Author - Jerry Paxton

DONTNOD Presents Vampyr Episode 1 – Making Monsters

January 18, 2018  – DONTNOD Entertainment, developers of Vampyr, invites fans to their studio for a first insight into the creative process behind their upcoming action-RPG. In the first episode of this original weekly four-part webseries, produced and realized by the video department of Focus Home Interactive, DONTNOD unveils exclusive gameplay footage while delving into their signature approach and reasons behind putting players in the role of a predator. The three following webseries’ episodes will release weekly every Thursday.

In Episode I: Making Monsters, DONTNOD gives more information about Jonathan Reid, the doctor-turned-vampire that players will step into the shoes of in Vampyr. Freshly turned, Reid’s ‘condition’ unveils a dark new reality, thrusting him into a once-hidden society of wretched creatures like himself. Ancient Ekons plot from the shadows, terrifying Vulkods prowl the streets at night, and cursed Skals hide in the darkest places of the city.

Vampyr is set in 1918 London, with the city weakened by the recent World War I and ravaged by the Spanish Flu. This setting makes up an important part of Vampyr’s identity. DONTNOD will make players feel the duality that torments Dr. Jonathan Reid, giving them the freedom to choose who to sacrifice and who to save. Every killing has consequences, and it’s up to players to balance their need to feed and grow stronger, with the rapidly deteriorating city of London.

DONTNOD Presents Vampyr – Episode 1 is available to watch today, with three more 5-minute episodes released weekly every Thursday. For more information, visit the recently-relaunched Vampyr website.

Vampyr releases Spring 2018 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

Star Trek Online Celebrates 8th Anniversary

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – January 17, 2018 – Today, Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a leading publisher of free-to-play MMORPGs, and Cryptic Studios announced Star Trek Online is preparing to commemorate its 8th Anniversary. Originally launching in February 2010, the game is now one of the longest running Star Trek series in the history of the franchise and offers 161 episodes, three major expansions and 14 full seasons of playable content. PC captains can help celebrate this milestone throughout the month, by joining daily giveaways leading up to the anniversary and participating in a brand new featured episode and special events for rewards, which begin January 23. Anniversary events will also be available on Xbox One and PlayStation®4 at a later date. In addition, Star Trek Online is teaming up with Loot Crate to give away free subscriptions for the Star Trek Mission Crate to kick off the game’s anniversary.

Captains who visit the in-game C-store from now through January 23 can participate in server-wide giveaways, which allow them to collect a new reward each day, including uniforms, starships and other items. Giveaway items will be revealed on Star Trek Online’s blog.

Beginning January 23, captains face their final battle in the war against the genocidal Tzenkethi. In the new featured episode “Scylla & Charibdis,” players must find a way to stop a new escalation by the Tzenkethi fleet that puts the entire quadrant in immediate danger. While warping from system to system in pursuit of the enemy, captains receive communication from Captain Geordi La Forge (voiced by LeVar Burton) that an unexpected ally has offered to help finally put an end to these deadly attacks. The update also introduces a new modification feature and special events to celebrate the game’s anniversary. A full list of new features and planned festivities includes:

  • New Featured Episode – Captains must rally the fleet to stand in the way of the Tzenkethi’s path of destruction through the Alpha Quadrant in the new episode “Scylla & Charibdis.
  • Re-Engineering – This new feature allows players to change the mods on their existing items, including weapons.
  • Omega Molecule Stabilization – Back by popular demand, players can join this event to collect Omega particles that Q has hidden across space. Stabilizing these molecules will yield prize vouchers, which can be redeemed for this year’s anniversary ship, the T6 Denorios-class Bajoran Interceptor.
  • 8th Anniversary Party Poppers – Captains can meet up with Q to score a special event party popper, which allows them to generate exciting new effects!
  • LootCrate Giveaway – Players can follow Star Trek Online on Facebook and Twitter to find out how they can enter to win a one-year subscription to the Star Trek Mission Crate from Loot Crate, which offers exclusive Star Trek apparel and collectibles every two months. Starting at the end of this month, each crate will also include codes to unlock in-game items for Star Trek Online, including starships, Bridge Officers, gear and exclusive emotes.

Star Trek Online is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online game where players can pioneer their own destiny as Captain of a Federation starship, become a Klingon Warrior and champion the Empire through the far reaches of the galaxy, or rebuild the Romulan legacy as the commander of a Romulan Republic Warbird. In Star Trek Online, players have the opportunity to visit iconic locations from the popular Star Trek universe, reach out to unexplored star systems and make contact with new alien species. Star Trek Online is currently available on PC, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.

To download and play Star Trek Online today for free, visit www.playstartrekonline.com.

Cartoon Network Teams with Voodoo Doughnuts for Steven Universe Doughnuts

January 17, 2018 – Marking the January 30 release of Steven Universe: The Complete First Season on DVD, Cartoon Network teams up with Voodoo Doughnut for a delectable celebration of the highly popular, Emmy-nominated series. As a tasty tribute to the fan-favorite show, a towering image of Steven Universe will be created with over 800 doughnuts at the Voodoo Doughnut Universal CityWalk location. Voice cast will also be on hand to take part in the delicious tribute.

That same day, Voodoo Doughnut will also offer a Steven Universe-inspired doughnut at select stores available for purchase, while supplies last. Participating locations include Austin, Denver and downtown Portland, as well as L.A.’s Universal CityWalk.

Who: Zach Callison (“Steven”), Deedee Mango Hall (“Pearl”), Michaela Dietz(“Amtheyst”), Shelby Rabara (“Peridot”)

When: Saturday, February 3 (participating cast to be onsite from 10:00am-1:00pm)

Where: Voodoo Doughnut at Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 91608 (across from Universal Cinema)

Additional Voodoo Doughnut locations with Steven Universe-inspired doughnuts for purchase:

212 East 6th Street, Austin, TX

1520 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO

SW 3rd Avenue, Downtown Portland, OR

W40K: Inquisitor – Martyr Campaign Intro Video

Budapest, Hungary – January 15, 2018 – NeocoreGames has released the biggest content update for Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr to date, adding a new terrain setting, a playable class and the first chapter of the Single Player Campaign!

The time has come. Early adopters of Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr can finally step on the deck of the ‘Martyr’ and begin their journey as the Inquisitors of the Imperium! The first chapter of the Single Player Campaign marks the beginning of this epic tale and also serves as a tutorial – it’s an introduction to the unique gameplay mechanics of the game and to the cruel and unforgiving world of Warhammer 40,000.

In the January Update we also added the alpha version of the third playable character class to the game. The Primaris Psyker Inquisitor requires a very different gameplay style compared to the Crusader and Assassin Inquisitors. Psyker Inquisitors are incredibly powerful, but they must be careful with using their powers, because it may very well turn against them.They channel devastating otherworldly energies, but they always risk damnation doing so.

The January Update also contains a new terrain setting, gameplay optimization features, bug fixes and much more. Please read the full Patch Notes

Elite Dangerous: Beyond – Chapter One Beta Announcement

Cambridge, UK. 12 January 2018. Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV) today announced an open beta test for Elite Dangerous: Beyond – Chapter One beginning January 25, available for FREE.

Launching Q1 2018, Elite Dangerous: Beyond – Chapter One is the first update of Elite Dangerous’ third season, following the Thargoids devastating assault on humanity’s starports. Beyond advances the ongoing player-driven narrative and introduces a variety of gameplay enhancements, upgrading the gameplay experience whether players prefer to trade, fight or explore in Elite Dangerous’ massively multiplayer galaxy.

Prior to launch, the Chapter One open beta will be available to all PC Elite Dangerous players, offering a first look at Beyond’s new content and a chance to shape the update’s development.

In the open beta, Wing Missions bring challenging team-based objectives for players to complete with friends and community members around the world. Commanders will share their adventures – and rewards – with allies while working together to overcome dangerous obstacles.

Advanced in-game Trading Data will empower traders to make better deals and smoother transactions. Information on the galactic economy is now more freely available, allowing every commander to become a master merchant as they journey among the stars.

The Elite Dangerous galaxy becomes more realistic and beautiful than ever before with reworked planet rendering technology in Frontier’s COBRA game engine. In Beyond – Chapter One vibrant surface colors better reflect planetary geological properties, enriching the full-scale Milky Way.

Chapter One also features a range of game-improving updates, including changes to the engineering mechanics, an overhaul of mission rewards, and an altered crime and punishment system. The open beta will also allow commanders to fly a new Alliance warship: the Chieftain. Additionally, GalNet Audio will allow players to catch up on the galaxy’s latest news without ever leaving the action, bringing the ongoing narrative to the foreground at a dangerous moment for humanity’s pilots.

Elite Dangerous: Beyond – Chapter One will be available for free to Elite Dangerous players on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in Q1 2018.

The Chapter One open beta will be available to all PC players through the in-game launcher on January 25.

Elite Dangerous and Elite Dangerous: Horizons are available now for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Universal Ushers in Year of the Dog with Lunar New Year Celebration

Universal City, CA, January 11, 2018 — Universal Studios Hollywood welcomes DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda masters Po and Tigress to its all-new Lunar New Year event as The Entertainment Capital of L.A. ushers in the “Year of the Dog” from Saturday, February 10 to Sunday, February 25, 2018.  Lunar New Year is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.

This spectacularly themed Lunar New Year event will take place within Universal Plaza, a polygon-shaped piazza that sits at the heart of the theme park.  Under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and stunning plum blossom Wishing Trees, the festivities will come to life as guests discover the 12 zodiac animal signs accompanied by their symbolic attributes.

New to this year’s celebratory event, Universal Studios Hollywood will debut the all-new DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda Jade Palace Performance Stage and the exciting Dragon Warrior Training Show based on the beloved Kung Fu Panda franchise. The all-new Kung Fu Panda experience will engage guests of all ages in an interactive martial art demonstration performed by Master Po and friends. The immersive event will also feature veteran DreamWorks animators who will demonstrate practical techniques of drawing their favorite Kung Fu Panda characters as keepsake mementos.

The completely reimagined event will also serve up a replica of DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda’s famous Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop, including Mr. Ping himself who will invite guests to enjoy his authentic Asian fare and a selection of hot and cold Asian beverages.

A returning favorite among Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lunar New Year traditions, Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON marks a highlight of the annual event, as the imposing leader of the DECEPTICONS returns to greet guests at the entry to the festivities.  The ominous 12-foot-tall sentient robot will once again interact with guests, engaging them both in Mandarin and in real time conversation characteristic of his persona. A resident of Universal Studios Hollywood, MEGATRON is one of the stars of Universal Studios Hollywood’s thrill ride, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D.”

Illumination’s Minions from Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride will join the festivities this year, stepping out in style dressed in brightly colored traditional Lunar New Year attire.

As a complement to this year’s Lunar New Year celebration, Universal Studios Hollywood will welcome Hello Kitty, the beloved global pop icon created by the renowned Japanese company Sanrio to the entertainment destination. Hello Kitty and her signature red bow will make special appearances to meet guests at the Hello Kitty Shop located within the new Animation Studio Store opening Spring 2018.

Year-round, Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature Studio Tour offers guests a revealing look at an authentic movie and television studio in select languages, including Mandarin.  Expertly-trained Mandarin-speaking tour guides provide insight into the world of movie-making magic as guests enjoy a front row seat and behind-the-scenes access to one of the largest production studios in the world.  In-language park maps are also available for guests.

Guest can also celebrate the spirit of Lunar New Year at Universal CityWalk’s Dongpo Kitchen restaurant featuring upscale and modern Sichuan cuisine. Inspired by China’s premiere restaurant Meizhou Dongpo, Dongpo Kitchen offers the comforts of a casual dining environment with both indoor and al fresco seating and caters to an eclectic palate with a variety of signature dishes.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Mandarin-speaking guests can learn more about the Lunar New Year event at www.ush.cn.  Information is also available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Weibo@好莱坞环球影城.

Stellaris: Apocalypse Announced with Trailer

STOCKHOLM — Jan. 11, 2018 — Paradox Interactive, a publisher and developer of games that were bound to get us all killed eventually, today announced the newest full expansion coming to Stellaris, the sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studio. The expansion, which bears the hope-inspiring title “Apocalypse,” will bring new levels of warfare and destruction to the galactic exploration and discovery game, and will add many new ways to extend one’s galactic dominion – including the ability to destroy entire enemy planets. Apocalypse will bring new military options, civic paths, and challenges to Stellaris when it arrives in early 2018 for Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs.

Enjoy a new Apocalypse trailer while it lasts:

Stellaris: Apocalypse redefines stellar warfare for all players with a host of new offensive and defensive options, alongside a few non-violent new features for those poor, unsuspecting empires not currently at war. Alongside a host of free updates coming to Stellaris, the new Apocalypse DLC will include:

  • That’s No Moon, neither is That One, That One Might be a Moon, Wait, No: Keep the local systems in line with fear of the new “Colossus” planet-killer weapon – a technological terror that eliminates entire worlds from the universe.
  • All Your Base Are Belong to You: New enormous “Titan” capital ships can lead your fleets to conquest, offering tremendous bonuses to the vessels under their command. Meanwhile, fortify key systems with massive orbital installations and secure your homeworld as an impenetrable bastion among the stars.
  • Pirates of the Constellation: Watch out for Marauders – space nomads who raid settled empires and carve out their lives on the fringe of civilization. Hire them as mercenaries in your own conflicts, but take care that they don’t unify and trigger a new late-game crisis!
  • Some Non-Violent Features: New Ascension Perks and Civics are added in the expansion, along with new Unity Ambitions that provide new ways to spend Unity and customize your development.

For more information about Stellaris, visit http://www.stellarisgame.com/

Total War: Three Kingdoms Announced

LONDON – January 10, 2018 –SEGA® Europe Ltd. today announced the new historical strategy game Total War™: Three Kingdoms, the next major historical title in the Total War™ strategy series from Creative Assembly™, and the first to explore ancient China, will launch in Fall 2018.

It is 190CE and China is in turmoil. The Han Dynasty crumbles before the child-emperor, who is a mere puppet for the tyrant Dong Zhuo. The brutal and oppressive regime’s power grows as the empire slips further into anarchy. Yet hope blossoms in the form of three heroes, sworn to brotherhood in the face of calamity. Warlords of great families follow suit, forming a fragile coalition in a bid to challenge Dong Zhuo’s remorseless rule. The future of China will be shaped by their hands, but personal ambition threatens their already crumbling alliance.

Inspired by the beauty and artistic style of the age, Total War™: Three Kingdoms breathes life into the heroes of this fascinating period as they struggle to unite China under a single banner.

Total War™: Three Kingdoms will be available for PC in 2018, watch the announce trailer here:

 Add Total War™: Three Kingdoms to your Steam Wish list here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/779340

For the latest news about this title and the other Total War games, subscribe to the Total War™ YouTube Channel for future news about gameplay videos.

Hellraiser: Judgment Blu-ray and Digital Release Date

January 10, 2018 – Experience a terrifying new chapter in the legendary Hellraiser series when Hellraiser: Judgment arrives on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital), DVD, Digital, and On Demand February 13 from Lionsgate. The tenth film in the classic horror series tells the story of three detectives as they struggle to solve a horrifying murder, but instead find themselves thrust into the depths of Pinhead’s hellacious landscape. Including horror icon Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare), and written and directed by Gary J. Tunnicliffe (Hansel & Gretel), the Hellraiser: Judgment Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $21.99 and $19.98, respectively.

SteelSeries Unveils TrueMove3+ Gaming Mouse Dual Sensor System

LAS VEGAS (CES) – January 10, 2017 – Today, SteelSeries announces a new innovation in gaming sensor technology with the Rival 600 gaming mouse and TrueMove3+ dual sensor system. Unveiled at CES 2018, the TrueMove3+ dual sensor system features the SteelSeries TrueMove3 as its primary sensor, but also features a second optical sensor that exclusively tracks lift-off distance. The Rival 600 is a gaming mouse designed for competitive gamers who want the most accurate sensor available and unlimited physical and technical customization options. This technology removes all possibility of jitter and cursor disparity on liftoff movements and offers the lowest lift-off distance in the market.

“This is a breakthrough in gaming mouse sensor technology,” said SteelSeries CEO, Ehtisham Rabbani. “We took a massive leap forward in sensor innovation with Pixart with the TrueMove3 sensor in the Rival 310 and Sensei 310. Now we’re taking that innovation even further by combining the true 1-to-1 tracking of the TrueMove3 with a second optical sensor for precision. It’s the only dual optical sensor system in the world that can offer this level of precision and accuracy of movement.”

The TrueMove3+ Sensor: Two Sensors – Next Level Precision

The Rival 600 is the most precise and customizable mouse that gives gamers unmatched precision and increased accuracy. The TrueMove3+ combines the first true 1-to-1 tracking sensor with a second Pixart sensor exclusively tracking the liftoff distance.

The TrueMove3 is a 12,000 CPI, 350 IPS optical sensor that SteelSeries built with sensor industry leader, PixArt. Its ultra-low-latency, rapid-response tracking delivers the most natural and accurate mouse movement. Unlike other mouse sensors bogged down with inefficient jitter reduction and tracking latency, TrueMove 3’s 1-to-1 tracking from 100 to 12,000 CPI delivers true esports performance. The TrueMove3 was first introduced with the Rival 310 and Sensei 310 gaming mice. The custom-engineered TrueMove3 SROM dramatically reduces response time and greatly increases accuracy.

The second sensor allows gamers to adjust their lift-off distance like never before. Gamers can customize when the sensor stops and starts tracking when the mouse is lifted off its mat. This eliminates extra movement when gamers pick up and put down their mouse. The second sensor also features linear optical detection for true depth perception for the world’s most precise lift-off detection down to 0.5mm.

Rival 600

The Rival 600 is the newest member of the Rival family. In addition to the next-level sensor system, the Rival 600 also features customizable weight and balance options for up to 256 different combinations. Unlike most other weighted mice that feature weights that stack in one location of the mouse, the Rival 600’s weights are placed in the sides. This allows gamers to adjust the weight throughout the body of the mouse, so they can balance the mouse’s center of gravity to their grip and gameplay style. The Rival 600 weighs just 96g without weights and comes with eight included 4g weights.

To achieve its surprisingly light weight of just 96g, every material for the Rival 600 was carefully crafted for functionality, weight reduction and extreme durability. The left/right clicks feature a revolutionary reinforced trigger system that delivers the best clicks in gaming. SteelSeries’ exclusive 60-million click mechanical switches ensure every type of press is executed with precision.

Like the rest of the Rival line, the Rival 600 is an ergonomic right-handed mouse. Whether gamers use a claw grip or palm grip, the shape will provide perfect comfort for long and intense gaming sessions. It also features pure silicone grips and an ultra-durable soft touch finish. Inside it has a powerful 32-bit ARM processor that allows gamers to save CPI settings, button remappings and macros and lighting effects on-board for software-free use at LAN events and tournaments.

The Rival 600 is also compatible with SteelSeries Engine Software, which unlocks an impressive arsenal of Engine Apps that make customization of the 8-zone RGB lighting easy and intuitive. The Discord and GameSense Engine Apps allow for chat notifications, in-game events, and more.

The Rival 600, exclusively featuring the SteelSeries TrueMove3+ Dual Sensor System, is available now online at SteelSeries.com and Amazon for $79.99. For more information about SteelSeries’ Rival 600 or SteelSeries complete selection of gaming accessories, visit http://steelseries.com/rival600.