Archive - 2019

Bethesda Opens New Studio with Human Head Studios Staff

2019/11/13

Nov. 13, 2019 – (ROCKVILLE, Md.) – Bethesda Softworks has opened a new development studio, Roundhouse Studios, in Madison, Wis. Staffed by the team from the recently closed Human Head Studios, Roundhouse Studios will immediately begin work on unannounced projects at Bethesda.

“Sadly, we had to wind down the business of Human Head Studios and close its doors, which was particularly devastating due to the passion and creativity of the team we’d assembled,” said Chris Rhinehart, Creative Director, Roundhouse Studios. “We reached out to our friends at Bethesda for help, and they saw that same creativity and passion in our team. With the formation of Roundhouse Studios, Bethesda offered every employee of Human Head a position at the new company. We are excited our team will remain together, pursuing the work we love, as part of a company we already know and admire.”

The developers at Roundhouse Studios represent more than two decades working together on a variety of games and genres, including RPGs, shooters, action-adventure games, and more. The original developers of Prey, the team is well known for developing titles like Dead Man’s Hand, Rune and Rune II, and Lost Within, and contributing to blockbuster releases like Batman: Arkham Origins and BioShock Infinite.

“While sorry to hear of their challenges as Human Head Studios, we were excited by the opportunity to bring under the Bethesda umbrella this talented, established development team,” said Todd Vaughn, Senior Vice President of Development at Bethesda. “We are delighted that the entire staff will remain together and is now part of the Bethesda family.”

Roundhouse Studios is the second development team to join Bethesda in the last month, following the recent acquisition of Alpha Dog Games, a mobile-games studio based in Nova Scotia, Canada.

DIsney+ Has Officially Launched

2019/11/12

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Geek News, Movie News, News

BURBANK, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2019) — Disney+, the highly anticipated streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, launched today in the U.S., Canada, and The Netherlands. With nearly 500 films and 7,500 episodes of television from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more, Disney+ is the exclusive home for some of the world’s most beloved stories as well as a robust slate of original content ready to be discovered.

“The launch of Disney+ is a historic moment for our company that marks a new era of innovation and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “Disney+ provides an exceptional entertainment experience, showcasing our library of beloved movies, TV series and exclusive original content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic.”

As part of the launch, the service premiered its first original series and films including “The Mandalorian,” the epic first-ever live-action Star Wars series; “Lady and the Tramp,” a live-action re-telling of the 1955 animated classic; “Noelle,” an original holiday comedy film starring Anna Kendrick, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” the all-new scripted series set at the real-life East High featured in the blockbuster film franchise; “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” docu-series from National Geographic; “Marvel’s Hero Project,” which celebrates extraordinary kids making a difference in their communities; “Encore!,” executive produced by the multi-talented Kristen Bell; “The Imagineering Story” 6-part documentary from Emmy and Academy Award-nominated director Leslie Iwerks; short-form series “Pixar IRL” and “Disney Family Sundays;” and animated short film collections “SparkShorts” and “Forky Asks A Question” from Pixar Animation Studios.

Beginning November 15, most new episodes of each series will premiere on Fridays at 12:01 AM PT.

The Past, Present, and Future of Storytelling

The service provides viewers of all ages an unrivaled collection of new and library content from the world-class creators of The Walt Disney Company – the visionaries representing nearly a century of creativity from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more.

Beginning today, subscribers can enjoy:

Timeless animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Walt Disney Signature Collection, created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney – including “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pinocchio,” “Bambi,” “The Lion King,” “Lady and The Tramp,” “Peter Pan,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Cinderella” and more.

Three of the four highest-grossing films of all time: “Avengers: Endgame,” Avatar,” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Thirty seasons of the 11-time Emmy Award-winning series “The Simpsons.”

Hit films from Marvel Studios, including “Avengers: Endgame,” as well as “Captain America: Civil War,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Doctor Strange,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “Captain Marvel,” “Iron Man,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” and “Ant-Man.”

Thousands of episodes from hit Disney Channel and Disney Junior series such as “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” “Kim Possible,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “PJ Masks,” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” along with more than 100 Disney Channel Original Movies including “Descendants,” “High School Musical,” and “Camp Rock.”

18 of Pixar Animation Studios’ groundbreaking fan favorite movies including “Wall-E,” “Up,” “Monsters Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story,” “Inside Out” and “Brave,” as well as all of Pixar’s beloved theatrical shorts such as the Academy Award-winning “Bao” and “Sanjay’s Super Team.”

Over 400 hours of content from National Geographic, including the critically-acclaimed and award-winning documentary “Free Solo” and the streaming debut of “Science Fair.”

All six of the original classic Star Wars films released between 1977-1999, in addition to recent blockbusters “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” By the end of 2020, the entire Skywalker saga will be available on the service.

Marvel television series from the 1970s to present day including “X-Men,” “Spider-Man,” and “Marvel’s Runaways.”

Subscribers will also have access to a burgeoning collection of 4K Ultra HD films including the first seven Star Wars movies available for the first time in this format, along with “Hocus Pocus,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” “Toy Story” 1-3, and more.

Best-in-Class Experience, Available Anywhere, Anytime

Disney+ offers subscribers high-quality and commercial-free viewing, up to four concurrent streams, unlimited downloads on up to ten devices, personalized recommendations, and the ability to set up to seven different profiles. Additionally, parents have the ability to set Kids Profiles that create an easy -to-navigate interface to access age-appropriate content.

Consumers can subscribe to Disney+ directly at DisneyPlus.com or via in-app purchase from the following partner platforms and devices (dependent on country):

Amazon (Fire TV Devices, Fire TV Edition Smart TVs, and Fire Tablets)

Apple (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TV, and fully integrated with the Apple TV app; customers can subscribe to Disney+ via in-app purchase)

Google (Android phones, Android TV devices, Google Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices)

LG Smart TVs with webOS

Microsoft (Xbox One)

Samsung Smart TVs

Sony / Sony Interactive Entertainment (all Android based Sony TVs and PlayStation®4)

Roku (Roku® streaming players and Roku TV™ models)

For a full list of supported devices visit here.

Amazing Entertainment, Amazing Value

For one low monthly (or annual) fee, Disney+ offers consumers of all ages a compelling entertainment offering and an amazing price-to-value proposition.

Starting today, consumers in the U.S. also have the opportunity to purchase a Disney bundle featuring Disney+, Hulu (with ads), and ESPN+ for $12.99 per month, providing access to all of the Disney+ programming plus thousands of live sporting events, sports-themed original series and award-winning sports documentaries from ESPN+; as well as Hulu’s award-winning original content and on-demand streaming library. To learn more about the Disney bundle visit here.

Global Rollout

Today marks the beginning of the global rollout of Disney+, with expectations to launch in most major global markets within its first two years. Available now in the U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands, Disney+ will launch next week in Australia, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico on November 19.

Announced earlier this month, on March 31, 2020, Disney+ will launch in markets across Western Europe – including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and a number of other countries in the region.

Official ALIEN Roleplaying Game Release Date Unveiled

2019/11/12

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Book News, Geek News, News

11/12/2019 – The xenomorphs are coming to game night! On December 10, Free League Publishing and 20th Century Fox will launch the official ALIEN tabletop roleplaying game. The massive 392-page core rulebook will be released along with a host of supplements.

Taking place shortly after the events of Aliens, the RPG will propel players into the vast possibilities of the Outer Rim Frontier. From the pioneering colonists and scientists to the ever-present Company reps and Colonial Marines, the game promises a diverse range of characters and gameplay experiences far beyond the staple cat-and-mouse suspense and survival horror of the franchise.

The ALIEN RPG is a beautifully illustrated full-color hardcover book, both presenting the world of ALIEN in the year 2183 and a fast and effective ruleset designed specifically to enhance the ALIEN experience. The game can be played in two distinct game modes: Cinematic play and Campaign play.

Cinematic play is based on pre-made scenarios that emulate the dramatic arc of an ALIEN film. Designed to be played in a single session, this game mode emphasizes high stakes and fast and brutal play. Player characters are not all expected to survive. The core rulebook will be published alongside the complete Cinematic scenario Chariot of the Gods by sci-fi novelist Andrew E.C. Gaska, who is also the setting writer and canon consultant for the RPG. Campaign play is designed for longer continuous play with the same cast of characters over many game sessions, letting players explore the ALIEN universe freely, sandbox style.

The rules of the game are designed by game director Tomas Härenstam and based on the Year Zero Engine, used in award-winning games such as Tales From the Loop, Forbidden Lands, and Mutant: Year Zero, but adapted and further developed to fully support and enhance the core themes of ALIEN: horror and action in the cold darkness of space.

The core rulebook will be launched alongside a range of supplements, inlucuding the Chariot of the Gods scenario, custom dice, a GM Screen, and a set of useful maps and markers. All items will be available on the Free League website and in retail stores worldwide from December 10.

Seagate Unveils FireCude 520 SSD and Gaming Dock

2019/11/12

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Geek News, Hardware News, News

CUPERTINO, CA – November 12, 2019 – Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), a world leader in data solutions, today added two new high-performance solutions to its industry-leading line of storage for gamers. The Seagate® FireCuda® 520 PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD and the FireCuda Gaming Dock featuring 4TB of HDD storage capacity and an NVMe™ M.2 expansion slot for an optional ultra-fast SSD upgrade.

Built to deliver the intense speeds needed for the rigor of modern gaming, the FireCuda 520 SSD is the company’s fastest solid-state drive and offers plug-and-play compatibility with all PCIe Gen4 motherboards. For laptop PC gamers looking for flexibility, the FireCuda Gaming Dock is an elite 4TB HDD storage hub with an NVMe M.2 expansion slot for optional SSD upgrade that connects peripherals via a Thunderbolt™ 3 and offers a slick industrial design with LED illumination pushing your rig over the top.

“Next-gen gaming is all about speed, compatibility, and flexibility,” said Jeff Fochtman, vice president of marketing and consumer solutions for Seagate. “Our FireCuda storage solutions deliver the performance, simplicity, and ingenious design to help gamers realize peak potential.”

With sequential read-write speeds of up to 45% faster than PCIe Gen3 NVMe drives¹, the FireCuda 520 delivers an extreme boost in performance for PC gamers looking for the edge. The M.2 2280 SSD is available in 500GB, 1TB or 2TB capacities and compatible with the new AMD X570 chipset and third-generation AMD Ryzen™ Desktop Processors. It features plug-and-play compatibility with PCIe Gen4 motherboards delivering an extreme boost in performance as well as backward compatibility with PCIe Gen3 devices.

The FireCuda 520 offers a five-year limited warranty and includes the Seagate’s SeaTools software that monitors health, tracks performance, and keeps you up to date on firmware updates.

Seagate’s FireCuda Gaming Dock is a high-performance storage solution offering the simplicity of a one-cable connection to all of your peripherals. It features a built-in 4TB 3.5” HDD and a PCIe Gen3 NVMe M.2 SSD expansion slot for an optional SSD upgrade, offering vast storage for archiving your games and data and the ability to take advantage of the intense speed of solid-state drives.

In addition to the Thunderbolt 3 laptop connector, the FireCuda Gaming Dock also includes a Thunderbolt 3 accessory port, DisplayPort 1.4, RJ45 ethernet network port, a 3.5mm audio-in/mic port, 3.5mm audio-out port, four USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, and a USB 3.1 Gen2 charge port. It also includes Seagate’s easy-to-use Toolkit software that lets you control a range of colors and light patterns for leveled-up illumination to complement your gaming station and offers a three-year limited warranty.

Available now, Seagate’s FireCuda 520 retails for $124.99(500GB), $249.99 (1TB), and $429.99 (2TB). FireCuda Gaming Dock will be available later this month for $349.99.

Dungeons & Dragons 45th Anniversary Dice Set Announced

2019/11/12

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Geek News, News

RENTON, WA – Nov. 11, 2019 – It’s been five years since Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition launched, and the explosion of D&D’s popularity since then has been a wonder to behold! Now fans can celebrate D&D through the D&D Sapphire Anniversary Dice Set, available directly from Wizards of the Coast starting at 11a.m. (PT) on November 21, 2019. The set commemorates both #5yearsof5e AND forty-five years since D&D’s first publication in 1974.

“When the D&D team realized the sapphire is the traditional anniversary stone for both five years and forty-five years, and that adding a laboratory-created sapphire to a twenty-sided die wouldn’t jeopardize the integrity of a roll, we couldn’t pass up the chance to make something really cool to celebrate the milestones” said Nathan Stewart, VP of the D&D Franchise at Wizards of the Coast. “The team put together a fun product for our fans that includes art and newly updated stats for sapphire dragons, making these classic dragons ready for play in your next D&D session.”

The D&D Sapphire Anniversary Dice Set includes eleven custom-designed aluminum dice from Level Up Dice. Embedded in one of the d20s is a sapphire lovingly grown** by a rock gnome artificer in a charmingly-cluttered workshop. Additionally, each set includes a high-quality dice box and a matching dice tray displaying the ampersand, fifth edition D&D stats and details introducing the sapphire dragon, commemorative stickers, and a sequentially numbered collector’s card confirming the set’s authenticity. Oh, and every die, except that extra-special d20 has an engraved ampersand on the highest number – boosting your D&D cred whenever you roll max damage with that trusty battleaxe!

Only 1,974 D&D Sapphire Anniversary Dice Sets will be available to the public, so mark November 21st at 11am Pacific Time on your calendar so you don’t miss out! These dice sets will only be available directly from Wizards of the Coast at a price of $299.99 (USD). For more product information, including more images of these beautiful dice, head to https://dnd.wizards.com/products/sapphire-anniversary.

Join in the celebration of D&D’s forty-fifth anniversary and pick-up this beautiful dice set when it’s available on November 21st! Sign up for updates and reminders for when the D&D Sapphire Anniversary Dice Set goes on sale here: https://myaccounts.wizards.com/login/dnd

Bridge Constructor Portal DLC Available Now

2019/11/12

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

November 12, 2019 – Today, publisher Headup and developer ClockStone Software are thrilled to announce that the first DLC for their popular physics puzzle game Bridge Constructor Portal is now available for players to enjoy on PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. In the new “Portal Proficiency” DLC, players return to the Aperture Science Enrichment Center and face all-new challenges as they work through 30 new test chambers, each featuring mind-bending construction puzzles. Along with that, players may now selectively place portals, just like in the original games in the Portal series.

Only the bravest (and smartest) participants will succeed and receive the Golden Condolence Letter!

Romancing SaGa 3 Available Now

2019/11/11

Jerry Paxton

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

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 11, 2019) – SQUARE ENIX® today announced that the RPG classic, Romancing SaGa™ 3, is now available to purchase digitally on the Nintendo Switch™ system, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One X, Windows 10, STEAM®, the App Store® and Google Play®.

24 years after the game’s initial Japanese release, Romancing Saga 3 is now available for the first time in the West on modern platforms. Romancing Saga 3 gives players the freedom to forge their own path, choosing to play through eight different narratives led by eight protagonists, each with their own motives and unique personalities. Developed by industry veterans, including renowned developer Akitoshi Kawazu (FINAL FANTASY®, Romancing SaGa, SaGa Frontier), this HD remaster will feature optimized graphics, a new dungeon called the ‘Phantom Maze’ to explore, and a NEW GAME+ function. Romancing Saga 3 adds new storylines to the game original game, making it the perfect time for both new and veteran players to experience the SaGa series.

To celebrate the launch of Romancing Saga 3 and introduce a world of new players to the epic adventure, a 20% discount is available for the Nintendo Switch version from today until December 1, 2019, and for all other platforms from today until December 4, 2019.

Players looking for even more adventures in the SaGa series can also look forward to SaGa SCARLET GRACE: AMBITIONS™, available on December 3 on the Nintendo Switch system, PlayStation®4 system, STEAM, the App Store and Google Play. Additionally, Romancing SaGa Re;universe™, the popular mobile game with over 15 million downloads based in the world of Romancing SaGa 3, will be available globally in 2020 for iOS and Android devices. To view a teaser for Romancing SaGa Re;universe, visit: https://youtu.be/OZC3IgBa7TU

Romancing SaGa 3 is now available on the Nintendo Switch system, PlayStation®4 system, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One X, Windows 10, STEAM, the App Store and Google Play. Romancing SaGa 3 is rated T (Teen).

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege Reveals Shifting Tides

2019/11/11

Jerry Paxton

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

Tokoname, Japan — November 10th, 2019 — Today, at the Pro League Finals Tokoname, Ubisoft announced the full details of the fourth, and last season, of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Siege Year 4. Operation Shifting Tides introduces Kali and Wamai — a new Attacker and Defender — from India and Kenya, in addition to an entirely reworked Theme Park map.

Indian Attacker Kali and Kenyan Defender Wamai are the two new operators coming in Operation Shifting Tides. They met in the NIGHTHAVEN Special Intervention Company, a private military group owned and led by Kali. She is equipped with a CSRX 300 sniper rifle that can breach barricades and hatches in a single shot. Her gadget is its under-barrel, the LV Explosive Lance, that destroys all gadgets on both sides of breakable and reinforced surfaces. Wamai is Kali’s best operator at NIGHTHAVEN. His gadget, the Mag-NET System, can attract enemy projectiles and have them detonate at its location. Wamai can make Attackers’ grenades and projectile gadgets useless, or better, turn them against their users.

In addition to these two new Operators, players will be able to explore a reimagined Theme Park map, which is back and newly reworked. The Rail Platform has been removed and the East and West sections have been brought closer together. Inside the building, the East section has largely evolved, primarily the downstairs area. Gargoyle and Haunting Dining bomb sites are replaced with the Throne Room and Armory pair. The new Gong Room in this area also becomes the main entrance, while the Arcade Entrance is now blocked.

Additional updates include the following:

– Limb penetration system has been implemented
– Rappel exist will request a prompt from player to enter rappel
– Operators price decrease (Hibana, Echo, Dokkaebi, Vigil, Zofia, Nomad and Kaid)

The Test Server for Operation Shifting Tides will go live on November 11th. The Test Server is an alternative version of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, allowing players to test upcoming gameplay features that will make their way into the main game itself. Since this is a testing environment, a consistent gameplay experience is not guaranteed on the Test Server. Players are invited to submit the issues they encounter on the Test Server on the R6 Fix platform. The Test Server is exclusive to Windows PC.

For more information about Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, please visit: https://rainbow6.ubisoft.com.

Death Stranding Original Score Out Now

2019/11/08

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News

NEW YORK, NY (November 8, 2019) – Sony Music today releases DEATH STRANDING (ORIGINAL SCORE) with music by LUDVIG FORSSELL. Available everywhere now, the album features music from Sony Interactive Entertainment’s all-new, genre-defying action-adventure game starring Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux and Lindsay Wagner. From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima, Death Stranding is now available for the PlayStation® 4 (PS4™) system.

After the collapse of civilization, Sam Bridges must journey across a ravaged landscape crawling with otherworldly threats to save mankind from the brink of extinction. In the near future, mysterious explosions have rocked the planet, setting off a series of supernatural events known as the Death Stranding. With spectral creatures plaguing the landscape, and the planet on the verge of a mass extinction, it’s up to Bridges to journey across the ravaged wasteland and save mankind from impending annihilation.

Corsair T3 Rush Gaming Chair Out Now

2019/11/08

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Geek News, News, Peripherals News

FREMONT, CA, November 8th, 2019 – CORSAIR®, a world leader in PC gaming peripherals and enthusiast components, today announced the newest addition to its lineup of premium gaming chairs: the T3 RUSH. Offering contoured comfort with a breathable soft fabric exterior, highly adjustable 4D armrests and seat back, and an immensely durable solid steel frame, the T3 RUSH puts you in the driver’s seat of your desktop gaming setup with three colors from which to choose.

The T3 RUSH, like the T1 RACE and T2 ROAD WARRIOR before it, features a striking design inspired by professional Motorsports. The T3 RUSH is the first gaming chair from CORSAIR to feature a soft fabric exterior, which retains minimal heat for cool and comfortable gaming all day and night. An adjustable padded neck cushion and memory foam lumbar pillow support the neck and back, both wrapped in plush microfiber.

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories/Products/Gaming-Chairs/T3-RUSH-Gaming-Chair/p/CF-9010029-WW

Adjustability is key for a modern gaming chair, allowing users to find the comfort-sweet-spot unique to them. The T3 RUSH’s 4D armrests can be adjusted in any direction to conform to your desired arm positions, while the seat back is capable of going from fully upright to laying flat with 180° of reclining range, as well as 10° of lockable seat tilt. With a class 4 gas lift boasting 100mm of adjustable seat height, the T3 RUSH provides a seat that is as adjustable as it is comfortable.

An embedded solid steel frame runs through the base and back of the T3 RUSH, ensuring sturdy support that can weather countless years of use. A set of five 65mm heavy-duty dual wheel casters, capable of gliding smoothly over most floor surfaces, give you the freedom to move around your setup and the stability to stay firmly in place when the action gets heavy.

Inspired by racing, built for gaming – the new CORSAIR T3 RUSH offers a luxuriously comfortable seat for gamers to sit back, settle in, and command in comfort.

Availability, Warranty and Pricing

The CORSAIR T3 RUSH Gaming Chair is available immediately from the CORSAIR webstore and the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors.

The T3 RUSH is backed by a two-year warranty and the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network.