Author - Jerry Paxton

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Getting Nighttime Light Show

2017/05/18

Universal City, CA, May 18, 2017 – Beginning June 23, guests are invited to see “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter^TM” in a whole new light when Universal Studios Hollywood introduces its all-new “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts^TM Castle,” featuring a dazzling light projection experience against the backdrop of Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” will shine brightly with an awe-inspiring spectacle that showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin that culminates with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky.

The colorful state-of-the-art light display and special effects projection, designed to dance across the stunning Hogwarts castle, will be accompanied by a special musical arrangement created by Academy Award-winning composer John Williams based on his original scores composed for the film series. The musical arrangement that will emanate in a surround sound environment was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London.

This new summertime feature will take place multiple times a night during its run. Live rehearsals with annual pass previews and very limited guest access will begin in June in preparation for the June 23 grand opening.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle.

From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” transports guests of all ages to the very places they watched on the silver screen.

The architecturally stunning land also includes the incredibly captivating and highly acclaimed “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride, now enhanced with 4K-HD and ride film projecting at an astounding rate of 120 frames-per-second for an even more immersive glimpse into Harry Potter’s world, as well as “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor family coaster.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” resonates with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverages at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks™ and Hog’s Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.

A foray through the shops adds to the authenticity of the land with eight retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Razer Announces Destiny 2 Themed Peripherals

2017/05/18

Jerry Paxton

LOS ANGELES – Razer^™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced a partnership with Bungie, one of the world’s most respected games studios, on its upcoming titleDestiny 2, published and distributed by Activision.

Razer will release a suite of Destiny 2-themed products to celebrate the game’s upcoming launch on PlayStation®4, Xbox One™, and PC.

The products include the Razer DeathAdder Elite, the most accurate mouse ever created; the Razer Ornata Chroma, a keyboard that combines the tactility of a mechanical keyboard with the comfort of membrane keys; the Razer ManO’War Tournament Edition, a headset designed for ultimate comfort that is compatible with every gaming platform; and the Razer Goliathus Speed, the industry benchmark for soft gaming mouse mats.

“We’re very excited to partner with Razer to create a line of premium gear that we know Destiny 2 players and action shooter fans will love,” said Jim McQuillan, Creative Director, Brand & Marketing at Bungie. “The team has come up with some cool ways to pair Destiny’s art and designs with Razer’s high-performance hardware, providing players with new ways to customize their Destiny 2 experience.”

Destiny 2 was announced earlier this year and is the sequel to Destiny, which set records as largest new console video game franchise launch in history.

“This is one of the most anticipated games this year, with a community that’s been yearning for a PC release,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. “Destiny’s innovation and depth is remarkable. We’re honored to be working with some of the world’s best developers to support the launch of the game on PC.”

Razer’s peripheral suite will go on sale this September.

Overwatch Celebrates One Year Anniversary

2017/05/18

Jerry Paxton

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

The Overwatch team is excited to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of Overwatch with our latest seasonal event – Overwatch Anniversary, a Free-Weekend and the release of Overwatch®: Game of the Year Edition!

Overwatch Anniversary Event – Save the Date

The upcoming Anniversary Event begins on Tuesday May 23^rd, 2017. To celebrate, the Overwatch team has created a “Year in Review” trailer which is available in the link below.

We’ve also included the seasonal event logo and a new illustration featuring all 24 heroes at the link below.

Overwatch Free-Weekend

In addition to Overwatch Anniversary, we will be holding another free-weekend from May 26^th-29^th. For this free weekend, we’re making Overwatch’s full roster of heroes and maps available for play in a variety of modes, including Quick Play, Custom Games, and the latest Weekly Brawl. Players will also have the ability to level up, earn Loot Boxes, and unlock a variety of different customization options. If players decide to purchase a copy of Overwatch after the free-weekend they will get to keep any progress made during the weekend.

Overwatch®: Game of the Year Edition

On Tuesday May 23^rd we will be releasing the digital version of Overwatch®: Game of the Year Edition for PC, Xbox One and PS4. The Game of the Year Edition will include a variety of in-game goodies for Blizzard games:

Overwatch® – 10 Bonus Loot Boxes

o Enjoy 10 bonus Loot Boxes which each contain random items that can be used to customize the appearance of your heroes and personalize them. Loot Boxes may include Skins, Emotes, Victory Poses, Voice Lines, Sprays, and Highlight Intros, as well as Credits you can use to acquire many different customization options.

Overwatch® – Hero Skins

o Pay homage to the original Overwatch strike force by wearing the vintage Blackwatch Reyes or Strike-Commander Morrison skins. Explore other heroes’ origins with Overgrown Bastion, Security Chief Pharah, and even Slipstream Tracer!

Heroes of the Storm® – Tracer Hero

o Jump into the Nexus with Tracer and surprise your enemies in the blink of an eye.

World of Warcraft® – Baby Winston Pet

o Adorably cuddly and highly intellectual, the Baby Winston pet will be at your side as you fight your way through Azeroth.

Diablo® III – Mercy’s Wings

o Slay demonic forces throughout the High Heavens and Burning Hells as you don Mercy’s wings. All of Sanctuary will know of your allegiance to Overwatch!

StarCraft® II In-game Portraits and a Hearthstone® Card Back!

o With portraits of Tracer, Reaper, Pharah, Winston, Bastion, and Soldier: 76, you’re sure to become a champion of the Koprulu Sector. You can also battle it out in Hearthstone with an Overwatch-themed card back fit for a hero!

To learn more about the free weekend please check out our blog: https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/blog/20793052

Shadow of War Open World Trailer Released

2017/05/17

Jerry Paxton

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

May 17, 2018 – Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment released a brand new trailer showcasing the diverse and dynamic open-world of Middle-earth: Shadow of War.

The video introduces viewers to the vast environments within Middle-earth, stretching beyond Mordor, and giving fans the first glimpse of various new environments to explore, including the Island of Nurn, Cirith Ungol, Gorgoroth and more. Through the innovative Nemesis System, every player experiences a unique world to explore and share and every area of the world is larger, more varied and more dynamic than ever before.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole Release Date and Trailer

2017/05/17

Jerry Paxton

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

SAN FRANCISCO – May 17, 2017 – Today, Ubisoft^® and South Park Digital Studios announced that South Park™: The Fractured But Whole™ will be available at partners across North America and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Asia) on October 17, 2017. From the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and developed by Ubisoft San Francisco, The Fractured But Whole is an outrageous sequel to 2014’s award-winning title, South Park™: The Stick of Truth™ and will release on Xbox One, PlayStation^®4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.

With crime on the rise in South Park, the streets have never been more dangerous. As the sun sets on the quiet Colorado town, havoc and chaos unleash a reign of terror and the seedy underbelly of the city comes alive. The town needs new heroes to rise! Eric Cartman seizes the opportunity to save the town and create the best superhero franchise ever, his own Coon & Friends with himself as the leader, The Coon.

Every superhero has an origin, and Coon & Friends are no different. Continuing in their role as the New Kid, players will discover their backstory, assemble their unique costumes, and harness their fart-based powers from numerous hero classes to create their own original hero. An all-new combat system offers unique opportunities to master space and time while on the battlefield, and a revamped looting and crafting system gives players the freedom to craft their own equipment to aid them in battle.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole will be available in four editions: Standard, Gold, Steelbook Gold and Collector’s. Anyone who purchases South Park: The Fractured But Whole will receive South Park: The Stick of Truth for free.* If you pre-purchase the game at select partners, you can start playing The Stick of Truth immediately.

All pre-orders will also receive an exclusive in-game assistant, Towelie: Your Gaming Bud. The streets of South Park aren’t as safe as they used to be, and even the most seasoned South Park veteran will need help. Towelie: Your Gaming Bud provides helpful and hilarious advice and commentary to players at key locations throughout the game.

For more information on the South Park: The Fractured But Whole, please visit: www.southparkgame.com

F1 2017 Announced with Trailer

2017/05/17

Jerry Paxton

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

Larkspur, Calif. – May 17, 2017 – Codemasters® and Deep Silver today announced that F1™ 2017, the official videogame of the 2017 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, will include the return of classic F1 cars to the series, as well as an even deeper career mode, numerous multiplayer enhancements, and a brand new ‘Championships’ game mode. F1 2017 will release on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one entertainment system by Microsoft, and Windows PC via Steam on August 25^th 2017.

The announcement trailer showcases three of the historic F1 cars that will feature in the game – the 1988 McLaren MP4/4 as driven by Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, the 1992 Williams FW14B that was raced by Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese and the 2002 Ferrari F2002 of Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher. Further classic cars will be revealed in the coming weeks.

“After an extremely successful year with the highly acclaimed F1 2016, we are delighted to be announcing F1 2017 and re-introducing classic F1 cars back to the series,” said Paul Jeal, game director at Codemasters. “Classics were incredibly well received when we included them in F1 2013, and in F1 2017 they are back and better than ever. With so many great cars to choose from, it was hard to decide on the final twelve, but we are delighted with our selection of some of the most successful and iconic fan favourites from the past 30 years.”

“For the first time ever F1 2017 fully integrates the classic experience into the main career mode,” said Lee Mather, creative director at Codemasters. “As part of your career you will be invited to race in modern day, invitational events in the different classic F1 cars throughout the season. We’re also adding to the variety in F1 2017 with the inclusion of four alternative circuit layouts, as well as numerous new gameplay types. The classic cars will also be available to play in a range of other game modes, including online multiplayer modes and time trial.”

The 2017 season has seen a huge number of changes to the sport itself, with the stunning new car designs not only looking great, but having lap record breaking performance levels to match. The opening races of the season have further thrilled fans with the increased competition on the grid, as Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport’s Lewis Hamilton and Scuderia Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel battle it out at the top of the Championship, and Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen continuing to excite fans around the world.

Consumers who pre-order or purchase ‘Day One’ copies of F1 2017 will have exclusive access to the iconic 1988 McLaren MP4/4, as part of the ‘F1 2017 Special Edition.’ Alternatively, the McLaren MP4/4 car will be available to be purchased at a later date. The eleven other classic cars are available in all editions of the game.

Follow the Codemasters F1 games blog (http://blog.codemasters.com/f1) and social channels on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Formula1game) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/formula1game) for future news, Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/user/formula1game) for video content, and visit the website (http://www.formula1-game.com) for additional information.

Pathfinder: Kingmaker Announced

2017/05/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Owlcat Games studio is proud to unveil it is developing Pathfinder: Kingmaker – the very first isometric computer RPG based on the highly popular Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Additionally, helping shape the game’s narrative is Chris Avellone, who has worked on a variety of RPGs over the years, including Fallout 2, Fallout: New Vegas, Planescape: Torment, Neverwinter Nights 2, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II.

Pathfinder: Kingmaker will take players on a tour through the infamous Stolen Lands, the dangerous and turbulent territories well known within Pathfinder fandom. The computer RPG will revisit familiar characters and well-known locations of the series’ lore as well as treat players to brand new adventures, deadly foes and unforeseen twists and turns. Fans of the fantasy pen-and-paper RPG will experience its epic, heroic universe in new ways while computer RPG gamers will discover their favorite genre in a more contemporary light.

“I’m a Paizo fan, and a Pathfinder fan. I like the setting, the art style, the adventure paths, the card game, and the iconic characters. I’ve enjoyed playing Pathfinder with my friends (we used to be part of an Ocean’s-11 style game), and I’ve enjoyed the comics, the world, and the overall setting,” said Chris Avellone.”I’m excited by the prospect of bringing Pathfinder to the computer RPG world, and hope gamers will enjoy playing in the Pathfinder universe.”

Owlcat Games is working very closely with Paizo Inc., the company behind the world-famous pen-and-paper RPG, to ensure a truthful digital adaptation of Golarion.

“I am very excited to be working with Owlcat Games on the first computer RPG for Pathfinder,” said Lisa Stevens, Paizo CEO. “Kingmaker is one of my all time favorite Pathfinder Adventure Paths, and from what we’ve seen from Owlcat Games, it is in good hands and promises to be an amazing addition to the computer RPG field.”

Pathfinder: Kingmaker will challenge players as both adventurers and rulers as they will be able to claim explored lands and carve their own kingdom from the wilderness. Kingdom founding will go beyond simple stronghold-building to become a true reflection of the hero’s character and choices made throughout the game. Each kingdom will be a living thing shaped by alignment, choices, allies and the hero’s ability to lead his or her people.

Owlcat Games is excited to show its unique ideas for Pathfinder: Kingmaker during PaizoCon 2017 this month in Seattle. For more details about Pathfinder: Kingmaker, please visit the project’s official site: www.owlcatgames.com

Turtle Beach Unveils XO Three and RECON 150 Gaming Headsets

2017/05/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

San Diego, CA – May 16, 2017 – Turtle Beach Corporation (NASDAQ: HEAR) today revealed two new models for its 2017 lineup of acclaimed gaming headsets for Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Similar in style to the company’s best-selling XO FOUR STEALTH, the new XO THREE officially licensed gaming headset for Xbox One and RECON 150 offer the same rugged and robust design as their predecessor, with large 50mm speakers and Turtle Beach’s renowned high-sensitivity mic to deliver the unbeatable game and chat audio needed to secure victory on the multiplayer battlefield. The XO THREE and RECON 150 are planned to launch at participating retailers this July for a MSRP of $69.95, with the RECON 150 headset available only at Best Buy in the U.S., and at participating retailers in the UK and Australia, and in select territories across Europe.
Additionally, last month Turtle Beach redefined what gamers should expect from a chat headset with the all-new RECON CHAT for Xbox One and PS4™, which are now available globally at participating retail outlets for a MSRP of $19.95.

“Part of our consistent success in this category is rooted in the breadth and quality of our lineup because we have a gaming headset for every type of player,” said Juergen Stark, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “The XO THREE and RECON 150 headsets are great additions to our mid-range line of products, delivering amazing game audio, crystal clear chat and comfort at a great price.”

In addition to the large, high-quality 50mm speakers and Turtle Beach’s renowned high-sensitivity mic, the XO THREE and RECON 150 include convenient in-line controls that put Master Volume and Mic Mute right at your fingertips. The XO THREE also delivers immersive virtual surround sound on Xbox One via Windows Sonic for Headphones, making your games, movies and music a more in-depth experience.

Full details on Turtle Beach’s XO THREE and RECON 150 are below:

Rugged & Comfortable Design – The XO THREE and RECON 150 have a thick, rugged and robust frame with a plush leather-wrapped headband and breathable fabric-wrapped ear-cushions that allow you to play for hours in complete comfort.
Surround Sound Ready* – The XO THREE is surround sound ready for Windows Sonic for Headphones on Xbox One (and compatible Windows 10 PCs) so you can experience your games, movies and music with deeper immersion. *Windows Sonic for Headphones only available on Xbox One (and compatible Windows 10 PCs) with update from Microsoft.
Large 50mm Speakers – Hear every crisp high and thundering low with these large, high-quality 50mm over-ear speakers.
Crystal Clear Chat – Turtle Beach’s renowned high-sensitivity mic picks-up your voice loud and clear, and can be removed when watching movies or listening to music.
Convenient In-line Controls – Convenient in-line controls place Master Volume and Mic Mute right at your fingertips.
Versatile Compatibility – Works great with PS4 and Xbox One controllers with a 3.5mm jack, as well as with PC, Mac® and mobile/tablet devices with a 3.5mm connection. Other Xbox One controllers require the Headset Audio Adaptor (sold separately).

For more information on the latest Turtle Beach gaming headsets and audio accessories, visit www.turtlebeach.com, and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Corsair Unveils T1 Race Gaming Chair

2017/05/16

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

FREMONT, CA – May 16th, 2017 – CORSAIR®, a world leader in enthusiast memory, PC components and high-performance gaming hardware today announced the launch of its first gaming chair, the T1 RACE. Inspired by racing, crafted for comfort and built to last, the T1 Race joins CORSAIR’s award-winning range of mice, keyboards, headsets and mousepads to complete the ultimate gaming experience. Built using a solid steel skeleton and dense foam cushions, the T1 RACE has the strength to ensure a lifetime of sturdiness, while it’s 4D-movement armrests raise, lower, shift and swivel to put gamers in the most comfortable position every time. Styled to turn heads and finished with immaculate attention to detail, the T1 RACE is the gaming chair your desk deserves.

Upholstered in luxurious PU leather on seating surfaces and available in five different colors, T1 RACE lets you choose your seat to match your style, in either Yellow, White, Blue, Red or Black trim, finished with automotive color-matched stitching and base accents. Nylon caster wheels, often an optional upgrade on office and gaming chairs, are included with T1 RACE as standard, ensuring stability and smooth movement on any surface.

T1 RACE’s sculpted race-seat design and included neck and lumbar PU leather pillows provide adjustable support for day-long gaming sessions, while its 4D-moment armrests effortlessly adjust in height, width, position and angle to put your arms precisely where they need to be. A steel construction Class 4 gas lift provides reliable height adjustment, while the seat itself tilts up to 10° and can recline anywhere between 90° to 180°, lying completely flat for when you need to take a break from the action. Finishing the T1 RACE’s attention to detail, the CORSAIR logo is tastefully embroidered into the rear of the chair, and lightly embossed into the headrest for maximum comfort.

Availability, Warranty and Pricing:

The T1 RACE Gaming Chair is available immediately from the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers, and distributors and is backed by a two-year warranty and the CORSAIR worldwide customer support network.

For up-to-date pricing, please contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

Web Pages:

For more information on the CORSAIR T1 RACE Gaming Chair, please visit:

http://www.corsair.com/t1-race-gaming-chair

Scare LA Tickets Half Off Pre-Sale

2017/05/16

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News

LOS ANGELES, CA – May 16, 2017 – All monsters can still take advantage of our Halfoween sale to receive 1/2 OFF General Admission and Fear Freak tickets (using the code HALFOSCARE at checkout). Fans must purchase tickets now before the extended treat expires!

The August 5-6 convention where all monsters come together attracted over 12,000 last year and is on track to be the biggest and most exciting yet and will be coming to one of the largest venues in Southern California, the Los Angeles Convention Center! As registered guests, all will receive exclusive updates of spooky thrills that will be part of the gathering.

ScareLA’s 2017 theme, “Monsters Come Together,” celebrates diversity, unity and tolerance. Created to bring people together in a celebration of the scary and unusual, the convention aims to build and strengthen community ties across diverse groups, backgrounds and interests.

For more information, visit www.scarela.com.

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About ScareLA:

ScareLA is the world’s first summer Halloween convention. Situated in the entertainment capital of the world, the event celebrates the American scare season traditions and the diverse cultural heritage of the Greater Los Angeles region. Featuring hundreds of specialty vendors, education programming, world-class industry presentations, ScareLA draws thousands of professionals, fans and families from the U.S. and abroad to celebrate Halloween early every summer. ScareLA is one of the fastest growing independent fan conventions in the U.S. addressing a $10 billion Halloween industry worldwide.

Useful Links:

Official Hashtag: #ScareLA

ScareLA Website: http://www.scarela.com

ScareLA’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ScareLAcon/

ScareLA’s Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/scarelosangeles

ScareLA’s Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/scarelosangeles

ScareLA’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/scarelosangeles