Archive - 2018

PDP Unveils MARS Lightgun and Games at E3 2018

Burbank, CA  – June 7th, 2018  – The leading third-party manufacturer of video game accessories, Performance Designed Products (PDP), revealed a new product ahead of its debut at the world’s premiere video game conference, the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). MARS blends the beloved classic lightgun experience with new couch and co-op adventures.

Launching early 2019, each personal MARS unit will be equipped with a lightgun, exclusive camera, and one of two new downloadable games: Voyage of the Dead and Qubit’s Quest – with more exciting titles in development. With newly developed technology, PDP has enabled modern HD/4K TVs and projectors to detect a low power laser for absolute pinpoint accuracy while tracking gameplay for up to four players, creating an unmatched home arcade party.

E3 attendees will play the games for the first time at the show (by appointment).

“As the number one video game accessory company in North America, PDP draws from superior engineering capability and years of experience developing advanced technology,” said John Moore, SVP of marketing at PDP. “We’ve been working with top game developers to bring two new co-op arcade-style experiences to life and we’ll show them for the first time at E3. Come play!”

For MARS’ lightgun to have the required accuracy for the new games, PDP developed a new camera that fits right into modern living spaces while smoothly tracking the actions of up to four players. With a new low power IR laser, gamers can rest assured that every single shot will land where they want.

Qubit’s Quest is an action platformer and third-person game where up to four players work to protect your loyal robotic canine, Qubit. You’re on a mission to defeat the Singularity and his minions. Be careful! Qubit has a tough exterior, but is easily distracted. Qubit’s Quest is currently in development with Two Okes.

Voyage of the Dead is a couch co-op game with a quirky art style and campy sense of humor, set on a cruise ship overrun by a zombie outbreak where players are caught up in the chaos. Build your best team in this desperate race for survival! Voyage of the Dead is being developed with Gaming Corps.

MARS will be available in early 2019. Follow @PDPgaming on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for updates.

HITMAN 2 Announcement Trailer

Burbank, Calif. – June 7, 2018 Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and independent game developer, IO Interactive, today announced HITMAN™ 2, the follow-up to the acclaimed international video game, HITMAN™. Featuring entirely new hyper-detailed sandboxes full of living, breathing environments to explore, HITMAN 2 offers players the freedom to plan the ultimate assassination utilizing an assortment of tools, weapons, disguises and a variety of stealth techniques to creatively trigger their own unique chain of events. HITMAN 2 will be available for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®4 Pro computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X and PC beginning November 13, 2018.

The official HITMAN 2 Announcement Trailer can be viewed here:

The official HITMAN 2 Livestream Reveal can be viewed here: https://live.wbgames.com/

“We are thrilled to partner with IO Interactive on HITMAN 2 and bring the latest game in this iconic franchise to the passionate HITMAN fanbase and new players,” said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “IO Interactive has done a fantastic job with the Hitman franchise, and this new game will provide a distinct gameplay experience for players to be creative in larger sandbox locations.”

“We are very proud to announce HITMAN 2 as the next exciting chapter in our ever expanding world of assassination. Building on the success of our previous game, HITMAN 2 introduces exciting new features, new modes and franchise firsts to make for a larger and richer game,” said Hakan Abrak, CEO, IO Interactive. “We couldn’t have wished for a better partner than Warner Bros. to bring this game to our passionate community and introduce new players to our universe. Welcome back 47!”

HITMAN 2 takes players on a global adventure across a mix of bustling international locations, including a vibrant Miami setting with the colorful ambience of an in-progress motorsport race bringing a new backdrop to the series. From sun-drenched streets to dark and dangerous rainforests, each intricate location provides multiple paths to discover and unparalleled game depth.

Continuing the ultimate spy thriller story, HITMAN 2 allows players to take on the role of the masterful Agent 47 and embark on a mission to hunt the elusive Shadow Client and unravel his militia once and for all. However, when 47 learns the hidden truth about his past, nothing will ever be the same.

HITMAN 2 introduces new ways to play with the Sniper Assassin mode, a standalone feature that brings a co-op experience to the Hitman series for the first time, allowing two players to work together online to take down their targets. Sniper Assassin can also be enjoyed in a single player mode for those who want to play as Agent 47.

Sniper Assassin is available to play now as an early access bonus for consumers who pre-order the HITMAN 2 Standard, Silver, Gold or Collector’s Edition.

As an additional pre-order bonus, full game early access will be available for Gold or Collector’s Edition owners four days before release. For more information, visit www.hitman.com.

To learn more about HITMAN 2, please visit www.hitman.com or join the conversation on Twitter (@Hitman), Facebook (@Hitman.US), Instagram (@Hitman_Official), YouTube (Hitman) and Twitch (Hitman).

 

V-MODA Unveils Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition

MILANO, Italy – June 6, 2018 – V-MODA, the award-winning manufacturer of the world’s finest high-fidelity audio devices, today announces the availability of its new Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition, ideal for both general consumers and demanding audiophiles who seek professional grade audio quality. Building on the success of its original Crossfade 2 Wireless, which earned multiple Editor’s Choice awards for its unparalleled sound, design, and quality, the new Codex Edition raises the bar even further featuring three audio codecs for improved wireless audio quality and universal compatibility. Qualcomm aptX, AAC and SBC are now available in all three colorways: Matte Black, Matte White and Rose Gold.

Codecs are the New Cables

“Bluetooth audio quality is defined by the algorithm codec and bitrate vs. the version. Listeners no longer need to sacrifice audio quality for the convenience that Bluetooth capabilities provide. Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition gives modern audiophiles the best of both wireless and wired worlds,” said Val Kolton, CEO of V-MODA. “Our new hybrid Codex Edition is shrinking the gap between the sound quality of wireless and wired playback for a sound signature that is meticulously sculpted for audiophiles, gamers and professional musicians, alike.”

Essential for today’s demanding mobile lifestyle, the Codex Edition headphones feature Qualcomm aptX for CD sound quality over Bluetooth on higher-end Android and MacOS sources. Furthermore, it offers two additional codec options: The Advanced Audio Codec (AAC) for best sound performance on iOS and many other devices along with the Sub-Band Codec (SBC) for universal compatibility when aptX and AAC are not supported. The headphone audio codec in-use adjusts according to the paired device. When devices are compatible with more than one codec, such as with the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S9, users are able to select which codec to use. Additionally, most macOS devices support aptX and users can view their active codec by pressing the Option (Alt) key on the Bluetooth menu bar icon.

To view instructions on how to monitor and change your codec on Android and macOS visit V-MODA.com/Codex.

Unlike other Bluetooth headphones that over-process, color and EQ the sound when in wireless mode, the Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition can also be operated in wired mode by inserting a cable into the headphone jack to switch off all electronics and achieve zero latency, essential for gaming and professional use. Powered by dual-diaphragm 50mm drivers, using a hi-resolution CCAW Japanese coil, Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition is certified by the Japan Audio Society (JAS) to Hi-Res Audio standard in wired mode. With an extended frequency range from 5Hz to 40kHz, users can connect to a lossless music service or 24bit/96kHz playback sources and experience an increased dynamic range, with more precise and sparkling high-frequency definition.

Unparalleled Comfort, Style and Quality

Like its predecessor, V-MODA’s Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition features large memory foam cushions to provide supple ergonomic comfort ideal for extended listening sessions. The cushions and SteelFlex headband adapt to the user’s head and ears to create perfect natural noise isolation, optimal bass and an immersive 3D soundstage. The iconic CliqFold hinge enables ultimate mobility by folding into an impossibly small, included Exoskeleton case on-the-go.

The built-in hidden microphone is specially tuned for phone calls and voice recognition with a rugged ARAMID fiber-reinforced 1-Button Speakeasy cable for wired use included in the box. Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition stays true to V-MODA’s heritage thanks to the luxurious combination of steel and vegan leather, meeting military-level standards of the MIL-STD-810G testing guidelines.

It can be easily paired with up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, such as with a smartphone and laptop, or smartphone and smartwatch, and can be enjoyed up to 10 meters (33 feet) away from the device.

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides 14+ hours of continuous music, entertainment and calls. Recharging is easy via the elegant V-Micro USB cable. Using the FastCharge, 30 minutes of charging provides 4 hours of playback while reaching a full recharge requires about 150 minutes. Additionally, users can continue listening even when the battery is dead by plugging in the supplied cable.

Da Vinci Codex Upgrade Program

V-MODA is offering an exclusive and generous trade-in program available for a limited time only, for customers who purchased the previous Crossfade versions, enabling them to purchase the new Codex Edition at a discounted rate. Upgrade to the Codex Edition for just $100 when trading in a Crossfade 2 Wireless, or $150 when trading in the original Crossfade Wireless. More details here.

#EndorseYourself via Custom Shields

V-MODA offers complimentary 3D printed fiber or 2D laser-engraved custom shields worth up to $70 to #EndorseYourself and create your own headphone masterpiece. The newly released and redesigned V-MODA.com, optimized for desktop, mobile and tablet, allows customers to personalize their headphone of choice in real time via pristine 3D rendering of the custom product through a stunning, gamified customization platform.

Best Buy Magnolia & Microsoft Exclusive Personalization Partnerships

V-MODA will be the first headphone brand to partner with Best Buy Magnolia and Microsoft Stores to offer customers the experience of personalizing their headphones via 3D printed or laser-engraved customization, for the first time ever at more than 500 retail stores across the U.S. and online at Microsoft.com and BestBuy.com.

Simply visit a Best Buy Magnolia or Microsoft Store location near you, purchase Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition and ask store personnel for assistance with the customization process. Visit V-MODA’s state of the art customization platform and discover a vast array of colors, materials and designs at your fingertips.

Availability and Pricing

Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition is available now in Rose Gold, launching exclusively in-store at Best Buy Magnolia and at BestBuy.com, including complimentary personalization for $350 (€350, £330). It is also available now in Matte Black at V-MODA.com and at Microsoft Stores both in-store and online.

The Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition in all three colors, Matte Black, Matte White and Rose Gold, will be available for €350 (€350, £330) on V-MODA.com, Amazon.com and authorized retailers worldwide outside the US over the next 1-2 months.

For hi-res Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition images click here.

Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition product specifications:

  • Drivers: 50mm Dual-Diaphragm (patent pending)
  • Frequency Response Wired: 5 – 40,000 Hz
  • Headphone Sensitivity: 100 dB @ 1kHz 1mW
  • Speaker Sensitivity: 107 dB @ 1kHz 1mW
  • Microphone Sensitivity: -42 dB @ 1kHz
  • Impedance: 32 ohmn hous
  • Weight: 309g (with standard aluminum shields)
  • Battery Capacity: 430mAh (up to 14+ hours music playback)
  • Cable: 1-Button ARAMID fiber-reinforced SpeakEasy microphone 3.5mm cable

What’s included with Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition?

  • Exoskeleton carry case and 2 V-PORTs
  • Carabiner clip
  • ¼ inch Pro Adapter
  • ARAMID fiber-reinforced SpeakEasy microphone & mic cable
  • Reinforced V-Micro USB Cable
  • V-MODA Sticker
  • 1-Year Premier Warranty
  • Six-Star Service
  • 50% Immortal Life Replacement Program

The Game Awards 2018 Announced

June 7, 2018 – It’s official: The Game Awards, a global celebration of the video game industry, will air live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 6, 2018. Tickets to attend the 2018 show go on sale this Friday at 10:00 AM PT at Axs.com.

Produced by Geoff Keighley, The Game Awards will once again celebrate the best games and esports of 2018, in addition to world premiering the most anticipated games of the future.

“Our team is deep into planning the 2018 show, which will will be our biggest production yet,” said Geoff Keighley. “We’re taking all the elements that worked last year and adding even more to the experience. I can’t wait to share more later this year!”

The Game Awards 2018 will livestream for free across all gaming, social and digital platforms around the world and at thegameawards.com on Thursday, December 6 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time / 8:30 PM Eastern Time.

More details on the 2018 show will be released later this year. Stay tuned to @thegameawards on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for further updates.

Mech Con 2018 Announced

VANCOUVER – June 6, 2018 – Fans of all ages looking to get the ultimate MechWarrior experience can purchase tickets for Mech_Con 2018 starting now as Piranha Games has revealed ticket and show info on the event’s official website: https://mechwarrior.com/mechcon. Expanded into a two-day event, Mech_Con 2018 will be held at the Vancouver East Convention Center Dec. 1 – 2.

Home to the MechWarrior Online World Championships where teams of eight will compete for a significant cash prize pool, Mech_Con 2018 will also feature hands-on demos with the upcoming and highly anticipated MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, the first single player MechWarrior game in 15 years. Fans will get the most immersive MechWarrior experience possible inside a custom build MechWarrior Super Pod.

Early bird ticket sales start at $50 and are available until July 31. Super fans can pick up a $90 Collector’s Ticket that includes exclusive in-game content for MechWarrior Online, a Mech_Con 2018 swag bag as well as other merch, and a Super Pod Demo Ticket and VIP ticket exclusives. For the ultimate fans, a $200 ticket grants all of the Collector’s items plus a tour of Piranha Games in Vancouver, early access to the Mech_Con 2018 venue, and VIP area access with private catering and a bar at the event.

Additionally, the conference will include giveaways, developer talks and panel sessions, head-to-head Solaris 7 challenges in MechWarrior Online: Solaris 7 Mode with a chance to win prizes, autograph sessions, exclusive event merchandise, BattleTech tabletop areas and more.

Complete details are at https://mechwarrior.com/mechcon. This event is expected to sell out so fans are encouraged to get their tickets early.

Fear the Wolves E3 2018 Trailer

June 7, 2018 – Focus Home Interactive and the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. veterans at Vostok Games challenge you to survive in the new Fear the Wolves E3 trailer. Get your first glimpse at the dark setting, player vs environment elements, and endgame extraction of this unique Battle Royale FPS.

Drop into a radioactive wasteland with nothing but your wits, fists, and whatever you can find to protect you. Deadly mutated wildlife, the organic spread of radiation, unexplainable anomalies, and 99 other players stand in your way on your long march to the extraction helicopter inside the final zone.

To defend yourself you have an arsenal of scavenged weaponry. The trusty fire-axe is a silent killer but won’t do much good as the knife in a gunfight. Abandoned weaponry is scattered around the map, but you will need to scavenge from air drops, caches and radioactive areas to find the most powerful gear. Every other player will be after them too, bringing the wolves with them.

Wolves are the first of our mutants to be revealed. Roaming in packs and picking off stragglers, they have adapted to the radioactive environment and evolved into savage, decaying beasts. While on their own they pose a mere inconvenience, a pack will drain your ammo and leave you injured – or worse – if you aren’t careful. They’re just as deadly and hostile to your enemies, and how you use that will determine your survival.

As the radioactivity of an area worsens, reality begins to break down. Dangerous areas distort and enter flux as they pulse with radiation. In the early stages, the adrenaline from sprinting will stop you taking damage, but after that only gas masks and hazard suits will keep the poisonous air and deadly rays out. You are never safe, but you can be more protected than your enemies, using this advantage to access areas they can’t, to loot more and flank them.

Extraction is your ultimate goal. Rather than a slow that acalemate, Fear the Wolves challenges players to get out how they came in, with a final dash to an extraction helicopter that accepts just one occupant. The location of the extraction zone will vary game to game, forcing adaptation and rewarding intricate map knowledge. If you manage to wipe out every other player, you still take home the victory – so choose your path wisely.

Fear the Wolves comes to PC in 2018, later on consoles. Early Access begins this summer on PC.

Moss Out Now for PC

Seattle – June 7, 2018 – It’s a question VR players have been asking since Moss’s reveal during Sony’s 2017 E3 press conference: Will Moss be available on the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive? And today Polyarc has answered with a resounding yes. In fact, Moss, the highest-rated PSVR title released in the last year, is now available for download on both platforms through SteamOculus Rift, and HTC Viveport stores for 29.99 USD MSRP.

Revered as one of the best VR titles to date because of its intuitive gameplay, creative design, and high degree of artistic polish, Moss brings a unique experience to gamers around the world. In Moss, players guide a young mouse hero named Quill on an epic journey while also manipulating the field of play as their own character and key ally to Quill. Moss brings together classic components of a great game – characters, combat, and exploration – with the exciting, interactive opportunities of virtual reality.

“Our mission as a studio is to create games that maximize the potential VR has to transport players into our stories and worlds. Bringing Moss to these platforms allows us to introduce Quill and her world to more than a million new players,” said Tam Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of Polyarc. “There’s no other platform that allows you to truly connect and form a bond with characters such as Quill, explore rich environments, or engage in imaginative gameplay like VR. Starting today, all Oculus Rift and HTC Vive fans can join PlayStation VR fans in playing a first-of-its-kind gaming experience with Moss.”

Today’s PC release brings with it an enhanced depth to the immersion players will experience in Moss as the game is optimized to leverage Oculus Rift and HTC Vive technology. Along with high-resolution graphics, players can now manipulate the environment with both hands using the Oculus Touch and HTC Vive controllers. Inviting more players around the world to play Moss, Polyarc added support for Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and Italian languages, and included multiple save slots for players wanting to share Moss without interrupting their progress. PSVR owners will receive the additional language support, save slots, and other updates on June 12.

Players attending E3 next week will have the opportunity to explore the world of Moss on the Oculus Rift via a playable demo in Facebook’s booth in the South Hall #2301. For others looking to glimpse into the world, the Moss Trailer highlights the depth of the environments and gives a taste of the unique bond players will form with Quill.

Moss is rated E10+ by the ESRB. For more information, visit www.polyarcgames.com and follow the official Polyarc channels Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

Thrustmaster Unveils New Headset and Rudder for E3 2018

Rennes, France, June 7, 2018 — Thrustmaster is poised to change the perception and expectation for what’s possible in flight games and simulations with new additions to their elite flight ecosystem for 2018. On early display during the E3 Expo in Los Angeles, Thrustmaster’s new introductions are the result of extensive research and high-end collaborations with global partners that include top video game developers, the flight sim community and even the U.S. military.

Here’s what’s in store for E3 attendees:

TPR Rudder System

Essentially ripped from the fuselage of an aircraft and made compatible for gaming systems, the TPR Rudder system is a 15-pound steel & aluminum marvel whose precision engineering and use of Thrustmaster’s proprietary PENDUL_R™ technology makes it the first-ever, mass-market pendular rudder systems and instantly becomes one of the most advanced products ever offered to fans of flight sims and flying games.

The TPR Rudder’s unique suspended pendular mechanics combine with minute HEART™* magnetic readings to provide unprecedented precision and fluidity on each of the three axes.  In all, no detail has been spared from the chassis to the toe brake, so whether you’re dog-fighting for top gun honors in modern combat jets or warbirds, landing commercial airliners or private jets, or exploring outer space, the TPR Rudder system helps provide total control of your craft right down to the smallest details and adjustments.

T-Flight U.S. Air Force Edition Headset

Inspired by the design specifications requested from actual and virtual pilots from the military and civilian worlds, the T-Flight U.S. Air Force Edition Headset is what you’d expect from such a collaboration: crystal-clear audio, minimal distortion and long-term cushioned comfort.

Featuring 50mm analytic drivers with stable frequency response curve, the T-Flight U.S. Air Force Edition Headset perfectly balances bass, mid-range and treble and remarkably optimizes distortion control to less than 1% between brackets (SPL 116±3dBSPL at 1mW). The 1-inch thick, over-ear memory foam ear cushions effectively isolate outside distractions, while an integrated gel layer keeps your head cool even after hours of play. For communicating with other squadron members or the tower, a high-performance, unidirectional microphone ensures seamless two-way communication.

Check out Thrustmaster’s entire line of exciting products at booth #2811 in South Hall during E3.  Flight fans unable to catch Thrustmaster at E3 can experience their products at the following events:

Razer Announce Third-Party Support for Chroma

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced that its award-winning lighting technology Razer Chroma will begin allowing select partners to connect their devices into the ecosystem, bringing full-spectrum beauty to even more gamers.

Razer Chroma is the world’s only immersive lighting platform with over a hundred natively integrated games such as Overwatch™, Fortnite, Quake Champions™, Diablo™ and other popular games.

Razer Chroma also enjoys integration with Philips Hue smart lights, giving gamers a full-blown in-room ambience that can be fine-tuned down to each individual light bulb, completely transforming the way they play.

Until now, a common experience for many gamers today is that the lighting effects on third-party devices such as PC cases, motherboards, and cooling fans are not fully in sync, producing an experience that is not in line with Razer devices.

The Razer Chroma Connected Devices Program will enable partners such as MSI, NZXT, AMD, Thermaltake, Lian Li, Vertagear, and Ducky the ability to tap into Razer’s lighting protocol through an API that lets them enable Chroma lighting through a single click on their software platforms.

“Gamers today own multiple RGB lighting-enabled devices, but they can’t enjoy a truly immersive experience because these devices don’t talk to each other,” said Razer Co-Founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan. “For the first time ever, we’re letting our partners tap into the Chroma ecosystem so we can bridge that gap for the benefit of all gamers.”

With the addition of Razer Chroma into devices and components from eight additional partners, gamers will have the ultimate power to sync their favorite Chroma effects across their entire battle stations, even if they own devices from any of the partner brands.

The first third-party products with Razer Chroma support will launch in Q4 2018. For more information about the Chroma Connected Devices Program, visit Razer at Computex 2018, Booth L0003.

Alienware Hitting E3 with New Products and eSports Community Plans

JUNE 6, 2018 – As the gaming industry and community are descending upon Los Angeles, Alienware and Dell Gaming will be showing up at E3 in a big way with exciting gaming hardware and partnership news and immersive experiences. Among its new products to complete the PC, gaming ecosystem is the blissful sounding new Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset, a 2nd generation, fast responsive Alienware Elite Gaming Mouse and the blazing-hot, high performance Windows 10 Inspiron Gaming Desktop with AMD processors and graphics cards.

Dell and Alienware are committed to giving esports players a competitive advantage with the best hardware. The Detroit Renegades, the esports team owned and operated by Utah Jazz player Jonas Jerebko, is the latest team to select Alienware as their exclusive technology partner. Alienware, in partnership with Tobii and Team Liquid, is also helping gamers take their skills to the next level with Alienware Academy, an esport skill-building online platform. Fans of Alienware Arena can now access the community from their phone with a new Alienware Arena app with access to play-to-win opportunities and rewards.

Giving casual and hardcore gamers what they want and expect in PC gaming solutions, Dell continues to be a leader in PC gaming worldwide. “As pioneers in PC gaming, it’s our responsibility to continuously innovate to deliver the best gaming solutions possible for our community,” said Frank Azor, vice-president and general manager of Alienware, Gaming and XPS for Dell. “This E3 is no exception. This year we are enhancing the ultimate gaming experience with a new online training platform, brand new peripherals and some awesome esports partnerships, helping all players take their game to the next level.”

Introducing the new Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset

The range of Alienware gaming accessories extends with the launch of the company’s first wireless headset in its line of gaming hardware accessories. The Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset is for diehards demanding game-dominating audiophile detail. Enhance game performance with clear natural and spatial sound, acoustic signature presets and customizable sound profiles, augmented by high-fidelity 40mm Neodymium drivers to deliver deep rich bass and an expansive soundscape. Designed for clear natural voice quality, in solo and multiplayer situations, the headset lets players position the mic nearer their mouth to reduce background noise, with a Game/Chat volume mixer and built-in voice notifications for battery life and wireless connectivity.

Durable yet lightweight, the headset is distinguished by a wide flexible headband engineered for snug fit and extreme comfort, with all controls within the reach of one finger. Rotatable, sports-fabric earcups keep players cool and focused, especially for marathon gaming. Alienware fans will appreciate the iconic design elements, including animated two zone LED lighting and click-and-play customizable AlienFX™ per-game light settings. The headset will be available in the U.S. beginning June 11, starting at $229.

Introducing all new Sound Center utility in the Alienware Command Center

The next generation of Alienware Command Center now includes an intelligent audio utility called Sound Center, designed to help users create and manage preset and user defined audio profiles. Linking directly to connected playback and/or recording devices, the tool allows gamers to dial in and finetune the perfect sound for their environment. Comprised of four core components for managing audio, Sound Center’s user-friendly features include Audio Effects, Multi-band EQ, Microphone Control and Audio Recon directional overlay, which indicates the direction of various sounds during gameplay (such as nearby combat and footsteps). The Sound Center is available now worldwide and is enabled on newly launched 2018 models of Alienware Area 51, as well as Alienware 15 and 17 laptops.

Alienware launches new Elite Gaming Mouse

Alienware knows even something as small as a mouse can have a huge impact on gameplay. Its new iconic Alienware design with premium materials puts more control in gamers’ hands to play longer with advanced ergonomic engineering with two redesigned interchangeable side wings (with two or four buttons for FPS/MMORPG) and three-position palm rest for virtually any grip. With four configurable 5-gram weight adjustments, gamers have ultimate control over cursor precision and movement speed, enhanced by five configurable levels for on-the-fly DPI switching based on the need for speed or precision. Better efficiency also comes from nine to 11 programmable buttons with 512k onboard memory for in-game customization. Further personalize the immersive experience with AlienFX™ lighting, which supports more than 130 games with unique themes and a dynamic look to reflect the gamers’ style. The Elite Gaming Mouse will be available on dell.com in the U.S. July 31, starting at $89.99.

Inspiron Gaming Desktop with 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ processor

With an emphasis on strong performance and future-proof expandability at an accessible price, the new Inspiron Gaming Desktop (5676) handles the latest gaming titles with ease. Plenty of muscle and split-second responsiveness derive from the latest 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ desktop processors (up to 8-core, 16-thread), some of the highest multiprocessing, multitasking performance gamers can get on a mainstream desktop PC, with intelligent thermal design for optimal airflow to cool the system, whether for PC gaming, virtual reality or content creation. Other features include a USB Type-C 3.1 port, up to six USB 3.0 ports, optional dual-drive, high-capacity hard drive, responsive SSD option and up to five bays for future storage upgrades. Polar Blue LED lighting and a striking chassis design infuses the Inspiron Gaming Desktop with visual excitement. The Inspiron Gaming Desktop will be available initially in U.S., CanadaAustraliaNew ZealandChinaand South Korea in June, concurrent with E3, with a starting-at-price-point of US $849.

New Alienware Academy online training portal delivers lessons and feedback to gamers

Dell’s recent State of Gaming Report revealed that gamers globally most value being part of the gaming community for the “tips and tricks” (43%) they can access. This year the all new Alienware Academy, in partnership with Tobii and Team Liquid, delivers a unique online training platform to help amateur athletes develop the skills and strategies to game like an esports pro, complete with distinct lessons and a feedback loop on progress gained. The Alienware Academy platform will launch as a closed beta this month with video lessons centered on CS:GO and expanding course curriculum into other popular competitive games in the coming future. Guided by Team Liquid with tools enabled by Tobii eye-tracking such as gaze overlay, heatmaps, statistics and pro player comparison will help players train and gain insights from their game play. Players will have to pass objectives designed to test their understanding after each lesson to unlock subsequent lessons.

Aspiring athletes can practice and improve their skills, strive toward defined goals, gain post-lesson insights and measure their performance against the community, ultimately helping every participant advance to the next level and reach their full potential.

The Detroit Renegades partner with Alienware for competitive edge

Continuing its legacy of providing professional players with the most competitive edge from a hardware perspective, Alienware announces a new partnership with the Detroit Renegades. Owned by Utah Jazz basketball star Jonas Jerebko, the Detroit Renegades sought out Alienware to enable their players to train and compete on the latest Alienware hardware including desktops, laptops and monitors to ensure a world-class experience.

Alienware Arena official app

For eight years Alienware has offered a generous Arena Rewards program, and at E3, these benefits will expand with the launch of the Alienware Arena App. Allowing gamers to stay connected to the Alienware gaming community and rewards, the official Android app was built from the ground up for gamers to create and access their accounts on the go and interact with features of the site such as Arena Awards. While most reward programs require a purchase in order to earn points, here they can be earned through games and community engagement. Daily and weekly quests, access to game code giveaways, gaming news and much more give users the chance to win Arena Rewards Points and Dell Advantage Rewards. Arena Rewards Points help level up (noob, casual, enthusiast, veteran, hard core, elite) and win gear, prizes or Dell Advantage Rewards, which offer discounts on products. To be eligible, sign up for both Arena and Dell Advantage. The app will be available on Google Play beginning June 12.

Dell State of Gaming Report debunks gaming stereotypes

Who’s that player you’re competing with across the digital transom? It’s not necessarily the stereotypical teen loner playing in his parents’ basement. The gaming industry has changed at such an exponential rate in recent years, that the face of gaming has transformed before our eyes, both literally and figuratively. An extensive survey of 5,763 video game players in 11 countries, commissioned by Dell, revealed that today’s gamers are quite diverse; from a coworker with two kids, to the woman next to you at the gym, or, most commonly, a spouse, sibling or friend.

Through online platforms and social media, and fueled by the popularity of esports, the gaming community is ever-expanding while also growing in diversity and inclusiveness.

Gone are the days that being called a “gamer” is derogatory. According to those surveyed, fewer than one in 10 feel either “judged,” “childish” or “embarrassed” being called a “gamer” (8-9% each). Instead, they consider “gamer” a positive label and feel “fun” (35%), “cool” (29%), or “excited” (26%) as a result. While some gamers are willing to self-sacrifice to continue gaming, the majority are well-rounded with interests in music, sports, traveling and socializing. The gaming community has also become less of a “boy’s club,” with only 14% of gamers globally concerned about the gender of their rivals. In general, gamers are welcoming to whomever is behind the computer. When it comes to being matched with rival gamers, culture/ethnicity (8%), political views (7%), and sexual orientation (6%) are for the most part inconsequential to a player. What matters most is the other gamer’s skill level (40%).

Join Alienware and Dell Gaming at E3

Drop by the Dell/Alienware booth (#647 in the South Exhibit Hall) for great demos including Echo Combat, the highly anticipated multiplayer VR game from Ready At Dawn, creators of Echo Arena and Lone Echo. Be sure to stick around after to test your mind with the Intel Memory Game and other interactive experiences. Sign up for the Alienware Academy and register for Alienware Arena Rewards. Try the new Alienware  Gaming Headset with demos in partnership with Final Fantasy to showcase bass responsiveness and in-game audible experiences of the headset. As always, the Alienware.TVstudio team will be providing a “live” platform for competitive gameplay, industry interviews and product showcases. Alongside this will be a stage with daily programming including daily Alienware TV broadcasting and a community hub complemented by the Alienware Arena, which reaches more than six million members through multiple social platforms.