Author - Jerry Paxton

Universal Studios Pay Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne in All-Original Halloween Horror Nights Haunted Houses

2 months ago

News, Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, Trailers / Videos

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights pays tribute to pioneer heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne in the all-original haunted houses, “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness,” inspired by his prolific solo career. Guests can anticipate a wild ride as they climb aboard the Crazy Train for a terrifying trip through his disturbing world of rock and roll, beginning Friday, August 28 at Universal Orlando Resort and Thursday, September 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Developed as a living horror movie through the lens of Halloween Horror Nights, this non-traditional memorial to Ozzy Osbourne will span 45 years, transporting guests on a twisted journey though the artist’s outrageous and eccentric solo career in unique experiences across both coasts.

Music from Ozzy Osbourne’s solo albums will guide guests through “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness,” including The Blizzard of Ozz (1980), Diary of a Madman (1981), Bark at the Moon (1983), No More Tears (1991), Scream (2010) and Ordinary Man (2020).

“Ozzy never stopped pushing boundaries, and he loved anything that gave fans a new way to experience his music and the worlds he created,” Sharon and Jack Osbourne jointly stated. “Halloween Horror Nights has done an incredible job bringing that spirit to life. Walking through these haunted houses, you’ll recognize so many moments inspired by his music and imagination. It’s a wonderful tribute to Ozzy, and we hope fans have as much fun experiencing it as he would have had seeing it come together.”

At Universal Studios Hollywood, the haunted house transports fans to where it all began, in Birmingham, England, home to John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne. Starting with “Crazy Train,” Ozzy Osbourne’s most famous song, guests will travel through time from his early childhood to the Osbourne Asylum, inspired by his iconic album Diary of a Madman. As they weave through the decades, the unique iterations of Ozzy’s persona will come to life, from Madman Ozzy and Werewolf Ozzy to the Prince of Darkness, the moniker he earned in the 1970s.

“Ozzy Osbourne didn’t just help define heavy metal—he created a cultural phenomenon that has influenced generations of music, art and horror,” said John Murdy, Executive Producer of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. “We previously had the privilege of collaborating with Ozzy and Black Sabbath, and this new haunted house is an opportunity to honor his extraordinary solo career. Inspired by all 13 of his albums, guests will journey through the dark, surreal worlds that fueled his music and cemented his legacy as the one and only Prince of Darkness.”

At Universal Orlando, Halloween Horror Nights guests will venture through ancient ruins and foreboding dungeons before boarding the “Crazy Train” for a twisted ride into a realm inspired by the covers of his fan-favorite albums, Diary of a Madman, Bark at the Moon, The Ultimate Sin and Black Rain. Rules by the Prince of Darkness, this fantastical world draws from the heavier sound and sinister imagery that defined the later years of Ozzy’s career, transforming that creative evolution into a horrific journey through his unmistakably twisted imagination.

“We are honored to collaborate with the Osbourne family to create a unique haunted house that celebrates the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne,” said Mike Aiello, Senior Director of Entertainment Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort. “It was important for us to create an authentic experience that brings Ozzy’s creativity and personality to life in an eerily immersive new way. Fans will discover so many meaningful details, including a few Easter Eggs, as they navigate memorable dark and twisted moments inspired by his iconic musical career.”

New limited-release merchandise inspired by the “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness” haunted houses, including a T-shirt and an Ozzy acrylic figure which can be added to the separately sold Infernal Carnival collectible display, are now available at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood and will launch tomorrow, Thursday, July 30 at 9am PST on shopUniversal.com.

Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights at Universal Orlando Resort, beginning Friday, August 28 through Sunday, November 1, and at Universal Studios Hollywood from Thursday, September 3 through Sunday, November 1. Event tickets for both theme parks are on sale now, including the popular Frequent Fear Pass options that will allow guests to experience the horror again and again. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Docked: Deluxe Edition Arrives on October 22 for PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series

2 months ago

Jerry Paxton

News, Geek News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Microids and publisher Saber Interactive are pleased to announce that Docked, the all-new port operations simulation game, will be available in a physical Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on October 22.

Microids is overseeing the design and distribution of the physical Edition of Docked for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series. Players purchasing the Deluxe Edition will receive a forklift, a magnetic grab, the Premium terminal tractor and access to new missions as well as the Season Pass, which grants access to the game’s first expansions planned for 2026 including the expansion New Horizon which includes the DLC 1 and DLC 2.

Vans Warped Tour Announces Return to Long Beach in 2027

2 months ago

Jerry Paxton

News, Geek News, Industry News

Vans Warped Tour, one of the most iconic, successful, and longest-running music festivals in history, is set to return to Long Beach in 2027. Organizers have announced that the festival will take place July 24 – 25, 2027, bringing Vans Warped Tour back to Southern California for another unforgettable weekend of live music, skate culture, and community at the Shoreline Waterfront. For just $5 down to secure your spot, tickets will be available this Friday, July 31, at 12 p.m. PT. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.vanswarpedtour.com/tickets.

The announcement follows growing excitement surrounding Vans Warped Tour’s return to Long Beach this past weekend, which featured a dynamic, multi-generational lineup that celebrated the breadth of alternative music. Blending legendary acts with rising talent, the festival continued its longstanding tradition of championing both established artists and the next generation of performers while delivering the high-energy, community-driven experience that has defined Warped Tour for decades.

On returning to Long Beach in 2027, Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman adds “Working with the City of Long Beach has been an absolute pleasure, and it’s a show I genuinely look forward to every year. Coming back to the city where I got my start as stage manager at the legendary Fenders Ballroom and now bringing Vans Warped Tour here feels like a true full-circle moment. And, of course, it’s an added bonus that they somehow keep ordering perfect weather for us.”

In partnership with Insomniac, the two-day festival features over 100 artists spanning rock, pop punk, alternative, emo, hip-hop, ska and beyond, alongside appearances from world-class skateboarders and elite action-sports athletes. This latest iteration builds on Vans Warped Tour’s legacy while embracing a broader, more global future for one of music and skate culture’s most enduring live platforms.

In addition to Washington DC and Long Beach, CA, Vans Warped Tour expanded its footprint and cultural impact in 2026 with two-day festivals in Orlando, FL, as well as the launch of two all-new international editions in Montreal, Canada and Mexico City, Mexico, marking a powerful global expansion.

Vans Warped Tour built a singular legacy as the definitive summer festival for rock and alternative music fans, shaping generations of artists and audiences alike. Founded in 1995, Vans Warped Tour was never just a concert series; it was a proving ground, cultural crossroads, and community-driven platform where established acts shared stages with emerging talent, often at pivotal moments in their careers.

Throughout the years, Vans Warped Tour helped introduce and elevate artists who would go on to define modern music, with past performers including blink-182, No Doubt, Sublime, Beck, Katy Perry, NOFX, Limp Bizkit, Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, Eminem, Yellowcard, Bad Religion, and countless others.

What set Vans Warped Tour apart was its accessibility and ethos. Affordable tickets, all-day festivals, genre-fluid lineups, and an environment where fans could discover new artists, connect directly with performers, and experience music alongside skate culture, activism, and community engagement. That spirit of openness and discovery became central to Vans Warped Tour’s identity, cementing its place as one of the most influential live music platforms in modern music history. Vans Warped Tour remains committed to accessible pricing, with weekend passes that start at an all-inclusive price of $149.98 (processing fees included) and are currently available for purchase at https://www.vanswarpedtour.com/tickets.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Update 1.4.2 Available Today

2 months ago

Jerry Paxton

News, Geek News, Windows PC News

Update 1.4.2 for Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is officially rolling out now across all platforms. This update brings a handful of features and improvements we’re excited to share with you. We’ve heard players asking for more options in Peace Deals, and with 1.4.2, we’re happy to add new ways to negotiate.

You’ll now have an expanded toolkit of items to exchange to bring a war to a close, along with an upgraded, cleaner UI. In a similar vein, we’re also making improvements to Leader Relationships that give you more control and clarity over your diplomatic strategy.

With Victories getting an overhaul in Test of Time, we tinkered to get individual Victory settings back up and running. Now, with 1.4.2, you can once again disable or enable specific Victory types, crafting a path to greatness that’s all your own. Lastly, we’re launching the second part of the paid Brush and Blade Collection. We introduced Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Heian Japan, and Sengoku Japan last month, and now, players can delve into Korean history with the addition of Yi Sun-sin, Goryeo, and Joseon.

Kevin Smith-Licensed Jay and Silent Bob’s Joint Venture Game Announced

2 months ago

Jerry Paxton

News, Geek News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Independent video game company Nitrate Games enters the realm of digital publishing and niche IP development with the announcement of Jay and Silent Bob’s Joint Venture, an adult cozy farm sim that offers fans an opportunity to engage with and play as filmmaker Kevin Smith’s beloved cult classic characters within the digital realm. The announcement was made during Smith’s annual Saturday night Hall H panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego.

The game provides a raunchy new take on a cozy farming game – if those crops were akin to Jay and Silent Bob’s specific cultural tastes. Heading toward its beta testing phase of production, the game is expected to be released in late Spring 2027 on Steam/PC. Players will build, cultivate, and expand their operation, interact with familiar faces, and experience an original story featuring Kevin Smith’s iconic characters.

Nitrate Games is the brainchild of Daniel Kendrick, Montana Sommese and Nick Madonna. Co-Founder & CEO Kendrick previously ran IDW Entertainment, working on films & games for properties like Locke & Key, Wynonna Earp, 30 Days of Night, Godzilla, Sonic the Hedgehog and 250 other titles. He was the co-executive producer of last year’s breakthrough hit Batman Azteca for Warner Bros. Animation. Sommese, Nitrate’s Co-Founder, has served more than 15 years at the intersection of Hollywood and gaming, specializing in adapting premier IP for the next generation of players and delivering dozens of experiences for industry titans like Warner Bros. and Fox. Serving as Nitrate’s Head of Development, Madonna boasts more than 20 years of experience working on game titles for Saber Interactive, Square Enix, & Vivendi Universal. Madonna also runs PHL Collective, a leading licensed entertainment developer delivering award-winning titles for world-class IPs like Star Wars, Justice League and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Players can learn more and sign up to playtest and wishlist.

To sign up and claim a Comic-Con exclusive in-game costume, visit https://joint-venture.firstlook.gg/signup/joint-venture

To join Wishlist on Steam, visit https://store.steampowered.com/app/4902580/Jay_and_Silent_Bobs_Joint_Venture/

No More Room in Hell 2 Launch Date Announce

2 months ago

Jerry Paxton

News, Geek News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Today, Torn Banner Studios officially announced that No More Room in Hell 2 will exit Early Access and release at 1.0 on 11th August, 2026. In an exciting expansion for the franchise, the studio has partnered with Green Man Gaming to bring the unforgiving 8-player co-op tactical horror experience to PlayStation and XBOX, complete with cross-play functionality across all platforms for the ultimate co-op experience.

Ahead of its official launch, the 8-player co-op PvE horror title is available for pre-order on the XBOX store today with a 20% discount. Launch-day offers are available from 11 August with 35% off on Steam and the Epic Games Store and 20% off on XBOX and Playstation Stores.

This milestone release delivers a wealth of new content and gameplay overhauls, capping off two years of continuous refinement since the game first launched in 2024. Backed by over 8,000 community-driven bug fixes and performance optimisations, 1.0 introduces vital quality-of-life upgrades including overhauled difficulty tiers, match reconnect, an ‘Unstuck’ button, an improved UI and more.

Fans of the permadeath co-op can expect the permanent addition of the action-packed Survival Mode. Originally previewed during the Free Weekend event, this deadly new game mode pushes squads to their limits as they defend strategic speaker towers from an ever-growing horde of the undead, buying precious time for civilian evacuations.

Designed to offer a smoother onboarding experience, new tutorial grounds and re-tuned difficulty tiers give first-time players room to learn the ropes. The update also introduces an all-new Solo Mode, providing opportunities for veterans and newcomers alike to master map layouts at their own pace – completely free from the brutal threat of permadeath – before braving the high-stakes co-op progression.

New Expeditions: Samurai Gameplay Features Trailer

2 months ago

Jerry Paxton

News, Geek News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Are you ready to set sail for feudal Japan? You’ll be thrown into the chaos of a civil war reaching its climax, as the Sengoku period draws to a close. After more than 100 years of conflict, brutal battles, and devastating consequences for the civilian population, one final clash remains – and it will determine the fate of your crew, and of all of Japan.

The latest gameplay trailer from developer Campfire Cabal highlights the features of the upcoming CRPG Expeditions: Samurai, launching into Early Access on August 7, 2026.

Depending on your playstyle, there are many ways to tell your own story: sneak through the shadows using stealth and cunning to outwit your enemies, or launch a frontal assault and dive into tactical, turn-based battles.

And the best part? Expeditions: Samurai can be played in 2-player co-op. So make sure you have a player #2 ready when the game launches – the adventure is better shared!

Expeditions: Samurai Sets Sail in August
Your Journey to feudal Japan starts on August 7th, 2026, when Expeditions: Samurai sets sail into Early Access on Steam. Before launch, developer Campfire Cabal will publish a roadmap detailing what to expect at Early Access launch and which updates are coming down the line.

BioEden Launches Everywhere Sept. 3

2 months ago

Jerry Paxton

News, Geek News, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Broken Arms Games and Focus Entertainment have announced that BioEden, the new, cozy, nature-centric management game where players must save a barren world, will release on September 3 on PC, as well as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders are available now on Steam, PlayStation and Xbox for $19.99 after a special pre-order discount.

Start breathing life back into a barren world with the playable demo!

The BioEden demo on Steam gives full access to the tutorial and a taste of the relaxing, nature-focused journey that awaits in the full game. Take your first steps on a barren planet and learn the core mechanics: resource and space management, exploration, building and animal caretaking.

BioEden releases Sept. 3, 2026, on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S & Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-order on Steam, PlayStation and Xbox today and play the demo now!

Dagger Directive Leaves Early Access August 13

2 months ago

Jerry Paxton

News, Geek News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Publisher MicroProse and developer Arcane Alpacas are proud to announce that Dagger Directive will officially leave Early Access and launch its Version 1.0 on August 13, delivering the most ambitious update in the game’s development to date.

Inspired by the golden age of tactical military shooters, Dagger Directive combines open-ended mission design, large-scale environments, and authentic gunplay, allowing players to approach every operation their own way. Whether infiltrating enemy compounds under the cover of darkness or launching a full-scale assault, success depends on planning, precision, and adaptability.

Version 1.0 introduces the Global Ops Expansion, significantly expanding the game with a brand-new campaign featuring five new missions, new operational objectives, fresh enemy encounters, and additional locations to explore. Alongside the new content, players will gain access to an expanded arsenal featuring weapons such as the MK18, P90, M17, and M32 Grenade Launcher, together with new equipment and customization options.

The full release also delivers substantial gameplay and technical improvements across the board, including smarter AI behavior, controller support, Steam Deck compatibility, quality-of-life enhancements, and further refinements shaped throughout the Early Access period.

Supporting the game’s long-term future, Version 1.0 also strengthens Dagger Directive’s community-driven foundation with Steam Workshop integration and expanded modding capabilities, allowing players to create, share, and experience new content beyond the official campaign.

Built for players who grew up with the tactical shooters of the late ’90s and early 2000s, Dagger Directive blends the deliberate, tactical gameplay of the genre’s classics with modern systems, quality-of-life improvements, and the freedom to complete every mission your own way.

MOZA Racing Becomes Official Partner of the Gran Turismo World Series

2 months ago

Jerry Paxton

News, Geek News, Peripherals News

MOZA Racing, a global leader in high-performance sim racing hardware, is proud to announce its official partnership with the Gran Turismo World Series, the premier international championship of the Gran Turismo franchise.

Beginning with Round 2 of the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series, premiering on August 15, MOZA Racing will join the championship as an Official Partner, with the MOZA brand featured throughout the official broadcast. This partnership marks another milestone in MOZA’s ongoing commitment to advancing competitive sim racing and delivering more immersive motorsport experiences to racers worldwide.

Driven by a passion for innovation and realism, MOZA Racing has rapidly established itself as one of the industry’s leading sim racing brands. Its comprehensive ecosystem includes direct drive wheel bases, steering wheels, pedals, dashboards, shifters, motion systems, and intelligent simulation technologies, designed to bring professional-level racing experiences from the track to the home.

At the heart of MOZA’s innovation is a team with deep roots in the automotive industry. Bringing together expertise in active suspension systems, motion control, and automotive engineering, MOZA’s core engineering team applies real-world vehicle development principles to simulation technology. By transferring advanced automotive technologies, including drive-by-wire concepts, precision sensing, and intelligent control algorithms, into the sim racing environment, MOZA aims to create a closer connection between virtual racing and the physical driving experience.

This automotive-inspired approach is reflected throughout MOZA’s product ecosystem. The company’s next-generation direct drive wheel bases incorporate high-density flat-wire motors, advanced force feedback algorithms, and high-resolution torque sensing technology designed to provide highly refined, detailed, and realistic steering feedback. Beyond traditional racing hardware, MOZA’s active pedal technology introduces dynamic force feedback directly through the pedals, enabling drivers to experience braking forces and vehicle behaviors inspired by real motorsport.

Through its partnership with the Gran Turismo World Series, MOZA Racing aims to support one of the world’s most influential sim racing competitions while inspiring the next generation of virtual racers. The collaboration represents a shared vision of pushing the boundaries of technology, competition, and the global sim racing community.

“At MOZA Racing, our mission has always been to make professional-grade sim racing more accessible while continually pushing the boundaries of performance and immersion,” said CY GUAN, CEO of MOZA Racing. “Partnering with the Gran Turismo World Series is an exciting milestone for us. Gran Turismo has inspired generations of racing enthusiasts, and we are honored to contribute to a championship that represents the very best of virtual motorsport. Together, we look forward to creating new possibilities for racers around the world.”

“My first experience with MOZA was actually through their camera stabilisation gimbals. Gimbals and steering controllers both use the same type of technology in that they exercise very precise control over electric motors, so I had my eyes on MOZA’s developmental ability, technology, and reliability for a while now. The evolution of consumer-level force feedback steering that started from Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec is still ongoing, but with MOZA now joining us as a partner I’m excited to see the expanded possibilities to develop a steering wheel that is optimal in the eyes of ‘Gran Turismo’. Please look forward to the new products that will be released through MOZA,” said Kazunori Yamauchi, Producer of Gran Turismo. “The advancement of racing hardware plays an important role in bringing that experience closer to reality. We are pleased to welcome MOZA Racing as an official partner of the Gran Turismo World Series and look forward to exploring new possibilities together for the future of sim racing.”

Fans can watch Round 2 of the Gran Turismo World Series on August 15, where MOZA Racing will make its debut as an Official Partner during the live broadcast.

This partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter for MOZA Racing. As the company works toward introducing its first officially licensed PlayStation® racing products*, GTWS provides a natural platform to engage with one of the world’s largest and most passionate sim racing communities. While development remains underway, MOZA Racing looks forward to sharing more in the coming months as it continues expanding its ecosystem and delivering new experiences for Gran Turismo players worldwide.

This is only the beginning, with more exciting announcements to come.