Author - Jerry Paxton

Nintendo and Universal to Co-op on Game Attractions

2015/05/08

May 8th, 2015 — Looks like Nintendo and Universal Parks & Resorts have partnered up to bring attractions based on Nintendo’s video game characters and games. No specific IPs or timelines were mentioned, but it is a fair guess that we will see Mario and Luigi walking around at some point. This, according to an official Universal blog posting.

Official Blog Post

I’m thrilled to share that Nintendo and Universal Parks & Resorts today announced plans to bring the world of Nintendo to life at Universal theme parks.

Together, these two storytelling giants will create spectacular, dedicated experiences based on Nintendo’s wildly popular games, characters and worlds.

The agreement brings two icons of entertainment together and represents a significant partnership for Nintendo as it expands the reach and popularity of its characters and intellectual property.

Universal theme parks offer incredibly popular, innovative themed family entertainment experiences based on compelling stories and characters – using powerful storytelling and innovative technology. Nintendo has created remarkable and imaginative worlds filled with captivating stories and beloved characters.

Now, for the first time, those stories and characters will be brought to life in entirely new ways—only at Universal theme parks.

The immersive experiences will include major attractions at Universal’s theme parks and will feature Nintendo’s most famous characters and games.

More details will be announced in the future, as the Nintendo and Universal creative teams work to create specific concepts.

D23 EXPO 2015 Announces Hall D23 Presentations Lineup

2015/05/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

BURBANK, Calif., May 7, 2015 – D23: The Official Disney Fan Club announces the lineup of the most highly anticipated presentations at D23 EXPO 2015, August 14–16. The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will kick off the Expo on Friday, August 14. Later that same day, The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a sneak peek at all the latest from Disney Animation and Pixar. On Saturday morning, The Walt Disney Studios will preview the coming slate of live-action films from Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. Then on Saturday afternoon, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts during a presentation hosted by Parks Chairman Bob Chapek.

To showcase these Expo favorites, Disney is creating “Hall D23,” a new 7,500-seat venue located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center, so that more guests than ever can see the presentations live and in person.

The Schedule of Hall D23 Events and Presentations includes the following (times and additional announcements forthcoming; all events subject to change):

The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will take place Friday, August 14. The ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will once again honor those who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. The creativity and innovation of these visionaries and artists have earned them a place among such names as Dame Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Annette Funicello, Sir Elton John, Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Walters, and Robin Williams. At the D23 EXPO in 2013, Tony Baxter, Collin Campbell, Dick Clark, Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Jobs, Glen Keane, and Ed Wynn were inducted.

In two separate Hall D23 sessions, The Walt Disney Studios will unveil an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at its upcoming film slate. At Friday’s session, fans will go in-depth with the talented filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios to get a sneak peek at films such as Zootopia and Finding Dory. On Saturday, live-action titles such as Alice Through the Looking Glass and The Jungle Book and films from Marvel and Lucasfilm, along with some very special guests, take center stage.

On the afternoon of Saturday, August 15, join Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, for a behind-the-scenes peek at the magical experiences and entertainment coming to Disney’s parks and resorts around the world.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price for a limited time. Until June 30, 2015, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $58 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $188 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 D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

About D23 EXPO 2015

D23 EXPO—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 EXPO 2015 news, visit D23EXPO.com. To join the D23 EXPO conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 on Twitter and use #D23Expo.

Wasteland 2 Game of the Year Edition Announced with Screenshots

2015/05/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Mac PC News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

Newport Beach, CA – May 6, 2015 – inXile Entertainment recently announced the Wasteland 2 Game of the Year Edition, an enhanced and expanded update to the original game slated for late summer this year. inXile is now pleased to announce that this upcoming edition will be offered as a free upgrade to all previous crowdfunding backers and any purchasers of the original edition of Wasteland 2. This update will be released for all owners on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux platforms.

Wasteland 2 Game of the Year Edition will include a massive host of improvements for existing fans and new players to enjoy. The game will be updated to Unity 5, the latest version of the Unity game engine, and benefits from improved environment textures, character models, and Physically Based Rendering for more impressive lighting. Thousands of lines of new voice-over have also been recorded to enrich the game’s cast of original and unique characters, making this the most immersive version of the Wasteland yet.

The Game of the Year Edition update also provides major enhancements to gameplay. Players will have even more fun customizing their squad of Desert Rangers with new Perks & Quirks, which allow them to customize their squad throughout the game with unique bonuses and trade-offs. The new Precision Strike system lets players target individual body parts on enemies to inflict debilitating effects and gain the edge in combat. With overhauled game balance, item drops, and reworked combat encounters throughout the game, players will need every advantage they can get to master the dangers of the Arizona wastes.

“We wanted to re-affirm our gratitude to our backers and our dedication to RPG fans, as we have been most fortunate to return to our roots,” says Brian Fargo, CEO. “We plan to continue our proud tradition with Bard’s Tale IV, which we’ll crowdfund later this year.”

Wasteland 2 Website:
http://wasteland.inxile-entertainment.com/

Screenshots

GoG Brings Back Classic Star Trek Titles

2015/05/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

May 7, 2015 – GOG.com and Interplay Entertainment Corp., under license by CBS Consumer Products, will beam in Star Trek to DRM-free computers worldwide. In cooperation with the historic publisher, the DRM-free distributor is set to launch these iconic Star Trek games:

Star Trek: 25th Anniversary – a digital distribution premiere – $5.99
- The classic point-and-click adventure complete with voice acting, sound effects, and music from the classic TV show.
Star Trek: Judgment Rites – a digital distribution premiere – $5.99
- An all-around improved point-and-click sequel to the 25th Anniversary classic.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy – a digital distribution premiere – $5.99
- Learn the basics of piloting a starship to become a captain of your very own vessel.

“It’s Star Trek’s turn to shine on GOG.com. Our Sci-Fi fans should now be pretty much covered.” said Oleg Klapovsky, VP of Business Development, “We’re always excited for the chance to restore lost video games to modern PCs. There are very few that deserve the GOG.com treatment more than the Star Trek classics, and we’ve done everything to make sure they work flawlessly.”

GOG.com and Interplay plan to unveil additional Star Trek classics in the near future, including Digital Premieres.

Star Trek: 25th Anniversary and Star Trek: Judgment Rites: TM & © 2015 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. Software © 2015 Interplay Entertainment Corp. All Rights Reserved.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy: TM & © 2015 CBS Studios Inc. © 2015 Paramount Pictures Corporation. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. Software © 2015 Interplay Entertainment Corp. All Rights Reserved.

Miltary MOBA Victory Command Coming Soon to Steam Early Access

2015/05/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

San Francisco, CA – May 7, 2015 – Producer and publisher PlayGrid Games has teamed with globally renowned development studio Petroglyph to create Victory Command, a fast-action, military MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena). Victory Command expands the competitive battlefield beyond the standard three-lane MOBA formula with RTS (real-time strategy) controls and tactics in an open-field battle arena that gives players the chance to engage enemies with larger scale strategies such as flanking, ambushing, and trapping.

In Victory Command players simultaneously command multiple units of armoured, recon, and infantry combat units to engage in 5v5 team combat. They begin their military career with basic companies to command, and then improve their troops and arsenal by earning experience points in combat. Combining the cooperation and competition of battle arena games with the strategies and tactics of real-time strategy games, this unique Military MOBA, is full of additional ways to surprise and destroy opponents. Victory Command will be available on Steam Early Access in just a few short weeks.

Get into the action early! Gamers can now sign up for chance to enter the Closed Beta at www.victory-command.com before it opens to the public. To command a wide range of modern, upgradeable warfare vehicles and heavily equipped troops across a variety of maps to dominate friends and foes alike.

“We are big fans of MOBAs and battle arena games and we wanted to create one that features open maps and multi-unit controls. These new elements transform the experience by making the gameplay faster and adding strategic elements that bring a new level of depth and excitement to the genre,” said Chris McKibbin, co-founder, PlayGrid Games.

Victory Command Key Features:

Fast-paced 5v5 multi-player Military MOBA where each player has their own customized company and can devise and execute intricate, team-based strategies.
Multiple maps bring to life a variety of terrain which can work to your advantage or disadvantage. These features include line-of-sight, brush, heavy cover, vantage points, infantry-only paths, water features, and more.
Unique match structure and mechanics – The game’s open field battle arena allows for movement across any part of the map, – not just three lanes – providing unique match structures and play mechanics.
Each player controls a highly customizable Company of 2 to 12 units, with 15+ different types of companies, each having their own unique attributes in battle.
Every Company has a set of Commander Abilities to choose from, providing game-changing offensive and defensive actions including airstrikes, anti-weapon gas, ensnare, napalm strike, and many more.
Customizable in hundreds of ways – Players can strategically mix and match units within their company to create the tactical force that they want to bring into battle.
Play in short, frenetic matches to earn experience, improve stats, unlock new skills, and gain powerful abilities with different unit types.
Victory Command will have a stream of continuous updates with new content rolling out regularly.

To learn more about Victory Command, please visit www.victory-command.com, ‘Like’ it on Facebook, and follow on Twitter @VictoryCommand for the latest developer updates and news.

CONtv to Stream Wizard World Tennant/Piper and Amell Panels

2015/05/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos

PHILADELPHIA, May 7, 2015 — CONtv, the new digital entertainment network devoted exclusively to the fanspace, will live stream Saturday’s top Q&A panels, including the one featuring “Doctor Who” stars David Tennant and Billie Piper (10:30-11:15 a.m ET) and another starring “Arrow” headliner Stephen Amell (3:30-4:15 p.m ET) from Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia.

Fans can sign up free at http://wizd.me/TennantLive or http://wizd.me/AmellLive to view the streams at the designated times.

It marks the first time that Tennant and Piper have participated in a live streamed Q&A session; the appearance at the convention marks their first dual U.S. public signing and photo op appearance.

It is also the first time that Stephen Amell has participated in a live streamed Q&A session.

The live streams, titled “The Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey David Tennant And Billie Piper” and “Protecting Starling City with Stephen Amell,” are open to all fans who register for free at the links above.

Tennant, who starred as the “Tenth Doctor” on the long-running series “Doctor Who,” will appear at Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia on Saturday and Sunday, while Piper, who was his love “Rose Tyler,” will attend Saturday only. On site, the panel is open on site to “Doctor Who” VIP attendees only.

Stephen Amell plays the title character in the CW’s hit series Arrow, based on the famous DC Comics superhero, The Green Arrow. Amell will appear at Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia on Saturday and Sunday. The panel is open on site to all attendees, with VIP attendees receiving first entry. Seating is limited.

Battlefleet Gothic: Armada First Teaser Trailer

2015/05/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

May 7, 2015 — Battlefleet Gothic: Armada, the famous tabletop game from Games Workshop adapted into a Real-Time-Strategy video game by Tindalos Interactive, unveils today its first video teaser.

The game stages the mighty armada of the Imperial Navy’s Battlefleet Gothic against the insidious and galaxy-threatening Chaos Black Crusade of Abaddon the Despoiler in dark, deadly and intense space battles from the Warhammer 40,000 universe. This first video teaser is a prelude to intense space combat in command of huge battle cruisers – true metal behemoths – several kilometers long and armed to the teeth.

Also don’t forget to attend our presentations of the game at E3 2015 in Los Angeles. The developers will be there (Focus Home Interactive booth: West Hall #5312) to show you more about the game and unveil exclusive info

Developed on Unreal Engine 4, Battlefleet Gothic: Armada is an RTS in which the player takes command of one of these battlefleets composed of the most powerful spaceships from the Imperial, Chaos, Eldar and Ork forces, in a no-quarter given struggle for the control of the Gothic sector of space.

Battlefleet Gothic: Armada offers deep management of every ship composing the player’s fleet, both during and between battles. From the fastest frigates to the gigantic, miles-long battleships, the player will customize all aspects of his ships: weaponry, defense and support sub-systems, etc… each customization affecting the very performances of the ship and the special abilities available during battle. From battle to battle, the admirals and crew of surviving ships will gain experience and promotions, improving the battle-readiness of the ships for future, bigger and more dangerous battles.

We will unveil the game to the gaming press in more detail very soon; discover now the very first screenshots of the game, captured from a very early development version of the game.

– Watch the Teaser Trailer

– Visit the official website

Blitzkrieg 3 Steam Early Access Trailer

2015/05/06

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

May 6, 2015 – St. Petersburg – Nival officially announces that from now on Blitzkrieg 3 is available on Steam Early Access and launches a special promotion!

“I’m a big fan of RTS games” said Sergey Orlovskiy, CEO and company founder. “But good RTS games are so rare nowadays, so we had to do it by ourselves. We put all of our 18 years of experience in strategy games in Blitzkrieg 3 to make it really innovative – to re-invent the genre, and set a new height.”

Everyone who buys Blitzkrieg 3 on Steam from May 6 to 12, will also receive a digital copy of the first and second part of the Blitzkrieg Anthology as a gift from developers. Blitzkrieg Anthologies include the original games and all the official add-ons. Blitzkrieg 3 will be available on Steam Early Access in two editions – Standard and Special. A detailed description of both editions and their price can be found at the Blitzkrieg 3 Steam store page. All players who pre-ordered the game on the official website will be able to bind their activation keys to their Steam account.

Trailer

Act of Aggression Screenshots and New Website

2015/05/06

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

May 6, 2015 — Eugen Systems’ near-future real-time strategy game Act of Aggression today launches its feature-filled website, where you’ll find all the information about the game prior to its VIP beta to be announced soon. When you’re done learning about the gameplay mechanics of Act of Aggression and each of its three playable factions, take a look at the new screenshots as the US Army pit it out against the shady Cartel private organization, with the helping hand of the Chimera forces.

Soon, we’ll be showcasing the Chimera in a video dedicated to the elusive task force. Until then, here’s a brief overview of each faction in Act of Aggression.

The Cartel: stealthy operatives born out of private military contracts, with the latest prototypes. Fragile and expensive but stealthy and powerful, this secretive faction is difficult to master.
The US Army: exhausted by endless fighting across the world, are brute-force veterans; they can skill up in specific roles and improve their veterancy, but use current-generation technology.
The Chimera: a UNO funded task force designed to have a plan in mind for every situation. You can mold their units through upgrades into specific roles, or leave them as a jack-of-all-trades.

Across large, authentic maps, players will harvest resources, build bases strategically, defend them, and produce all kinds of units to match the wit of their opponent. Extend your base network with off-base refineries for harvesting resources, and protect supply networks ensuring a stable income of cash and minerals. You’ll even fight other players for occupied banks as a supplementary income, and capture crews bailing out from tanks and planes or wounded on the battlefield to take as prisoners of war.

There will be a VIP multiplayer beta for Act of Aggression in the coming weeks — otherwise, Act of Aggression launches Spring of 2015.

Screenshots

Oculus Rift Consumer Version Coming First Quarter 2016

2015/05/06

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

This news was released by Oculus earlier this morning – officially – although it appears as though it may have leaked earlier than that through various sources (way to ruin the surprise, people). The consumer version of the Oculus Rift will be appearing in the first quarter of 2016. However, no MSRP or specific technical details were revealed. Pre-orders of the consumer version of the Oculus Rift will begin later this year!

Blog Post from Oculus

Since the earliest days of the Oculus Kickstarter, the Rift has been shaped by gamers, backers, developers, and enthusiasts around the world.

Today, we’re incredibly excited to announce that the Oculus Rift will be shipping to consumers in Q1 2016, with pre-orders later this year.

This is the consumer VR we’ve all been waiting for. The Rift delivers on the dream with compelling content, a full ecosystem, and fully integrated hardware/software tech stack designed specifically for virtual reality. It’s a headset designed by a team of gamers, game developers, and industry legends to push the limits of what we believe gaming is and what it can be.

The Oculus Rift builds on the presence, immersion, and comfort of the Crescent Bay prototype with an improved tracking system that supports both seated and standing experiences, as well as updated ergonomics for a more natural fit, and a highly refined industrial design.

In the weeks ahead, we’ll be revealing the details around hardware, software, input, and many of our unannounced made-for-VR games and experiences coming to the Rift.

Next week, we’ll share more of the technical specifications here on the Oculus blog.

Virtual reality is going to transform gaming, film, entertainment, communication, and much more. If you’re interested in building a next generation VR game or application, everything you need to start developing for the Rift is available at the Oculus Developer Center (LINK:
http://developer.oculus.com).

Images