Author - Jerry Paxton

Second Free Add-On for Endless Space Released

Haarlem, The Netherlands – November 29 2012 – Developer Amplitude Studios and publisher Iceberg Interactive have announced today the launch of the second free add-on, Echoes of the Endless, for their acclaimed 4x strategy game Endless Space.

To celebrate this free content update, Amplitude Studios is announcing several gamer-oriented events and price drops. First, the Steam free weekend runs from today November 29, until Monday, December 3; second is a special Community Event; and third is a 50% discount off the retail price. Throughout the free Steam weekend, as more unique gamers play the game, special rewards will be unlocked. There are six hidden rewards, with the final reward being the Automaton Ship Models. More information about the Community Event can be found here.

Background Story for the Echoes of the Endless add-on:
“…Like an earthquake or a tidal wave, like a birth or a blossoming, something has awakened the ancient infrastructures of the Endless. Empty planets now show signs of Endless technology, which seems to be rebooting itself in response to a strange signal that is propagating across the galaxy — a signal from the system where we last saw Jana Kryv, almost two years ago. Systems that slept for centuries are coming back on line, and many things are not what they appear to be. What we thought were rocks may be bases, what we thought were wrecks may be viable ships.

But we must walk cautiously among the relics of the Endless; though we seek to pierce their mysteries we are not yet on a level with their knowledge. We must travel farther, think harder, and work faster than ever before. It is more than our holy mission that is at risk now; it is the shape and the future of the galaxy as we know it…”

– Excerpt from a speech by Kamau Savasbat, Patriarch, A.B. 112

Features of the Echoes of the Endless add-on:

Echoes of the Endless will bring more immersion to the game through features chosen by the community via GAMES2GETHER votes. They include:

  • Exploration Rewards
  • Interactive Random Events
  • Natural and Endless Wonders
  • More life on the Galaxy Map (Comets, Black Holes, Pulsars, etc.)

This add-on will also include features to add atmosphere to the game such as:

  • Victory and Defeat End Game illustrations
  • Narrative Responses in Diplomacy
  • Five New Music Tracks

Echoes of the Endless also adds:

  • Five New Heroes
  • Sentry Mode to available fleet actions
  • Auto-Cycle button to enable the review of all fleets without orders
  • Galaxy Generation Seed Number displayed in the pause menu
  • Refactored Hero Ability Trees

The Multiplayer experience has been improved with:

  • Steam “Regional” Parameter set to “Worldwide”
  • Less game disconnections related to the Steam servers
  • Enhanced Game Lobby (shows all active games and specific version info, MODs included)

ABOUT ENDLESS SPACE:
Endless Space
, a critically acclaimed 4X turn-based strategy game covering the space colonization age, is the first game from Amplitude Studios. The player can explore an infinite number of galaxies, expand their civilization through subtle trade and diplomacy or warfare and conquest, exploit different planet types, luxuries and strategic resources and challenge up to seven opponents in online confrontations. The game has been designed — and is still being enhanced — with the participation of the community via the GAMES2GETHER process. Read more here www.endless-space.amplitude-studios.com.

ABOUT AMPLITUDE STUDIOS:
Amplitude Studios is an independent gathering of experienced video game lovers (and developers) with a single goal: create the best strategy games! Based in Paris, the studio boasts an international team that has worked all over the world. Developer credits include franchises such as Battlefield, Rayman, XIII, R.U.S.E., Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter, Call of Juarez, Might & Magic Heroes, Might & Magic Clash of Heroes, and others. Working closely for years with players to share, discuss or compare ideas, the team is bringing the idea of community one step further with GAMES2GETHER, a new way for players around the world to participate in the creation of a video game! Read more at www.amplitude-studios.com.

ABOUT ICEBERG INTERACTIVE:
Iceberg Interactive (www.iceberg-interactive.com) is an independent video game publisher founded in 2009 by an international group of games industry veterans and is located in Haarlem, The Netherlands. While keeping its roots in the European retail games market, Iceberg has rapidly increased its focus towards the global digital games market, by building strong direct relationships with dozens of Game Portals. Staffed with avid gamers, Iceberg works closely with an international assembly of game developers, both midsize and indie. With a distinct focus on the strategy, action, simulation and adventure game genres, the company has garnered attention with acclaimed releases including Killing FloorWings of Prey,APB Reloaded and Endless Space among its 50+ game arsenal – with more promising games in the pipeline.

First iPhone 5 Battery Case Revealed from iBattz

RAMSEY, NJ – November 29, 2012 – iBattz, creators of intelligent power solutions, introduces their first protective battery case for iPhone® 5 with the Mojo Hi5 Powerbank Case. The Mojo Hi5 case is a two-part protective case that features a detachable 2500mAh aluminum battery to keep users powered up on the go. The battery is thin, lightweight and complementary to the iPhone 5’s minimalistic design. In addition, it can also be used to power other USB devices.

Functionality and design were key components in the development of the Mojo Hi5. This is evident in the sleek outer case which fuses flawlessly with the slim form of the iPhone 5. The user has the option to use the battery or just protect their phone with the thin yet protective case. The 2500mAh battery effortlessly attaches to the case for charging on the go, and is removable for charging other USB enabled devices.

Included with the Mojo Hi5 Powerbank case is the 2500mAh battery, matte black and gloss white cases, USB to Micro USB charging cable, Velcro strap and a short flex USB cable for charging the iPhone 5 when connected with the Apple Lightning to micro USB adapter, available at the Apple Store and online, sold separately.

“Attention to detail is key for us at iBattz. Staying true to the sleek design of the new iPhone 5, we made sure to create a case that would perfectly complement this stunning phone,” said Richard Martin, President, iBattz North American operations. “The Mojo Hi5 provides immediate snap-on power and quick charging capability — it’s a must-have accessory for people always on-the-go.”

The Mojo Hi5 Powerbank Case is available at Amazon.com and usa.ibattz.com for a MSRP of $79.90

Frima Studio Named One of Canada’s Top 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures

QUEBEC CITY – NOV. 29, 2012 – Today Frima Studio announces they have been named among Canada’s Top 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures in the annual awards hosted by Waterstone Human Capital. Frima was given the award for being one of Canada’s most promising growth companies with a commitment to creating a positive corporate culture for its employees.

“Only a few months removed from our certification for exceptional Work-Family Balance by the Quebec Ministry of Family, this latest recognition further validates the investment we make in each of our employees,” said Steve Couture, CEO of Frima Studio. “We consistently find that building a supportive and flexible workplace leads to healthier, more productive employees that endeavor to hit our ambitious growth goals.”

Since its founding in 2003, Frima has sought to build a better business by attracting top talent from around the world with an attractive, balanced work environment. They offer each of their 360 full-time employees a wide variety of perks that encourage a healthy work-life balance such as flexible work hours and free access to public transit. Additionally, the internal Frimagination program allows any team of employees to present creative ideas for the opportunity to develop a personal project “on the clock” and entitles them to a share of the revenue if it’s commercially successful.

“We’re thrilled that Frima Studio has been named one of Canada’s 10 in the Growth and Small Cap category,” said David Kinley, the president of Waterstone Human Capital. “Our Canada’s 10 board was impressed with this submission, and with Frima’s leadership. This is an organization with a caring and strong culture, showing exceptional growth and performance. Congratulations to Frima’s leadership team and to all of its team members.”

In 2012 Frima released several original new IPs across multiple platforms including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and Facebook, while continuing their core work for some of the game and entertainment industry’s biggest brands.

DC Announces Deathstroke in INJUSTICE: Gods Among Us

November 29, 2012 – Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment unveiled Deathstroke as the latest addition to the growing cast of heroes and villains in Injustice: Gods Among Us, the upcoming DC Comics fighting game.  Known as a legendary assassin, Deathstroke utilizes a small arsenal of ranged and melee weapons to penetrate his enemies’ defenses. Accompanying this all-new character reveal are screenshots and a gameplay video showing off Deathstroke’s combat moves and weapons.

Trailer

First Screenshots from World of Warships

29 November, 2012 – Wargaming today released its first inside look into its naval MMO action game World of Warships.

The screenshots showcase top-notch rendering, including historically accurate and highly detailed models of combat vessels, impressive variety of warship types, and photo-realistic virtual environments with real-life weather effects.

Screenshots

Cool New Pacific Rim Clip Released

Here is a new teaser for the upcoming Guillermo Del Toro giant monster movie, Pacific Rim, showing the initial attack on San Francisco by what appears to be a gigantic sea monster. Pacific Rim shows off mankind’s struggle with these giants, by building huge combat robots. It is due out on July 12, 2013.

Teaser

New Dead Space 3 Screenshots

Visceral Games and Electronic Arts have sent out a plethora of screenshots today from their upcoming Dead Space 3 – enjoy!

Screenshots