Author - Jerry Paxton

PDP Announces Afterglow Prismatic Wired Controller for Xbox One

Afterglow Prismatic Xbox One - PACKAGING

Burbank, CA – June 11, 2015 – PDP is proud to announce the release of Afterglow’s newest wired controller for Xbox One with Prismatic lighting—a stand-out feature of the Afterglow brand.  Officially licensed by Microsoft with built-in ALPS analog sticks and PDP’s custom-engineered SmartTrack™ technology, the Afterglow Prismatic Wired Controller for Xbox One provides superior performance and accuracy for an unforgettable gaming experience.

With new dimmable Prismatic LED lighting available through full color range LEDs, gamers can set their favorite color, cycle through the rainbow, or turn off the lights completely. Take a peek into the controller’s clear polycarbonate housing, which reveals the controller’s inner circuitry, and enjoy the Red Action-Pulse lighting for enhancement of in-game rumble events. The Dual Multi-Function wheels on the back of the controller allow gamers to customize up to 6 different actions, so you can keep your thumbs on the analog sticks while engaged in the action.

Additionally, the included 3.5mm headset jack will support game and chat audio. The onboard audio controls add a hassle-free way to access and adjust audio levels without interrupting gameplay.

The Afterglow Prismatic Wired Controller for Xbox One will have an estimated SRP of $49.99 and will be available for pre-order from major retailers.

Nickelodeon Announces Events for 2015 San Diego Comic-Con

nickatsdcc

June 12, 2015 — Nickelodeon heads to Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015 to showcase its rich content through an innovative booth design, fan activations, talent-driven panels and more.

Nickelodeon’s 1800 sq. foot booth (#4113) is inspired by the excitement and imagination streaming out of its Burbank Animation Studio.  Sky-rocketing from the floor to the ceiling of the convention center, the booth’s bold collage design showcases series like Pig Goat Banana Cricket, Harvey Beaks, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Sanjay and Craig, SpongeBob SquarePants and more.

The booth will feature activations that include: a voice record room where fans can lend their own voices to select scenes from their favorite Nick TV shows; a facial recognition booth where attendees can become their favorite characters; a “Throwback Thursday” (#TBT) celebration; and autograph signings with Tom Kenny, Kel Mitchell and more.

Nickelodeon will present three panels: Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Turtle Power!; Are you ready, kids? Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants; and Nickelodeon Animation featuring Sanjay and Craig – Noiice!, which will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at Sanjay and Craig, Harvey Beaks and the upcoming series Pig Goat Banana Cricket and The Loud House.

In addition, Nickelodeon Animation will take over the Horton Grand Theater to bring fans Nickelodeon’s Variety Show ft. Breadwinners Live!, a cartoon-copia of surprises including swag bags packed with exclusive collectibles on Saturday, July 11.

The following is a full rundown of the panels and booth activity:

PANELS

Friday, July 10

Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Turtle Power! – Secrets of the ooze are revealed by the mutated minds making Nickelodeon’s hit animated series. Moderated by the internet’s biggest fanboy, Andre Meadows (aka “@BlackNerd”), the panel features executive producers Ciro Nieli and Brandon Auman as they provide sneak peeks into season four and discuss the epic and bizarre adventures in store for the four talking turtles.  Also on hand will be the extraordinary and talented voice actors of our TMNT world; Seth Green (Leonardo), Rob Paulsen (Donatello),Greg Cipes (Michelangelo), Eric Bauza (Tiger Claw), Fred Tatasciore (Rocksteady) and more special guests!  Booyakasha!

Saturday, July 11

Are you ready, kids? Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants – The cast of SpongeBob is back!  We’ve assembled all your Bikini Bottom favorites to perform the episode “Idiot Box” at a live table read as chosen by fans online.  Featuring Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick Star), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward) and Dee Bradley Baker (all other Bikini Bottomites).  Following the performance will be a Q&A with the cast and creative director, Vincent Waller.  Plus, a sneak peek at a brand new episode and fan trivia with prizes!  Hosted by Claudia Spinelli, VP of Current Series Animation for Nickelodeon. All landlubbers welcome!

Sunday, July 12

Nickelodeon Animation featuring Sanjay and CraigNoiice!Sanjay and Craig returns to Comic Con with a live table read followed by a Q&A with the cast and creators.  Featuring creators and co-executive producers Jim Dirschberger and Jay Howell, and voice talent Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist), Maulik Pancholy (30 Rock), Matt Jones (Breaking Bad) and other special guests.  Moderated by Claudia Spinelli, VP of Current Series Animation for Nickelodeon.  But that’s not all!  After the Q&A we’re screening, sneak peeks from Sanjay and Craig and Harvey Beaks, plus, a special preview of Nick Animation’s upcoming brand new shows Pig Goat Banana Cricket and The Loud House.

SPECIAL EVENT

Saturday, July 11, Location: The Horton Grand Theater

Nickelodeon’s Variety Show ft. Breadwinners Live! – Nickelodeon Animation takes over the Horton Grand Theater to bring you a cartoon-copia of surprises including swag bags packed with exclusive collectibles!  Hosted by DJ BoogieTicket Required: get free tickets in the Autograph Area of Comic Con’s Sails Pavilion.  Come hang out, crush some snacks and enjoy the show!  You can meet SpongeBob, Patrick and the Dino Charge Power Rangers, watch exclusive cartoons and the world premiere of two brand new shows, Pig Goat Banana Cricket and The Loud House. See the stars of Henry Danger unmask a super-secret surprise and laugh with the voice cast of Breadwinners as they perform and sing at a live table read!  Yip-Yip!  Scheduled to appear are Robbie Daymond (SwaySway), Eric Bauza (Buhdeuce) and special guests.  This is the one-night-only kids and family event full of amazement that you won’t want to miss.

ONGOING BOOTH ACTIVITY

  • #TBT: Nickelodeon kicks-off SDCC with a “Throwback Thursday” day-long celebration featuring an appearance and autograph signing with Kenan & Kel star Kel Mitchell; a photo opportunity with the beloved ‘90s character Stick Stickly; appearances by the Rugrats costumed characters Tommy, Chucky and Angelica; and exclusive giveaways.
  • VO Your Favorite Show: The center of the Nick booth will feature a voice record booth where fans can test their voiceover skills by recording their own scene from a popular Nick animated show.  Participants will be video recorded and will receive an email of the video featuring a side-by-side of the booth with the animated scene to share with friends. Nickelodeon partnered with digital agency RED Interactive Agency to create the experience which will be open to fans each day of Comic-Con.

Nito–Get Animated App: Nickelodeon teams up with Nito (www.NitoApp.com) to allow kids (and big kids) to “become” their favorite Nick characters. Step into the booth and voila – your movements and expressions are mimicked perfectly by SpongeBob, Korra, Harvey Beaks, and more!  You can take part in a real animated scene and will then be emailed a video to share (and show off with).

  • Autograph Signings:  During the convention, Nickelodeon talent will sign autographs for fans.  Signing opportunities include: Kel Mitchell, SpongeBob SquarePants voice talent, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles talent and executive producers, Sanjay and Craig creators and talent, Breadwinners creators, Pig Goat Banana Cricket creators, The Loud House creator, The Legend of Korra co-creators/executive producers, and the Power Rangers Dino Charge cast.
  • Costumed Characters Appearances: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Rugrats and Power Rangers Dino Charge characters will make appearances during the convention.
  • Giveaways:  Fans have chances to win special products over the course of the convention.

EA’s E3 2015 Press Conference Live Stream Here on June 15th at 1PM #EAE3

e32014-121 copy

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – June 12, 2015 – The 2015 Electronic Entertainment Expo begins next week in Los Angeles, and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) kicks off the week by hosting its ninth annual E3 press conference on Monday, June 15 at 1:00pm PDT. EA joins the week-long gaming celebration by showcasing some of the world’s biggest, most entertaining blockbusters and by revealing innovative original gaming properties. At the press conference hosted by CEO Andrew Wilson, EA will demonstrate a dozen HD titles, all powered by world-class technology, including the world debuts of gameplay from Star Wars™ Battlefront™, Mirror’s Edge™ Catalyst, Need for Speed™and more.

Live Stream

For the first time, EA will welcome hundreds of local High School and University students in the live press conference audience exposing them to the most exciting week for the videogame industry. Following the press conference, EA is hosting an exclusive panel discussion for these students featuring EA leaders and moderated by Tracy Fullerton, Director of USC’s Games Program, to discuss career opportunities in the videogame industry.

The EA press conference will stream live at LiveToPlay.ea.com on Monday June 15, at 1:00pm PDT. From E3 through Gamescom, follow the latest EA news, updates and see exclusive behind-the-scenes content at LiveToPlay.ea.com.

For viewers unable to attend the show in person, EA will bring the excitement home by giving away free games throughout the live stream. Follow and Retweet @OriginInsider for a chance to win one of 400 free PC games, starting as the show begins at 1:00pm PDT and concluding as the show ends at 2pm PDT. Winners are selected at random.

At the E3 Expo (Booth #1601), EA will give show-goers hands-on with the titles below, as well as a few surprises:

  • FIFA 16FIFA 16 innovates across the entire pitch to deliver a balanced, authentic, and exciting football experience that lets you play your way, and compete at a higher level. And with all new ways to play!
  • EA SPORTS™ FIFA – Featuring stunning new console quality gameplay that fully harnesses the power of the latest mobile devices – this is truly the next generation FIFA for mobile.
  • Madden NFL 16 – Be the Playmaker in Madden NFL 16 with new gameplay mechanics that allow you to dominate the passing game.
  • Madden NFL Mobile –This is Madden NFL like you’ve never seen on mobile and the season never ends! Build your ultimate Madden NFL team, dominate your friends in intense head-to-head shootouts and play Live Events all off-season long.
  • Minions Paradise™ –Developed in partnership with Illumination Entertainment, when a lovable yet bungling Minion named Phil accidentally sinks the cruise ship carrying his vacationing Minion buddies, he decides to turn a deserted tropical island into the perfectMinions Paradise!
  • Mirror’s Edge Catalyst – Experience the rise of Faith and join her fight for freedom, with fluid movement and combat in first person that will raise the bar for the action/adventure genre.
  • NBA LIVE 16 – This year is all about you, with features that empower self-expression on and off the court.
  • Need for Speed – Discover a nocturnal world of urban car culture built around real world automotive icons and Five Ways to Play in this thrilling reboot.
  • NHL® 16 – Built with more input from our fans than ever before, NHL 16 steps onto the ice to deliver new features across the most played single player and team modes, including a reimagined EA SPORTS Hockey League. Combined with new gameplay balance and innovation at every position and an unrivalled game day authenticity, NHL 16 puts you into the heart of a team, where you play together and win together.
  • EA SPORTS Rory Mcllroy PGA TOUR® – With stunning authentic and fantasy experiences, EA SPORTS Rory Mcllroy PGA TOUR truly delivers Golf Without Limits. Play what you want, how you want, where you want.
  • Star Wars™ Battlefront™ – From epic 40 player multiplayer battles to Missions packed with intensity and depth, Star WarsBattlefront will immerse you in your Star Wars™ battle fantasies.
  • Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ – The largest story-driven expansion to date, Knights of the Fallen Empire, marks a renewed focus on cinematic storytelling in Star Wars: The Old Republic. The expansion will deliver on the hallmarks of what makes a great BioWare™ game: new worlds to explore, new companions to recruit, and a dynamic story that players will be able to shape based on the choices they make.

Wiz Khalifa, Neil Patrick Harris, Minka Kelly and More Play Batman: Arkham Knight

batman-celebs

June 11, 2015 — Check out the video below for some hilarious celebrity reactions to the soon-to-be-released title, Batman: Arkham Knight. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Rocksteady Studios partnered with SNL’s Taran Killam to direct the video and host celeb gamers and fans of the franchise for their first hands-on with the title.

Celebs who got a chance to play the game were:

  • Wiz Khalifa
  • Blake Anderson
  • Neil Patrick Harris
  • Minka Kelly
  • Kumail Nanjiani
  • Breckin Meyer
  • Joe Manganiello
  • iJustine
  • Troy Baker (voice of Two-Face)
  • Kevin Conroy (voice of Batman)

Trailer

Batman: Arkham Knight is the finale to the Arkham series where Batman face the ultimate threat against the city he has sworn to protect. The title will be available on June 23, 2015 exclusively for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC.

NVIDIA Now A Sponsor of ESL One Tournaments

esl-logo

June 11, 2015 — NVIDIA signs as global partner for the world’s largest Counter-Strike league, the ESL ESEA Pro League and ESL One, with confirmed collaborations to include;

  • ESL One Frankfurt, Commerzbank-Arena, June 20-21
  • ESL One Cologne, LANXESS arena, August 22-23
  • ESL One at New York Super Week, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, October 3-4

“ESL One is about the best players in the world playing in the biggest arenas, so it is only fitting that they would play on the best hardware – which is exactly what NVIDIA provides for us,” said Ulrich Schulze, Managing Director of Pro Gaming at ESL. “Together I am sure we will be able to accomplish great things for our competitors, allowing them to bring their best game to the competition at hand.”

NVIDIA’s presence will not only include offline competitions, but also encompass online tournaments, such as the Dota 2 Cup series’ in the CIS region, the ESL Pro Series in China and many more. The company’s continued partnership further emphasises its commitment to the future of eSports and its community.

James Grunke, Director of Global eSports at NVIDIA said, “By integrating GeForce GTX and G-SYNC desktop monitors into the tournament infrastructure, we can ensure that pro-gamers are able to play on the most advanced platform possible. Being able to eliminate any kind of tearing and stuttering during gameplay is crucial in a competitive environment, and we’re able to offer a smooth and fast experience where the only difference between winning and losing will be based purely on the skill of the player.”

For more information regarding the sponsorship, competition and more, please visit www.eslgaming.com

Shadow Warrior 2 Announcement Trailer

shadow-warrior-2-screenshot

Austin, TX –- Independent developer Flying Wild Hog (Shadow Warrior, Hard Reset) and rogue game publisher Devolver Digital (The Talos Principle, Hotline Miami) have announced Shadow Warrior 2, a striking follow-up to the global best-selling first-person shooter Shadow Warrior for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. Shadow Warrior 2 marks the triumphant return of Lo Wang and his trademark use of blades, bullets, and a sharp tongue to strike down the demonic hordes – but this time he’s not going at it alone.

“The incredible reception of Shadow Warrior from both longtime fans and gamers new to the series was overwhelming,” said Michal Szustak, Studio Director at Flying Wild Hog. “Shadow Warrior 2 will expand on and improve every element that made the original so unique and strike a balance between classic FPS action and modern design.”

Shadow Warrior 2 is the stunning evolution of Flying Wild Hog’s offbeat first-person shooter following the further misadventures of former corporate shogun Lo Wang. Now surviving as a reclusive mercenary on the edge of a corrupted world, the formidable warrior must again wield a devastating combination of guns, blades, magic and wit to strike down the demonic legions overwhelming the world. Battle alongside allies online in four-player co-op or go it alone in spectacular procedurally-generated landscapes to complete daring missions and collect powerful new weapons, armor, and arcane relics of legend.

“While the game is busting with stunning visuals and exquisite combat, it’s the near constant barrage of Wang jokes that is going to move product,” said Devolver Digital CFO Fork Parker. “The kids love thinly veiled dick jokes. Love ‘em.”

Shadow Warrior 2 will be available to demo via appointment only at E3 2015 with the first look at gameplay debuting live on Twitch.TV Monday, June 15th at 12:30PM Pacific [twitch.tv/twitch]. Shadow Warrior 2 is set to launch on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in 2016 or whenever Lo Wang damn well pleases. For news and information on development, follow @ShadowWarrior on Twitter or visit www.shadowwarrior.com.

Trailer

Logitech G Introduces First Force Feedback Racing Wheel for Xbox One and PC

logitech-driving-force-xbox-one-force-feedback-wheel

NEWARK, Calif.–Logitech (SIX:LOGN) (NASDAQ:LOGI), a leading innovator of gaming peripherals, today announced the Logitech® G920 Driving Force™, its first force feedback racing wheel available for Xbox One®, as well as PC, will be available this fall. Built for precision racing and long-lasting reliability, the Logitech G920 Driving Force features Logitech’s powerful dual-motor force feedback transmission with anti-backlash helical gearing, hand-stitched leather-wrapped rim, and stainless steel throttle, brake, and clutch pedals. The wheel is also compatible with the optional Driving Force Shifter, a six-speed manual gear stick with push-down reverse. This is the first Logitech racing wheel available for Xbox One.

“The G920 is the wheel fans have been asking for on Xbox One,” said Ujesh Desai, general manager of the Logitech gaming business. “We built on our history and legacy of previous generation driving wheels to deliver on a truly immersive experience for Xbox One gamers. I personally can’t wait to get behind our new wheel to play Forza Motorsport 6.”

“This is great news for all of the Xbox One racing fans who used a Logitech wheel in the past and have been asking for this on our system,” said James Hunter, Director of Business and Strategy, Xbox Accessories. “With the release of Forza Motorsport 6 later this fall racing enthusiasts will now have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the game with the Logitech G920 Racing Wheel.”

Realistic Force Feedback

Engineered with dual-motor force feedback, the Logitech G920 Driving Force realistically simulates the feel of weight shift, road conditions, and tire wear, so you can sense under- or over-steering, traction loss and more. With helical gears modeled after the gearing used in real world car transmissions, you get exceptionally smooth, quiet and precise steering action. Anti-backlash hardware also keeps the wheel and pedal input tight to maximize control.

Durable Design

Built to last, the Logitech G920 Driving Force features solid steel ball bearings in the wheel shaft, anodized aluminum spokes, and stainless steel paddle shifters and pedals. High-quality, hand-stitched leather gives the Logitech G920 Driving Force the look and feel of a high-performance racecar wheel, and ensures a more comfortable and durable user experience. Additionally, built-in clamps and bolt points allow you to securely mount the wheel to a table or racing rig to minimize shifting or wobbling during aggressive maneuvers.

Easy Access to Game Controls

For seamless access to racing controls, the D-Pad, console buttons and semi-automatic paddle shifters are conveniently located on the Logitech G920 Driving Force.

Responsive Pedal Unit

The Logitech G920 Driving Force comes with a separate floor pedal unit that lets you comfortably brake, accelerate and change gears, just as you would in an actual car, and also allows you to maintain a more realistic body position for driving. The nonlinear brake pedal mimics the performance of a pressure-sensitive brake system for a responsive, accurate braking feel. Additionally, the G920 includes a dedicated clutch, so gamers who want to test their abilities can have a truly immersive racing experience.

Optional Driving Force Shifter

Available as an optional add-on, the Driving Force Shifter is a six-speed manual gear stick with push-down reverse. The Driving Force Shifter features quality construction, with a solid steel gear shaft and hand-stitched leather boot and knob cover. Built-in clamps and bolt points also allow the Driving Force Shifter to be mounted securely.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech G920 Driving Force is expected to be available at global retailers including Amazon, Best Buy and Newegg in the U.S, beginning in October 2015, for a suggested retail price of $399.99. Driving Force Shifter, a six-speed manual gear stick with push-down reverse, is also expected to be available as an optional add-on, for a suggested retail price of $59.99. For more information please visit our website or our blog. The Logitech G920 Driving Force will be featured in the Xbox booth in the South Hall during E3 2015.

FutureMark Begins Development on VRMark Benchmark Software

vrmark-hero

HELSINKI, FINLAND – June 10, 2015 – Futuremark® is developing a VR benchmark that uses a combination of software and hardware to measure performance, latency, and accuracy. Designed primarily for manufacturers, analysts and press, the VRMark™ benchmark will test a system’s ability to deliver high quality virtual reality experiences for a range of content types from photos and video to games and simulations. http://www.futuremark.com/benchmarks/vrmark

With development under way, Futuremark is inviting VR system manufacturers to join its Benchmark Development Program™. BDP members will have exclusive access to VRMark throughout its development, gaining a deep understanding of its workloads, right down to the source code. Using a development process that’s been government-vetted for neutrality, members can provide input to Futuremark at every stage from specification to public release. Companies creating VR hardware and software, and others with an interest in VR system performance, are invited to apply for VRMark BDP membership today at http://www.futuremark.com/bdp.

“There are already more than a dozen different head-mounted displays for VR at various stages of completion. Analysts forecast that VR will reach 10.8 million users by the end of 2016. But delivering a great VR experience relies on overcoming significant performance challenges,” said Jukka Mäkinen, Managing Director at Futuremark. “With VRMark, we’re aiming to help everyone, from industry engineers and press reviewers to the end user at home, discover the best performing VR technology.”

VRMark will test a VR system’s ability to deliver a consistently high frame rate across a range of quality settings and content types. VR is highly sensitive to variations in frame rate. A smooth and stable frame rate is crucial to providing a comfortable VR experience.

In addition, VRMark will measure frame latency and the responsiveness and accuracy of the sensors present in the headset. Low latency is a key factor in achieving the feeling of presence in a VR world and avoiding motion sickness.

Futuremark and its parent company, UL, will additionally offer professional lab-based VR testing and verification with precision instruments to industry customers.

“UL believes that the blossoming VR industry will greatly benefit from a dedicated VR benchmark developed by a neutral 3rd party,” said Sajeev Jesudas, President, Consumer Business Unit at UL. “VRMark is the first component of a comprehensive VR offering from UL that will also include the development of new standards and certification programs to protect the health, safety and well-being of VR users.”

Futuremark’s Benchmark Development Program is an initiative for building partnerships with leading hardware and technology manufacturers. The VRMark Benchmark Development Program will complement Futuremark’s existing 3DMark and PCMark Programs, which count AMD, Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Samsung and other leading technology companies as members.