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3DMark Holiday Beta Adds VR Experience

2015/12/21
boothby
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

December 21, 2015 – Join the Holiday Beta and experience an interactive preview of VRMark, our upcoming virtual reality benchmark. In this exclusive preview, you can move freely within one of VRMark’s test environments. Get up close to four classic 3DMark scenes in VR with Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. But don’t worry if you don’t have a headset. The VRMark Preview works with your monitor too. The VRMark preview is for entertainment only. It does not produce a score.

3DMark grows bigger every year with new tests. Since launch, we’ve added Fire Strike Ultra, Sky Diver, and the API Overhead feature test. With more tests coming soon, we’ve created a new UI for 2016 that’s faster, more flexible and more intuitive. The new Home screen shows the recommended benchmark for your system. No more guessing which benchmark is right for your PC. You can install and run other tests from the Benchmarks screen.

We’ve also rebuilt the internals of the 3DMark app. You can now download, install and update benchmarks independently. This makes the initial download much smaller. And it means you can choose to install only the tests you need. Say goodbye to massive downloads with every update.
Available now from Steam
The 3DMark Holiday Beta is open to everyone who owns 3DMark on Steam. If you have the standalone Advanced Edition, and you don’t want to wait for the update in 2016, our Steam FAQ explains how to add your 3DMark key to Steam.
To join the beta, follow the steps in this community post on Steam:

Total Annihilation is Now Available on Steam

2015/12/18
boothby
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

December 18, 2015 — Wargaming has announced Total Annihilation, the groundbreaking sci-fi real-time strategy game, has gone live on Steam for just $4.99.

Initially published in 1997, under the guidance of lead designer Chris Taylor, Total Annihilation was the first game to feature 3D units and terrain over an engaging and challenging mission-packed solo campaign. If you never had the chance to experience this classic, which has racked up more than 50 awards around the world, now is the chance to put your wits to the test in true RTS fashion.

Total Annihilation’s solo campaign plunges the player into a familiar yet futuristic galaxy ruled by a central body of humans and AI called the Core. The Core’s technological and economic triumphs have allowed humanity to colonize most of the Milky Way and enjoy peace and prosperity. However, the balance has been upset by a technological breakthrough allowing human consciousness to be transferred to machine, granting immortality via a process called “patterning.” Following a mandate imposed on humanity by the Core, requiring everyone to undergo patterning as a public health measure, a rebel band rises from the far corners of the galaxy, ready to fight a shadowy present for a brighter future.

Begin your battle today, via Steam:

Players can also buy the Total Annihilation: Commander Pack from GoG. Included in this version are Total Annihilation and both its expansion packs—The Core Contingency and Battle Tactics—a 65-page manual, soundtrack, and map editor.

The Banner Saga Console Launch Date Revealed

2015/12/17
boothby
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Xbox One News

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AUSTIN, TX – December 16, 2015 – Stoic, an independent game development company and Versus Evil, one of the leading independent video game publishers, today announced that the epic Viking RPG strategy game The Banner Saga is coming to the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and to the Xbox One via the ID@Xbox self-publishing program on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016.

The Banner Saga, which launched to much critical acclaim on both PC and mobile devices has received several awards and nominations, including winner of the 2014 Geekie Awards for “Best Video Game”, winner of 2014 Game Developers Choice: “Best Debut” award, finalist placement for “Excellence in Visual Arts” category at theIndependent Game Festival, 3 BAFTA Award Nominations, and winner of Pocket Gamer’s 2015 Best Adventure/RPG Game and Best Android Game of the Year.

“We have been working on porting Banner Saga to consoles for some time” said John Watson, founder and technical director at Stoic. “Porting the game certainly presented technical challenges that we needed to overcome, and gave us an opportunity to redesign the user experience for console controllers. We have managed to merge the story and gameplay from Banner Saga with a refined controller interface to make it a very enjoyable console gaming experience.”

The Banner Saga is a single player driven Viking saga, where a player’s choice in travel, conversation and combat determines the outcome of their own personal story as well as the survival of an entire civilization. The game also features stunning 2D animation and art, a unique tactical combat system and a cast of unforgettable characters, all of which drive this epic journey forward. Players will enjoy a beautiful and haunting original score by Grammy nominated, two-time BAFTA winning composer Austin Wintory conducting The Dallas Winds orchestra, as well as a powerhouse trio of acclaimed YouTube sensations: Peter Hollens, Malukah and Taylor Davis.

“Launching the Banner Saga on next gen consoles is a huge step forward for Stoic and the brand” said Steve Escalante, general manager of Versus Evil. “With this latest achievement, the Stoic team is able to work on more platforms and reach more customers with its games and technology.  This is not a small thing to consider for such a small team.  Looking ahead at what this could mean for Banner Saga 2 gets really exciting.”

Localized in French, German, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Italian languages, The Banner Saga was one of the earlier funding successes on Kickstarter, which originally launched in partnership with independent games publisher Versus Evil.

To learn more about The Banner Saga visit: http://stoicstudio.com/

To learn more about Versus Evil visit: http://www.vsevil.net

World of Tanks Update 9.13 Launched with Trailer

2015/12/16
boothby
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

December 16, 2015 — Wargaming is proud to announce the new Czechoslovakian Tech Tree for World of Tanks is ready to carve out a name for itself in Update 9.13. This line rolls out to battle with light and medium vehicles, giving tankers new weapons in their ever-growing arsenal to outwit and outhit their opponents.

Sitting proud at the top end of the Tech Tree are the Tier 9 and 10 Škoda TVP tanks. Boasting excellent accuracy, when combined with their range and stabilization, these powerful vehicles create a perfect recipe for destruction.  Also joining the fight is the Tier 7 Konštrukta T-34/100, an upgraded version of the Soviet T-34 with an improved armament that will be very familiar to experienced players.

“With a rich and interesting tank-building history, World of Tanks could not pass up the opportunity to include these dynamic Czechoslovakian tanks into the game,” said Sergey Laptenok, Publishing Product Director, World of Tanks. “These vehicles, with a number of great features like maneuverability and autoloading guns, create an experience that players don’t want to miss out on.”

Also in Update 9.13 is the Czechoslovakian-inspired map “Pilsen”, which is set to be featured in Random and Rampage battles. This map was based on the actual Škoda tank factory in Pilsen that birthed a number of legendary vehicles. A first for World of Tanks, players will prowl around close-quarters environments within enclosed buildings.

For more information on Update 9.13 and World of Tanks, visit the official website:

AfterShokz Introduces Gamez Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones

2015/12/15
boothby
Geek News, News, Tech News

aftershokz-gamez

Syracuse, NY ─ December 15, 2015 ─ AfterShokz, the bone conduction headphone brand known for prioritizing situational awareness, safety and comfort through its unconventional design, today announced Gamez, a wireless bone conduction headset for gaming on PC, Mac and mobile devices. The lightweight, open ear design keeps gamers connected to the game and their surroundings while PremiumPitch+™ audio gives gamers great wireless audio for gaming at home or on the go.

“We’ve worked hard to develop the finest bone conduction audio and are thrilled to incorporate this technology into a headset for gamers who want to be immersed in their game and be aware of their surroundings,” said Bruce Borenstein, CEO of AfterShokz. “Gamez also gives individuals with a hearing impairment the ability to immerse themselves in the full audio experience intended for all gamers.”

AfterShokz Gamez is arguably the most comfortable gaming headphones on the market, a feat achieved through a blend of patent pending bone conduction technology and a totally open ear design. A set of bone conduction transducers rest comfortably in front of the ears, transmitting sound through the cheekbones to the inner ears via mini vibrations, which bypasses the eardrums completely. With nothing ever in, on or covering the ears, users can expect maximum ambient sound awareness while playing games, listening to music or making/taking calls, and the lightweight and secure OpenFit™ ensures they wear as if they’re barely there-comfortable for gaming all day, every day.

Gamez Features:

  • PremiumPitch+™ Stereo Sound: Bone conduction audio has earned its bad reputation due to a blend of natural sound leakage and weak bass. PremiumPitch+™ technology optimizes the sound and includes additional features like LeakSlayer™ technology, which ensures sound is directed exactly where it should be.
  • OpenFit™: A promise of uncompromised situational awareness and extended comfort due to our revolutionary open ear design. That means you can tune in to your games without tuning out the world around you.
  • Sweat Resistant: IP55 rated to repel sweat, moisture and dust.
  • Six Hours of Gaming and Calls: A single charge will reliably deliver six hours of game play and talk time. You can charge fully in 1.5 hours; a quick 15-minute charge provides enough boost to get you through a long gaming session or call.
  • Noise Canceling Mics: Precisely placed dual noise canceling microphones exclude surrounding noise, effectively enhancing speech when communicating with other gamers during game play.
  • Voice Prompts: Audrey Says™ seamlessly guide you through power, pair, play and talk, and everything in between.

Gamez is currently available now, on aftershokz.com, MSRP $99.95.

Vuzix Shipping iWear Video Headphones

2015/12/14
boothby
Geek News, News, Tech News

vuzix-eyewear

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Vuzix® Corporation (NASDAQ: VUZI), (“Vuzix” or, the “Company”), a leading supplier of video eyewear and smart glasses products in the consumer, enterprise and entertainment markets, announced that it has begun shipping its iWear Video Headphones to consumers. The multi-platform iWear Video Headphones are the ideal personal, portable video entertainment and gaming system with VR support and winner of four Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015 awards. iWear Video Headphones are now available for purchase on the Vuzix website and at www.amazon.com/dp/B0193KKJTO.

In October, Vuzix shipped the first orders to developers.  This week, the company began shipping the product to consumers, starting with initial pre-orders. Going forward, incoming new orders will be shipped according to the terms and conditions at the time of order.

To learn more or to order, please click https://www.vuzix.com/consumer/iwear-video-headphones/. To see a product review, please click http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/vuzix-iwear-e3/.

“We are excited to begin consumer shipments of the iWear Video Headphones,” said Paul Travers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vuzix. “We are fulfilling orders quickly now and anticipate strong demand going forward.”

“The iWear Video Headphones reflect our pursuit of providing one of the best entertainment and gaming experiences that users can find. Its portability and compatibility allow people to enjoy their video headphones on almost any platform. Whether it’s a gaming console, iPhone, VR application, computer or even drones, with the appropriate receiver, the user can just plug the iWear in and enhance their gaming or entertainment experience,” Mr. Travers added. “It also makes the perfect gift.”

The Vuzix iWear Video Headphones are the ultimate mobile video entertainment and gaming system and are compatible with most HDMI sources. Winner of four CES 2015 awards, the iWear Video Headphones have integrated motion tracking, OSR, Unity 3D, and Unreal gaming engine support with a growing list of games and VR title support. The iWear features dual HD Displays and revolutionary nano-optics that provide the equivalent experience of a 125″ home television from 10 feet and allow the wearer to play games, interact with apps, watch 2D, 3D and 360°VR movies and even fly drones. iWear is completely portable and battery-driven so that the user can enjoy it at home or on-the-go and it delivers a one-of-a-kind experience.

Fallout Shelter Gets Big Update

2015/12/10
boothby
Geek News, Mobile News, News
Bethesda Softworks Fallout Shelter Game Screenshot

Bethesda Softworks Fallout Shelter Game Screenshot

December 10, 2015 – A brand new update for Fallout Shelter is available now – and it’s gone to the dogs (and cats). Thanks to our friends at Vault-Tec, tons of new features have been added to improve your underground life, including:

  • Vault-Tec research has shown that 4-legged companions can have a profound impact on Vault happiness and productivity. Introducing Pets!
  • Vault-Tec has received reports of some Dwellers not pulling their weight. Overseers are now authorized to permanently evict these lazy layabouts! Welcome to the Wasteland, slackers…
  • Bored with the same pickup lines and conversations?  Dwellers have finally learned some new ways to impress other dwellers and the opposite sex.
  • Excessive tapping causing frustration when trying to clear out excess inventory?  Overseers will love the new sell all options.
  • Dweller management improvements and new objectives should help experienced Overseers keep things running smoothly.
  • Even more Vault-Tec certified improvements and optimizations. Because you can never have enough improvements or optimizations.

Fallout Shelter is the first-ever mobile game set in the celebrated Fallout universe from Bethesda Game Studios.

Download Fallout Shelter –  winner of “App Store Best of 2015” and “Google Play Best of 2015” –  for free for iOS and Android devices from App Store or Google Play.

World of Tanks Blitz Update 2.4 Brings Shogun Warriors

2015/12/09
boothby
Geek News, Mobile News, News

wot-blitz-japanese-tech-tree

December 9, 2015 — Wargaming’s latest update for World of Tanks Blitz, “Shogun Warriors”, is now live worldwide. Update 2.4 continues to amplify game content on Android and iOS by adding the first Japanese tank line to the game, along with new and enhanced battle maps.

The new Japanese Tech Tree adds a full branch of medium tanks as well as three low-tier light tanks, including the rapid-firing Tier 8 STA-1, the powerful and maneuverable Tier 9 Type 61 and the fearsome Tier 10 STB-1. Famed for their armor and heavy-hitting weapons, Japanese tanks possess solid vertical elevation, giving them an advantage on hilly terrain.

“Shogun Warriors” also introduces the new winter-themed map “Himmelsdorf”, a unique urban battlefield. With its narrow roads and ample options for cover, this map is perfect for sneaking up on unsuspecting foes.

To learn more about World of Tanks Blitz, visit the official portal: