, Resident Evil Re:Verse, Devil May Cry HD Collection, Resident Evil Origins Collection, Onimusha: Warlords; and character skill design/ implementation for Square Enix’s Marvel’s Avengers. There are 3 games currently in development. Apart from SILENT HILL f, a co-dev project with KONAMI, two other games are yet to be announced.

The SILENT HILL f Teaser Trailer, produced by SHIROGUMI INC., won the Merit Award at The One Show 2023. SHIROGUMI INC. attended one of the online sessions of the AUTODESK DAY 2023, held by CG WORLD and AUTODESK, to talk about the concept and process of producing the teaser trailer.   

The classic SILENT HILL IP connected NeoBards with SHIROGUMI INC. and led to our collaboration. The first released teaser trailer immediately captured attention from all sides. KONAMI and NeoBards have joined forces in making the game SILENT HILL f, working along with renowned writer Ryukishi07 and visual artist Kera. We would like to ask fans of the SILENT HILL series to keep following us for the latest news!

 

Award-Winning SILENT HILL f Teaser Trailer

 

Links

AUTODESK 2023: https://cgworld.jp/special/autodeskday2023/  

CGWORLD: https://cgworld.jp/article/202302-cgw294-shf.html    

The One Show: https://www.oneclub.org/awards/theoneshow/-award/48910/silent-hill-f-teaser-trailer

 

 

About NeoBards

NeoBards Entertainment Ltd. is an independent game developer founded in 2017 by a group of likeminded industry veterans boasting over 20 years of game development experience, with headquarters in Hong Kong and studios in Taipei, Suzhou and Breda, the Netherlands. Recent works include co-dev projects with Capcom on Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, Resident Evil: Resistance, Resident Evil Re:Verse, Devil May Cry HD Collection, Resident Evil Origins Collection, Onimusha: Warlords; and character skill design/ implementation for Square Enix’s Marvel’s Avengers.

There are 3 games currently in development. Apart from SILENT HILL f, a co-dev project with KONAMI, two other games are yet to be announced.