Archive - 2018

Jamstik 7 and Jamstik 12 Indiegogo Campaign Now Underway

2018/05/02

MINNEAPOLIS, May 2, 2018 — Zivix, the makers of the award-winning Jamstik+ Smart Guitar, proudly launches the third generation MIDI Guitars via crowdfunding—the Jamstik 7 (JS7) and Jamstik 12 (JS12). Both versions are now available for exclusive pre-order on Indiegogo, with early bird pricing starting at $179 and $349 respectively.

“When we first announced the Jamstik over five years ago, we were blown away by how many people shared our passion for bringing a modern MIDI guitar to market. The excitement was around what we delivered then, but also the potential of what future versions could bring,” said Matt Cannon, Director of Growth at Zivix. “We’ve developed this new line of Jamstiks having kept a close eye on both the digitization of educational methods and the shifting landscape of digital music production, creation, and consumption. There has never been a better time for our new guitars to hit the market; they are better than ever and we can’t wait to share them with the world.“

The Jamstik 12 is designed for existing guitar players and musicians looking for a serious MIDI capable instrument for songwriting, music production and performance. With an MSRP of $499.99, the JS12 provides a high-quality MIDI guitar for the modern era, at a price point that makes it a must-have studio tool for innovative guitarists and musicians.

The Jamstik 7 is designed for those wishing to pick up the guitar for the first time, get reacquainted with playing, or be able to practice and play a multitude of software and apps to improve their guitar playing and music creation skills. With an MSRP of $249.99, the goal of the JS7 is to provide an affordable guitar learning experience as well as an introduction to music production and songwriting.

Third Generation Jamstik Features:

Both models have been redesigned from the ground up, and feature the following technologies; however, the JS12 will boast a denser array of optical sensors and more detailed capacitive touch design for fine-tuned position accuracy.

● FretTouch™ Finger Sensing Fretboard: A capacitive touch PCB sits below the fretboard, identifying your finger position in real time and allowing for more nuanced play. This technology is also incorporated into the controls touchpad for a seamless and accessible interface to app functionality.

● Infrasense™ Optical Pickups: Custom engineered pickups capture the movement and vibration of the strings when strummed with an array of IR LEDs and photoreceptors—instantly providing string velocity and movement which is translated into dynamic MIDI data.

● Bluetooth & USB MIDI Connectivity: Building off of the BLE MIDI protocol we helped pioneer with members of the MIDI Association, each new Jamstik model will play fully wirelessly with the added option to connect via high-speed USB.

The Jamstik Indiegogo campaign launches on May 2, 2018. The Jamstik 7 will begin shipping to backers in August 2018, and the Jamstik 12 will begin shipping to backers in Q1 2019.

Lebowski Fest LA 2018 Tickets Now on Sale

2018/05/02

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News

May 2, 2018 – What started as a lark by two fans of The Big Lebowski in a tiny bowling alley in Louisville, Kentucky in 2002 has spawned the cultural phenomenon known as Lebowski Fest which celebrates the Coen Brothers film in bowling alleys across the world. Fans have been gathering for nearly two decades to bowl, dress in costume, drink White Russians and abide in honor of The Big Lebowski which turns 20 years old this year. Lebowski Fest returns to the home of the film’s location, Los Angeles this Memorial Day Weekend for a Movie Party at The Wiltern on May 25 and a Bowling Party at The Fountain Bowl on May 26. The Movie Party will feature a performance by Kyle Gass Band (of Tenacious D fame) as well as a meet and greet with several actors from the film and a massive 20th anniversary screening of the movie on the big screen. The Bowling Party will feature unlimited bowling, a costume and trivia contest as well as the opportunity to bowl alongside actors from the film. Tickets and more information about Lebowski Fest Los Angeles 2018 are available at http://lebowskifest.com.

The Big Lebowski was initially dismissed by many critics and was not popular with the movie going public on its release but in the years after has gathered a massive cult following of dedicated fans also known as Achievers. It has even spawned its own religion, Dudeism, which claims to have ordained nearly half a million Dudeist priests. The film has been added to the National Film Registry, is studied in college classrooms and several books have been written about it including “I’m a Lebowski, You’re a Lebowski” which debuted as an LA Times Bestseller and has now been re-released for the film’s 20th Anniversary. The fan book, written by the founders of Lebowski Fest, includes interviews with the actors and real-life inspirations, a foreword by the film’s star Jeff Bridges and a new afterword by film critic from The New Yorker, Daphne Merkin, who like many critics originally criticized the film but have now come around to seeing the merits of this Coen Brothers classic.

Fans will gather this Memorial Day in the city where the film is set, Los Angeles and be treated to a meet and greet with some of the film’s actors including Jack Kehler (Man in the High Castle, Love Liza) who played The Dude’s Landlord who will hopefully be re-creating his hilarious “Cycle” dance he performed in The Big Lebowski. Also on the bill is Luis Colina who smashes The Dude’s windshield after John Goodman’s character, Walter smashed his new Corvette in a rage yelling a phrase that has been famously redubbed for television “Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps!?” (Actual dialogue not fit for print) Ajgie Kirkland who kicked The Dude out of his cab after The Dude proclaims he hates The Eagles will be there as well. Jim Hoosier who plays John Turturro’s faithful bowling buddy, Liam, will be at the Movie Party as well as the Bowling Party and actor and Saddam Hussein look-a-like Jerry Haleva will be at the Bowling Party. Music will be provided by Kyle Gass Band fronted by the other half of Tenacious D. There will be White Russians aplenty both nights as fans get together to celebrate this cult classic that is now 20 years old. Mark it 20, Dude.

Details are as follows:

May 25 – Movie Party – Music by Kyle Gass Band (of Tenacious D) with special guests Jack Kehler (Dude’s Landlord), Luis Colina (Angry Corvette Owner), Jim Hoosier (Liam) & Ajgie Kirkland (Eagles Cab Driver) followed by a massive screening of The Big Lebowski! @ The Wiltern – 3790 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010 – All Ages – $20 GA Seated / $30 Loge Reserved Seats – Doors 7pm – Show 8pm

May 26 – Bowling Party – Unlimited bowling, costume contest, trivia contest and special guests Jerry Haleva (Saddam) & Jim Hoosier (Liam) @ Fountain Bowl – 17110 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 – All Ages – $25 adv / $30 day of. Ticket includes bowling and shoe rental. Bowling is general admission and not guaranteed. 8pm – Midnight

Cities: Skylines Natural Disasters DLC Heading to Consoles

2018/05/02

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News

STOCKHOLM – May. 2, 2018 — Paradox Interactive today announced a new expansion for Cities: Skylines console from developer Colossal Order. Natural Disasters, one of the biggest hits for Cities PC, will be available for PlayStation®4 and Xbox One on May 15.

The new expansion adds a calamitous collection of new features to Cities: Skylines, including new systems for disaster alerts and response — and of course the disasters themselves, which can occur randomly, or be triggered deliberately by monstrous mayors who have never liked their citizens. Also added for free are three new in-game radio stations with a set of pleasant city-building tunes; owners of the Natural Disasters expansion will also get emergency broadcasts and early warnings via the radio.

Natural Disasters includes the following features:

Deep, Impactful Gameplay: Meteor strikes, forest fires, tsunamis, earthquakes, and more will destroy districts and devastate estates
With Great Power Comes Great Response Abilities: Plan for, and respond to, disasters using early warning systems, countermeasures, and new disaster responses such as helicopters and evacuations
This is Not a Test (but it is just a game): New radio systems put the station in devastation with disaster warnings and three free radio stations
An Objectively Good Feature: A series of pre-made scenarios challenge players with various objectives and conditions
Chirpocalypse Now: Sweet new hats for Chirper, man

In addition to Natural Disasters, Paradox has also released additional musical DLC for the game’s new in-game radio feature. The Radio Station Pack, available for $7.99, includes Rock City Radio and Relaxation Station, two of Cities: Skylines most popular radio stations. Whether you’re looking to chill or revving to rock, the Radio Station Pack for Cities console has your ears covered.

For more information on Cities: Skylines, visit https://www.paradoxplaza.com/cities-skylines.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Official Trailer #3 Released

2018/05/02

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

May 2, 2018 – America, 1899. The end of the wild west era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs. Those who will not surrender or succumb are killed.

After a robbery goes badly wrong in the western town of Blackwater, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are forced to flee. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive. As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him.

From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic tale of life in America at the dawn of the modern age. Coming October 26, 2018 to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One systems.

Everspace Launches on PlayStation 4

2018/05/02

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos

Hamburg, April 2, 2018 – ROCKFISH Games announced today that EVERSPACE™ is now available for pre-order on SONY PlayStation® 4 for $29.99. PS Plus subscribers can get it for the 20% discounted price of $23.99. It will be released at the SONY PlayStation® Store on May 22, 2018. Already available on PC, the critically-acclaimed Encounters expansion (97% positive reviews on Steam) will be available at Sony PlayStation® Store for $9.99 at launch, too.

The independent developer’s debut game and Kickstarter hit (€420,252 was raised) features a modern interpretation of popular roguelike game mechanics and fast-paced 3D space combat with tight shooter-style controls. Driven by a captivating storyline, EVERSPACE™ sends players on an action-packed journey through dozens of procedurally-generated levels, challenging even the most daring pilots in an all-out fight for survival in a beautiful yet treacherous space environment. Plus, a stand-alone Hardcore Mode offers an extra challenge for veteran players.

Watch the PS4 teaser trailer here:

And the EVERSPACE™ – Encounters teaser gameplay trailer:

“With over half a million space pilots already enjoying EVERSPACE on PC and Xbox, we are super excited to eventually offer it to space game enthusiasts on PS4 as well”, said Michael Schade, CEO of ROCKFISH Games. “We believe that we have created a very special breed of space game that will keep players on the edge of their seat for hours with its unique blend of a roguelike game loop, exploration, and easy-to-pick-up space shooter action set within a beautifully rendered fantasy sci-fi environment”.

EVERSPACE™ – Encounters adds 10 hours of gameplay to the base game including five new questlines, all new factory space stations to augment play with on-the-fly services such as refining and converting resources to upgrade ship capabilities and conduct crucial repairs. The Encounters DLC also provides access to a new player ship – bringing the total to four – a medium fighter class ship called the Colonial Sentinel, packed with sophisticated electronic weaponry, interstellar pilots also have a wealth of devices and consumables as well as a special emergency shield if hull integrity on the ship is jeopardized through intense space combat. Furthermore, daring space pilots can pay the Okkar Homeworld a visit, too.

Conan Comes to Our World in these Conan Exiles Trailers

2018/05/02

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Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Oslo, Norway – May 2nd, 2018 – Thought experiment: what would happen if we placed Conan the Barbarian in our own, real world? How would he survive? Well, here’s your answer.

Conan Exiles, Funcom’s open world survival game launching on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 4 on May 8th, challenges gamers to survive, build, and dominate in his world. We figured it would be fun if we turned it around and threw Conan into a world of Scandinavian furniture, robot vacuum cleaners, and airplanes. Conclusion? We hopefully players will fare better in his world.

When asked for a comment about his recent experiences, Conan had a few words to spare.

“I have found a book ten times more diabolical than the Necronomicon or the moldering scrolls of Skelos,” said Conan the Barbarian. “It’s called Assembly Instructions.”

When Conan Exiles launches on May 8th, it will have spent 14 months in Early Access on PC and 9 months in Game Preview on Xbox One. During that time the game has made huge improvements, the game world has more than doubled in size, and several new key features have been added. May 8th will see a huge launch patch further expanding the game world. This will also be the first time Conan Exiles appear on PlayStation 4.

For more information about Conan Exiles, please visit www.conanexiles.com.

SingSpace Out Now for Oculus Go

2018/05/02

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Mobile News, News

Boston – May 2, 2018 – SingSpace™, a social karaoke experience from Harmonix, is available now for the Oculus Go. With multiple game modes, a stellar soundtrack and cross play support for the Gear VR for only $7.99, SingSpace is sure to bring karaoke fans together, in virtual reality, no matter where they may be.

Oculus Store link: https://www.oculus.com/experiences/go/1111567195551033/
SingSpace website: http://singspacegame.com/

Gameplay
SingSpace offers players the option of performing solo for a crowd of robot karaoke connoisseurs, singing live with friends and strangers or pursuing international acclaim by submitting in-game footage of their signature performance to be evaluated by the entire SingSpace community. No need for a microphone – SingSpace uses the Oculus Go’s built-in headset mic.

With the SingSpace character creator, players can choose from a variety of hair, skin, accessories and clothing styles to create a custom avatar. Once the avatar is created, it’s time to choose whether to embark upon a single or multi-player karaoke experience.

Singers who aren’t quite ready for an audience or just want an opportunity to warm up before taking the main stage should check out SingSpace’s single player experience. In it, players are transported to a futuristic bar where they can sing their hearts out for a cute robot crowd. It’s the perfect way to get over first show jitters.

For crooners looking for a more social experience, SingSpace offers several ways to connect with others in VR through a shared love of music and performance. Players can join friends in-app for an intimate evening of karaoke, join a virtual room to perform live and make new friends or post their signature performance for the entire SingSpace community to enjoy with Watch & Rate.

In SingSpace, spectating is not a passive activity. As players watch a performance, they can show their approval by showering the performer with a wide array custom emojis – from roses to pizza to illuminati pyramids. Don’t overthink it, just do what feels right.

For more on SingSpaces game modes, please see these relevant dev blogs:
http://www.harmonixmusic.com/blog/singspace-multiplayer-karaoke-reveal/
http://www.harmonixmusic.com/blog/singspace-watch-rate-reveal/

Music
Good Karaoke needs good music, and SingSpace comes with 20 signature songs – from timeless staples to modern hits. They are:

“…Baby One More Time”
“Ain’t It Fun”
“Beautiful”
“Before He Cheats”
“Bye Bye Bye”
“Can’t Feel My Face”
“Cheap Thrills”
“Girls Just Want To Have Fun”
“Hey Ya!”
“I Don’t Want To Be”
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”
“Material Girl”
“One Week”
“Only Wanna Be With You”
“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)”
“Rapper’s Delight”
“Sugar, We’re Goin Down”
“Take On Me”
“Thrift Shop”
“U Can’t Touch This”

Included with the purchase of SingSpace is a six-month subscription to the SingSpace Subscription Library, instantly adding the following 71 songs to your repertoire:

18 And Life	A Whole New World	ABC
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough	All About That Bass	All Of Me
All That Jazz	Bad Romance	Barbara Ann
Beauty and the Beast	Because Of You	Black Horse & The Cherry Tree
Bohemian Rhapsody	Bring Me To Life	Call Me
Can You Feel the Love Tonight	Chain of Fools	Chandelier
Creep	DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love	Downtown
Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)	Hakuna Matata	Hey There Delilah
Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)	Holding Out For A Hero	Holiday
Hopelessly Devoted To You	I Hate Everything About You	I Heard It Through The Grapevine
I Love Rock N’ Roll	I Want It That Way	If I Could Turn Back Time
If You Could Only See	I’ll Be	I’m Like A Bird
I’m So Excited	Keep Your Hands To Yourself	Killing Me Softly
Kiss From a Rose	Let It Go	Let’s Dance
Lonely No More	Love Shack	Macho Man
Misery Business	No Scrubs	One Headlight
One Way Or Another	Oye Como Va	Papa Don’t Preach
Part of Your World	Push It	Roxanne
Royals	Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)	Semi-Charmed Life
Shining Star	Somebody To Love	Step By Step
Suffragette City	Super Freak	Take Me Home, Country Roads
The Middle	Two Princes	Un-Break My Heart
Under Pressure	Under the Sea	We Are Young
Y.M.C.A.	You Can’t Hurry Love

Stay tuned to Harmonix’s Twitter and Facebook pages as well as the SingSpace blog for additional information about the game.

E3 2018 to Feature ESports Arena

2018/05/01

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E3, Geek News, News

WASHINGTON – May 1, 2018 – Competitive, pulse-pounding esports action is taking the stage at E3 2018. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the trade association that represents the US video game industry and owns and operates E3, and ESL, the world’s largest independent esports company, today announced the biggest video game event on the planet will host the biggest esports at the E3 ESL Arena, June 12-14 in Los Angeles.

“Competitive video games are taking sports entertainment by storm, with the global esports audience reaching 335 million people in 2017,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of ESA. “With the addition of the E3 ESL Arena, E3 2018 is set to be a non-stop, edge-of-your-seat ride of video game announcements, demos, and competition.”

Located in the heart of the South Hall, the new E3 ESL Arena stage is a 7,500-square-foot dynamic esports experience that seats over 200 fans. The main stage will feature custom player experiences with analysts and casters, giving the audience up-close VIP access to the world of competitive esports.

“Together with ESA, the E3 ESL Arena will expose traditional game enthusiasts to high-quality, professionally produced competitions that create the ultimate esports experience,” said Yvette Martinez-Rea, CEO North America, ESL. “We hope to reach gamers from all over the world, engaging both old and new fans alike.”

Esports continues to reach wide mainstream audiences and serves as the perfect gateway to reach passionate fans around the world. The global esports industry is expected to grow to more than $900 million in revenue this year and $1.4 billion by 2020, according to Newzoo. By 2021, the global esports audience is forecast to exceed 550 million people.

Stay up to date on the competitions happening at the E3 ESL Arena by following E3 and ESL on Twitter @E3 and @ESL.

Trailblazers Gameplay Trailer

2018/05/01

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

May 1, 2018 – Get your rocket engines running! Trailblazers, the revolutionary co-op arcade racing game, will be coming to the PlayStation®4 and PC on May 8 and on Xbox One May 9. Delivering dazzling visual quality, thrilling track levels, and blistering high-speed action, Trailblazers introduces the innovative on-track game mechanic of painting the track to create boosting lanes for each team. Racing together in teams of up to three racers, players will cover key areas of the racing line as well as painting over opponent’s painted paths to gain the advantage. Racers who drive with flair and style will also amass skill points to blaze their way to victory!

Trailblazers Gameplay Features:

Campaign Mode: Multiplayer thrills and single-player challenges
A Musical Feast: Enjoy the retro-futuristic soundtrack that fits perfectly with the visual aesthetic of the game, aural soundscapes from the officially licensed soundtrack featuring artists like; Skope, Derevolutions, A.Skillz and more.
Award Winning Artist: Gorgeous Trailblazers artwork designed by BAFTA award-winning artist Will Milton.
Scenic Tracks: In the race for glory, players will scorch their way through mountain ranges, lush forests and arid desert valleys in Trailblazers.
Diverse Characters: Each driver plays a vital role in the racing community and together they unfold the story of the Trailblazers world, each having a specific role and style of driving.
Futuristic Fleet: Players can choose from a showroom of the fastest race cars in the galaxy, each with customized stats to fit every play style and track type.
Multiplayer Mayhem: Players can experience the blistering high-speed action with up to six players online, or locally via split-screen for up to four local players with additional online or CPU-controlled challengers.
Cross-platform play: Team-up or face-off across the platform divide!

Developed by Supergonk and published digitally by Rising Star Games, Trailblazers will be available on May 8 for the Playstation®4 and PC, and on May 9 across the Xbox One family of devices. Trailblazers will be available on Nintendo Switch in June 2018. Keep your engines fueled up and ready for more incoming information by following Rising Star Games on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or on the official Trailblazers website.

Marvel Studios Ant-Man and The Wasp Official Trailer

2018/05/01

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Geek News, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

May 1, 2018 – From the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes “Ant Man and The Wasp,” a new chapter featuring heroes with the astonishing ability to shrink. In the aftermath of “Captain America: Civil War,” Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from the past.

“Ant-Man and The Wasp” is directed by Peyton Reed and stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Pena, Walton Goggins, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Tip “T.I.” Harris, David Dastmalchian, Hannah John-Kamen, Abby Ryder-Fortson, Randall Park, with Michelle Pfeiffer, with Laurence Fishburne, and Michael Douglas.

Kevin Feige is producing with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard, Charles Newirth, and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers, Paul Rudd & Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari wrote the screenplay. “Ant-Man and The Wasp” hits U.S. theaters on July 6, 2018.