Author - Jerry Paxton

Activision Says Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is Biggest Launch of the Year

2014/11/20
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

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Santa Monica, CA – November 19, 2014 – Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), today announced that Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare is the biggest entertainment launch of the year, besting not only all other video games, but also the biggest movies, music and books launched in 2014.

“Since Activision created the Call of Duty franchise in 2003, franchise revenues have exceeded $10 billion in sales worldwide, far exceeding box office receipts for such household movie franchises as Hunger Games, Transformers, Iron Man and Avengers, combined,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard. “Advanced Warfare is the biggest entertainment launch of 2014 in terms of revenue, surpassing all movie, music and book launches this year.”

“We poured our hearts into making Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare an epic ride, and we are pleased with the performance,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO, Activision Publishing, Inc. “Sales and engagement are up through the first week compared to last year. Season Pass sales are up, as well. The game has been very positively reviewed and the response from fans has been tremendous. We believe Advanced Warfare will be the most successful game of the year and we thank our fans for making it the biggest entertainment launch of the year.”

Activision also confirmed that Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is the highest-selling digital launch in console history according to Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and internal Activision estimates

Engagement for Sledgehammer Games’ newest entry to the franchise is based on statistics from the first week after launch according to internal estimates, with gamers playing more than 370 million online matches in its first week of release, and leveling up over 200 million times in Advanced Warfare online multiplayer mode.

As a reminder, Xbox gamers who purchased a digital copy, can upgrade their Xbox 360 version to Xbox One for free, as well as PlayStation 3 players, who also purchased digitally, can upgrade to PlayStation 4 for free. This offer for full-game free upgrade within console family is limited to purchases of Xbox 360 and PS3 digital versions made by March 31, 2015, and does not apply to physical game copies. Additionally, all multiplayer stats, and all DLC purchased for in-game use, including Season Pass, transfer for free within console family, as long as players’ Xbox Gamertag or PSN ID, remains the same.

Biggest entertainment launch of the year is based on Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare retail and digital sell-through, and reported movie, music, and book gross sales, each for the first week following initial launch, according to publicly-available data, retail customer sell-through information, and internal Activision estimates.  Sales increase of Advanced Warfare versus last year is based on sell-through in week after initial launch.

The title is rated M for Mature with Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Strong Language.  For the latest intel, check out:www.callofduty.com,www.facebook.com/callofduty,www.youtube.com/callofduty or follow @CallofDuty on Twitter and Instagram.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading global producer and publisher of interactive entertainment. Activision maintains operations throughout the world. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

Thrustmaster Releases SCORE-A Android Wireless Gamepad

2014/11/20
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Peripherals News

scoreapack

New York, November 20, 2014 — Thrustmaster, with more than 20 years of gaming experience, is thrilled to offer an authentically, full-featured wireless gamepad for Android devices: Designed by gamers for gamers! The new The THRUSTMASTER SCORE-A™ WIRELESS GAMEPAD is compatible with the best Android games on the market.

Thrustmaster set itself an ambitious goal for this new product, which was to provide gamers playing on different Android platforms with the best solution that would allow them to really get the most out of their games. The THRUSTMASTER SCORE-A™ WIRELESS GAMEPAD – designed for Android smartphones and tablets, as well as Android home gateway devices (Amazon Fire TV, Samsung TV, Nexus Player, etc.) and both PC and Mac, represents the crowning achievement of that goal. Compatible with more than 200 currently available games (a list that is constantly growing), this innovative new gamepad lets its users proudly show their unique personalities as full-fledged gamers.

In order to create this amazing Android gaming solution, Thrustmaster’s development teams opted to incorporate Bluetooth® 3.0 wireless technology into the gamepad. This decision made it possible to optimize latency which is a major advantage for any gamer using this gamepad.

Close attention has been paid to the gamepad’s ergonomic design – resulting in optimum handling for all users thanks to its compact and ergonomic shape, and non-slip grips feature. The THRUSTMASTER SCORE-A™ ensures total comfort throughout the longest gaming sessions you could think of.

A real gamepad for gamers, featuring unrivalled precision:

With its 10 buttons and 4 triggers, the THRUSTMASTER SCORE-A™ WIRELESS GAMEPAD is a real gamepad designed with gamers in mind: it features an 8-way D-pad, 4 navigation buttons (Select / Start / Home / Back), plus a pairing button. Also included are 2 mini-sticks for unrivaled precision in action games – the gamepad’s lethal weapon. And with more than 50 hours of battery life via the 3 AAA batteries included with the product, you’ll never have to worry about running out of power in your gaming sessions again!

To ensure total ease-of-use for any of the gaming platforms compatible with the THRUSTMASTER SCORE-A™ WIRELESS GAMEPAD, 3 different mapping presets are available: the first is specially configured for Android smartphones and tablets, the second for PC and Mac, and the third for Android home gateway devices. Users can select their choice of preset via a switch, for the ultimate in convenience.

  • The THRUSTMASTER SCORE-A™ WIRELESS GAMEPAD is now available at a suggested retail price of$44.99.

Check out all of our products at www.thrustmaster.com.

Titanfall Deluxe Edition Revealed

2014/11/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Xbox One News

Titanfall Screen 2

November 19, 2014 — Today, Respawn Entertainment revealed the Deluxe Edition for their critically acclaimed first-person shooter Titanfall. Delivering the complete Titanfall experience, the Titanfall Deluxe Edition includes the award-winning game featuring agile pilots and massive titans battling it out in fast-paced future warfare. In addition to the base game, players will also receive all three Titanfall DLC packs including Expedition, Frontier’s Edge and IMC Rising, adding nine maps designed to allow fans to continue the fight on the edge of the frontier.

Released in March, Titanfall has quickly become the best-selling new IP for the Xbox One®, the all-in-one entertainment system from Microsoft. Since then Respawn have added a wealth of post-release content including the introduction of new game modes including co-op play, titan customization, the Black Market, ranked play and more. All this great content combined in one package means there has never been a better time to feel the rush of Titanfall and the thrill of dropping your first titan on the battlefield.

Upon its release, Titanfall seized the attention of gamers around the world with its exhilarating first-person action gameplay centered on the dynamic between elite assault pilots and agile, heavily-armored, 24-foot titans. Praised by Game Informer as “a brave new vision of the future of multiplayer games”, the action inTitanfall is rapid and varied – featuring parkour-style wall running, massive double jumps and the ability to control titans. The freedom to shift back and forth between pilot and titan allows players to change tactics on the fly, attacking or escaping depending on the situation and extending the action vertically to new heights.

The Titanfall Deluxe Edition is available now digitally for $39.99 on Origin for PC and starting November 25 digitally for $49.99 for the Xbox One. For more information on Titanfall, please visit www.titanfall.com. Join the conversation on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/titanfallgame and #Titanfall, or on Facebook® atwww.facebook.com/titanfallgame. Press assets are available at info.ea.com.

Bladestorm: Nightmare Gets Official Launch Date

2014/11/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Xbox One News

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BURLINGAME, Calif. November 19, 2014 – KOEI TECMO America today announced that the Troop Command Action title, Bladestorm: Nightmare will launch on March 3, 2015 for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. The PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system digital only version will also be available at the same time. The company also launched the official website today: koeitecmoamerica.com/bladestormnightmare.

Bladestorm: Nightmare is a strategy game where the player takes the role of a mercenary and chooses to fight either for England or for France in missions inspired by real events and battles of the era dubbed ‘the Hundred Years War’ (1337 – 1453). Revisiting one of the longest and most politically unstable periods in European history, Omega Force has developed this title in a way that allows the player to assume command of different kinds of army units and also develop their own unique character, increase their fame, gold, and army and complete various missions irrespective of sides and loyalty.

Players can chose to experience a realistic depiction of this period through the game’s normal mode or choose to explore a fictitious original narrative in ‘Nightmare’ mode. This fantastical twist diversifies the classic strategy elements of the game, and effectively splits Bladestorm: Nightmare into two actualities; ‘Bladestorm’: the historically accurate account of the 100 Years’ War, and ‘Nightmare’: a fictional  scenario that unfolds in the same world.

In ‘Nightmare’ mode, the war between England and France wages on as a mysterious horde of outlandish creatures appear to be led by a form of Joan of Arc, who has turned evil. The malevolent army is comprised of numerous types of Dragons, Giants and Demons in infinite numbers and the kingdoms of England and France must momentarily cease fire and join legions to abolish this nefarious force.

This new mode allows the player to take control of an additional 32 playable characters, based both on fictional and prominent historical figures of the time. With their assistance, the player’s character attempt to control the demonic armies, restore Joan of Arc to her former self and save the world from evil.

Bladestorm: Nightmare is published by Koei KOEI TECMO America and will be available on March 3, 2015 in North America.  The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions will be available for $59.99 and thePlayStation 3 digital only version will be available for $49.99. This title has not yet been rated by theESRB.

For more Bladestorm: Nightmare news please follow us on www.facebook.com/koeitecmous or @KoeiTecmoUS  and visit koeitecmoamerica.com/bladestormnightmare.

Guild Wars 2 PvP Updates Prior to Tournament

2014/11/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

gw-2-banner-tournamnet

Bellevue, WA  – November 19, 2014: ArenaNet, developer of the acclaimed Guild Wars franchise, today announced that it will be releasing  significant updates to player vs. player (PvP) mode in Guild Wars 2. The studio is adding and overhauling game features in the MMO that are meant to pave the way for more high-level competitive play.  That includes big upgrades to areas such as matchmaking, player ranking systems and map selection, giving players more opportunities to find level opponents and hone their skills. The updates are slated for release on December 2.

The release marks one of two major milestones in early December for ArenaNet and how it’s embracing the increasingly popular competitive play modes in Guild Wars 2. On December 5, ArenaNet and KongZhong, publisher of Guild Wars 2 in China, will host the inaugural World Tournament Series (WTS) Championships in Beijing. Top teams from North America, Europe and China will vie for $50,000 USD in prizes during the live event, which is being televised on Chinese video game network GTV and livestreamed globally on Twitch.  Fans around the world will watch the first-ever Guild Wars 2 global PvP champions crowned in the same week that they’re given better-than-ever building blocks to try their own hand at becoming high-level competitors.

One of the biggest building blocks they’ll get is an overhaul to the matchmaking algorithm. When the updates launch in December, PvP matchmaking in Guild Wars 2 will use Glicko2 ratings, a widely accepted player skill evaluation method, in addition to other factors such as player rank and team party size. The updates also introduce a dishonor system, where behavior such as quitting matches mid-stream will affect a player’s rating. With these changes affecting leaderboards, ArenaNet will launch a new Ladder Formula and conduct a test season in mid-December, an exercise that could be a step towards organized league play.  Other big changes coming with the update include new PvP modes that encourage practice skirmishes, such as an unranked “Practice” mode where players can hot-join to quickly sharpen their skills.

ArenaNet is publishing a series of blog posts starting today through the end of this week detailing each PvP update as well as outlining the upcoming Ladder Formula Test Season at www.guildwars2.com.

In today’s announcement blog post, John Corpening, Associate Game Director on Guild Wars 2 at ArenaNet, said: “We are very excited to bring you all of these updates to PvP because they further enhance the experience and commitment to competitive gaming that makes Guild Wars 2 stand out among MMOs.”

“This year we worked with our community to bring you the ‘Tournament of Legends’ as a path to Legendary weapons, the ‘Tournament of Glory’ to earn unique skins through skill based play in PvP, the ESL GO4 tournaments where players can earn weekly cash prizes and an even bigger monthly cash prizes, and the World Tournament Series, where the very best players of each region can become legends on the international stage,” Corpening continued.

Announced in August of this year, the WTS is the first cash-prize tournament for Guild Wars 2, with $150,000 at stake over the course of three championship tournaments planned for 2014-2015 in China, North America and Europe.  The event in Beijing represents the first championships and is the culmination of months of competition that began with an open tournament inviting all players. The field was whittled down to four finalists after WTS Invitational Qualifiers in October – two teams from the host region China and one team each from North America and Europe.

Details for the 2014 Guild Wars 2 WTS Championships in Beijing are as follows:

December 5, 2014

1:00 a.m. PST / 9:00 a.m. UTC / 5:00 p.m. China Standard Tim

Finalists

North America: The Abjured – Phantagram, Wakkey, Magic Toker, Ostrich Eggs, Five Gauge

Europe: The Civilized Gentlemen – Helseth, Tage, Sizer, ROM, Denshee

China: Team Prime – Fuctin, Maw, Red, Elf, Dong Cheng

China: Team SALA – Nocturne, November, Honeyzz, Crazythree, Jiazi

 

Livestream:  www.twitch.tv/guildwars2

 

More information is available on ArenaNet’s official page for the World Tournament Series at:https://www.guildwars2.com/en/events/world-tournament-series/.

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris Has Gone Gold

2014/11/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

lara-osiris

November 18, 2014 — Crystal Dynamics is pleased to announce that Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris has officially gone gold and is set to launch on December 9 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. To celebrate this milestone, the team has released a second Developer Diary that goes into detail on the puzzles ofTemple of Osiris.

Lara Croft returns in Temple of Osiris, ready to use her brains and brawn to best a gauntlet of new puzzles. In the second Developer Diary, Executive Producer Scot Amos is joined by Lead Level Designer Jeff Wajcs, who discuss the difficult task of perfectly challenging a player. Take a peek at the mirrors, time bombs, twisting gears, and falling platforms you’ll need to manipulate to solve your way out of trouble, alone or with friends.

A new blog post with a message from Darrell Gallagher, Head of Western Studios has been posted to the Lara Croft community page [here].

If you missed our first developer diary detailing four-player co-op, check it out on YouTube [here].

Related Links
Official Homepage: laracroft.com
Official Facebook Page: facebook.com/laracroft
Follow @laracroft on Twitter: twitter.com/laracroft

Knott’s Berry Farm Announces Holiday Meal Options

2014/11/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

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BUENA PARK, CA. (November 2014) – When it comes to holiday dining, no one does it better than Knott’s Berry Farm!  Starting Thanksgiving Day, a bounty of delectable choices await hungry guests, from an all-you-can-eat champagne buffet at the famous Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant; an elegant Thanksgiving meal at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel or freshly made Thanksgiving Take Home Dinners. The Thanksgiving holiday is only the start of delicious dining on the farm, the Winterfest Buffet and Breakfast With Santa are available throughout the month of December.

The Knott’s Berry Farm Thanksgiving Champagne Buffet will be served on Thursday, November 27 at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.  The buffet includes all of the holiday classics like succulent oven roasted turkey, a carving station, stuffing, mashed potatoes and more! Guests will not want to miss the mouthwatering dessert selection which features pumpkin, boysenberry and apple pie, and more. Champagne is included while holiday eggnog, sparkling cider, beer and wine are available at an additional price. Also, when you dine at Knott’s your Thanksgiving feast will have a special guest of honor, everyone’s favorite Beagle – Snoopy! Buffet prices are just $39.99+tax for adults, $29.99+tax for seniors (60+) and $17.99+tax for kids (3-11); not including beverage, tax and gratuity.  Children under three eat for free.  The first seating will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 6:00 p.m.  No reservations needed.

The Knott’s Hotel Thanksgiving dinner at Amber Waves is available on Thursday, November 27 from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Highlights include your choice of butternut squash soup with sage and pumpkin seeds or a crisp garden green salad. A succulent oven roasted turkey with roasted gravy or spiral honey glazed carved ham with boysenberry butter glaze. The dinner includes your choice of two of the following freshly made side dishes: creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, pan roasted root vegetables, or garlic and almandine green beans.  Meal prices are $18.95 adults, $15.95 seniors (60+) and $8.95 kids (3-11); not including beverage, tax and gratuity.  Children under three eat for free.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling (714) 243-2010.

Leave the cooking to us! Knott’s Thanksgiving Take Home Dinner, serving between 6 – 8 people, includes your choice of a 12 – 14 lb. whole-roasted turkey or an 8 – 10 lb. honey glazed ham. Fixings include: mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, buttered whole kernel corn, country apple stuffing, cranberry sauce, candied yams, one dozen farm baked dinner rolls, bread and butter pickles, butter and boysenberry preserves, and pumpkin or boysenberry pie.  $119.99 price excludes beverages, tax and gratuity. Now throughNovember 25, guests can order online or by calling (714) 220-5006. Pick-up will be available on November 26 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and November 27 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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The Winterfest Buffet at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant invites you to enjoy all of the classics Sunday brunches are famous for. Every Sunday in December, the restaurant will offer a fresh array of delicious food with a holiday theme to go along with restaurant’s lavish seasonal decorations. Buffet prices are just $29.99+tax for adults, $22.89+tax for seniors (60+) $13.79+tax for kids (3-11), not including beverage, tax and gratuity.  Children under three eat for free.  No reservations needed.

Also in December, Jolly ol’ St. Nick will make special visits during Breakfast With Santa. Every Saturday starting November 26 – December 20, Santa himself will make special appearances during the breakfast, and kids will be able to share their Christmas wish list with him! The breakfast includes pancakes, french toast, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit and more. Prices are

$14.99+tax for adults and &10.59+tax for kids (3-11). Reservations suggested, but not required.

Starting November 22 – January 4, 2015, make fun part of your holiday tradition at Knott’s Merry Farm! See the all new ice show, Merry Christmas, Snoopy!, and visit Santa’s Christmas Cabin, where guests can meet Santa and savor Knott’s world famous holiday treats. Climb aboard the Calico Railroad for Christmas on Engine 41 and meet Ghost Town residents eager to share their holiday plans. Each evening, come watch Snoopy light up the night in Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting, and then take a walk down Ghost Town’s Main Street as thousands of sparking lights dance to the beat of familiar holiday music while snow gently falls.   November 22–January 4. Tickets available at knotts.com.

The perfect stocking stuffer is now on-sale! 2015 Season Passes include one free admission in 2014, unlimited visits in 2015, as well as access to exciting seasonal events happening year-round at Knott’s Berry Farm. Season Passes offer exclusive discounts, special Passholder events, Bring-a-Friend Days and more.  For affordable year-round fun for everyone on your “nice” list, Season Passes can be purchased online at knotts.com starting at $79.50 or six easy installment payments of just $13.25 until January 4, 2015.

Make fun part of your holiday tradition at Knott’s Merry Farm! To learn more visit knotts.com or call (714) 220-5200. Join the festive conversation using the holiday hashtag #MerryFarm on the Knott’s Facebook or Twitter page.