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The Medium Official Launch Trailer

2021/01/28

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

Today, Bloober Team, the studio behind acclaimed horror games including Blair Witch, Observer: System Redux and Layers of Fear, are proud to release The Medium, the third-person psychological horror game featuring next-gen game mechanics exploring two worlds at the same time. The game is available today for $49.99/€49.99/£39.99 exclusively on Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and the Microsoft Store. To celebrate the global launch, Bloober Team is excited to announce that The Medium will be available for a 10% off launch discount on PC and Xbox Series X|S for the first week of release beginning today.

The Medium Deluxe Edition is also available for PC players on Steam for $54.99/€54.99/£43.99, which includes The Medium, The Medium Original Soundtrack (by Akira Yamaoka and Arkadiusz Reikowski) and The Art of The Medium (digital artbook). Players can also purchase these separately on Steam; the Original Soundtrack for $9.99/€8.19/£7.19, and The Art of The Medium for $5.99/€4.99/£4.79.

Watch the new official launch trailer for The Medium featuring the original song “Voices,” performed by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn and composed by Akira Yamaoka & Arkadiusz Reikowski.

“Everyone at Bloober Team is ecstatic to see The Medium release on Xbox Series X/S and PC as it has been a vision we’ve had for years,” said Piotr Babieno, CEO at Bloober Team. “Seeing first-hand how the game has changed from its original idea years ago to now how immersive it is with Bloober Team’s innovative dual-reality mechanics has been incredibly inspiring to our entire team. We can’t wait to showcase this as one of our most ambitious titles to date and deliver to players around the world one of the first next-gen horror games.”

While the launch trailer features the rekindled musical collaboration between Mary Elizabeth McGlynn and Akira Yamaoka, known for their work together on the Silent Hill series, Bloober Team also teases a second playable character in The Medium that was previously shown as the gloved man from The Medium – The Threats Official Trailer.

The Medium is a third-person psychological horror game that features an innovative dual-reality gameplay that has been patented by Bloober Team. Players will play as Marianne, a medium gifted with a number of psychic abilities, and explore the real and spirit world both alternatively and simultaneously to uncover a dark mystery masked by disturbing secrets, sinister spirits, and devious puzzles only a medium can solve.

Developed and published by Bloober Team, and rated “M for Mature” by the ESRB and PEGI 18, The Medium is Bloober Team’s largest and most ambitious project to date, with no loading screens and utilizing the full potential of the latest version of the Unreal Engine 4, alongside Microsoft DirectX Raytracing and NVIDIA DLSS technology with the newest GeForce Game Ready Drivers from NVIDIA for PC today and Raytracing support for Xbox Series X. Akira Yamaoka, known for his work on the Silent Hill series, and Bloober Team’s Arkadiusz Reikowski collaborated together on the game’s original ‘dual’ score, creating truly unique atmospheres across both worlds.

For more information on The Medium, please visit www.themediumgame.com; Follow us on Twitter @TheMediumGame; Like us on Facebook @MediumGame, or follow us on Instagram @the_medium_game.

Ashwalkers: A Survival Journey Coming to PC

2021/01/27

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

DONTNOD co-founder and Life is Strange co-creator Hervé Bonin’s new studio Nameless XIII and publisher Dear Villagers (ScourgeBringer, The Forgotten City) have revealed that Ashwalkers (formerly known under working title “Cendres”) is coming to PC in April 2021.

A demo of the game will also be playable for the first time in the upcoming Steam Game Festival (Feb. 3-9).

Ashwalkers is a post-apocalyptic narrative survival sim in which four adventurers set out to cross a ravaged Earth. Society has collapsed, leaving no moral judgement of the choices they make; only their personal integrity will guide them to one of 34 possible endings. The branching story challenges players to make meaningful choices in complex ethical dilemmas while managing their food, medication and other supplies.

Set 200 years after the first geological disasters, a group of survivors called The Section set out into a devastated world. Their goal is to find a safe haven for their people, but to reach it they face a deadly journey through a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Players will get to know the intimate dynamics, relationships and tensions between the brave captain of the group Petra, the pragmatic fighter Sinh, the young optimistic scholar Kali and the cautious scout Nadir as they travel the end of the world.

Players will:

Make meaningful and difficult decisions in complex moral dilemmas
Discover a new path each playthrough depending on player choices
Experience one of 34 different endings in each playthrough
Get to know a group of four distinct characters
Manage their food, equipment and medication protecting the group from madness and despair
Travel and learn about a hostile world destroyed by a volcanic apocalypse
Seek and harvest vital resources in the wild
Overcome obstacles, violent encounters and the deadly climate on your journey

Farming Simulator 19 Gets GRIMME Equipment

2021/01/27

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

GIANTS Software and Focus Home Interactive have released the newest DLC for Farming Simulator 19: the “GRIMME Equipment Pack.” Featuring even more tools, equipment and machinery from renowned international farming equipment manufacturer GRIMME, this extensive set of content is available today on PC, Mac, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.

Created by Team FSI Modding, winners of the Farming Simulator Mod Contest special award, the “GRIMME Equipment Pack” delivers a whole host of new farming possibilities from GRIMME, including potato harvesters, planters, weeders, transport belts and trailers, as well as a bonus tool from the in-game Lizard brand.

If you own Farming Simulator 19’s Premium Edition or the Season Pass, you can now download the DLC for free via digital stores. All items will be available through the in-game shop after downloading the pack.

Studio Ghibli Launches Official Social Media Channels

2021/01/27

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Geek News, Movie News, News

GKIDS, the acclaimed producer and distributor of animation for adult and family audiences, announced today that is extending its long-term relationship with Studio Ghibli by launching and managing the first ever Official English-language Studio Ghibli social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for North American audiences.

Official Studio Ghibli USA Twitter: https://twitter.com/GhibliUSA
Official Studio Ghibli USA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GhibliUSA/
Official Studio Ghibli USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhibliUSA

“In the wake of a watershed year of expanded access to Studio Ghibli’s expansive catalogue via the global streaming and digital launch, these films remain an ever-present topic across social media platforms,” said GKIDS’ Director of Marketing Erica Chon. “To keep pace with the abundance of conversation surrounding the Studio and their North American partners, the official social media accounts are a natural next step in keeping fans up to date with all of the latest news from Studio Ghibli. We’re excited to launch the @GhibliUSA channels to bring the beauty and wonder of Studio Ghibli films to expanded audiences.”

Through the new social media accounts, fans can celebrate the artistry of Studio Ghibli, engage with other Ghibli fans, and have access to a reliable centralized resource covering all news, new product releases, events, and other notable information pertaining to the revered Japanese animation studio.

The social media announcement marks a further expansion of the partnership between Studio Ghibli and GKIDS, which began with GKIDS handling the Ghibli theatrical catalog for North America in 2010, and distributing new releases starting in 2012 with Goro Miyazaki’s From Up on Poppy Hill. In 2017, GKIDS took over North American home video rights to the illustrious Studio Ghibli catalog.

GKIDS will release the latest Studio Ghibli film, Earwig and the Witch, opening in theaters nationwide starting February 3 and streaming on HBO Max on February 5. Directed by Goro Miyazaki, (From Up on Poppy Hill, Tales from Earthsea) Earwig and the Witch, is produced by studio co-founder Toshio Suzuki, with planning on the feature from Goro Miyazaki’s father, Academy Award®-winner Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro). Based on the children’s novel “Earwig and the Witch” by Diana Wynne Jones (who also wrote “Howl’s Moving Castle”), the film was an official selection for the 2020 Cannes Film Festival and aired on NHK in Japan December 30, 2020.

BIOSTAR Unveils Racing Series Motherboards for Rocket Lake-S Processors

2021/01/27

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Geek News, Hardware News, News

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today announces the launch of their new RACING series Z590GTA and B560GTQ motherboards designed to run the latest Intel 11th gen Rocket Lake-S processors.

Approved by many users as one of the best motherboard brands in the market, BIOSTAR’s RACING series motherboards have always been the top choices for gamers and content creators for their style and durability. BIOSTAR carries their RACING series legacy with the all-new RACING Z590GTA and the new RACING B560GTQ motherboards. Both motherboards are engineered with new design elements updated to be great at thermal dissipation that improves the system’s overall performance and lifetime substantially.

RACING series motherboards have always been the top choices for gamers and content creators for their style and durability. BIOSTAR carries their RACING series legacy with the all-new RACING Z590GTA and the new RACING B560GTQ motherboards. With new design elements and big improvements for thermal dissipation, the latest iteration of the RACING series has evolved into a versatile platform where users can benefit from the reliability and top-shelf performance that BIOSTAR motherboards are renowned for.

Based on Intel’s latest Z590 and the B560 chipsets, the RACING Z590GTA and the RACING B560GTQ motherboards from BIOSTAR are sleek and refined. Caring down BIOSTAR’s proud RACING label, the new RACING series motherboards are designed with a fresh new look with the RACING Z590GTA coming in a full ATX form factor while the RACING B560GTQ motherboard designed in a Micro-ATX form.

Coming to the market with a brand-new color scheme of black, accented by blue and grey, the new RACING series motherboards are fitted with BIOSTAR’s all-new Armor Gear design language much like BIOSTAR’s VALKYRIE series motherboards, meant to be functional as well as pleasing to the eye. Both motherboards use the new fins heat sink design which significantly enhances its cooling capability.

Active cooling and a full copper base design that can improve power supply efficiency, the RACING series motherboards are capable of reducing the overall temperature by 29.1% and extend the life and quality of the system by a great deal.

Fan-favorite features like LED ROCK ZONE and VIVID LED DJ software which are BIOSTAR’s proprietary RGB lighting technologies provide users with a smart styling capability adding that extra personalization to the user experience.

When it comes to power delivery and safety features, the RACING Z590GTA motherboard uses features like BIOSTAR’s proprietary 14-phase power design, the use of 20K Hours Durable Solid Capacitors together with features like Tough Power Connectors make it extremely safe from any electrical mishaps. Furthermore, BIOSTAR’s Digital PWM technology makes sure all the components of the motherboard are supplied with stable power with faster transient performance, adding extra durability and longevity to the system.

In comparison, the RACING B560GTQ motherboard is powered by a 12-phase power design carrying 10K Hours Durable Capacitors extremely efficient in delivering stable power across all electrical components with long-lasting durability. The RACING B560GTQ motherboard also comes with the Digital PWM technology and BIOSTAR’s proprietary 2.5Guard technology much like its bigger brother providing ample protection to its connected components from electrical surges.

The RACING Z590GTA motherboard is engineered to run dual-channel DDR4 memory across 4 DIMM slots with support up to 128GB with the capability of up to 5000+(OC). Additionally, features like PCIe 4.0 add extra versatility to the motherboard, providing the best platform to support the latest Nvidia or AMD graphics cards that enable high refresh rate graphic performance.

Meanwhile, the RACING B560GTQ is equally capable, providing the capability to install up to 128GB of DDR4 memory and up to 4000+ boost clock speeds. Furthermore, the RACING B560GTQ also has the latest PCIe 4.0 port capable of running the latest and greatest graphics cards in the market with ease even with its smaller Micro-ATX form factor when compared to the RACING Z590GTA’s larger full ATX size.

PCIe M.2 4.0 is the preferred storage technology of both new RACING series motherboards and added features like USB 3.2 GEN2x2 help create an extremely efficient data transfer rate for faster file transfers across different systems which is highly beneficial for content creators to boost their work efficiency.

BIOSTAR has managed to provide ample connectivity option when it comes to rear I/O, as both motherboards carry similar layouts packed with all the essentials, with features like 2 x WIFI Antenna Ports designed to support WiFi 6 and a single 2.5GbE LAN port powered by Realtek RTL8125B chipset both designed to provide the user with fast unhindered internet connectivity. Furthermore, both motherboards come with a single 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/ Mouse port ready to support any old-style input devices.

1 x USB 3.2 (Gen2x2) Type-C port, 2 x USB 3.2 (Gen2) ports, 3 x USB 3.2 (Gen1) ports and 2 x USB 2.0 ports are the provided USB connectivity in the rear I/O panel of both motherboards.

The new RACING Z590GTA and the new RACING B560GTQ motherboards come equipped with a single HDMI 2.0 port capable of outputting 4K at 60Hz crystal clear graphics with the power of the latest Intel 11th gen processors and is complemented by a single display port as well as an additional DVI-D port.

3 x Audio output ports are available in the new RACING series motherboards with ALC1220 audio technology capable of providing 7.1 Channels, High Definition Audio.

To conclude, the new RACING series motherboards from BIOSTAR is the perfect choice for gamers and content creators, with the style and grace of a true champion mid-range motherboard, the RACING Z590GTA and the RACING B560GTQ add stability and durability to any system with a ton of complementary features providing users with an immersive user experience, be it may gaming or content creation.

Magic: Legends Open Beta Date Revealed

2021/01/27

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

Today, Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a leading publisher of online games, and Cryptic Studios announced Magic: Legends will enter PC Open Beta on March 23, 2021. Soon players will experience the thrill of becoming a Planeswalker in the free-to-play, persistent world, action RPG based on Wizards of the Coast’s iconic strategy card game, Magic: The Gathering. Over the last year, the development team at Cryptic Studios has been working closely with Closed Alpha testers to ensure that the game’s signature spell-slinging combat feels powerful and that the Multiverse stays true to that of the original card game. Starting on March 23, millions of players from around the world will be able to explore the Magic Multiverse, as Magic: Legends begins Open Beta on Arc Games. The game will make its official launch on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation®4 later this year.

“The new year ushers in a new era for Magic: Legends,” said Yoon Im, CEO of Perfect World Entertainment. “The chorus of gamers eager to join Magic: Legends’ beta has been both exciting and humbling to us all. We are thrilled to finally announce that both Magic and ARPG fans will get to explore the Magic: The Gathering world we’ve brought to life and ignite their Spark this Spring.”

“It’s hard to believe we’re finally opening the gates to the Multiverse to all gamers and Magic fans,” said Stephen Ricossa, executive producer of Magic: Legends at Cryptic Studios. “Over the last year, the development team has been working non-stop to bring this legendary card game to life. We want to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in our Closed Alpha tests for providing the feedback we needed to help evolve Magic: Legends into what it is today.”

Fans of Magic: The Gathering can attest to the fact that spell casting is the heart and soul of the game, and Magic: Legends is no different. At launch, the ARPG will offer 175 mana-based spells inspired by the original card game, plus 50 artifacts, 165 pieces of equipment, four planes and five regions. Players will explore diverse planes in the Multiverse to collect these spells and strategically construct and pilot different decks to control the chaos of the battlefield. Planeswalkers can also collect various artifacts and spell pages to modify and upgrade spells and their effects. Following ample feedback from Closed Alpha testers, Magic: Legends is also implementing an equipment system to capstone powerful, player-built loadouts. Check out the video below to get a first look at deckbuilding for Magic: Legends:

Magic: Legends is a free-to-play, persistent world, hack’n’cast online Action RPG based on Wizards of the Coast’s iconic trading card game, Magic: The Gathering. Ancient forces move in the darkness, requiring players to assume the role of a Planeswalker, powerful spellcasters who can travel between worlds. While exploring different planes, players will collect mana-based spells and strategically build out the perfect deck of balanced attacks to control the chaos of the battlefield and save the Multiverse from its greatest threat yet. Developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Perfect World Entertainment, Magic: Legends will release on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation®4 in 2021. For additional details, visit PlayMagicLegends.com.

Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood New Gameplay Trailer

2021/01/26

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

With one week to go before the release of Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood on February 4 2021, NACON and Cyanide are pleased to introduce a new gameplay trailer for the game.

The video highlights one of the core gameplay elements: the different forms that the Garou Cahal can shift into. Choose the Lupus form for exploration and infiltration. Choose the Homid form for stealth takedowns of guards and hacking into enemy defenses. And when your rage reaches its ferocious limit, transform into a Crinos and cut a swathe through hostile forces with your claws and teeth!

This unique transformation mechanic allows playstyle variation and different ways to overcome obstacles. Whether you choose stealth, assassination or brutal, gruesome combat, Cahal has many talents for you to use.

Introducing Plex Arcade from Plex Labs

2021/01/26

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Geek News, News

Today Plex is announcing Plex Arcade, making dozens of retro games available to stream right through Plex.

Spun out of Plex Labs, this is a passion project for Plex (which also means it’s a work in progress!). Here’s what you need to know:

Plex Arcade requires a Windows or macOS Plex Media Server (no Linux for now)
Platform support for playing includes Android (mobile and TV), iOS, tvOS, and Chrome. To get started, grab the latest Plex Media Server build and create a new Games library, just like you would any of your existing media types
Plex Arcade requires a subscription – $4.99/month for non-Plex Pass subscribers, and $2.99/month for those who already have a Plex Pass
You can try it free for seven days: https://www.plex.tv/arcade/
Game controllers work great! You can use any Bluetooth or USB game controller that is compatible with your device or use a keyboard for Chrome-based gaming. For best results, Plex recommends a Sony DualShock 4 or Xbox One controller

Partnerships behind the magic:

Plex has partnered with Parsec, whose low-latency streaming technology makes fully playable game libraries within Plex possible
And of course, who better than the godfather of gaming, Atari, to bring you a catalog of classic titles right out of the box – from Centipede to Lunar Lander and more

With the addition of streaming games, Plex continues to make good on its mission to bring all types of media in one place, creating the ultimate entertainment experience offering thousands of free on-demand options, 137 free-to-stream live TV channels, and so much more.

In addition to the Plex Arcade blog and video linked above, here’s an FAQ

Six Flags Great Adventure Jersey Devil Coaster Track Completed

2021/01/26

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Geek News, News

The final track piece of Jersey Devil Coaster, the world’s tallest, longest, and fastest single-rail coaster, was placed yesterday afternoon. This “topping off” 130 feet in the sky marks the completion of track construction on Six Flags Great Adventure’s highly-anticipated scream machine, which is set to open in 2021.

Iron workers from TCN & Co, the ride’s erection company which is based in Marlton, New Jersey, along with the ride’s manufacturer and Six Flags project supervisor, signed the final piece of orange steel before it ascended to its final resting place atop the extreme, 87-degree, vertical drop.

Following the topping off, construction, maintenance, and engineering teams will focus on:

Installing the chain link lift mechanism that will hoist riders to the top of the 13-story hill;
Adding four devilishly-designed trains that feature an inline style, with riders sitting low and single file while straddling the smooth, I-beam track;
Building the ride station including a moving platform, transfer track, maintenance area and queue;
Installing the ride controls;
Extensive ride testing; and
Inspections and NJ state certification.

All phases will be completed before the first passengers board the ride later this season. An opening date for the coaster has not yet been set.

Towering 13 stories, at speeds up to 58 mph, Jersey Devil Coaster riders will soar single file through the dark and foreboding woods over 3,000 feet of track. Inspired by infamous New Jersey mythology, the cutting-edge coaster will feature five intense elements including three dramatic inversions.

Key features of the Jersey Devil Coaster include:

Four sleek trains of 12 passengers each sitting low and inline style (one rider per row) with their legs straddling either side of the monorail track;
3,000 feet of soaring, single-rail, I-beam track;
Tension-building ascent up a towering, 130-foot lift hill;
Flying at speeds up to 58 mph;
Intense elements including a steep 87-degree first drop and overbank cutback; and
Three dramatic inversions including a 180-degree stall, raven dive, and zero-gravity roll.

For more information, visit www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

Biomutant Collector’s Editions Revealed

2021/01/26

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

THQ Nordic today announced that Biomutant will be out for PC, PlayStation®4, and Xbox One on May 25th, 2021. More information on the game will be released in the next weeks and months.

Collector’s Editions available for pre-order:

The Atomic Edition is unique at its very core, and contains the following components:

High Detail Diorama – 60cm/23″ long, 25cm/10″ width, 30cm/12″ height
Game Biomutant
Steelbook
T-Shirt in L/XL
Oversized Mousepad 80cm/31″ x 35cm/14″
The artwork on Fabric A1 size
Soundtrack
Premium Box

The Biomutant Atomic Edition will be available at selected retailers for an SRP of € 399.99 | $ 399.99 | £ 349.99.

Pre-order here: https://biomutant.com/

Biomutant Collector’s Edition

Mutate your living room! The Biomutant Collector’s Edition will be available for an SRP of € 109.99 | $ 109.99 | £ 99.99 for PC and € 119.99 | $ 119.99 | £ 109.99 for consoles. The genetic code of this edition has the following sequence:

Game Biomutant
Game hero figurine
The artwork on Fabric A1 size
Soundtrack
Premium Box

Pre-order here: https://biomutant.com/

Stay up to date with Biomutant and visit the game’s website or follow the social media channels.

Website: https://biomutant.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biomutantgame/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/biomutant