Author - Jerry Paxton

Unreal Engine 4 Integrated Partners Program Announced

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CARY, N.C. (June 6, 2013) – Epic Games, Inc. announces the Unreal Engine 4 Integrated Partners Program (IPP), which brings together leading middleware technologies and software that are integrated with Epic’s Unreal Engine 4 game engine.

Unreal Engine 4 is a revolutionary toolset that is designed for efficient workflow and is built to scale from high-end PC and console to mobile and the Web. Each Unreal Engine 4 IPP member brings significant value to the program by providing tools and features that are trusted for high-quality game development.

The inaugural Unreal Engine 4 IPP members and their integrated products are as follows:

  • Audiokinetic – Wwise
  • Autodesk – Autodesk Gameware
  • Donya Labs – Simplygon
  • Geomerics– Enlighten
  • IDV – SpeedTree for Games
  • Intel – Intel Threading Building Blocks (TBB)
  • NaturalMotion – morpheme and euphoria
  • NVIDIA – PhysX and APEX
  • Oculus VR – Oculus Rift
  • RAD Game Tools – Bink Video and Telemetry Performance Visualizer
  • RealD – RealD Developer Kit (RDK)
  • Umbra Software – Umbra 3
  • Xoreax – IncrediBuild-XGE

“The new Integrated Partners Program helps Unreal Engine 4 developers maximize their time with the most advanced toolset we’ve ever developed,” said Tim Sweeney, founder and technical director of Epic Games. “We have taken the time to integrate UE4 with the best middleware technologies so our licensees can stay focused on making great games.”

In addition, Epic maintains the Unreal Engine 3 Integrated Partners Program, which includes more than 20 leading technology providers. For more information, please visit www.unrealengine.com/partners.

PDP Announces E3 Line Up

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LOS ANGELES, June 6, 2013 – Performance Designed Products LLC (PDP), leading manufacturer of third-party peripherals and accessories for video games and mobile devices, today revealed its 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) product lineup, which will include the introduction of the Afterglow Prismatic Wireless Dolby 5.1 Headset. The latest addition to the popular Afterglow line of universal gaming headsets, the Afterglow Prismatic Wireless Dolby 5.1 Headset will feature universal compatibility and crisp, clear Dolby 5.1 surround sound at an affordable price.

“Our philosophy of providing affordably priced, high quality, professionally tuned audio headsets for gaming continues with the latest addition to the Afterglow Universal Headset family. We’re excited to see the industry’s response to what we believe is our best headset yet,” said Bill Otte, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales at PDP. “On top of that, we will debut our SmartTrack controller technology for the 10th anniversary of Afterglow controllers, our exclusive line of official Disney Infinity accessories, award-winning Energizer gaming and mobile charging accessories and a gorgeous line of licensed and proprietary mobile cases. This will mark PDP’s most diverse and impressive E3 lineup to-date.”

Product highlights for the PDP lineup at E3 include:

  • Afterglow Audio: In addition to the debut of the Afterglow Prismatic Wireless Dolby 5.1 Headset, PDP’s audio lineup includes the unveiling of Headbanger®, PDP’s line of consumer headsets and earbuds, and the Afterglow Wired On-Ear Headset for Xbox 360.
  • Disney Infinity Accessories: PDP is proud to be the exclusive manufacturer of Infinity Storage and Travel accessories. The line consists of six individual products that provide players with several transportation and storage options featuring their favorite characters.
  • Energizer Portable Power: PDP is the proud manufacturer of the Energizer charging solution line and will be showcasing their current line of products, along with the CES Innovation Award winning Afterglow HDMI cables at E3
  • Afterglow and Licensed Controllers: PDP introduces their custom engineered SmartTrack Technology, which provides superior analog stick performance and accuracy that allows for more accurate shots, tighter turns, and greater control. SmartTrack will be featured in the Afterglow 10th Anniversary Gaming Controllers and upcoming specially licensed controllers for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
  • PDP Mobile: Also available are new licensed mobile cases from DC Entertainment, Disney, Marvel and Nintendo and the latest Nerf mobile and gaming accessories. At E3, PDP will also unveil its upcoming mobile lifestyle brand, ZUMI®. ZUMI will feature high-impact, functional mobile case designs, combining unique materials and utility features including arm straps, card cases, belt clips and game controllers.

For a first hand look at these upcoming products from PDP, please visit Booth #2803 in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. For more information, please visit www.pdp.com.

Might & Magic X Legacy Now in Open Development

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA — June 6, 2013 — Today, Ubisoft announced that Might & Magic® X Legacy starts its Open Development phase with the availability of a dedicated section on the game website: www.mightandmagicX.com

Through this website, players will be able to join the game development, discuss game features with the developers & other gamers and participate in the creation of a unique dungeon by voting every week and bringing in their own ideas. All this with a simple objective: to develop a video game for the players and with the players.

Limbic Entertainment is an independent game development studio based in Germany and has been a third party developer for Ubisoft for around four years. Thanks to the Open Dev, the team is aiming to share its passion for the Might & Magic brand.

Might & Magic X Legacy is an authentic solo experience in the classic first-person RPG genre, with a turn-based gameplay system. By creating and leading a group of adventurers in and around the exciting city of Karthal, by battling powerful mythical creatures while collecting ancient magical treasures, players will determine the fate of the Agyn Peninsula.

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Diablo III Coming to Consoles on September 3rd

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IRVINE, Calif.—June 6, 2013—A new legion of heroes will soon rise up and take a stand against the Lord of Terror. On September 3, Diablo® III will make its console debut on the Sony PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft in the U.S., Canada, Spanish-speaking Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

In preparation for the upcoming launch, select retailers in these regions are now taking preorders for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game, which will be available at a suggested retail price of $59.99. Both console versions of Diablo III will be fully localized in English, German, French, Latin American Spanish, European Spanish, Russian, Italian, Polish, and Brazilian Portuguese. Further release details, including retail availability in Brazil, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, will be announced at a later date.

The console versions of Diablo III have been custom-tailored for gamepad-driven action, with a dynamic camera perspective that puts your hero front and center, as well as an all-new user interface and an intuitive control system that make vanquishing evil feel like second nature. Players can take on the vile denizens of the Burning Hells alone or in a party of up to four via same-screen local cooperative play or online over PlayStation® Network or the Xbox Live® online entertainment network from Microsoft. In addition, the game supports parties composed of both local and online players. Once gamers experience the rush of Diablo III’s unique brand of hack-and-slash gameplay from the comfort of their couch, Sanctuary will never be the same.

[quote_box author=”” profession=””]“Playing Diablo III on a big screen with your friends brings a whole new level of intensity to the game, and with all of the control and interface adaptations we’ve made, it’s extremely fun to play on PS3™ and Xbox 360,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “In addition to the fine-tuning we’ve done for the console versions, we’re also including major content and design updates we’ve made to the PC version over the past year, so players can expect an epic Diablo gaming experience when the PS3™ and Xbox 360 versions launch in September.”[/quote_box]

Players who preorder either console version of Diablo III will receive an exclusive in-game item: the Infernal Helm, which grants an experience point boost to any character who wears it, accelerating their progression as they rise in power. Certain retailers will also offer limited-edition preorder bonuses—check with your local retailer for further information.

In Diablo III, players take on the role of one of five heroic characters—barbarian, witch doctor, wizard, monk, or demon hunter—and embark on a perilous quest to save the world of Sanctuary from the corrupting forces of the Burning Hells. As players make their way from the demon-besieged town of New Tristram to the Diamond Gates of the High Heavens, they’ll engage in pulse-pounding combat with hordes of monsters and challenging bosses, grow in experience and ability, acquire artifacts of incredible power, and meet key characters who’ll join them in battle or aid them along the way.

Diablo III was originally released for Windows® and Macintosh® PC on May 15, 2012 and within 24 hours became the fastest-selling PC game of all time. As of December 31, 2012, Diablo III had sold through more than 12 million copies worldwide.*To learn more about Diablo III, including a list of participating retailers, please visit the official website at http://www.diablo3.com.

With multiple games in development, Blizzard Entertainment has numerous positions currently available—visit http://jobs.blizzard.com for more information and to learn how to apply.

* According to The NPD Group, GfK Chart-Track, and internal company estimates.

PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.

BandFuse: Rock Legends Box Art Unveiled

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Realta Entertainment has released the official box art to their upcoming music game, BandFuse: Rock Legends, which will launch later this year on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms.

BandFuse: Rock Legends Gameplay Overview:
Seamlessly connecting real guitars, basses and microphones to game consoles, BandFuse empowers players to jam to a fully unlocked library of hit songs from rock to metal and punk to funk, featuring 55 massive genre-jumping songs from Slash, Maroon 5, Rush, The Strokes, Heart, Pearl Jam and more.

BandFuse: Rock Legends includes Slash, the iconic Grammy-winning musician and former lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, who serves as the game’s master guitar instructor; Zakk Wylde, lead guitarist of Black Label Society who played with Ozzy Osbourne for many years; Bootsy Collins, the Funkmaster of the Bass, Jason Hook and Zoltan Bathory from Five Finger Death Punch and George Lynch, who gained fame as the heavy metal guitarist for renowned bands Dokken and Lynch Mob. These Legends will mentor players and help them navigate through the game’s features to build a rock star following and fine-tune their playing skills.

Pre-E3 Arma 3 Livestream Announced for June 8

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Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday 6th June 2013 — Live from Bohemia Interactive HQ, the Arma 3 development team will host a second pre-E3 hangout on Saturday June 8 at 17:00 UTC. Offering a sneak peek at the upcoming Arma 3 Beta, this official livestream on Twitch.tv presents the Combined Arms Showcase – available in the upcoming Arma 3 Beta. Altis, the 270 km² island from the full game, will also make a brief appearance.

Following a successful first livestream on scenario editing, Mission Designer Thomas Ryan and several other Arma 3 devs will do multiple playthroughs of the new Beta mission, placing an emphasis on the dynamic gameplay in Arma 3.

The session is expected to be about one hour and viewers are welcome to join the conversation on Twitch chat and Twitter.Those who do not want to miss out can already enlist for the official event via Arma 3’s Facebook Page.

Two New Bound by Flame Screenshots

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Under development for many months now, Bound by Flame unveils more today through two new screenshots, before making its debut at E3 where it will be presented for the very first time to international press. After the recent release of Mars War Logs for download on PC (planned for release early Q3 2013 on Xbox LIVE® Arcade and PlayStation®Network), Spiders Studio, with Bound by Flame, benefits from a bigger budget and extensive development planning allowing them to realize their great ambitions in this big action/role-playing game.

Bound by Flame lets you play a mercenary possessed by a flame demon in an ambitious Dark Fantasy universe. As a victim of this demonic influence, players will have to choose between the powers offered by this evil or to reject the demonic influence, developing heroic talents instead. Dangers, and enemies becoming more terrifying and fearsome in battle, will be temptations to acquire more power by giving up part of the hero’s soul to the demon. Progression of the demonic influence will be reflected by the transformation of the hero’s body.

Through its different chapters, Bound by Flame will offer many quests around a primary, epic adventure. Depending on the choices made by the player and the influence of the demon, some chapters will offer different scenarios and a different experience, adding important replayability to the game. Real-time battles are impressive and dynamic. If the player begins the game knowing only the basics of combat, fire magic, and assassination, he will be able to specialize by unlocking and improving many skills and powers, through 3 different skill trees.

Bound by Flame lets the players customize their character. During the creation of their hero, players will be able choose their gender and facial characteristics. This will of course have an influence on the demon’s appearance. Bound by Flame also includes a crafting system, allowing them to create and improve equipment, including their armor and weapons. Several companions will join the player during his quest, and will, depending on the player’s actions, develop friendship, romance or rivalry.

Finally, the bestiary of Bound by Flame is rich and spectacular. Players will get to fight many impressive creatures: shadow dragons, liches, undead, ice creatures… epic confrontations abound. Which path will the players take? Will they lust after the demon’s power and magic to annihilate their foes, or will they favor their combat skills and their bravery?

Bound by Flame is targeted for release on PC, PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360® at the end of 2013.

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Square Enix Releases E3 2013 Games Line Up

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LOS ANGELES (June 6, 2013) –Square Enix today announced its broad spectrum of next-generation and current generation console, PC and mobile game products to be unveiled during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2013, June 11-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Booth #1647. The company’s portfolio features new games from signature franchises, a re-imagined classic along with compelling new properties.

FINAL FANTASY®, one of the most successful game franchises of all time, will have a dominant presence in the publisher’s booth with both FINAL FANTASY® XIV: A Realm Reborn™, a stunning massively multiplayer online role playing game that will enable players to create their own FINAL FANTASY adventure, and LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII, the epic conclusion to the series. Square Enix will also unveil the first look at the next-generation of FINAL FANTASY.

THIEF™ is the reinvention of a classic franchise that allows players to step into the silent shoes of Garrett, a dark and solitary thief with an unrivaled set of skills. The most challenging heists, the most inaccessible loots, the best kept secrets: nothing is out of Garrett’s reach. The mystery thriller Murdered: Soul Suspect™ will haunt attendees as an entirely new game property where the main character travels through both a modern day Salem, Massachusetts and a ghost world to solve his own murder. Square Enix will also introduce DEUS EX®: THE FALL™, the new installment of the award winning DEUS EX series. Additional mobile and tablet games will also be at E3.

[quote_simple]“Square Enix continues to show its global creative presence like no other game publisher with products from its internal studios around the world as well as key partners,” said Yosuke Matsuda, representative director of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. “As the industry continues to diversify and expand Square Enix is poised to lead that change with products showcased at this year’s E3.”[/quote_simple]

Along with hands-on demonstrations of many games, E3 attendees will be able to experience exclusive theater presentations for FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm RebornTHIEF andMurdered: Soul Suspect.

For the audience not attending E3, Square Enix will host an innovative live online broadcast from its booth, allowing the publisher’s passionate community to get a sneak peak at the new titles’ content and interact with Square Enix developers. Viewers worldwide will be able to tune in for the duration of the show (June 11 to June 13, 2013) for a unique insider’s perspective into Square Enix at the show. For a full schedule please visit:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/squareenixpresents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@squareenix
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SquareEnix

The announced E3 lineup for Square Enix:

Consoles and PC

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FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn is the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) to have been completely rebuilt from the ground up with a focus on all systems, gameplay and player experience. FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn invites players to explore the realm of Eorzea with friends from around the world.

Platforms: PlayStation®3 system, Windows® PC
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: August 27

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THIEF

THIEF is the reinvention of the classic franchise that allows players to take on the role of Garrett, the Master Thief. As the tide is about to turn in the City, Garrett, takes cover amidst the growing uprising and sneaks into the Baron’s manor to steal his most prized possession.

Platforms: PlayStation®4 system, Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC
Developer: Eidos-Montréal (A Square Enix Company)
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: 2014

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MURDERED: SOUL SUSPECT

The hardest case to solve is one’s own murder. Murdered: Soul Suspect takes players into a whole new realm of mystery where the case is personal and the clues just out of reach. When Ronan O’Connor, a detective with a checkered past, gets caught up in a violent burglary, his life is brought to an untimely end by a brutal and relentless killer. Shocked to find himself in the afterlife, his only escape from the limbo world of ‘Dusk’ is to uncover the truth behind his killer, track him down and bring him to justice using his detective instinct and newfound supernatural abilities.

Platforms: Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 system, Windows PC
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Airtight Games
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: Early 2014

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LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII

As Lightning, it is your mission to save souls so they may be brought to a new world. However, with only thirteen days remaining, not everyone can be saved.  Armed with all-new weapons, player customization and battle abilities, you are in a race against time to fully understand your destiny.  It all ends here.

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: February 11, 2014

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KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX

Fully remastered in high-def, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX is a compilation of the critically acclaimed KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX and KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories titles. Players can now relive the origins of the celebrated franchise with Sora, Riku and the colorful cast of Disney characters, including Mickey, Donald and Goofy.

Platform: PlayStation®3 system
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: September 10

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DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION® – DIRECTOR’S CUT

DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION – DIRECTOR’S CUT is the enhanced return to one of the most critically acclaimed video game franchises of all time. By offering players the chance to advance through the game in multiple and vastly different ways, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION – DIRECTOR’S CUT provides an experience where every choice has a lasting consequence. Director’s Cut features include visual improvements, overhauled boss fights, reinforced combat mechanics and much more making it the ultimate HUMAN REVOLUTIONexperience.

Platform: Nintendo Wii U™
Developer: Eidos-Montréal (A Square Enix Company)
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
Available: 2013

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FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster

FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster takes players into the adventures of Tidus and Yuna in beautifully remastered high definition.

Platforms: PlayStation®3 system, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Available: 2013

Mobile and Tablet

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DEUS EX: THE FALL

DEUS EX: THE FALL is the next chapter of the award winning DEUS EX series. Developed by Square Enix Ltd. in collaboration with the original DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION team at Eidos-Montréal and N-Fusion, DEUS EX: THE FALL is a story driven action-RPG and the first DEUS EX in the series to be released on mobile and tablet devices.

Platform: iOS
Developer: Square Enix Ltd./ Eidos-Montréal/ N-Fusion
Available: Summer

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MINI NINJAS®

Mini Ninjas is the first mobile and tablet game in the action adventure franchise.  Based on authentic ninja values, this beautiful, fast-paced game takes players on an epic journey, free from gruesome violence and high on Ninja fun. Hiro and his Mini Ninja friends run, jump and slash their way through spellbound lands to retrieve the stolen artefact from the dragon.

Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: Magic Pockets SAS
Available: Now

Blood Bowl 2 Teaser Trailer

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June 6th, 2013 — Cyanide and Focus Home Interactive are pleased to offer you a first video teaser making official Blood Bowl 2, that has been secretly under development for a year at Cyanide Studio! Blood Bowl 2 is the sequel of Blood Bowl, the video game adaptation of Games Workshop’s boardgame that twists American football with a fantasy universe inspired by Warhammer, all in a bloody and explosive cocktail of turn-based strategy. Discover now the very first video of Blood Bowl 2, which will be presented in much more detail over the coming months!

This short video is an introduction to the famous and legendary duo of fan-favorite commentators: Jim Johnson the Vampire, and Bob Bifford the Ogre ex-star player of Blood Bowl! We have already had the pleasure of listening to their corrosively ironic commentaries during the first Blood Bowl video game’s matches, but fans will be delighted to learn that these two colorful characters will make a noteworthy return in Blood Bowl 2, where they will take a particularly important place!

In Blood Bowl 2, Jim & Bob will be with us, flesh and blood, throughout the game. They will be modelled, and animated in their Cabalvision studio that will be the main interface for the game! The whole game will be presented in a Cabalvision theme – the official Blood Bowl TV! – where Jim & Bob will guide players, comment their decisions and will even interview key star players appearing in the huge campaign mode. Of course, they will also grace us with their wild commentaries during the matches!

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FIFA 14 Gameplay Trailer and Screenshots

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EA Sports has released an official gameplay trailer as well as some screenshots from its upcoming FIFA 14, which is due out this september on current and next-gen platforms.

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