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Jabbawockeez Return to Halloween Horror Nights

2016/09/01

Universal City, California, August 31, 2016 – Jabbawockeez, the acclaimed, award-winning hip hop dance group, universally recognized as America’s best dance crew, returns to Universal Studios Hollywood for a new electrifying original series of performances, enhanced by spectacular multi-color laser projections and the addition of the first-ever female dancer, as part of this year’s “Halloween Horror Nights.”

“Halloween Horror Nights” begins on Friday, September 16, 2016.

With the addition of the first-ever female dancer to the popular dance crew, the Jabbawockeez will take to the stage within the Special Effects Show venue donning their signature white masks. The diverse group of dancers will perform a repertoire of innovative, synchronized choreography accompanied by a stunning laser lights display that will come to life in a full spectrum of color. The all-new, high-energy Jabbawockeez show, created exclusively for “Halloween Horror Nights,” will once again underscore the dance crew’s unique brand of humor as they transport guests into a new realm of gravity-defying dance, elevated to new heights by special effects and pulse-pounding music.

Currently starring in a new production, “Jreamz, Journey Within,” in their own theatre at MGM Grand Las Vegas, the Jabbawockeez are considered dance movement pioneers having shattered the glass ceiling for dance groups worldwide as the first dance crew to ever headline their own show in Las Vegas.

“Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror. Featuring an all-new slate ofunrivaled film production quality mazes, frightful scare zones and a fully re-imagined “Terror Tram” experience uniquely themed to today’s most definitive horror properties, “Halloween Horror Nights” will taunt, terrorize and torment guests with spine-chilling haunted attractions as part of Southern California’s most extreme Halloween experience.

“Halloween Horror Nights” 2016 mazes include “American Horror Story,” that will unlock the terror from three installments of FX Networks’ wickedly gruesome TV series; “The Exorcist: The Possession of Regan MacNeil,” based on the iconic supernatural horror film; “Freddy vs. Jason,” inspired by New Line Cinema’s 2003 film that brought together the biggest horror icons in history: demented killer Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street) and notorious hockey mask killer Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13^th); “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Blood Brothers,” which pits guests against the unsavory wrath of manic killer Leatherface and his mentally unhinged brother, ChopTop; “Halloween: Hell Comes to Haddonfield,” an all-new maze inspired by the second film in the classic “Halloween” horror franchise; and “Krampus: The Christmas Devil,” based on Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures’ Christmas-themed horror film that brings to life the fabled anthropomorphic “half-goat, half-demon” horned creature who terrorizes those devoid of holiday spirit; and “The Walking Dead,” an authentic living representation of AMC’s hit television series that takes the realism of the show to an entirely new level with the all-new permanent attraction.

Join the “Halloween Horror Nights” conversation using #UniversalHHN on Facebook at Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood, Instagram @HorrorNights, Twitter and Periscope @HorrorNights. Add us on Snapchat, username HorrorNights for nightly live content and watch the terror come to life on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube.

To learn more about the all new Jabbawockeez show at “Halloween Horror Nights,” click here.

The 17th Door Haunt Experience Returns

2016/08/31

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Geek News, Halloween, News

TUSTIN, California, September 1, 2016 – Normally known as the epitome of Orange County suburban shopping, The Market Place in Tustin will once again be home to one of the scariest, most intense and most interactive haunted houses around. Last season, 26,000 guests braved through The 17^th Door Haunt Experience and this year, over a dozen new rooms have been created along with a mini escape room to take things to a whole new level. This year’s haunt will be larger and longer, featuring over 34 minutes filled with more monsters, more scares, more of what you love and more of what you hate!

The unique, timed haunt experience delves into the story of its main character, Paula, and how her life falls hard and fast down a spiral of torture and bad decisions. Can you walk in Paula’s shoes through the dissolution of her life and burning flashbacks of her past to withstand what’s behind that final door? Or will you succumb to fear and have to cry out “Mercy?”

Pre-sale tickets for this year’s season are now available online at www.the17thdoor.com. Act fast because they sell out quickly!

“The storyline will continue where last year’s left off, with Paula’s attempted suicide and asylum residency,” said owner Robbie Luther. “Same main character, still mostly taking place at Gluttire University. We will be diving deeper into Paula’s character by visiting her childhood and exposing where her problems first originated. Her childhood will be a major part of the storyline this year. We plan to focus on developing the story this year and we have some good ideas about how we intend to do that.”

The 17^th Door is designed for mature audiences and is recommended for 16 years of age and older. It is not recommended for children under the age of 15, as it features intense thematic material throughout the haunt.

The 17^th Door 2016 Haunt Experience Dates:

September 23-24 and 30

October 1, 6-9, 12-16, 20-23 and 25-31

Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration Gamescom Demo

2016/08/31

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

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (August 30, 2016) – Crystal Dynamics® today released the Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration™ gamescom theater demo. In Rise of the Tomb Raider, Lara becomes more than a survivor, and embarks on her first Tomb Raiding expedition in search of the secret of immortality. She’ll explore a vast and hostile world, engage in guerilla combat, and discover deadly tombs.

The video showcase begins with the cinematic action of “Thin Ice” from the main campaign, as Lara fights to escape Trinity in a frozen Siberian wasteland. Next is a preview of “Blood Ties”, which will feature over an hour of new single-player story as Lara’s uncle challenges her ownership of Croft Manor. Lara’s determined to prove that she’s the rightful heir and reclaim her legacy, but to do that she must confront the secrets of her past. Finally, there’s a look at the new “Lara’s Nightmare” combat mode, in which Lara must protect her childhood home from hordes of the undead.

Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration is the most comprehensive version of the award-winning experience, and also includes PlayStation VR support, co-op Endurance mode, an “Extreme Survivor” difficulty mode, 5 classic Lara skins, an outfit and weapon inspired by TR III, and all of the previously released DLC. The game launches on PS4 October 11^th, and the new content will be included as part of the Season Pass on Xbox One and PC.

Related Links
Official Homepage: www.TOMBRAIDER.com
Official Twitter: @TOMBRAIDER
Official Facebook page: http://facebook.com/TOMBRAIDER
Official YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/TOMBRAIDER

2K Unveils First VR Title: Carnival Games VR

2016/08/31

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Geek News, News, Windows PC News

New York, NY – August 31, 2016 – 2K today revealed Carnival Games® VR, a new take on the hit franchise created by Cat Daddy Games that has sold-in more than 9 million copies worldwide. Carnival Games VR will be 2K’s first virtual reality offering to leverage today’s leading edge technology that will bring the fun and thrill of 12 different carnival games into living rooms in an entirely new and engaging entertainment experience. The title will be available worldwide for digital download for $19.99 on October 28, 2016 for HTC Vive™ and PlayStation®VR; and later this year for Oculus Rift.

“Virtual reality is an exciting new emerging platform that has the potential to enhance the way that interactive entertainment is created and experienced,” said Sarah Anderson, SVP of Marketing at 2K. “As our first foray into this space, we wanted to deliver a highly accessible entertainment experience that would allow players to immerse themselves in the familiar, classic fun of our Carnival Games series. With its stylized interactive environments and all-new features, Carnival Games VR will deliver the magic of the midway like never before.”

Carnival Games VR allows players to explore the park, interact with patrons and play up to 12 different games. Whether it’s scaling a castle in Climbing Wall or rolling for a high score in Alley Ball – everyone will find a favorite. In each of these games, players have the opportunity to collect tickets for fun virtual prizes when they enter one of four different Carnival Alleys. All prizes are held in the Play Room where they can be used to unlock unique achievements. In addition, players will have the opportunity to challenge their friends and see if they can earn the top spot on the online leaderboard.

Carnival Games VR will be available for digital download for $19.99 on October 28, 2016 for HTC Vive and PlayStation®VR, and later this year for Oculus Rift. Consumers and media will have the chance to experience the game at this year’s PAX West from September 2 – 5 at booth #S4 in the lobby of the convention center.

Carnival Games VR is rated E-10+ by the ESRB. For more information on Carnival Games VR, subscribe on YouTube, follow us on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook and visit www.2K.com/carnivalgames.

Oculus and Rift are trademarks of Oculus VR, LLC.

2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

Skyforge – Ascension Announcement Trailer

2016/08/30

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

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – August 30, 2016 – Developer Allods Team and global publisher My.com are proud to announce Ascension, a massive expansion for Skyforge. Based on more than a year of player data and community feedback, the Allods Team has worked on revisiting existing systems and implementing new features to expand Skyforge. The team made menus more accessible for all players and provided clarity on current systems. Ascension will add exciting new combat features, more refined options for character progression and even a brand new class! Ascension will be available to all players as soon as this fall.

The Ascension expansion for Skyforge consists of the following:

New Progression Campaign: A significant modification comes in the form of the Regions Map, which is an extended progression campaign, where players can unlock access to new Adventures, Classes, and Symbols. Over a hundred marks on the map represent adventures and missions that make progression very clear and keep gameplay fresh, all while players improve their characters.
Extended Combat Mechanics: Combat will become even more interesting thanks to an extended combat system. When you defeat monsters, players can take their weapons or even part of their bodies to use them against other enemies! Battles will become more diverse and tactical through the ability to kite enemies and dodge attacks more consistently.
New Politics System: The Council of Gods is a completely new political system. From now on, immortals can elect who the world of Aelion will answer to for a few weeks. In their hands, the leaders will hold power, resources, and the fate of the people. Players will be able to elect or be elected, and take control!
A New Raid for All Gods: Another great danger awaits: the menacing Tol-Monter, great god of the Oceanids, has sent his ships to Aelion! Tol-Monter is an unusual avatar, therefore gods who confront him can expect serious challenges. However, it is not just the strongest immortals that can fight him. Anyone who has received their Divine Form can go into battle against this great god – and win!
Brand-new Class: The Outlaw: A charismatic, daring and dangerous hero, who expertly wields two pistols and also, when necessary, dynamite. Enemies would do well not to underestimate this new combatant.

Skyforge is a free-to-play MMORPG set in a universe where mortals and immortals use cutting edge technology to fight for survival against mythical creatures and invaders from space. Players start as immortals, newly reborn into the world and vie to become gods themselves.

To learn more about Skyforge and to download for free today, visit sf.my.com. ‘Like’ the game on Facebook and follow the game’s development on Twitter @GodsofSkyforge for all the latest developer updates and news.

System Shock 3 Now in Development by OtherSide’s Austin Team

2016/08/30

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Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Austin, TX, August 30, 2016 – OtherSide Entertainment is proud to announce the formation of its Austin development studio and that studio’s first project, System Shock 3, the latest in the series of classic, award-winning System Shock games.

Since its official inception in July, the studio has assembled its core team, made up of industry veterans under the guidance of Creative Director and Studio Manager, Warren Spector.

Warren Spector (Creative Director, Studio Manager)
The System Shock 3 team is being led by 33-year industry legend, Warren Spector, winner of several game of the year awards and honored with four lifetime achievement awards for his contributions to gaming. Warren played a key role in bringing the original Underworld and System Shock games to life and was also behind the seminal Deus Ex series, as well as Disney Epic Mickey and Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Two.

Sheldon Pacotti – Design Director
In his 22-year career in the game industry, Sheldon has proven himself to be a multidisciplinary developer whose past experience includes stints as lead writer on Deus Ex and Deus Ex: Invisible War, on which he played a critical role. He also has credits as lead programmer and lead designer on many other projects. Among the games he has worked on are Auto Assault and America’s Army. He comes to OtherSide with an unparalleled academic background, with degrees in mathematics and literature from MIT and Harvard.

Arturo Pulecio – Art Director
Arturo brings to the project more than 14 years of hands-on experience in every aspect of video game art. Among the titles he has worked on are Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons and Dragons Online, Dark Age of Camelot, Warhammer Online, Wizard 101, and both Disney Epic Mickey games.

Jason Hughes – Tech Director
Jason Hughes is a 21-year veteran industry technologist and generalist with deep knowledge of game systems. In a career that includes Wing Commander, Star Wars, and Disney Epic Mickey, Jason has everything from AI to graphics under his belt and has built multiple indie studios from scratch, operating both as founder and core technical leader.

All of these team leaders have worked with Spector before on games including Deus Ex, Deus Ex: Invisible War, Disney Epic Mickey, and Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Two.

In addition, the team is consulting with members of the original System Shock teams within OtherSide Entertainment, including creative director Paul Neurath (System Shock, System Shock 2), lead designer Tim Stellmach (System Shock, Thief: The Dark Project) and art director Nate Wells (System Shock 2, BioShock).

Finally, OtherSide Austin will engage the talents of Terri Brosius, the voice behind the System Shock series’ malevolent AI, SHODAN, and concept artist Robb Waters (System Shock, BioShock). Outside creative consultants include Doug Church, game director on the original System Shock game.

To receive future updates on System Shock 3 as they become available, please register for our newsletter here. Download SS3 development team pictures here. And stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding the game engine that Otherside Entertainment will be using to create the world of System Shock 3 and other titles.

First Footage from SiREN Released

2016/08/29

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

On behalf of Chiller Films, we are pleased to share the first clip from SIREN which premiered on Fridayon Crave Online.

Based on the V/H/S short by David Bruckner, the film stars Chase Williamson (The Guest, John Dies at the End), Justin Welborn (The Final Destination), Michael Aaron Milligan (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Hayes Mercure (Mascots), Randy McDowell (Elvis), Hannah Fierman (V/H/S) and directed by Gregg Bishop (V/H/S Viral).

13 Minutes of BioShock Remastered

2016/08/26

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

You can now watch the first thirteen minutes of the fully remastered BioShock, from the upcoming BioShock: The Collection, coming to PS4, Xbox One and PC on September 13th. This new extended gameplay commentary video is available for download or embed via the links below. You can also watch additional gameplay videos showing the opening minutes of the remastered versions of BioShock 2 and BioShock Infinite on the 2K YouTube channel.

Vampyr 15 Minutes Pre-Alpha Gameplay Trailer

2016/08/26

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

August 26, 2016 – The past week’s Gamescom 2016 has been the perfect opportunity for journalists to discover Vampyr, the Action-RPG from DontNod, the creators of Life is Strange. The press had the chance to attend presentations made by the developers, and thus learn more about the game, its story and its gameplay mechanics.

We’re extending that invitation to those of you at home in the form of a 15 minute gameplay video of our pre-alpha version, showcasing some of the ideas that make Vampyr a unique gameplay experience, where the narrative is directly tied to the gameplay. Without any spoilers, our presentation begins a little after the beginning of the game. Now aware of being a vampire, our protagonist Dr Jonathan Reid must come to terms with what he has become, meeting some of the characters you will interact with along your journey – some of whom are aware of what you are, and also share the same affliction.

This video is taken from a pre-alpha version of the game, and while many aspects are still very early in their development process – notably the combat system – you’ll get to see many of the gameplay ideas currently being worked on.

Investigate the people of London, and peer through their bodies to see the quality of blood that flows through them. Perhaps you find a terrible person who you believe deserves to die, and decide to feed on him. But what if he suffers from poor quality blood? Perhaps a father – with no reason to lose his life – has the purest blood, and will therefore gain you greater experience points… your moral choices will directly affect the game world as you struggle to come to terms with your human/vampire duality.

Taking lives in London is not easy. Killing too many in a district may cause its infrastructure to collapse and turn into disarray. Every single life will also have a butterfly effect on the other NPCs surrounding them. Every life you take away will have consequences for the city and the people around them: Cursed be the choice!

Vampyr comes out on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC in 2017.

Horror Nights Teams with Crypt TV and Eli Roth for Killer Clown Terror Tram

2016/08/25

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Geek News, Halloween, News

Universal City, CA, August 25, 2016 – Horror auteur Eli Roth (“Hostel”) and his digital network Crypt TV take the helm of the infamous “Terror Tram,” marking the first time ever that the signature attraction comes to life through the twisted mind of the filmmaker, as part of this year’s “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood, which kicks off Friday, September 16, 2016.

“Eli Roth Presents Terror Tram” will expose guests to the fabled legacy of serial killer clown “Hollywood Harry,” the story of a former jovial celebrity clown turn depraved murderer, and the minefield of carnage he left behind.

“I’m thrilled to be part of ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ again,” said Eli Roth. “We wanted to completely fabricate an original story that brings together our absolute freakiest, scariest most disturbing ideas. The ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ team is the best in the business. Their production and execution is unmatched and I know this ‘Terror Tram’ experience will blow away all expectations, and haunt guests for the rest of their lives. ‘Halloween Horror Nights is the must-see event for any horror movie fan—it’s like the Super Bowl for scary movies, and is my favorite event of the year.”

The all-new “Terror Tram” experience will tell the sordid tale of former Angeleno resident Harold Kappowitz whose alter ego “Koodles the Clown” went from cheerful circus performer, to the lovable star of his own children’s network television show…before he was overcome by his genuine “killer instincts.”

By the 1990s, hard knocks took a deadly toll on Kappowitz, and the onetime endearing clown found himself exiled by the very Hollywood entertainment community that once adored him. With an all-consuming anger and hatred, Kappowitz—a now crazed and disheveled recluse—took refuge from society by hiding out at Universal Studios, emerging as notorious serial killer clown, “Hollywood Harry.” Recurring murders began to dominate the studio, as “Hollywood Harry” drew strength from recruiting other outcast former clowns who, together, took revenge on Studio Tour guides and visitors alike, ceremoniously killing them, and leaving behind a deadly trail of terror.

“The goal of ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ is to create the most intense, most memorable and ultimately, the most terrifying experiences for our guests,” said John Murdy, Creative Director at Universal Studios Hollywood and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.” “And there is no better partner than Eli Roth to deliver unabashed horror that’s so real you can feel it. We were fortunate to work with Eli years ago on his original ‘Hostel’ themed maze, so we can only imagine the terror that he’s envisioning.”

A series of short form content, produced by Crypt TV in conjunction Universal Studios Hollywood, aired on the digital horror network to tease the story of “Hollywood Harry” and create momentum for the announcement reveal of “Eli Roth Presents Terror Tram.”

Unique to Universal Studios Hollywood, the “Terror Tram” invites “Halloween Horror Nights” guests to walk along a portion of the movie and television studio where such sets as the Psycho House and the Bates Motel from Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller, and Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds,” are located.

Crypt TV is a digital studio that creates original genre content guided by its motto #WEIRDISGOOD aimed at uniting fans and creating a movement that redefines what the future of horror content means to millennials. Since their 2015 launch, Crypt TV has become the fastest growing leader in digital scares with 20 million video views per month. Crypt TV was co-founded by Jack Davis and Eli Roth and has a strategic partnership with Blumhouse Productions.

“Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror. Featuring an all-new slate of unrivaled film production quality mazes, frightful scare zones and a fully re-imagined “Terror Tram” experience uniquely themed to today’s most definitive horror properties, “Halloween Horror Nights” will taunt, terrorize and torment guests with spine-chilling haunted attractions as part of Southern California’s most extreme Halloween experience.

“Halloween Horror Nights” mazes to date include “American Horror Story,” inspired by Ryan Murphy’s critically-acclaimed, Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television anthology series on the FX network;“The Exorcist: The Possession of Regan MacNeil,” based on the iconic supernatural horror film; “Freddy vs. Jason: Dream Battle,” inspired by New Line Cinema’s 2003 film that brought together the biggest horror icons in history: demented killer Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street) and notorious hockey mask killer Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13^th); “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Blood Brothers,” which pits guests against the unsavory wrath of manic killer Leatherface and his mentally unhinged brother, Chop Top; “Halloween: Hell Comes to Haddonfield,” an all-new maze inspired by the second film in the classic “Halloween” horror franchise; and “Krampus: The Christmas Devil,” based on Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures’ Christmas-themed horror film that brings to life the fabled anthropomorphic “half-goat, half-demon” horned creature who terrorizes those devoid of holiday spirit; and “The Walking Dead,” an authentic living representation of AMC’s hit television series that takes the realism of the show to an entirely new level with the permanent attraction.

For exciting updates and exclusive “Halloween Horror Nights” content, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/Hollywood, like Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood on Facebook; follow@HorrorNights #UniversalHHN on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Periscope; and watch the terror come to life on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube.