Author - Jerry Paxton

Wizard World Gaming Atlanta Event Announced

2015/11/18

ATLANTA, November 18, 2015 – Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) today announced the first Wizard World Gaming Atlanta , a celebration of all things gaming, January 22-24 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Attendees will participate in video and table gaming tournaments and eSports competitions, meet top celebrities, executives, developers and brands, participate in live demonstrations and interact with fans across the Southeast, demonstrating their love of gaming with Wizard World.

“We wanted to create an exciting, new type of convention for fans who love all kinds of gaming,” said John Macaluso , Wizard World CEO. “Gaming is a growing part of all Wizard World shows, and we feel Atlanta is the perfect place to roll out this kind of celebration.”

Guests to attend Wizard World Gaming Atlanta will include from Billy Mitchell (The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters), Walter Day (founder, Twin Galaxies), voice actors Yuri Lowenthal (Ben 10, Fallout 4, Skylanders ) and Tara Platt ( Pillars of Eternity, Skylanders , Sailor Moon Crystal) and more to be announced shortly.

Now through December 31, fans can take advantage of an Early Bird Special discount, offering 25% off three-day and single-day admissions, by using code EARLYATL at checkout at http://wizd.me/AtlantaPR.

Wizard World Gaming Atlanta will also feature a Retro gaming area via Guys Games and Beer, which will include the mech combat Steel Battalion, VR Oculus experience, History of Gaming and Retro Game Lounge with a variety of classics from years past — from Atari to Xbox and everything in between.

Wizard World Gaming Atlanta kicks off a season-long series of gaming-focused events which will coincide with Wizard World Comic Con shows throughout 2016 in the following cities: Portland , Ore. (Feb. 19-21); St. Louis (April 1-3); Minneapolis (May 6-8); Philadelphia (June 2-5); Sacramento, Calif. (June 17-19); Orlando, Fla. (August 5-7); Chicago (August 18-21); and Austin, Texas (September 23-25).

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The second event scheduled on the 2016 calendar, Wizard World Gaming Atlanta show hours are Friday, January 22, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, January 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, January 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more on 2016 Wizard World Gaming Atlanta, visit http://wizd.me/AtlantaPR .

Crytek Releases Back to Dinosaur Island VR Demo For Free

2015/11/18

Jerry Paxton

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

FRANKFURT, Germany – November 18, 2015 – Available for download today, Crytek has released virtual reality tech demo Back to Dinosaur Island for free. Achieved with CRYENGINE, Back to Dinosaur Island debuted publicly at GDC 2015 in San Francisco, earning widespread acclaim from press and attendees, and this is the first time players can experience it for themselves outside of a games industry event.

In Back to Dinosaur Island, players become the eyes and ears of a baby dinosaur in a nest. Surrounded by dinosaur eggs, players are immersed in a beautifully rendered 3D jungle environment filled with lush vegetation and buzzing with life. Players interact with elements around them, including the eggs, a dragon fly and finally, will come face-to-face with an enormous dinosaur, experiencing a sense of scale and awe in a way that can only be achieved with virtual reality.

Crytek’s Director of Production, David Bowman, said: “Back to Dinosaur Island shows how intense, involving and rich virtual reality can be. Players will see a powerful dinosaur breathing inches from their face, getting an unprecedented sense of its immense scale. To watch this scene in 2D is impressive, but when you’re in virtual reality, it becomes more intimate, and more exciting – giving you a feeling of presence and a belief that you’re really right there in a way that no other medium can.”

A video which gives a flavor of the experience players will enjoy in Back to Dinosaur Island is available at https://youtu.be/-qopI4SulZw. Today’s release of Back to Dinosaur Island is compatible with Oculus Rift Development Kit 2 models and later. Gamers can stay up to date with Crytek’s on-going virtual reality projects by visiting www.crytek.com and www.cryengine.com.

EverQuest II: Terrors of Thalumbra and EverQuest: The Broken Mirror Launches Tomorrow

2015/11/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

SAN DIEGO – Nov. 17, 2015 – Over the next 24 hours, Daybreak Games is launching two new major content expansions for the EverQuest universe: EverQuest: The Broken Mirror and EverQuest II: Terrors of Thalumbra. These exciting additions to the long-running, massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) series bring new solo and group adventures, features, challenges and more to the world of Norrath.

EVERQUEST: THE BROKEN MIRROR

STORYLINE: The 22nd expansion to EverQuest pits players against Anashti Sul, a vengeful goddess whose war for power threatens all life in Norrath.

WHAT TO EXPECT: The Broken Mirror brings four new expansion zones and three revamped zones to the original EverQuest, as well as instanced, scalable versions of the Plane of Hate and Plane of Fear for level 75-105 raids. It adds new quests, missions, heroic adventures and raids to take on, while introducing new spells, AAs (Alternate Advancements) and a convenient Illusion Key Ring.

EverQuest: The Broken Mirror is available for purchase now on PC starting at $34.99 via www.everquest.com/expansion-content. The full expansion will launch tomorrow, Nov. 18.

EVERQUEST II: TERRORS OF THALUMBRA

STORYLINE: Deep below Norrath rests Thalumbra, a sprawling, subterranean realm of lost treasures and ancient horrors home to the thrilling 12th expansion of EverQuest II.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Thalumbra is a new overland zone featuring a new contested zone and special quests for Adventure and Tradeskill players. It includes scalable, level-agnostic dungeons for players levels 20-94, plus raid zones, heroic dungeons and advanced solo dungeons for level 100 players. Terrors of Thalumbra evolves the Deity system and also brings the new Item Infusion upgrade system and new best-in-slot relics to EverQuest II.

EverQuest II: Terrors of Thalumbra is available now on PC starting at $34.99 at www.everquest2.com/expansion-content.

Collector’s Edition and Premium Edition bundles for both EverQuest: The Broken Mirror and EverQuest II: Terrors of Thalumbra are also available for $89.99 and $139.99 each, respectively. Players on special members-only progression and time-locked servers can purchase Adventure Packs for $34.99. All Access Members get 10% off all purchases.

For more information on each specific title, please visit www.everquest.com and www.everquest2.com.

Farm Simulator Heavy Equipment Precision Control System Released

2015/11/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Peripherals News

San Diego – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ) announced today the release of the Farm Simulator Heavy Equipment Precision Control System™ under the Company’s Saitek simulation brand. Designed in coordination with GIANTS® Software for use with Farming Simulator 15 Gold Edition on Windows PC, aspiring farmers in North America can now purchase a full-suite of realistic hardware controllers that integrate deeply with the recently released Farming Simulator 15 Gold Edition, for an incredibly authentic virtual farming experience.

Saitek’s Farm Simulator Heavy Equipment Precision Control System was created in close collaboration with game developer GIANTS Software, and includes a three-component controller system for Farming Simulator 15 Gold Edition. This system includes a Steering Wheel, Gas and Brake Pedals, and a fully-programmable Side Panel Control Deck for high-precision control and advanced farm management.

Each component of Saitek’s control system for Farming Simulator 15 Gold Edition has been painstakingly detailed for maximum realism. A properly tilted, center sprung steering wheel with 900 degrees of turning and wheel turning knob complete with gas and brake pedals, as well as an on-board dual analog gamepad, enables players to work their farms in and out of vehicles. The Side Panel Control Deck features a front loader control stick, which provides dynamic control of a vehicle’s front attachments and has 25 fully programmable buttons for tool attach/detach, tool switching, reverse, lights, horn, cruise control, and more!

Farm Simulator Heavy Equipment Precision Control System is available now in North America through the Mad Catz Online Store and other retailers. It ships in the following configurations (game sold separately) and is compatible with Microsoft’s Windows 7 and above:

Heavy Equipment Precision Control System: Full three-component bundle (wheel, pedals and side panel) for a MSRP of $299.00 USD
Side Panel Control Deck (joystick and programmable buttons) for a MSRP of $149.99 USD
Heavy Equipment Controller Wheel and Foot Pedals bundle for a MSRP of $149.99 USD

For More Information, please visit: http://store.madcatz.com/categories/farm-sim.

Watch the Official Trailer for the Farming Simulator 15 Gold Edition Heavy Equipment Precision Control System (https://youtu.be/SLWmSlF5VoI) and Unboxing Video (https://youtu.be/yHijhGD-2go) now!

Universal Studios Hollywood Unveils New Annual Passes

2015/11/16

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

Universal City, California, November 16, 2015 – In celebration of Universal Studios Hollywood’s five year epic transformation that has substantially altered its familiar footprint to essentially define it as an entirely new destination, The Entertainment Capital of L.A. is rolling out three all-new Annual Pass ticket options, inviting guests to visit the theme park as if for the very first time.

Effective immediately, new Annual Passes will provide guests with an array of privileges reserved for passholder membership, including access to Universal Studios Hollywood over a 12 month period to enjoy the park’s compelling thrill rides and attractions, including “Fast & Furious: Supercharged” as the grand finale to the world famousStudio Tour, “Transformers: The Ride 3D“ and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” as well as the much-anticipated “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” when it opens in Spring 2016.

Each new Annual Pass member will embark on an exciting journey with Universal Studios Hollywood receiving regular newsletter updates, exclusive preview event invitations, discounts on food and merchandise, eligibility for sweepstakes opportunities that include the chance to win tickets to coveted Hollywood red carpet movie premieres, and more.

The Gold Pass, available for $299, includes 312 select days of fun. The California Resident Plus Pass, available for $199, invites members to enjoy 244 select days of fun, and the California Resident Pass, available for $139, includes 182 select days of fun. To learn more about the Annual Passes options, please visitwww.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/tickets.

Additional information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram andTwitter.

Prometheus 2 is now Alien Covenant

2015/11/16

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News

20th Century Fox has announced that Prometheus 2 has officially been renamed Alien Covenant. Due out on October 6, 2017, Alien Covenant will tell the story of a colony ship that happens across the severed head of “David” (Michael Fassbender) some time after the events of the first film. Ridley Scott is set to once again direct.

Final Fantasy Explorers Collector’s Edition Announced

2015/11/13

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo 3DS News

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 12, 2015) – SQUARE ENIX® today revealed the Collector’s Edition for FINAL FANTASY EXPLORERS® that will be limited and available exclusively through the Square Enix Online Store.

In addition to the game, the collector’s edition includes a variety of premium items, including:
·         32-page artbook featuring illustrations by renowned artists Yoshitaka Amano, Gen Kobayashi and Toshiyuki Itahana
·         “Songs for the Journey,” a 20-track music soundtrack sampler comprised of tracks by celebrated Composer Tsuyoshi Sekito
·         Themed FINAL FANTASY EXPLORERS Nintendo 3DS hard case
·         Exclusive box packaging, featuring the artwork of series concept artist Amano

The Collector’s Edition will also have codes exclusive to the Western release to unlock in-game quests that allow players to obtain a set of legendary FINAL FANTASY® weapons. These weapons include: Venus Gospel from FINAL FANTASY VII, Death Penalty from DIRGE of CERBERUS®: FINAL FANTASY VII, Crimson Blitz fromLIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII, and Thyrus from FINAL FANTASY XIV.

FINAL FANTASY EXPLORERS will be available on Jan. 26, 2016, for Nintendo 3DS in North America, and will be priced at $39.99 MSRP. The Collector’s Edition will be sold through the Square Enix Online Storefor $69.99.

Ronda Rousey EA Sports UFC 2 Cover Athlete

2015/11/13

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Xbox One News

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – November 13, 2015 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today announced EA SPORTS™ UFC® 2 will launch this Spring, featuring UFC® bantamweight champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey as the game’s global lead cover athlete. Rousey, the undefeated UFC champion (12-0), is the most dominant and recognized fighter in the world. Hear what Rousey thinks about the cover and get a first look of the champ in the virtual Octagon® here.

“EA Sports is a cultural barometer to know what’s going on in sports at the moment,” said Rousey. “As a gamer myself, it’s pretty surreal to be on the cover of the game and to have a woman on the cover of a UFC game shows a lot of progress. I’m really happy to be involved with it.”

EA SPORTS UFC 2 takes the franchise’s stunning character likeness and animation to another level, adds an all-new Knockout Physics System and authentic gameplay features, and introduces the biggest ever roster of real-world fighters in a MMA game who will step back into the Octagon on Xbox One and PlayStation^®4.

“Like any champion fighter going into their next fight, we listened to our corner – in our case, the fans – and took a detailed look at everything we can do to take the fight game to a whole new level,” said Creative Director Brian Hayes. “We’re doing that by introducing innovative gameplay features, delivering a game mode for every fighter regardless of their style of play, and adding helpful tools so fans can master MMA, all while producing the jaw-dropping visuals that fans expect.”

EA SPORTS UFC 2 is headlined by five brand new game modes including KO Mode and UFC Ultimate Team, a revamped Career Modethat lets fans create female fighters for the first time ever in a UFC game, and Grapple Assist, an integrated visual tool to help players learn and perfect takedowns, ground game transitions, and submissions. Full feature and mode details can be found athttp://easports.com/ufc/features.

Rousey will defend her title tomorrow in the Octagon at UFC^® 193: ROUSEY vs. HOLM at Etihad Stadium, to mark the first UFC event in Melbourne, Australia. This event will also make UFC history as the first time two women’s world title bouts will headline a PPV event.

For pre-order information, visit http://easports.com/UFC/buy

EA SPORTS UFC 2 is developed in Burnaby, British Columbia by EA Canada. More information is available on the EA SPORTS UFCwebsite, and in-depth feature details will be announced in the months leading up to launch. Fans should keep an eye on the website, as well as the EA SPORTS UFC Facebook and Twitter pages to make sure they’re always up-to-date on the latest and greatest news.

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 videogames, including Madden NFL football, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, Rory McIlroy 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.

Tritton Katana 7.1 HD Wireless Console Headset Announced

2015/11/12

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

San Diego – November 12, 2015 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ) announced today the TRITTON^™ Katana^™ HD 7.1 Wireless Headset, a revolutionary new gaming headset and the world’s first to draw its audio signal directly through HDMI to deliver eight channels of uncompressed sound for pure high definition audio quality. With near-universal compatibility across today’s gaming consoles, PCs and smart devices, theKatana HD features state-of-the-art DTS Headphone:X^™ audio technology that faithfully recreates the spatially accurate immersive sound experience from your favorite game. Whether your enemies are flanking or surrounding, you will hear them before you see them. Headphone:X technology allows gamers to immerse themselves in games, movies and music, as if they were actually there.

The Company also announced today that the TRITTON^™ Katana^™ HD 7.1 Wireless Headset received the distinguished CES 2016 Innovations Award Honoree for outstanding design and engineering in Gaming and Virtual Reality and will be featured during CES 2016 at Innovation Awards Showcase.

Designed as the new flagship in the TRITTON high performance gaming audio range, the Katana HD provides gamers with unparalleled audio immersion via oversized 50 mm drivers and crystal clear interference-free chat through an omnidirectional boom mic. Featuring Selectable Voice Monitoring (SVM), the removable and adjustable mic is designed to pick up only the designated audio sources and either delete or enhance the gamer’s voice. Fully wireless chat is a reality on Katana HD if playing on PS4^™, PS3^™, or PC, and when playing on Xbox One, a pass-through port is ready to accept the included 3.5mm to 3.5mm chat cable.

“Providing gamers with first-to-market audio technology and an immersive sound experience via DTS Headphone:X technology, the wireless Katana HD delivers unrivaled sound quality to today’s passionate gamer,” said Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz. “With a focus on multiplatform accessibility, personalization and chat options, we feel that Katana HD has the ideal combination of new technology and high-end features to stand out from the competition and make a significant contribution to our audio category sales.”

For additional information on the TRITTON Katana 7.1 HD Wireless Headset please visit:

http://store.madcatz.com/Tritton-Katana-7-1-HD-Wireless-Surround-Headset-for-Consoles

MSI Unveils All-in-One Gaming PC

2015/11/12

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

City of Industry, Calif. – November 12, 2015 – MSI Computer Corp announces the availability of the world’s most powerful gaming All-in-One PC, the brand new Gaming 27T. Packed with a plethora of advanced components and technologies, including Intel’s 6^th Generation Core™ i7 desktop processor and NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX™ 980M graphics; MSI’s Gaming 27T stuns the multimedia lover and impresses even the most hardcore gamer.

MSI’s newest AIO transports gamers into the game through an anti-glare 27-inch Full HD LED touchscreen powered by NVIDIA’s most powerful mobile GPU, the GTX 980M. The LED screen also features MSI’s energy stabilizing technology that prevents flickering and blue light emission, reducing eyestrain and fatigue even in long gaming sessions. For gamers wanting an even more visual experience, the Gaming 27T comes with two HDMI-out ports that supports 2 additional external screens.

“Gamers demand performance and our new the Gaming 27T will leave them breathless with unbelievable graphics, blazing fast speeds, and a mind-blowing sensory experience,” says Andy Tung, president of MSI Pan America. “Our Gaming 27T takes AIOs to a new level by focusing on user experience above all.”

MSI complements the Gaming 27T’s amazing graphics with a variety of cutting-edge components to make gaming even more enjoyable, including Killer Wireless and Killer DoubleShot Pro for blazing online speeds with decreased latency and lag; Nahimic Audio Enhancer, SABRE Hi-Fi DAC, and Audio Boost for a hair raising sound experience, and MSI’s own Gaming Center application for ultimate gaming customization.

The Gaming 27T is now available for $2699.99 at Amazon, NewEgg, Best Buy, and more. For more information on MSI’s entire selection of gaming solutions, including laptops, visit us.msi.com