Archive - 2016

Techland Moves Into Global Publishing

2016/06/02

June 2^nd, 2016 – Wroclaw, Poland/ Techland, the Poland-based company best known as the developer of many fan-favorite games including Dying Light, Dead Island, and the Call of Juarez series, is proud to announce its move into the international publishing market.
With over twenty years of experience not only as a developer but also video game distributor and publisher in Central and Eastern Europe, Techland has decided to go global as Techland Publishing.

Techland’s CEO Paweł Marchewka:
“As a developer, we have worked with many renowned publishers in the past so we know first-hand what makes these kinds of collaborations efficient and satisfying for both parties. After the successful promotional campaigns for Dying Light and Dying Light: The Following, led by our own dedicated team, we believe this is the perfect time to use everything we’ve learned and help other developers.

We believe in a flexible and open publishing philosophy, based on respect for the players. We will encourage and financially support developers through investing in bold, unconventional games with great entertainment value.

Our goal is to release 2 major multiplatform titles, and 4 in digital distribution each year. We’re already scanning the market for opportunities and we’ll announce the first game to be released under Techland Publishing soon.”

Neoglyphic Entertainment Unveils NeoFur for Unreal Engine 4

2016/06/01

boothby

Geek News, News

CAMPBELL, CA – June 1, 2016 – Neoglyphic Entertainment, a storytelling company built for the digital age, today announced the availability of its NeoFur cross-platform, real-time fur-and-fiber technology for Epic Game’s Unreal Engine 4. Whether it’s a fuzzy creature for a game, a soft blanket or carpet in an architectural visualization, or a nature landscape in a high-end cinematic sequence, NeoFur enables animation and game studios to tackle the creation of fuzzy and fibrous characters, objects and surfaces at a fidelity level never before possible in a real-time engine.

“Films like Disney’s Zootopia have shown us the beauty that fur can bring to a production, but at a high cost. With NeoFur, studios of any type can afford high-end technology that dramatically enhances the look of their environments and characters,” said Carlos Montero, Neoglyphic’s Technical Art Director. “There’s no reason a studio needs to spend valuable time and money to achieve believable looking fur, as NeoFur’s solution saves time and costs while providing breathtaking results.”

NeoFur leverages shell-rendering techniques, creating a beautiful illusion of millions of strands of fur. Patent-pending advances have allowed the use of compute shaders and other advanced shading strategies to take that technique to the next level, bringing fast simulation, realistic physics, and unique Level-Of-Detail systems designed to combat fill-rate. Ultimately, this allows NeoFur to be extremely versatile, allowing it to be authored for PC and mobile games, as well as VR platforms such as Oculus and HTC Vive, and gaming consoles like Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

“Creating realistic fuzzy objects and surfaces has always been a difficult and time consuming process,” said Epic Games Founder and CEO Tim Sweeney. “Our team’s experience with NeoFur has been an extremely straightforward process. The performance is exemplary – and highlights the strength of an engine like Unreal. With the same asset pipeline, NeoFur on UE4 scales across high-end cinematic production all the way to mobile platforms.”

Additionally, NeoFur was one of just five teams that Epic Games recently awarded as part of its Unreal Dev Grants program. Epic created this program to reward innovative projects built for, and with, its Unreal Engine 4 development tool.

NeoFur’s licensing options are aimed at providing access to the technology for individuals, indie studios and AAA studios. For pricing and sales information, please visit http://www.neoglyphic.com/neofur.

New Space Run Galaxy Screenshots

2016/06/01

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Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

June 1, 2016 – Focus Home Interactive and Passtech Games are joining forces again to release Space Run Galaxy on PC on June 17. Space Run Galaxy is the sequel to 2014’sSpace Run, the game from one-man studio Passtech, which attracted over hundreds of thousands of players thanks to its dynamic and original gameplay.

While the inaugural Gameplay Trailer showed you how to become a good Space Runner, today’s screenshots unleash more information regarding the hordes of enemies you’ll be facing during your runs. Delivering goods from one spaceport to another is not an easy job – while a fast delivery time is important, it is even more essential that the cargo arrives in good condition. Space is full of pirates, and they won’t hesitate to team up in order to destroy you. You should also be prepared to fly through asteroid fields, or even encounter strange, new alien species. You might find yourself bracing against space squids, or even fending off fuel-eating aliens that eat away at your turrets. Space Run Galaxy also introduces new bosses, such as gigantic space monsters or heavily-armed pirate ships.

It’s vital to load and properly position your laser canons, missile-launchers, shield generators and reactors in real time. Create the most efficient synergy between your modules to optimize your speed, your defense and your firepower simultaneously.

The persistent online universe lets you take on contracts from your fellow players, or hire them to ship goods for you – in exchange for a reward of your choice. The resources and components you acquire will allow you to craft and equip your ships with improved modules, to create the best ship you can before facing all the dangers from space.

Space Run Galaxy releases on June 17^th for PC.

Gallery

Star Wars Announces Ultimate Studio Edition Line of Prop Replicas

2016/06/01

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News

San Francisco – June 1, 2016 – Disney and Lucasfilm today launched Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition bringing an unprecedented level of authenticity to prop replica products for fans. Made to order by propmakers at Propshop in Pinewood Studios using digital data collected during filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the production process marries cutting edge 3D printing technology with master craftsmanship to produce replicas virtually identical to those seen on screen. Available initially in the U.S., starwarsultimatestudioedition.com is the exclusive location to purchase these products.

“We’re delighted to be able to produce such a groundbreaking line of merchandise,” said James Enright, Assets Director and CEO of Propshop. “Designed, made and finished by the hands of specialist motion picture prop makers and artists, we’ve worked extremely hard to create something that we know would make fans and filmmakers proud.”

The initial offering from the Star Wars Collectibles line features eight prop replicas from Star Wars: The Force Awakens including Darth Vader’s melted helmet, Rey’s lightsaber hilt, FN-2187 Stormtrooper helmet and more. Each replica item is a limited production piece due to the high level of craftsmanship required to create them.

These made-to-order replicas will come with custom display pedestals, packed in branded wooden crates that are inspired by the real crates used to ship the film props. Each one is custom built to accommodate the shape of the replica inside.

“We are continually looking for new ways to extend the storytelling from movies in innovative ways,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “We’ve worked hand in hand with the film makers and talented team at Propshop to create a unique product experience for fans and we’re excited to see their reactions to these incredible prop replicas.”

Visit Disney’s YouTube channel to view the latest installment of their “Boxed” series to get a behind-the-scenes look at Darth Vader’s melted helmet being created; then tune in each month to see reveals of new items added to the Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition line. For more information, visit starwarsultimatestudioedition.com.

Celebrate 100 Years of Tanks with Wargaming

2016/05/31

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

May 31, 2016 — Wargaming is excited to start commemorating the history of tank development over the past century with our community. Over the next few months, Wargaming is unveiling a series of in-game events and specials across all platforms leading up to the anniversary of the Mark I, the very first tank deployed into battle. The first major event kicks off today with “The Motherland Calls” on Xbox 360, Xbox One and PlayStation^®4. Through this, players have a rare opportunity to earn the prestigious Motherland Premium Tier VIII Medium, based on the T-54 first prototype.

During the event, tankers can participate in limited-time “Fight for the Motherland” chained ops, with new missions unlocking every few days. Once each of the operations is completed, players will earn tiered prizes culminating in the ultimate reward: the Motherland Premium. This rare tank is an armored powerhouse, and once obtained it will unlock the second chained ops event “Motherland Unleashed”, offering additional in-game bonuses including Gold, x2 Crew Experience and special medals.

“Wargaming’s development team is happy to commence 100 Years of Tanks by bringing The Motherland Calls event to console,” said TJ Wagner, Creative Director and Executive Producer at Wargaming Chicago-Baltimore. “We wanted to offer a fun and engaging way for our players to earn one of the most intense tanks we have in the game and a lot of extra rewards. With a host of special operations, in-game events and tournaments, we are confident players will have a blast with The Motherland Calls.”

Wargaming is also introducing two PvE skirmishes based on the historical battles of Prokhorovka and Caucasus, where tankers will receive an exclusive medal upon completion with a Soviet vehicle. The symmetrical desert Ghost Town and the treacherous Mountain Pass maps have also been added to the matchmaking rotation, along with two additional rare Soviet tanks, the IS-2 Tier VII Heavy and the ISU-122S Tier VII Tank Destroyer, available in the PlayStation^®Store and Xbox Live Marketplace.

For more information on The Motherland Calls and 100 Years of Tanks, visit the official website:

https://console.worldoftanks.com/

Winchester Mystery House Presentation Announced for Midsummer Scream

2016/05/31

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News

LOS ANGELES, May 28, 2016 – Midsummer Scream, Southern California’s premier Halloween, haunt and horror festival to be held July 30 – 31 at the Long Beach Convention Center, has unleashed a steady stream of announcements, from world-class theme park presentations to professional makeup demonstrations, and a massive show floor filled with artisans and vendors of the macabre. The most famous haunted house in California has now been added to the festival’s lineup; a storied mansion so legendary that its name is revered by fans and ghost hunters around the world… Winchester.

The Winchester Mystery House will be hosting an unprecedented 60-minute presentation and panel discussion on Sunday July 31 featuring rare photographs, never-before-seen footage and ghost stories from the sprawling 160-room Victorian mansion in the San Francisco Bay Area. WINCHESTER: California’s Original Haunted House will feature Walter Magnuson, General Manager Winchester Mystery House; Tim O’Day, Director of Communications for Winchester Mystery House; and Peter Overstreet, event producer of Winchester Mystery House’s all-new Halloween Candlelight Tours.

During the spirited presentation, Winchester Mystery House representatives will discuss the history of the property, its reputation for being a paranormal activity hotspot, an upcoming episode of Ghost Adventures, their recent James Van Praagh séance, brand-new Halloween Candlelight Tours, plans for winter events, and feature film Winchester, by Michael and Peter Spierig, starring Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren.

“We’re so excited to be bringing the incredible story and legend of the Winchester Mystery House to Midsummer Scream attendees,” said Walter Magnuson, General Manager of Winchester Mystery House. “Our estate is considered one of America’s foremost and most legendary haunted homes, so it’s fitting that we are a part of this inaugural event and we’re eager to share never-before-seen imagery and never-before-heard paranormal tales.”

Winchester Mystery House’s presence will be felt throughout the Midsummer Scream weekend as well at their booth in the Museum of Paranormal History, a curated section of the show floor featuring all things paranormal.

“Midsummer Scream is already the ultimate convention for fans of haunted attractions. The addition of the Winchester Mystery House as a partner only broadens our appeal to the supernatural and ghost-hunting community, drawing in those enthusiasts as well,” said David Markland, Executive Director of Midsummer Scream.

Tickets are now on sale, with new information regarding Midsummer Scream being updated frequently at MidsummerScream.org.

Fans may sign up on the site for email notifications and announcements, including discounts and other special offers. Be sure to follow Midsummer Scream on social media as well – Twitter/Periscope: @MidsummerScream, Instagram: @MidsummerScream, and Facebook: facebook.com/midsummerscream.

ROCCAT Announces Suora Frameless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

2016/05/31

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Peripherals News

Hamburg/Taipei, 31 May 2016 – German peripheral manufacturer ROCCAT today announces a brand new mechanical keyboard design aimed at gaming purists. The Suora’s frameless design channels its philosophy as a pure and efficient mechanical keyboard for no-frills gamers. Its robust, compact build with aluminum alloy housing provides a consistent, distraction-free platform. It features a unique build with an entirely frameless structure. No palm rest, no thick border, no thumb keys, and no unnecessary media keys – just high-quality, mechanical keys mounted on a durable plate. The key back-lighting in exclusive ROCCAT blue comes with a breathing effect and 11 brightness levels, with top notch lighting guaranteed.

Tt eSports Announces New Ventus Z Gaming Mouse

2016/05/31

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Peripherals News

Taipei, Taiwan – May, 31, 2016 – Tt eSPORTS, the energetic and powerful challenger reveals the new member for its VENTUS family,VENTUS Z Gaming Mouse. The VENTUS Z Gaming Mouse features an AVAGO ADNS 9500 laser sensor with up to 11000 DPI via gaming software, a new coating with a feel that is somewhere in between the feel of plastic and rubber coating; a balance between rigid surfaces and a soft to touch finish. Tt eSPORTS Aerodynamically Engineered from its flagship Level 10 M series of mice is inherited into this iteration of the VENTUS Z Gaming Mouse; keeping gamers’ hands cool even when gaming for long durations! The VENTUS Z Gaming Mouse is on display at the COMPUTEX Taipei 2016, during May 31st (Tue) – June 4th (Sat) 2016 in TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall (4th floor, booth number M110); we look forward to your visit!

Further information about Thermaltake at COMPUTEX Taipei 2016 is available online: http://computex2016.thermaltake.com

The New VENTUS Z Gaming Mice with a suggested price of USD 59.99

For more information on the new VENTUS Z Gaming Mice, please visit:

http://www.ttesports.com/productPage.aspx?p=219

VENTUS Z Gaming Mice product video:

https://youtu.be/Hpig3qtp6P4

Six Flags Great Adventure June 2016 Events Schedule

2016/05/31

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Geek News, News

The people at Six Flags Great Adventure have announced the park’s calendar of June 2016 events – check it out below!

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Now Open for the 2016 Season – Weekends beginning June 4

Celebrate summer at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. The 45-acre, elaborately-themed water park is one of America’s largest, and features a million-gallon wave pool, one of the country’s longest “lazy rivers,” a giant, two-story family water playground, and more than 25 high-speed thrill slides. Hurricane Harbor welcomes the addition of the all-new Caribbean Cove water play area for families later this summer. The water playground includes 55 interactive features including water jets, spray nozzles and a dumping bucket. Hurricane Harbor is open on weekends and begins daily operation June 18.

Ronald McDonald® House Walk for Kids – June 5

Six Flags Great Adventure hosts the 17th annual Walk for Kids at Six Flags Great Adventure June 7. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Walk begins at 9:00 a.m. and proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald Houses of Central and Northern New Jersey. Individuals under 18 who raise $50 or more and adults over 18 who raise $75 or more and are pre-registered will receive a free “Walk for Kids” T-Shirt as well as a ticket to Six Flags Great Adventure for the day.

Action Sports World Tour – June 11 & 12

See the world’s best BMX and skateboard pros from the X Games team up on the biggest half-pipe in the world for a unique team competition. Root for a team of one skateboard and one BMX pro as they compete against other teams in contests including individual runs, highest air, best trick and team doubles. The competition takes place in the Movietown Stunt Show Arena. Entrance to the event requires a ticket and is not included with theme park admission.

Discover Exclusive Ride Time – June 12

Discover invites card members and Six Flags Season Pass holders to exclusive ride time events at Six Flags, every second Sunday this summer. Stay late and enjoy big thrills with Discover and Six Flags. Participating rides will be communicated in-park on the event dates. Event wristbands will be available beginning two hours prior to scheduled park closing time at the designated event table. Guests must present a valid Discover card or Six Flags Season Pass to receive a wristband.

Job Fair – June 12

Six Flags Great Adventure is hiring smiling faces for Four Seasons of Thrills at the World’s Largest Theme Park. Work where you love to play, plus get the opportunity to make great friends, earn competitive wages, tickets for friends and perks throughout the park.

Job fair will be held at the park Sunday, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with on-the-spot interviews. The job fair takes place in the Employment Center accessed by entering through the Employee Entrance on Route 537 East.

Praise in the Park – June 18

Six Flags Great Adventure celebrates Praise in the Park featuring Anthony Brown & Group therAPy, Maurette Brown Clark and Brian Courtney Wilson Saturday, June 18. The show takes place at 6 p.m. in the Plymouth Rock Assurance® Arena and is free with theme park admission or Season Pass.

Central Jersey Blood Center Blood Drive – June 25

The Central Jersey Blood Center will host a blood drive at Six Flags Great Adventure’s Employment Center from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Each donor will receive one theme park ticket valid for Six Flags Great Adventure. Blood supplies are typically low in the summer months and one donation can save up to three lives.

Starbreeze Acquires PAYDAY Franchise for $30 Million

2016/05/31

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Industry News, News

STOCKHOLM (May 30, 2016) – Starbreeze AB, an independent creator, publisher and distributor of high quality entertainment products, today announced its agreement with 505 Games to acquire the full rights to the PAYDAY-franchise. The consideration for the acquisition amounts to 10.9 million B-shares in Starbreeze, equivalent to 30 MUSD (approx. 249 MSEK).

After the transaction Starbreeze will own the full rights to the PAYDAY-franchise for any future developments or commercialization, including PAYDAY 2 and PAYDAY for mobile platforms. Starbreeze will retain full net revenue from PAYDAY 2 on the Steam platform starting retroactively from May 1st, 2016. Revenue generated by the console game PAYDAY 2: Crimewave Edition will continue to be split between the companies as before, and 505 Games will continue to publish the title.

Furthermore, 505 Games will retain a 33% revenue share of Starbreeze’s net revenues from future sales of PAYDAY 3 capped at 40 MUSD, and after Starbreeze has fully recouped its development and marketing costs.

It’s Starbreeze assessment that the price of 30 MUSD will be matched by corresponding revenues on the Payday franchise until such time Payday 3 is released in the future. Given the strategic value for Starbreeze to control its hit franchise it is both in the short and long term a sound investment.

“PAYDAY is very close to my heart, and has laid the foundation for Starbreeze success in recent years. We’re very excited to bring our heisters home to the safe house,” said Bo Andersson Klint, Starbreeze CEO. “To start with, we believe in the continued success of PAYDAY 2 and will support it for at least another 18 months continuing expanding the game.”

The 10 934 211 million new B shares will, post transaction, represent 4.3% of shares and 1.4% of votes and will be issued under authority from the AGM. After the issue, the total number of B-shares in Starbreeze is 196 832 410 and the total number of shares in Starbreeze 254 298 338.

First launched in 2011, PAYDAY is a cooperative first-person shooter computer and video game franchise with more than 14 million players on PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, XboxOne and SteamOS platforms.