Archive - 2018

Call of Duty World League Set for Global Open Event Finale in Anaheim

2018/06/15
boothby
Geek News, News

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – June 15, 2018 – The Call of Duty® World League, Presented by PlayStation®4, returns to the Anaheim Convention Center for the final Global Open Event of the Call of Duty®: WWII season. From June 15-17, teams from around the world will compete on PlayStation 4 for a chance to battle on championship Sunday, and $200,000 in event pool prizing, as part of the CWL’s biggest season yet featuring a total prize purse of $4.2 million.

Anaheim will also host the Call of Duty™ Endowment CWL All-Star game as voted by fans, featuring eight players from each of the top teams currently competing at the CWL Pro League Stage 2. As part of the All-Star game celebration, the Call of Duty World League will make a $10,000 donation on behalf of the winning team to the Call of Duty Endowment, the official charity of the CWL, whose aim is to combat veteran unemployment and underemployment by helping veterans find high-quality jobs after their service.

“We are thankful to CWL for their invaluable partnership, which only continues to grow,” said Dan Goldenberg, Executive Director of the Call of Duty Endowment. “Their efforts and donations allow the Endowment to help many veterans find high-quality careers, which can be life-altering as they transition back into civilian life. We want to thank CWL for their continued support, without which we would not be on track to meet our goal of placing 50,000 veterans into meaningful employment by the end of 2019.”

Fans can watch the broadcast action online on MLG.com/CallofDuty and Twitch.tv/CallofDuty. Matches will also be available to watch on PlayStation®4 via the in-game Call of Duty®: WWII theater.

CWL Anaheim Open tickets are available now in multiple varieties, while supplies last. General admission passes for the event are available for $59.99 (plus applicable fees and taxes). A Premium Pass for the event is also available for $89.99 (plus applicable fees and taxes) and includes an event t-shirt and one month of MLG GameBattles Premium. A $299.99 (plus applicable fees and taxes) Prestige Pass is also available and includes an event t-shirt, event jacket, one-hour early entrance to the venue, access to the Prestige Lounge and more. For tickets, visit MLG.com/CWLAnaheim.

The top sixteen Call of Duty esports teams currently competing in the CWL Pro League Stage 2 have secured their spot for pool play competition. Four teams from the open bracket will move into pool play for a chance to compete for a share of the CWL Anaheim prize pool.

The sixteen pool play teams are:

  • FaZe Clan
  • Team Kaliber
  • Red Reserve
  • Team EnVyUs
  • Echo Fox
  • Splyce
  • Evil Geniuses
  • Epsilon
  • OpTic Gaming
  • Luminosity Gaming
  • eUnited
  • Rise Nation
  • Unilad
  • Complexity
  • Mindfreak
  • Tainted Minds

Visit CallofDuty.com/esports and follow the Call of Duty World League on Twitter and Instagram for the latest CWL updates. For live broadcasts and Video on Demand, visit MLG.com/CallofDuty.

Enlisted Will Launch on Xbox Game Preview in 2018

2018/06/15
boothby
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

June 15, 2018 – During Microsoft’s 2018 E3 Stream, Darkflow Software and Gaijin Entertainment announced that their upcoming squad based MMO shooter Enlisted will release on Xbox Game Preview in 2018. Xbox Game Preview distributes games that are in-progress via Xbox Live for fans to enjoy before launch and share their feedback with developers.

Xbox Game Preview players will be able to strap on the boots of American, Soviet, and German soldiers, and jump into massive WWII battles with hundreds of soldiers and thousands of bullets flying everywhere. Enlisted’s unique game mechanics of an AI controlled squad transforms the traditional military multiplayer FPS game into a more realistic and chaotic warfare experience, making battles dynamic and massive. Enlisted offers several game modes for all tastes, from extended comprehensive battles through more fast-paced action to Battle Royale.

“We want to widen the genre of realistic FPS to a bigger audience. Realism should not always mean lengthy preparation and an extended road to the first battle. Realism should be the battle conditions and weapon characteristics being close to reality, it’s in the active interaction with your team or squad, it’s in the massive battles, where you can lose hundreds of soldiers in one assault. This is what we aim for in Enlisted”, – said Alexander Polyakov, lead producer of Darkflow Software.

The Xbox Game Preview version of Enlisted will allow players to test out and enjoy several game modes: Invasion, Offensive, City Battle, and Battle Royale. “Invasion” will offer battles with asymmetrical gameplay, where two teams will need to complete different tasks: one will be capturing and holding a large territory, while the second will try to liquidate all the invaders. The mode will throw players right into the heart of the battle. Each player will form and lead a squad of AI controlled soldiers. Squad members will follow players commands and provide them with additional lives – every time the main character dies, the player will get full control of the nearest soldier from their squad. This will help a player get back to the battle in a blink and participate in the combat longer.

Those who prefer a more consistent and thoughtful battle will enjoy “Offensive” mode. Here players will be able to build fortifications, drive vehicles, and use large caliber guns. The distances on the map will be greater than in “Invasion”, so the value of each decision and action will be higher. Players can also expect city battles for multiple numbers of participants.

The game will also feature a Battle Royale mode. This mode will include unique Team Battle Royale, where each of two teams will be representing one of the nations that fought in WW2. Players will be able to use heavy vehicles like tanks. The regular Battle Royale of Enlisted has already been presented in Cuisine Royale, an April Fool’s event. The game is now available as a standalone title on PC: http://gameroyale.net/

To follow the development process and apply for participation in alpha testing on PC, please visit the Enlisted official website: https://enlisted.net/

Sinister Pointe Announces Scary Place Haunted Event for Fall 2018

2018/06/15
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News

(Laguna Hills, CA, June 15, 2018) – Announcing the big, blood-soaked return of the most inventive haunted attraction company in Southern California, Sinister Pointe Productions will unleash a brand new kind of Halloween event this fall, Sinister Pointe’s Scary Place. Haunt lovers will be scared to death in three stories of unrelenting terror, covering over 150,000 square feet and featuring two all-new mazes and a brand new haunted dark ride.

The experience will begin as the brave and foolhardy alike cross the veil into the foggy realm known as the Scary Place. Two mazes and a new ride will await haunt goers in this murky realm of terror for a full night of Halloween fun including…

Evil on 2 – Walkthrough Attraction

There is an evil that has taken over the second floor of this quaint little hotel and we need you to venture into this maze to investigate! Let’s just hope that the terror within hasn’t spread!

PHOBIAS – Walkthrough Attraction

Welcome to “PHOBIAS”. Step right up and see if you have what it takes when you’re put up against some of your greatest fears. A fully interactive maze experience that will test your abilities to cope with your worst nightmares. We hope for your sake, being alone isn’t one of them!

Boogeyman Express – Ride

All aboard the boogeyman express. Rumor has it that the boogeyman and his evil minions roam these grounds hunting innocent bystanders! So I have an idea, lets go see if the rumors are true! Please keep your hands and arms inside the carts at all times, for this here is the most hair-raising terror train in the wilderness!

Between the screams, horror fiends can feast on a variety of snack foods and check out the revolting entertainment including a main stage, wandering magicians, games, roaming packs of monsters, and the Sinister Pointe Dark Market where new merchandise from vicious vendors will be available for purchase.

“For 20 years I have been producing Haunted Attractions that many guests have traveled great distances just to experience a 15-minute attraction. I figured it’s time to give our fans an experience that will last an entire evening!” says Jeff Schiefelbein, the creative fiend behind Sinister Pointe.

Two types of tickets will be available, allowing guests to choose their fate. The All Night Pass will allow guests unlimited access to all entertainment, attractions, and vendors for a single price starting at $42 on select nights, and $52.00 on Friday and Saturday nights. The All Night VIP Access allows for front of the line access to all mazes and attractions, along with priority seating for shows and performances with prices starting at just $60.00 on select nights, and $70.00 on Friday and Saturday nights.

Scary Place will take place at the Laguna Hills Mall located at 24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, CA, and will run on September 28-30 and October 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28, 31. Hours will be from 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. on Sundays – Thursdays.

Where do you go when you close your eyes? Sinister Pointe wants to send you to your Scary Place.

Links:

E3 2018 Sees Over 69K Attendees and Announces 2019 Dates

2018/06/15
boothby
E3, Geek News, News

LOS ANGELES – June 14, 2018 – More than 69,200 people attended E3 2018, the year’s most influential and anticipated event for video games. Millions more around the world watched the week’s events online. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the trade association that represents the U.S. video game industry and owns and produces E3, also revealed that next year’s E3 will take place June 11-13, 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. On E3’s final day, ESA announced Brigham Young University (BYU) took top honors as the winner of E3 College Game Competition.

E3 2018 featured more than 200 exhibitors, including 85 companies that were exhibiting at the event for the first time, showing 3,250 products and giving a behind-the-scenes look at the most anticipated games and announcements of the week at E3 Coliseum. Photo and video from the three days of the show are available on Multivu, PictureGroup, and YouTube.

“E3 2018 was an enormous success, amplified by the thousands of gamers in attendance and millions more around the world who watched online,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of ESA. “E3 2018 reinforced the cultural prominence of video games for a global audience. Congratulations to our innovative exhibitors, members, and partners and to the millions of gamers who celebrated a spectacular E3 with us.”

E3 exhibitor and ESA member, Epic Games, stated, “We had an amazing time celebrating Fortnite with our players and partners this year at E3. Bringing players together is an important part of what we do with Fortnite, and E3 is one of the best venues to connect face-to-face with fans, friends, and the industry.”

E3 welcomed 15,000 gamers to the show floor and offered them the chance to connect with the biggest names in video games and special guests from the world of entertainment at E3 Coliseum, including Westworld series creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, Elijah Wood, Amy Hennig, Darren Aronofsky, Jack Black, Hideo Kojima, and Camilla Luddington. Fans watching E3 Coliseum online also participated by submitting questions for panelists via Facebook.com/E3Expo.

Joining BYU in its top position, UQAT, the winner of ESA Canada’s E3 College Game Competition, and Lienzo, winner of ESA’s Mexican game competition, Videojuegos MX, also exhibited on the E3 show floor. The U.S. and Canadian college competitions recognize the best in college and university game design, giving an opportunity to show student-made video games alongside companies like Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Bethesda Softworks, and more.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown E3 2018 Expanded Trailer

2018/06/15
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

June 15, 2018 – Just when you thought E3 was over, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America has released a “Director’s Cut” version of its ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN trailer that was previously shown exclusively in its E3 theater and only seen by event attendees.

With its signature enthralling story and explosive aerial combat action, the skies are set to become a deadly battleground where only the best of the best will triumph. Head over to the following YouTube link to watch the Director’s Cut of the ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN E3 trailer (ready for embedding).

Be sure to take part in the aerial ballet of death and destruction in this newest chapter of the storied ACE COMBAT franchise. ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN will be released in the Americas for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PCs via STEAM®.

Sudden Strike 4 Finland DLC Launch Trailer

2018/06/15
boothby
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Ridgewood, NJ, June 14, 2018 — Kalypso Media is excited to announce the release of the next chapter in its World War 2 strategy heavyweight Sudden Strike 4. Finland – Winter Storm releases today on Steam and GOG, and is based on the events of the Russian advances on Finland during and after the Winter War, up until the Vyborg Offensive in 1944.

Offering two new mini-campaigns and six missions, the DLC faithfully recreates some of the war’s most important conflicts between the Finnish and Soviet forces. In the Soviet campaign, players will attempt to capture the village of Suomussalmi, protect the railway to Murmansk against a German-Finnish offensive and break through the Finnish defensive lines during the Vyborg Offensive. In the Finnish campaign, you must retake and hold the village of Suomussalmi while crushing Soviet reinforcements, seize back the Lähde sector and hold the final defense line in the Battle of Tali-Ihantala.

Alongside the new campaigns, Finland – Winter Storm also introduces three new doctrine commanders to choose from; artillery expert Vilho Petter Nenonen, tank general Ruben Lagus and renowned general Karl Lennart Oesch, all of which introduce new strategic options for tackling this latest set of challenges. You’ll also have 19 new vehicles to deploy, including new rescue vehicles, the Russian KV-1 and BT-7M, and the Finnish Stug III G and Flak 36.

Finland – Winter Storm is available now on PC (Windows, Linux and Mac via Steam and GOG) priced at $9.99, and will be included in the upcoming release of Sudden Strike 4: European Battlefields Edition on Xbox One on June 26, 2018. To celebrate the release, Kalypso has prepared a new trailer showcasing the new DLC in all its glory:

DreamWorks Theatre and Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest Opens at Universal Studios

2018/06/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News

Universal City, CA, June 14, 2018 – A spectacular Kung Fu Martial Arts display, dragon warrior parade and fireworks finale set the stage for the grand opening of Universal Studios Hollywood’s all-new attraction, DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest.”

The attraction opens officially on Friday, June 15, 2018.

The festivities also featured an all-star lineup of DreamWorks Animation favorite characters, including Kung Fu Panda’s Masters Po and Tigress; Madagascar’s Alex the Lion, the Penguins—Skipper, Rico, Kowalski and Private, and King Julien; Trolls’ Poppy and Branch; and Shrek’s Puss ‘n Boots, Shrek and Fiona.

The arrival of “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” marks the first attraction to open at The Entertainment Capital of L.A. since Universal’s recent acquisition of DreamWorks Animation.

“As our portfolio expands, we are thrilled to bring exciting new entertainment options to our guests,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO, Universal Studios Hollywood. “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest’ is a fun, spirited story and the ideal attraction to kick start Universal Studios Hollywood’s collaboration with DreamWorks Animation.”

Inspired by the global blockbuster movie franchise, Kung Fu Panda, the attraction takes guests on a thrilling journey that fuses captivating storytelling with state-of-the art visual effects for a highly engaging experience.

Created and produced by DreamWorks Animation and Universal Creative, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” recounts a plot-filled story whereby on the morning of The Emperor’s Great Feast of Heroes, dragon warrior Po embarks on a wild and perilous mission to deliver the rare and precious Liquid of Limitless Power to the Palace, while enlisting guests to join him on the exciting adventure replete with raging rapids, river pirates, awesome magic and Kung Fu.

With cutting-edge technology at the forefront of the multi-sensory attraction, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” introduces the first-ever integration of interior projection mapping designed to engulf guests in 180 degrees of immersive adventure. Developed by the innovative team at Universal Creative, this never-before-adapted technique depicts a series of immersive and visually dynamic scenic designs that will transform within the interior space and enhance the story. With detailing that is so precise, it will be near impossible to realize the projected imagery is a mere illusion.

Coupled with seven Christie 4K Boxer Cinema Projectors and 360 degree surround sound audio, sweeping physical effects from water to wind will empower guests to feel more like participants than spectators in the adrenaline-spiked adventure.

Featuring an original score by composer Germaine Franco, the storyline begins as guests enter the pre-show area of the theatre where they meet an array of DreamWorks characters who kick-off the attraction’s narrative. From there, guests enter the main theatre, complete with new ultra-plush, fully articulated seats that pivot and swivel in tandem with the 180-degree action.

The newly constructed building that houses the DreamWorks Theatre is inspired by Mission revival architecture and harkens back to the Golden Age of Hollywood’s Art Deco period of the 1920s, including a box office ticket seller booth, reminiscent of the time period and staffed by a three-dimensional usher asleep on the job.

As guests navigate past the ticket booth, through the flourishing outdoor garden and into the theatre queue, they will encounter a series of 36 movie posters that pay homage to DreamWorks Animation films. Within the lobby, a selection of over 20 award statuettes will be on display, representing a sampling of the Golden Globe, Emmy, People’s Choice, Critic’s Choice, National Board of Review and Annie awards DreamWorks Animation has amassed from 2008 to 2015. A collection of original sculpted maquettes of the “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” characters will also be on display along with artifacts embodying magical powers that Po brought back from the Spirit Realm.

This summer, guests are also invited to spend time with Po and Tigress as part of a special character meet and greet located within the park’s Universal Plaza. A replica of Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop, as featured in Kung Fu Panda, will also set up within the venue inviting guests to enjoy his authentic Asian fare and a selection of hot and cold Asian beverages.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Wreckfest Launch Trailer

2018/06/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Helsinki, Finland / Vienna, Austria, June 14th, 2018: Mission accomplished, Wreckfest is out now! The PC version will be available from 10 AM PST / 19:00 CEST on Steam. Owners of the Early Access version will need to download an update.

Some highlights from the launch update:

  • 4 new challenge vehicles like Harvester or Double-decker
  • Many new customization parts & paint jobs for all vehicles
  • Updated career progress with new unlocks, car rewards & career challenges
  • Updated UI for career, garage, customization & armor & performance parts
  • New “Countryside Derby Arena”-map

Strange Brigade E3 2018 Developer Playthrough

2018/06/14
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Xbox One News

Oxford, June 13, 2018 – Dashing British developers Rebellion emerged from their E3 sarcophagi to release fabulous new gameplay footage from their rip-roaring third-person adventure, STRANGE BRIGADE.

Watch here:

Featuring a gregarious 7 minutes of action from the title’s second campaign level, this brand new footage includes ebullient exclusive commentary from Lead Designers Steve Bristow and Ben Fisher. Detailing a veritable feast of new information – including the game’s progression systems, story, puzzles, exploration and more – don’t miss this exciting gameplay bonanza!

Smach Z Handheld Gaming Console E3 2018 Trailer

2018/06/14
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News, Tech News

Palma de Mallorca, Spain – June 13th, 2018 – SMACH Team released an E3 2018 trailer today for SMACH Z, the portable gaming console for PC games. SMACH Z is a handheld gaming console with a 6” touchscreen that is powerful enough to play AAA PC games natively in High Definition. Designed to bring mobility to the world of PC gaming, the SMACH Z is scheduled for launch in Q4 2018 with two editions: the SMACH Z and the SMACH Z PRO.

“We are really excited to showcase the first hands-on demo of the SMACH Z prototype build to media at E3 2018 and look forward to getting initial feedback, which will be crucial to bring the fully functional Beta version to Gamescom 2018,” said Daniel Fernandez, CEO at SMACH Team. “It’s an ambitious project but each step takes us closer to the ultimate gaming console that PC games enthusiasts have been waiting for.”

SMACH Z raised over $740,000 via Kickstarter and Indiegogo crowdfunding campaigns. To achieve top-notch operating and visual performance, the SMACH Z will launch with an AMD Ryzen™ Embedded V1000 processor and Radeon™ Vega 8 Graphics, running on Windows 10 or Linux. Players will be able to immerse themselves into portable, HD gaming at silky smooth frame rates from day one, with no additional fees as all the titles in the users’ online PC game library will be available on their SMACH Z, bringing PC games in HD quality out of the players’ homes into their hands wherever they are.

Featuring customizable, haptic controllers adapted to PC games that can fit any play style, the all-in-one gaming system can be connected to a TV via HDMI. This makes it a solid fit for not only cutting edge graphic powerhouses, but also local multiplayer titles and retro games. Like a desktop, SMACH Z can double as a multimedia center, capable of 4K video playback, or be used for browsing the internet, making Skype calls, or streaming videos.