"FORGED IN FIRE" BRINGS MARVEL'S MIDNIGHT SUNS TO LIFE IN AN EXCITING INTEGRATED PARTNERSHIP

Integration of A+E Networks'(R) Popular Forged in Fire Blacksmithing Competition and 2K's Upcoming Tactical RPG Marvel's Midnight Suns Creates Unique Immersive Experience for Viewers

Midnight Suns' Creative Director Makes Appearance to Present Final Challenge to Contestants

Premieres Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 10PM ET/9CT on The HISTORY(R) Channel

NEW YORK (Oct. 25, 2022) - A+E Networks(R) and 2K are partnering on an exciting integration to celebrate the upcoming launch of 2K's latest video game, Marvel's Midnight Suns, it was announced today by Maura O'Donovan, vice president, A+E Networks Ad Sales Marketing Partnerships.

Responding to an industry-wide desire for creative ways to work with and integrate advertising partners, A+E Networks Ad Sales Partnerships has created an innovative campaign that brings 2K into the development process for a new episode of The HISTORY Channel's Forged in Fire competition series.

"We set out to unite gamers and Forged in Fire with content that bridges their interests and brings them together in a world where fantasy becomes reality. It's the first time we have given exclusive access to our episode development and host, Grady Powell. And the result is an engaging and highly entertaining episode that is certain to thrill viewers across fanbases as it builds awareness across these top consumer brands," said O'Donovan.

2K took over the content of Forged in Fire to create a new episode that is fully-themed to Marvel's Midnight Suns, from the challenges to the weapon tests, to the set design, offering viewers a unique immersive experience throughout the show. Marvel's Midnight Suns' creative director, Jake Solomon, makes an appearance, presenting a final challenge that brings the fantasy of the game to reality: Recreating the Hunter's iconic blades, belonging to the first customizable original hero in the Marvel universe.

"Being a part of the show was such an incredible opportunity," stated Jake Solomon, creative director for Marvel's Midnight Suns. "I can't wait for fans to check out how the world of Marvel's Midnight Suns was brought to life!"

As part of this integrated campaign, footage from Marvel's Midnight Suns and other elements of the game are present throughout the episode. The broadcast will be supported with tagged tune-ins and a multi-platform presence on The HISTORY Channel's Facebook and Twitter platforms, pushing to the episode, which premieres Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 10PM ET/9PM CT.

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a new tactical RPG set in the darker side of the Marvel Universe, putting you face-to-face against demonic forces of the underworld as you team up with and live among the Midnight Suns, Earth's last line of defense. It releases December 2 on PlayStation(R)5, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store; launch timing for PlayStation(R)4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch will be shared at a later date.

The HISTORY Channel's Forged in Fire is an original competition series hosted by former U.S. Army Green Beret Grady Powell, where world-class bladesmiths compete to create history's most iconic edged weapons. In each episode, four of the nation's finest bladesmiths come together to put their skill and reputations on the line, trying to avoid elimination and win the $10,000 prize. They use sweat, fire, force of will, and a well-equipped forge to turn raw material into authentic, fully functional implements of war. These weapons must stand up to a battery of strength & sharpness tests, as well as the critical assessment of our expert Judges David Baker, Doug Marcaida, and Bladesmiths J. Neilson and Ben Abbott.

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ABOUT A+E NETWORKS(R)

A+E Networks(R) is a global content company comprised of some of the most popular and culturally relevant brands in media, including A&E(R), Lifetime(R), The HISTORY(R) Channel, LMN(R), FYI,(R) and VICE TV(R). A+E Networks' portfolio extends across platforms and genres with a scripted production division, A+E Studios(TM); unscripted production, Six West Media(TM); and independent film unit, A&E IndieFilms(R). A+E Networks Digital(TM) includes watch apps, games, FAST channels, AVOD, and SVOD products Lifetime Movie Club(R) and HISTORY Vault(R); and podcasts such as History This Week(TM). A+E Consumer Enterprises(TM) includes experiential/branded live events such as HISTORYTalks(TM) and E-commerce; and A+E Networks International(R) includes branded channels, content distribution and scripted/unscripted co-productions around the world. A+E Networks' content reaches more than 335 million households in over 200 territories in 41 languages. A+E Networks is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aenetworks and Facebook at facebook.com/AENetworks.

ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2022 MARVEL