Author - Jerry Paxton

SteelSeries Announces Compatibility Between Arctis 3 Headset and Nintendo Switch

2017/03/01
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, Tech News

CHICAGO – March 1, 2017 – SteelSeries, the fastest growing major PC gaming headset brand in the US*, announces compatibility between the Arctis 3 gaming headset and the highly-anticipated gaming console, the Nintendo SwitchTM. Using the Switch’s headphone jack, the Arctis 3 headset brings the same high-quality audio performance gamers have come to expect from the Arctis line with a style anyone would be comfortable wearing while playing on-the-go.

“Arctis 3 is the best headset for everywhere you game, which makes it perfectly suited for the Nintendo Switch” said Ehtisham Rabbani, SteelSeries CEO. “We designed Arctis 3 with the industry’s best audio drivers, our exclusive athletics-inspired ski goggle suspension headband and AirWeave ear cushions, for performance and comfort at an accessible price for gaming on all-platforms.”

With the Arctis 3, SteelSeries shattered preconceived notions of what a gaming headset should sound, feel and look like. Arctis represents design-forward thinking and the best audio choice for all-platform gaming.  In addition to compatibility with the Nintendo Switch, the analog wired headset is fully compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, VR and mobile devices.

The Arctis 3 gaming headset is now available at Best Buy, Amazon and SteelSeries.com for $79.99. For more details about the Arctis or SteelSeries’ entire selection of gaming peripherals, visit http://steelseri.es/arctis.

Celebrate Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s 20th with New Merchandise from FOX Consumer Products

2017/03/01
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News

Los Angeles, CA (March 1, 2017) – The genre-busting cult classic from Joss Whedon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer turns 20 years old on March 10, 2017!  To celebrate Buffy Summers, the Scoobies and all the monsters that go bump in the night, 20th Century Fox Consumer Products announces exciting product launches – from board games to new books to fashion accessories to apparel — and multiple fan-focused activities including a “Sunnydale High Yearbook Contest” offering a trip to 2017 San Diego Comic Con.

Plus, on the anniversary, fans can tune-in to relive the two-part premiere episode on Pop (to find your channel go to Poptv.com) on March 10th at 9 AM ET/PT.

New Buffy Merchandise

Fox Consumer Products announces a wide-range of key licensing partners including Dark Horse, Simon & Schuster, Insight Editions, Hot Topic, Harper Design, AC/DC Apparel, Jasco, Upper Deck, Ripple Junction, and more to showcase everything from unique Buffy apparel and accessories to board games to brand new books and comics.

In addition, BoxLunch, a pop culture gift and novelty gift store with a cause, has partnered with 20th Century Fox Consumer Products to mark next week’s 20th Anniversary of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with an exclusive promotion across all their U.S. retail locations and online website. While simultaneously helping to provide meals to those in need, BoxLunch celebrates the beloved series with an assortment of products that include never-before-seen themed apparel, accessories, jewelry, and books. The merchandise will hit shelves and BoxLunch.com on March 10, 2017 and to fulfill their charitable mission, for every $10 spent in-store or online, BoxLunch helps to provide a meal to a person in need via their philanthropic partner Feeding America.

Online Initiatives to Celebrate Anniversary

On March 10th the Sunnydale High Yearbook Contest launches across the United States. With a prize of a trip to San Diego Comic Con fans will be rewarded for uploading their high school class photos — and providing their best Buffy caption in the form of a “senior quote”. Participants will be able to share their submissions across their Facebook and Twitter feeds. Contest details and rules will be found on BoxLunch.com

Additionally, the best-selling recent release, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Adult Coloring Book, is the inspiration for “drawing in” fans eager to wish ‘Team Buffy’ a Happy Anniversary. On Friday, a selection of complimentary designs from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Adult Coloring Book will be unveiled on the BoxLunch & official Buffy Facebook pages, allowing Buffy enthusiasts to color and submit personal anniversary messages. Using the hashtag #BuffySlays20 fans are encouraged to share their designs and messages across social media, sending it to those responsible for the beloved series:

 

“Decades after its television debut, Buffy the Vampire Slayer continues to stake its ground in pop culture,” said Jim Fielding, President of Consumer Products and Innovation at 20th Century Fox Consumer Products. “As one of the studio’s most memorable programs, we are thrilled to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary alongside the devoted Buffy fan community.”

Releasing throughout the anniversary year, Fox Consumer Products reveals a wide-range of licensing partners. Highlights below and selection of downloadable images here.

  • From Jasco, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Board Game where players must help Buffy The Vampire Slayer protect Sunnydale from the forces of evil in this fully cooperative board game. (Available Now)
  • Hot Topic, the retail destination for music and pop culture-inspired clothes and accessories, plus fashion apparel for girls and guys, is celebrating 20 years of slaying with AC/DC Apparel.  Together they are unveiling a unique fashion collection available exclusively on Hottopic.com this summer.  The collection will celebrate the style of beloved Buffy characters, including Willow’s iconic 90s sweater, and a long trench coat inspired by Buffy Summers herself, as well as tops featuring iconic lines from the series.
  • The team of imaginative pop culture fanatics at Ripple Junction have locked themselves in the library and studied up on the last 20 years of fandom celebrating Buffy.  Ripple Junction has developed a full line of tees for young men and women available at major retail outlets, as well as ripplejunction.com and Amazon.com (Available Now).
  • Longtime publishing partners, Dark Horse and Simon & Schuster plan new books and comics that will release during the anniversary year, with highlights that include:

o   Buffy the Vampire Slayer Adult Coloring Book (Dark Horse/Available Now) – your favorite characters and moments from the Buffy television series are all represented in this engrossing adult coloring book.

o   Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 11  & Angel Season 11 Comic Series (Dark Horse /Available Now)

o   Buffy: The High School Years – Parental Parasites (Dark Horse/June 2017)

o   Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Omnibus Season 8 Vol 1 (Dark Horse/September 2017)

o   Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Big Bads & Monsters Adult Coloring Book (Available for Pre-Order/Releasing Fall 2017)

o   Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Watcher’s Guide 20th Anniversary Edition (S&S/October 2017) Just in time for the show’s twentieth anniversary, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Watcher’s Guides have been compiled into one hardcover collector’s edition for the first time! Inside, you’ll find all the best content from Volumes 1–3 of the original Watcher’s Guides, as well as exclusive new content, including never-before-seen interviews with the cast and crew.

  • Insight Editionsand Harper Design will release several books and novelty items in celebration of the anniversary, including:

o   Buffy the Vampire Slayer Encyclopedia: The Ultimate Guide to the Buffyverse (Harper Design/September 2017) is a lavishly produced and written book by Buffy experts and is the authoritative source for fans, allowing them to indulge in the intricacies and nuances of the series as never before.  This authorized companion is a must-have for all Buffy enthusiasts as this full-color A-to-Z encyclopedia catalogs, explains, and cross-reference every detail of the Buffyverse, from characters, locations, and weapons to episodes, demons, and recurring gags.

o   Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Official Grimoire (Insight Editions/October 2017) is the first and only truly comprehensive collection of every magical moment from all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, humorously narrated by beloved resident witch Willow Rosenberg. Completely illustrated and annotated by the rest of the gang, this book of spells is a unique keepsake for fans of the Buffy-verse and an incredible celebration of the show’s 20-year legacy.

o   Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Definitive Visual Handbook (Insight Editions/October 2017) is a one-of-a-kind infographic guide to all things Buffy, blending striking illustrations with a bounty of facts and stats that shed light on just about every aspect of the show. Full of fun insights and surprising details about the lore, characters, quips, and most legendary episodes, battles, and villains, this refreshing take on the Buffy-verse will delight fans old and new.

o   Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Vampyr Stationery Set (Insight Editions/August 2017) includes a 192-page blank pocket journal, 20 blank notecards featuring iconic Buffy quotes, envelopes, and 20 Hellmouth sticker seals. Enclosed in a keepsake box designed to look like it came from Giles’ library, this special stationery set allows fans to share the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with their fellow Scoobies.

o   Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Vampyr Hardcover Ruled Journal (Insight Editions/August 2017) includes a section of text adapted from the original Slayer Handbook before giving way to blank ruled pages. Atmospheric, engrossing, and designed with a dynamic in-universe aesthetic, this blank ruled journal invites readers to add their own story to the legacy of the Slayer.

o   Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Sunnydale High Hardcover Ruled Journal (Insight Editions/August 2017) is a finely crafted writing journal that includes a ribbon bookmark, elastic closure, inside back pocket for storage, and beautiful leatherette cover featuring the iconic emblem of Sunnydale High.

  • From Upper Deck, Legendary: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Deck Building Game for 1-5 players.  Slayers must work together to recruit powerful heroes, build their decks and take down the Big Bad once and for all.  (Available August 2017)
  • At the core of SG@NYC there’s isn’t a Hellmouth. There is a dedicated team of people who truly believe fashion is about design; but not just design you have to add the team, the suppliers, the designers and of course the fans!  SG@NYC is creating a jewelry and accessory line for the celebration of the 20 years Buffy Summers has been slaying! (Available Soon)
  • Surreal Entertainment has answered the Calling to provide only the most iconic and unique Buffy must haves, essential for any true Slayer. With a full line of drinkware, desktop accessories, fleece blankets, and much more, any nearby force of darkness would be a fool to cross your path…except to compliment you on your cool gear! Check out your local retailers and get prepared…for battle orcomplete Buffy fandom! (May 2017)

NieR: Automata 27 Minutes of Gameplay

2017/03/01
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

LOS ANGELES (Mar. 1, 2017) – To help players get ready for the upcoming release of NieR: Automata™, SQUARE ENIX® released a new video that showcases various role playing game (RPG) elements. Titled “Exploring Earth’s Distant Future – 30 Minutes of Uninterrupted Gameplay,” the video highlights several gameplay systems, skills and features that provide depth to the game’s fast-paced action.

Showcased elements include:

  • “Reliquary” System – Players can return to where their characters were defeated to gain additional buffs, or even gain an ally to assist in their battle against the fearsome machines.
  • 17 Different Pod Skills – Using “Pods,” your mini-robot companions, players can not only temporarily hover or be thrown distances to access additional areas, but each Pod can be programmed with a variety of offensive and defense skills, including lasers, hammers, and more. By using up to three Pods at the same time, players can also charge their skills to make them up to three times stronger.
  • “Plug-in-Chip” System – By installing chips into your android body, players can increase damage and add skills to help survive against enemies.
  • Riding System – Players can ride boars and other wildlife for quicker travel, while also using them to attack.
  • Quest Hub – As players immerse themselves in the desolate world, they can take on a variety of sub-quests from multiple Quest Hubs scattered throughout.
  • Fishing Minigame – Players can catch a variety of fish through this mini-game to sell or gain temporary beneficial status effect.

The new extended video is available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/nsvI8ND4D98.*

NieR: Automata, developed by SQUARE ENIX and PlatinumGames Inc., will release in North America on March 7 for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and for Steam® in 2017. Players can download a free demo for the PlayStation®4 system from the PlayStation®Store at: http://bit.ly/NieRDemo.

Paradox and Eugen Team Up for Steel Division: Normandy 44

2017/03/01
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

STOCKHOLM – March 1st, 2017 — Paradox Interactive, a publisher on the front line of gaming, today announced that it has partnered with Eugen Systems, a renowned developer of games such as the Wargame-series and R.U.S.E., to release Steel Division: Normandy 44, a new tactical real-time strategy game for Windows PCs.

Steel Division: Normandy 44 is a game that puts players in command of historically accurate tanks, troops, and vehicles at the height of World War II, and will feature a single-player campaign alongside online multiplayer modes, up to and including 10-versus-10 battles. The game will be available later this year.

Steel Division: Normandy 44 features thorough attention to historical detail, from the carefully rendered tanks to the in-game maps – based on actual aerial reconnaissance photos of Normandy in 1944. The game runs on the latest version Eugen’s IRISZOOM engine, allowing players to zoom from an aerial, battle-wide perspective all the way down to a single unit, and keep track of the dynamic front line as they plan and execute maneuvers, ambushes, and more. From creating a battlegroup of historically accurate infantry, tanks, and vehicles, to troop positioning and real-time engagement with the enemy, players will need to be clever and cunning in order to win; raw firepower alone will not be enough.

“Few developers appreciate strategy and history as much as Eugen Systems, and that’s what makes this partnership so ideal,” said Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox Interactive. “The level of detail they’ve included in Steel Division is impressive, and I know it will meet the high standards that Paradox fans have when it comes to their historical games.”

Steel Division: Normandy 44 will feature: 

  • Command Over 400 Historically Accurate Units: Whether fighting for control in intense multiplayer battles with up to 10-vs-10 players going head-to-head, playing alone or working with friends in ranked matches, players will need to coordinate their selection of historically accurate infantry, tanks, aircraft, and support vehicles to counter enemy units in this Tactical RTS game.
  • Real-world Tactics: Battles rage over three distinct phases, where different units unlock over time, mimicking the movements of real-world armies and adding variety to the ever-changing theatre of war. A dynamic front line illustrates the ebb and flow of the conflict.  Pin down your opponent’s infantry to gain the advantage and force a retreat, or push through with a perfectly executed plan.
  • Real-world Setting: Using the latest version of Eugen’s IRISZOOM engine, players can smoothly zoom from a tactical aerial view all the way down to a single unit, and see 400 different real-world vehicles and units designed with careful historical detail and accuracy. Maps are designed based on actual aerial reconnaissance photos of Normandy in 1944, requiring real-world tactics and strategies to cover and control.
  • Outplan, Outsmart, Outgun: From battlegroup customization to troop positioning and maneuvering, winning battles requires cunning and strategy, not just raw firepower. Each unit lost presents a growing tactical disadvantage, and players will need to fight to gain — and keep — the upper hand.

For more information on Steel Division: Normandy 44, visit steeldivisiongame.com.

Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War III Environment Showcase Trailer

2017/03/01
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

March 1, 2017 – As we gear up towards the release of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III, SEGA Europe Ltd. and Relic Entertainment invite you to experience a few of the mysterious locations that players will visit in the highly anticipated third installment of the RTS franchise.

Over the course of development, the Dawn of War team has focused on creating massive landscapes – not just to accommodate the huge scale of battle, but to elevate gameplay with destructible features, strategic depth, and nods to the rich 40K universe.

In this Environment Showcase trailer, Art Director Matt Kuzminski and Lead Environment Artist Tristan Brett speak to the inspiration and design process behind these spectacular, deadly worlds that will form the foundation of Dawn of War III, and act as a canvas for a new era of endless war.

These environments include:

  • Cyprus Ultima: Filled with details and history, Cyprus Ultima has a medieval style that expresses the war-ravaged way of life for people in the 41st millennium
  • Cage World: A true alien environment, Cage World’s ever-evolving landscape means the ground can literally shift beneath your feet, so you can never be sure where the battle will take you
  • Starfort: With massive structures towering over each battlefield, the scale of the weaponry on display in this gothic battle station is the ultimate in Imperium technology
  • Acheron: From first glance, where waves of lava clash against mountains of snow and ice, it’s clear that the elements aren’t all that’s at war on Acheron. Home to nothing but violence, the beautiful glaciers serve as frozen tombs for the battles of the past, and as the stage for some of the largest battles you’ll face in Dawn of War III

To learn more about the worlds and characters in Dawn of War III, and to keep up with future updates, be sure to heard to DawnOfWar.com, and follow Dawn of War on social media.

Torment: Tides of Numenera Launch Trailer

2017/02/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Wroclaw, Poland – February 28, 2017 – inXile Entertainment and Techland Publishing are excited to announce today that Torment: Tides of Numenera, the highly-anticipated and massively-crowdfunded science-fantasy RPG, has officially launched worldwide on Steam and Windows PC for $44.99, and for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system as well as Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, for MSRP $49.99. A brand-new trailer has been released today to celebrate the full debut of Torment: Tides of Numenera, introducing the game’s premise, and giving fans and prospective players alike a taste of the profound and philosophical questions invoked by the game’s themes of choice and consequence as well as death and rebirth.

Developed by the creators of the all-time classic Planescape: Torment, one of the most critically revered CRPGs in gaming history, this science-fantasy RPG explores similar deep and personal topics of abandonment, evanescence, and the legacy we all leave behind. Torment: Tides of Numenera takes place on Earth one billion years in the future, in the rich and diverse Numenera setting created by pen and paper RPG luminary, Monte Cook. Players will experience a game of intricate choices and consequences with thousands of meaningful decisions that will make every playthrough unique.

Key features of Torment: Tides of Numenera:

  • EARTH ONE BILLION YEARS IN THE FUTURE: Discover a world built on the ruins of hyper-advanced civilizations capable of tearing holes in time and space, reshaping the continents, and rekindling our dying sun – and claim their relics as your own.
  • DEATH IS NOT THE END: When you die, your mind rebuilds itself inside a psychic labyrinth. Wander its paths to unearth long-buried truths and hear stories that cannot be told by the living.
  • A GAME OF CHOICE & CONSEQUENCE: Make thousands of meaningful decisions and construct a legacy that will change the lives of untold others. Define your morality beyond mere good and evil, and write your unique story no other player can repeat.
  • HANDCRAFTED CONFLICTS: Plan your way through hand-crafted set-pieces which combine battles with environmental puzzles, social interaction, stealth, and more.

For more information on Torment: Tides of Numenera and the various editions available for purchase, please visit the official website at http://tormentgame.com/. This title has been rated “M for Mature” by the ESRB.

New Avatar Game Coming from Ubisoft’s The Division Team

2017/02/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

PARIS — February 28, 2017 — Today, Ubisoft® announced it is partnering with Lightstorm Entertainment and Fox Interactive to create a cutting-edge new game for consoles and PC set on Pandora, the beautiful and dangerous moon from James Cameron’s Avatar film franchise. Massive Entertainment, a Ubisoft studio, is leading the game’s development.

Massive is behind the creation of Tom Clancy’s The Division™, which last spring broke multiple records in the games industry, including the record for the industry’s best-selling new game franchise in an opening week. They are now working on a new AAA-project based on Avatar, the highest-grossing film of all time. Four sequels to Avatar are currently in development, and Lightstorm, Fox Interactive and Massive are working together to create a game that will continue to expand and deepen in the Avatar universe in exciting and innovative ways along with the films.

“James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment changed the way we think about immersive storytelling with the first Avatar, and the ambition that they have for the forthcoming films and this game is really inspiring,” said David Polfeldt, Managing Director, Massive. “It’s a privilege to work with them and we’re honored that they’ve entrusted us to create an experience worthy of the Avatar name.”

Cameron and Lightstorm entered this partnership after viewing an early game prototype the team at Massive created using its proprietary Snowdrop engine. Snowdrop is a tailor-made, custom game engine that enables the creation of ultra-realistic game universes, enhanced by dynamic global illumination, stunning real-time destruction and an incredible amount of detail and visual effects. It was used to develop The Division, and also is the engine behind a number of other unannounced Ubisoft projects.

“What impressed me about Massive were the group’s passion for this project and the power of its Snowdrop engine,” said Cameron. “I believe Ubisoft’s team at Massive Entertainment are absolutely the right partners to bring the beauty and danger of Pandora to life.”

For additional comments from the Massive team on the game’s development, visit https://youtu.be/RIH9CAco_F8. Massive is currently recruiting for top talent to be part of the game’s development. Open positions can be found here: http://www.massive.se/careers/.

Rabbids VR Experience Announced for Google Daydream

2017/02/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Mobile News, News

SAN FRANCISCO – February 27, 2017 – Today, Ubisoft® announced that Virtual Rabbids®: The Big Plan, the first VR Rabbids experience on mobile, will be released this spring on Daydream, Google’s platform for high quality mobile VR. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier in collaboration with Bucharest, specifically for virtual reality, the mobile game is based on the Rabbids franchise which has sold more than 14 million video games worldwide and are featured in a television show that airs in more than 110 countries.

In Virtual Rabbids, a few irreverent Rabbids have stolen and scrambled a top secret nuclear safety password. You are called upon by a classified government agency to travel through different locations in a hilarious adventure to recover the missing digits. Players will find themselves in some of the most precarious situations as they race to save the planet.

Daydream gives players the opportunity to get closer to the Rabbids than ever before. Using the headset and controller, players will be plunged into the crazy world of Rabbids which includes various worlds which are full of hidden toys and an arsenal of tools and nutty gadgets to interact with. The Daydream controller lets you interact with the virtual world in the same way you do in the real world, making the gameplay experiences richer and more immersive.

“Ubisoft is committed to exploring new technologies and platforms that deliver more immersive and interactive gaming experiences”, said Dominique Tardieu, vice president sales and marketing, Ubisoft’s mobile business. “We’re happy to bring Rabbids to Daydream as it enables us to offer players a high fidelity game in a mobile VR environment and we’re looking forward to explore the gameplay ideas and interactive opportunities on this new device for developers”.

For more information about the game, please visit www.rabbids.com

Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition Story Trailer Released

2017/02/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

February 27, 2017 – Today, People Can Fly and Gearbox Publishing are thrilled to reveal a brand-new story trailer for Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition, the upcoming remastered release and definitive experience of the action-packed, critically-acclaimed FPS. Developed by original developer People Can Fly and published worldwide by Gearbox Publishing, Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition will release on PlayStation®4, Xbox One and Windows PC via Steam on April 7, 2017.

Experience the serious side of the over-the-top shooter through an epic new story trailer, which also provides a closer look at the remastered release’s stunning hi-res overhaul.