Author - Jerry Paxton

World of Warships Making Debut at Gamescom 2014

2014/07/22
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

WoWS_Screens_Combat_Image_01 copy

July 22, 2014 — Wargaming today announced its presence at gamescom 2014, the world’s largest trade fair for interactive games and entertainment, to be held at the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany from August 13–17, 2014. Wargaming will bring an exciting booth spectacle, delivering its trademark mix of AAA military combat gaming experience and supply top-tier giveaways for attendees and viewers at home.

Action-packed activities can be found at Wargaming’s massive 720 square meters booth located in Hall 8. The showfloor will feature gaming stations for participants to engage in intense battles and test their prowess. Available to play will be the global phenomenon of World of Tanks (PC), the award-winning World of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition, the flight MMO World of Warplanes (PC) and the recently launched World of Tanks Blitz (iOS). Of special note is the premiere of World of Warships (PC) at the booth this year. Attendees of gamescom will have the opportunity to go behind closed doors and be the first to experience the anticipated PC naval combat game.

The daily entertainment will begin with immersive games with Wargaming on the show floor and continue into its signature live stage show, game presentations, talk shows with special guests and game developers, regular on-stage giveaways and prizes, including an Alienware X51 gaming system, HyperX FURY USB drives, Razer peripherals, Logitech hardware, and much more.

Catch the exclusive stream from Wargaming’s gamescom studio on Twitch on Wednesday, August 13, as well as Friday and Saturday, August 15–16 with special prizes for viewers from Europe.

Be sure to come to the Wargaming booth for all of the gaming, entertainment and giveaways that the global leaders in free-to-play military combat games can pack into the biggest gaming show on the planet.

Screenshots

EVE Online Launches Crius Content Update

2014/07/22
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

EVE_CaldariPrimeInOrbit_2

22 July 2014 – Reykjavik, Iceland – CCP Games, a leading independent developer of massively multiplayer games, has launched the largest overhaul ever to industry within its award-winning sci-fi game, EVE Online. Changes ripple across the stars, affecting everything from how player- constructed starbases function to spaceship blueprints to basic asteroid composition and adding new features like an intuitive new user industry interface and worker teams that supplement competition between solar systems.

Industry fuels EVE’s critically acclaimed “infernal machine” of harvesting, creation and destruction. These game systems collectively govern the creation of nearly every item in the game by players using raw and salvaged materials and make EVE the stuff of economic and sociological legend. With improvements to accessibility, diversity and meaning in industrial gameplay, EVE’s “Crius” release catalyzes player-driven action and rewards thoughtful and opportunistic planning for those who profit from the creation of spaceships, modules and innumerable other goods.

Sophisticated industrial operations underpin the famous player wars that rage across EVE’s thousands of star systems at the same time as smaller, individual efforts generate wealth, meaning and power for personal ambition. Crius allows player-influenced shifts in the industrial landscape to redefine the “sandbox” by adding assembly cost scaling and a market for work teams to supplement construction. Newer players will find an easier path into industry as manufacturing slots open up and the user interface is reimagined to be more intuitive and informative.
“Crius opens up EVE’s sprawling economy to a whole new generation of industrialists, as it has never been more intuitive, dynamic and interesting to build things for yourself or other players.” said Andie Nordgren, Senior Producer for EVE Online. “We’re eagerly awaiting to see how our players use one of the most sophisticated crafting and market systems in gaming now that it is live.”

From atmospheric audio to more wormholes in known space and more, Crius offers other changes in CCP’s ongoing commitment to improve EVE Online year after year.

Crius follows Kronos as the second update in a major shift for EVE development from two expansions per year to around 10 releases annually as CCP aims to deliver more content, more frequently, to its legendary playerbase. It is available free to all EVE Online subscribers and trial users.

Further information about Crius can be found on the feature page, in developer blogs and in the Crius in-development video.

ECOXGEAR Announces ECOSTONE Bluetooth Speaker

2014/07/22
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News

ecoxgear-speaker

San Diego, Calif. – (July 22, 2014) – ECOXGEAR, a leader in rugged and waterproof products for the adventurous lifestyle, launches its new Bluetooth speaker to answer the demands of outdoor enthusiasts looking for big sound in a dependably rugged form factor, the ECOSTONE waterproof Bluetooth speaker.

The ECOSTONE is designed to be the world’s most rugged and reliable portable Bluetooth speaker to accompany you on all of your outdoor adventures. The ECOSTONE has passed both the IP68 international waterproofing standards and military grade testing MIL810G which means it can withstand anything from being 100% submerged in water to a sandstorm in a desert with temperatures up to 140°F. The rubberized shockproof casing and rear mounted subwoofer give music lovers a speaker that can be enjoyed every boating trip, camping adventure or poolside experience.

Accidentally knock the ECOSTONE into your pool or overboard your boat without a worry, the ECOSTONE’s intelligent design allows it to pop back to the surface and float. ECOSTONE also features a convenient handle to carry your speaker by your side with ease while camping, surfing, hiking or just lounging by the beach. Featuring a USB battery charger for your smartphone or tablet, and integrated LED flashlight, ECOSTONE helps you navigate any journey.

“Now bigger and louder than any audio solution we’ve yet to introduce, the ECOSTONE is by far the most reliable option in the world of waterproof, rugged, portable speakers,” says CEO of ECOXGEAR, Greg Fadul. “Athletes, adrenaline junkies, and adventure enthusiasts favor our rugged speakers because they are 100% waterproof, not just water resistant, and allow them to take their music with them anywhere they go.”

ECOSTONE Collection

For added versatility, the ECOSTONE is equipped with detachable mounting options that can attach the speakers to anything, including your backpack, kayak, tent or car.

ECOSTONE is available now at Cabela’s, US Cellular, Amazon.com and this fall in West Marine, REI,  and other fine retail stores for $149 in Black, Blue, Orange and “Real Tree.” It is also available in Canada at Mountain Equipment, London Drugs and Visions.

The Purge: Anarchy Coming to Halloween Horror Nights

2014/07/22
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News

purge

UNIVERSAL CITY, Ca., ORLANDO, Fla., (July 22, 2014) — As the gates to “Halloween Horror Nights” open, so too does the annual Purge begin at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort with the debut of a terrifying new scarezone, “The Purge: Anarchy,” inspired by Universal Pictures’ new thriller, which scored the highest opening for a horror film this year.

“The Purge: Anarchy” scarezone will greet guests with pure unadulterated fear, bringing to life the turmoil and pandemonium that awaits those vulnerable to masked vigilantes in search of new victims. Reimagining the movie’s premise that on one night every year, any and all crime is made legal, the scarezone will be inhabited by average citizens transformed into sadistic felons during this period of government-sanctioned lawlessness. Like civilians in the movie fighting to survive, guests will be at the mercy of cunning wit, luck and speed as they attempt to outsmart and outlive the anarchy brought about by those who believe in an “eye for an eye.”

The Purge: Anarchy, the sequel to last summer’s surprise hit, moves from the confines of a suburban neighborhood to the streets as the government begins its annual 12-hour Purge to ensure that the crime rate stays below one percent for the rest of the year. With all emergency services suspended, it’s the one night when society regulates itself without thought of punishment or fear of retribution. For average people who do not have the means to barricade themselves indoors with a state-of-the-art security system, anarchy rules and no one is safe. In this new story, an unlikely group of five citizens discover how far they will go to protect themselves and, ultimately, each other, as they fight to survive a dangerous night fraught with impossible decisions.

From director and writer James DeMonaco (The Purge, Assault on Precinct 13), The Purge: Anarchy stars Frank Grillo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), Carmen Ejogo (Away We Go), Zach Gilford (Devil’s Due), Kiele Sanchez (A Perfect Getaway) and Michael K. Williams (The Wire).

“‘Halloween Horror Nights’ is about taking guests out of their comfort zones and placing them at the core of unimaginable horror,” said John Murdy, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Creative Director for and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.”  “Because the premise of ‘The Purge’ could theoretically happen, our scare-zone elevates that sense of fear and forces you to really watch your back.  Imagining how your neighbor, friend or enemy could take revenge on you without retribution because you wronged them takes horror to a whole new level, and we wanted to bring that gut-wrenching terror to every one of our guests.”

“‘The Purge’” scarezone will invade the streets of ‘Halloween Horror Nights’, taking up most of our New York back lot. The chaos that reigns in the film will be replicated nightly, but now our guests can actually attempt to survive the night themselves,” said Michael Aiello, Director of Entertainment – Creative Development, Universal Orlando Resort. “The familiar emergency broadcast will be heard announcing the commencement of the annual Purge, and all hell will literally break loose.”

Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” events have a more than 20-year history of creating incredibly entertaining, horrifying Halloween experiences that are consistently rated the nation’s best. The events on each coast feature highly-themed, disturbingly real, haunted mazes based on everything from films to nightmares – and streets filled with hundreds of specially trained “scareactors” in uniquely themed scare-zones. In addition to “The Purge:  Anarchy,” other announced experiences include, “The Walking Dead:  The End of the Line,” “From Dusk Till Dawn” and “Face Off: In the Flesh.”

To complement its numerous mazes, “Halloween Horror Nights” features a variety of terrifying scare-zones designed to provoke heart-pounding fear as guests traverse the park from one traumatizing experience to the next, unsure of what lies just around the corner.

To learn more about this all-new “Halloween Horror Nights” scarezone, click here:  The Purge: Anarchy.

EA Sports Madden NFL 15 Reveals First Player Rankings

2014/07/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

madden-nfl-15

July 21, 2014 – NFL players and fans are holding their breath as the first official player ratings have been revealed on the Madden Ratings Hub. Today the top 10 rookies take the stage, with top overall draft pick Jadeveon Clowney and #2 pick Greg Robinson sharing the top rating at 83 overall. Other top flite rookies include Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (81), Bills wideout Sammy Watkins (80) and Packers safety HaHa Clinton-Dix (79). Browns QB Johnny Manziel didn’t manage to crack the top 10, so fans wondering were Johnny Football ended up will have to check back on Aug 1 when the full AFC North ratings are unveiled.

Additional ratings info is coming daily, with a new position group being announced every day. Here’s the full schedule for when ratings will be released:

  • Mon, July 21 – Top 10 Overall Rookies
  • Tues, July 22 – Top 5 Overall QBs
  • Wed, July 23 – Top 5 Overall RBs
  • Thurs, July 24 – Top 5 Overall WRs/Top 5 Overall TEs
  • Fri, July 25 – Top 5 Overall OL Players
  • Sat, July 26 – Top 5 Overall DEs
  • Sun, July 27 – Top 5 Overall DTs
  • Mon, July 28 – Top 5 Overall LBs
  • Tues, July 29 – Top 5 Overall CBs
  • Wed, July 30 – Top 5 Overall Safeties
  • Thurs, July 31 – Top 5 Overall Special Teams
  • Fri, Aug 1 – Top 10 Overall Players/Full AFC & NFC North Ratings
  • Sat, Aug 2 – Full AFC & NFC South Ratings
  • Sun, Aug 3 – Full AFC & NFC East Ratings
  • Mon, Aug 4 – Full AFC & NFC West Ratings
  • Tues, Aug 5 – Ratings Recap

Madden NFL 15 allows players to transform into their rival’s worst nightmare with a new breed of defense, built to challenge the best offenses in the NFL. A new arsenal of pass rush moves, an intuitive tackling system, improved coverage logic, and immersive new camera angles make defense more exciting and fun than ever. Fans can call plays with confidence thanks to an all-new crowd-sourced recommendation engine built from millions of online games played by the Madden NFL community.  Add in all-new NFL Films inspired presentation and it’s not just football, it’s Madden Season.

Madden NFL 15 is developed in Orlando, Florida by EA Tiburon and will be available on August 26 in North America and on August 29 in the EU for Xbox One, the all-in-one entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 entertainment system. To learn more about Madden NFL 15, visithttp://www.easports.com/madden-nfl.

All player participation has been facilitated by NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).

EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sports through industry-leading sports videogames, including Madden NFL football, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVEbasketball, PGA TOUR® golf, SSX™ and EA SPORTS UFC®.

For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com to connect, share and compete.

Afterfall Reconquest Coming to Steam Early Access

2014/07/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

afterfall2

July 21st  2014, Warsaw, Poland — After almost 3 years since Afterfall InSanity was released, gamers will finally get a chance to get back to the dark and dangerous post apocalyptic world. However Afterfall Reconquest, though set in the same universe, will be a completely different game than it’s predecessor, with a new, immersive storyline, believable characters and a completely new gameplay mechanics. All wrapped up into a story-driven action shooter with elements of RPG mechanics.

Check out the first AAA (After All Afterfall) Producer’s Diary here: After All Afterfall

In Afterfall Reconquest you’re stepping into a world after the outbreak of war. A war in which nuclear warheads weren’t the ultimate means of destruction, rather a stage in a self-made apocalypse. A new weapon was used. Nobody heard about the Entropy charges before the Day Zero and a few remained to tell the story after.

Only two groups of people managed to survive the apocalyptic conflict. The first consisted of the lucky ones who found shelter in one of the ‘sanctuary cities’ hidden deep in the mountains. Their luck, however, was the first resource to run out. Soon it became obvious that these havens weren’t self-sufficient. After a few years the resources started to deplete and when they finally ran dry, worn out and embittered survivors once again were forced to find a new place to call home.

Today, former inhabitants of the sanctuary cities descended into the valleys in search of fertile soil, clean water and resources to process into fuel and tools. Thus begins the RECONQUEST – slow and ardous process of taking the land back from mutants and wildlife and rebuilding the lost cities and civilization. As for the second group… their fate remains a mystery.

You are the Reaper. You don’t know how you and a few of your friends managed to survive the onslaught which wiped your family from the face of what’s left of the Earth. And you have one goal and one goal only – to avenge your parents. You don’t really care about factions roaming the earth and competing each other. As a Reaper you always worked alone trying not to get involved into politics. Traversing the wastelands on your ceaseless crusade against the mutants you stay in radio contact with other members of the group, exchanging information about dangers, discovered paths and settlements or any traces of mutants’ presence. However it soon turns out that your personal vendetta is just the beginning and trying to hunt down your personal enemy brings you to something you never wanted to get involved with…

Afterfall Reconquest is a story-driven action shooter with elements of RPG mechanics that takes place in the Afterfall universe. Divided into episodes, the game will first be available via Steam Early Access on the 24th of July 2014. Gamers will be able to buy the first episode, that’s about 1 hour long, for 6.99 EUR/USD.

We are really excited that Afterfall Reconquest will finally be available via Steam Early Access because this is something we’ve been working on hard for the past couple of months. We are really counting on gamers support and feedback about the game to learn what they like and what they don’t like, what should we improve or maybe what to add to make the game even better. We still have some time left until the release date so we’ll do our best to implement as many of those comments in the final game as possible. We do believe that even at this very early stage we were able to bring back Afterfall vibe and in the same time bring the gameplay experience to a whole new level. – said Tomasz Majka, Intoxicate Studios, Executive Producer.

You can check out the new screenshots below:

GAME MAIN FEATURES:

  • Afterfall universe
  • Detailed and extensive evironments
  • Post-apocalyptic setting
  • Big, semi-open world
  • An exciting and rich, immersive story
  • Living and breathing characters
  • Dynamic and challenging gameplay
  • Unforgatable comic style storytelling
  • Multiple, diverse opponents

More information about the game can be found on the official website: www.afterfall-reconquest.com and Facebook profile.

Dance Central Spotlight Release Date and Comic-Con Demo

2014/07/21
Jerry Paxton
News, SDCC, Xbox One News

dance-central-spotlight

Cambridge, MA – July  21st, 2014 – Harmonix is pleased to announce that Dance Central™ Spotlight, the newest game in the award-winning motion franchise, will be available exclusively as a digital download for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft® on September 2!

Dancers can step onto the dance floor and start their party by downloading Dance Central Spotlight from the Xbox Store for $9.99, featuring a core soundtrack of 10 hot tracks:

  • Avicii –  “Wake Me Up”
  • Cher Lloyd – “I Wish”
  • David Guetta ft. Sia “Titanium”
  • Jason Derulo ft. 2 Chainz – “Talk Dirty”
  • Kid Ink ft. Chris Brown – “Show Me”
  • Lorde – “Royals”
  • OneRepublic – “Counting Stars”
  • Pharrell Williams – “Happy”
  • Rihanna – “Diamonds”
  • will.i.am ft. Justin Bieber – “#thatPOWER”

From there, players can customize their soundtrack with more than 50 chart-topping hits available in the game’s Music Store on release day and many, many more to come. Additionally, once they’re released for Xbox One and at no extra charge, add-on content already purchased for previous versions of Dance Central on Xbox 360® are compatible with Dance Central Spotlight.

The following tracks have been confirmed to be available for download on September 2:

  • Capital Cities – “Safe and Sound”
  • Emeli Sandé – “Next To Me”
  • Icona Pop ft. Charli XCX – “I Love It”
  • Lana Del Rey – “Summertime Sadness (Cedric Gervais Remix)”
  • The B-52’s – “Love Shack”d”

Dance Central Spotlight will also be playable to the public for the first time at San Diego Comic-Con this week. Comic-Con attendees are invited to swing by the Xbox Lounge in the Manchester Grand Hyatt (1 Market Place) and to step into the spotlight with this year’s hottest dance party on Xbox One.

Dance Central Spotlight brings authentic dance routines, accurate body tracking using Kinect One, and chart-topping music, with even more variety and player choice than ever before. Now with eight different dance routines per song to choose from, Dance Central Spotlight is the most accessible, customizable Dance Central yet. Dance Central Spotlight also features an expanded Fitness Mode, with special dance routines authored to focus on Strength and Cardio.

Follow Dance Central on Twitter (http://twitter.com/dance_central) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/dancecentral).

Skylanders Trap Team and Dark Edition Comic to Comic-Con

2014/07/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, SDCC

Skylanders_Trap_Team copy

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – July 21, 2014 –  For the first time, Activision Publishing, Inc.,a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), bringsSkylanders®, the world’s leading Toys-to-Life™ video game franchise(1), to Comic-Con International: San Diego. Starting Thursday, July 24, fans descending upon San Diego Comic-Con will be among the first in the world to get a look into the Skylandersuniverse, including new toys, and hands-on Skylanders Trap Team gameplay, with more news to come.  Attendees will be the first consumers to check out the newSkylanders Trap Team Dark Edition Starter Pack toys and will be able to pre-order the Starter Pack at the Skylanders booth (#303).  North American fans who can’t wait for the convention to start can pre-order the Skylanders Trap Team Dark Edition Starter Pack beginning today at major retailers while supplies last.

The Skylanders Trap Team Dark Edition is a true collector’s starter pack that includes the special Ultimate Kaos Trap, which allows Portal Masters to trap and play as Kaos when the game launches in North America on October 5.  The Skylanders Trap Team Dark Edition Starter Pack features the Ultimate Kaos Trap, a special, larger-sized Trap to capture Skylands’ #1 villain. The Skylanders Trap Team Dark Edition will also feature two Traps; exclusive black and silver variant designs of new characters Snap Shot, Wildfire and Food Fight; a two-sided ultimate collector poster; sticker sheets and trading cards. The Skylanders Trap Team Dark Edition Starter Pack will be available on Xbox 360™ games and entertainment system from Microsoft; Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft; PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system; PlayStation® 4 and Nintendo’s Wii™ and Wii U™ systems for a suggested retail price of $99.

“In just 33 months, the Skylanders franchise has grown into a pop-culture phenomenon,” said Josh Taub, senior vice president of product management at Activision Publishing, Inc. “What better way to honor our fans, many of whom attend San Diego Comic-Con, than to give them new ways to experience the game firsthand? With the Skylanders Trap Team Dark Edition, #0 issue of the official Skylanders comic and additional surprises to come, we have more to offer fans than ever before.”

San Diego Comic-Con attendees can check out Skylanders at the following activations:

  • Skylanders Panel (Room 7AB): “Skylanders: The Creative Process of Bringing Toys to Life” panel on Thursday, July 24th from 6-7 p.m., moderated by Geoff Keighley, will offer insights into one of the world’s most beloved Toys-to-Life video game franchises, as well as a major announcement about new Skylanderscharacters. Speakers include: comic book writer Ron Marz (Green Lantern, DC vs. Marvel), famed voice of Kaos Richard Horvitz (Billy and Mandy, Invader Zim), and Toys for Bob’s Director of Toy and Character Development, I-Wei Huang. New updatesto the Skylanders franchise will be revealed, and fans will leave with Skylanders giveaways, while supplies last.
  • Skylanders Costume Contest (Room 7AB): Activision will award more than $5,000 in cash prizes and rare toys to the best Skylanders costumes at the panelon Thursday.
  • Skylanders Show Floor (Booth #303): Fans can check out new Skylanders Trap Team toys, pose with Skylanders’ #1 villain Kaos and costume characters,and receive giveaways while supplies last.
  • Skylanders Comic Book, IDW Publishing (Booth #2643): Leading comic book publisher IDW will debut the first-ever Skylanders comic-book series.Issue #0 – debuting at Comic-Con – will feature an introductory 16-page story that serves as a prequel to this year’s Skylanders Trap Team.  Limited copies of a variant cover of the comic book will be available for purchase exclusively for attendees.
  • First Public Hands-on Opportunities (Various Locations): Fans can be the first consumers in the world to play the upcoming Skylanders Trap Team at several locations and receive special giveaways while supplies last: Skylanders Trap Team First-to-Play Tour kicking off in the Interactive Zone at Petco Park’s Lexus Premier Lot (no SDCC badge required); the Nintendo Gaming Lounge in the San Diego Ballroom, Marriott Marquis & Marina (no SDCC badge required); and the Xbox Lounge in the Manchester Grand Hyatt at 1 Market Place (SDCC badge required). While at the Xbox Lounge, fans can win a collectible Skylanders-themed Xbox One.
  • Rubie’s Costumes (Booth #3649): Skylanders fans can get a sneak peek at the new Skylanders Halloween costumes available this fall at Rubie’s booth.
  • Mad Libs Pop-Up Shop (Booth #4612):Attendees can get their hands on the popular Skylanders Universe Mad Libs, featuring more than 20 original stories, available for purchase at the Mad Libs Pop-Up Shop.
  • Special Kids Day Activities – Sunday, July 27 (Various Locations):   Kids who play the game at the Skylanders Trap Team First-to-Play Tour in the Interactive Zone will receive special giveaways, while supplies last.  Fans can also stop by the Penguin Publishing booth to pick up their limited editionSkylanders activity poster, while supplies last. Kids will also get a peek into theSkylanders comic book at IDW’s Kids Comics Panel on Sunday at 10 a.m.(Room 4).

About Skylanders Trap Team

Launching in October, Skylanders Trap Team brings a ground-breaking innovation to the Skylanders franchise by reversing the magic of its signature Toys-To-Life play pattern to let kids bring life-to-toys for the first time. With Skylanders Trap Team, Portal Masters seek out and defeat the most wanted villains in all of Skylands, pulling them out of the game and into living rooms by capturing them in magical Traps. Players can then send villains back into the game where they play as them to fight for good. The game will include the Traptanium Portal, a new ring of magical energy that enables kids to not only bring their Skylanders to life, but also magically capture villains using the new Traps. Once they’ve defeated the villains, kids will be able to place a Trap into the new portal to capture them. They will also be able to hear the villains inside the Traps, an innovation that truly brings life to toys.

About the Skylanders® Franchise

The award-winning, $2 billion Skylanders franchise pioneered the Toys-to-Life category in 2011 with the debut of Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure®. The game originated a new play pattern that seamlessly bridged physical and virtual worlds across multiple platforms. In October 2012, Skylanders Giants™ further evolved the genre and added the mega-sized Giant Skylanders and LightCore® characters to the collection of interaction figures. Skylanders SWAP Force launched in October 2013 and introduced an all-new play pattern – swapability.  The Skylanders franchise was the top selling kids’ videogame of 2013(2), and is now one of the top 20 videogame franchises of all time(3). Skylanders Trap Team, the newest installment due out in North America on October 5, 2014, reverses the magic of bringing toys to life – incredibly letting kids pull characters out of the digital world into the physical world.  For more information, please visit: www.skylanders.com and Activision.com/presscenter.

About Activision Publishing

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), today is a leading worldwidedeveloper, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Singapore, mainland China, Hong Kong and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

Marvel Comics Announces Comic-Con 2014 Plans

2014/07/21
Jerry Paxton
Comics News, Geek News, News, SDCC

marvel-logo

July 19, 2014 — Face front, true believer! Next week, Marvel makes its return to the biggest comic event of the year –Comic-Con International: San Diego 2014 – and we’re bringing the hottest creators, the biggest announcements, and more than a few surprises! Today, Marvel is proud to unveil our star-studded line-up of panels for the convention, bringing fans the answers they’re craving about Avengers NOW!, Original Sin, Avengers & X-Men: AXIS, Death of Wolverine and much, much more! And of course don’t forget to stop by the Marvel Booth (Booth #2329) for your chance get in on the fun all weekend with live events, creator signings and giveaways (while supplies last)!

If you’ve never experienced a Marvel panel live, you don’t know what you’re missing! Stop by for a Q&A with your favorite creators, major announcements and more! But bring a camera, you never know who’s going to show up!

Please note, all guests, times and rooms are subject to change.

Thursday, July 24th

MARVEL: Breaking into Comics The Marvel Way

Time: 10:00AM – 11:00AM PST

Room: 7AB

Have a passion for the inner workings of the comics industry? Curious about breaking into the field as a writer or artist? Sit down with a group of Marvel professionals from every corner of the business, and get insider tips, advice, and first-hand accounts of what it takes to start a career in comics today! Panelists include Editor in Chief Axel Alonso, Talent Scout C.B. Cebulski and a slew of Marvel talent!

MARVEL: House of Ideas                                                            

Time: 1:00PM – 2:00PM PST

Room: 7AB

Love having the best comics in the industry on your mobile devices? Want to know how Marvel stays on the cutting edge of technology while bringing you what you love? Want to learn more about Infinite Comics? Well, this panel is for you, True Believer! Get exciting news from Ryan Penagos (Executive Editorial Director of Digital) and other guests on what’s happening with the Marvel Comics App, Marvel AR, Marvel.com, Marvel’s vast social media presence and more in this can’t-miss panel!

MARVEL: Avengers & X-Men: AXIS                                        

Time: 4:30PM – 5:30PM PST

Room: 6DE

Are you ready for Marvel’s biggest event of the year?  In Avengers & X-Men: AXIS, the Red Skull has enslaved thousands, amassed an army and now broadcasts his message of hate across the world.  Earth’s last hope hinges on the fragile alliance of two estranged teams – the Avengers and the X-Men!  A who’s who of Marvel talent and editors will be on hand to discuss this Marvel blockbuster!  PLUS, find out the latest on current and future X-titles!  Join Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso, Executive Editor Mike Marts, Senior Editor Nick Lowe, Avengers & X-Men: AXIS writer Rick Remender and other Mighty Marvel guests for a rousing discussion and Q&A session!

Friday, July 25th

MARVEL: Spider-Verse

Time: 10:00AM – 11:00AM PST

Room: 6DE

It’s the most epic Spider-Man event of all time as every Spider-Man EVER come together to face a world-ending threat!  Senior Editor Nick Lowe, Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man) and Mark Waid(Daredevil) will be taking any and all questions from YOU the fans!  This is one panel no Spidey fan can miss!

MARVEL: Avengers NOW!

Time: 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM PST

Room: 6BCF

This is the Avengers like you’ve never seen then before!  Marvel is bringing its biggest creators and its best characters together for Avengers NOW!  Join Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso, Rick Remender(Avengers & X-Men: AXIS), Jason Aaron (Original Sin) and other guests as they dish on the evolution of Marvel’s most iconic characters!

Marvel Television Presents

Time: 3:00PM – 4:00PM PST

Room: Ballroom 20

Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Head of Television) returns with exciting news and fun surprises for fans! Join Jeph and the casts of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Marvel’s Agent Carter in this can’t-miss panel that will take you behind the scenes and into the future of Marvel’s live action television series.

Saturday, July 26th

Marvel Animation Presents!

Time: 10:30AM – 11:30AM PST

Room: 6BCF

Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Head of Television; Hydra Agent) returns for what’s become one of the most popular television panels at San Diego!  Join Jeph, Stephen Wacker (VP – Animation & Writing Panel Blurbs ), Cort Lane (Huge Nerd, VP) and Eric Radomski (Giant Dork, SVP) for the latest news on the House of Ideas’ hit animated shows:  Marvel’s Avengers Assemble and Marvel’s Hulk & The Agents of S.M.A.S.H. PLUS: See the eye-popping WORLD PREMIERE of Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors’ history-making epic: “Spider-Verse”! DOUBLE PLUS: A special EXCLUSIVE never before seen surprise for MARVEL fans that you will all be talking about for the rest of the convention!

Marvel Video Games

Time: 12:30PM – 1:30 PM PST

Room: 6A

Join the Marvel Games team and some of the most talented developers in the industry as they cover nearly 15(!) awesome Marvel gaming experiences spanning all platforms – many of which feature the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY! Whether it’s EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS regarding one of the year’s biggest console titles (Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes), UPDATES to current favorites (Marvel Avengers Alliance, Marvel Avengers Alliance Tactics, Marvel Heroes, Marvel Puzzle Quest,Marvel: War of Heroes, X-Men: Battle of the Atom, Marvel Pinball and more), or entirely NEW GAME ANNOUNCEMENTS, there’s something here for every True Believer of the digital age.  Also, a surprise special guest appearance — and the COOLEST GIVEAWAY we’ve ever handed out!

MARVEL: Cup O’ Joe

Time: 2:45PM – 3:45 PM PST

Room: 6BCF

Join us for this Convention favorite! Here is your chance to Q&A with Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada, for this no-holds-barred exposé on everything Marvel. Got a question about a favorite hero? Want to hear groundbreaking news straight from the source? Need a rundown on breaking developments in Marvel comics, film, and T.V? This panel is for you!  Featuring Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso, Talent Scout C.B. Cebulski, Senior Editor Nick Lowe, Editor Jordan D. White, writers Brian Michael Bendis (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man) and other Mighty Marvel guests!

Marvel Studios

Time: 5:30PM – 6:30PM PST

Room: Hall H

Marvel Studios president and producer Kevin Feige and special guests provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Sunday, July 27th

Marvel Unlimited Plus Members Only Panel

Time: 10:00AM – 11:00AM PST
Room: Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel

Marvel Unlimited Plus members are invited to attend a special member only panel at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel’s Indigo Ballroom! Join our emcee, the ever-lovin’, brown eyed Agent M, Ryan Penagos and a gaggle of outrageously talented creators including Jason Aaron, Simone Bianchi, Gerry Duggan and Todd Nauck for exclusive sneak peeks, reveals, a Q&A session and free stuff!*

*Available while supplies last.  Panel line-up subject to change.  Marvel Unlimited Plus membership does not guarantee entry.

MARVEL: Women of Marvel

Time: 11:15PM – 12:15PM PST

Room: 5AB

From Ms. Marvel to Black Widow, from Twitter to tumblr, women in comics has been one of the most talked-about topics in the industry recently.  Join the conversation as women from every discipline in the creative process at Marvel discuss what it’s like working as a woman in comics today and what it means for the future of the industry!  Panelists include Producer & Photographer Judy Stephens, Marvel’s The Watcher host Lorraine Cink, Social Media Manager Adri Cowan, Marvel Studios Asset ManagerAlexis Auditore, Marvel Studios SVP of Visual Effects Victoria Alonso, writer Erica Schultz (RevengeOGN), artist Katie Cook (All-New Marvel NOW! Animal Variants), artist Joanna Estep (100thAnniversary: Fantastic Four), artist Rachelle Rosenberg (Amazing X-Men) and special guest Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso! 

MARVEL: Next Big Thing

Time: 12:30PM – 1:30PM PST

Room: 6DE

Gather ‘round friends and family to pay respect for our honored dead – the legendary X-Man Wolverine!  The Death of Wolverine is here and it will rock you to the core!  Plus, what happens in the wake of this summer’s murder mystery mega-event Original Sin?  Join Executive Editor Mike Marts, Senior EditorNick Lowe, and writers Gerry Duggan (Deadpool), Charles Soule (Death of Wolverine), and Mark Waid (Daredevil) for a panel discussion on the next big storylines of the Marvel Universe!

Can’t make it to the convention? Follow along on the Marvel.com and @Marvel on Twitter, the best way to get exclusive photos and videos, real-time announcements from the convention floor and up-to-the-minute panel, in-booth, and signing schedules of all your favorite Marvel creators!

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook.

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com © MARVEL