Author - Jerry Paxton

DONTNOD Presents Vampyr Episode 4

February 8, 2018 — DONTNOD Entertainment brings fans into the studio one last time for a final look at the creative process behind upcoming action-RPG, Vampyr. Dontnod Presents Vampyr – Episode IV: Stories from the Dark reveals yet more exclusive gameplay footage, plus the release date. Also, dive into the story of Vampyr and how the Parisian studio builds a narrative with the player at the center. The four-part webseries, produced and realized by the video department of Focus Home Interactive, is now complete after a month of reveals, with every episode available on YouTube.

In Episode IV: Stories from the Dark, DONTNOD explain what makes videogames unique compared to other storytelling mediums, as well as their signature approach to narrative. As Narrative Director Stéphane Beauverger explains, the player is often occupied with Vampyr’s intricate gameplay systems. Because of this, the exploration, investigations, citizen encounters, combat and hard-hitting choices are all fundamentally intertwined with the game’s narrative. Game Director Philippe Moreau elaborates, saying that the relationship between a player and their character, as well as the direct feeling of control, is unique to games and something he has worked to make special in Vampyr.

In doing so, DONTNOD liken it to theatre, creating a close relationship between actor and spectator that’s more effective and powerful than any film or TV show. Total immersion is the goal, and this episode also highlights how the studio has used motion capture to make the cast of Vampyr that much more human. Subtleties of facial animation can be recreated and combined with the fantastic music, characters, and creatures of the game to produce a living, breathing 1918 London. It’s then up to you who survives it.

DONTNOD Presents Vampyr – Episode IV is available to watch today, with three more 5-minute episodes already available. For more information, visit the new Vampyr website.

Vampyr releases on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

Total War: ARENA Open Beta Details

February 07, 2018 — Wargaming Alliance and Creative Assembly today announce that the Total War: ARENA Open Beta will launch February 22. To mark the occasion, the fearsome faction of Carthage descends on the battlefield. This fourth playable faction introduces legendary commanders Hannibal Barca and Hasdrubal Barca, along with brand-new units and gameplay mechanics, including the formidable War Elephants.

Hannibal Barca was not just one of Carthage’s greatest commanders—he was one of the most daunting tacticians of history. He can crack the whip and command previously slow units like elephants and heavy infantry moving, perfect for ambushes. Hasdrubal Barca, another legendary Carthage commander, can buff and debuff units. Used to aid fast, light units or hinder pesky enemies standing in your way, these skills are invaluable.

The faction of Carthage boasts strong, mobile infantry, as well as excellent skirmish cavalry. And who could forget the War Elephant in the room? They are a unit unlike anything else in Total War: ARENA, near-invulnerable and capable of trampling prone units. A real thorn in Rome’s side, Carthage excels at ambush tactics, and their speed allows them to adapt to an ever-changing battlefield, which makes them an unpredictable foe.

If you want to be one of the first to see the might of Carthage in action, join the English livestream for a live development Q&A as well as Carthage gameplay, today at 4:30 PM GMT:

Total War: ARENA servers will be closed from 10:00 AM UTC February 19 until the launch of Open Beta.

If that’s got you sharpening your sword for battle, head to the official website to join the game and learn more:

Fear the Wolves Announced for 2018

February 7, 2018 – In development for several months, Focus Home Interactive and Vostok Games – the developing team behind the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise – chose the annual press event “Le What’s Next de Focus” taking place in Paris on February 7-8, to unveil Fear The Wolves, the post-apocalyptic First Person Shooter Battle Royale. Releasing in 2018, the game will offer a new and original take on the growing Battle Royale genre.

Fear the Wolves drops players, in squads or as lone wolves, into the oppressive environments of a radiation-ravaged Chernobyl. The classic Battle Royale mode forces them to fight to be the last man standing out of 100 fighters. Another intense and original game mode will also bring a fierce new twist to the genre.

To secure the top spot, players will need to worry about more than just other survivors. Across the hostile wastes, everyone is threatened by deadly anomalies and the dynamically-changing weather. Along with a day-night cycle, this constantly forces survivors to adapt their strategies, and players can find protective gear that allows them to explore dangerous off-limit zones. All the while, the howls of mutated creatures echo through the wasteland…

More details on Fear the Wolves will be unveiled to attendees at the What’s Next de Focus press event in Paris, February this year. Developers at Vostok Games will be available for interviews and presentations to share more information about their upcoming hardcore Battle Royale shooter.

Fear the Wolves comes to PC and Consoles in 2018. Early Access begins this year on PC.

Focus Home Interactive and Deck13 Announce The Surge 2

February 7, 2018 – After the success of The Surge, the hardcore Action RPG released in May 2017 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, Focus Home Interactive and Deck 13 are happy to announce the renewal of their partnership and the development of The Surge 2, with a release date planned for 2019 on consoles and PC.

The Surge 2 keeps what fans and critics loved about the original – hardcore combat utilizing a unique, dynamic, limb-targeting system and deep character progression – while also expanding greatly upon the formula. The Surge 2 takes place in a brand new environment: a sprawling, devastated city with larger and more ambitious level design, made possible by Deck13’s upgraded and improved engine. Combat is more brutal and tactical than ever, with even more options thanks to an expanded limb targeting system. In addition, more abilities, weapons, implants, and drones give players a vast arsenal to build their character with, in their fight against the array of diverse new enemies and bosses.

More information about The Surge 2 will be unveiled at Le What’s Next de Focus – February 7-8, the yearly press event organized by the French publisher in Paris. Deck13 will talk more about their new title to the international press, so stay tuned.

The Surge 2 will release on consoles and PC in 2019.

Marvel’s Jessica Jones – Season 2 Trailer

Jessica Jones is back as New York City’s tough-as-nails private investigator. Although this time, the case is even more personal than ever before. Fueled by a myriad of questions and lies, she will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth. Marvel’s JESSICA JONES returns for a second season on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2018 on Netflix.

Watch Marvel’s Jessica Jones:
https://www.netflix.com/title/80002311

GoT Creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss to Pen and Helm New Star Wars Films

February 6, 2018 – David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are going from Winterfell to a galaxy far, far away. It was announced today that Benioff and Weiss, creators of the smash-hit, Emmy Award-winning television series Game of Thrones, will write and produce a new series of Star Wars films.

These new films will be separate from both the episodic Skywalker saga and the recently-announced trilogy being developed by Rian Johnson, writer-director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

“David and Dan are some of the best storytellers working today,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “Their command of complex characters, depth of story and richness of mythology will break new ground and boldly push Star Wars in ways I find incredibly exciting.”

“In the summer of 1977 we traveled to a galaxy far, far away, and we’ve been dreaming of it ever since,” Benioff and Weiss said in a joint statement. “We are honored by the opportunity, a little terrified by the responsibility, and so excited to get started as soon as the final season of Game of Thrones is complete.”

No release dates have been set for the new films, and there have (thankfully) been no sightings of White Walkers around Lucasfilm.

StarWars.com. All Star Wars, all the time.

Thermaltake Announces AI Voice Control Power Supply Unit

Taipei, TaiwanFebruary 6th, 2018Thermaltake has infused Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its Smart Power Management (SPM) system and unveiled the new ‘AI Voice Control’ feature to enhance the DPS G Mobile APP, making it easier for mining and PC gaming enthusiasts to control and custom design their ultimate powerful PC system. The ‘AI Voice Control’ function is currently only featured in the Toughpower iRGB PLUS Titanium/Platinum digital power supply lineups for iOS, and the Android version will be coming soon. Via mobile phone, users can access ‘Voice Control’ to easily turn the power supply on/off; change light mode, color, brightness; and control the speed. In addition, the DPS G Mobile APP provides access to the PSU’s key parameters: including the historical efficiency, fan speed, wattage, voltage, temperature, total usage time/kWh/electricity cost, and the CPU/VGA’s historical temperature. It also gives users control over the RGB fan lighting modePC off remote control, and real-time alerts covering major PSU abnormalities such as fan malfunction; like overheating (above 140℉/60℃) or abnormal voltage level (over/under 5% of normal level) conditions. Best yet, it is fully TT RGB Plus Sync compatible, meaning users will be able to sync all RGB colors seamlessly to all Thermaltake TT RGB Plus-compatible product lines for even greater color coordination.

For more details on the Thermaltake DPS G Mobile APP please visit:

https://dps.thermaltake.com/en/feed/mobile

E3 2018 Gamer Pass Sale Date – New Hours for Passholders

WASHINGTONFeb. 6, 2018 — Following an enormously successful, gamer-powered show in 2017, E3 invites the global video game community to experience its best E3 yet, taking place June 12-14, 2018 at the Los AngelesConvention Center. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the trade association that represents the US video game industry and owns and produces E3, today announced that E3 public ticket sales will begin on Monday, February 12, at 12 p.m. Eastern. Media and industry registration is open now.

“Gamers raise the energy of E3 to a fever pitch, reinforcing its place as the world’s preeminent event for video games,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of ESA. “We are excited to fuel that passion and enhance the gamer experience at E3 by extending show hours and adding a third day to the wildly popular E3 Coliseum.”

ESA announced several updates to the show. E3 2018 will feature extended show hours to accommodate all attendees, providing industry and media exclusive time on the show floor without cutting short gamers’ opportunities to play the most anticipated games of the year. Additionally, E3 Coliseum will return to L.A. Live with producer Geoff Keighley (The Game Awards) to give gamers three full days of panels and behind-the-scenes access to the show’s biggest announcements.

“E3 draws the biggest names in video games and entertainment for an incredible worldwide experience,” Keighley said. “And with three days of programming, this year’s E3 Coliseum will bring together video game fans, game creators, and special guests from popular culture to celebrate the most powerful form of entertainment in the world.”

Los Angeles Convention Center hours for E3 (all times Pacific):

DATE

INDUSTRY AND MEDIA

GAMER PASS

Tuesday, June 12

11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 13

9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 14

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

9 a.m. – 6 pm.

To celebrate another year of must-see video game announcements and never-before-seen products, the first 1,000 gamer passes to E3 2018 are $149 each. Gamer passes sold after the first 1,000 are $249. Registration and pass sales will be available at www.E3Expo.com.

More information on E3 is available at www.E3Expo.com or on Facebook @E3Expo and Twitter @E3.

Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes Gets Release Date

February 5, 2018 – One of the most powerful wizards in the Dungeons & Dragons® multiverse shares some of his hard-won knowledge with fans in a new book full of lore and monsters for D&D fifth edition. Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes is available everywhere on May 29, but you can pick up a limited alternative cover (pictured below) in game stores on May 18, 2018.

Mordenkainen hails from the City of Greyhawk, but over the eons he has expanded his mastery of the major conflicts in the multiverse. Similar to 2016’s Volo’s Guide to Monsters, Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes not only contains everything you need to run challenging new monsters at the table with your friends but also provides tons of storytelling information on some of the most contentious relationships in the multiverse. You’ll learn more about the schism between drow and other elves, githyanki and githzerai, and dwarves and duergar, in addition to reading about the incessant Blood War between demons and devils.

Players will love to delve into Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes to search for story hooks to use with their characters, as well as try out some of the player options for races like tieflings and elves, or maybe an otherworldly githyanki or githzerai. Dungeon Masters looking for inspiration and greater challenges for players who have reached higher levels of play will find much to explore in Tome of Foes.

Look for Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes in your local game store on May 18! Otherwise, you can pick it up on May 29, and start adding new monsters and lore nuggets to your D&D sessions. The Dungeons & Dragons team will be talking about Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes on twitch.tv/dnd in the coming months. Look for Mike Mearls and Jeremy Crawford to offer more insight on what’s in the book on Dragon Talk at 2pm PT on Monday, Feb 5th and for follow-up interviews with the team on the D&D Beyond YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/dndbeyond.

Dying Light Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

February 5th, 2018 – Wrocław, Poland / Techland, a leading developer and publisher of video games, is proud to communicate that it’s been three years since the global zombie infestation known as Dying Light spread across the world. As both a thank you to fans and an invitation to new players, Techland is today kicking off a series of exciting promotions with a couple of surprises hurled into the mix:

  • Free stuff giveaways on Steam and Gemly
  • Undying Love – Valentine’s Day community bounty
  • Content Drop #3 – free in-game content for all players and platforms
  • Discounts for the game and additional contents – up to 67% off

Expect to hear more about upcoming activities over the next few weeks and watch the anniversary video below.

“Dying Light’s longevity is a result of the studio’s hard work, combined with the efforts of our community, who have shown unparalleled love for the game and spent countless hours in Harran. We are nothing but thankful for this exceptional commitment and players’ eagerness to provide us with constructive feedback that helped us make a better game,” said Tymon Smektała, producer of Dying Light & Dying Light: The Following.

The zombie virus a.k.a. Dying Light has taken its toll on over 13 million players with more than 500 thousand unique players roaming the city of Harran every week. The game was honoured with over 50 awards, and a one-of-a-kind player community who still support the game through various channels and help spread the virus across the globe. Seeing this unflagging enthusiasm, last year at E3 Techland committed to deliver 10 free DLCs in 12 months, extending the players’ enjoyment of the game by introducing new enemies, locations, gameplay mechanics, and more.

Visit the official Dying Light Facebook or Twitter pages as well as the game’s official website  to join the conversation and stay up to date.