GSC Game World is pleased to share S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope launches today on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.
Step into a new journey through the Zone — a massive nonlinear expansion offering dozens of hours of gameplay. Discover haunting stories, twisted characters, and the familiar atmosphere of decay… where even the darkest moments leave room for a flicker of hope.
It’s time to step into a new chapter of a well-known conflict. Duty, one of the Zone’s oldest factions, sees it as a threat that must be contained and ultimately destroyed. On the other side, Freedom believes it’s a gift — something to explore and harness for the greater good. For a time, this tension was held together by a fragile peace. But deals like that rarely last.
In Cost of Hope, players once again take on the role of Skif, the protagonist of the base game, as he navigates events unfolding alongside Heart of Chornobyl. Explore the iconic Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the maze-like paths of the Iron Forest — and discover new locations beyond your knowledge. New weapons and gear give Skif a fighting chance against mutants, anomalies, and other dangers lurking in the Zone.
“Throughout the Cost of Hope development, we allowed ourselves to experiment more. To take risks. To surprise. Sometimes that meant trying things we’d never attempted before. Sometimes it meant making bold creative decisions simply because we believed they would make the experience more memorable. Above all, we wanted to create something that would genuinely excite long-time fans of the series. We can’t wait to hear what you think,” said Ievgen Grygorovych, Game Director and CEO of GSC Game World.
“For us, the release of this DLC is proof that even in the most difficult times, Ukrainians continue to create, work and deliver great games, and even the full-scale war has not been able to put the development of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe on hold. We have done everything we could to bring this story to the world, because the game gives us a unique opportunity to reach millions of people around the globe and tell them about Ukraine: its strength, talent, culture, identity and resilience,” said Max Krippa, Owner of GSC Game World.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope is available as a part of the Ultimate Edition of the game or a standalone purchase for 29.99 USD/EUR (subject to regional pricing).
After reaching its initial funding goal in less than three hours, Felicia Day’s The Guild: Ren Faire’d has officially surpassed $5.79 million on Kickstarter, setting a Guiness World Record and becoming the most funded movie project in the crowdfunding history, with 2 days still left to go on the campaign.
The campaign has received support from more than 37,000 backers and reached 385% of its original funding goal, surpassing the previous record set by Veronica Mars, which raised $5,702,153. The achievement marks a major milestone for independently produced entertainment and cements the power of the creator economy, ensuring the original “Knights of Good” return for a new feature-length adventure ahead of The Guild’s 20th anniversary in 2027.
Now that The Guild: Ren Faire’d has officially surpassed the $5.79 million world-record mark, the adventure isn’t over yet. Every additional dollar raised will continue to support the film, while also helping fund an all-new animated special. For the first time, fans will get to see the Guildies fully become their in-game characters and venture into Dragonor, the fantasy RPG world they’ve spent years playing together. Except the same comedy, chaos and lovable dysfunction of the live-action series into a short animated fantasy adventure.
The campaign entered its launch as the most-followed movie project in Kickstarter history, nearly two decades after fans helped fund the original series through a PayPal donation button on The Guild’s website, pioneering online crowdfunding long before Kickstarter existed. That early support allowed Day to complete the show’s first season and helped demonstrate that creator-owned digital entertainment could find both commercial and cultural success outside of the traditional Hollywood system.
“Becoming the most-funded movie in Kickstarter history is completely surreal.” said Felicia Day, creator of The Guild. “We started this campaign because we wanted to prove there was still a way to make something weird and wonderful with the people who actually want to see it, instead of waiting for someone to give us permission. And once again, the Guildies showed up in a way I never could have imagined. I’m overwhelmed, incredibly grateful, and so incredibly pumped to go make the movie they deserve. But mostly grateful. As the community says, suck it suits!”
Created, written by, and starring Day, The Guild: Ren Faire’d will reunite Codex (Felicia Day), Zaboo (Sandeep Parikh), Vork (Jeff Lewis), Tink (Amy Okuda), Clara (Robin Thorsen), and Bladezz (Vincent Caso), continuing their story in the same independent, community-driven spirit that made the original series a defining part of online fandom and geek culture. Nathan Fillion, Misha Collins, and Wil Wheaton have also joined the cast, with even more surprise additions still to come.
In order to reach this record-breaking total, Day and her team took an unconventional approach to crowdfunding. While most film campaigns center on traditional rewards like Blu-rays, posters, and T-shirts, The Guild: Ren Faire’d expanded the campaign into something much bigger. By bringing together original tabletop games, premium collectibles, creator collaborations, exclusive merchandise, and live experiences, the campaign became a full-fledged fan event; one designed not only to fund an independent feature, but to celebrate the community and culture that made The Guild possible in the first place.
THE KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN INCLUDES:
The full-length reunion movie featuring the original Knights of Good cast
Swords & Sweethearts, a dating-sim card game created by Ryan Copple and developed in partnership with Scrungo Games, the licensing division from the team behind Cyanide & Happiness and Joking Hazard
A collected The Guild graphic novel omnibus from Image Comics with original cover by Leila Del Duca
A 120-page The Guild tabletop roleplaying game written by Vince Caso and developed in partnership with Hit Point Press, along with art from Dan Gartman and Pauliina Hannuniemi
Custom 7-piece dice set with nods to the each main cast members
A collectible “Poopcorn” popcorn bucket inspired by the film’s ren faire setting designed by Ryan Lesser at Wild Power Games
A plush Codex “Emotional Support” bag charm by David DePasquale
A tapestry blanket of the series ‘ infamous “Highland Sextasy” painting by Greg Aronowitz.
A cast signed movie poster illustrated by Adam Allsuch Boardman
A signed and bound version of Felicia’s personal production script, with all the marks and doodles
A campaign-exclusive T-shirt designed by Sam Prentice Jones, blind-box enamel pin collection by David DePasquale, and sticker set by the original Guild character artist Erik McKenney
A three-disc, 20th anniversary Blu-ray of the original with new content
A limited edition Blu-ray of the The Guild: Ren Faire’d with exclusive content
Additional digital rewards, collectibles, add-ons, and campaign-exclusive experiences
As part of the campaign’s expanding slate of fan-unlocked content, Conludo – a new board game series co-hosted by Day and Wil Wheaton – was recently announced. Each episode of Conludo centers around a shared topic of conversation between Felicia and Wil, before they choose a board game that fits the conversation and invite their friends to play along. Fans can unlock up to 10 episodes of Conludo by continuing to support the movie via Kickstarter.
Created, written by, and starring Felicia Day, The Guild premiered on July 27, 2007, and followed the members of an online gaming guild whose virtual adventures frequently collided with their real lives. The series ran for six seasons and 70 episodes, plus three music videos, and generated more than 300 million lifetime views across platforms. Across its run, The Guild earned six Streamy Awards and four International Academy of Web Television Awards, appeared on Rolling Stone’s list of “The Net’s Best Serial Shows,” and was recognized by the Smithsonian Institution, which accessioned Codex’s costume into its digital culture collection.
NACON and NACON Studio Ghent are pleased to announce that Hunting Simulator 3 will launch on October 29, 2026, for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado and Texas, either solo or alongside your loyal hunting dog, as you track 35 different animal species using a wide range of gear from leading hunting brands.
Building on over 15 years of expertise, the team at NACON Studio Ghent is dedicated to delivering the most authentic hunting experience to date. Backed by a community of over one million players, the franchise introduces an all-new experience with Hunting Simulator 3 – preserving the core elements that made previous titles a success while introducing key new features and noticeable gameplay enhancements.
Developed on Unreal® Engine 5, Hunting Simulator 3 features a groundbreaking new system: “SimFauna”.
Created by the studio, this tool makes wildlife more vibrant than ever by faithfully replicating real animal behavior. SimFauna operates as a dynamic ecosystem that constantly evolves based on wildlife behavior and player actions. Animals reproduce, grow, and age, making every playthrough unique. Every choice players make directly impacts the ecosystem, offering a more authentic gameplay experience.
THE ULTIMATE HUNTING SIMULATION
Expansive Hunting Grounds: Explore vast open-world maps spanning 100 km² each across Colorado and Texas, featuring enhanced visuals. Traverse these iconic American regions behind the wheel of 5 off-road vehicles from renowned licensed brands (Ford, Kawasaki, Polaris).
Immersive Simulation: Hunt over 35 animal species with your trusted hunting partner! Choose from several hunting dog breeds with distinct behaviors to customize your approach to every hunt.
Authentic Arsenal: Gear up with nearly 75 meticulously modeled weapons and pieces of equipment from world-famous brands (Remington®, Beretta®, Winchester®, Browning®).
Hunting Simulator 3 will be available on October 29, 2026, for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
We have all been there. You drop into a competitive lobby, call out an enemy flank, and your teammate asks if you are playing from inside a running washing machine. Headset microphones have come a long way over the years, but let us be honest, most of them still make you sound like you are ordering lunch at a drive-thru window.
If you want to sound clear on stream or in Discord, a standalone USB microphone is the easiest fix. The trouble is that good audio gear can get expensive fast. Once you start looking at XLR setups, audio interfaces, and heavy studio arms, your budget can vanish before you even hit the “Go Live” button.
That is where the HyperX SoloCast 2 USB Microphone comes into play. Retailing at an easy-to-swallow $59.99 (and often floating closer to $45 or $50 on sale), this little black cylinder promises clean, broadcast-ready sound without needing a recording studio degree.
I plugged it into my rig to see if it delivers the goods or cuts too many corners.
Goodbye Creaky Plastic
If you used the original SoloCast, you might remember its flimsy plastic stand cradle. It worked, sure, but taking the mic in and out could eventually crack the ring.
HyperX threw that entire design in the bin for the SoloCast 2, and thank goodness they did.
The SoloCast 2 is built as a single, solid cylinder with a matte-black finish. It weighs about 12.9 ounces (roughly 365 grams), so it has enough heft to sit firmly on your desk without wobbling around whenever you bump your mouse pad.
The coolest touch is the built-in stand mechanism. Instead of clipping into a separate plastic base, the back of the microphone has a sturdy metal friction hinge. You can tilt it back between 40 and 45 degrees to point the capsule straight at your mouth.
Flip it upside down, and you will find integrated 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch screw threads built right into the base. That means you can pull it out of the box, screw it directly onto standard boom arms, and skip hunting for those annoying little brass adapters that always seem to get lost in a drawer.
How Does It Sound?
Let us get straight to the point: audio quality is where this little mic punches well above its weight class.
Inside that compact body sits a single 14mm electret condenser capsule recording at up to 24-bit depth and a 96kHz sample rate. It uses a cardioid pickup pattern, meaning it listens closely to what is right in front of it while ignoring much of what happens behind it.
When you speak directly into it from about four to eight inches away, your voice sounds crisp, full, and surprisingly natural. The capsule has a subtle boost in the upper-mid frequencies, which helps your speech cut through loud game audio without sounding shrill.
Is it going to replace a $400 Shure SM7B hooked up to a preamp? No, of course not. But for your viewers on Twitch, your teammates in Valorant, or your boss on a Monday morning Zoom call, the raw clarity is night and day compared to any built-in laptop or headset mic.
There is a minor catch, though. Because it is a sensitive condenser microphone, it will pick up background noise if you crank up the gain. If you have a loud mechanical keyboard with clicky blue switches or a box fan roaring two feet away, that sound can creep into your raw audio feed.
Tap-to-Mute
One of my absolute favorite features on HyperX microphones is the capacitive tap-to-mute sensor on top, and it makes a welcome return here.
There is no clunky mechanical button to press. You just lightly tap the flat top surface, and your feed cuts out instantly. Because it is touch-sensitive, you never get that loud, deafening thump that physical buttons send straight to your friends’ eardrums.
Just be mindful when moving your hands around your desk; the sensor is wide, so reaching for a soda can behind the mic might accidentally mute you mid-sentence.
Then there is the status light.
Near the lower front of the capsule, a small red LED turns on when the microphone is live and listening. When you tap to mute, the light turns off completely.
This matches traditional broadcast studio setups, red means on air, but it can throw gamers for a loop at first. Many gaming headsets use a red light to show that you are muted, so you might need a day or two to reprogram your brain.
HyperX NGENUITY
You do not need to install any software to start using the SoloCast 2. You just plug the included USB-C to USB-A cable into your PC, Mac, or PlayStation console, and it works immediately.
If you do want to shape your voice, you can open the HyperX NGENUITY software on Windows. Inside, you will find some handy digital audio tools:
High-Pass & Low-Pass Filters: Great for cutting low rumble or high electronic hiss.
Equalizer: Lets you warm up your tone or add crispness to speech.
Compressor & Limiter: Keeps your volume steady so you do not blow out anyone’s speakers when you shout after a clutch win.
AI Noise Reduction: Digitally scrubs away keyboard clicks and background hums.
The software audio tools work well, but keep two things in mind.
First, running your audio through NGENUITY’s digital processing caps your output format at 24-bit/48kHz. That is still the standard format for gaming, streaming, and video calls, so you will not notice any practical loss.
Second, the NGENUITY app has a frustrating quirk where custom settings might not save directly to the microphone’s hardware memory. If you shut down the app completely, your custom EQ curves might reset, meaning you will want to keep the software running in the background to preserve your tweaks.
Desk Stand vs. Boom Arm
HyperX added both an internal rubber suspension system and a built-in foam pop filter inside the metal mesh of the SoloCast 2.
The pop filter does a respectable job softening sharp “P” and “B” plosives if you speak at a sensible angle. The internal shock mount also helps deaden minor vibrations.
However, physics are still physics. Because the built-in desktop stand sits quite low on your desk, hard keyboard clatter and direct fist thumps will still travel up through your tabletop and into the recording.
If you want the best possible audio, grab an inexpensive boom arm. Floating the mic closer to your mouth allows you to lower the software gain, which cuts out room noise and gives your voice that rich, warm radio tone.
The Final Verdict
The HyperX SoloCast 2 USB Microphone makes smart trade-offs. You do not get a physical analog gain knob, and there is no 3.5mm headphone jack for direct zero-latency monitoring. If those are deal-breakers, you might want to look higher up the product ladder.
For $60, this microphone hits the sweet spot. It looks clean, feels durable, mutes silently with a tap, and captures crisp, rich vocal audio straight out of the box.
If you want to ditch your crackly headset mic and level up your stream or Discord presence without emptying your wallet, the SoloCast 2 is easily one of the best budget picks you can buy right now.
Bus Simulator 27 will launch on September 8, 2026, for PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S. The new Multiplayer Trailer showcases the various ways players can work together:
Felicia Bay is looking for new bus drivers to help rebuild the region’s public transport network. Fortunately, players do not have to take on this challenge alone: In the cooperative multiplayer mode for up to four players, they can establish, expand, and manage their own bus company together.
Once the company is up and running, the team can take to the roads of Felicia Bay. Players can operate the same route together or independently take charge of different lines. They can also join another player’s bus to assist with tasks such as checking passengers’ tickets. Thanks to cross-platform play, players can run their bus company together across all supported platforms.
Bus Simulator 27 will be playable for all visitors at this year’s gamescom at the astragon Entertainment booth in Hall 6 (B-060). The demo offers a first look at the game, featuring a selection of city bus routes as well as the new intercity routes being introduced to the series for the first time.
Another highlight at the booth is a real Solaris Urbino™ 12. Thanks to our new partnership with Solaris, visitors can experience the bus both in-game and in real life.
Bus Simulator 27 will be released for Steam, Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store, as well as PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S on September 08, 2026. and is available for pre-order now on all platforms.
If you pre-order the game, you will receive the Deluxe Pack as a bonus, which includes the HESS lighTram 12 Plug and Alexander Dennis Enviro 100EV buses, as well as four exclusive bus skins. In addition to the Standard Edition, a Year 1 Edition will also be available. This edition includes the Year 1 Season Pass, featuring another popular coach bus, the Mercedes-Benz Intouro, as well as additional Bus Packs, Cosmetic Packs, and a major FlixBus Expansion, all of which will be released later during the Year 1 Season.
Knott’s Scary Farm, Southern California’s longest-running and most haunting Halloween theme park event, is excited to announce two new spine-chilling mazes that will take guests into an animated nightmare and to the base of terror.
The 2026 Knott’s Scary Farm lineup includes a total of 10 mazes, five sinister scare zones, two new shows plus fan-favorite, The Hanging, during its run Sept. 17-Oct. 31. Guests can expect to experience their worst nightmare as the most horrendous monsters await around every corner ready to find their next victim.
NEW OFFERINGS
Inked (maze) – Mortimer Morbid, a washed-up 1930s cartoonist and former head of Morbid Studios, discovering that when blood becomes ink, imagination becomes reality. Determined to create one final Halloween special, he brings his infamous cartoon characters to life—only to unleash a legion of murderous toons hellbent on pulling viewers into their twisted world.
Unearthed (maze) – Embark on a perilous journey through the heart of an excavation site as you and your search and rescue team arrive at a ravaged base of the summit days after receiving a distress signal. Beware, for the discovery of the ancient tablets has awakened a malevolent force from a forgotten age—an ancient evil has been unearthed.
Voodoo: Bayou’s Edge (show) – Calico Mine Stage – The dead keep rhythm. A slow drumbeat calls — and Marie Laveau, Voodoo Queen, guides you past the gate into the court of Baron Samedi, Lwa of the dead. Dancers drift through the mist, flames rise, tombs drum and the cemetery wakes.
Occultum Curated by Magic Castle (show) – Bird Cage Theatre – Step inside the beautifully restored Bird Cage Theatre and experience an evening of wonder. Featuring magicians from the world-famous Magic Castle, these acclaimed wizards will leave you amazed with surprise, delight and mystery.
RETURNING MAZES
Mary – The Haunting of Worth Home – After the tragic death of her family, Mary was violently murdered and buried alive by jealous townsfolk who were envious of her perfect family and home. Through immense pain and grief of her loss, Mary returns from the grave searching aimlessly for her family as she and her legion of nightmarish creatures will do anything to exact revenge on anyone that steps inside her once beautiful home.
The Zoo – Something has taken over the abandoned zoo. What was once a lively showcase of exotic animals has been transformed into a terrifying laboratory of animal/human experiments. Hybrid creatures have turned on their creators and the compound is crawling with mutant soldiers thirsty for revenge. Rumors are swirling that the mutated monsters are planning something that will change everything!
Eight Fingers Nine: The Boogeyman – Become immersed in a living fairy tale in an 18th century colonial township that’s under siege by an inhuman monster who has a sick penchant for eating fingers. As night descends, Eight Fingers Nine emerges from the shadows in search of fresh meat. His vicious bite penetrates deep, causing sleep paralysis which holds his victim in sway while he slowly consumes their flesh. Step lightly and beware of the dark, or you may be the main course at his next meal!
Widows – The night of the arachnid is upon us! Enter a web-covered nursing home where demonic, eight-legged black widows emerge from their silken tunnels to possess the withered bodies of the elderly residence. Their sole purpose is to secure a mate and hatch a clutch of eggs before sunrise. Will you climb into their web and succumb to their dark desires?
Room 13 – Violent murders at The Blind Tiger interrupt the Prohibition-era revelry on Memory Lane. A dangerously delicious new cocktail named The Devil’s Elixir seems to be at the root of the mayhem, but where did the mysterious green aperitif come from? The answers may lie at the heart of the extravagant Argive Hotel, where many have checked in to Room 13… but none have checked out.
Cinema Slasher – Venturing through the mystical Midnight Theater, guests travel through the silver screen and into a trilogy of slasher movies. As they are swallowed into the world of gothic horror, they become the movie characters who try to escape the wrath of the dangerous Slasher. The theater opens its doors once again, daring those brave enough to buy a ticket to Cinema Slasher!
The Chilling Chambers – Venture into a hellish trip down memory lane in The Chilling Chambers. Guided by the menacing Crimson Lord, you’ll face a collection of the most infamous monsters and themes from Knott’s Scary Farm’s horrific history! Each room reveals a different flavor of horror, drawing you deeper into a world filled with terror. Can you survive the Crimson Lord’s twisted tribute through the decades of fear, or will you become a permanent part of this macabre celebration?
Origins: The Curse of Calico – Pierce the veil of time and discover the secret of the evil fog that hangs over Knott’s Scary Farm in Origins: The Curse of Calico. Unearth the sinister paranormal activity that plagues the town as Sarah Marshall is put on trial for her suspected crimes of witchcraft.
REIMAGINED AND RETURNING SCARE ZONES
Knott’s Scary Farm is far more than a collection of haunted attractions. Every night hundreds of monsters take over the streets and turn theme-park midways into murderous scare zones. From the world-famous Ghost Town Streets to the Boardwalk area filled with evil clowns, there’s nowhere to hide in Knott’s Scary Farm.
*Reimagined* CarnEVIL returns to the Boardwalk this year with a twisted new vision of horror. Under the watchful eye of the hypnotist Mesmer, the circus has evolved into an even more sinister spectacle where the sideshow is the main event and countless deviant clowns, cutthroats, and curiosities will vie for your attention… and your ounce of flesh. Step right up, because this year, the evil has returned to CarnEVIL.
Ghost Town Streets is the original – and still most terrifying scare zone – that started it all. Bands of half-human, half-animal monsters prowl the streets and inhabit the fog. Beware the notoriously startling Sliders who lunge from every fog-filled corner of the land.
Step back into the dark decadence of a by-gone era as the newest scare zone, The Gore-ing ’20s, terrorizes even the bravest and most brutal souls. Here gangsters run illicit hooch for the ghostly revelers as the otherworldly musicians play the music of the damned. Tell the Bouncer the secret password, and you’ll have the time of your life…for as long as it lasts.
Once again, the lake underneath Silver Bullet reveals the horrors and creatures it’s kept hidden, until now. Forsaken Lake will unleash gothic creatures, which have been ravaged by the dark and murky waters, as they wander their crypts preying on unsuspecting visitors, looking for victims to drag back to their watery graves.
In The Gauntlet, guests will encounter the King and Queen of the realm, maniacal jesters, brutal barbarians, wicked wizards and lawless peasants.
RETURNING FAVORITE The Hanging – Noose Maxxxing (show) – Wagon Camp
The town of Calico is once again under siege! It’s up to the Lawman and the Hangman to rise up and battle the evildoers in an all-out blood fest featuring the vilest villains of the past year. Grab a seat and bear witness to the ultimate skewering of pop culture. This year’s show promises to deliver gore and laughs to the maxxx!
This show contains adult themes and is not suitable for children.
KNOTT’S SCARY FARM ADMISSION Scary Farm Pass – Enjoy the ultimate Scary Farm experience with unlimited visits to all event nights. A Scary Farm Pass is just $164 for a limited time. Knott’s Season Passholders can currently get a Scary Farm Pass for the discounted price of $155. Limited quantities available.
Single Night tickets – Buy tickets at knottsscaryfarm.com and save with prices as low as $65.
Knott’s Season Passholders also receive a discount on single-night tickets. Taxes may apply.
Fright & Fast Lane – Ride and scream all night long with unlimited priority access to all mazes plus priority boarding on all Fast Lane rides. Fright & Fast Lane starts at $139 and varies by night. Separate Scary Farm event admission is required and not included.
Knott’s Scary Farm Vacation Packages – Turn your Scary Farm experience into a gruesome getaway with an overnight stay at Knott’s Hotel. The Knott’s Hotel Rest in Peace Packages includes overnight stay, access to Knott’s Scary Farm, collectible key card and hotel parking. Depending on the package, each registered guest can receive daytime admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, an exclusive Knott’s Scary Farm t-shirt, Fright & Fast Lane for unlimited priority access to all mazes and select rides at the park, Pre-Scare Dinner Experience at the Knott’s Hotel with early entry into select areas and access to the breakfast buffet.
KNOTT’S SCARY FARM EVENT DETAILS
Knott’s Scary Farm has welcomed millions of visitors for more than five decades of never-ending nightmares and has become an institution in the Southern California theme park landscape. This year, the event returns on Sept. 17 and runs Thursdays-Sundays through Oct. 31, excluding Sept. 20. Due to the explicit and frightening nature of the event, it is not recommended for children under 13.
A chaperone policy will remain in effect for all Knott’s Scary Farm event nights. Under this policy, all guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old to be admitted into the park. The chaperone must present a valid government-issued photo identification with date of birth at ticket entry. One chaperone may accompany no more than ten guests ages 15 or younger per day. In addition, the chaperone must accompany their party during entry, remain inside the park during their visit and be available by phone throughout their stay. Guests 16 years of age or older may be asked to present a valid government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, state-issued ID
card, passport) with date of birth at entry to verify their age. If unable to verify proof of age, guests may be denied entry into the park. Guests ages 15 years old or younger who are found inside the park unaccompanied by a chaperone will be subject to ejection.
In addition, a bag policy will remain in effect for this year’s Knott’s Scary Farm. Clear plastic bags smaller than 12” x 12” x 6” as well as non-clear wristlets or clutches no larger than 5”x 8”x 2” are allowed at Knott’s Scary Farm. All bags are subject to search prior to entry.
For more information on Knott’s Scary Farm, including admission, parking, park hours, and events, visit knottsscaryfarm.com.
Join the scary conversation by using #ScaryFarm on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
and TikTok.
Follow us on Instagram @knottsscaryfarm
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/KnottsScaryFarm
Follow us on TikTok @knottsscaryfarmofficial
Follow us on X @knottsscaryfarm
German audio specialist beyerdynamic is expanding its MMX gaming range with two new wireless headsets: the closed-back MMX 100 wireless and the open-back MMX 130 wireless are both based on the same beyerdynamic audio DNA, representing two different gaming experiences.
Choosing between closed-back and open-back is not a question of quality, but of personal listening preference. The closed-back MMX 100 wireless is designed for gamers who want to minimize distracting ambient noise and focus entirely on the game.
In contrast, the open-back MMX 130 wireless is ideal for those who prefer a more open and spacious sound, allowing them to experience the atmosphere, soundtracks and ambient sounds in greater detail.
With these two models, beyerdynamic is making its audio expertise accessible to an even wider gaming audience. Rather than offering a plethora of unnecessary features and gimmicks, both headsets focus on the essentials: precise sound, high levels of comfort, flexible connectivity, and long-lasting quality.
MMX 100 wireless: Full focus on the game
The MMX 100 wireless combines the benefits of a closed-back gaming headset with precisely tuned studio-inspired sound. Its closed-back design reduces distracting external noise, enhancing the focus during everything from fast-paced multiplayer matches to long gaming sessions. This makes it easier to pinpoint important in-game details. The detachable META VOICE microphone ensures clear, natural voice transmission during voice chat.
The MMX 100 wireless connects seamlessly to PCs, consoles, smartphones and handheld devices via Bluetooth® 6.0, the included low-latency USB dongle or cable. Soft velour ear pads and a lightweight 275-gram design ensure a high level of comfort, even during extended use. The long-lasting battery can be replaced if necessary. Sturdy metal hinges and replaceable components also help to extend the headset’s lifespan.
MMX 130 wireless: More space for the gaming world
Until now, open-back gaming headsets have largely been aimed at audio enthusiasts. With the MMX 130 wireless, beyerdynamic is making the benefits of the open-back design accessible to a wider gaming audience. Rather than isolating the user from the outside world, the open-back design creates a natural, spacious soundstage. Soundtracks, ambient sounds, and subtle audio details have more room to breathe, becoming a central part of the gaming experience.
A specially tuned, titanium-coated 40 mm driver ensures precise and detailed sound reproduction. This makes the MMX 130 wireless ideal for story-driven, open-world and RPG games, as well as simulations – in short, any game where atmosphere, spatial awareness and sound play a key part in the gaming experience.
Meanwhile, the open-back design promotes air circulation and allows heat to dissipate more easily. Combined with specially developed, breathable velour ear pads and a weight of just 265 grams, this ensures an airy, comfortable fit, even during long gaming sessions.
Premiere at gamescom 2026
“With the MMX 100 wireless and MMX 130 wireless, we’re offering gamers not just two more headsets, but two different ways to experience their games,” explainsMatthias Heilig, Product Marketing Manager for Gaming at beyerdynamic. “Those looking for focus and isolation will find it in the closed-back MMX 100 wireless. Those who want to experience gaming worlds as naturally and spatially as possible will find an exciting alternative in the open-back MMX 130 wireless.”
At gamescom 2026 in Cologne, where beyerdynamic is the First Presenter at the Indie Arena Booth, the MMX 100 wireless will be unveiled to the public for the first time. Visitors will be able to try out the new headset for the first time at selected stands during the event.
Prices and availability
The MMX 100 wireless will be launched on 1 September 2026 in Black and Arctic White at a recommended retail price of 99 euros (inc. VAT).
The MMX 130 wireless will follow in October 2026, also in Black and Arctic White, at a recommended retail price of 129 euros (incl. VAT).
Both gaming headsets will be available in the beyerdynamic online shop, on Amazon and from specialist retailers from the launch date. Spare parts and ear pads can be reordered separately.
The Sennheiser brand today announces MOMENTUM True Wireless 5,its most advanced true wireless earbuds yet, engineered for an uncompromising listening experience wherever life takes you. Reimagined from the inside-out, they combine intelligent innovation with the inspired engineering of their full-size MOMENTUM 5 Wireless counterpart, bringing flagship performance into a beautifully compact design.
“We set out to bring the larger-than-life sound and connected technology of the MOMENTUM series into a remarkably compact format,” said Frank Foppe, Product Manager. “From its exquisite audio reproduction to the advanced hardware powering it all, MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 represents our most advanced integration of audio technology in an earbud.”
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 pairs signature sound with user-replaceable earbud & case batteries
Key Highlights:
All-new design – Improved comfort, stability, and portability
User-replaceable batteries – Easily refresh your run-time even years from now
Optimized for Dolby Atmos® – Head-tracking unlocks immersive entertainment
Improved voice calls & ANC – Voice accelerometer, expanded mic array, and AI speech enhancement
Bluetooth® 6.0 – Prioritizes fast and stable connections
Smart Control Plus – a new 8-band EQ highlights an assortment of customizable features in the free app
Get Your Sound Revelation
The heart of the earbuds is the same sound-first DNA that powers the recently released fifth-gen MOMENTUM headphones, letting listeners choose their preferred wearing style for listening without compromise. It all starts with the brand’s signature 7mm TrueResponse dynamic transducer, capable of balancing remarkable detail with full-bodied, bass-driven tuning. Meticulously developed at the brand’s production facility in Tullamore, Ireland, each transducer is manufactured and tested for exceptional precision, clarity and dynamics. Bluetooth 6.0 with aptX Adaptive codec support provides stable wireless freedom for a crystal-clear hi-res audio pathway up to 24-bit and 96 kHz, including aptX Lossless for bit-perfect transmission on supported audio sources.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 sports a top-to-bottom redesign to enhance both portability and function
The bar for acoustic performance is raised once again, highlighted by the revised adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) system and automatic anti-wind mode. A redesigned ear tip works in tandem with a dedicated four-microphone array to maximize noise cancelling performance while delivering the series’ most natural-sounding, real-time transparency mode to date. For pristine voice capture, the earbuds engage all eight system sensors—combining six microphones and two bone-conduction voice accelerometers with an AI speech-extraction algorithm to isolate the voice in chaotic environments.
Inheriting the spatial audio prowess of the over-ear model, MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is fully optimized for Dolby Atmos® with interactive head-tracking capability1, projecting an immersive, theater-like spatial audio field that you can take anywhere.
Eco-Conscious Endurance
MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is built to last, introducing a user-replaceable battery system in both the earbuds and wireless charging case, letting users easily refresh the power cells in mere minutes. Sharing the same ethos as the brand’s flagship MOMENTUM 5 headphones, customers can safeguard their technology and retain the earbuds’ longevity far beyond standard battery degradation using only a compact screwdriver.
Designed for all-day listening, the earbuds further improve their endurance over the prior generation with 12 hours of continuous playback per charge, and over two additional replenishments stored in the Qi-enabled wireless charging case for up to 40 total hours of run time. The quick charge capability extends listening up to 1 hour from just an 8-minute top-up.
“Balancing compact size, our signature high-fidelity acoustics, and a replaceable battery is a major breakthrough,” added Lilika Beck, President of Sennheiser Consumer Hearing. “With MOMENTUM True Wireless 5, we are proving that cutting-edge performance does not have to sacrifice longevity.”
Ergonomic Evolution
To achieve their “barely there” fit, the earbud housing features an elegant new aerodynamic silhouette sculpted using data derived from thousands of unique ear models. The earbuds’ fin-less shape was rated more comfortable than the prior generation by 73% of testers, and is rated IP54 for dust, sweat and splash resistance, A micro-perforated acoustic mic plate mitigates wind turbulence, protecting both voice capture and ANC stability from aerodynamic interference. The companion charging case has also been re-engineered with a narrower, pocket-friendly aspect ratio and a low-friction finish for seamless ingress and egress from tight pockets.
Ready for the Future Today
MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is a connectivity king, bringing a frictionless experience to a wide range of audio sources:
Next-Gen Bluetooth 6.0 with native support for Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, and multipoint switching
Resilient RF Antenna with a selectable “robust mode” designed to maintain rock-solid signal integrity even in crowded RF environments
Poweredby Snapdragon Sound™ for bit-perfect, high-resolution wireless streaming up to aptX Lossless, alongside a low-latency mode for pulse-pounding gaming
Smart Control Plus app integration provides an 8-band EQ, prompt-guided interactive Sound Personalization and granular setting customization—doubling as a platform to expand performance capabilities over time
MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 now offers a flagship MOMENTUM listening experience in five different colorways
Pricing and Availability
MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 will be available in five luxurious metallic colorways: Graphite, Cream, Graphite, Copper, Denim, and Lavender. The earbuds will begin shipping on September 3rd from sennheiser-hearing.com and select retailers at an MSRP of $299.95 USD.
Today, Annapurna Interactive and award-winning Australian studio Beethoven & Dinosaur announced that Mixtape, the critically-acclaimed narrative-driven adventure game set to the soundtrack of a generation, will be coming natively to Mac soon.
Mixtape will be available via the Mac App Store and Steam for $19.99. Mixtape on Mac will support gamepads and Game Center achievements on the App Store. “For many years, I feel, there was a lot of Devo on Macs, but not enough. With the release of Mixtape on Mac, I’m excited to add a little more Devo to the ecosystem.” said Johnny Galvatron, Writer & Director of the game.
Mixtape follows three high school friends on their last night of adventure. En route to their final party together, a perfectly curated playlist draws the trio into dreamlike reenactments of their formative memories. Experience a variety of narrative vignettes exploring the pivotal moments that shaped them. It’s the greatest hits of the teenage wasteland, from the first kiss to the last dance.
From Beethoven & Dinosaur, developers of BAFTA award-winning game The Artful Escape, Mixtape draws inspiration from classic coming-of-age movies, bringing together nostalgic aimlessness, mischief, music, the highs and lows of adolescence, and the bittersweet feelings brought about by growth, transformation, and moving on.
The game’s eclectic soundtrack features music from iconic artists like DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, The Smashing Pumpkins, Iggy Pop, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and The Cure.
Designed with and made for competitive players, the keyboard delivers the speed, precision, and control of Razer’s flagship esports technologies in an ultra-slim form factor built for all-day comfort. It sets the gold standard for low-profile esports gaming keyboards.
Powered by new Razer™ Low-profile Analog Optical Switches, the keyboard combines Rapid Trigger Mode, adjustable actuation, Razer™ Snap Flex, Razer™ Snap Tap, Dual-Keypress Priority, and True 8000 Hz HyperPolling into a design that proves players no longer need to choose between comfort and competitive performance.
“The Huntsman V3 Pro Low-profile Tenkeyless 8KHz takes everything competitive players love about our flagship analog optical switches and brings it into a slimmer, more ergonomic form factor,” said Barrie Ooi, Head of PC Gaming Division at Razer. “For years, low-profile meant trading away performance for comfort. This keyboard ends that trade-off, delivering the speed, control, and precision elite players demand, and it’s already proven itself on the championship stage.”
Built for Pros. Proven by Pros.
Even before launch, the Huntsman V3 Pro Low-profile Tenkeyless 8KHz has already demonstrated its performance at the highest levels of competition.
At BLAST Bounty Season 2, MOUZ’s Lotan “Spinx” Giladi competed using the unreleased keyboard on the way to a championship victory. The tournament concluded with Spinx earning the first HLTV MVP award of his career, early validation that a low-profile gaming keyboard can win at the highest level of competition.
“Low-profile has always felt natural to me. Now I get the speed and precision to compete at the highest level.” — Lotan “Spinx” Giladi, 9-time Counter-Strike Champion.
Esports Performance in a Lower profile.
At the heart of the keyboard are the new Razer™ Low-profile Analog Optical Switches, engineered to deliver the same esports-focused capabilities of Razer’s flagship analog optical platform in a slimmer design.
Supporting 0.1 mm to 2.8 mm adjustable actuation, the switches allow players to tailor key sensitivity to their preferred playstyle. Combined with Rapid Trigger Mode, keys reset instantly based on movement rather than a fixed reset point, enabling faster repeated inputs and greater control during high-intensity gameplay.
The low-profile gaming keyboard design also features a reduced 2.8 mm total key travel, helping minimize finger movement and enabling quicker reactions during competitive play.
Faster Inputs. Greater Control.
The Huntsman V3 Pro Low-profile Tenkeyless 8KHz gaming keyboard is equipped with True 8000 Hz HyperPolling, delivering exceptionally fast communication between keyboard and system for near-zero latency performance.
In testing with all keyboards set to 0.1 mm actuation, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Low-profile Tenkeyless 8KHz achieved a 0.39 ms average latency, a 52% advantage over the nearest competing keyboard tested[1].
Every Input, a Competitive Advantage.
First introduced with the Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic 8KHz line, Advanced Input Control now comes to the Huntsman V3 Pro Low-profile Tenkeyless 8KHz, extending Razer’s latest competitive gaming technologies to players who prefer a low-profile form factor.
Razer™ Snap Flex enables two actions to be assigned to a single key, one on press and another on release, allowing players to create precisely timed action sequences with a single input. For example, a player can begin preparing a grenade on key press, then have the grenade release and jump trigger simultaneously on key release, making timing-critical plays easier and more consistent to execute.
Dynamic Keystroke allows up to four actions to be mapped to a single keystroke based on actuation depth, enabling advanced combos, layered controls, and multi-step actions from a single key. Combined with Instant Cancel Control, players can instantly cancel unwanted follow-up actions when the situation changes, giving them greater control over every input and helping them adapt faster in the heat of battle.
Dual-Keypress Priority protects intended movement inputs from accidental keypresses, ensuring movement remains consistent even when additional directional keys are pressed. This helps players maintain smoother movement and more reliable control during intense gameplay.
Together, these advanced input technologies give players greater control over not just when a key actuates, but how each input behaves throughout every action.
Comfort Without Compromise.
With a front height of just 19.5 mm, the Huntsman V3 Pro Low-profile Tenkeyless 8KHz gaming keyboard promotes a more natural wrist position and reduces finger movement during extended gaming sessions.
The keyboard also features lubricated switches paired with thick internal foam dampening to deliver a smoother and more refined typing experience while maintaining the responsiveness expected from an esports-focused keyboard.
Whether practicing at home or competing on stage, players can carry their preferred settings with them through profile storage and quick onboard adjustments. Complementing this is Razer Synapse Web support, driven by player feedback to enable fast, installation-free access to personalized configurations from virtually any PC.
Low-profile gaming keyboards have traditionally asked players to choose between comfort and performance. The Huntsman V3 Pro Low-profile Tenkeyless 8KHz changes that.
Bringing together Razer’s latest competitive gaming technologies, Advanced Input Control, and a form factor trusted by professional players, it represents a new standard for low-profile esports gaming.
.jpeg "Sennheiser Announces MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 Earbuds 10")
.jpeg "Sennheiser Announces MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 Earbuds 11")
.jpeg "Sennheiser Announces MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 Earbuds 12")
