Archive - 2013

Bound by Flame Announced

2013/02/28
Jerry Paxton
News, PlayStation 3 News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News

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Focus Home Interactive and Spiders Studio have announced Bound by Flame, an upcoming action-RPG due out at the end of this year for the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 platforms. The game promises a “dark fantasy universe” where players take on the role of a mercenary possessed by a “flame demon”. More information can be found below, or you can click on the announcement screenshot above for a larger view.

Official Press Release

While part of Spiders Studio’s team finishes development of Mars War Logs, releasing soon on digital distribution platforms, we are pleased to unveil Bound by Flame. Bound by Flame is their bigger project, under development for months now and targeted for release on PC, PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360® at the end of 2013.

We present Bound by Flame to you with the very first screenshot of the game. This action/role-playing game lets you play a mercenary possessed by a flame demon in an ambitious Dark Fantasy universe.
As a victim of this demonic influence, players will have to choose between the powers offered by this evil or to reject the demonic influence, developing heroic talents instead. Dangers, and enemies becoming more terrifying and fearsome in battle, will be temptations to acquire more power by giving up part of the hero’s soul to the demon. Progression of the demonic influence will be reflected by the transformation of the hero’s body.

Through its different chapters, Bound by Flame will offer many quests around a primary, epic adventure. Depending on the choices made by the player and the influence of the demon, some chapters will offer different scenarios and a different experience, adding important replayability to the game. Real-time battles are impressive and dynamic. If the player begins the game knowing only the basics of combat, fire magic, and assassination, he will be able to specialize by unlocking and improving many skills and powers, through 3 different skill trees.

Bound by Flame lets the players customize their character. During the creation of their hero, players will be able choose their gender and freely alter their facial characteristics. This will of course have an influence on the demon’s appearance. Bound by Flame also includes a crafting system, allowing them to create and improve equipment, including their armor and weapons. Several companions will join the player during his quest, and will, depending on the player’s actions, develop friendship, romance or rivalry.

Finally, the bestiary of Bound by Flame is rich and spectacular. Today’s screenshot introduces you to the terrifying Swamp Beast, but you will get to fight many other impressive creatures: shadow dragons, liches, undead, ice creatures… epic confrontations abound. Which path will the players take? Will they lust after the demon’s power and magic to annihilate their foes, or will they favor their combat skills and their bravery?

Bound by is targeted for release on PC, PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360® at the end of 2013.

SteelSeries and EA Unveil Mobile Gaming Headset

2013/02/27
Jerry Paxton
News, Tech News, Windows PC News

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CHICAGO – February 27, 2013 – SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of premium-quality, gaming peripherals and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) the world’s leading mobile games publisher today introduced the Real Racing™ 3 Gaming Headset. The slim-profile, on-ear headset was chosen for its lightweight, comfortable and portable design allowing gamers to take the complete racing experience on the road. Its loud and clear sound is powered through 40mm driver units, picking up the low tones and deep bass for the game’s soundtrack and the high tones of approaching cars, gear shifts, and screeching tires.

The all-white headset showcases stylish, glossy ear plates with a chrome-colored game logo and speedometer design. Featuring an adjustable, FluidFIT headband they are also outfitted with SteelSeries’ sound isolating, SNDBlock ear cushions created with a breathable, mesh-cloth material. Designed for maximum portability, the headset can fold up and each earcup can be rotated flat for easy storage or to comfortably show it off around the user’s neck. The Real Racing 3 Headset comes equipped with 2 cable options, one for PC and the other for Mac and mobile devices, both with an in-line microphone.Additional features include 2 input jacks, one on each earcup, allowing users to choose which side the microphone cable can be plugged. The remaining input jack can also be used to share sound bysimply plugging another headset into the Real Racing 3 Headset so that multiple users can listen to the same device.

“For Real Racing 3 we focused on harnessingthe full power of mobile technology to produce  incredible, detailed environments and really deliver an amazing gaming experience for racing fans,” said Tony Lay, General Manager of the EA Firemonkeys studio. “We partnered with SteelSeries because of their reputation for developing premium-quality products and with their new Flux headset designed for mobile gamers; it was a natural choice to launch a Real Racing 3 version to support that new level of immersion.”

“EA is the leading publisher of the world’s biggest iOS and Android games and we’re proud to partner with one of their most recognized mobile game franchises,” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “As the newest and first SteelSeries headset that was designed specifically for mobile game-play, we’re excited to see players get their hands on the Real Racing 3 Gaming Headset and actually have a chance to experience great in-game audio on their handheld device.”

Available now online in the SteelSeries Web Shop, the Real Racing 3 Gaming Headset is $99.99/€99.99 MSRP.  For more information, about the headset check out http://steelseries.com/realracing3 and be sure to follow SteelSeries on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, contests and promotions surrounding these products.

Optrix Reveals XD5 Action Cam System for iPhone 5

2013/02/27
Jerry Paxton
Mobile News, News, Tech News

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Marin, CA – February 27, 2013 – Optrix, designer of ultra-rugged action video and sports specialty housings for the iPhone, announces the availability of Optrix XD5, the first ultra-rugged, camera optimizing system for iPhone 5 that enables users to record wide-angle HD videos under the most punishing conditions.

Optrix XD5 system incorporates features from its award-winning XD4 product, including the 175 degree lens that enhances the iPhone 5’s 1080p HD optics and the clear protective membrane that enables users to continue using their iPhone while in the housing.  It enhances the previous design with a thinner, lighter and stronger unibody, and a new rail mounting system for quick on-off for helmets, chest mounts, water sport mounts, handle mounts, and more.

“Optrix is proud to unveil the world’s toughest case that disaster proofs the iPhone 5,” said John Willenborg, founder of Optrix.  “The XD5 is the only iPhone 5 camera system built for sports enthusiasts by sports enthusiasts.”

Designed using the same concept as a Formula 1 race car, the XD5 utilizes a “monocoque” protective unibody system that encapsulates the iPhone 5, shielding it from pressure and making it drop safe from up to 40ft.  In addition, the XD5’s enhanced design utilizes a unique waterproofing seal that guarantees waterproof ability up to a depth of 15ft.

“Many action sports camera systems exist in the market, but only the XD5 takes into account real life video capturing needs,” added Willenborg.  “The ability to easily adjust shooting angles, access to all controls and its compatibility with multiple mounting options solidifies the XD5 as the ideal action camera system for the iPhone 5.”

The XD5 also incorporates a second door to access charging connectors, headphone jack and microphone, making it the ideal option as an everyday rugged case.  For iPhone 5 users wishing to enhance their videos, Optrix provides a suite of cutting-edge video recording and editing software and apps, including VideoPro, which adds full telemetry data such as speed, G-force, lap time and track map onto the video.

Optrix XD5 action video making system can be found at select Apple, Best Buy and Target stores; and online at Apple.com, Bestbuy.com and www.optrix.com.

Booq Reveals Boa Courier

2013/02/27
Jerry Paxton
News, Tech News

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Sierra Madre, California – (February 27, 2013) – Booq, a leading brand of premium laptop bags,backpacks and iPad carrying cases, delivers their most comfortable and versatile bag to date, the new Boa courier messenger bag. Encased in a sleek, professional exterior featuring booq’s water-repellent ballistic nylon and night-time reflective binding, the Boa courier truly is at home in all environments and workday situations. The split-opening design made from nylon herringbone includes numerous pockets for quick access to frequently used items such as your laptop, iPhone and other essentials. The Boa courier messenger bag is available today on www.booqbags.com for $99.95 (10”), $109.95 (13”), or $129.95 (15”).

Boa courier messenger bag: http://www.booqbags.com/us/shoulder-bags/boa-courier

Booq’s intelligent design provides easy interior navigation and organization, keeping the inside as clean and polished as the outside. The Boa courier messenger bag incorporates a densely padded protective fit and soft nylon lining to protect your gear from impact and scratches. Its modern styling is paired with ultra-functional compartments to simplify how you work and travel. The spacious interior includes a concealed iPhone pocket, removable key ring, and offers plenty of room for papers, business cards and accessories.

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“Too many bag companies compromise function for style,” says booq’s Lead Designer, S. Kema Subsomboon. “The Boa courier accommodates the various working environments and ever-changing requirements of the creative professional. We gave it a simple, yet elegant design that fits any meeting scenario from the board room to the coffee shop. By far one of the most comfortable bags we’ve created to date and with the reflective lining, it’s perfect to carry all day and night.”

Boa courier is available in three sizes specific to your device, Boa courier 10-inch (iPad or tablet), Boa courier 13-inch (13” Mac or PC) and Boa courier 15-inch (15” Mac or PC). Each style comes in a clean and understated graphite color, with an adjustable, seatbelt nylon shoulder strap and non-slip silicon that can be carried across the chest or over the shoulder for ultimate comfort. All Boa courier messenger bags are tagged with a Terralinq serial number. Once registered the booq Terralinq service may help reunite you with your lost & found bag.

Boa courier is available for $99.95 (10” iPad or tablet), $109.95 (13” Mac or PC), and $129.95 (15” Mac or PC). Now shipping, booq’s Boa courier is available at www.booqbags.com and various retailers throughout the U.S www.stores.booq.com.

THQ to Sell Off Other IPs

2013/02/26
Jerry Paxton
Industry News, News

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AGOURA HILLS, Calif. — THQ Inc. (OTC: THQIQ) today announced that it will sell certain of its remaining intellectual properties (IP) via a Court-supervised sale process. Last month, THQ sold the majority of its studios and games in development as part of its Chapter 11 case. The company expects to complete the bidding and sale process for these remaining IP assets by mid-May.

The company has designated six lots of IP titles for bidding:

  • Darksiders;
  • Red Faction;
  • Homeworld;
  • MX;
  • Other Owned Software, including Big Beach Sports, Destroy All Humans!, Summoner, and more; and
  • Other Licensed Software, including Marvel Super Hero, Supreme Commander, Worms, and more.

Each lot’s complete group of titles is listed at the end of this announcement.

Interested bidders must provide: 1) complete identification, including the names of corporate officers or those authorized to act on the bidder’s behalf; 2) written evidence of authority to enter into the anticipated transaction; and 3) proof of financial ability to perform the contemplated transaction. Only those bidders who meet all three requirements will be provided access to confidential information about each lot of titles once a non-disclosure agreement has been executed. Documentation meeting these three requirements should be sent to auction@thq.com.

Initial bids must be submitted by April 1, 2013. Final bids are required by April 15. The company, in consultation with its unsecured creditors committee, will determine the best and highest bid for each lot and designate a back-up bid. In May, the sales will be presented to the Court for final approval.

THQ Inc. has received more than 100 expressions of interest in purchasing various titles; consequently, a vigorous sale is anticipated. The company has established a special clearinghouse at auction@thq.com for email questions about the forthcoming sales.

Last month, the Court approved the sales of three of THQ Inc.’s owned studios and games in development, as well as Evolve, a working title under development at Turtle Rock Studios, Homefront 2, Metro: Last Light and South Park: The Stick of Truth. Under the terms of the agreements with the successful and approved bidders, the THQ estate received approximately $72 million.

THQ and its domestic business units filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on Dec. 19, 2012.

For additional information about THQ, please visit www.thq.com. For information regarding the Chapter 11 case, please visit www.kccllc.net/thq.

THQ Inc. Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations regarding the bankruptcy case. These statements are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the adverse impact of the bankruptcy case on THQ’s business, financial condition and results of operations, including its ability to maintain customer and supplier relationships; the level of interest of prospective bidders in the bidding and sale process for the remaining IP assets; THQ’s ability to obtain bankruptcy court approval in connection with the bankruptcy case; the actions of THQ’s creditors and other third parties with interests in the bankruptcy case; competitive, economic, legal, political, and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products, or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2012 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and particularly the discussion of trends and risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

THQ Official List of Intellectual Property Available for Bidding
Lot 1 – OWNED SOFTWARE
Red Faction Red Faction Armageddon
Red Faction 2 Red Faction: Guerrilla
 
Lot 2 – OWNED SOFTWARE
Homeworld Homeworld 2
Lot 3 – OWNED SOFTWARE
MX Alive MX vs ATV Untamed
MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael MX vs. ATV Alive Tournament
MX Unleashed MX vs. ATV Unleashed
MX vs ATV Reflex MX vs. ATV: On The Edge
Lot 4 – OWNED SOFTWARE
Darksiders Darksiders 2
Lot 5 – OWNED SOFTWARE
All Star Cheer Squad Elements of Destruction
All Star Cheer Squad 2 Fantastic Pets
All Star Karate Frontlines: Fuel of War
Baja: Edge of Control Full Spectrum Warrior 1
Battle of the Bands Full Spectrum Warrior 2: Ten Hammers
Beat City Juiced
Big Beach Sports Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights
Big Beach Sports 2 Lock’s Quest: Construction Combat
Big Family Games Neighborhood Games
Crawler Pax Imperia
de Blob Stuntman: Ignition
de Blob 2 Summoner
Deadly Creatures Summoner 2
Deep Six Terranium
Destroy All Humans! The Outfit
Destroy All Humans! 2 Titan Quest
Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed Titan Quest: Immortal Throne
Destroy All Humans! Path of the Furon uDraw
Dood’s Big Adventure World of Zoo
Drawn to Life
Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter
Lot 6 – LICENSED SOFTWARE (buyer to pay any cure costs)
Costume Quest Scripps Spelling Bee (Scripps)
Daniel X (SueJack) Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of Osborne House
Deepak Chopra’s Leela (Curious Holdings) Stacking
Fancy Nancy: Tea Party Time! (Harper Collins) Supreme Commander
Jeopardy Supreme Commander Forged Alliance
Jeopardy 2 The Biggest Loser
Journey to the Center of the Earth Truth or Lies
Let’s Ride Best of Breed Vampire Legends: Power of Three (dtp)
Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat Wheel of Fortune
Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet Wheel of Fortune 2
Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet 2 World of Zoo
Nancy Drew: The Hidden Staircase Worms 2
Nexuiz Worms Battle Islands
Paws & Claws Marine Rescue Worms Open Warfare
Paws & Claws Pampered Pets Resort 3D Worms: A Space Oddity
PurrPals 2 Worms: Open Warfare 2 (Team 17)
Rio You Don’t Know Jack (Jellyvision)
Rocket Riot
Screwjumper (Frozen Codebase)

StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm Launch Events Announced

2013/02/26
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

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IRVINE, Calif.—Tune in or turn out and be absorbed into the hive mind at the global StarCraft® II: Heart of the Swarm™ launch party! Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today shared its plans for the official Heart of the Swarm launch events taking place in the US, France, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Russia, Brazil, and Mexico starting in the evening of March 11. At each of these events, Blizzard developers and key retail partners will host gamers from around the world who want to be among the first to join Kerrigan, the Queen of Blades, in her quest to reunite the zerg Swarm.

In addition to the nine official launch events, thousands of stores worldwide will be open at midnight to welcome players and help roll out the next chapter in the epic saga of StarCraft II. (Check with local retailers for hours and availability.)

To kick things off and follow the celebration as it spreads across the planet, Blizzard will be cohosting a special 21-hour launch broadcast with noted eSports personality and commentator Sean “Day[9]” Plott, in conjunction with Twitch.tv, at http://www.StarCraft2.com/SwarmLaunch. Starting at 3:00 a.m. PDT on March 11, the stream will give viewers around the world the opportunity to watch the Australia, South Korea, France, and US launch events live. Viewers will also be treated to additional exclusive content, including community-created videos and “King of the Beta” tournament matches between top pro gamers, hosted by Day[9], who’ll be transmitting from a bunker deep inside Blizzard’s Irvine HQ.

“The StarCraft community has been anticipating Heart of the Swarm for a long time,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “I believe you will find it was worth the wait. We’re looking forward to celebrating the release by hosting an awesome global launch party in two weeks and delivering our best StarCraft content to date.”

In the US, the official launch event will be hosted by Blizzard and retail partner GameStop at:

The Great Wheel Court of the Irvine Spectrum Mall
71 Fortune Drive
Irvine, CA  92618

Local festivities will start at 9:00 p.m. PDT on March 11, and will feature special guest hosts from the StarCraft II and eSports community, including commentators Day[9] and Mike “Husky” Lamond. Live eSports show matches will be played by top pro gamers from the US and South Korea, and demonstrations will introduce the crowd to some of the powerful new features included in StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. A series of epic prize giveaways will round out the celebration, and when the clock strikes midnight, gamers will be able to pick up their copies of the expansion as well as have them autographed by members of the StarCraft II development team.

Attendees at the official StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm launch events will have the opportunity to purchase† the standard edition of the game (suggested retail price $39.99) as well as the retail-exclusive Collector’s Edition (suggested retail price $79.99), which contains the following bonus items in addition to the game disc:

  • Behind-the-Scenes DVD and Blu-ray: Immerse yourself in the StarCraft universe with developer commentary, interviews with voice actors, and an in-depth historical retrospective on StarCraft’s eSports legacy narrated by key members of the community.
  • Collector’s Edition Soundtrack CD: Enhance your Heart of the Swarm musical experience with this collection of 11 tracks from the game.
  • Heart of the Swarm Hardcover Art Book: This 144-page tome features never-before-seen art from the expansion, including early concept sketches and meticulous 3D renderings.
  •  Zerg Rush Mousepad: This Collector’s Edition mousepad depicts the Terran Dominion holding out desperately under the onslaught of the Swarm.
  • StarCraft II Torrasque: Crush the enemies of the Swarm with the indomitable Torrasque, a fearsome new look for your zerg Ultralisks.
  • StarCraft II Portraits and Decals: New Swarm-infested portraits and decals help you customize the look of your online profile and in-game army.
  • World of Warcraft® In-Game Pet: The Baneling companion pet is bursting with enthusiasm and ready to explode onto the Pet Battles scene.
  • Diablo® III Blade Wings and Banner Sigil: Grow zerg-like wings in honor of the Queen of Blades, and unfurl an exclusive banner sigil to mark your allegiance to the Swarm in Sanctuary.

Heart of the Swarm picks up the story of StarCraft II where Wings of Liberty® left off, focusing on Kerrigan’s quest to reunite the Swarm and exact revenge on Arcturus Mengsk. Over the course of 20 campaign missions, players will follow Kerrigan as she sweeps across the galaxy, incorporating a variety of distinctive zerg species into her brood. Kerrigan will grow in strength from mission to mission, and players will be able to customize her with powerful new abilities, as well as evolve various zerg strains into fearsome new subspecies to suit their play style.

New weapons of war also debut in Heart of the Swarm‘s multiplayer, including new units such as Terran Hellbats, Zerg Swarm Hosts, and Protoss Tempests, while certain existing units from Wings of Liberty will be updated with new capabilities. New features will enhance the game experience, including group and clan systems; unranked matchmaking; Global Play, enabling players to battle others in different regions around the world; additional stat tracking; user interface improvements; an enhanced physics system, for more visceral looking battles; multiplayer replays, to watch replays with friends; a leveling system that gives Heart of the Swarm players a new way to earn customization options for their online profiles; and much more.

Learn more about StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm at http://www.StarCraft2.com, and for further details on the global launch events and the 21-hour broadcast, visit http://www.StarCraft2.com/SwarmLaunch. With multiple games in development, Blizzard Entertainment has numerous positions currently open—visit http://jobs.blizzard.com for more information and to learn how to apply.

† Limited to supplies on hand.

Peavey Announces DC Comics Super Heroes Instrument and Accessory Line

2013/02/26
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News

Peavey DC Comics Superman Rockmaster

February 26, 2013, Meridian, MS — Peavey Electronics®, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of musical instruments and professional sound equipment, proudly announces its all-new line of officially licensed musical instruments celebrating the iconic DC Comics Super Heroes.

Available exclusively from Peavey – under license with Warner Bros. Consumer Products on behalf of DC Entertainment – these new musical instruments will capture DC Comics Super Heroes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern and many more, in highly detailed artwork on guitars, percussion instruments and accessories. The instruments will be specially designed for DC Comics enthusiasts, serious collectors, and musicians of every skill level from beginner to pro.

“We are thrilled about this unique partnership with Peavey Electronics that unites the worlds of music and the DC Comics Super Heroes. Fans of all ages and skill levels will now be able to show off their musical super powers with this unique line of instruments and accessories,” said Karen McTier, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

“We are excited about bringing together these two iconic brands and creating something special,” said Hartley Peavey, founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics. “Musicians, music fans and comic aficionados alike will be delighted and inspired by these new musical instruments featuring their favorite DC Comics Super Heroes.”

The new product line will debut in summer 2013 with a half-size Peavey acoustic guitar featuring the DC Comics Super Heroes, followed by a three-quarter size Peavey electric guitar and the full-size Peavey Rockmaster® electric guitar. Peavey will also release guitar picks and straps featuring DC Comics Super Heroes and villains such as Aquaman and The Joker, as well as Watchmen and other fan favorites.

Founded in 1965, Peavey Electronics has been a leading manufacturer and supplier of musical instruments since the company revolutionized guitar making by introducing computer-aided manufacturing techniques in the 1970s to vastly improve quality and consistency. Today, the methods Peavey pioneered are the industry standard worldwide.

Peavey and the DC Comics-inspired musical instruments and accessories will be available in summer 2013 at specialty and major national retailers.

Find out more at www.peavey.com

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