Author - Jerry Paxton

BenQ to Bring Amazing ZeroFlicker Monitors to MLG Spring Championships

2013/06/27

IRVINE, Calif. — June 27, 2013 — BenQ America Corp., an internationally renowned provider of digital lifestyle innovations, today announced that as the official gaming sponsor of Major League Gaming (MLG), it will be unveiling its new ZeroFlicker™ Technology at the 2013 MLG Spring Championship held in Anaheim, Calif., June 28-30. Designed with gamers in mind, the new technology is engineered to eliminate traditional LED flicker issues in monitors, supporting eSports enthusiasts in longer gaming sessions by providing more comfort during competitive play.

First available on BenQ’s new XL2420TE monitor — available to the public in July before being gradually incorporated into all BenQ gaming monitors — ZeroFlicker Technology provides a new direct lighting system that enables gamers to practice during longer periods thanks to improved LED comfort. As a result, eSports athletes and amateur gamers alike are able to experience fast, flicker-free gaming on devices that are built specifically for the requirements of today’s competitive gaming situations where speed, comfort, and control are paramount to success.

“We know from our relationship with pro gamers that achieving greatness means dedicating hundreds of hours to practice time,” said Bob Wudeck, Associate Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for BenQ America Corp. “With this commitment to gamers in mind, we developed our new ZeroFlicker Technology, which aims at providing eSport athletes with the ability to participate in longer gaming sessions without compromising comfort. We look forward to seeing today’s top players put our technology to the test at this year’s MLG Spring Championship and are extremely proud to be unveiling this exciting new innovation at such a premier event.”

At the MLG Spring Championship, gamers will compete for more than $100,000 in prizes by playing Call of Duty^®: Black Ops II, League of Legends^®, and StarCraft^® II: Heart of the Swarm™. Thousands of spectators will take part in the event at the Anaheim Convention Center while thousands more will watch online at http://store.majorleaguegaming.com, where spectator, VIP, and HD online passes can be purchased for the thrilling three-day tournament event. Top eSport athletes will compete using BenQ’s RL2450HT and RL2455HM gaming monitors, while the company also introduces its all new XL2420TE monitor.

Designed by legendary gamers to meet the specific requirements of competitive gaming, the new XL2420TE brings an ultra-fast 144Hz refresh rate to speed up frames-per-second and blazing-quick 1ms GTG response time for faster pixel rates, synchronizing action without any latency to give players complete control over their gaming experience. With the introduction of BenQ’s new ZeroFlicker Technology to help extend playing time and give gamers more edge, the monitor also combines a 12 million:1 dynamic contrast ratio, true black color, and a unique de-flickering backlight circuit controller for a zero-flicker view. Even after lengthy gaming sessions, the XL2420TE enables a more comfortable, alert, and focused experience for serious eSports enthusiasts.

To give players a competitive edge, the XL2420TE also features BenQ’s Black eQualizer, which enables total gaming visibility by allowing gamers to adjust brightness without over-exposing white levels — revealing critical combat details with improved visibility in darkened areas. To accommodate individual viewing preferences, the Display Mode allows gamers to switch between nine monitor screen sizes, including 17-inch (4:3), 19-inch (4:3), 19-inch widescreen (16:10), 21.5-inch widescreen (16:9), 22-inch widescreen (16:10), 23-inch widescreen (16:9), 23.6-inch widescreen (16:9), 24-inch widescreen (16:9), and 27-inch widescreen (16:9), while Smart Scaling enables players to adjust the screen on-the-fly to virtually any custom size without impacting controller sensitivity.

For even more control without compromising playing speed, gamers can customize and save display setting presets directly onto the monitor’s S Switch. This allows players to switch swiftly between customized display settings for gaming as well as entertainment using the stylish controller’s scroll button, facilitating fast navigation and adjustment of the device’s OSD settings.

Additional information on the MLG Spring Championship is available at www.majorleaguegaming.com/competitions.

Information on the full line of BenQ gaming monitors is available at Gaming.BenQ.com.

Bates Motel Panel Announced for San Diego Comic-Con

2013/06/27

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, SDCC

Looks like the cast of the A&E series, Bates Motel, will join executive producers Carlton Cuse (“Lost”) and Kerry Ehrin (“Friday Night Lights”) for a panel discussion about the showa at San Diego’s Comic-Con. The panel will take place on Saturday, July 20 from 10:00a -11:00a. Currently, the room of the panel is listed as “TBD”, but stay-tuned for additional info as it is released.

Sixense Developing Wireless Motion Controller

2013/06/27

Jerry Paxton

News, Tech News

Los Gatos, CA – June 27, 2013 – Sixense Entertainment, Inc., a pioneer in consumer motion tracking hardware and software, announced today that it will bring a Sixense-branded wireless system to the market.

Sixense will release development kits that will support three wireless motion trackers and will include fully playable controllers compatible with games and applications developed for existing Sixense-powered products, including the Razer Hydra. The dev kits will allow Sixense to work directly with developers to create software for the upcoming consumer version or to develop their own controllers and motion tracking devices.

“We’re excited to finally provide a wireless solution that addresses the needs of both consumers and developers,” said Amir Rubin, co-founder of Sixense. ”The ecosystem around gaming and virtual reality has grown dramatically, making now the perfect time to announce our new consumer product and direct-to-developer dev kits.”

Sixense will provide additional details about the development kits, including price and availability, soon. For more information about Sixense visit www.sixense.com.

Anarcy Online Turns 12

2013/06/27

Jerry Paxton

News, Windows PC News

Oslo, Norway – June 27^th, 2013 – Exactly 12 years ago today, on July 27^th 2001, Funcom released what was to become one of the most innovative and longest-running massively multiplayer games in history. ‘Anarchy Online’ immediately captured gamers’ fascination as it launched them into the first-ever science fiction MMO experience, and for twelve years, Funcom has evolved and expanded this rich universe through regular updates as well as major expansions such as ‘Shadowlands’ and ‘Alien Invasion’.

Despite its age, ‘Anarchy Online’ still serves as home to thousands of people around the world, and more than 2.4 million characters have inhabited the alien world of Rubi-ka to date. Among those, 38% have sworn allegiance to the all-powerful Omni-Tek corporation while 38.5% have joined the rebellious clans. 23.5% have chosen to stay neutral in the epic conflict. Among all the breeds that inhabit the world of Rubi-ka, Solitus – the breed most similar to an original human being – is by far the most popular with 35.8% of all players choosing this origin, while the fragile yet highly intelligent Nano is the least popular with only 20.3% share of players. As of today there are more than 15,000 player-made organizations in the ‘Anarchy Online’ universe and almost 60% of all players have joined one of these player collectives.

“’Anarchy Online’ is a game that, 12 years after launch, still stands as a pillar of innovation in the MMO genre,” says Joel Bylos, Creative Director at Funcom. “Going forward, with our current plans for the new engine, the new player experience and Steam integration, we are hoping to ensure at least another 12!”

Innovation has been a keyword for ‘Anarchy Online’ ever since it first launched back in 2001. Not only was it the first massively multiplayer online game to feature instancing – a mechanic that is common in most games in its genre today – it was also the first MMO to feature in-game advertisement, digital download, virtual world radio, in-game concerts, virtual items and the ‘freemium’ business model. Currently, developers at Funcom are hard at work finalizing a new graphics engine for ‘Anarchy Online’, which will make significant improvements to the overall visual quality of the game. The team is also working on a new player experience, making it easier than ever to join and get involved in the ‘Anarchy Online’ universe.

To celebrate the anniversary, Funcom is inviting everyone to join the exciting celebrations in-game. A unique set of events will take place during the celebrations, where the rebel clans will fight for their freedom against the defending Omni-Tek. The Desert Nomads are also back, and in the Newland Desert, ‘The Tinker’ is back and is ready to make large and explosive gifts for her favorite enemy, ‘The Desert Rider’. Join her in her madness and take out the many ‘Desert Nomads’ to find parts of the many gifts she wants to make! To learn more about the celebrations, please visit the official website.

Ender’s Game Coming to San Diego Comic-Con

2013/06/27

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News, SDCC

JUNE 27, 2013 — Summit Entertainment will showcase the studio’s highly anticipated film event ENDER’S GAME at Comic-Con 2013, presenting never-before-seen new footage, appearances by cast members and filmmakers, and several massive, interactive fan events. A full slate of activities related to the film to be unveiled at this year’s Comic-Con, including:

Hall H Panel – The studio’s panel on Thursday, July 18th will feature ENDER’S GAME filmmakers and cast, including producer Bob Orci, director Gavin Hood, and cast members Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld and Abigail Breslin.

Exclusive Fan Experience – Attendees will be able to visit an elaborate, specially constructed ENDER’S GAME exhibit outside of the Hilton Gaslamp, featuring 8 unique rooms representing the most iconic environments of Ender’s world, complete with original film props and set pieces used in the movie. Throughout the experience, attendees will be able to see exclusive film footage on LED screens, interact with new digital content, integrate photos of themselves into the highly anticipated Battle Room, and register to win a home make over.

Convention Floor Booth – Summit Entertainment’s booth located within the Grand Hall will highlight ENDER’S GAME footage. Premium promotional items will be distributed to the 120,000 attendees walking the convention floor, and booth visitors will be given the opportunity to win “fast passes” to the ENDER’S Game Exclusive Fan Experience, granting them entry without having to wait in line.

The ’99ers Sneak Preview Set for D23 Expo

2013/06/27

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

BURBANK, Calif. – June 27, 2013 – The world of women’s sports was kicked upside down on July 10, 1999. Before a sold-out crowd of more than 90,000 at the Rose Bowl and an estimated 40 million Americans watching on television, the women’s soccer team reached a cultural and athletic pinnacle with its penalty kick shootout victory over China to win the Women’s World Cup. As part of ESPN Films’ new Nine for IX series, The ’99ers explores the story behind this incredible team. Attendees of the D23 Expo 2013 can catch an exclusive screening of this film featuring a Q&A with the director Erin Leyden and the producer Julie Foudy. The screening/ Q&A will take place at The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Stage 28 at the Anaheim Convention Center on Sunday, August 11 at 2:30 p.m. PT.

The ’99ers is told through the voice of Foudy, a longtime team captain, who gives viewers an inside look at the strong team ethic and rare “do for each other” mentality that propelled them to victory that day and turned the team into a cultural touchstone. With unprecedented access, the film uses candid, behind-the-scenes footage shot by the players themselves during the tournament to present a unique portrait of the women who irrevocably changed the face of women’s athletics. Reuniting key players from the 1999 squad and talking with current U.S. players as well, the film examines how women’s soccer – and women’s sports as a whole – has changed since that epic day at the Rose Bowl.

Tickets for the D23 Expo are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $47 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $50 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $84 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

Photo Attached – Courtesy of ESPN Films.

AirSplat’s Thorsday Deals for June 27

2013/06/27

Jerry Paxton

Airsoft News, News

The folks over at AirSplat have announced their latest round of “Thorsday Deals” – a great way for people to save on Airsoft related products.

Thorsday Deals Link (AirSplat’s Blog)

[divider type=”thin”]

Thorsday Deals June 27, 2013

King Arms M4 Tanker AEG Rifle Black

Reg $299.99 Sale $274.99

DE M4 RIS Electric Machine Gun LPEG

Reg $45.99 Sale $29.99

Boyi Dboys M4 CQB Airsoft Gun AEG Rifle

Reg $43.99 Sale $27.99

JG M4 AEG Hi Cap Magazine 300 Rounds

Reg $14.99 Sale $8.99

Well MP5 Super HiCap 500 Airsoft Magazine

Reg $14.99 Sale $8.99

Airsoft Tactical Triple Magazine Pouch B

Reg $9.99 Sale $5.99

Condor Cobra 1 Point Bungee Sling Black

Reg $27.99 Sale $19.99

UTG Extreme Ops 188 Leg Holster Black

Reg $19.99 Sale $12.99

New Video SITREP for Arma 3

2013/06/27

Jerry Paxton

News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday 27th June 2013 – Providing a SITREP of development so far, Bohemia Interactive has published a brand new video for Arma 3. The latest Community Guide explores the game’s new features, provides a recap of the Arma 3 Alpha, and looks at some of the most popular community-created content. The video concludes by demonstrating the new faction, vehicles, weapons, scenarios and challenges from the just-released Arma 3 Beta.

Together with Andrew Gluck (better known as Dslyecxi) from ShackTactical, Bohemia Interactive is creating a series of videos to explain some of the basics of Arma 3. The first video presented Arma 3’s core principles, the second video explored infantry combat, while the third Community Guide provided tips on effective multiplayer teamwork. This new SITREP video records a major milestone in Arma 3’s development as the game transitions from Alpha to Beta.

Starting with the successful Arma: Cold War Assault (originally titled Operation Flashpoint*: Cold War Crisis) in 2001, Arma 3 is the latest installment in Bohemia Interactive’s award-winning tactical military shooter series for PC. The Arma 3 Beta, which aims to involve players into the game’s development, features 8 showcase missions (Infantry, Vehicles, SCUBA, Helicopter, Combined Arms, Supports, Night, Commanding), 20 weapons and 18 vehicles, 4 multiplayer scenarios, 4 firing drill challenges, the powerful scenario editor and modding support. The Arma 3 Beta is located on Stratis (20 km²), while the final game will also feature the 270 km² Mediterranean island of Altis,

The Arma 3 Beta (34.99 EUR/29.99 GBP/44.99 USD) and the Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition (44.99 EUR/39.99 GBP/59.99 USD) are available for purchase from Steam and Store.bistudio.com (both include a Steam version of the full retail game upon release). The price of each edition will increase once the full and final game becomes available.

*Operation Flashpoint™ is a registered trademark of Codemasters Software Company.

Arma 3 – Community Guide: SITREP I

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified Gameplay Video

2013/06/27

Jerry Paxton

News, PlayStation 3 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News

2K Games has released a new gameplay video for the upcoming third-person tactical shooter, The Bureau: XCOM Declassified.

Trailer

Nvidia Shield Delayed One Month

2013/06/26

Jerry Paxton

Mobile News, News, Tech News

According to this post today, Nvidia has announced that their Shield gaming device will be delayed for one month.

Official Post

We’re grateful for all the enthusiasm that’s been expressed for SHIELD, our new portable gaming device. And we’re eager to get it into your hands. But we won’t do that until it’s fully up to the exacting standards that NVIDIA’s known for. And some final quality-assurance testing has just turned up a mechanical issue that we’re not happy with. So, while we announced last week that SHIELD will go on sale this Thursday, we’ve taken the hard decision to delay shipping until next month. The issue relates to a third-party mechanical component, and we’re working around the clock with the supplier to get it up to our expectations. We apologize to those who have preordered SHIELDs and to all those who are waiting for them to go on sale. But we want every SHIELD to be just right. We’ll let you know when we have an exact shipping date in July. We think it will be worth the wait.