Archive - 2015

F1 2015 Launch Date and Screenshots

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SAN JOSE, Calif., (March 26, 2015)Codemasters® today announced that F1 2015, the official video game of the 2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, will release in June 2015 and will be distributed by BANDAI NAMCO Games America Inc. in the Americas. Arriving much earlier in the FORMULA ONE™ season than before, this will mark the award-winning series’ debut on PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. The title will also be available for Windows PC through STEAM.

F1 2015 is set to take gamers closer to the real-world experience of racing in the world’s most glamorous, exciting and prestigious motorsport thanks to a brand new version of Codemasters’ proprietary EGO game engine. In addition to spectacular visual fidelity, F1 2015 offers a significant step forward in the physics-based handling model of the game, which is designed to be inclusive for both seasoned players and those new to the series. The handling model offers enhancements and additions in over 20 areas, including engine and transmission, aerodynamics, fuel tank, force feedback, suspension and most notably a brand new tire physics model, to recreate the breathtaking handling characteristics of the world’s fastest and most responsive racing cars.

F1 2015 will deliver a truly immersive experience thanks to an all-new ‘broadcast presentation’ style that recreates the unique race day atmosphere of a GRAND PRIX™, complete with podium and grid sequences. Using voice recognition technology available for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles, players can become immersed in the cockpit, engaging with their race engineer through in-game voice commands with Kinect for Xbox One and the PlayStation®Camera or compatible headsets and microphones for PlayStation 4. Players will compete as their favorite FORMULA ONE star in the all-new Championship Season and push themselves to the limit in the challenging Pro Season mode.

Look forward to one of the most hotly anticipated seasons of recent times, including the return of the Mexico Grand Prix for the first time in over 20 years, in the 2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, as well as a fully playable 2014 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™ season, available to players as bonus game content.

“F1 2015 marks an exciting new chapter for Codemasters and FORMULA ONE; it’s a shift in direction for the game series, on new formats and our brand new game engine, with the game set to be released earlier in the season, launching this June,” commented Paul Jeal, Game Director, Codemasters.

“The handling is a vast improvement from our previous games. In particular our new tire model is a superb step forward towards realism, letting you explore where the limit is and allowing you to instantly feel much more connected with the car. You can now experience the changes in grip caused by temperature changes, wear, car set-up, debris and weather conditions. Our improved vehicle dynamics much more accurately convey the difference in performance and the feel between mechanical and aerodynamic grip. The new Force Feedback system adds to the feeling of connection with the car and track surface. The more natural and realistic nature of the game physics also serves to ensure that the racing experience is more accessible, enjoyable and rewarding for players of all skill levels.”

“With the second race of the 2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP this weekend in Malaysia, the team is busy modelling the new 2015 cars and drivers in readiness for the game’s summer launch. You can see a tease of our first signed off 2015 content in our debut screenshots, as well as an early glimpse of the Mexican circuit. In addition to the 2015 season, we are also delighted to be able to offer the 2014 season as a bonus selectable season*. Even this far out from our games release they truly show the power of our new game engine. ”

Follow Codemasters F1 games blog and social channels on Twitter and Facebook for future updates. F1 2015 will be published by Codemasters and distributed by BANDAI NAMCO Games in Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.

Announcement Screenshots

Final Fantasy: Record Keeper Launch Trailer

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SAN FRANCISCO – March 26, 2015 DeNA and Square Enix (OTC: SQNXF) today announced the highly-anticipated release of FINAL FANTASY®: Record Keeper™ inNorth America. The first mobile game where players are able to experience the completeFINAL FANTASY universe, FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper lets fans relive favorite moments across all past FINAL FANTASY installments and build a team of classic characters. FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper is available on the AppStore for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch and Google Play for Android devices beginning today.

FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper delivers the entire FINAL FANTASY universe directly into the hands of players and fans of the storied franchise. Players can recruit favorite FINAL FANTASY heroes, including Tidus, Lightning, and Cloud, to form the most dynamic team of all time. Characters can each be completely customized and equipped to the fullest with iconic gear, powerful spells, summons, and hundreds of weapons to choose from.

Gameplay in FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper is as strategic and challenging as ever with the classic FINAL FANTASY Active Time Battle (ATB) system in place. Players battle their way through the most epic FINAL FANTASY moments, woven together for the first time on mobile with an all-new tale. Featuring skill-based interactive gameplay, players plan attacks, carefully choose tactics, and engage enemies in active time battles.

“The wait is finally over for fans who have been anxiously awaiting the release of FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper in North America,” said Shintaro Asako, CEO of DeNA West. “The game truly delivers the entire FINAL FANTASY universe that players know and love in one immersive experience that won’t disappoint.”

“DeNA and SQUARE ENIX are proud to present the highly anticipated FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper to players in the US,” said Ichiro Hazama, Producer atSQUARE ENIX. “The mobile RPG that took Japan by storm is set to bring that same excitement to US shores.”

FINAL FANTASY: Record Keeper is available as a free download on the AppStore for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch and Google Play for Android devices beginning today. For more information on the game, visit: http://www.finalfantasyrecordkeeper.com.

A gameplay trailer is available to watch and embed on your site via the following YouTube link:

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D23 Special Member Events Announced for Orlando Area

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BURBANK, Calif. – MARCH 26, 2015 Today, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club announced additional special member events in the Orlando area, adding even more exclusive experiences for fans in Central Florida. On the heels of a D23 Member-exclusive screening of Walt Disney Studios’ live-action Cinderella, the fan club is slated to bring more magic to the Walt Disney World Resort area throughout the rest of the year, including—for the first time—intimate events celebrating classic Disney films similar to what members enjoy at The Walt Disney Studios lot with guest speakers, screenings, and other surprises.

WAKING UP WITH SLEEPING BEAUTY: On the morning of Saturday, April 18, D23 Gold and Silver Members will be able to enjoy this animated classic on the big screen. Special guest, animator and Walt Disney World Creative Designer Lon Smart, will explore the film’s numerous landmark achievements including its unique artistic style and groundbreaking visual effects. Plus, all members will receive a special journal designed to look like the ornate storybook at the beginning of the film.

MICKEY’S OF GLENDALE ORLANDO SHOPPING EVENTS: The Walt Disney Imagineering store is opening up a pop-up shop for D23 Gold and Silver Members. OnSaturday, June 6, guests will be able to peruse and purchase signature items from the store’s unique collection. And on Saturday, November 14, members will be able to pick up some key holiday gift items for the Disney fans in their lives—and for themselves.

LET’S GET TOGETHER WITH THE PARENT TRAP: Celebrate this beloved film—starring Hayley Mills in dual roles—with D23 as we present the 1961 hit on the big screen Saturday, June 6. D23’s Steven Vagnini will present a look at the making of the movie with rarely seen photographs and imagery. All attendees will receive a special gift. Plus, guests who attend the screening will receive priority admission on that day to D23’s shopping event with Mickey’s of Glendale.

SIP AND STROLL: D23 brings a new twist to a fan favorite, as members gather in celebration of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival on Saturday, October 3. Attendees will enjoy a continental breakfast, guest speakers, and an insider look at this annual event, now in its 20th year, before sipping and strolling around World Showcase—with some delectable surprises.

Calendar (all events and dates are subject to change):

  • April 18: Waking Up with Sleeping Beauty—AMC Downtown Disney 24, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
  • June 6: Let’s Get Together With The Parent Trap—AMC Downtown Disney 24, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
  • June 6: Mickey’s of Glendale Orlando Shopping Event—Location TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
  • October 3: Sip and Stroll—Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Fla.
  • November 14: Mickey’s of Glendale Orlando Shopping Event—Location TBA, Walt Disney World Resort

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99) and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Skyforge Launch Classes Revealed

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March 26, 2015 — Today, Obsidian Entertainment and Allods Team have unveiled all 13 unique classes of immortals that players will be able to battle and explore with at the launch of the upcoming sci-fi fantasy MMORPG, Skyforge. Each class, from the mighty Knight to the half-mad Alchemist, have their own unique style, appearance, abilities and talents, allowing players to experiment with many playstyles and find what matches them best. Players can switch classes anytime outside of combat so will have ample opportunity to try all 13 classes.

For a short overview and image for each class, please visit the official Skyforge website: http://sf.my.com/us/news/announcements/skyforge-launch-classes-unveiled

Great Horror Campout Announces The Exorcist Movie Night

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Los Angeles, CA – March 26​, 2015 – The creators of The Great Horror Campout announced today a second outdoor movie night for their fans with a screening of The Exorcist on April 17th in Griffith Park.

The Great Horror Campout, which debuted in 2013 as a 12-hour overnight immersive horror camping adventure, is bringing interactive filmmaking to its fans for a second time in 2015.  The first Friday the 13th screening was widely received at their first Griffith Park movie night, selling out in 6 days.  None other thanThe Great Horror Campout’s, Camp Headmaster, will host the upcoming event.

“Horror isn’t a seasonal experience,” said Melissa Carbone, CEO of Ten Thirty One Productions.  “We want to pull people’s brains out of that seasonal cage because there is nothing more exhilarating than the adrenaline rush that comes from this genre.  Let’s feel that all year round and let’s take the action off the screens and bring it into people’s personal space a little more than an average movie. Nobody can do that better than the Great Horror Campout, Camp Headmaster.”

Moviegoers can expect pre movie festivities, prizes, character interaction and much more. Guests are encouraged to pack picnic baskets and blankets and to come early to get into the spirit of being scared.   Additionally, Hellmasters (the elite campers who have won the coveted title at a past Great Horror Campout) will receive a special “Buy One Get One” discount and also receive reserved seating when they arrive on site wearing their Hellmaster Sash.  Ticket’s are on sale for $15 per person.

Ten Thirty One’s Production of The Great Horror Campout is due to return to Los Angeles on June 5-6, 2015.   The company is offering a $10 ticket discount to the upcoming production if you purchase your GHC ticket on or before April 17th, using the PROMO CODE: Exorcist.  Get tickets now at http://www.greathorrorcampout.com/.

Please note: We are expecting to sell out very quickly, so advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended. Seating is general admission and first come, first serve.  Blankets or low ground chairs are suggested as courtesy to other guests. Masks, face paint and prop weapons are prohibited for all guests safety. Film and pre-show content may not be suitable for all ages. Please read more about movie ratings at www.mpaa.org/film-rating.

Bohemia Interactive Announces Make Arma Not War Contest Winners

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March 26, 2015 — Bohemia Interactive, creators of the Arma series and the standalone version of DayZ, today announce the winners in the €500,000 Make Arma Not War content creation contest for Arma 3.

In the Make Arma Not War contest, Arma 3 content creators were invited to compete in four different categories: Total Modification, Singleplayer Game Mode, Multiplayer Game Mode, and Addon.

The winners, per category, are:

Singleplayer Game Mode
1st place (€50,000) – RESIST by Kydoimos
2nd place (€30,000) – Pilgrimage by Rydygier
3rd place (€20,000) – Deliverance by Sarge Studio
Multiplayer Game Mode
1st place (€50,000) – King Of The Hill by Sa-Matra
2nd place (€30,000) – Battle Royale: Ghost Hotel by PLAYERUNKNOWN
3rd place (shared) (€10,000) – Get Wrecked* by Sli
3rd place (shared) (€10,000) – Twilight Onslaught* by Dorian23Grey*These entries received an equal amount of points from the Make Arma Not War jury.
Addon
1st place (€50,000) – Task Force Arrowhead Radio by Nkey
2nd place (€30,000) – Bornholm by Egil Sandfeld
3rd place (€20,000) – F/A-18X Black Wasp by Saul
Total Modification
Winner (€200,000) – RHS: Escalation by Red Hammer Studios

As part of a unique collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Bohemia Interactive also instituted the Health Care in Danger Special Award. Given to the entry which covers the topic of health care in danger the best, the winner of this award will go on a one-week trip to an ICRC mission in a foreign country, organized by the ICRC.

The winner is:

Health Care In Danger Special Award
Winner (one-week trip to an ICRC mission) – Pilot Civilian Air Rescue On Missions by RobJ2210

In celebration of the winners, Bohemia Interactive will be hosting a special livestream tomorrow, Friday March 27th, at 16:00 UTC. Live from the Bohemia Interactive offices in Prague, Associate Producer Matt Lightfoot and other members of the Make Arma Not War team will be playing some of the winning entries. The session will be broadcasted from the official Arma 3 channel on Twitch.tv.

Bohemia Interactive’s CEO, Marek Spanel, said:
“On behalf of everyone here at Bohemia, I’d like to congratulate the winners, and thank all of the contestants, supporters, and judges for their enthusiasm and hard work. As developer of the Arma series, it’s very inspiring to see content creators bring such varied, creative, high-quality additions to the Arma 3 platform, as well as the passionate embrace of their efforts by the Arma community. The Make Arma Not War contest is an important first step in the promoting and rewarding of content creators, and we look forward to building upon this commitment in the upcoming year.”

In order to better facilitate player-created content, Arma 3 features Steam Workshop integration, which enables people to easily share and install custom scenarios and addons. Bohemia Interactive plans to expand Arma 3’s Steam Workshop implementation to support full mods, total conversions and much larger file sizes in the near future. In addition, the studio is pursuing other opportunities that might help player-created content flourish, such as a potential Steam Workshop marketplace where Arma 3 content creators could sell their work. More specific details will be shared in a future devblog.

More information about the Make Arma Not War contest and the winning entries can be found on www.makearma.com/winners.

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Universal CityWalk Announces Furious 7 Special Events

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Universal City, California – March 25, 2015 Universal CityWalk revs up for a turbo-charged takeover with Universal Pictures’ Furious 7, featuring a flurry of activity in support of the film’s April 3 release, including aFast & Furious movie marathon at the AMC Theatres, an exclusive first-look at Furious 7’s 1967 Camaro and an original costume display, including attire worn by Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson in the new action thriller.

As the choice L.A. destination to see the latest installment in the Fast & Furious film series, Universal CityWalk’s AMC Theatres will jump-start the excitement with advance screenings of Furious 7starting at select times every seven minutes after the hour beginning on Thursday, April 2.  The AMC Theatres will also bridge the gap to this latest film with an exciting two-day movie marathon at CityWalk, featuring all previous six Fast & Furious films on Tuesday, March 31 and Thursday, April 2.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the advance screening of Furious 7 and the Fast & Furious movie marathon at the AMC Universal CityWalk Theatres and IMAX, visit www.CityWalkHollywood.com.

The exciting Furious 7 takeover also provides guests with an exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with genuine artifacts from the new movie, including the 1967 Camaro that character Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) drives. Located on CityWalk, outside the AMC Theatre, the grey muscle car—with its 500 horsepower and 4×4 tires—offers fans a picture perfect photo opp through Sunday, April 5.

Authentic wardrobe worn by Dominic “Dom” Toretto (Vin Diesel) and Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) will also be on display exclusively at the AMC Theatres from Friday, March 20 through Friday, April 10.

The non-stop action and charged atmosphere shift into high gear as CityWalk’s state of the art outdoor concert venue, “5 Towers,” celebrates the Furious 7 takeover with a D.J. party spinning songs from the film series’ entire music library, including new sounds from the latest movie soundtrack as part of the opening weekend festivities from Thursday, April 2 through Saturday, April 4.

Universal Studios Hollywood will join in on the takeover as the theme park prepares to introduce its all-original thrill ride “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” on Thursday, June 25.

“Fast & Furious—Supercharged” is a technologically advanced, epic ride that reunites stars from the Fast & Furious series in a groundbreaking mega-attraction, conceived as a new installment to the dynamic Fast & Furious films that can only be experienced at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.  Featuring characters made famous by Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson and Luke Evans, “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” will catapult guests into the high-stakes underground world of fast cars in a harrowing escapade—at perceived speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour—to save one of their own from an international crime cartel.

Located within Universal Plaza, a convergence of original Fast & Furious prop cars will be on display for guests and fans of the film series, including Dom’s 1970 Dodger Charger R/T.  The black, V8-powered car first appeared in The Fast and the Furious and has been a mainstay in every action-packed film since. The grey 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner that Dom first drove in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift will also be on display, along with the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda that belonged to Letty in Fast & Furious 6.  The car display will be available throughout the summer.

For a behind-the-scenes look at “Fast & Furious—Supercharged,” please click here. The 90-second footage offers insightful perspective on the making of this adrenaline-charged attraction along with interviews with Fast & Furious franchise cast members and stars of the ride, including Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez and Tyrese Gibson.

More information about Universal CityWalk is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com. Regular updates also can be found on CityWalk’s Twitter @CityWalkLA, Facebook page Universal CityWalk Hollywood and Instagram @CityWalkLA. Join the conversation online using #FastFuriousRide, and for the latest news, ‘Like’ Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter at @UniStudios.

QuakeCon 2015 Fourth Round of Online Pre-Registration Opens Today

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March 25, 2015 — We’re pleased to announce that QuakeCon 2015 online pre-registration for the BYOC Select-a-Seat’ package will open for attendees today, March 25th at 7pm CT/8pm ET at: registration.quakecon.org. The ‘BYOC Select-a-Seat’ package includes:

BYOC Select-a-Seat

Includes Guaranteed Reserved Seating

$55 (Limit of 1,600 packages available)

  • Select and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area
  • Official QuakeCon 2015 BYOC T-Shirt
  • Official QuakeCon 2015 Lanyard

Additionally, pre-registration for the Swag Pack’ as well general admission attendee online pre-registration are set to become available next week on the QuakeCon pre-registration site. The full description for the limited‘Swag Pack’ package, and the dates it will be available for purchase are below.

DESCRIPTION & AVAILABILITY

Wednesday, April 1st at 7pm CT/8pm ET

Swag Pack

Full of Limited Edition Items

$125 (Limit of 500 packages available)

  • Official QuakeCon 2015 T-Shirt
  • TWO Special Limited Edition T-Shirts
  • QuakeCon Exclusive Hoodie
  • QuakeCon 2015 branded 4400 mAh Power Bank

While general attendance remains free, attendees wishing to participate in the QuakeCon 2015 BYOC must pre-purchase one of the ‘BYOC Select-a-Seat’ packages through our online registration site to guarantee a seat. As ‘BYOC Select-a-Seat’ packages are limited and all seats will be accounted for prior to the show, we won’t have seats available on-site or on a first-come-first serve basis. Once the packages sell out, we’ll be giving people the opportunity to win a limited number of BYOC seats via social media giveaways, contests, and via our event partners leading up to the show. Be sure to keep an eye on our QuakeCon Twitter account and QuakeConFacebook page for all the details on how to win!