Archive - 2014

Microsoft Purchases Gears of War IP from EPIC Games

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Microsoft has purchased the Gears of War IP from EPIC Games for an undisclosed amount. Microsoft’s newly-formed “Black Tusk Studios” will oversee development on future Gears titles. In order to make sure the transition goes smoothly into the Microsoft-developed Gears title, Rod Fergusson, former Director of Production at Epic Games is going to be leading the project.

Here is a brief Q&A with Phil Spencer, Head of Microsoft Studios, and the General Manager of Black Tusk Studios, Hanno Lemke, and Rod Fergusson.

Why did Microsoft purchase the “Gears of War” franchise?
Phil Spencer: It all comes back to our commitment to Xbox fans. The “Gears of War” franchise has a very strong, passionate and valued fan base on Xbox. Over twenty-two million units have been sold across all “Gears of War” titles worldwide, grossing over $1B dollars (US). This franchise, and these fans, are part of the soul of Xbox. By acquiring this franchise, Microsoft Studios will continue to offer them more of their favorite games and entertainment experiences from the “Gears of War” universe.

Why did Epic Games agree to this acquisition?
Hanno Lemke: Epic has been a tremendous partner to work with, and it has been a privilege for Microsoft to be Epic’s publishing partner and work together to achieve the phenomenal success of the “Gears of War” games.  Epic remains great partners and good friends of Microsoft Studios.  In fact we will collaborate closely with Epic to ensure the inclusion of the Unreal Engine technology into the “Gears of War” franchise going forward remains consistent with the high quality fans have come to expect from the franchise.

Why was an as-yet-unproven studio like Black Tusk chosen to lead the “Gears of War” development over a more established studio?
Phil Spencer: Black Tusk has assembled a world-class team with deep experience and passion for the shooter space, and specifically the “Gears of War” franchise.  I am extremely confident that under the leadership of Hanno Lemke, Rod Fergusson and our other leaders in the studio, Black Tusk is well equipped to take on the future development of the “Gears of War” franchise.

Are there plans to bring anyone who worked on previous “Gears of War” games onboard to work on the future of the series?
Hanno Lemke: The news that Rod Fergusson is joining Black Tusk should be really exciting for fans of the franchise.  Rod has played a leadership role at Epic on all of the “Gears of Wars” games, he understands the franchise deeply but equally importantly he understands the fans of the franchise – what they love, where they want to see the franchise evolve.  Once the news spreads about the opportunities at Black Tusk, I’m confident we’ll see interest from a number of talented developers who share the same passion for the “Gears” franchise as the developers at Black Tusk.

When can we expect to hear more about the plans for the “Gears of War” franchise?
Hanno Lemke: We hope to be able to share more news about “Gears of War” later this year.

You’re moving back to Canada and back to working on the “Gears” franchise. Is it like a homecoming for you?
Rod Fergusson: I’m extremely excited to be joining Black Tusk Studios to oversee development on the “Gears of War” franchise. I’ve been privileged to work on a lot of great games with a lot of great teams, but “Gears” has had the most impact on me professionally and personally, so this really feels like a homecoming. I can’t wait to share more with you all soon.

Finally, Epic games shared the following statement on the acquisition:
“Epic Games has reached an agreement to sell the ‘Gears of War’ intellectual property rights to Microsoft.  We’re very proud of the franchise we built in close partnership with Microsoft over the past decade and are happy that this agreement enables Microsoft to forge ahead with the ‘Gears’ universe on their industry-leading platforms as Epic concentrates its efforts on new projects,” said Epic founder and CEO Tim Sweeney. “Epic remains totally dedicated to supporting Xbox One and is licensing the Unreal Engine 4 technology to Microsoft in support of their future projects.”

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Release Date and CE Details

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LOS ANGELES (Jan. 26, 2014) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced that the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system version of FINAL FANTASY® XIV: A Realm Reborn™ will be released on April 14, 2014 with official service beginning on the same day.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn on PlayStation®4 system will be available in either a Standard Edition or Collector’s Edition with pre-orders for both starting January 27. Pre-orders for either edition will include two in-game items (Mog Cap & Cait Sith Doll minion) and the ability to participate in Early Access starting on April 11. The limited Collector’s Edition comes packaged with an art book, music CD, art cards, a themed security token, and several special in-game bonus items.

Existing players who have registered a copy of the FINAL FANTASY XIV Collector’s Edition or FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Collector’s Edition, or who utilized the digital Collector’s Edition upgrade service, will automatically receive the two new in-game items (Fat Chocobo Mount & Wind-up Moogle minion) that are making their debut in the new PlayStation®4 system Collector’s Edition for free.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn PlayStation®4 system Collector’s Edition Includes:

  • Special box featuring artwork by Yoshitaka Amano
  • Art Book – The Art of Eorzea: A Realm Reimagined
  • Special Soundtrack -The Sounds of Eorzea-
  • Seventh Umbral Era Special Movie Content Disc – The Waning of the Sixth Sun
  • Art Card Set
  • Themed Security Token
  • In-Game Items – Coeurl Mount, Behemoth Barding, Baby Behemoth minion, Helm of Light, Fat Chocobo Mount and Wind-up Moogle minion

PlayStation®4 system owners will be able to join the FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Beta Test at no charge starting on February 22. Players who own the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system version of FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn will be able to transfer their accounts to the PlayStation®4 system version for free starting April 11. Once transferred, PlayStation®4 system players will no longer be able to access the PlayStation®3 system version. To play both versions, a player must purchase the PlayStation®4 system version separately. Additional account transfer details will be announced at a later date.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Standard Edition for the PlayStation®4 system will be available for $39.99. FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Collector’s Edition for the PlayStation®4 system will be available exclusively on the Square Enix Online Store for $79.99.  A digital version of the FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Collector’s Edition will be available for $59.99 through the PlayStation Network. PlayStation®3 system and PlayStation®4 system Standard Edition owners can also choose to upgrade to a digital Collector’s Edition to receive the in-game items through the FINAL FANTASY XIV Account Management System, Mog Station. A free 30-day trial is included for new accounts, with monthly subscriptions starting at $12.99.

FINAL FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

Related Links
The Lodestone: http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/
Official Website: http://www.finalfantasyxiv.com
Official Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV
Official Twitter:  @FF_XIV_EN
Official YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/FINALFANTASYXIV

Kingdom Come: Deliverance Hits Kickstarter Goal in 48 Hours

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Prague, Czech Republic – January 24, 2014 – Warhorse Studios has successful reached its Kickstarter goal for Kingdom Come: Deliverance in less than two days.

“While we were always confident in our vision for Kingdom Come: Deliverance, we never in our wildest dreams expected a response like this,  said, Game Director and Lead Designer Dan Vávra. “We’re humbled by the outpouring of support, and admittedly a bit shellshocked.  We can’t thank our supporters enough. We are prepared to give everything we have to make an unforgettable game.”

Warhorse and its lead investor can now confirm that Kingdom Come: Deliverance will be funded through completion. The game is an open world AAA action-adventure RPG set for initial release in 2015.

Get the latest news on the game from its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kingdomcomerpg) and official site (www.kingdomcomerpg.com). Follow Warhorse on Facebook (www.facebook.com/WarhorseStudios) or Twitter (@WarhorseStudios) to get studio news.

The Banner Saga Announces Fan Art Contest

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AUSTIN, TX – January, 24rd 2014 – Hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed indie release The Banner Saga, indie game development company Stoic, and publisher Versus Evil, today announced an art contest for fans based on their experience in the game, using runic inspired designs.

“The Banner Saga has been applauded by reviewers and fans alike for the art style, something we are incredibly proud of. We’ve seen such great fan art for the game that it made sense to ask our fans to assist us in designing a real life banner. We are looking for designs based on the traditional Viking runic art style as seen on the Godstones in the game,” said Stoic’s Art Director Arnie Jorgensen. “One way of recording history in early Viking times was for each family to contribute (sew) their own ‘saga’ onto their clan’s banner. Similarly, we plan to include some of the best designs submitted in this contest to create a twelve foot banner depicting our fan’s experiences with the game, creating a community ‘saga’.”

The ‘Creating the Banner’ contest is now officially open for entrants to submit their original ‘Viking-style’ inspired designs at http://www.creatingthebanner.com . Winners will not only get their design included on the final life-sized banner, but they will also be sent a mini replica of the final banner for display. Full submission guidelines, rules and regulations can be found on the contest website. Submissions must be in by 11:59pm PT on Thursday March 13th, 2014.

The Banner Saga is available now for $24.99 through Steam, UPlay, GameFly, GameStop and Gamers Gate for PC and Mac. A digital Deluxe Edition is also available through select retailers for $29.99 and includes the game and complete official soundtrack composed by Austin Wintory.

Camp Snoopy Construction Update: Week Two

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Knott’s Berry Farm is in the process of completely overhauling its famed Camp Snoopy attraction area, which is being done in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Here is their “Week Two Update” along with some preview photos. Enjoy!

Camp Snoopy’s 30th Anniversary: Week Two Update

The first step on your journey through Camp Snoopy’s High Sierras will now be more realistic than ever. Knott’s Berry Farm’s Project Development team has broken ground in Camp Snoopy and enhanced the pathways that surround the freshly painted Sierra Sidewinder. By the end of construction, this dirt-like pavement will wind through all of Camp Snoopy’s midways. The pavement, along with new rustic lighting and fence structures, further bring to life the outdoor camp atmosphere.

Let’s take a hike over to the North end of Camp Snoopy where we find the re-themed Timberline Twister! The ride puts you in the driver seat of Charlie Brown’s entry into this year’s Camp Snoopy Pinewood Derby. Twist your way through the trees and the surrounding wilderness as you race to the finish line to help Charlie Brown win his first merit badge. As part of construction, the attraction will also feature a new loading station shade structure. The Timberline Twister is a not-so-scary kids’ roller coaster located next to Camp Bus.

New Images

Knotts Teams With Susan G. Komen OC for Special Mercandise

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Buena Park, CA (Jan 2014) – Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County are working together to raise money for breast cancer awareness, services and research by offering a special “Pink Ticket” and limited edition specially designed “pink” merchandise from February 1 through March 31st.

“It is wonderful to see Snoopy hugging Woodstock on top of the logo for Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure benefiting Susan G. Komen Orange County,” said Lisa Wolter, Executive Director of the Komen Orange County Affiliate. “This partnership will raise much needed funds for mammograms and breast health outreach, and it shows the warmth and caring embrace we can all extend to women and families going through their struggle with breast cancer.”

In Orange County, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to Komen’s funding of research, new treatments and awareness of the importance of annual mammograms to detect breast cancer in its earliest and most curable stages, the survival rate for breast cancer has risen dramatically over the 33 years of the organization. The Orange County Komen Affiliate provides mammograms for uninsured women and works with other organizations to bring breast health information to people throughout the county.

The promotion will provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy Knott’s world class entertainment, attractions and specially-themed “pink” décor, while supporting an important cause that touches many women. Starting February 1, through March 31, guests can purchase “Pink Tickets” for theme park admission only online at www.knotts.com. A portion of the “Pink Tickets” proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen Orange County.

Knott’s Berry Farm has kicked off the promotion by donating $25,000 to Susan G. Komen Orange County. The money that the theme park has already donated will provide 400 women in Orange County with life-saving breast health services.

Guests entering the theme park during the time of the promotion will be greeted by a pink Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure display adorned with Snoopy and his pal Woodstock. Guests can purchase a commemorative limited edition magnet to place on the special display in honor of, or in memory of, someone affected by breast cancer. The magnet will be sold at select merchandise locations inside Knott’s Berry Farm and all proceeds will benefit Komen Orange County.

“I am ready to buy ‘pink’ Knott’s Berry Farm merchandise for my granddaughters because I want there to be a cure before they grow up,” said Wolter.

For more information on the fight against breast cancer, please contact the Susan G. Komen Orange County office at (714) 957-9157.

For Knott’s theme park information including hours of operation please visit www.knotts.com or call (714) 220-5200. Follow and join the conversation by using #KnottsPink.

The Cordito and Cord Tacos Review

Sometimes it’s funny how a simple solution to an everyday pain in the ass can present itself in such an elegant fashion. What’s great is how Kickstarter can now make even the smallest of those solutions a reality. One huge pain I often encounter is how my ear buds and other charging cables get tangled up in the bottom of my travel bag. In some cases those headphones are more expensive than the device you are playing through them, so it makes me nervous to keep them on me because of it. Or maybe you show up at a meeting and need to use a USB cord to plug into an overhead projector and you pull out a wad of cord you have to untangle before using them. These aren’t far-fetched scenarios and, for some folks, they are daily occurrences. Enter the Cordito and Cord Tacos.

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Description:
The Cordito: The Cordito (cord wrap) holds 3 cables & 2 plugs. A gorgeously simple way to wrap your USB cords, earbuds, plugs and go. Made from premium leather and precisely measured to neatly hold your cords. Perfect for traveling. 5.5″ L x 2″ W (wrapped), 12.25″ L x 5.5″ W (unwrapped). Premium leather with metal button enclosures. We’ve update the cordito to include a pocket with a snap for your plugs. Designed to fit the international plugs too!

The Cord Taco: The cord taco will help you clean up all of those wires in your bag, pocket, car or wherever they are. The premium leather greatly changes the look from messy to cool and organized. The taco is made from 100% leather and seals shut with a snap (black or gold depending on color of leather). Works great for earbuds, USBs and other small wires. Each order includes 5 Cord Tacos in the color/s of your choice between tan, black or mixed.

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Hands On:
Right off the bat, I have to say the names are corny – albeit accurate. I actually get a craving for mini tacos every time I look at one of the cord tacos. The Cordito is a play on the fact that it is a cord wrap but once you make the connection you won’t forget the name or description.

Once you get past the name though these have a sophisticated, executive look to them and they serve their purpose well. I have had rubber, wind up cord minders that wind up looking like a yo-yo and I have had built in retracting headsets that eventually stop retracting. I also have ear bud holders that go around your neck like sunglasses straps – they look pretty nice actually if I want to keep the ear buds out but they don’t help if I want to put them quickly in a bag! With these “tacos” I can quickly wind them up around my fingers and snap them in, they won’t tangle and the next time I take them out they will be in a conversation piece or at the very least look neater than a big wad of cable.

The Cordito involves a little more time but results in a far better managed set of cables and an even stronger impression of neatness and organization. For example, I have an older iPad that is recommended to use a particular wall adapter with. I can make sure that that adapter is in the pouch so that I don’t have to go digging through my bag or other chargers to find it. We can put two other adapters in the pouch, put the three longest charging cables in the holders and when we get to the room all we have to do is unroll the Cordito and they are ready to go. If we are going to be on a plane we can pack it with our favorite headsets, a headset splitter and a small external battery in case it is a long flight and our electronics need charging. Most of all, who wouldn’t be at least a little impressed if you walked into a meeting with your laptop or iPad, unrolled the leather case, pulled out the USB cord smoothly to plug into the projector and started your presentation? In the case of the Cordito in particular you are buying a sense of style as much as an organizer.

The only thing I would have liked to seen done differently is the having the company’s name embossed in smaller letters on the backs of the cord tacos.

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Last Call:
These products started as a $15k Kickstarter that got double it’s funding and has done well enough that it had a prominent place in CES’s North Hall. It is one of those products that afterwards you wonder why someone didn’t think of it before but luckily it’s out there now. The Cordito and Cord Tacos are perfect for executives, businessmen, techies, or anyone who hates getting their cables in a wad.

[easyreview title=”Cordito And Cord Tacos Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

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