Author - Jerry Paxton

Call of Duty: Black Ops II Vengeance PC and PS3 Release on August 1

2013/07/10

News, PlayStation 3 News, Windows PC News

JULY 10, 2013 — Beginning Aug. 1, Vengeance can belong to PlayStation®3 and Windows PC players when Activision and award-winning developer Treyarch makes its third epic Downloadable Content (DLC) Pack for the record-breaking Call of Duty®: Black Ops II available. Vengeance takes players to exotic locations around the globe and also serves up a new chapter to the Zombies experience with “Buried,” where the undead residents of an abandoned subterranean Old West mining town have come back to claim their home.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II Vengeance delivers four new, diverse multiplayer maps:

Cove: The stage is set for all-out conflict on this small, forgotten island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with players battling it out amongst the wreckage of a jet that crash-landed during a smuggling operation gone wrong.
Detour: A destroyed suspension bridge, high above an East Coast waterway, packed with scattered vehicles, exposed iron and collapsed pavement where the head-to-head action will play out on multiple levels.
Rush: Get ready for fast, close-quarters engagements in this paintball course turned full-combat arena, giving players new opportunities and challenges to use the cover to their advantage.
Uplink: In this re-imagined adaptation of the fan-favorite multiplayer map “Summit” from the original Call of Duty®: Black Ops, players clash deep in the rain-soaked jungles of Myanmar, high atop a hi-tech mountain facility.

Treyarch continues to expand the Zombies story world in imaginative, mind-tripping ways with “Buried.” Once players meet up with the four survivors of Tranzit, they’ll begin to encounter the undead residents of an abandoned underground Old West mining town. A healthy arsenal of equipment and weapons will be at players’ disposal, but with one very special addition – something so powerful it will also appear in all other Call of Duty: Black Ops IIZombies maps (with the purchase of Vengeance DLC) – the Ray Gun Mark II.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II Vengeance DLC Pack is available al a carte for an SRP of $14.99 or for download by season pass holders. Call of Duty: Black Ops II game (sold separately) is required to play this Map Pack.

Fantastic Fest Will See Premiere of Machete Kills

2013/07/10

Jerry Paxton

Movie News, News

Austin, TX – Wednesday, July 10, 2013- Fantastic Fest is excited to announce Robert Rodriguez’s Machete Kills will have its world premiere on September 19, 2013 as the opening night film for the 2013 festival, which will take place in Austin, Texas at the new Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline location from September 19-26, 2013. Talent from the film, including Danny Trejo, Alexa Vega and Robert Rodriguez, will be in attendance. Additional talent to be confirmed closer to festival.

“Every year we compile our dream targets for opening night film; MACHETE KILLS was at the top of that list,” said Fantastic Fest Co-founder & Creative Director Tim League. “We are going to pull out all the stops to ensure Robert’s world premiere red carpet experience is literally blood red.”

“Fantastic Fest has quickly become the best place for fans to first experience the newest and coolest genre movies and blockbusters,” said director Robert Rodriguez. “I am honored and extremely excited for Machete Kills to have its world premiere right here in Austin and kick off Fantastic Fest.”

In Machete Kills, Danny Trejo returns as ex-Federale agent Machete, who is recruited by the President of the United States for a mission which would be impossible for any mortal man – he must take down a madman revolutionary and an eccentric billionaire arms dealer who has hatched a plan to spread war and anarchy across the planet.

The talented and eclectic cast includes: Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Sofia Vergara, Amber Heard, Carlos Estevez, Lady Gaga, Antonio Banderas, Jessica Alba, Demian Bichir, Alexa Vega, Vanessa Hudgens, Cuba Gooding, Jr., William Sadler, Marko Zaror and Mel Gibson.

Presented by Open Road Films, Machete Kills is directed by Robert Rodriguez, produced by Robert Rodriguez, Aaron Kaufman, Iliana Nikolic, Sergei Bespalov, Alexander Rodnyansky and Rick Schwartz, from a screenplay by Kyle Ward, based on a story by Marcel Rodriguez and Robert Rodriguez. Machete Kills releases in U.S. theaters on October 4, 2013.

For further information on Machete Kills visit https://twitter.com/MacheteKills and https://www.facebook.com/MacheteKills

Look for more programming announcements for Fantastic Fest in the weeks ahead.

For the latest developments, tickets and badges visit the Fantastic Fest official site www.fantasticfest.com and follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

Zenescope Announces San Diego Comic-Con Plans

2013/07/10

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, SDCC

July 10, 2013 — Zenescope Entertainment, the popular comic book publisher known for its edgy content and top-notch exclusive covers, will be once again appearing at booth #2301 just inside the C entrance of the San Diego Convention Center during Comic-Con International which runs July 17th-21st. Zenescope plans to give away thousands of free comics to fans while showcasing their top talent and offering limited edition convention exclusives and products throughout Comic Con.

Zenescope’s giveaways include issue #1 of the company’s new hit series, Grimm Fairy Tales presents OZ (while supplies last), as well as a variety of different comics, on an almost hourly basis during artist and creator signings (check http://blog.zenescope.com for appearances and signing times).

Meanwhile, Zenescope will dedicate Saturday, July 20th to the U.S. Armed Forces by giving away free copies of its brand new Grimm Fairy Tales: Wounded Warriors comic book while also holding signings and a Silent Auction of original cover art by talent such as Jamal Igle, Anthony Spay, Mike DeBalfo, Sean Chen, Alfredo Reyes and Billy Tucci. All silent auction proceeds will go to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Another big draw at booth 2301 will be Zenescope’s interactive “Hit List” game where fans can sign up for free at the booth for a chance to win prizes. The game will run all 4 convention days and involves collecting pictures of other “Hit List” players on one’s smart phone; those who collect the most photos will be awarded Zenescope prize packs worth up to $75 in retail value. Stop by booth 2301 for more details and to participate.

Also on the docket for Zenescope, taking place Friday, July 19th from 12pm-1:00pm in Panel Room 4, Zenescope will debut new behind the scenes footage from its Grimm Fairy Tales Animated Pilot. Director/Producer Jon Schnepp will be joined by Producers and Grimm Fairy Tales creators, Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco as they screen never- before-seen exclusive content featuring some of the voice talent involved in the project such as Lena Headey, Chris Hardwick, Briana Evigan and Robert Forster.

Lastly, Zenescope will be providing the talent to go along with many of its jaw-dropping exclusive covers available at the convention. The top-notch artwork of Elias Chatzoudis, Franchesco, Ebas, Mike Krome, Anthony Spay, Mike DeBalfo and Tyler Kirkham will be featured at Booth 2301 with appearances by not only most of these names but many others. Here’s a partial list of talent appearing at the Zenescope Booth. Please check http://blog.zenescope.com for a complete list of appearances and signing times.

Joe Brusha: Zenescope President, Writer, Creator (Grimm Fairy Tales, Neverland, Oz)
Ralph Tedesco: Zenescope Editor-in-Chief, Writer, Creator (Grimm Fairy Tales, Se7en, Hit List)
Raven Gregory: Zenescope Staff Writer (Wonderland, The Waking, Fly)
Anthony Spay: Zenescope Artist, Editor, Art Director (Wonderland, Grimm Fairy Tales)
Elias Chatzoudis: SPECIAL GUEST Artist (Grimm Fairy Tales, Wonderland, Oz)
Jamal Igle: Artist (Superman, Grimm Fairy Tales)
Jamie Tyndall: Artist (Grimm Fairy Tales, Wonderland, Hit List)
Tyler Kirkham: Artist, Creator: (Screwed, Green Lantern: New Guardians)
Nei Ruffino: Artist (Wonderland, Unleashed)
Franchesco!: Artist (Wonderland, Grimm Fairy Tales)

For more in depth convention coverage and plans make sure to check Zenescope’s blog (http://blog.zenescope.com), Facebook www.zenescope.com/facebook or Twitter @Zenescope.

Disney Legends Awards Ceremony and Nominees Announced for D23 Expo

2013/07/10

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

BURBANK, Calif. – July 10, 2013 – Monsters Inc. and Monsters University stars Billy Crystal and John Goodman, technology visionary Steve Jobs, television icon Dick Clark and other beloved contributors to the Disney legacy will be named and honored as official Disney Legends during the D23 Expo 2013 at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, in the D23 Expo Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Disney Legends Awards program is a 26-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company. The three-day D23 Expo provides a rare opportunity for the public to be a part of the always touching and memorable presentation, hosted by noted television personality Tom Bergeron (host of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos).

“The Disney Legend Award is our highest and most coveted honor,” said Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger. “It’s reserved for the extraordinary visionaries and artists behind the Disney magic, the men and women who push the limits of innovation and creativity to ensure Disney remains truly special. The eight Legends we honor this year helped create some of our most beloved characters along with exciting new worlds and thrilling attractions. They also entertained millions of people and expanded our definition of what’s possible. They are all indelible parts of our legacy, and we are proud to recognize them as true Disney Legends.”

The 2013 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:

TONY BAXTER has developed beloved Disney attractions including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Journey Into Imagination, Splash Mountain, and countless more over the course of his 43-year career with Walt Disney Imagineering. Revered by Disney fans, he is best known for his commitment to storytelling, attention to detail, and ability to develop new ideas and attractions by combining time-tested design practices with modern technology.
COLLIN CAMPBELL touched almost every part of the Walt Disney Company, from animated classics to legendary theme park attractions, with stints in live action film and television. Collin’s work with Walt Disney Imagineering includes the development of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as concept illustrations of Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot Center.
DICK CLARK brought rock and roll to 40 million homes across the country with the national debut of American Bandstand on ABC in 1958. He went on to produce game shows, award shows including the Golden Globes® and the Academy of Country Music Awards, comedy specials movies, and other popular television specials. Dick might best be remembered, however, as the host of ABC’s annual Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve from 1973 until 2011.
BILLY CRYSTAL is an acclaimed actor who lends his voice to Mike Wazowski, the frenetic, green cyclopean monster from Monsters Inc. and Monsters University. Best known for his memorable roles in When Harry Met Sally…, The Princess Bride, and City Slickers, Billy, who has won six Emmy Awards and one Tony Award, has also been a fixture on ABC television, where he hosted the Academy Awards® broadcast nine times and found his breakthrough role as Jodie Dallas on Soap from 1977-81.
JOHN GOODMAN is a celebrated actor of stage and screen, and the voice behind James P. Sullivan, better known as “Sully,” from Monsters Inc. and Monsters University. Among John’s notable film appearances are The Big Lebowski, The Flintstones, and most recently Argo and Flight. John’s appearances in Disney-produced films include the Hollywood Pictures films Arachnophobia and Born Yesterday, as well as Touchstone Pictures’ Stella, Coyote Ugly, O Brother, Where Art Thou, and Confessions of a Shopaholic.
STEVE JOBS changed the world of consumer electronics as the founder of Apple, and was known throughout the world for his visionary attitude and penchant for innovation. He was an early investor and chief executive of Pixar, and became the Walt Disney Company’s largest shareholder overnight when it acquired Pixar Animation Studios in 2006. That same year, he joined the Disney board of directors, and remained a valuable sounding board and advisor to the company until his passing in 2011.
GLEN KEANE has brought to life many of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ most popular characters. Since becoming a Disney animator in 1974, he has animated classic Disney characters such as Penny in The Rescuers, Elliott in Pete’s Dragon, Ratigan in The Great Mouse Detective, the Beast in Beauty and the Beast, and the titular characters in The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Pocahontas, and Tarzan. In 2010, Glen served as Executive Producer and Animation Supervisor for Tangled, a story he developed for more than ten years.
ED WYNN, a comedian whose career began on Broadway in the early 1900s, appeared in numerous Disney classics of the 1960s, including Mary Poppins, Babes in Toyland, That Darn Cat, The Absent-Minded Professor, and Son of Flubber. Fans of Disney animation know him as the manic and distinctive voice of the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland.

Each honoree receives a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients also participate in a handprint ceremony, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.

Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the price of a ticket to the D23 Expo. In addition to the 4,000-seat D23 Expo Arena, the ceremony will be simulcast into a 2,000-seat overflow theater inside the Convention Center.

The first Disney Legend, actor Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), was named in 1987. Including this year’s honorees, a total of 237 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Robin Williams, Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Regis Philbin, Annette Funicello, Peter Jennings, Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Sir Tim Rice, Dick Van Dyke and Barbara Walters. At the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, the Legends Awards ceremony, which honored Robin Williams, Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McLanahan, Betty White, Tony Anselmo, Bill Farmer, Harry Archinal, Don Iwerks and Leota Toombs Thomas, was presented to thousands of Disney fans for the first time.

Tickets and pricing information for D23 Expo 2013 are available at D23Expo.com Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on admission, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests. More details about D23 Expo entertainment, events, and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting D23Expo.com or by following “DisneyD23” on Twitter and Facebook.

GUNNAR Optiks Gaming Eyewear Now Available At GameStop

2013/07/10

Jerry Paxton

News, Peripherals News

SAN DIEGO, CA – July 10, 2013 – GUNNAR Optiks®, the world’s leading manufacturer of computer and gaming eyewear, today announced a first-of-its-kind distribution deal with GameStop. The Intercept and Vayper, two gaming styles that help reduce eye fatigue and visual stress, will be available in 450 GameStop stores nationwide at an MSRP of $59.99 and $79.99, respectively. Additional gaming styles will be available for purchase at GameStop.com. The deal marks the first time GameStop will carry the Advanced Gaming Eyewear in stores, expanding the emerging retail category and making it easier for gamers to protect their vision while enhancing their gaming experience.

“Gamers tend to spend long periods of time staring at a screen over rounds of Call of Duty or League of Legends. Gaming time, combined with hours in front of a computer screen at work, puts them at risk of serious eyestrain, a symptom of Computer Vision Syndrome. GUNNAR Optiks Computer and Gaming Eyewear help minimize eye fatigue and dry eyes, while improving contrast, comfort, and focus,” explains Joe Croft, co-founder of GUNNAR Optiks. “By making GUNNARS available in GameStop stores, we’re able to educate gamers about the benefits of our gaming glasses and raise awareness for Computer Vision Syndrome at the local level.”

“GUNNAR Optiks is the leader in gaming glasses, providing products for both competitive and casual gamers around the world,” said Chris Choy, Merchant of GameStop. “By offering GUNNARS, both in our stores and online, we are continuing our commitment to fully supporting the gaming lifestyle through protecting the vision of our loyal customers.”

GUNNAR Optiks glasses combines form and function with style to reduce digital eye fatigue. Its patented i-AMP lens technology gives gamers and computer users more comfort and better performance in the short term while decreasing wear and tear on eyes in the long term. Working with the eye, optic nerve, and brain to enhance the viewing experience, the glasses allow users to see more clearly, absorb and process more than with the naked eye, and improve visual endurance for extended gaming sessions.

Multiple styles of GUNNAR Optiks Gaming Eyewear are also available online at Gamestop.com and GUNNARS.com, with retail prices ranging from $59.99 to $99.99.

Through a partnership with Carl Zeiss Vision, GUNNAR Optiks eyewear is available in prescription as well and can be ordered direct at GUNNARS.com/Rx.

GUNNAR Optiks also has an exclusive community of gaming, creative, and technology visionaries from around the world. Join the GUNNAR GUILD at guild.gunnars.com to connect and share with like-minded gamers and technophiles.

Adult Swim Updates 2013 Comic-Con Lineup

2013/07/10

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, SDCC

Here is the updated schedule of Adult Swim events and panels for the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con. Enjoy!

ADULT SWIM PANEL BLOCK

Thursday, July 18
Convention Center Room 25ABC

The Heart, She Holler
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The creators and stars of Adult Swim’s epic TV event, The Heart, She Holler, will explain it all at this panel. Executive producers John Lee (Xavier: Renegade Angel, Wonder Showzen), and Alyson Levy (Xavier: Renegade Angel, Wonder Showzen) will be joined by cast members Patton Oswalt (United States of Tara, Ratatouille), Amy Sedaris (Strangers with Candy) and Heather Lawless (The Campaign). The panel will be moderated by Kristen Schaal (Bob’s Burgers, 30 Rock).

Friday, July 19
Hilton Bayfront – Indigo Ballroom

The Venture Bros.
12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Show creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer will discuss the original series, now in its fifth season, and answer fan questions. They will be joined by the voice of Brock Samson, Patrick Warburton (Seinfeld, The Tick).

Childrens Hospital
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Come watch a sneak peek of Childrens Hospital season 5 and hear from the show’s executive producers Jonathan Stern (Burning Love, Newsreaders) and David Wain (The State, Wanderlust). They will be joined by members of the show’s ensemble cast of comedic heavyweights, including Lake Bell (How to Make It in America), Erinn Hayes (Parenthood), Ken Marino (Party Down, The State) and Rob Huebel (Human Giant, The Descendants).

NTSF:SD:SUV:: (National Terrorist Strike Force: San Diego: Sport Utility Vehicle::)
1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Come watch a sneak peek of NTSF:SD:SUV:: season 3 and hear from the show’s creative team led by creator and star Paul Scheer (The League), executive producer Jonathan Stern (Childrens Hospital, Newsreaders) and consulting producer Curtis Gwinn (Fat Guy Stuck in Internet). They will be joined by members of their ensemble cast including Karen Gillan (Dr. Who), Brandon Johnson (Funny or Die), June Diane Raphael (Burning Love, Ass Backwards) and Martin Starr (Party Down, Freaks and Geeks).

The Eric Andre Show and Hot Package
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Adult Swim’s late night hosts will share the stage for a season preview and fan questions. Eric Andre (Don’t Trust the B—in Apartment 23), host of the returning late night talk show The Eric Andre Show, and his sidekick Hannibal Buress (30 Rock, SNL) will be joined by Derrick Beckles (TV Carnage), host of the new live-action fictional Canadian entertainment news program Hot Package.

Robot Chicken
3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Co-creators/executive producers Seth Green and Matthew Senreich are joined by head writers/co-executive producers Douglas Goldstein and Tom Root, actor/writer Breckin Meyer, writer/director Zeb Wells, and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, to discuss the Emmy-winning series. Come watch a sneak peek and get your questions answered about the upcoming new season and the next Robot Chicken DC Comics Special. Keith Crofford, vice president of production for Adult Swim, will moderate the panel.

China, IL
Convention Center – Room 25ABC
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Creator and executive producer Brad Neely and executive producer Daniel Weidenfeld discuss the second season of the animated series China, IL, which will air this fall. They will be joined by cast members Hannibal Buress (30 Rock, SNL) and Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development). The panel will be moderated by Jonah Ray (The Meltdown, The Nerdist).

Saturday, July 20
Convention Center Room 25ABC

Rick and Morty
5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Premiering this winter, Rick and Morty is a show about a sociopathic scientist who drags his unintelligent grandson on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe. Executive producers Dan Harmon (Community, Channel 101) and Justin Roiland (Channel 101) will preview the new animated series, and will be joined by writer Ryan Ridley and cast members Spencer Grammer (Greek) and voice actress Kari Wahlgren. The panel will be moderated by Rob Schrab (The Mindy Project, SCUD).

[adult swim] Presents
5:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Dave Willis (Squidbillies, Aqua TV Show Show) and Ned Hastings (Squidbillies, Aqua TV Show Show) will discuss the return of long-running animated series Aqua TV Show Show and Squidbillies. Christy Karacas (Robotomy) will preview season 4 of Superjail! and JJ Villard (Monsters Vs. Aliens) and Tommy Blacha (Metalocalypse) will discuss the upcoming new series King Star King. Also fans will get an exclusive look at new Adult Swim series Mr. Pickles from creators Will Carsola and Dave Stewart (Funny Or Die Presents Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time).

ADULT SWIM SIGNINGS

Drawings for [adult swim] Autograph Area Line Tickets will be held at 9:00 a.m. on the day of each signing in the Autograph Area. Attendees may start to line up for the Limited Ticket Drawing when the doors open each morning.

Thursday, July 18

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Robot Chicken

Autograph Alley #AA01

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Venture Bros.

Autograph Alley #AA01

Friday, July 19

2:15p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Childrens Hospital

WB Booth #4545

Saturday, July 20

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. NTSF:SD:SUV::

Autograph Alley #AA01

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Aqua TV Show Show/ Squidbillies

Autograph Alley #AA01

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Superjail!/China, IL

Autograph Alley #AA01

Metro: Last Light Faction Pack Release Date and New DLC Info

2013/07/10

Jerry Paxton

News, Windows PC News

Larkspur, Calif., July 10, 2013 – Deep Silver today announced that the ‘Faction Pack’ – the first piece of DLC for 4A Games’ critically acclaimed Metro: Last Light – is set for worldwide release on Steam, Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network from Microsoft and the PlayStation®Network on July 16th in North America and July 17th in Europe and the rest of the world.

The ‘Faction Pack’ includes three original single player missions, each casting the player as a different specialist from the warring Factions. Returning to some classic locations from Metro 2033, these missions feature new weapons, the return of a truly terrifying mutant foe, and offer three distinct gameplay challenges…

As a Special Detachment Sniper of the Redline, players must infiltrate a heavily guarded Reich Outpost at night, under the cover of a deadly radioactive storm before defending the Frontline as a Reich ‘Heavy’, armed with some of the most devastating weaponry found in the Metro.

Lastly, players take the role of a Polis Ranger in training, tasked with exploring the vast Library complex for artifacts and relics. Salvage can be exchanged for ammunition, filters and hazard suits allowing ever deeper exploration into the Library. Rangers are advised to ignite torches and leave a trail of lights, so they can find their way back to the base before their precious oxygen runs out…

The Faction Pack costs $4.99 / 400 MSP, and is the first of four DLC packs to be included in the Metro: Last Light Season Pass, which at $14.99 / 1200 MSP offers a discount over buying the packs separately, and also includes an additional exclusive weapon, the Abzats.

Deep Silver also revealed additional details on the content of the future DLC packs.

The ‘Tower Pack’ presents a unique experience for seasoned Metro gunslingers – a challenge based game mode, with online Leaderboard support, as players fight their way up the combat simulator known as The Tower
The ‘Developer Pack’ boasts a fully stocked Shooting Gallery, the AI Arena and Metro Museum… And a bonus solo mission – The Spiders’ Nest – offers some new tools for dealing with an infestation of the skittering Spider mutants
Lastly the Chronicles Pack will feature original single player missions that cast the player as three of the game’s standout characters – Pavel, Khan and Anna – and explore their side-stories away from Artyom’s adventure

For more information on the Faction Pack, head over to EnterTheMetro.com for the first in a series of Developer DLC blog posts.

The plot of Metro: Last Light was written by Dmitry Glukhovsky, acclaimed author of the novel Metro 2033 which inspired the creation of both video games. Glukhovsky personally contributed the vast majority of dialogue in Metro: Last Light. Glukhovsky’s novels “Metro 2033” and “Metro 2034” have sold more than two million copies worldwide. In 2013, his latest book “Metro 2035” will be also available outside of Russia. The film rights for “Metro 2033” were bought by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), the movie is currently in development.

For the latest news on Metro: Last Light, Like us at Facebook.com/MetroVideoGame or follow us on Twitter @MetroVideoGame.

Obscure Changes Name to Final Exam

2013/07/10

Jerry Paxton

News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

JULY 10, 2013 — Unveiled a few months ago with the title Obscure, the game under development by part of Hydravision’s ex-members – creators of the Survival Horror series of the same name – has changed name. This decision was actually dictated by the numerous reactions from the original console game’s fans who, after Mighty Rocket Studio announced the new release, regretted it was not a real sequel to the Obscure series.

“When we read the first comments following the announcement of our new game, we understood that our fans expected a different content from a game entitled ‘Obscure'”, explains François Potentier, director at Mighty Rocket Studio. “We understand fans all the better because we are first and foremost passionate gamers! Thus, even if the game makes a great number of references to Obscure and Obscure 2, we thought it important to rename it. At the end of the day, it’s a question of honesty and respect to the gamers. ‘Final Exam’ does befit the game accurately. Final Exam is the first corner stone of our new studio, and we hope this title will enable us to grow, as we have not given up on the idea of developing a real sequel to Obscure.”

And so, under this new name and with brand new images, Final Exam opens the doors to its official website today! The Final Exam official website was also optimized for smartphones and touch-screen tablets, to let you throw yourselves into the crazy world of the game, wherever you are.

The site shows you everything you ever wanted to know about this action-packed 2.5D side-scroller, including details on the gameplay and the combat system, information on the super-fun cooperative mode (up to 4 players!), details on the four playable characters (Sean, Cassy, Nathan and Brutal Joe), on the monsters who will try and annihilate you, and on the arsenal at your disposal to nuke them off! Don’t forget to keep an eye on the media topic of the website: in the months to come, it will be updated with images and videos! The site will also provide the latest news about the game, the social media threads, and the Dev Blog from the developers, Mighty Rocket Studio, who will publish exclusive information.

To celebrate the launch, we would like to share with you three unpublished images from the game. Discover Nathan and Cassy, two of the four playable characters, grappling with particularly nasty monsters. And meet the ‘Tank’, a terrifying uninvited guest that will make life horribly difficult for our friends!

Final Exam will be released on Xbox LIVE® Arcade, PlayStation®Network and PC (in store and for download) next September.

Screenshots

Comedy Central Reveals Comic Con Panels and Comedy Show

2013/07/09

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, SDCC

NEW YORK, July 9, 2013 – COMEDY CENTRAL will descend upon San Diego Comic-Con with a multitude of awesome events. The schedule includes panels from “Workaholics” on Thursday, July 18 from 2:00-3:00 p.m., Ubisoft’s “South Park: The Stick of Truth” videogame on Thursday, July 18 from 6:00-7:00 p.m., “Brickleberry” on Friday, July 19 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and “Futurama” on Saturday, July 20 from 12:00-12:45 p.m. On Thursday, July 18 “Workaholics” will be holding press interviews from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Bayfront in Indigo 202A and an autograph signing from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Convention Center at the Sails Pavilion at table AA04.

Partying will commence on Friday, July 19 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. with “Comedy Central Comedy-Con,” a free, first come, first served (21+) event at Float at the Hard Rock Hotel. COMEDY CENTRAL fans will have the opportunity to chill and interact with Blake, Adam, Ders and Kyle from “Workaholics,” Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele from “Key & Peele,” David Herman, Tom Kenny, Natasha Leggero, and Jerry Minor from “Brickleberry,” comedian Chris Hardwick, among others.

On Saturday, July 20, COMEDY CENTRAL will be taping an original one-hour stand-up special with Patton Oswalt at Spreckels Theatre located at 121 Broadway in downtown San Diego. Tickets to the 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. tapings are available at www.spreckelstheatre.net.

In addition, comedic performances are taking place at the Balboa Theatre located at 868 Fourth Avenue including Amy Schumer on Friday, July 19 at 10:00 p.m., “Key & Peele,” Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele on Saturday, July 20 at 7:00 p.m. and Chris Hardwick on Saturday, July 20 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Thursday, July 18: “Workaholics” panel (Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel)
- 2:00-3:00 p.m. It’s time to GET WEIRD with COMEDY CENTRAL’s hit series “Workaholics!” Whether it’s Blake dressed in a bear coat, Adam singing about Catherine Zeta-Jones while on shroomz, or The Ders celebrating his birthday with a drinking triathlon, the boys always seem to run into trouble wherever they go. Join stars, co-creators, writers, and executive producers Blake Anderson, Adam Devine, Anders Holm, and Kyle Newacheck as they go behind the scenes and give a sneak peek into next season, including a few special surprises that are guaranteed to be ‘Tight Butthole…S’Go!
Thursday, July 18: “South Park: The Stick of Truth” panel (room 6BCF)
- 6:00-7:00 p.m. The creators of “South Park,” Trey Parker and Matt Stone will discuss their upcoming Ubisoft videogame, “South Park: The Stick of Truth.” Parker and Stone will talk role playing games, their vision for an interactive “South Park” adventure and creating “The Stick of Truth,” the epic quest to become… cool.
Friday, July 19: “Brickleberry” panel (room 25ABC)
- 6:00-7:00 p.m. Creators and executive producers Waco O’Guin and Roger Black, executive producer Zac Moncrief, along with David Herman (“Office Space”), Tom Kenny (“SpongeBob SquarePants”), Jerry Minor (“Anchorman”) and Natasha Leggero (“Community,” “Burning Love”) will be on hand to exclusively premiere an episode from its upcoming second season which debuts on Tuesday, September 3 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT, followed by a Q&A panel discussion.
Saturday, July 20: “Futurama” panel (Ballroom 20)
- 12:00-12:45 p.m. We’re dooooooooomed! An epic panel for the ages will celebrate “Futurama’s” latest and greatest final season. On hand will be most or all of “Futurama’s” legendary voice cast comprised of Billy West, John DiMaggio, Katey Sagal, Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacNeille, David Herman, Phil LaMarr, and Lauren Tom, performing never-before-heard scenes from the upcoming “Last Episode Ever.” Plus, executive producer David X. Cohen, creator Matt Groening and a cartooning showdown to the death! (Note: actual death not guaranteed.)

Available on-air, online and on-the-go, COMEDY CENTRAL (www.cc.com) is the #1 brand in comedy and is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB and VIA). For up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs visit COMEDY CENTRAL’s press Web site at www.cc.com/press and follow us on Twitter @ComedyCentralPR for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

Microsoft and Xbox One Comic-Con Plans

2013/07/09

Jerry Paxton

News, SDCC, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

JULY 9th, 2013 — Next week, Xbox One and Xbox 360 will be at the 44th annual Comic-Con International in San Diego with the best gaming franchises and new IPs. If you are attending SDCC next week and want to check things out, here is a list of our activities:

Xbox Booth #100 at the San Diego Convention Center
- Hours:
- Thursday, July 18 – Saturday, July 20: 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sunday, July 21: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.Stop by our booth to be among the first to get your hands with Xbox One games like “Ryse: Son of Rome” and “Killer Instinct” and more.
Xbox Lounge at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
- Manchester Ballroom, 1 Market Pl., San Diego, CA 92101
- Hours:
- Thursday, July 18 – Saturday, July 20: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Sunday, July 21: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

In addition to the Xbox One and Xbox 360 games being shown at the Xbox Booth at the Convention Center, the Xbox Gaming Lounge located just down the street in the Grand Hyatt will also feature more than a dozen titles, including “Dead Rising 3,” “Halo: Spartan Assault,” and for the first time ever, hands-on demos of “Halo 4 Champions Bundle,” plus hands on with games from 2K Games, Capcom, Disney Interactive, Konami, Ubisoft and Warner Brothers Interactive. Don’t miss out on the rare opportunity to check out these great games all in one place.

(A San Diego Comic-Con Expo pass is required for entrance to the above)

Xbox Panels:

Inside the Looking Glass: Building “Halo” Worlds and Wonders, Past, Present and Future
Room 6BCF, San Diego Convention Center
Thursday, July 18, 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Spartans Unite! Join Frank O’Connor (Franchise Development Director), Dan Ayoub (Executive Producer), and other 343 Industries guests as they celebrate and discuss the exciting new addition to the “Halo” universe (“Halo: Spartan Assault”), the new comic-book series from Dark Horse Comics (“Halo: Initiation”), along with some “Mega” surprises.

Bringing the Roman Empire to Life on Xbox One: The Creation of “Ryse: Son of Rome”
Room 7AB, San Diego Convention Center
Thursday, July 18, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Spend 60 minutes with award-winning studio Crytek to learn about the making of “Ryse: Son of Rome,” one of the year’s most anticipated blockbusters coming exclusively to Xbox One this November. An epic action-adventure story of struggle, brutality and heroism, “Ryse: Son of Rome” follows a fearless Roman soldier named Marius Titus who joins the army to avenge the slaying of his family and emerges as a hero who must fight to save the Roman Empire. Fans will learn key story details, hear about the technology making “Ryse” possible, and receive a limited edition printed comic book that will prepare them for the intense adventure they will embark on this holiday.

The Future of Xbox Gaming Revealed
Room 6A, San Diego Convention Center
Saturday, July 20, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

For this Panel, yours truly will be moderating as developers from some of the most innovative and celebrated studios on the planet discuss building the biggest blockbuster games for Xbox One. Microsoft Studios’ Justin Robey, Turn 10 Studios’ Dan Greenawalt, Capcom Vancouver’s Josh Bridge, Microsoft Studio’s Ken Lobb and Rare’s Nick Burton will reveal how they are engineering their games to take advantage of the unique attributes of the new platform. Learn how the cloud, the new Kinect sensor, and the powerful and flexible architecture will enable an entire new generation of AAA game titles.

The Video Game Culture of Zombies: How “Dead Rising 3” on Xbox One Kicks Off a New Generation of Mayhem
Room 5AB, San Diego Convention Center
Saturday, July 20, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

From TV and books to video games – especially video games! Come join games and pop culture experts to discuss how zombies have invaded our lives through every avenue of entertainment. Fans will get behind-the-scene insights on the making of “Dead Rising 3” from the Capcom Vancouver team and see gameplay from the upcoming Xbox One exclusive launch title, hear from internationally renowned author and zombie expert Max Brooks and learn Game Informer Senior Editor Jeff Cork thoughts on zombies in video game culture. The panel will be moderated by Jessica Chobot from G4’s Attack of the Show and X-Play, and IGN.

(All panels require a San Diego Comic-Con Expo pass to attend.)

Xbox Partner Activities

Xbox Booth Appearances from Crackle’s Two Upcoming Originals –“Cleaners” and “Extraction,” including Emily Osment (“Hannah Montana”) and Jon Foo (TEKKEN), among others
- Xbox Booth #100 at the San Diego Convention Center
- Saturday, July 20, 10 – 11 a.m.
Autograph signing with the Cast of Hulu Original Series “The Awesomes,” including “Saturday Night Live’s” Seth Meyers
- Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101
- Manchester Ballroom
- Saturday, July 20, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Hulu Panel sponsored by Xbox: “The Awesomes” Screening
- Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
- Indigo Ballroom
- Saturday, July 20, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Join our friends at Hulu for a VIP screening of the first episode of the highly-anticipated original series “The Awesomes.” If you can’t make it Saturday, Xbox Live has you covered with an exclusive preview of the show starting on Thursday, July 25, a week before it is available anywhere else.

(A San Diego Comic-Con Expo pass is required for all the partner activities listed above.)