Author - Jerry Paxton

The Banner Saga Announces Fan Art Contest

2014/01/24
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

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AUSTIN, TX – January, 24rd 2014 – Hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed indie release The Banner Saga, indie game development company Stoic, and publisher Versus Evil, today announced an art contest for fans based on their experience in the game, using runic inspired designs.

“The Banner Saga has been applauded by reviewers and fans alike for the art style, something we are incredibly proud of. We’ve seen such great fan art for the game that it made sense to ask our fans to assist us in designing a real life banner. We are looking for designs based on the traditional Viking runic art style as seen on the Godstones in the game,” said Stoic’s Art Director Arnie Jorgensen. “One way of recording history in early Viking times was for each family to contribute (sew) their own ‘saga’ onto their clan’s banner. Similarly, we plan to include some of the best designs submitted in this contest to create a twelve foot banner depicting our fan’s experiences with the game, creating a community ‘saga’.”

The ‘Creating the Banner’ contest is now officially open for entrants to submit their original ‘Viking-style’ inspired designs at http://www.creatingthebanner.com . Winners will not only get their design included on the final life-sized banner, but they will also be sent a mini replica of the final banner for display. Full submission guidelines, rules and regulations can be found on the contest website. Submissions must be in by 11:59pm PT on Thursday March 13th, 2014.

The Banner Saga is available now for $24.99 through Steam, UPlay, GameFly, GameStop and Gamers Gate for PC and Mac. A digital Deluxe Edition is also available through select retailers for $29.99 and includes the game and complete official soundtrack composed by Austin Wintory.

Camp Snoopy Construction Update: Week Two

2014/01/24
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Timberline Twister New Look Photo

Knott’s Berry Farm is in the process of completely overhauling its famed Camp Snoopy attraction area, which is being done in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Here is their “Week Two Update” along with some preview photos. Enjoy!

Camp Snoopy’s 30th Anniversary: Week Two Update

The first step on your journey through Camp Snoopy’s High Sierras will now be more realistic than ever. Knott’s Berry Farm’s Project Development team has broken ground in Camp Snoopy and enhanced the pathways that surround the freshly painted Sierra Sidewinder. By the end of construction, this dirt-like pavement will wind through all of Camp Snoopy’s midways. The pavement, along with new rustic lighting and fence structures, further bring to life the outdoor camp atmosphere.

Let’s take a hike over to the North end of Camp Snoopy where we find the re-themed Timberline Twister! The ride puts you in the driver seat of Charlie Brown’s entry into this year’s Camp Snoopy Pinewood Derby. Twist your way through the trees and the surrounding wilderness as you race to the finish line to help Charlie Brown win his first merit badge. As part of construction, the attraction will also feature a new loading station shade structure. The Timberline Twister is a not-so-scary kids’ roller coaster located next to Camp Bus.

New Images

Knotts Teams With Susan G. Komen OC for Special Mercandise

2014/01/23
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

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Buena Park, CA (Jan 2014) – Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County are working together to raise money for breast cancer awareness, services and research by offering a special “Pink Ticket” and limited edition specially designed “pink” merchandise from February 1 through March 31st.

“It is wonderful to see Snoopy hugging Woodstock on top of the logo for Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure benefiting Susan G. Komen Orange County,” said Lisa Wolter, Executive Director of the Komen Orange County Affiliate. “This partnership will raise much needed funds for mammograms and breast health outreach, and it shows the warmth and caring embrace we can all extend to women and families going through their struggle with breast cancer.”

In Orange County, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to Komen’s funding of research, new treatments and awareness of the importance of annual mammograms to detect breast cancer in its earliest and most curable stages, the survival rate for breast cancer has risen dramatically over the 33 years of the organization. The Orange County Komen Affiliate provides mammograms for uninsured women and works with other organizations to bring breast health information to people throughout the county.

The promotion will provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy Knott’s world class entertainment, attractions and specially-themed “pink” décor, while supporting an important cause that touches many women. Starting February 1, through March 31, guests can purchase “Pink Tickets” for theme park admission only online at www.knotts.com. A portion of the “Pink Tickets” proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen Orange County.

Knott’s Berry Farm has kicked off the promotion by donating $25,000 to Susan G. Komen Orange County. The money that the theme park has already donated will provide 400 women in Orange County with life-saving breast health services.

Guests entering the theme park during the time of the promotion will be greeted by a pink Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure display adorned with Snoopy and his pal Woodstock. Guests can purchase a commemorative limited edition magnet to place on the special display in honor of, or in memory of, someone affected by breast cancer. The magnet will be sold at select merchandise locations inside Knott’s Berry Farm and all proceeds will benefit Komen Orange County.

“I am ready to buy ‘pink’ Knott’s Berry Farm merchandise for my granddaughters because I want there to be a cure before they grow up,” said Wolter.

For more information on the fight against breast cancer, please contact the Susan G. Komen Orange County office at (714) 957-9157.

For Knott’s theme park information including hours of operation please visit www.knotts.com or call (714) 220-5200. Follow and join the conversation by using #KnottsPink.

The Elder Scrolls Online Voice Cast Info

2014/01/23
Jerry Paxton
Mac PC News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

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January 23, 2014 (Rockville, MD) – Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today announced the members of the renowned cast lending their voices to The Elder Scrolls® Online, the highly-anticipated game arriving April 4, 2014 on PC and Mac and June 2014 for the PlayStation®4 system and Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. The Elder Scrolls® Online ensemble includes Academy Award nominee John Cleese (“A Fish Called Wanda,” “Monty Python and the Holy Grail“), Golden Globe winner Bill Nighy (“Pirates of the Caribbean”), Kate Beckinsale (“The Aviator,” “Pearl Harbor”), Alfred Molina (“Spider-Man 2”) and Golden Globe nominees Michael Gambon (“Harry Potter”), and Malcolm McDowell (“A Clockwork Orange”). In addition, Lynda Carter (“Wonder Woman”) returns to the Elder Scrolls series to reprise her role from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

The Elder Scrolls Online is the latest chapter of the award-winning franchise and will bring the legendary experience online for the first time. Players can choose their own style of play as they embark upon an epic adventure across all of Tamriel, playing alone on heroic quests as in previous Elder Scrolls games, exploring the huge, rich world with a few friends, or joining with hundreds of others in massive PvP battles to save the Empire.

“This extraordinary group of actors helps bring the distinctive characters in The Elder Scrolls Online to life,” said Matt Firor, game director of The Elder Scrolls Online. “In The Elder Scrolls tradition, we sought world class talent to add a deep and enriching component to the immersive world the series offers players.”

John Cleese plays Cadwell, the cheerful and endearingly mad lost soul who is not afraid of anyone, even a Daedric Prince. Joining the cast as High King Emeric, Bill Nighy portrays a merchant prince whose luck and determination won him the throne. Kate Beckinsale takes on the role of Queen Ayrenn, the leader of the Aldmeri Dominion and Queen of the High Elves who is far more comfortable with a blade than her crown.

In addition, Alfred Molina takes on the role of Abnur Tharn, a wily old wizard and politician who is the head of the Empire’s Elder Council, and the de facto power behind the Ruby Throne. Lynda Carter plays Azura, the Daedric Princess of Dusk and Dawn from Skyrim who is a popular part of Elder Scrolls lore.  Michael Gambon voices The Prophet, a mysterious blind man who guides the player through their journey to retrieve their soul; and Malcolm McDowell plays the key figure Molag Bal, an evil Daedric god from another plane who schemes to enslave the mortal souls of Tamriel.

The Elder Scrolls Online cast also includes:

  • Peter Stormare (“Fargo”) plays Jorunn the Skald King, an unexpected monarch who led his people into an unlikely alliance.
  • Jim Ward (“WALL·E,” “Despicable Me 2”) voices Mannimarco, a renegade High Elf wizard exiled from the realm for raising the dead and the world’s most powerful necromancer.
  • Jennifer Hale appears in the role of Lyris Titanborn, a Nord half-giant, who, along with the Prophet, aids the player on their journey..
  • Kevin Michael Richardson rounds out the cast as Sai Sahan a noble martial artist and master swordsman.

The Elder Scrolls Online has been named one of the industry’s most anticipated titles for 2014 and marks a historic point for the franchise with its multiplayer online play after nearly 20 years of developing these best-selling, award-winning fantasy role-playing games for single player only. The previous chapter in this franchise was The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim® which was released in November 2011 and enjoyed worldwide critical and commercial success. As the sequel to the 2002 Role-Playing Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind®, and the 2006 Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion®, Skyrim earned hundreds of ‘Game of the Year’ awards and sold over 20 million copies.

The Elder Scrolls Online is being developed for the PlayStation4 system, Xbox One, PC, and Mac by ZeniMax Online Studios. The studio is headed by industry veteran Matt Firor who has more than 20 years of online game development experience. Working with Matt is a team of highly regarded professionals who have created some of the best known online games ever released.

The Elder Scrolls Online has been rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

SteelSeries Releases Stratus Wireless Controller

2014/01/23
Jerry Paxton
News, Peripherals News

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CHICAGO – Jan. 23, 2014 – SteelSeries, a global leader in the gaming peripherals and accessories market, today revealed that the Stratus Wireless Gaming Controller, the only iOS controller that is wireless and that works with iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch® is now available at Apple stores and at Apple.com for $79.99/ €79.99.  The device, introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier this month, is specifically designed for console-style gameplay on iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch® running iOS 7 with supported, controller-enabled games.

“The media and consumer reaction to the announcement of the Stratus Controller at CES really demonstrated the power behind this product, and the new category of gaming we can enable by working together with Apple,” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO.  “More than ever, we see the power of this platform and we want to make every effort to make it accessible to as many consumers as possible.  We have therefore worked closely with our retail partners and suppliers with the objective of lowering the retail price target without changing any of the terrific features of this product.”

“Since our inception, SteelSeries has been committed to not only making great and innovative products, but also to investing considerable time and resources into building a global gaming community.  Working diligently with our suppliers to lower the MSRP, which we believe will help welcome a new world of gamers into this exciting space, allows us to stay true to our roots and provide consumers everywhere an exceptional value,” said Jacob Wolff-Petersen, SteelSeries Founder.

SteelSeries will honor the launch price of $79.99 / €79.99 on all pre-orders it has already taken for the controller on its websites globally.

For more information about the Stratus Controller, please visit http://steelseries.com/stratus.

Shroud of the Avatar Early Release 2

2014/01/23
Jerry Paxton
News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

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AUSTIN, Texas, January 23, 2014 — Portalarium®, the Austin-based development studio headed by acclaimed game designer Richard Garriott, announced today the second early release of Garriott’s Shroud of the Avatar™ fantasy role-playing game. The Shroud of the Avatar team is delivering on its promise to provide new content to backers of the project every month during the game’s early development stages. Shroud of the Avatar is a crowd funded and crowd sourced game that was announced in March of last year.

When backers log into the game for Release 2 today, they’ll find several new features added to Shroud of the Avatar’s world since Release 1 was launched on December 12. During these short 2-3 day releases, backers can log in to the game, play it, explore the world and provide observations to the development team, who then use the feedback to make corrections and enhance the game in time for the next release in the following month.

Included in the Release 2 deliverables are: a second municipality, Kingsport, to explore, a list inventory, increased character customization, recipe books, jumping and perhaps most anticipated — the very first stages of crafting. Crafting will initially focus on refining and production for smithing, tailoring and carpentry. There will be more than 100 recipes with chests full of crafting resources spread throughout the land. Other aspects for crafting like resource gathering, repair and enhance will be rolled out in subsequent releases.

“The beauty of developing a game in this fashion is that we are constantly in touch with our fans and backers as they provide us with invaluable feedback along each and every milestone,” said Shroud of the Avatar Executive Producer Starr Long. “Our last release was well received and the community helped us identify processes and features that need improving. Ultimately it should result in a game that both the community and the team will be proud to release later this year.”

“It’s thrilling to have our backers and fans working so closely with us as we create this new game together,” said Richard Garriott. “Every release opens up the world a bit more and provides us with another window into New Britannia. I personally want to thank each and every backer for his or her contribution to our effort and for their willingness to take this voyage with us. I look forward to adventuring with all of you in the months and years ahead!”

Instructions to backers for downloading the Release 2 client, installing and then playing and interacting in New Britannia are located here: download, install, play.

Shroud of the Avatar is a multiplayer fantasy RPG for the PC that is the spiritual successor to Richard Garriott’s previous works in the genre. It is expected to launch at the end of 2014. It is a crowd funded and crowd sourced game built in Unity that has raised more than $3 million from backers to date. For more information on the game and to become a backer of the project, go to www.ShroudoftheAvatar.com.

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World of Tanks 8.11 to Bring New Game Mode and Maps

2014/01/23
Jerry Paxton
News, Special Interest News, Windows PC News

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January 23, 2014 — Wargaming today revealed details of Update 8.11 for World of Tanks. The game will shortly get a new combat mode and battle arenas.

“We have always valued World of Tanks community’s feedback above all else,” said World of Tanks Lead Producer Mike Zhivets. “The combat mode with national teams has been a popular request from our players for quite some time, and we are excited that they will soon be able to try it out.”

The new game mode, Confrontation, will unite players with vehicles from a specific nation into a team that faces off against a comparable opposing team with vehicles from a different nation.

Along with a new game mode, Update 8.11 will add Windstorm, a brand new winter battle arena in a European setting, as well as a winter version of Himmelsdorf and a revamped Ruinberg, featuring rainfall and fires.

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