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Zenimax and Facebook Settle VR Lawsuit

2018/12/14

ROCKVILLE, Md. (Dec. 12, 2018) — ZeniMax Media Inc. announced today that it had agreed to settle the litigation it brought against Facebook, Oculus and others for the unlawful misappropriation of its breakthrough VR technology that ZeniMax had developed. The case was tried in the Federal District Court in Dallas in January 2017, resulting in a jury verdict in favor of ZeniMax for $500,000,000, and other relief. Subsequently, the District Court reduced the damage award to $250,000,000, and the parties appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The appeal was pending when the settlement was reached with Facebook. The terms of the settlement are confidential.

Robert Altman, ZeniMax’s Chairman and CEO, made the following statement regarding the resolution of the case: “We are pleased that a settlement has been reached and are fully satisfied by the outcome. While we dislike litigation, we will always vigorously defend against any infringement or misappropriation of our intellectual property by third parties.”

Metro Exodus Gone Gold Updated Release Date

2018/12/13

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

MOSCOW – Dec. 13, 2018 – Deep Silver and 4A Games are proud to announce that after five years of development Metro Exodus has gone gold and will release a week earlier than scheduled. The highly anticipated third entry in the critically acclaimed Metro saga launches on Feb. 15, 2019 on Xbox One, the all-in one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC.

“Our fans have been waiting patiently for Metro Exodus ever since we announced the title at E3 2017,” said Klemens Kundratitz, CEO at Deep Silver. “We had previously delayed the release date to ensure 4A Games had the time to deliver their ambitious vision for the game, but now we’re delighted to confirm that Metro Exodus has gone gold and we are able to bring the release date forward to February 15th, 2019.”

To celebrate, Deep Silver revealed the stunning title sequence for Metro Exodus.

Created by Santa Monica-based studio, Elastic, the award-winning makers of some of the most iconic title sequences of recent years including Game of Thrones and Westworld, this beautiful introduction to the game is set to an original score by Metro series composer Alexey Omelchuk.

“We were absolutely thrilled to be contacted by the team at Deep Silver and 4A Games to create this Title Sequence,” said Andy Hall, creative director at Elastic. “It’s the type of project we love. Once we had been immersed in the game, we essentially lived in this frozen and terrifying landscape for many, many weeks… we are delighted with the final film.”

You can watch the title sequence here https://youtu.be/k-P_W0igpmc.

Metro fans can look forward to brand new gameplay reveals in 2019 with an upcoming story trailer. Be the first to hear about the latest updates by registering at MetroTheGame.com, following us on Twitter and Instagram @MetroVideoGame or on Facebook at Facebook.com/MetroVideoGame.

Razer Launches Raiju and Hammerhead Controllers

2018/12/13

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Geek News, News, Peripherals News

LOS ANGELES – Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the launch of the Razer Raiju Mobile and Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC along with its brand-new Razer Phone 2 – completing the mobile entertainment and gaming experience.

RAZER RAIJU MOBILE

The Raiju Mobile controller is a mobile gamepad with a phone mount and Bluetooth connectivity that brings a full-fledged console gamepad to mobile gaming. Featuring four remappable multi-function buttons, Razer™ Mecha-Tactile action buttons, a hair trigger mode and an adjustable phone mount, gamers get enhanced precision and perfect viewing angles for their favorite mobile games.

A mobile configurator app allows advanced customization for a personalized setup. The Razer Raiju Mobile supports flagship Android phones and the biggest titles in mobile gaming, which include “Vainglory,” “Lineage 2,” “Dead Trigger 2” and “Gear-Club,” and many more.

RAZER HAMMERHEAD USB-C ANC

The Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC in-ear headset delivers superior immersion on-the-go in a small, discreet form factor. It draws power for its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology though the USB-C port on your smartphone. This enables the noise cancellation capabilities of larger headsets without the bulk.

It has stellar audio quality through its Dual Driver technology featuring a combination of balanced armature and dynamic drivers to deliver a perfect balance of deep bass and detailed trebles. A built-in digital to audio converter (DAC) provides 24 bit/96 kHz audio quality for clear, uncompressed sound.

The headset is also fitted with Comply™ Foam Tips for maximum comfort, a secure in-ear fit, and enhanced noise isolation. This combination provides for an immersive sound stage, free from distraction, wherever you go.
Completing the package is an inline control and microphone, as well as a solid aluminum frame with braided cables for tangle-free management.

“The Razer Raiju Mobile and Hammerhead USB-C ANC further deliver on our vision of providing the ultimate mobile entertainment experience” said Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. “You no longer need to be at home to experience movies, music and gaming, in all its glory.”

RAZER RAIJU MOBILE DETAILS

Pricing
US$149.99 / €149.99

Availability

Razer.com – Q4, 2018
Worldwide – Q4, 2018
Technical Specifications

4 multi-function buttons
Mecha-Tactile action buttons
Trigger stops for quick-firing action
Adjustable phone mount – up to 60 degree tilt
Mobile app for Android
Up to 23 hours of battery life on a single charge
Approximate size: 125 mm / 4.92 in. (Length) x 159.4 mm / 6.27 in. (Width) x 66 mm / 2.60 in. (Height)
Approximate weight (without cable): 306 g / 0.67 lbs
System Requirements:

Android 6.0 and above
Windows® 7 and above (Coming soon)
*Compatible with phones running Android 6.0 and above such as Razer Phone 2, Razer Phone, Huawei P20 Pro, Google Pixel 2 XL, Samsung Galaxy S9, Samsung Galaxy S9+, Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Samsung Galaxy S7, LG G7+ ThinQ, Xiaomi Mi 8, Xiaomi Black Shark, Vivo Nex S, HTC U12+, Oppo Find X, OnePlus 6 and many more.

For more information about the Razer Raiju Mobile, please visit https://www.razer.com/raiju-mobile.

RAZER HAMMERHEAD USB-C ANC DETAILS

Pricing
US$99.99 / €99.99

Availability

Razer.com – October 22, 2018
Worldwide – Q4, 2018

Technical Specifications

Headphones
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz
Impedance: 32Ω ± 15%
Sensitivity: 110 ± 3dB (Max SPL)
Input Power: 10 mW / 20 mW
Drivers: Dynamic + Balanced Armature
Connector: USB-C Connector
Cable Length: 1.2 m
Approximate Weight: 21 g
Microphone
Frequency Response: 100 Hz -10 KHz
Pick Up Pattern: Omni-directional
Signal to Noise Ratio: ≥58dB
Sensitivity: -40 ± 3dB
In-line Remote
Volume Controls: Volume Up / Down
Center Control: Play/Pause Accept/End Call
Center Switch: ANC On/Off
Compatibility
Handphones with USB-C Connectors
For more information about the Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC, please visit www.razerzone.com/razer-hammerhead-usbc-anc.

Seekers of the Dawn Pack Released for Conan Exiles

2018/12/13

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

OSLO, Norway – December 13th, 2018 – Funcom today released the fourth DLC for Conan Exiles, the studio’s open world survival game which launched in May this year and quickly became the bestselling Funcom title of all time. The DLC, named Seekers of the West Pack, introduces Yamatai-themed building pieces, weapons, armor, and pet skins. In the world of Conan Exiles, Yamatai is a mysterious island located to the north east of Khitai. Seekers of the Dawn Pack has been released on PC and will follow soon for Xbox One and PS4.

Conan Exiles recently introduced the all new Katana weapon, with its own unique animations, attacks and attributes. The Seekers of the Dawn Pack gives its owners four new Katanas to crush their enemies.

For more information about the Jewel of the West Pack, check out the official blog and the Steam store. The DLC is available on PC for $9.99.

Conan Exiles is an open world survival game set in the savage lands of Conan the Barbarian. After a successful Early Access run starting in January 2017, the game launched in full on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on May 8th 2018 and became one of Funcom’s best-selling and fastest-selling games to date. For more information about the Conan Exiles, visit www.conanexiles.com.

First Look at The Predator Holiday Special

2018/12/13

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Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos

LOS ANGELES, CA – A first look at the stop-motion animated Holiday Special featuring THE PREDATOR as he tangles with his most formidable foe yet – Santa and his reindeer. Check out the official trailer below and catch the entire special December 19 on Comedy Central during Bo-Jack Horseman at 10:30 PM / 9:30 CT.

The hunt has evolved – and so has the explosive action – in the next chapter of the Predator series, from director Shane Black (Iron Man 3). Now, the most lethal hunters in the universe are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before….and only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and an evolutionary biology professor can prevent the end of the human race.

THE PREDATOR is available now on Digital and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD December 18.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm Canadian Leader Announced

2018/12/11

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

December 11, 2018 – 2K and Firaxis Games today revealed that Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier will lead Canada in Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm, the second expansion pack for the critically acclaimed and award-winning Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, which will be available for Windows PC on February 14, 2019.

Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier is remembered for his strong advocacy for uniting French and English-speaking citizens under one national banner.

The Laurier Unique Ability allows Canada to build farms on Tundra terrain while the Four Faces of Peace Unique Ability prevents Canada from declaring surprise wars on opponents or declaring war on City-States, but also ensures that surprise wars can’t be declared against Canada. Along with Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier, the Ice Hockey Rink and Mountie arrive as Canada’s Unique Building and Unique Unit.

For more information, including further details on Canada’s Unique Ability, Unique Building and Unique Unit, please see 2K’s official Civilization blog: https://2kgam.es/2PomFDM

Universal Studios Hollywood Unveils Holiday Gift Ideas

2018/12/11

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Geek News, News

Universal City, California – December 11, 2018 – As last minute shoppers begin searching for perfect Christmas presents, UniversalStudios Hollywood is helping to take the guesswork out by assembling a list of some popular gift giving items and stocking stuffers from such fan favorites as The Grinch, Harry Potter, Minions, Jurassic Park and Hello Kitty and friends.

Here’s a short list of some fun,inspirational items:

For the naughty on the list, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures’ Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch movie takes center stage with an assortment of fun must-haves, including green faux-fur adorned hats, gloves and scarves as well as pajamas.

Magic is always in the air during the holidays, making treasures and treats from “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” some of the best gifts. From bespoke Christmas ornaments inspired by the Wizarding World to Honeydukes one-of-a-kind sweets, there is something for every Harry Potter fan this season. Other spellbinding collectibles that are sure to top any witch or wizard’s wish list include decorative Hogwarts castles now globes, the Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the houses, as well as a collection of unique tree toppers and house pennant garland.

This year, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is also introducing specialty gift wrapping that is inspired by packages delivered by the Owl Post in the Harry Potter film series.

A visit to the shops adjacent to the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride and Super Silly Fun Land as well as the all-new Animation Studio Store offer a chock full of Minions in an array of shapes and sizes as well Agnes’s all-time favorite, the fluffy Unicorn,available in a variety of huggable plush toys to wearable backpacks for back-to-school fun. For the more mischievous on the list, the iconic Zapper and Fart toys will make lasting memorable gifts.

The Animation Studio Store is also home to Hello Kitty with a variety of themed merchandise primed for holiday gift giving and stocking stuffers.

While the Jurassic era may have spanned time, millions of years ago, guests can keep the giant T. rex dinosaurs close at heart with popular Jurassic Park and Jurassic World t-shirts and hoodies, both in homage to the theme park’s iconic “Jurassic Park” thrill ride which closed earlier this year and in anticipation of its newest edition, the “Jurassic World” ride, opening in 2019.

For those on the list who have been extra good, an Annual Pass to Universal Studios Hollywood is the ultimate gift. For limitless fun all year long, along with a variety of discounts and perks to the theme park and CityWalk, a Platinum, Gold or Silver Annual Pass will make 2019 shine daily for friends and family.

Last minute shopping made easy at Universal Studios Hollywood is complemented by the theme park’s annual holiday programs, including nightly snowfall during “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” plus the spectacular dazzling light projection transformation of Hogwarts^TM castle through “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts^TM Castle.” “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” takes place daily through January 6, 2019.

“Grinchmas^™” at Universal Studios Hollywood features a Who-lebration of fun fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos. The annual event comes to life with a towering 60- foot tallwhimsical “Grinchmas” tree where Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls take center stage performing energetic musical sets as they usher in the Christmas season in style, along with the Who-liday Singers—a hip boy-band ensemble—who perform a cappella concerts showcasing amix of Christmas favorites and pop rock.

“Grinchmas” takes place daily from December 14 through December 30, 2018.

Spirited holiday décor and festive whimsy permeates throughout the theme park, including “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and the adjoining “Super Silly Fun Land” as a crew of very merry and mischievous Minions gleefully spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages.

The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood is included in the price of theme park admission. More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood onFacebookand follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free. More information is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.

Mountain High Announces 4th Annual Santa Saturday

2018/12/11

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Geek News, News

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. – Dec. 11, 2018 – Skiers and snowboarders dressed in Santa Claus costumes are invited to Mountain High this Sunday, December 16 to participate in the fourth annual Santa Sunday.This holiday event serves as a fundraiser for Protect Our Winters, a climate change advocacy group for the snow sports community. Every Santa who attends receives a free lift ticket valued at $84 with a $20 minimum donation to Protect Our Winters.

“We originally created Santa Sunday to raise awareness and funds for Protect Our Winters, a cause that’s deeply personal to all of us here,” said John McColly, Mountain High vice president of marketing and advertising. “Climate change continues to have a significant impact on winter resorts and we are doing what we can here in Southern California to help.”

Protect Our Winters, a nonprofit charity, seeks to engage and mobilize the snow sports community to lead the fight against climate change through educational initiatives, advocacy and community-based activism.

“We’re very happy to be part of this event for the fourth consecutive year,” said Torrey Udall, Protect Our Winters director of development and operations. “In addition to creating a lot of holiday cheer, it provides us with resources to protect the winter season that we all depend on. We are thankful to Mountain High for supporting us with this really fun Christmas time fundraiser.”

To take part in Santa Sunday, guests are asked to pre-register for the event and donate a minimum of $20 to Protect Our Winters. Receipts for online donation must be presented at registration to claim a day ticket (an 8-hour ticket is regularly $84).

Once a skier or snowboarder has successfully registered, including making her/his donation, that participant must wear a Santa suit complete with hat, beard, coat, belt and pants to Mountain High on December 16. Participants must pick up their tickets, sign liability forms and be at the Snowflake Chairlift at 9:00 a.m. to participate in the Santa Sunday group ride.

Santa Sunday Schedule:

· 8:00 a.m. – Arrive early, pick up ticket in Big Pines Base Lodge. Bring Protect Our Winters donation receipt, photo ID and completed Santa liability form.

· 9:00 a.m. – Meet at the bottom of Snowflake Chairlift for photos

· 10:00 a.m. – Meet at the bottom of Blue Ridge Express for Santa Sunday ride

· 11:00 a.m. – Hashtag all Santa photos with #mhsantaselfie to win

Sheltered Coming to Nintendo Switch

2018/12/11

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Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch

11th December 2018 – Team17, a global games label, creative partner and developer of independent, premium video games in partnership with Unicube announced that Sheltered is releasing on Nintendo Switch™. Sheltered will be available digitally via the Nintendo eShop from 18th December priced at £9.99/$14.99/€14.99 with a 20% discount for the launch week. On Nintendo Switch, Sheltered includes the base game plus the Surrounded and Stasis additional content.

Sheltered is a post-apocalyptic disaster management game that gives a whole new meaning to the term “nuclear family”. After a global apocalypse, you take on the role of protecting four family members living in a deserted underground shelter. Their wellbeing and survival are your responsibility. One bad decision and a loved one is gone, forever.

Combat claustrophobia, radiation and mental exhaustion as you cling desperately to life in the cramped, cold underground shelter. You’ll have to leave the scant protection the shelter offers behind as you’re forced to venture outside into the dangerous, desolate wasteland to scavenge for vital supplies which could ensure your family’s survival for just one more day. Also, pets! Choose between a dog, cat, fish, snake or horse as your loyal companion.

Key Features:

First time on Nintendo Switch: Sheltered is available on Nintendo Switch for the first time! Enjoy the apocalypse on the go in handheld mode or at home in TV mode or table top mode.

Extra content: Additional scenarios Surrounded and Stasis are included.

Family comes first: Keep your family alive and protect them from the ravages of the harsh post-apocalyptic world.

Make the shelter a home: Maintain your shelter – keep it secure, habitable and make sure that the family have enough resources to survive. Protect your shelter from hazards and infiltration!

Customisation: Your family is unique to you; you decide their gender, names and their appearance.

RPG mechanics: As your family develop, their stats will adapt with an evolving experience and trauma system. Attributes, strengths and weaknesses will dynamically change based on your choices.

Crafting system: Create comforts for your family’s shelter and equipment for aiding exploration.

Exploration: Send out your family to explore and gather resources for everyday living and crafting.

Recruitment system: Recruit outsiders with different personalities, integrate them into your shelter life and earn their loyalty.

Dynamic encounter system: Your family will encounter various threats including roaming factions and feral beasts.

Turn-based combat: For those that cannot be reasoned with, violence can be used as a last resort. Your family may depend on it.

Vehicles: Make exploration quicker and safer.

NieR:Automata Game of the Year Edition Announced

2018/12/11

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 11, 2018) – SQUARE ENIX® announced today that the award-winning post-apocalyptic action role-playing game (RPG) NieR:Automata™ is returning to the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and STEAM® as NieR:Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition on February 26, 2019.

The NieR:Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition features the base game, alongside exciting digital content, including the 3C3C1D119440927 Expansion DLC, four pod designs (Grimoire Weiss Pod, Retro Grey Pod Skin, Retro Red Pod Skin, and Cardboard Pod Skin) and the Machine Mask Accessory. Those who purchase the PlayStation®4 system version will also receive an all-new Dynamic Theme, a set of 15 PlayStation™Network avatars featuring characters from the game, and the Play Pod and amazarashi Pod skins. Those who purchase on STEAM will receive two new wallpapers and the in-game Valve Accessory.

With over 3.5 million shipments and digital sales since its initial release, NieR:Automata received critical acclaim across the globe for its deep, captivating storyline from Director YOKO TARO, award-winning soundtrack by Keiichi Okabe, and fantastic blend of action-packed high-speed 60fps battles. Developed in collaboration with PlatinumGames Inc., the title delivers the perfect mix of action and RPG gameplay in a beautifully desolate open world as players battle as androids 2B, 9S and A2 in the fight to reclaim the world for their human creators.

NieR:Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition is releasing on February 26 for the PlayStation®4 system and STEAM for $39.99. This title is rated M (Mature). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at http://www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

For more information, please visit: http://nierautomata.com.