Archive - 2018

PDX CON 2018 For Our Fans Trailer and Details

STOCKHOLM — Jan. 15, 2018 — Paradox Interactive, a publisher and developer of games for truly memorable players, today announced that tickets for PDXCON 2018 will become available for purchase on February 8, 2018. PDXCON, Paradox’s public celebration of their global community of fans and players, will make a grand return to Stockholm after last year’s inaugural public debut, with the convention happening on May 18-20, 2018. Attendees will have exclusive chances to meet the creators of their favorite games, mingle with top content creators within the community, learn what’s in store for future titles, and of course, play Paradox games with their friends to tell new stories within the publisher’s many worlds.

A new Paradox trailer is available today, featuring a few characters who have lived through Paradox’s more “unique” tales:

Beginning on February 8, tickets for PDXCON will go on sale to the public. Multiple admission tiers will be available, each including a set of exclusive perks and attractions for attendees. In addition, visitors who buy tickets within the first month of availability will receive access to an “Early Bird” discount with any tier of purchase.

The basic “Baron” ticket will grant visitors an all-access pass to the convention on Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20, along with an exclusive PDXCON goodie bag, access to special multiplayer events and on-site beta titles, and more. Visitors who choose the premium “King” ticket will receive everything that comes with the Baron, along with special Friday activities at the Paradox Interactive offices, plus a larger goodie bag and unique in-game items for Crusader Kings II. For those who splurge on the exclusive “Emperor” ticket, a set of personal workshops with the Paradox developers awaits, alongside discounts on upcoming Paradox titles, included meals at the convention, and even addition of their personally designed characters to a Paradox game – plus much more.

Full details on all ticket tiers are available at the PDXCON website, along with the chance to sign up and be the first informed when tickets go on sale. For all information, visit the PDXCON website here: https://pdxcon.paradoxplaza.com/

Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China Xbox One Launch Trailer

Sweden, January 15, 2018 — ACE MADDOX’ air-combat action game Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China (FTSOC), based on the historical events of America’s secret volunteer squadrons that helped defend China in World War 2, has now launched on Xbox One and is available worldwide. FTSOC is priced $18.99 USD, €18.99 EUR, and £15.19 GBP (local pricing may vary).

Developed and self-published by ACE MADDOX (courtesy of Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program), Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China is available on the Xbox Store in 11 languages: English, Spanish, French, Polish, German, Portuguese-Brazil, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Russian, Italian, Turkish, and Japanese.

HBO Announces Hogwarts House Challenges Tour

NEW YORK, NY (January 12, 2018) — In celebration of the Harry Potter film series streaming on the network, unedited and commercial-free for the first time, HBO will host Hogwarts House Challenges in three cities across the country to crown the most dedicated Harry Potter fans. With all eight Harry Potter films joining HBO’s line-up, the network continues its reign as the best destination for the biggest blockbuster films Hollywood has to offer.

Harry Potter fans in ATLANTA, BOSTON and DENVER are invited to put their knowledge of the Wizarding World to the test as they face off in a series of Harry Potter trivia and challenges. At each event, prizes will be awarded for Best Costume, Best Team Photo and more.

Plus, guests will have a chance to see some of the  original props from the Harry Potter films:

  • Tom Riddle’s diary with Basilisk fang
  • Lucius Malfoy’s “Caught” poster
  • Horace Slughorn’s hourglass
  • Bellatrix Lestrange’s dagger
  • “Magical Drafts and Potions” textbook

HBO audiences have a lot to look forward to with more first run, $100M+ films coming to HBO platforms in 2018 than any other premium channel. Viewers continue to subscribe to HBO for the best and most theatrical movies and now they can catch everyone’s favorite wizard whenever and wherever they want.

Hogwarts House Challenges, powered by Wink Back, Inc., will kick off in Atlanta on January 18th, followed by Boston on January 25th and Denver on January 31st. A limited number of tickets will be available on HBO’s Facebook page in the coming days.

Participants will have the chance to warm up their Harry Potter knowledge beforehand by watching all eight movies as well as the latest film from the Wizarding World,Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which are available now to watch on HBO GO, HBO NOW, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.

Black Panther Warriors of Wakanda Featurette

January 12, 2018 – Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.

“Black Panther” stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.

The film is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole wrote the screenplay.

Elite Dangerous: Beyond – Chapter One Beta Announcement

Cambridge, UK. 12 January 2018. Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV) today announced an open beta test for Elite Dangerous: Beyond – Chapter One beginning January 25, available for FREE.

Launching Q1 2018, Elite Dangerous: Beyond – Chapter One is the first update of Elite Dangerous’ third season, following the Thargoids devastating assault on humanity’s starports. Beyond advances the ongoing player-driven narrative and introduces a variety of gameplay enhancements, upgrading the gameplay experience whether players prefer to trade, fight or explore in Elite Dangerous’ massively multiplayer galaxy.

Prior to launch, the Chapter One open beta will be available to all PC Elite Dangerous players, offering a first look at Beyond’s new content and a chance to shape the update’s development.

In the open beta, Wing Missions bring challenging team-based objectives for players to complete with friends and community members around the world. Commanders will share their adventures – and rewards – with allies while working together to overcome dangerous obstacles.

Advanced in-game Trading Data will empower traders to make better deals and smoother transactions. Information on the galactic economy is now more freely available, allowing every commander to become a master merchant as they journey among the stars.

The Elite Dangerous galaxy becomes more realistic and beautiful than ever before with reworked planet rendering technology in Frontier’s COBRA game engine. In Beyond – Chapter One vibrant surface colors better reflect planetary geological properties, enriching the full-scale Milky Way.

Chapter One also features a range of game-improving updates, including changes to the engineering mechanics, an overhaul of mission rewards, and an altered crime and punishment system. The open beta will also allow commanders to fly a new Alliance warship: the Chieftain. Additionally, GalNet Audio will allow players to catch up on the galaxy’s latest news without ever leaving the action, bringing the ongoing narrative to the foreground at a dangerous moment for humanity’s pilots.

Elite Dangerous: Beyond – Chapter One will be available for free to Elite Dangerous players on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in Q1 2018.

The Chapter One open beta will be available to all PC players through the in-game launcher on January 25.

Elite Dangerous and Elite Dangerous: Horizons are available now for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

VR Title Far Home Gets Social Media Presence

LONDON, January 12th, 2018 – Dynamic new UK developer, DEVCUBESTUDIO developing their first VR title, Far Home, announced their presence in Facebook and Twitter. Now you can get regular updates about Far Home in your favorite social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Hitting Early Access January 2018 and launching at the end of 2018 for HTC Vive and Oculus, Far Home is a unique science-fiction game that teleports users into the year 2300, where earth is overpopulated and polluted, and humanity are searching for a new home.

Far Home is DEVCUBESTUDIO’s first foray into the VR world, and an exciting time for this young, charismatic studio.  The 50-strong team are pulling on their combined experience to not only create an action-packed first-person shooter with co-op option, but build something that treats its players to an immersive team based science fiction adventure.

Users can choose from 6 individual character classes and have the chance to explore 5 different planets, all with their own distinctive environments. During each expedition, players will encounter a number of unusual inhabitants that will either help or hinder them on their journey.

Make sure you follow Far Home on Facebook and Twitter.

Dark Souls Remastered Announced

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (January 11, 2018) – BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. invites players back to the treacherous land of Lordran with DARK SOULS™: REMASTERED, available May 25, 2018 for the Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, and STEAM® for PC. Re-experience the genre-defining title that kicked off a worldwide gaming phenomena in stunning high-definition detail. DARK SOULS: REMASTERED marks the DARK SOULS series debut on a Nintendo platform and for the first time ever, can be played on the go with the unique capabilities of the Nintendo Switch console.

Developed by FromSoftware Inc., DARK SOULS: REMASTERED enables players to explore the twisted ancient land of Lordran in the first title of the critically acclaimed action role-playing series like never before. Experience the rich world of DARK SOULS in Dynamic 4K resolution when playing on a PlayStation 4 Pro system, Xbox One X, and STEAM. From their first timid steps to absolute mastery, players will build their characters by strategically adapting to daunting foes, exploring haunting locations, and amassing a large collection of weapons, armor, and magic spells to wield for a truly unique playstyle.

Hidden in the world of DARK SOULS: REMASTERED are nine online covenants to uncover that will motivate your online interactions. Collaboration or confrontation, support or betrayal – which allegiance will you choose? Up to six players can join together online to help, or hurt, each other throughout their quest.

“DARK SOULS: REMASTERED delivers the same great gameplay, online mechanics, and environmental storytelling that has inspired countless game players and developers,” said Kasumi Yogi, Associate Brand Manager for BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “We are excited to watch the thriving DARK SOULS community grow and support new players experiencing the title for the first time.”

DARK SOULS: REMASTERED will be available May 25, 2018 for the Nintendo Switch console, PlayStation 4 system, Xbox One and STEAM for PC. DARK SOULS: REMASTERED is currently pending a final rating with the ESRB and will carry a MSRP of $39.99 on consoles. Please stay tuned for more information regarding the final MSRP for the PC version. For more information regarding DARK SOULS: REMASTERED and other titles from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. please visit https://www.bandainamcoent.com, https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS, or join the conversation at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

Attack on Titan 2 Gets New Multiplayer Features

Burlingame, Calif. — January 11, 2018 — KOEI TECMO America today revealed the action-packed online features for their upcoming action title ATTACK ON TITAN 2, along with the next set of playable characters in the still growing new roster. The heavily-anticipated sequel is coming to the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo Switch™, and digitally on Windows PC via Steam® on March 20, 2018.

In ATTACK ON TITAN 2, players can enjoy one of the newly introduced online modes to either build friendships or create enemies. Returning from Attack on Titan are the co-operative online modes, alongside an all-new competitive PvP mode where players fight against each other to claim the highest score, and ascend to the top of the leader boards.

The newly introduced competitive multiplayer option, Annihilation Mode, sees two teams of four Scouts compete to earn the highest score within a set time limit. Defeating the devastating Titans is one of the most important ways to earn individual points and climb the leader board. Although, working together is also key as it can earn the team a Chain Bonus through destroying each Titan body part before subjugating them. Building and defending bases is also an efficient way of securing points. With select areas on the map allowing for base development, opposing teams will vie for the location – defending them is of utmost priority.

With ATTACK ON TITAN 2’s Annihilation Mode, stopping the opposing team’s progress can be a surefire way of turning the tides during a game. A selection of different items can be used to halt the enemy in their track, including Numbing Bullets which cause the player to be temporarily paralyzed, and Paint Bullets which briefly covers the opponents screen and mini-map. As a match draws to a climactic close, the stakes raise, as in the last minute any points earned are doubled. Within this time, it is imperative for players to work closely and earn as many points as possible to come out in the lead.

Online functionality is not only limited to competitive play, as players are able to take on missions co-operatively in Story Mode and Scout Missions. Gathering a team of close allies during these modes allows them to experience the gripping events while fighting against the Titan threat together.

In ATTACK ON TITAN 2, players are able to select one of their favorite characters from a roster of over 30; including their own Custom Scout or one of the newly announced additions – Keith Sadies, Kitz Woermann, Dhalis Zachary and Dot Pyxis. Alongside assets of these new exciting gameplay modes, KOEI TECMO America released a fresh selection of images providing a deeper look at the Character Creation Studio, and the various ways it can be used to create a unique Scout, Online Communication Features and Online Weapon Development.

To keep up to date with the latest news on ATTACK ON TITAN 2 please visit the official site at www.koeitecmoamerica.com/attackontitan2, Like www.facebook.com/koeitecmous, and Follow us on Twitter @koeitecmous

Tt eSPORTS Releases the New DRACONEM RGB Touch Edition Gaming Mouse Pad

Las Vegas, United States – January 11th, 2018 – Tt eSPORTS, the energetic and powerful challenger introduces a new addition to the DRACONEM RGB gaming mouse pad family, the DRACONEM RGB Touch Edition Gaming Mouse Pad. Equipped with 16.8 million RGB color illumination, 4 stunning lighting effects, coupled with a completely new left, right and bottom design construction, gives the mouse pad even greater color illumination than ever before. The surface for the mouse pad is specially optimized and creates play that is balanced for both speed and control. The highlight feature, a state-of-the-art biometric FIDO certified Touch ID System, which allows for easy login to PC systems, access to favorite web pages, and secure file and folder encryption. In addition, enthusiasts can further customize their desired lighting settings with both hardware and software controls for even greater color personalization.

Further information from Thermaltake at CES 2018 is available on our dedicated CES 2018 website: http://ces2018.thermaltake.com/

Tt eSPORTS DRACONEM RGB Touch Edition Gaming Mouse Pad suggested price of USD 49.99

Universal Ushers in Year of the Dog with Lunar New Year Celebration

Universal City, CA, January 11, 2018 — Universal Studios Hollywood welcomes DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda masters Po and Tigress to its all-new Lunar New Year event as The Entertainment Capital of L.A. ushers in the “Year of the Dog” from Saturday, February 10 to Sunday, February 25, 2018.  Lunar New Year is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.

This spectacularly themed Lunar New Year event will take place within Universal Plaza, a polygon-shaped piazza that sits at the heart of the theme park.  Under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and stunning plum blossom Wishing Trees, the festivities will come to life as guests discover the 12 zodiac animal signs accompanied by their symbolic attributes.

New to this year’s celebratory event, Universal Studios Hollywood will debut the all-new DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda Jade Palace Performance Stage and the exciting Dragon Warrior Training Show based on the beloved Kung Fu Panda franchise. The all-new Kung Fu Panda experience will engage guests of all ages in an interactive martial art demonstration performed by Master Po and friends. The immersive event will also feature veteran DreamWorks animators who will demonstrate practical techniques of drawing their favorite Kung Fu Panda characters as keepsake mementos.

The completely reimagined event will also serve up a replica of DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda’s famous Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop, including Mr. Ping himself who will invite guests to enjoy his authentic Asian fare and a selection of hot and cold Asian beverages.

A returning favorite among Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lunar New Year traditions, Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON marks a highlight of the annual event, as the imposing leader of the DECEPTICONS returns to greet guests at the entry to the festivities.  The ominous 12-foot-tall sentient robot will once again interact with guests, engaging them both in Mandarin and in real time conversation characteristic of his persona. A resident of Universal Studios Hollywood, MEGATRON is one of the stars of Universal Studios Hollywood’s thrill ride, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D.”

Illumination’s Minions from Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride will join the festivities this year, stepping out in style dressed in brightly colored traditional Lunar New Year attire.

As a complement to this year’s Lunar New Year celebration, Universal Studios Hollywood will welcome Hello Kitty, the beloved global pop icon created by the renowned Japanese company Sanrio to the entertainment destination. Hello Kitty and her signature red bow will make special appearances to meet guests at the Hello Kitty Shop located within the new Animation Studio Store opening Spring 2018.

Year-round, Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature Studio Tour offers guests a revealing look at an authentic movie and television studio in select languages, including Mandarin.  Expertly-trained Mandarin-speaking tour guides provide insight into the world of movie-making magic as guests enjoy a front row seat and behind-the-scenes access to one of the largest production studios in the world.  In-language park maps are also available for guests.

Guest can also celebrate the spirit of Lunar New Year at Universal CityWalk’s Dongpo Kitchen restaurant featuring upscale and modern Sichuan cuisine. Inspired by China’s premiere restaurant Meizhou Dongpo, Dongpo Kitchen offers the comforts of a casual dining environment with both indoor and al fresco seating and caters to an eclectic palate with a variety of signature dishes.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Mandarin-speaking guests can learn more about the Lunar New Year event at www.ush.cn.  Information is also available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Weibo@好莱坞环球影城.