Author - Jerry Paxton

Star Wars Announces Ultimate Studio Edition Line of Prop Replicas

2016/06/01
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News

San Francisco – June 1, 2016 – Disney and Lucasfilm today launched Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition bringing an unprecedented level of authenticity to prop replica products for fans. Made to order by propmakers at Propshop in Pinewood Studios using digital data collected during filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the production process marries cutting edge 3D printing technology with master craftsmanship to produce replicas virtually identical to those seen on screen. Available initially in the U.S., starwarsultimatestudioedition.com is the exclusive location to purchase these products.

“We’re delighted to be able to produce such a groundbreaking line of merchandise,” said James Enright, Assets Director and CEO of Propshop. “Designed, made and finished by the hands of specialist motion picture prop makers and artists, we’ve worked extremely hard to create something that we know would make fans and filmmakers proud.”

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The initial offering from the Star Wars Collectibles line features eight prop replicas from Star Wars: The Force Awakens including Darth Vader’s melted helmet, Rey’s lightsaber hilt, FN-2187 Stormtrooper helmet and more. Each replica item is a limited production piece due to the high level of craftsmanship required to create them.

These made-to-order replicas will come with custom display pedestals, packed in branded wooden crates that are inspired by the real crates used to ship the film props. Each one is custom built to accommodate the shape of the replica inside.

“We are continually looking for new ways to extend the storytelling from movies in innovative ways,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “We’ve worked hand in hand with the film makers and talented team at Propshop to create a unique product experience for fans and we’re excited to see their reactions to these incredible prop replicas.”

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Visit Disney’s YouTube channel to view the latest installment of their “Boxed” series to get a behind-the-scenes look at Darth Vader’s melted helmet being created; then tune in each month to see reveals of new items added to the Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition line. For more information, visit starwarsultimatestudioedition.com.

Winchester Mystery House Presentation Announced for Midsummer Scream

2016/05/31
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News

LOS ANGELES, May 28, 2016 – Midsummer Scream, Southern California’s premier Halloween, haunt and horror festival to be held July 30 – 31 at the Long Beach Convention Center, has unleashed a steady stream of announcements, from world-class theme park presentations to professional makeup demonstrations, and a massive show floor filled with artisans and vendors of the macabre. The most famous haunted house in California has now been added to the festival’s lineup; a storied mansion so legendary that its name is revered by fans and ghost hunters around the world… Winchester.

The Winchester Mystery House will be hosting an unprecedented 60-minute presentation and panel discussion on Sunday July 31 featuring rare photographs, never-before-seen footage and ghost stories from the sprawling 160-room Victorian mansion in the San Francisco Bay Area. WINCHESTER: California’s Original Haunted House will feature Walter Magnuson, General Manager Winchester Mystery House; Tim O’Day, Director of Communications for Winchester Mystery House; and Peter Overstreet, event producer of Winchester Mystery House’s all-new Halloween Candlelight Tours.

During the spirited presentation, Winchester Mystery House representatives will discuss the history of the property, its reputation for being a paranormal activity hotspot, an upcoming episode of Ghost Adventures, their recent James Van Praagh séance, brand-new Halloween Candlelight Tours, plans for winter events, and feature film Winchester, by Michael and Peter Spierig, starring Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren.

“We’re so excited to be bringing the incredible story and legend of the Winchester Mystery House to Midsummer Scream attendees,” said Walter Magnuson, General Manager of Winchester Mystery House. “Our estate is considered one of America’s foremost and most legendary haunted homes, so it’s fitting that we are a part of this inaugural event and we’re eager to share never-before-seen imagery and never-before-heard paranormal tales.”

Winchester Mystery House’s presence will be felt throughout the Midsummer Scream weekend as well at their booth in the Museum of Paranormal History, a curated section of the show floor featuring all things paranormal.

“Midsummer Scream is already the ultimate convention for fans of haunted attractions. The addition of the Winchester Mystery House as a partner only broadens our appeal to the supernatural and ghost-hunting community, drawing in those enthusiasts as well,” said David Markland, Executive Director of Midsummer Scream.

Tickets are now on sale, with new information regarding Midsummer Scream being updated frequently at MidsummerScream.org.

Fans may sign up on the site for email notifications and announcements, including discounts and other special offers.  Be sure to follow Midsummer Scream on social media as well – Twitter/Periscope: @MidsummerScream, Instagram: @MidsummerScream, and Facebook: facebook.com/midsummerscream.

ROCCAT Announces Suora Frameless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

2016/05/31
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Peripherals News

Hamburg/Taipei, 31 May 2016 – German peripheral manufacturer ROCCAT today announces a brand new mechanical keyboard design aimed at gaming purists. The Suora’s frameless design channels its philosophy as a pure and efficient mechanical keyboard for no-frills gamers. Its robust, compact build with aluminum alloy housing provides a consistent, distraction-free platform. It features a unique build with an entirely frameless structure. No palm rest, no thick border, no thumb keys, and no unnecessary media keys – just high-quality, mechanical keys mounted on a durable plate. The key back-lighting in exclusive ROCCAT blue comes with a breathing effect and 11 brightness levels, with top notch lighting guaranteed.

Tt eSports Announces New Ventus Z Gaming Mouse

2016/05/31
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Peripherals News

Taipei, Taiwan – May, 31, 2016 – Tt eSPORTS, the energetic and powerful challenger reveals the new member for its VENTUS family,VENTUS Z Gaming Mouse. The VENTUS Z Gaming Mouse features an AVAGO ADNS 9500 laser sensor with up to 11000 DPI via gaming software, a new coating with a feel that is somewhere in between the feel of plastic and rubber coating; a balance between rigid surfaces and a soft to touch finish. Tt eSPORTS Aerodynamically Engineered from its flagship Level 10 M series of mice is inherited into this iteration of the VENTUS Z Gaming Mouse; keeping gamers’ hands cool even when gaming for long durations! The VENTUS Z Gaming Mouse is on display at the COMPUTEX Taipei 2016, during May 31st (Tue) – June 4th (Sat) 2016 in TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall (4th floor, booth number M110); we look forward to your visit!

Further information about Thermaltake at COMPUTEX Taipei 2016 is available online: http://computex2016.thermaltake.com

 

The New VENTUS Z Gaming Mice with a suggested price of USD 59.99

 

For more information on the new VENTUS Z Gaming Mice, please visit:

http://www.ttesports.com/productPage.aspx?p=219

VENTUS Z Gaming Mice product video:

https://youtu.be/Hpig3qtp6P4

Starbreeze Acquires PAYDAY Franchise for $30 Million

2016/05/31
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Industry News, News

STOCKHOLM (May 30, 2016) – Starbreeze AB, an independent creator, publisher and distributor of high quality entertainment products, today announced its agreement with 505 Games to acquire the full rights to the PAYDAY-franchise. The consideration for the acquisition amounts to 10.9 million B-shares in Starbreeze, equivalent to 30 MUSD (approx. 249 MSEK).

After the transaction Starbreeze will own the full rights to the PAYDAY-franchise for any future developments or commercialization, including PAYDAY 2 and PAYDAY for mobile platforms. Starbreeze will retain full net revenue from PAYDAY 2 on the Steam platform starting retroactively from May 1st, 2016. Revenue generated by the console game PAYDAY 2: Crimewave Edition will continue to be split between the companies as before, and 505 Games will continue to publish the title.

Furthermore, 505 Games will retain a 33% revenue share of Starbreeze’s net revenues from future sales of PAYDAY 3 capped at 40 MUSD, and after Starbreeze has fully recouped its development and marketing costs.

It’s Starbreeze assessment that the price of 30 MUSD will be matched by corresponding revenues on the Payday franchise until such time Payday 3 is released in the future. Given the strategic value for Starbreeze to control its hit franchise it is both in the short and long term a sound investment.

“PAYDAY is very close to my heart, and has laid the foundation for Starbreeze success in recent years. We’re very excited to bring our heisters home to the safe house,” said Bo Andersson Klint, Starbreeze CEO. “To start with, we believe in the continued success of PAYDAY 2 and will support it for at least another 18 months continuing expanding the game.”

The 10 934 211 million new B shares will, post transaction, represent 4.3% of shares and 1.4% of votes and will be issued under authority from the AGM. After the issue, the total number of B-shares in Starbreeze is 196 832 410 and the total number of shares in Starbreeze 254 298 338.

First launched in 2011, PAYDAY is a cooperative first-person shooter computer and video game franchise with more than 14 million players on PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, XboxOne and SteamOS platforms.

Todd Robbins Joins ScareLA 2016 Lineup

2016/05/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 27, 2016) — ScareLA, the summer Halloween convention set to open doors August 6-7, 2016 at the Pasadena Convention Center for its fourth year, is thrilled to announce the addition of Todd Robbins to the event’s growing line-up of celebrity scare entertainment masterminds. Attendees will be the first to experience Robbins’ immersive one hour show specially designed for ScareLA audiences.

Todd Robbins presents Dark Illusions & Even Darker Reality – an unforgettable live experience with chillingly true stories and sinister illusions that will make audiences laugh, scream and lose their mind all at the same time. “This is truly an amazing talent,” stated celebrity radio host Howard Stern, reflecting on Robbins’ scintillating performance.

Todd Robbins is famed for being the host of Investigation Discovery’s True Nightmares and star of the haunting off-Broadway hit “Play Dead” (directed by Teller of Pen & Teller). This summer, he will bring an hour of his infamous trickery exclusively to ScareLA 2016.

“We are absolutely thrilled to add Todd Robbins to our 2016 ScareLA lineup,” stated Lora Ivanova, Founder and Executive Producer of ScareLA. “His original approach to creating chillingly immersive theatrical performances is a perfect fit for the spirit of creativity and interactivity of our convention. This year we are truly pushing the boundaries of what is possible as we work to create the most unforgettable experience for guests of all ages and challenge their imaginations. What better way to kick off the scare season this summer than with a touch of dark magic? We can’t wait to celebrate Halloween early with Todd and our fans.”

For more information and to purchase tickets for ScareLA 2016 : Season of the Witch event, visit www.scarela.com.

Knott’s Berry Farm Hires New GM

2016/05/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

May 27, 2016 – Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN) is pleased to announce that Jon Storbeck has been hired as Vice President and General Manager of Knott’s Berry Farm.  Jon will join the company on May 30, after a distinguished career of more than 30 years at The Walt Disney Company.

Mr. Storbeck replaces Raffi Kaprelyan, who has been promoted to Regional Vice President of Cedar Fair.

“During his time with Disney Parks & Resorts, Jon demonstrated the leadership traits that make him particularly well-qualified for this role.” said Raffi Kaprelyan.  “As Vice President and General Manager, Jon will report directly to me and oversee all aspects of Knott’s Berry Farm’s operations, ensuring we continue to deliver the high-quality guest experience that Knott’s is known for.”

In his new role, Mr. Kaprelyan will oversee Knott’s Berry Farm as well as several other parks in the Cedar Fair system.  “Raffi has driven the record-performance of Knott’s Berry Farm and we are excited to have his leadership applied to more of our parks.” said Richard A. Zimmerman, Chief Operating Officer of Cedar Fair.

Heroes & Generals – Videolog: ‘Devyatayev – Squad’ update

2016/05/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

May 27th, 2016 Copenhagen — Reto-Moto introduces a new Squad experience for the popular WWII MMOFPS Heroes & Generals, changing the way players fight together, bringing them closer to each other, improving the gameplay experience and supporting their efforts towards victory.

Furthermore, the ‘Devyatayev – Squad’ Update brings the new Soviet T-20 Komsomolets terrain vehicle, new camouflage uniforms for all factions, the German Panzerwurfmine and more exciting news.

The new Squad feature helps new and Veteran players to get together and fight to succeed on the battlefield. Every Squad member benefits from each other by being awarded experience for fighting together in a Squad and for achievements on the battlefield. Additionally, for every Squad member with a Veteran Membership, every other member gets a five percent bonus of the Veteran Membership for free.

“Soldiers go to war fighting for their country but end up fighting for their friends. The new Squad system makes it much easier to stay and fight with your friends and find new ones” says Jacob Andersen, Game Director at Reto-Moto. “We all know that working together as a team greatly enhances your chance for success. The team at Reto-Moto has worked hard on this new feature for many months and we are all really proud to deliver the new Squad system so our players can be more successful on the battlefields.”

The Soviet T-20 Komsomolets is a Squad-friendly vehicle, with plenty of space for soldiers to hitch a ride to the frontline. Squads can quickly advance from one control point to the next, while being protected by light armor and supported by a light machine gun – an uber-useful vehicle for all Soviet Squads!

All factions receive new camouflage uniforms, which help soldiers to stay unseen in any kind of terrain. Additionally, having similar camouflage uniforms in a Squad can be a fantastic way to show you fight together, even if you fulfill different roles.

For the German troops, we introduce the new Panzerwurfmine, which is a throwing anti-tank grenade that grants more mobility than the existing ground or magnetic mines.

The ‘Devyatatev’ update is named after the Soviet Soldier Mikhael Petrovich Devyatayev, who managed to escape a labour camp with the help of three other soldiers. His story is representative of the whole update’s significance: Working together will lead to success.

The full changelog for the ‘Devyatayev – Squad’ update can be found here.

The Assembly – Behind The Scenes #2: Art & Sound

2016/05/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

May 27, 2016 – Today, we’re continuing our candid exploration into The Assembly’s development with this access-all-areas look at the game’s VR environments – with a glimpse into some never before seen areas.

Take a look at the video below to discover the lengths we’ve gone to draw you into the world of The Assembly. In it, you’ll find out how we’re using 3D audio, realistic architecture and intricate details, all designed to make you feel as though you’ve been transported into the mysterious underground facility in which our game is set.

We hope you enjoy finding out how we’re crafting our upcoming interactive story in first-person VR. If you’d like to find out more, simply follow the links below.

Would you like to know more about some of the artistic techniques we’ve used to bring our interactive story to life? If so, check this out: The Assembly: Creating a Believable World. If sound design, ambience and music is more your thing, then you’ll want to have a read of this: The Assembly: in VR, hearing is believing.

We’re here for you, virtually

If you have any questions about The Assembly, feel free to send us a message via The Assembly’s Facebook page or tweet us with the hashtag #TheAssemblyVR.

You can also find nDreams on Facebook, reach us via our dedicated subreddit, find more videos on YouTube and check out the game’s board on Pinterest for more screenshots.