Author - Jerry Paxton

Fortnite E3 2017 Gameplay Trailer

2017/06/09
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

JUNE 8, 2017 – Cary, NC – Epic Games today announced that Fortnite, its third-person Action Building game, will be available in paid Early Access for PlayStation®4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac starting on July 25. Fans can pre-order or pre-register now on the official website at www.fortnite.com.

In Fortnite, players team up to build massive forts and battle against hordes of monsters, all while crafting and looting within giant worlds where no two games are ever the same. Epic Games debuted a new gameplay trailer today highlighting Fortnite’s unique mix of exploration, building, defense, and combat; head to http://epic.gm/fngameplayen to see Fortnite in action.

“Bringing Fortnite to life has been a true labor of love by a talented and dedicated team over many years,” says Darren Sugg, Creative Director on Fortnite. “We’re excited to share the experience and start playing along with more gamers in Early Access this summer.”

Fortnite Founders Packs give players entry to the Early Access Season, access to exclusive in-game events in 2017, and offers a huge value on stuff like Heroes, loot, weapons, and in-game boosts. Players who pre-order a Founder’s Pack will get a four-day head start beginning on July 21, along with the exclusive Storm Master Weapon Pack. Additionally, Epic Games has partnered with Gearbox Publishing to distribute a boxed retail version of the game for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Additional information can be found at www.fortnite.com, and fans can also follow Fortnite on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest updates.

Creative Labs Unveils X-Fi Sonic Carrier

2017/06/09
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News, Tech News

MILPITAS, Calif., June 9, 2017 — Creative Technology Ltd today announced it would be deploying its ultimate weapon of mass entertainment – X-Fi Sonic Carrier – into the gaming arena at E3 2017. E3 is the world’s premier event for computer, video and mobile games and related products, and is held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Sonic Carrier, a powerful home entertainment system with Dolby Atmos®, Creative SuperWide X-Fi™, 17 drivers in a 15.2 configuration, and 2000W peak power (1000W RMS), is set to blow gamers away with the ultimate immersive cinematic sound. Besides being showcased at the Creative E3 booth, the Sonic Carrier will be used by major game developers BANDAI NAMCO, SEGA Europe, ATLUS/SEGA and Deep Silver to show-off their very latest immersive gaming content at their E3 booths.

“Gamers will enjoy a cinematic experience with incredible realism as more and more games adopt Dolby Atmos. Not only that, this immersive three-dimensional soundstage gives gamers a new competitive edge as each sound comes to life and moves around, and now also above. For games without Dolby Atmos, gamers can also enjoy a similar magical experience using Sonic Carrier’s 15.2 SuperWide X-Fi technology that delivers a breathtakingly wide 3D soundstage that goes beyond imagination,” said Sim Wong Hoo, CEO of Creative Technology, and creator of the Sonic Carrier.

“And with its 600W RMS subwoofer, gamers will experience not just powerful audio, but literally feel chest-pounding bass, earth-shattering explosions and bone-crunching punches in games. This is the ultimate audio for the ultimate gaming arena that the world has never experienced before. We’re glad to have the opportunity to team up with some of the best game publishing names in the business to set a new benchmark for the ultimate gaming experience,” added Sim Wong Hoo.

“Quality sound reproduction plays a huge role in immersing players in our games and Ace Combat 7: SKIES UNKNOWN is ready to rock players’ minds through the X-Fi Sonic Carrier system. The 15.2 up-sampling sound technology adds a level of depth and realism to Ace Combat 7: SKIES UNKNOWN’s gameplay that will place players square in the cockpit of advanced fighter aircrafts to experience heated air-to-air combat like never before,” said David Bonacci, brand manager at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.

“Project CARS 2 is striving to deliver the pinnacle of authenticity in the realm of driving simulation games and part of that authenticity is delivered through great sound. The X-Fi Sonic Carrier system is able to make the cars in Project CARS 2 come alive, giving voice to each and every sports car, race car, and hypercar in the game. Hairs will rise and palms will sweat when players experience the visual and aural mastery within Project CARS 2 through the Sonic Carrier system,” said Raymond So, brand manager at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.

A Brand New Concept in Hi-Res Audio and Video, with Dolby Atmos®, Creative SuperWide X-Fi™, and Multiple Advanced Technologies

Powered by eight processors, the Sonic Carrier is not only capable of high resolution audio playback, it also features an Ultra HD video engine that supports 4K 60fps video playback of local and online content.

Featuring three distinct wireless technologies, the Sonic Carrier offers two separate Wi-Fi® solutions for audio and video streaming, Bluetooth®, and a zero latency wireless speaker-to-speaker link to up to four subwoofers.

The Best of Both Worlds: 3D Cinematic Sound and Super High-End Audio

Imagine a world where games and movies come alive with the most immersive 3D audio experience with the latest Dolby Atmos technology used in premium cinemas, now brought straight to the user’s home – only better. Movies and games will never be same again with cinematic audio that not only flows around users, but also above them.

In the other world, music listening is transformed into a magical auditory experience. This is the 15.2 world of super wide extreme fidelity, called SuperWide X-Fi. In this realm, every audio stream regardless of quality is algorithmically metamorphosized to an eXtreme Fidelity level of 24-bit hi-res audio and expanded three dimensionally into a 15.2 super wide soundstage.

One would expect all these wizardries to come from a convoluted array of expensive systems. Instead, it is a beautiful sleek one piece system, sans messy cables. Together with an exquisite wireless subwoofer akin to designer furniture, the Sonic Carrier is truly a masterpiece of art.

SuperWide X-Fi Stereo

SuperWide X-Fi Stereo is a radical new audio technology that elevates the auditory journey to a totally different dimension. When SuperWide X-Fi touches any common stereo source it transports the listener to a magical three dimensional audio utopia that transcends a traditional left-right stereo experience. Gaming audio can be scaled up to this ultimate SuperWide X-Fi experience. This is the Audio of Tomorrow… the next leap in the evolution of audio perception.

Visitors can experience X-Fi Sonic Carrier at E3 Los Angeles Convention Center (June 13 – 15, 2017), at the following locations:

  • Creative Labs, Inc. – Booth 3053
  • BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. – Booth 1647
  • SEGA Europe – Booth 4300
  • ATLUS/SEGA – Booth 4312

For more information about the X-Fi Sonic Carrier, go to www.soniccarrier.com.

Download a 28 page X-Fi Sonic Carrier brochure at www.soniccarrier.com/brochure.

Activision Unveils E3 2017 Line Up

2017/06/08
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News

SANTA MONICA, Calif.—June 8, 2017 – Activision is set to kick off this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) with global debuts from the industry’s leading franchises. Beginning Tuesday, June 13, at the LA Convention Center, attendees will experience the first gameplay premiere of Call of Duty®: WWII multiplayer, the new character-driven story and activities of Destiny 2, and the reimagined and beloved Crash Bandicoot® N. Sane Trilogy.

“Some of the most talked about and highly anticipated entertainment experiences of the year aren’t playing at your local movie theater, inside a stadium or on the airwaves; they are happening at E3, as interactive entertainment takes center stage of pop culture,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision. “And we are thrilled to be front and center with two of the most hotly anticipated games of the year, Call of Duty: WWII and Destiny 2, both of which will be playable at E3. We’ve been pouring our hearts and souls into these games and we can’t wait for our fans to get their hands on them!”

Call of Duty: WWII marks a return to the fast action, grounded roots of Call of Duty®.  E3 2017 celebrates the world reveal of the all-new multiplayer.  Developed by Sledgehammer Games, Call of Duty: WWII offers a host of new Multiplayer modes, features and gameplay innovations set in iconic World War II locations in the European theater of war.

Players will enlist in the conflict by selecting from five iconic World War II Divisions, in a fundamentally new way to invest in your multiplayer career. Join the Airborne Division, the first to the fight, where you move fast and stay quiet; the Mountain Division, where a sharp shooter focus is precise and deadly; the Infantry Division as the tip of the spear; the Armored Division, which brings the heaviest firepower; or the Expeditionary Force who is packing heat with incendiary shells. In addition to the core Multiplayer experience available for hands-on gameplay at E3, players will also play War Mode, developed in partnership with Raven Software, a narrative-based mode pitting Allied versus Axis soldiers in team-driven battles for key strategic objectives.

Call of Duty: WWII multiplayer also features Headquarters, a franchise first reimagining of the Call of Duty Multiplayer ecosystem, giving the community entirely new ways to connect, compete and engage.

Call of Duty: WWII pre-orders at participating retailers include access to the Private Beta, available first on PlayStation®4, scheduled for later this year. At E3, players can get their first PS4 Pro hands-on experience with the new Multiplayer at the Activision booth #1001 in the South Hall and in the PlayStation booth #4322 in the West Hall.

Following the epic, global Destiny 2 Gameplay Premiere which took place in May, Activision and Bungie will showcase Destiny 2, providing an array of hands-on experiences for attendees where they can play the all-new story campaign as well as competitive, and cooperative multiplayer gameplay.  In addition, the playable debut of a brand-new Guardian subclass, the Arcstrider Hunter, will be available, whose “super” ability is to summon an Arc-empowered staff to be used for close-quarters melee combat. Attendees are invited to play Destiny 2 on PS4 Pro in the Activision booth #1001 in the South Hall and PlayStation’s booth #4322 in the West Hall, and on PC in NVIDIA’s booth #5230 in the West Hall.

Crash is back, as Activision is rolling out the orange carpet at E3! The iconic marsupial of gaming will make his appearance at E3 where players can play new levels in HD from the remastered Crash Bandicoot® N. Sane Trilogy. More innovations to the franchise will be announced at the show, and players can experience the fun first-hand by visiting the N. Sane Crash Experience in the South Hall lobby for hands-on gameplay, photo opportunities and daily giveaways.

Activision is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), Activision’s E3 2017 slate includes:

Call of Duty: WWII – In development by Sledgehammer Games, Call of Duty: WWIItakes the franchise back to its roots in a bold cinematic experience that captures the unforgettable heroism of the soldiers who fought together in a war that changed the world forever. Call of Duty: WWII is scheduled for release on November 3 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, and is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information, visit: www.callofduty.com, www.youtube.com/callofduty or follow @CallofDuty on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Destiny 2 — From Activision and Bungie comes Destiny 2. In the cinematic, story campaign of Destiny 2, the last safe city on Earth has fallen and lay in ruins, occupied by Dominus Ghaul, and his elite army, the Red Legion. Every player creates their own character called a ‘Guardian’, humanity’s chosen protectors. As a Guardian in Destiny 2, players must master new abilities and weapons to reunite the city’s forces, stand together and fight back to reclaim their home. New and existing players will experience gameplay innovations to the world including a dramatic story campaign, new destinations to explore, “Guided Games” bringing players together, and more. Destiny 2will be available on PlayStation®4 systems with additional, timed exclusive* content, Xbox One (PlayStation®Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription, respectively, required for significant features), and for the first time-ever, available on PC at retail and as the first third-party game to be offered digitally via Battle.net®, Blizzard Entertainment’s online gaming service. Destiny 2 is currently Rating Pending (RP) by the ESRB. For more game information, visit www.DestinyTheGame.com and follow the official Destiny social channels on Facebook and @DestinyTheGame on Instagram and Twitter. The community can interact directly with the developers at www.Bungie.net, Facebook, @Bungie on Twitter, and www.twitch.tv/bungie on Twitch.

Crash Bandicoot® N. Sane Trilogy — Players will spin, jump and wump in visually stunning Fur-K and PS4 Pro HD graphics as they take on the epic platformer challenges and adventures from the three remastered Crash games that started it all: Crash Bandicoot®, Crash Bandicoot® 2: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot®: Warped. In development by Vicarious Visions, Crash Bandicoot® N. Sane Trilogy is launching June 30, 2017 for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and is available now worldwide for pre-order on PS4 and PS4 Pro. For more information about Crash Bandicoot® N. Sane Trilogy, please visit www.crashbandicoot.com or follow @CrashBandicoot on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Turtle Beach Unveils New Wireless Headsets for E3 2017

2017/06/08
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News, Tech News

San Diego, CA – June 8, 2017 – This morning, leading gaming headset and audio accessory company Turtle Beach Corporation (NASDAQ: HEAR)  debuted the latest entries in its award-winning lineup of products as the company gets ready for this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Headlining Turtle Beach’s E3 portfolio are the all-new STEALTH 700 & STEALTH 600 series wireless surround sound headsets for the Xbox One family of devices (Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Project Scorpio) and PlayStation®4, which offer an abundance of features, unmatched comfort and cutting-edge innovation, including being the first Xbox One gaming headsets planned to be available at retail that integrate Microsoft’s new Xbox Wireless technology to connect directly to the console. Beyond groundbreaking wireless connectivity and immersive surround sound, the STEALTH 700 & STEALTH 600 series headsets also feature everything from Turtle Beach’s unique ProSpecs™ Glasses Friendly and comfort-driven design to its exclusive Superhuman Hearing™ sound setting that gives you a competitive advantage, and much more…all starting for a MSRP as low as $99.95. The STEALTH 700 headsets also offer Active Noise-Cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity and other features for a MSRP of $149.95. The STEALTH 700 & 600 series headsets are available for pre-order starting today at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers, and are planned to launch at retail this September. Both models, along with the rest of the company’s latest lineup, will be on display at E3 this week in Turtle Beach’s booth #5000 located in the West Hall.

“Turtle Beach has routinely led the industry when it comes to being first to market with products packed with the latest and most innovative features, and that trend continues this year with our 2017 lineup and today’s revelation of the STEALTH 700 & 600 models,” said Juergen Stark, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “Our fans count on us to be at the forefront of gaming audio, so delivering the first Xbox One gaming headsets that use the new Xbox Wireless technology to connect directly to the console has been a key goal for us this year, and through our great partnership with Microsoft, team Turtle Beach will deliver another significant industry first.”

In the weeks leading up to E3, Turtle Beach has revealed a variety of new products, with the STEALTH 700 & 600 series headsets rounding-out the company’s strong and diverse 2017 portfolio of gaming headsets. Full details on Turtle Beach’s 2017 lineup of announced headsets include:

STEALTH 700 & STEALTH 600

Gaming technology is advancing fast, and the STEALTH 700 & 600 series are the latest wireless surround sound gaming headsets for Xbox One consoles and PS4™, offering gamers a wealth of features and comfort.

The STEALTH 700 & 600 for Xbox One will be the first gaming headsets planned to be available at retail using Microsoft’s new Xbox Wireless technology to connect directly to the console just like a wireless Xbox One controller does, and will also take advantage of Microsoft’s new Windows Sonic for Headphones to deliver immersive surround sound for a more in-depth gaming experience. On PS4, the STEALTH 700 & 600’s included wireless USB transmitter connects to the console using the latest smart, channel-hopping technology to deliver an amazing game and chat audio experience. For surround sound, the STEALTH 700 for PS4 features DTS: Headphone:X® surround sound technology to deliver amazing 7.1 channel surround sound, and the STEALTH 600 for PS4 uses Turtle Beach Virtual Surround Sound to engulf fans in their games, movies and music.

Both the STEALTH 700 & 600 series gaming headsets feature an all-new sleek and modern style, with large powerful 50mm over-ear speakers for amazing game audio, and a new flip-up version of Turtle Beach’s renowned high-sensitivity mic that ensures your every command is heard loud and clear. Comfort-wise, the STEALTH 700 & 600 don the latest iteration of Turtle Beach’s unique ProSpecs™ glasses friendly design which alleviates pressure from the headset on players’ glasses, and the STEALTH 700’s ear-cushions and headband come wrapped in synthetic leather to provide additional noise-isolation and deeper bass response. The STEALTH 600’s ear-cushions and headband are wrapped in a breathable mesh fabric for extended comfort.

The STEALTH 700 & 600 wireless surround sound gaming headsets for Xbox One consoles and PS4 also offer Turtle Beach’s exclusive Superhuman Hearing™ sound setting to give you a competitive advantage, by allowing you to hear soft sounds like enemy footsteps sneaking-up from behind and weapon reloads just before an ambush, as well as independent game and chat volume control, and a rechargeable battery that delivers up to 10-15 hours of gaming per use.

Additionally, the STEALTH 700 headsets for Xbox One consoles and PS4 also feature Active Noise-Cancellation to block out unwanted background noise and keep you fully immersed in your games, and Bluetooth connectivity to stream music and take calls while playing. Bluetooth also allows you to connect to the new Turtle Beach Audio Hub app where you’ll be able to adjust a variety of settings, including Dynamic Chat Boost™ which increases incoming chat volume during loud gameplay so you never miss a command, Mic Monitoring to avoid shouting at other players, Audio EQ Presets like Bass Boost, and more. The STEALTH 700 & 600 series headsets are planned to launch in Sept. 2017 at participating retailers for a MSRP starting as low as $99.95.

XO THREE & RECON 150

Similar in style to Turtle Beach’s best-selling XO FOUR STEALTH, the new XO THREE officially licensed gaming headset for Xbox One consoles and RECON 150 for PS4 offer the same rugged yet comfortable 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.

RECON CHAT

If it’s time to replace the chat headset that came with your console, then it’s time to get more for your money with the RECON CHAT headset for Xbox One consoles and PS4. The RECON CHAT is lightweight and reversible, and features Turtle Beach’s SpecsFit™ glasses friendly over-ear design with a unique open ear-cup that lets you hear game audio from the TV or home entertainment system in both ears (in stereo). Additionally, Turtle Beach’s renowned high-sensitivity mic ensures your every command is heard loud and clear while the high-quality 40mm speaker delivers chat audio from other players. The RECON CHAT easily connects to Xbox One and PS4 controllers with a 3.5mm jack, and in-line controls conveniently place Mic Mute and Chat Volume right at your fingertips. Currently available at participating retailers for a MSRP of $19.95.

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.

Logitech G Unveils G433 and G233 Gaming Headsets

2017/06/08
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos

NEWARK, Calif. & LAUSANNE, Switzerland — June 8, 2017 — Logitech G, a brand of Logitech, (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today announced the launch of the Logitech® G433 7.1 Gaming Headset and the Logitech® G233 Prodigy Gaming Headset. These headsets feature advanced gaming technologies, including patent-pending Pro-G™ audio drivers, for superior audio performance, in a lightweight, extremely comfortable fit designed to go with you beyond gaming sessions.

“If you’re like me and game a lot, having an awesome gaming headset is critical,” said Ujesh Desai, vice president and general manager of Logitech G.  “And if you love music then having a great pair of headphones is also important. Now you can have one headset that delivers the best of both worlds. You can move seamlessly from your PC to your console, and because of the beautiful design, Pro-G audio drivers, and removable boom mic, you can step outside and wear them on the go and have a headset that fits your lifestyle.”

High-Quality Audio

Both headsets feature advanced Pro-G drivers made with hybrid mesh materials that provide high-quality audio. The drivers deliver clear highs and lows with minimal distortion. Logitech G optimized the sound quality for analog reproduction and digital USB output, so the sound profile is accurate on any source.

Additionally, the Logitech G433 uses DTS Headphone:X® 7.1 for the latest in high fidelity surround sound. Highly realistic DTS Headphone:X technology accurately replicates 7.1 speaker placement and audio positioning, so you can hear in-game environmental effects and positional audio that game designers intend you to hear, such as how far away enemies are and which direction they are coming from. You can also tune the volume levels for each of the seven audio channels.

Comfortable, Athlete-Inspired Design

The Logitech G433 and Logitech G233 headsets are durable, yet lightweight and extremely comfortable. The Logitech G433 features a hydrophobic, stain-resistant fabric finish that comes in four colors: Royal Blue, Fire Red, Triple Black, and a special Camo Blue, sold exclusively through Best Buy in North America. The Logitech G233 comes in a soft-touch black material with Cyan Blue ear pads.

Both headsets feature sports mesh ear pads that are breathable and can be easily removed for cleaning. The Logitech G433 also comes with a second set of microfiber ear pads, so you get a choice of what material is best for you.

Extremely Clear Communication and Multi-Platform Support

Both headsets feature a removable, high quality boom microphone with a micro pop filter for crystal-clear voice chat and communications. And they both work with PCs, consoles (including Xbox One, PlayStation®4, and Nintendo Switch™) and mobile devices. Both G433 and G233 are officially Discord Certified — guaranteeing the highest levels of audio and voice clarity.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech G433 and Logitech G233 gaming headsets are expected to be available at global retailers in June 2017 for suggested retail prices of $99.99 and $79.99, respectively. For more information please visit our website, our blog or connect with us on Facebook.

About Logitech G

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech International, is the global leader in PC and Console gaming gear. Logitech G is dedicated to providing gamers of all levels with industry leading keyboards, mice, headsets, mousepads and simulation products such as wheels and flight sticks – made possible through innovative design, advanced technologies and a deep passion for gaming. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI). Find Logitech G at www.LogitechG.com, the company blog or @LogitechG.

SEGA and ATLUS Announce E3 2017 Line-Up

2017/06/08
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News

London, Burbank, & Irvine – June 8, 2017 – SEGA® and ATLUS® today announced a bumper line-up for E3 2017 across two neighbouring stands in the West Hall, showcasing a diverse selection of games in the publisher’s biggest E3 showing since 2013.

“We’re really pleased to see Yakuza and Sonic back on the biggest stage for video games, and having the first public hands-on for Total War: WARHAMMER 2 underlines a really strong showing from SEGA and ATLUS this year!” said John Clark, Senior Vice President for SEGA Europe Ltd. “We look forward to welcoming trade visitors but we’re especially looking forward to having the public come and see our line-up this year, it’s great for E3 and it’s great for publishers. We’re confident there’s something for everyone on the SEGA stands this year.”

“From a bleak story about 13 heroes and their mechs in 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, to the emotional, final story arc of Kazuma Kiryu in the Yakuza series as he goes from a lone fighter to a loyal, protector, to nostalgic gameplay from titles like Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology and Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux, and longed-for sequels such as Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth, SEGA and ATLUS are positioned to deliver a very gratifying line-up for all E3 attendees this year,” said Naoto Hiraoka, President and CEO of Atlus U.S.A., Inc. and Senior Vice President of Publishing for SEGA of America, Inc.

“We’re thrilled to have not just one, but two great Sonic games coming out this year for all the major consoles plus PC,” said Ivo Gerscovich, Chief Brand Officer for Sonic the Hedgehog. “Both games will be on the E3 show floor for everyone to try. Sonic Mania, which we recently announced is available for pre-order, will be showcasing new demo stages while Sonic Forces will have its first ever hands on experience. Come by and see why this is the year of Sonic.”

West Hall, Booth #4312

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and Yakuza Kiwami

Visitors will be able to reacquaint themselves with the legendary Kazuma Kiryu in a double header of hard-hitting Yakuza™ action, playable on the show floor: Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, the latest entry in the long-running series and Yakuza Kiwami, a rebuilt-from-scratch HD remake of the original 2005 PlayStation 2 hit, Yakuza. Attendees who visit the booth will also have the opportunity to receive special Yakuza-themed swag (as long as supplies last).

Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces

If breakneck speed is more your thing, we’ve got you covered! Booth #4312 will feature playable stations for the ultimate celebration of past and future with Sonic Mania™, an all-new 2D adventure with stunning HD retro style graphics running at smooth 60FPS and featuring all your favourite classic characters. Sonic Forces™, from the development team behind Sonic Colors™ and Sonic Generations™, will be your second dose of speedy Sonic action where you will get to experience fast-paced gameplay as Modern Sonic, thrilling platforming as Classic Sonic, and powerful gadget action as your own custom Hero Character! Those who come by to play Sonic could receive a special Sonic E3 giveaway item.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

ATLUS will have an exclusive new trailer for the hotly anticipated Western release of Vanillaware’s 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, a story of battle-ready youths, humanity and…giant mechs. Plus, be sure to  take a photo with the 13 Sentinels mech standee to receive a gorgeous poster featuring Vanillaware’s signature flair (while supplies last).

Three Highly Anticipated Nintendo 3DS Titles

  • Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth – Starting with the creation of your party to exploring the uncharted labyrinth of the Yggdrasil Tree, Beyond the Myth is all about choosing how your own adventure unfolds. Practice your map-making and FOE slaying skills with the playable hands-on demo on the show floor.
  • Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology –  Once again take the reins of Alistel operative Stocke as he unlocks the power of the White Chronicle relic and gains the ability to travel between two alternate timelines in this enhanced retelling of a JRPG classic.Watch a live demo of Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, only for show attendees.
  • Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux – Demon aficionados can look forward to a new Redux trailer. New story content, additional endings, a new dungeon to explore and more await those who wish to brave the spatial distortion known as the Schwarzwelt! Be sure to check out the demos and trailers for a chance to get a colourful assortment of stickers!

West Hall, Booth #4300

Total War: WARHAMMER 2, Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces

In neighbouring booth #4300, Creative Assembly™ are unleashing the Lizardmen on the public for the first time in Total War™: WARHAMMER® II. The second game in the Total War: WARHAMMER trilogy is set in a whole new part of the Warhammer world, introducing four new playable races in an epic narrative campaign. In a spectacular quest battle taken from the game, E3-goers can seize control of a Lizardmen army as they march against the High Elves, who they’ve caught meddling in the dormant ruins of an ancient Lizardmen portal. Additionally, there will be playable stations for Sonic Forces and Sonic Mania at the booth.

For more information about SEGA, ATLUS or any of its studios, visit www.sega.com or www.atlus.com and be sure to follow us:

SEGA: Twitter and Facebook

ATLUS: Twitter and Facebook

Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate Announced

2017/06/07
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

June 7, 2017 – The shadow of Bhaal has come over Baldur’s Gate, summoning with it a brand new board game from Dungeons & Dragons and Avalon Hill.  Based on the award-winning Betrayal at House on the Hill, Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate, gives fans the chance to build, explore, and hopefully survive in the iconic city.

With design led by Mike Mearls and the Wizards of the Coast team, players must work with their fellow adventurers to survive the deadly terrors and hideous threats that lurk in the shadows of this fearsome city. That is, until some horrific evil turns one—or more—of them against each other making it a race for survival.

Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate includes:

  • 50 brand new scenarios set in the world of the Forgotten Realms
  • 47 new location tiles, including buildings, streets, and catacombs
  • 86 new cards, including 22 items, 45 events, and 13 omens
  • 18 new monsters to encounter including minotaurs, beholders, and dragons
  • 12 D&D adventurers including a dwarf barbarian, half-orc paladin, and human sorcerer
  • 6 plastic adventurer figures

The 50 scenarios act like “mini-campaigns” and bring adventurers together to battle plenty of foes familiar to D&D fans and gamers. Some fun examples include contending against a Sphere of Annihilation hell-bent on destruction, a hungry slaad devouring you from the inside, and a suddenly-sprouted second head that wants to be in charge.

“When we sat down to talk through the design for this game, Baldur’s Gate made perfect sense,” says Mike Mearls, Senior Manager of Design & Development for Dungeons & Dragons. “Not only is it one of D&D’s most infamous cities, but the thieves, assassins, and other scoundrels that lurk in its shadowy alleys provided a perfect fit for Betrayal’s game play.”

Beloved for its re-playability, Betrayal at House on the Hill has been touted as one of the “Best Horror Board Games” of all time. Like Dungeons & Dragons, the story you tell in one game is unique and original to your party’s experience.

“The core of both D&D and Betrayal is story, exploration, and (mostly) working together so this was a pretty seamless mash-up,” said Shelly Mazzanoble, Brand Manager for Avalon Hill. “Because this is a D&D experience, you’ll see more cooperative haunts than in the original game. But it’s also Baldur’s Gate so there is definitely some double-dealing treachery going down.”

Fans attending Origins Game Fair next week will get a chance to be among the first to preview the game. A limited number of seats are available on a first come first serve basis in the D&D gaming area on the 3rd floor of the Hyatt.

For more information, visit the Avalon Hill website. To keep up with news about Avalon Hill games, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Minecraft: Story Mode – Season 2 Announced for July Release

2017/06/07
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Mobile News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., and STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 7th, 2017 — Award-winning developer and publisher of digital entertainment Telltale Games and world-renowned game developer Mojang today announced that Minecraft: Story Mode – Season 2 is in development and set to premiere with Episode 1: Hero in Residence for download starting July 11, 2017 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Mac, iOS, and Android-based devices.

Minecraft: Story Mode – Season 2 continues Jesse’s saga in a five-part, narrative-driven, episodic game series developed by Telltale in collaboration with Mojang and members of the Minecraft community. Though players’ choices from the first season will carry over into season two, this new season will be accessible to both returning fans and newcomers alike. This second season will also include Telltale’s unique multiplayer ‘Crowd Play’ feature, which allows friends and family to engage with the adventure together by helping to decide the direction of the story from any mobile device with an online connection.

Now that Jesse and the gang have vanquished the Wither Storm, saved the world, and become totally super famous heroes, life has gotten a bit more…complicated. With more responsibilities and less time for adventure, old friendships have started to fade — at least until Jesse’s hand gets stuck in a creepy gauntlet that belongs to an ancient underwater temple. Together with old pals and new comrades alike, Jesse embarks on a brand new journey filled with tough choices, good times, and at least one temperamental llama.

This season will feature voice work from Patton Oswalt, Catherine Taber, Ashley Johnson, and Scott Porter, as well as cameos from Stampy Cat, stacyplays, and other personalities from the Minecraft community on YouTube. Additional casting details for the season are yet to be announced.

Season one of Minecraft: Story Mode was met with widespread critical acclaim. Polygon declared the series “a grand adventure in the universe of Minecraft,” while Wired UK said it “brilliantly channels its source material.” Kotaku UK called it “a triumph.” The Guardian said the series “will delight Minecraft veterans young and old alike,” while GameSpot called it “a charming, winning adventure for both fans and newbies to the world of Minecraft.”

Minecraft: Story Mode – Season 2 will be a standalone product separate from both the core Minecraft game and season one of Minecraft: Story Mode. Season two will be available for download on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Mac, iOS, and Android-based devices. A retail version on disc will become available this fall. The series is currently in development and has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

For more information on Telltale Games, visit the official website, follow @TelltaleGames on Twitter, and like Telltale on Facebook.
For more information on Mojang, visit the official website, follow @Mojang and @Minecraft on Twitter, and like Minecraft on Facebook.

E3 Coliseum Lineup Revealed

2017/06/07
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News

LOS ANGELES, June 7, 2017 — The full lineup of panels and guests for the first E3 Coliseum was announced today by the Entertainment Software Association. A spectacular main stage event that will connect video game fans with the biggest names in entertainment, E3 Coliseum will be June 13 and 14 at The Nova at L.A. Live as part of E3, the world’s premiere event for digital entertainment for PC, consoles, mobile platforms, and virtual reality.

Produced by Geoff Keighley, creator and producer of The Game Awards, E3 Coliseum will feature two full days of programming, including live demonstrations of upcoming games, insightful panels, and special one-time-only conversations. Open to all E3 badge holders, fans can begin lining up to attend E3 Coliseum starting at 7 a.m. June 13. The Nova is only a short walk from where E3 is being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. For more information on E3 Coliseum access and programming, please visit www.e3coliseum.com.

E3 Coliseum also is teaming up with Facebook to give the global video game community the chance to watch and ask panelists questions. In addition to Q&As with in-person attendees, fans around the world can visit Facebook.com/E3Expo during E3 Coliseum to watch select panels on Facebook Live and submit questions to be answered by participating panelists. E3 Coliseum panels will also be streamed on Twitch—the official E3 streaming partner, Mixer, and YouTube.

The full schedule for E3 Coliseum is as follows:

Tuesday, June 13

11:00 AM – Noon:
God of War: Behind the Curtain
It’s been one year since game director Cory Barlog and his team at Santa Monica Studio introduced fans around the world to a bold new vision for God of War. Join us as Cory and other members of the development team share new insights and recount challenges overcome, delving further into writing, world building, combat design, and the powerful father/son relationship at the heart of Kratos’ new beginning. Moderated by Michele Morrow.

Noon – 12:30 PM:
Inside Bungie
For over 25 years, Bungie has pushed the video game industry in bold new directions. Join Bungie CEO Pete Parsons for a wide-ranging discussion about his career, the industry, and Bungie’s next release, Destiny 2. Moderated by WWE superstar (and devoted Destiny fan) Big Show.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM:
World Builders
Join host Chris Hardwick for a keynote discussion about building worlds across entertainment mediums, with a focus on video games. Hardwick will be joined by astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson, director James Gunn, Gearbox’s Randy Pitchford, and 343 Industries’ Kiki Wolfkill.

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM:
Assassin’s Creed
Ubisoft presents a look at what’s next from Assassin’s Creed.

2:15 PM – 2:45 PM:
What Game From E3 Will Make You the Next Online Gaming Superstar?
In a world where online content creators can make or break the success of a new game, discover which games from this year’s E3 are going to make the biggest splash with the world’s largest online creators. Join MatPat, creator of The Game Theorists YouTube channel (more than 8 million subscribers, 2016 winner of the Streamy Award for Best Gaming Channel), to find out which games are making a mark at E3 in the eyes of top Twitch and YouTube streamers. Learn what makes some games great to play and others great to watch for millions of fans on YouTube and Twitch.

2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Bethesda Softworks
Join Bethesda Softworks for a look at a newly announced title that will be seen for the first time at their E3 2017 Showcase.

3:15 PM– 4:00 PM
Square Enix
Don’t miss when Square Enix presents a live demonstration of a newly announced title being showcased at E3 2017.

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Epic Games
For over two decades, the team at Epic Games has built some of the video game industry’s most talked about titles. Join members of Epic at E3 Coliseum for a behind-the-scenes look at the developer’s next release.

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Swing Behind the Scenes With the New Spider-Man for PS4
Join key members of both Insomniac Games and Marvel for a peek into the upcoming Spider-Man collaboration for the PS4.

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM:
Project Scorpio: The Most Powerful Place to Create and Play
Discover how Xbox built a powerful development platform in Project Scorpio with game creators in mind. Featuring key members of the Xbox team, including Turn 10 Studios and The Coalition. Moderated by Xbox Live’s Larry Hryb (Major Nelson).

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM:
Jack Black in Conversation with Tim Schafer
Over the past 30 years Tim Schafer has created some of the gaming industry’s most hilariously memorable worlds and characters. The multi-talented Jack Black (star of Brutal Legend) leads a wide-ranging conversation with Tim about his career, creative process, and yes, Psychonauts 2.

Wednesday, June 14

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM:
New Realities: VR, AR, and Gaming
Video games are ushering in a whole new era of interactivity across a host of new devices that deliver virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. Join Will Smith (The Foo Show) for a discussion about the state of immersive reality and the future of gameplay and storytelling in VR and AR. Joining Smith will be film director Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters), Curtis Hickman (Co-Founder/CCO, The Void), Tanja Watson (Co-Founder, Squanchtendo Games) David Ellison (CEO, Skydance Media), and Brandon J. Laatsch (Stress Level Zero Games).

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM:
Sea of Thieves: Community Spirit
The Sea of Thieves team discusses the opportunities and challenges of transforming Rare, one of the industry’s most secretive developers, into an open studio that celebrates its community and has brought its most passionate fans right into the heart of the development process – an essential step in creating a AAA shared-world pirate adventure.

11:30 – Noon:
Gaming Evolved: New Voices, New Visions
As the video game industry continues to evolve, there are opportunities for new voices and perspectives to push the medium in exciting new directions. Join us for a discussion about the many ways creators can express themselves and reach new audiences through video games.

Noon – 12:45 PM
Crash Bandicoot Reunion
Twenty-one years after he first arrived on the scene, Crash Bandicoot is back! Join members of the original creative team behind the game – Connie Booth, Mark Cerny, Naughty Dog co-founders Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin, and Bob Rafei – for a once-in-a-lifetime reunion to discuss the making of the original Crash Bandicoot and its impact on the video game industry.

12:45 PM – 1:30 PM:
Mortal Kombat: Celebrating 25 Years
For over 25 years, Mortal Kombat has evolved and pushed the fighting game genre in new directions, including its most recent release, MKX. Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon joins the E3 Coliseum to reflect on the series and its impact on popular culture, esports, and the video game industry.

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM:
Far Cry 5: A Trip to Hope County
Welcome to Hope County, Montana, a rural community taken over by a fanatical cult. Led by Joseph Seed, “The Father,” players will build a resistance with the help of citizens of Hope County. Join Dan Hay, executive producer and creative director, and Drew Holmes, lead writer, to learn more about the citizens of Hope County, including The Father, Pastor Jerome, Mary May, and Nick Rye.

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM:
Call of Duty: WWII – Sledgehammer Games’ Journey Back to the Franchise’s Roots
Call of Duty: WWII returns to its franchise roots. Join Michael Condrey, Glen Schofield, and Greg Reisdorf for an inside look at the game that is taking the series back to boots on the ground. The panel will share behind-the-scenes development of the E3 content as we look at multiplayer and campaign gameplay and perhaps a hint at things to come in the months ahead. Moderated by Afrojack (Nick van de Wall).

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM:
Stories Across Screens
How does today’s greatest game writing influence the world of TV and film, and vice versa? Join Better Call Saul Executive Producer Gennifer Hutchison for a conversation with leading storytellers about the opportunities and challenges of interactive and linear storytelling. Hutchison will be joined by Emil Pagliarulo (Designer Director, Bethesda Game Studios), Josh Scherr (Writer, Naughty Dog), and Dan Tractenberg (Director, 10 Cloverfield Lane, Black Mirror).

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM:
A Conversation with Hideo Kojima and Jordan Vogt-Roberts
A one-on-one session looking back at the career of Hideo Kojima, led by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, director of Kong: Skull Island. These two creative forces will share the stage to discuss the fusion of gaming and cinema. Mr. Kojima will discuss his cinematic influences and how they have allowed him to make masterworks of his own.

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM:
The Indie Revolution
Some of today’s most creative and inspiring games come from independent developers working outside the system. Join us to hear their stories. Robin Hunicke (Funomena) leads a discussion about the independent game scene across console, mobile, and PC, featuring guests including Brendan Greene (creator, Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds) and Eli Cymet (Alto’s Odyssey).

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Middle-earth: Shadow of War – A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Join Monolith Productions, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and Troy Baker (the voice of Talion) for an inside look and live demonstration of Middle-earth: Shadow of War.

5:30 – 6 PM:
Square Enix
Join the team at Square Enix for a developer showcase, revealing new details about a game that will be announced for the first time at E3 2017.

6:00 PM:
An exclusive surprise discussion with renowned figures.

E3 is the world’s premier event for computer, video, and mobile games and related products. At E3, the video game industry’s top talent convenes at the Los Angeles Convention Center, connecting tens of thousands of the best, brightest, and most innovative in the interactive entertainment industry. For three exciting days, leading-edge companies, groundbreaking new technologies, and never-before-seen products will be showcased. E3 connects both new and existing partners, industry executives, and the biggest fans of video games, providing unprecedented exposure to emerging markets. E3: It all starts here. See more at www.E3Expo.com.

Geoff Keighley has spent more than two decades covering the video game industry as a prolific journalist, host, and producer. He is the creator/producer of The Game Awards, as well as host/producer of YouTube’s annual Live at E3 coverage, as well as YouTube’s first-ever live series, Live with YouTube Gaming. He has also attended every E3 since 1995.

SOURCE Entertainment Software Association (ESA)

Natsume Unveils E3 2017 Lineup

2017/06/06
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News

Burlingame, CA. – June 6, 2017 – Natsume Inc., a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, today announced its full Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2017 lineup.

In celebration of Harvest Moon’s 20th anniversary, the recently announced Harvest Moon: Light of Hope leads the lineup, and will be shown for the first time on Switch and PC! Also on display at the show will be Wild Guns Reloadedfor PC, River City: Knights of Justice, and River City: Rival Showdown (both for 3DS). All the games will be on display in booth 2047 in the South Hall at the Los Angeles Convention Center, June 13-15.

Fans will be excited to learn that for the first time, beloved Natsume retail items will be available for purchase at the booth. Natsume’s popular and adorable 6″ and 12″ plush, including alpacas, horses, dogs, pigs, chicks, bluebirds, pandas, sheep, and more will be available, along with other exciting items!

Natsume’s E3 Show Floor Lineup Includes:

Harvest Moon: Light of Hope (Switch, Steam/PC and PlayStation 4)

In Harvest Moon: Light of Hope, players begin the game as they set out looking for a fresh start and new surroundings. During their voyage, their ship is hit by a monsoon and goes down. As they drift into a small harbor town, now in a shambles from the storm, it will be up to the player to help rebuild the town and save the lighthouse…but it won’t be easy! Nevertheless, with some hard work growing crops, tending livestock, and gathering materials for repairs, players will be able to make new friends, start a family, revive the lighthouse, and save the town!

Wild Guns Reloaded (Steam/PC)

In Wild Guns Reloaded, Annie has tracked down the famed bounty hunter Clint to get revenge on the Kid Gang. With eight stages, each with three zones, there’s plenty of bad robots to blast away. With a true arcade game feel, Wild Guns was the first sci-fi western to arrive on home consoles, and to this day, there really isn’t any other game like Wild Guns!

River City: Knights of Justice (3DS)

River City: Knights of Justice, known in Japan as Nekketsu Mahou Monogatari, is scheduled to launch as a 3DS eShop exclusive this summer. Kunio and his friends go medieval in this unique entry to the River City series, as they are transformed into heroes and villains that would be home in any RPG! Players will use swords, staves, and even magic to bring peace back to Riverandia!

River City: Rival Showdown (3DS)

River City: Rival Showdown, known in Japan as Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari SP, will launch this fall for the Nintendo 3DS. One night, Kunio is attacked by two mysterious individuals. On top of that, Riki’s girlfriend has disappeared, and it’s up to Kunio to find out the truth! Kunio has just 3 days to unravel the mystery, and he’ll need your help to take down all who stand in his way! Take on some familiar faces from the River City games and meet new ones in this fast-paced beat-’em-up RPG.

Harvest Moon: Lil’ Farmers (iOS, Android, Kindle)

Natsume’s European publishing partner, Rising Star Games, will be showing titles in the booth as well, including Harvest Moon: Light of Hope, Harvest Moon Lil’ Farmers (iOS, Android, Kindle), and the European version of Harvest Moon: Skytree Village.

As part of the year-long 20th anniversary celebration, Natsume has also unveiled the re-release of Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life Special Edition, Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland for the PlayStation 4, both of which will be available to play at the show.

Players can follow the latest news for all of the beloved Natsume franchises at www.natsume.com and by scooping all of the latest Natsume updates, contests, screen shots and more at www.natsume.com/facebook and www.twitter.com/natsume_inc .