Author - Jerry Paxton

Midsummer Scream Will Move to Anaheim – Season’s Screamings Returns in 2027

4 days ago

Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, concluded its most successful year to date, welcoming more than 50,000 fans to the Long Beach Convention Center for another sold-out weekend of haunted attractions, celebrity guests, panels, and Halloween spectacle. The record-breaking attendance marks a landmark milestone for the event, which has grown into the premier destination for horror enthusiasts, creators, and fans worldwide.

Midsummer Scream will move to the Anaheim Convention Center for its 2027 show, scheduled for August 6–8. The expanded venue offers greater space to accommodate the event’s growing community of fans, haunters, vendors, artists, and celebrities.

However, Midsummer Scream won’t be leaving Long Beach behind entirely. Organizers also announced that their fan-favorite holiday horror event, Season’s Screamings, will return December 5–6, 2027 at the Long Beach Convention Center. The winter event will feature the Hall of Yuletide Spirits, spooky vendors, and other surprises to celebrate the holidays with a healthy dose of scares.

“The amazing community of Halloween and horror fans continues to grow, and we’re excited to be able to grow with it,” said David Markland, executive director and co-founder of Midsummer Scream. “It’s bittersweet to leave a venue as amazing as the Long Beach Convention Center, but we look forward to all the new opportunities awaiting us in Anaheim.”

From the CATHEDRAL Listening Party on Friday evening to the standing-room-only 30th Anniversary Scream panel hosted by Matthew Lillard (produced in partnership with Paramount Scares), to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights closing panel with Creative Director and Executive Producer John Murdy, the weekend was packed wall-to-wall with unmissable moments.

More than 350 vendors filled the convention floor, offering an unrivaled shopping experience featuring rare collectibles, original artwork, and costumes. The Hall of Shadows drew massive crowds across all three days, with fans packing nearly two indoor acres of attractions from Lionsgate Studios, Universal Studios Horror Unleashed, and independent creators from open to close.

The floor also gave haunted attraction fans an exciting preview of the upcoming Southern California scare season, featuring displays and photo ops from Knott’s Scary Farm, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, and Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Celebrity meet-and-greets kept lines buzzing throughout the weekend, while a full slate of kid-friendly activities kept young horror fans entertained—proving that Midsummer Scream truly offers something for everyone.

Tickets for both Midsummer Scream and Season’s Screaming will go on sale in early 2027. For up-to-date information, follow them on Instagram and Facebook @midsummerscream or signup for their mailing list at midsummerscream.org.

(Midsummer Scream 2027 announcement poster by Creepy Duck Design.)

Halloween Horror Nights Unveils Terror Tram starring Art the Clown and More at Midsummer Scream

4 days ago

Jerry Paxton

News, Geek News, Halloween, Movie News

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood adds even more frights to its iconic 2026 line-up including “Terror Tram starring Art the Clown,” the return of fan-favorite haunted house “Killer Klowns From Outer Space” and original houses “KILLceañera: Music by SLASH” and “Dead, Deader, Deadest.” Fiery stunt show “The Purge: Dangerous Waters,” multiple scare zones and street experiences round out the popular event starting on Thursday, September 3 and continuing select nights through Sunday, November 1.

The infamous Terror Tram returns with an all-new host, Art the Clown in “Terror Tram starring Art the Clown.” When the demented killer arrives to the historic Universal backlot with his blood-soaked bag of presents, he realizes it is too early for Christmas and hijacks the tram for his own holiday celebration. Metal band Ice Nine Kills will create new music for the experience, putting a dark twist on classic Christmas songs. In addition, guests who think they escaped Art’s chaos on the backlot may find themselves encountering him in the theme park as he lurks in the most unsuspecting of places.

Fan-Favorite cult horror classic “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” invades Halloween Horror Nights once again, giving guests another chance to step back in time to the 1980’s and escape a group of murderous alien circus clowns. “Dead, Deader, Deadest,” an original haunted house, takes guests on a tour of an abandoned funeral home where disturbing acts once took place. “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” stunt show returns to the WaterWorld venue for a fiery quest to survive the night.

Continuing the tradition of showcasing Latin American myths and legends, this year brings “KILLceañera: Music by SLASH” to Halloween Horror Nights. The all-original house centers on the quinceañera of Lola, who turns this rite of passage for fifteen-year-old girls into a festival of death to take revenge on everyone who wronged her. Grammy® Award-winning guitarist and songwriter SLASH composes an original score for the house featuring Spanish guitar and an exclusive song titled “15 Candles.”

For those whose only wish is to meet Nikki, Halloween Horror Nights unleashes the iconic main character from Focus Features and writer-director Curry Barker’s breakout horror blockbuster, Obsession, onto the darkened streets of Universal Studios Hollywood, where guests may find themselves face-to-face with the latest victim of the One Wish Willow’s terrifying curse.

Additionally, horror fans will encounter multiple daunting scare zones throughout Halloween Horror Nights. As they begin their terrifying evening, guests will need to dodge a troop of chainsaw killers in “Hackerz” and scream their way through “Fortnitemares,” an immersive scare zone based on Fortnite’s signature in-game event, which brings new characters and horror-themed gameplay together every year. As guests exit the “KILLceañera: Music by SLASH” house, they will encounter “El Circo de la Muerte,” a scare zone centered on the 1930’s circus and sideshow acts that traveled across Mexico – but with a terrifying twist. Guests will also need to survive “Blood Bog,” where moss monsters roam the bogs and bayous.

Adding to the chaos, fans can stumble upon several chilling interactions throughout the theme park. The ever-popular “Murder of Crowz” returns to Halloween Horror Nights with dad, mom and baby crow flocking to the nest, plus guests will encounter “Shriek of the Banshee,” a wagon run by a carnival barker and his talking skeleton.

These terrifying experiences join previously announced haunted houses, “Sinners” based on Warner Bros’ Pictures Academy Award-winning film, “Stranger Things” from Netflix’s iconic series, “Hellraiser” inspired by the first three films, “Evil Dead Burn” based on the sixth film in New Line Cinema’s Evil Dead franchise and “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness” featuring the legacy of the metal rock star.

For the first time ever, Universal Studios Hollywood will debut “Unmasking the Horror Tour Add-On,” a behind the scenes, daytime experience for guests who want a closer look at the craftmanship that goes into Halloween Horror Nights. The guided lights-on walkthrough offers unique insights into the creative process behind the “Sinners” and “KILLceañera: Music by SLASH” haunted houses with the opportunity to photograph within select designated areas. Tickets can be purchased here.

Guests can experience select theme park attractions open during the event, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride™.” Also, Death Eaters™, Lord Voldemort’s most loyal followers, will roam “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™,” beginning in the early evening.

Halloween Horror Night at Universal Studios Hollywood ticket options include General Admission, Universal Express Ticket, R.I.P. Tour, Day/Night Ticket and After 2 P.M. Day/Night Ticket. Plus, Early Access Ticket provides entry to select haunted houses beginning at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change). Also, the popular Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass allow guests to experience scares again and again throughout the season. Click here to purchase tickets and for Terms and Conditions.

For a deeper dive into the scares, check out the Discover Universal Blog. For more information and to purchase tickets to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/Halloween

ReStory Official Launch Trailer

6 days ago

Jerry Paxton

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

Indie game publisher tinyBuild and developer Mandragora are excited to announce that ReStory, the chill electronics repair shop simulator, is now available on Steam. After garnering over 700,000 wishlists and launching a Top-50 most-played, 96%-rated demo during Steam Next Fest, the game is out on Steam for $19.99 with an additional, limited-time 10% discount. Watch the launch trailer that highlights new gadgets, customers, and workshop customization:

From the developers of I Am Future, ReStory is a relaxing, narrative-driven shop management sim that’s all about caring for and preserving classic gear and tech. When you’re not managing your finances, decorating your workshop, getting to know your clientele, or surfing the web for spare parts, use your trusty toolset to take apart, clean and fix handhelds, phones, cameras, music players, home appliances and other nostalgic devices inspired by iconic game consoles, including officially licensed Atari systems.

Your interactions with each customer can change their lives forever. Whether you help a lovestruck student confess to his crush or uncover hidden secrets on a former gangster’s phone, your choices impact each customer’s branching storyline.

Key Features

A wide range of nostalgic electronic devices to repair
In-depth device cleaning and restoration system with multiple tools for device repairs
Y2K-era web browser to hunt for spare parts
A variety of in-person and online orders to fulfill with unique customers and dialogues
Replayable branching storyline with choices that will impact the ending
A distinct, chill vibe of urban life in Japan

House Flipper Remastered Collection Hits Shelves This October

6 days ago

Jerry Paxton

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

Build your bookshelf and clear some shelf space: Silver Lining Interactive, alongside Frozen Way and Frozen District, are happy to confirm that the ultimate physical renovation experience finally has a moving day. House Flipper Remastered Collection for PS5 will officially land on store shelves on 2 October 2026. Pre-orders are available now through Silver Lining Direct and local retailers.

Following the massive excitement surrounding the initial reveal, fans can now mark their calendars for the ultimate “one-and-done” simulation package. Priced at £44.99 / $49.99 / €49.99, this physical release puts a legendary legacy of home improvement right into your hands – no extra downloads, no voucher codes, just pure, unadulterated flipping bliss on a single disc.

What’s Waiting In Your Ultimate Toolbox?

It’s not just a simple port, but a true flip of the classic simulation title that started a global obsession! Players will experience a freshly-renovated experience with a complete archive of the game’s history, bundling the remastered base game with all 10 expansions seamlessly integrated from the jump:

Base Game
House Flipper Dine Out
House Flipper Party
House Flipper Pop-Art
Garden Flipper
House Flipper Pets
Cyberpunk Flipper
Apocalypse Flipper
Farm Flipper
Luxury Flipper
And more!

DreadXP Unveils VILE: Exhumed Physical Edition

6 days ago

Jerry Paxton

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

Solo developer Cara Cadaver (Final Girl Games) and publisher DreadXP today proudly reveal a new, limited edition physical release of VILE: Exhumed, the gruesome narrative horror game where you investigate a missing person’s fate by delving into the archives and technological relics of an ancient, ‘90s era desktop computer. Sign up to be notified when VILE: Exhumed’s physical edition is available for order, and file it into your collection for $9.99 USD (plus tax and shipping) before it’s gone forever: https://www.vileisbanned.com

VILE: Exhumed Trailer:

VILE: Exhumed’s physical edition embodies the essence of old school PC technology and retro, early gaming-era underground media, arriving in a classic jewel case complete with visually distressed paper inserts – and of course, a fully-playable copy of VILE: Exhumed on a pristine, physical CD. And that black plastic bag and duct tape wrapping? Exquisite. The whole kit would look right at home next to the beige-white, dial-up powered PCs we used to leave on for days while downloading 5 megabytes of music at a time (legally, of course).

“When VILE: Exhumed was able to finally come out, the support was wonderful,” said Cara Cadaver, founder and solo developer at Final Girl Games. “Seeing the horror community create a home for my work was incredibly special, but it was hard seeing my creative vision, and such a personal story, just become a headline about censorship. Working on the physical edition of VILE: Exhumed allowed me not only to revisit the feelings I had around the wrongful ban of the game last year, but also step back into Candy and Molly’s world, and give them one more moment.”

VILE: Exhumed’s mystery centers on the retirement of adult film actress Candy Corpse, and Candy’s reasoning for leaving the scene is unknown to many – but not to all. Piece together a story of parasociality, entitlement and consequences set within the fledgling stage of digital connectivity, pouring over decades-old digital residue sprawled across notes, photos, videos, emails and dated internet forums. Discover the truth behind Candy’s decision and the repercussions inherent of the digital revolution.

Final Girl Games and DreadXP’s devotion to immortalizing VILE: Exhumed as physical media follows the game’s initial banning from Steam just ahead of its debut last year.

But important art can’t be banned forever: Final Girl Games and DreadXP ultimately released VILE: Exhumed for free, as a donation-optional download in 2025. For fans who choose to donate, 50% of the profits are donated to the Red Door Family Shelter, a charity assisting families, refugees and women escaping violence; 50% of the physical release’s profits will also benefit Red Door Family Shelter. While VILE: Exhumed remains free to download, the new physical edition stands as a defiance of censorship and a vital step in ensuring the game is accessible to horror fans for decades to come.

For updates on VILE: Exhumed and the next great indie horror games, visit www.vileisbanned.com and follow DreadXP:

X: https://twitter.com/DreadXPGames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreadxpgames/
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xKrUVRkQMP

Repterra Charges Toward 1.0 on August 20th

6 days ago

Jerry Paxton

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

The complete dinosaur RTS arrives with three unique factions, massive battles, expanded customization, and a wealth of new content introduced throughout Early Access.

Humanity’s fight to reclaim Earth from prehistoric domination reaches its next chapter as Repterra officially launches into Version 1.0 on August 20.

To celebrate the announcement, a brand-new Release Date Teaser is now available, showcasing Repterra’s large-scale battles, upgraded visuals, and the epic dinosaur warfare awaiting players at launch.

Repterra is a base-building survival RTS where players must rebuild civilization in a world overrun by dinosaurs. Construct sprawling colonies, develop powerful economies, tame and breed dinosaurs, lead heroes into battle, and survive against overwhelming prehistoric hordes. With Version 1.0, the game delivers its complete vision, combining strategic depth with spectacular large-scale battles featuring tens of thousands of dinosaurs.

Throughout Early Access, Repterra has continued to grow thanks to community feedback, introducing major content updates that expanded both gameplay and replayability. Players can now create and share their own scenarios with the Custom Level Editor and Steam Workshop support, battle across the hazardous Volcano Map, and command the brand-new Electric Faction, bringing devastating Tesla-based technology and an entirely new strategic playstyle to the battlefield.

Whether you’re building an impenetrable fortress, breeding powerful new dinosaur companions, or leading electrified armies against colossal swarms, Version 1.0 represents the definitive Repterra experience.

Sins of a Solar Empire II: Harbinger Expansion Announcement Trailer

6 days ago

Jerry Paxton

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

Today, Stardock announced the release date for the upcoming expansion for Sins of a Solar Empire II, Harbinger. The Vasari have spent generations running, and they have warned anyone who would listen about what was behind them. On September 3, 2026, their time runs out and players will finally discover the greatest threat they’ve ever faced: the Eidolon.

Fighting for planets, trade routes, culture, or wealth is not the Eidolon way. Working behind the scenes, the Eidolon spread corruption wherever they go. Their technology shroud entire worlds to fuel their advance, and they strike from the shadows with cloaked fleets, forcing every other empire to fight for survival on unfamiliar terms.

Features
The Eidolon rewrite the rules of galactic conquest with systems built around corruption, secrecy, and control:

Planetary Transformation: The Eidolon spread corruption across the galaxy to empower themselves and their worlds. As populations fall under the Eidolon’s influence, their planets gain corruption over time. Once a world has fully fallen, it can be shrouded, greatly expanding the upgrades that planet can support.
Unit Corruption: Corruption empowers Eidolon units in combat as well as weakens them. As an Eidolon ship gains corruption, its hull dwindles while its offensive power increases. Enemy forces can become infected by corruption, giving the Eidolon another advantage.
Null Weapons: Eidolon weapons are far more advanced than the other factions; and can negate shields and spread corruption against enemies.
Cloaked Ships: Subterfuge is one of the sharpest weapons of a great enemy, as on the Kalizaeth Profaner support capital ship. New cloaking and detection systems let the Eidolon appear and vanish at will, enabling hit-and-run tactics that reward patience and punish anyone caught off guard.
Psionic Abilities: The Eidolon possess psionic abilities that allow them to seize control of lesser beings and drive Vasari ships into madness firing on friend and foe alike.
Phase Echoes: Sometimes the dead don’t die. Eidolon units infused with corruption may refuse to die and carry on the onslaught.
Unit Animation System: A new unit animation system brings the Eidolon and other faction units to life with recoiling cannons, expanding factories, hangar bay doors and more.
Discover more about the Sins universe as you explore ancient technology and research new Eidolon capabilities.

Planet Zoo 2 Feature Focus Frequent Flyers Trailer

6 days ago

Jerry Paxton

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

Frontier Developments has today shared the next video in the Feature Focus series for Planet Zoo 2, spotlighting frequent flyers.

New to Planet Zoo 2, aviaries are specially constructed habitats where players can place scenery as they please. Aviaries introduce support poles that allow players to generate habitat covers at the click of a button, with guests able to walk through suitable aviaries.

In the latest Feature Focus, we’re visiting some of Planet Zoo 2’s amazing avian species, including the Secretary Bird. Despite spending most of their time on the ground, these majestic birds boast a wingspan of over six feet.

We’re also treated to a closer look at Long-eared Owls, including their courtship and nesting behaviours, alongside the Great Hornbill sharing a habitat with the Malayan Tapir. Cohabitation is a fantastic way to elevate your species habitats, allowing Zoo Managers to create the space-efficient, natural environments your animals need to thrive. Players can also check in on cavity nest cams, offering an up-close view of nesting activity without disturbing their feathered residents.

Planet Zoo 2 will be available on PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S for a suggested retail price of £39.99/$49.99/€49.99 for the Standard Edition, and £54.99/$64.99/€64.99 for the Deluxe Edition.

Ubisoft Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Franchise

6 days ago

Jerry Paxton

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

Today, Ubisoft celebrated the 25th anniversary of Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon with a free title update to Ghost Recon Wildlands, the return of the fan-favorite Predator event and more.

Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites is now available for free on Ubisoft+, PlayStation® 5, PlayStation® 4, XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One and Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Epic Games Store and Steam. Developed by Ubisoft Bordeaux, Last Rites features a brand-new standalone mission set in a darker, more oppressive Bolivia. The Ghosts enter a region controlled by Los Penitentes, a fanatical cult united by faith, sacrifice, and violent justice. Players must hunt down La Llorona, the cult leader, by navigating dangerous swamps and dense forests where visibility is low and danger is lurking.

The update modernizes the Wildlands experience by adding 60 FPS gameplay and visual upgrades to current-gen consoles and PC. Enjoy smoother combat, improved distance rendering, enhanced lighting and shadows, and a sharper image targeting 4K resolution. In addition, players can deeply customize and define their own Ghost Recon experience using extensive gameplay, difficulty, environment, and UI parameters. They can also adjust enemy behavior, damage values, weapon restrictions, friendly fire, weather, and HUD elements to tailor realism, challenge, and immersion. In addition, players can relive the iconic Predator event and take on a deadly extraterrestrial threat, now back once again.

“Ghost Recon wouldn’t be where it is today without the passion, dedication, and feedback of its community over the past 25 years,” said Olivier Leonardi, Creative Director. “With Last Rites, we wanted to create an experience that honors that legacy—something that feels authentic to longtime Ghosts, celebrates what makes this franchise special, and reflects our appreciation for the players who have been with us every step of the way.”

To celebrate the anniversary, players can also jump into three of the franchise’s most iconic titles at no cost. Ghost Recon Wildlands and Ghost Recon Breakpoint will be free to play from August 6–10, giving players the chance to experience the ultimate tactical military shooter. In addition, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier will be free to redeem on PC through Ubisoft Connect from August 6–13, where players can step into the role of Kozak and Team Hunter in a vision of the future of war. In September, the Ghost Recon Breakpoint 25th Anniversary Bundle will also be available and will include free items such as the M4A1 Tactical Brown, Wolf Enhanced Helmet, and Opheis Mk.II Hunter.

Starting today, players can join the Ghost Recon Insider Program for a chance to help build the next Ghost Recon at http://ghostrecon.com/insider.

For more information about other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.

Historia: Roma Aeterna – Announcement Trailer

7 days ago

Jerry Paxton

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

Heavy Cav Studios is excited to reveal the historical narrative adventure, Historia: Roma Aeterna, the indie studio’s debut title. Players become Caesar, experiencing both glory and consequence as they advance through the lesser-explored paths throughout Caesar’s Civil War. Weigh counsel, strike bargains, challenge rival senators, and more through beautifully illustrated story encounters. And then take to the field for combat in simultaneous turn-based battles. Move pieces and decide tactics on a war table, then watch it transform into a living battlefield as your orders are carried out.

See it in motion and watch the announcement trailer below, where you get a glimpse into the striking visual style and gameplay blend of narrative and combat that brings this strategy adventure to life.

“We’re deeply passionate about history and strategy games, and we want to share that passion with more people by making both more accessible.

History is full of extraordinary stories that deserve to be experienced, not simply read about. Caesar’s life is one of them. While its major events are known, there are gaps in the historical record that give players the opportunity to fill them in: to role-play the Caesar they believe he was within a historically plausible world.

Strategy games can be rewarding, but their complexity can make them intimidating. With Historia: Roma Aeterna, we want to make that experience intuitive and approachable, so players can focus on the people, the world, and the meaningful decisions of command.”

Jahangir Gasimov, Founder at Heavy Cav Studios.

Historia: Roma Aeterna is set during Caesar’s Civil War (49 – 45 BC), a pivotal chapter in the era historians call the Crisis of the Roman Republic. The story follows conflicts across the Mediterranean that will ultimately decide the fate of the Roman Republic and, in Historia: Roma Aeterna, that fate rests entirely in your hands:

Your Choices, Carved in Stone | Where the historical record falls silent, you decide what happens next. Every choice impacts your relationships with various factions and shapes the Rome you leave behind.
War Table to Battlefield | Move your pieces on the war table and, once you give an order, watch the simultaneous turns play out on a realistic battlefield. Did you outsmart the opponent or play right into their hands? Triumph or tragedy, choose your next orders wisely.
Ahistorical Accuracy | Some choices will go against the tides of history, but they will be informed through deep research and the support of an experienced historian.
Glory Has a Price | Mercy, ruthlessness, ambition. What type of Caesar will you be?