Author - Jerry Paxton

Arma 3 Pre-E3 Live Streams Announced

2013/05/29

Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday 29th May 2013 – Gearing up for the E3 exhibition, the Arma 3 development team is hosting pre-E3 livestream hangouts – offering a glimpse of what will be on display in Los Angeles. Both sessions are scheduled for 17:00 UTC on Saturday June 1 and June 8, and will be hosted on the official Arma 3 channel on Twitch.tv.

For the first livestream, on Saturday June 1 at 17:00 UTC, Mission Designer Thomas Ryan (supported by several others Arma 3 developers) will give a basic tutorial in scenario editing – using some of the weapons and vehicles from the upcoming Arma 3 Beta.

The second livestream, scheduled for Saturday June 8 at 17:00 UTC, consists of a playthrough of the brand new Combined Arms showcase mission, which is also scheduled for release in the Arma 3 Beta.

Both sessions are expected to take about one hour and will be streamed live from Bohemia Interactive HQ in Prague. The setting is casual and viewers are welcome to ask developers their questions via Twitch.tv chat and/or Twitter.

Last but not least, those who want to make sure they will not miss anything can already enlist for the official event via Arma 3’s Facebook page.

Lian Li Announces Briefcase PC Chassis

2013/05/29

Jerry Paxton

Hardware News, News

29 May 2013, Keelung, Taiwan – Lian-Li Industrial Co. Ltd is pleased to announce their newest edition to the briefcase chassis “TU” series – PC-TU100 Mini-ITX Chassis. More compact than the PC-TU200, the fully aluminum PC-TU100 is the ideal choice for the ultimate LAN rig with its top-mounted handle and its support for the latest powerful low profile graphics card. The stylish retro “007-esque” design of the chassis is sure to garner much attention.

Portable Gaming Hardware

With dimensions of (WxHxD) 158 x 275 x 242mm (6.2” x 10.8” x 9.5”) and a weight of 1.77kg (3.9lb), the PC-TU100 holds the hardware necessary for a portable gaming system while being primed and ready for transport. Two 2.5” hard drives or SSDs can be mounted on the bottom drive rack. An additional 2.5” drive can be placed in the slim optical drive bay, if no optical drive is installed.

Graphics cards up to 190mm can be installed in the chassis – enough room for some of the latest small form factor graphics cards. The PC-TU100 supports SFX power supplies up to 170mm.

Maximum Airflow

Lian Li has engineered the case for maximum airflow. A tool-lessly mounted 120mm intake fan with a removable air filter at the front of the chassis blows air across the integral components. With no drive cage blocking the fan, the air flows unrestricted through the case. Well-placed vents on the side and the rear of the case ensures the hot air escapes.

Simple Release Side Panels

Similar to the PC-TU200, the side panels of the PC-TU100 are unlatched with just a push of the release lever on the back panel. Putting the panel back on is a simple push to lock the anchoring pins back into their sockets.

The front panel contains the dual LED illuminated power button that glows blue when on and purple when loading. The I/O panel at the bottom of the front panel contains two USB 3.0 ports and HD audio connections.

Price and Availability

The PC-TU100 will be available in silver and black at the end of June for the suggested retail price of US$109.99.

Video product tour of the PC-TU100:
http://youtu.be/4JZNvsG9_-8

PC-TU100 product information and detailed specifications:
http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=645&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=138&g=f

Wargaming Opens PO in Tokyo

2013/05/29

Jerry Paxton

Industry News, News

May 29, 2013 — Wargaming, the leading free-to-play massively multiplayer online developer and publisher, today announced its further global expansion with the opening of its newest publishing office in Tokyo, Japan. The Tokyo office marks the company’s 15^th office around the world, made even more special by the fact that this year the company is celebrating its 15^th anniversary.

The newly opened office will focus on publishing duties, including marketing, public relations, customer service, and customer support for World of Tanks as that title rolls out in Japan.

“As Wargaming continues its global expansion, there’s no possible way we can ignore the importance of the Japanese market,” said Victor Kislyi, CEO of Wargaming. “Besides being one of the major video games markets in the world, it’s also a place where free-to-play gaming is growing by leaps and bounds.”

“We’ll be staffing our new Tokyo office with the best and brightest from the country, all with the goal of providing our players there with an incomparable customer experience,” added Kislyi.

“Being part of the Wargaming family, as they continue their dominance of the free-to-play market, is truly exciting,” said Yasuhiro Kawashima, General Manager of Wargaming Japan. “We look forward to helping expand Wargaming’s presence in Japan now and in the future.”

In the wake of today’s announcement, Wargaming Japan is welcoming skilled professionals from around the globe to join its team.

The Elder Scrolls Online Pre-E3 Hands-On

2013/05/28

Jerry Paxton

E3, News, Previews, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News, Windows PC Preview

A few weeks prior to the 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo, I was invited to join other journalists at a swanky Santa Monica hotel to preview Bethesda’s upcoming The Elder Scrolls Online (as well as some other titles, but those will be written up in separate articles). I entered a darkened suite at the Loews hotel where the game was being demoed and sat down at one of the game stations. A developer came over, sat down next to me, and walked me through the character creation process they had available to us. I was impressed with just how much customization a character can have – especially with the game being a full-on MMORPG. You can customize just about any part of your character’s body in some way or another. If all goes to plan, this should mean that you will be hard-pressed to find someone else in Tamriel (the fictional continent on which the game takes place) that looks exactly like you.

After customizing my character’s physical attributes, I was able to select a race and class. It is interesting to note that there are only three classes in the game – and these classes just control which basic skills and abilities you start with. Players can choose the Templar (a paladin type), Dragon Knight (a warrior type), or a Sorcerer (a mage type). Additionally, race selection is mostly about aligning your character with one of the three in-game factions (all are at war with one another): The Aldmeri Dominion, Daggerfall Covenant, and Ebonheart Pact. This will, of course, matter greatly when faction vs faction combat breaks out. If you have friends that you do not wish to fight against, make sure you all choose races in the same one!

My Dragon Knight had a very cool fiery blade ability which caused some additional damage to enemies when hit. Combat is handled in more of an action-MMORPG fashion, as players can left-click to attack and right-click to block or parry. Additionally, skills and powers can be used with numeric keys. The combat system reminded me a lot of Perfect World’s new MMO, Neverwinter, set inthe D&D universe. One aspect of The Elder Scrolls Online which I hope does not become too repetitive is that of its quests.

While I found quite a few that were interesting and story-based, some turned out to be your standard, run-of-the-mill “fetch” quests in disguise. My hope is that the reason for this was that I only played for about an hour and barely scratched the surface of the game world. Getting better with a particular weapon is nicely implemented as you simply have to use it to increase effectiveness with it. I love that part of this game – anyone can use anything they like. Just like in real life, however, they suck at using it initially.

I was impressed with a lot of the voice over work when NPCs would interact with my character. On a lighter note, some of the NPCs were being temporarily voiced with “robo-voice”, in which the game uses a text to speech synthesizer in lieu of a real person. I was scratching my head when one NPC told me of her daughter’s grizzly death with no feeling whatsoever – completely monotone. I had assumed that perhaps the NPC was just in shock – apparently, it was the robo-voice at work! 🙂

I was concerned that, being an MMORPG, the game would lose some of the elements that made its single player RPG counterparts so engrossing and, to some degree, it seems to have. Of course, this is unavoidable as they are two completely different gameplay experiences. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the game was still chock full of lore books to read and makes several references to fables in the history of the game world – many of which will be familiar to Elder Scrolls veterans. It is striving to strike a balance between the games – something that will appeal to both casual players coming over from a game like WoW or perhaps never having played an MMO before, as well as those of us who have been playing Elder Scrolls games since Arena!

How successful it is in doing so – I can’t entirely say yet because, for one thing, I only played it an hour and, secondly, the game is still in closed beta testing and subject to change. My hope is that the game will meet its aims of bridging the divide so that everyone is happy. Maybe that’s simply my optimism typing… I will say that, after killing some Spriggans and looting their taproots, I was fondly reminded of when I did the same thing the previous day in another play-through of Skyrim!

As far as micro-transactions are concerned, no one I would ask about it would give me a straight answer, although from some of the expressions I saw, I get the feeling that they are a possibility in some form or another.

I do know, however, that the Zenimax Online team working on TESO is fervently in love with their in-development creation and I have a lot of faith that they are doing their absolute best. Overall, I am looking forward at seeing more of The Elder Scrolls Online – both on the E3 show floor (in just 13 days from now) as well as whenever the game makes it into open beta testing.

Event Press Kit Screenshots

Spike TV The Official Broadcast Partner for E3 2013

2013/05/28

Jerry Paxton

E3, Geek News, News

New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA – May 28, 2013 – Spike TV has been named the official broadcaster for the biggest event in video games, the 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo. The network, coming off its exclusive television broadcast of the Xbox One reveal, will once again be the home for all things gaming. Fans will be treated to LIVE multi-platform coverage of all the action taking place at E3.

Spike TV’s “E3 All Access Live” (#GTE3) will provide viewers with nearly 20 hours of LIVE coverage over two days, including exclusive television broadcast access to the highly-anticipated XBOX: A New Generation of Games and Entertainment and EA media showcase (#EAE3) featuring ground-breaking news, gaming trailers and demos starting on Monday, June 10. This is the fourth year in a row Spike TV will be exclusively airing the Xbox media briefing on television and the third year in a row it will be exclusively airing the EA media showcase.

“This is the E3 we’ve been waiting for,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports and Multi-platform Programming, Spike TV. “After years of anticipation, E3 2013 will showcase the next generation of technology that will change the entertainment landscape. As the official broadcaster of E3, we’re excited that Spike will be the destination to see it all first.”

Considered to be the ultimate event in the video game industry, the 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo runs June 11-13, 2013 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. “E3 All Access Live” will kick-off its multi-platform coverage on Spike TV, in HD, from Los Angeles one day before the event is open to the public on Monday, June 10 (Noon-5:30pm ET/ 9:00am-2:30pm PT) and continue at 5:30-11:00pm ET / 2:30-8:00pm PT. Spike.com will stream five more live hours on Tuesday, June 11 (Noon-5:00pm ET/ 9:00am-2:00pm PT). The live special will also be supported through additional digital pre and post shows as well as through online simulcasts.

The on-air sponsors of Spike TV’s “E3 All Access Live” are Hyundai Motor America and Pizza Hut, and Capcom’s Remember Me will serve as the show’s digital sponsor.

“E3 All Access Live” will be supported on Spike TV through “GTTV with Geoff Keighley,” “All Access Weekly” and “Playbook 360;” online on Spike.com and GameTrailers.com; socially through its Facebook and Twitter feed @SpikeTV and through mobile phones and tablets including iPhone, iPad and Android devices, as well as on the big screens in New York City’s Times Square.

Spike’s E3 expert team include “GTTV” hosts Geoff Keighley, Amanda Mackay, Daniel Kayser, and Katie Linendoll, host of the network’s tech-centric show, “All Access Weekly.”

The “E3 All Access Live” team will broadcast from its own E3 studio overlooking the Los Angeles Convention Center and will feature the industry’s top press conference events, breaking gaming news and announcements, never-before-seen trailers and gameplay footage, exclusive interviews with the biggest names in gaming and entertainment and much more to be announced in the next coming weeks.

Gil Colon, Kevin Kay, Geoff Keighley, Jaimee Kosanke and Jon Slusser serve as Executive Producers for “Spike Presents 2012 E3 All Access Live.”

Hyperkin Announces E3 2013 Plans

2013/05/28

Jerry Paxton

E3, News, Peripherals News

EL MONTE, CA (MAY 2013) – Hyperkin will be an exhibitor at the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the premier trade show for the video game industry, taking place on June 11-13, 2013 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Hyperkin will be in South Hall, Booth #417. Hyperkin is honored to be among the biggest names in video games and looks forward to giving attendees an exclusive first look into their latest products.

Hyperkin will be featuring the highly anticipated RetroN 5, a retro console with modern amenities that allows gamers to play their favorite classic cartridges in full HD via a HDMI output. With cartridge slots for the NES, SNES, Famicom, Genesis, Game Boy Advance, the RetroN 5 is also compatible with Super Famicom, Mega Drive, Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, as well as having full compatibility with both PAL and NTSC games.

Also being shown will be the ComRad Gaming Audio Helmet, a replica military helmet designed to play both game and chat sounds with an attached microphone. Hyperkin has acquired a license with Oculus VR to create and develop new peripherals for the Oculus Rift, with the ComRad Gaming Audio Helmet as one of the first peripherals designed to work with the Oculus Rift.

“As the gaming industry is evolving, so is Hyperkin.” said Steven Mar, Hyperkin’s Executive Director, “This year’s E3 is a very exciting and bold step for Hyperkin, as we have put our full efforts into creating products that only exist in people’s imaginations.”

Hyperkin hopes to see all of its industry partners at E3 2013.

Hellraid Q&A and Screenshots

2013/05/28

Jerry Paxton

News, PlayStation 3 News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News

Techland has released a Q&A for their upcoming co-op slasher, Hellraid, as well as some new gameplay screenshots.

What is Hellraid?

We’re calling Hellraid a first-person co-op slasher. We invented this genre to capture the idea behind our game, which blends elements of classic hack & slash titles with a more advanced combat system based on timing and precision, RPG’s, shooters and multiplayer games into one unique experience seen in very immersive, first-person perspective.

Will gamers experience Hellraid only in co-op? What is the main difference between playing solo and in co-op?

Hellraid can be experienced both in single-player and in co-operation. While playing solo you explore the world, complete quests, gather loot and develop your character. In co-operation tension rises when you struggle to achieve mission goals while competing with your friends for points granted for each kill, team-plays and automatically generated challenges throughout the game.

What does the gameplay in Hellraid look like?

In Hellraid you travel between levels using a web of magic portals. Each level can be played an unlimited number of times to complete the story campaign, side quests and to defeat forces of evil with friends while competing for experience, points, rewards and places on leaderboards. During the game players can use a variety of melee, ranged and magical weapons. Combat is expanded with a set of unique active skills for each character class which gives the team additional tactical capabilities while searching for treasure, completing objectives, avoiding deadly traps, fighting the hordes of enemies and boss battles.

Will gamers be able to develop their characters, or customize the weapons and armor?

Each of the four character classes available in Hellraid (Warrior, Mage, Paladin and Rogue) will have their own skill tree that can be developed during the game. Along with that players can customize their weapons using an advanced crafting system or change their combat capabilities and appearance with armor that can be bought in shops, traded between the players or found during the game.

Who or what is Game Master?

Game Master is a complex system inspired by pen and paper role-playing games that makes each play through of Hellraid a different, completely new experience. In co-operation mode, Game Master carefully selects competitive challenges for players and awards the best ones at the end of each level. It changes where and how you and your friends complete quests, placement, numbers and types of enemies you encounter as well as deploying treasure chests and loot.

Will Game Master work in single-player as well?

Yes, Game Master will alter the experience in single-player the same way it does in co-op but without the competitive challenges which are unique for playing with your friends.

How long is Hellraid and when it will be released?

Thanks to Game Master and the varied experiences that it provides, Hellraid will give players hundreds of hours of pure fun. The game will be released in 2013 for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

For more information about the game visit www.hellraid.com

Screenshots

Mionix Unveils AVIOR 8200 Gaming Mouse

2013/05/28

Jerry Paxton

News, Peripherals News

Vaxjo, Sweden – May 28th, 2013 – Mionix, the Swedish manufacturer of professional high-end gaming accessories today unveiled the new AVIOR 8200 high performance ambidextrous gaming mouse.

“We developed the AVIOR 8200 to offer maximum customization and engineered with the best technology. Whether you are right or left handed. Use a claw or palm grip we have created the most ergonomic ambidextrous mouse on the market, suitable for any gamer.” says Peter Nygren, CEO at Mionix.

The AVIOR 8200 is a sleek rubberized 9 button ambidextrous mouse. The unique designed shape of the mouse allows for right or left-handed use, with either a full palm or claw grip. The 32-bit ARM Processor, the 8200 DPI laser sensor and the other high-end components, will ensure great power, accuracy and durability. Together with the software this provides access to customize the buttons, sensor, LED colors, advanced macros and profiles. While gaming you will feel the smooth, responsive and accurate quality of the AVIOR 8200.

Features

Ambidextrous design
Supported shape for use by both right and left handed gamers.
Palm or Claw grip
Suited to both Claw and Palm grip
Maximum grip
4 layers of rubber coating ensure a maximum grip and soft touch feel.
Lightning fast processor
The 32bit ARM Processor running at 72Mhz is the powerful engine to power it all.
8200 DPI laser sensor
Remarkable tracking performance built for gaming.
128kb built-in memory
Bring your settings and recorded macros with you stored into one of 5 profiles.
Customizable LED lighting system
Personalize your mouse with up to.16.8 Million color options.
Stunning Lighting effects
Solid, Blinking, Pulsating and Breathing effects running single color or color shift.
S.Q.A.T™ – Surface Quality Analyzer Tool
Surface Quality Analyzer Tool measures tracking quality of your gaming surface.
In-game 3 step DPI adjustment
Set 3 DPI values and switch easily between them in-game.
9 fully programmable buttons
The buttons can be assigned to any key, mouse command or macro.
In-game profile switch
Switch easily between stored profiles in-game.
Adjustable polling rate
Tune it all the way up to 1000Hz and up to 1ms response time

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

Mionix™ AVIOR 8200 will be available worldwide to pre-order today and delivery in June 2013

Suggested retail price: $89.99 / €89.99 / £79.99 / 799 SEK

Tecmo Koei E3 2013 Games Line Up

2013/05/28

Jerry Paxton

E3, News, PlayStation 3 News, PS Vita News, Xbox 360 News

BURLINGAME, Calif., May 28, 2013 – TECMO KOEI America, a leading global publisher of interactive games, today announced its Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2013 lineup of titles. The artistic collaboration project of “cyber ninja zombie slashing” between renowned developers Team NINJA and comcept’s Keiji Inafune, YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z, will be on-hand and playable as the centerpiece of a diverse lineup of titles across multiple platforms. In addition, TECMO KOEI fan favorite franchises DEAD OR ALIVE and DYNASTY WARRIORS make their triumphant return alongside exciting new properties. The TECMO KOEI booth is located in the West Hall, Booth #4700.

TECMO KOEI America also confirmed today that DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE will be available in stores and online retailers on September 3, 2013. Returning with a stunning amount of new fighters, stages, and integrated DOA5 Plus features, the widely recognized series continues to excite fans by building on the legacy that established the series as a true core fighter.

“With a strong portfolio of both signature franchises and original IPs, TECMO KOEI America continues its tradition of bringing a stellar lineup to gaming fans,” said Amos Ip, SVP and General Manager of TECMO KOEI America. “This year’s E3 will emphasize our commitment to push our signature properties to their limits through creative collaborations and innovative ideas that extend a core experience. In doing so, we will provide gamers with a host of unforgettable action packed gaming experiences.”

The following list of games is scheduled to be on display from TECMO KOEI America:

YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z

[PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® / Early 2014]

In YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z, players will battle fierce zombies as Yaiba, a cyborg ninja who will do anything to get revenge and stay alive. Cleaved in two, he is brought back to life with cyber-technology. Brandishing his ninja sword and the mecha weapons in his cyborg arm, he slaughters zombies with brutal, over-the-top abandon. Step into a stylized living comic book where stunning graphics depict a world gone mad. Hordes of undead can only be stopped by Yaiba’s willingness to use any means necessary to get the job done. Will he kill by turning his cyborg arm into a razor chainsaw for slicing up undead—or just rip off an opponent’s arms to use as zombie nunchucks? Both possibilities fill Yaiba’s heart with twisted laughter in this upcoming collaboration between famed developers Team NINJA and comcept’s Keiji Inafune.

DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE

[PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® / September 3, 2013]

DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE heightens the signature DOA fighting style with the inclusion of new modes from DOA5 Plus, dynamic new stages, and deadly new fighters to deliver the ultimate in fighting entertainment. Players will take on the roles of their favorite DEAD OR ALIVE fighters—as well as combatants new to the franchise—in an intense, action-packed brawler set in visually striking locations from around the world. The famed DOA hand-to-hand combat is enhanced with new content that extends the experience. Along with a rich array of single-player modes including story mode, DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE offers online options with arcade-style matches, tournaments, and social features making it the most definitive DEAD OR ALIVE experience to date.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 8

[PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® / July 16, 2013]

DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 returns to the kingdoms of Wei, Wu, Shu, and Jin, through the actions of historical military and political figures of the time, as they fight to gain control over the Three Kingdoms of China. The much loved series takes one step further, merging numerous replay elements such as multi-endings and extra modes with synergies between action and game systems. With all new enhancements to Story Mode, new scenarios, new and returning characters, and more, DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 promises to offer fans the most complete Warriors experience to date. Take to the battlefield with the greatest warriors in history and carve your path to glory!

ATELIER MERURU PLUS: THE APPRENTICE OF ARLAND

[PlayStation® Vita / September 3, 2013]

ATELIER MERURU PLUS: THE APPRENTICE OF ARLAND is the next installment in the popular series from famed developer GUST. ATELIER MERURU PLUS adds new elements of land development to the RPG and simulation game system, providing additional depth and gameplay in this anime-style adventure. In addition, extra content and features are packed in including new costumes, new endings, and all the DLC from the PS3™ version. Fans will have an opportunity to see what unfolds in this third and final game in the Arland series.

TOUKIDEN

[PlayStation® Vita / Q4 2013]

TOUKIDEN takes Tecmo Koei’s expertise in historically themed games to an expansive fantasy world influenced by historical and traditional Japanese elements. Developed by the same studio that created the famed Dynasty Warriors series, this all-new franchise casts players in the role of a demon-fighting Slayer. Starting from the Utakata Village headquarters where they will accept quests, players will venture out to battle monstrous and deadly Oni (demons) before they destroy all of humanity.

In addition to hands-on demos with select titles, key members from Team NINJA and other TECMO KOEI divisions will be on hand and accessible for scheduled media appointments.

For more news about Team NINJA, visit http://teamninja-studio.com, and don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/teamninjastudio and follow us on Twitter @TeamNINJAStudio.

Mad Catz Working on Xbox One Accessories

2013/05/28

Jerry Paxton

News, Xbox One News

San Diego – May 28, 2013 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT: MCZ) announced today that it has started working with Microsoft Corporation on the development of next generation accessories for the Xbox One.

“We are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming launch of the Xbox One and excited about the opportunity to develop a range of innovative products to support the platform.” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “The launch of the Xbox One adds a new revenue stream and the enhanced performance of the Xbox One opens up additional scope for innovation. Today’s announcement demonstrates our continued support of Microsoft’s console and entertainment business and is part of our long-term strategy to bring innovative products to passionate gamers.”

The Xbox One home entertainment system from Microsoft is expected to launch this holiday.