Author - Jerry Paxton

The Walking Dead Game Announced

2012/07/09

Santa Monica, CA – July 9, 2012 – Think you’re tough enough to survive a horde of undead walkers? Gamers will be able to find out next year as Activision Publishing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), and Terminal Reality announced today an all-new The Walking Dead™ video game. Based on AMC’s Emmy-Award winning TV series, the do-whatever-you-need-to-survive first-person action game will allow players to assume the role of the mysterious, crossbow-wielding survivor Daryl Dixon, alongside his overbearing brother Merle, on a haunting, unforgiving quest to make their way to the supposed safety of Atlanta.

“The work AMC has done with the TV series has been amazing and we’re ecstatic at the opportunity to be brought into the fold,” said Drew Haworth, Creative Director at Terminal Reality. “The studio is made up of fans of the show, and we think other fans will see that the situations and walkers featured in our game are every bit as gruesome and shocking as they are in the TV series – they look, move and react as expected with full authenticity – and they will surprise you. The player’s fight-or-flight survival instinct is constantly engaged. ‘Flight’ is usually a good bet.”

Terminal Reality’s The Walking Dead video game takes the undead and brings them out of the TV show and into console gaming systems in a new, terrifying way. The iconic walkers will relentlessly hunt down players like their television counterparts, using a combination of sight, sound and smell. As Daryl, players will need to tread carefully throughout each new area they explore. Once discovered, it doesn’t take much to attract an unstoppable horde of undead walkers, so every threat needs to be assessed, and every situation analyzed. Players will have to choose between whether to stay and fight while risking a gruesome death or using stealth to avoid the undead. No place is truly safe for Daryl as he makes his way through the Georgia countryside in this new, post-apocalyptic world.

“Activision and Terminal Reality are working to deliver a powerful combination of a deep, engrossing story with intense action,” said Charlie Collier, AMC’s president. “Daryl is such a unique and complex character and we’re excited to offer fans the opportunity to experience this new video game.”

Resources are scarce and scattered in The Walking Dead video game, and gamers will have to not only ration supplies, but carefully consider their food, medical needs, ammunition, and other goods as survival in the game is based upon wit and intellect more so than simple, sheer skill. In order to endure this constant state of danger, players will have to do all they can to silence the noises they make and avoid detection. Throughout his journey, Daryl will encounter a slew of other characters that can help or hurt him in a variety of ways, and whether or not they accompany him is completely up to player choice and represents just some of the major decisions that will constantly be made while fighting to survive.

The Walking Dead video game is scheduled for release in 2013 for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC, and is currently rated “RP” (Rating Pending) by the ESRB. For more information, visit www.TheWalkingDeadBegins.com or ‘Like’ The Walking Dead on Facebook (facebook.com/TheWalkingDeadAMC).

Square Enix Comic Con 2012 Lineup

2012/07/09

Jerry Paxton

News

LOS ANGELES (July 9, 2012) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced its award-winning title lineup for San Diego Comic-Con, taking place July 12-15. With one of the most impressive and varied lineups in company history, Square Enix is set to give Comic-Con attendees their first-ever chance to play some of the most anticipated and talked about titles to date, including the first public demo of the highly anticipated TOMB RAIDER®, winner of IGN’s Best Overall Game of E3.

Comic-Con attendees will be able to preview and play the following Square Enix titles:

• HEROES OF RUIN™ – Available on July 17, HEROES OF RUIN challenges players to carve their own adventure as a Gunslinger, Alchitect, Vindicator or Savage. Pushing social and online interaction to the forefront of gameplay through innovative use of the Nintendo 3DS™ system, players can trade rare and powerful items through an in-game shop which has an inventory updated through creative use of StreetPass™.
• KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance] – Celebrating the franchise’s 10th anniversary, KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance] features a spectacular story that promises to be a fun backdrop to the colorful cast of Disney characters making their 3D debut on a handheld title. In addition to brand new worlds, KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance] will also feature never before seen gameplay elements and will be available on July 31.
• Sleeping Dogs™ – Sleeping Dogs catapults players into the role of undercover cop Wei Shen, tasked with taking down one of the world’s most fearsome criminal organizations from the inside – the Hong Kong Triads. As players explore the bustling and crowded Hong Kong island, through its neon-lit side streets and sprawling street markets, an incredible story unfolds of loyalty and betrayal, where Wei begins to question his own motives as he is sucked in deeper than he could ever imagine.
• HITMAN®: ABSOLUTION™ – HITMAN: ABSOLUTION follows Agent 47, a cold-blooded assassin, who takes on his most dangerous contract to date. Betrayed by those he once trusted — and now hunted by the police — he suddenly finds himself at the center of a dark conspiracy and must embark on a personal journey through a corrupt and twisted world.
• TOMB RAIDER – Armed with only the raw instincts and physical ability to push beyond the limits of human endurance, TOMB RAIDER delivers an intense and gritty story into the origins of Lara Croft and her ascent from a frightened young woman to a hardened survivor.

In an exclusive partnership with the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Square Enix is a joint sponsor of The Nerd Machine’s Nerd HQ with TOMB RAIDER as the main event. TOMB RAIDER will be playable on more than 20 Xbox 360 units and will sponsor The Nerd Machine party on Friday, July 13.

NERD HQ
HITMAN: ABSOLUTION, Sleeping Dogs, TOMB RAIDER
Block No 16 Union and Spirits
344 7th Ave
Thursday, July 12 9 a.m. – 12 a.m.; Friday, July 13 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 14 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday, July 15 9 a.m. – 4 p.m

San Diego Comic-Con attendees can play the Square Enix lineup at multiple locations including:

Square Enix Booth
HITMAN: ABSOLUTION, KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance], Sleeping Dogs, TOMB RAIDER
San Diego Convention Center, Booth 3829

Nintendo Lounge
KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance] and HEROES OF RUIN
Mariott Marquis & Marina – San Diego Ballroom
333 W. Harbor Drive
Thursday, July 12 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday, July 13 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.;
Saturday, July 14 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 15 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

GameSpot Gameroom

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION, Sleeping Dogs, TOMB RAIDER
Thursday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Lou and Mickey’s
224 Fifth Avenue

SPIKE Booth

TOMB RAIDER
San Diego Convention Center, Booth 3729

Xbox Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel
HITMAN: ABSOLUTION, Sleeping Dogs, TOMB RAIDER
Thursday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hard Rock Hotel – Legends Room
207 5th Ave

In addition to getting the first chance to go hands-on with these blockbuster titles, Comic-Con attendees will have the opportunity to gain greater insight into the world of TOMB RAIDER through two dedicated panels:

TOMB RAIDER
Nerd HQ: Block No 16 Union and Spirits, 344 7th Avenue – Saturday, July 14 at 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Zachary Levi (star of Chuck and Tangled and a long-time gamer) will host a special TOMB RAIDER panel at Nerd Machine’s San Diego Comic-Con headquarters, featuring Karl Stewart (TOMB RAIDER global brand director), John Stafford (narrative designer), Camilla Luddington (voice of Lara Croft) and the lead writer. All attendees will receive a TOMB RAIDER lithograph that can be signed after the panel.

REIMAGINING A GAMING ICON, LARA CROFT

San Diego Convention Center, Room 5AB – Saturday, July 14 at 6 p.m. – 7p.m.
Karl Stewart (TOMB RAIDER global brand director), Noah Hughes (creative director), John Stafford (narrative designer) and Camilla Luddington (voice of Lara Croft) discuss the journey of reimagining one of the most iconic franchises in video game history, TOMB RAIDER, through story, performance and a lot of planning! As a world exclusive for the Comic-Con panel the team will also be joined by the lead writer responsible for crafting the story over the last two years. Join the team for this Q&A session moderated by Geoff Keighley (host, Spike TV). All attendees will receive a TOMB RAIDER lithograph that can be signed after the panel.

Along with the panels, Square Enix fans will have several opportunities to take home fun and unique items during the show. With contests, interactive activities and more, Comic-Con attendees will have multiple chances to win amazing prizes and collect Comic-Con only Square Enix merchandise.

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION PHOTO SNIPING CONTEST

Upload your best photo sniping image to be entered for a chance to win a custom HITMAN: ABSOLUTION PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Runners up will receive miniature figures of Agent 47 and HITMAN themed ties and tie clips. Participants can upload their photo entries at hitman.com/photosnipe or by the photo sniping app on the HITMAN Facebook page.

TOMB RAIDER THEMED XBOX 360 SWEEPSTAKES
A special edition TOMB RAIDER themed Xbox 360 will be given out once a day at each of these locations: the Square Enix booth (3829), Nerd Machine HQ (344 7th Avenue) and at the GameSpot Gameroom area at Lou and Mickey’s restaurant (224 Fifth Avenue). Winners will be chosen each day of the show. Additional prizes will be given away daily Thursday through Saturday during the GameSpot Live Prize-Pow-Looza daily drawings at Lou and Mickey’s.

TOMB RAIDER Cosplay Event

Calling all cosplayers! Plan on dressing as gaming’s leading lady at Comic-Con? Meet up with other Lara Croft look-alikes in front of Lou and Mickey’s restaurant (224 Fifth Avenue) Sunday at 1 p.m. for an exclusive prize and photo opportunities. All Lara iterations are welcome at the event.

Sleeping Dogs GIVEAWAYS
The Sleeping Dogs team will be handing out exclusive Sleeping Dogs posters featuring Tyler Stout artwork and foam versions of the cleaver used in the game. Stop by the Square Enix booth to receive yours.

SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS PASSPORT PROGRAM

Visit booth 3829 to get your Square Enix Members Passport card. Participants will receive a stamp for every title they play at the booth. Once the passport is complete, participants can turn in to receive a set of pins featuring custom logos from Square Enix titles and a special lanyard.

The Square Enix booth will also feature the release of the limited edition Comic-Con exclusive BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM™ PLAY ARTS -KAI- figurines. These limited edition figurines will be priced at $59.99 and will be available on July 12. The BATMAN [BLACK & WHITE EDITION] and the JOKER [BLACK & WHITE EDITION] are currently available for pre-order while supplies last.

Finally the SQUARE ENIX MANGA STORE, the official online portal for more than 170 volumes of manga will be featured at the booth with popular titles FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST® and SOUL EATER available for purchase. Manga artist’s autographs and artwork will be on display along with a special exhibit of two manga titles, SOUL EATER NOT! and BLACK BUTLER. SOUL EATER NOT!, is a manga series released simultaneously in Japan and North America in conjunction with Yen Press and BLACK BUTLER is a popular manga series that has become an anime series in Japan.

QuakeCon Partners with AT&T

2012/07/09

Jerry Paxton

News

July 9, 2012 (Rockville, MD) — id® Software and Bethesda Softworks® are pleased to announce that AT&T is returning for the second consecutive year as an official sponsor of QuakeCon® 2012, North America’s largest Bring-Your-Own-Computer (BYOC) LAN party and gaming festival. AT&T’s powerful network and U-verse® High Speed Internet will once again provide optimal bandwidth speed and connectivity to bring together thousands of gamers for an unmatched gaming experience.

In addition to providing attendees with the best possible networked gaming experience, AT&T’s presence helps open up the event to gamers around the world by providing the opportunity for increased live and on-demand video streams.

“AT&T was invaluable for us at QuakeCon 2011 thanks to the speed and accessibility their network resources bring to QuakeCon attendees and fans watching from home,” said Todd Hollenshead, president of id Software. “Their dedication and enthusiasm for the event is great, and we couldn’t be happier to join forces again to make QuakeCon 2012 the best, most connected QuakeCon yet.”

“We’re looking forward to keeping thousands of BYOC attendees connected at QuakeCon with U-verse High Speed Internet,” said Woody Berner, director of U-verse product development, AT&T. “We’re proud that such an avid gaming audience will be utilizing AT&T services at the largest LAN party in the country.”

QuakeCon 2012 returns to the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas on August 2 through August 5. The free event is open to general admission attendees thanks to the support of id and Bethesda Softworks, as well as the QuakeCon volunteer staff and the 2012 event sponsors and exhibitors.

Doors to the QuakeCon BYOC will open on Thursday, August 2 at 9:00am and will remain open through 12:00pm on Sunday, August 5.

QuakeCon Exhibit Hall Hours are:

Thursday, August 2, 2012 10:00am – 6:00pm
Friday, August 3 2012 10:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday, August 4, 2012 10:00am – 6:00pm

To pre-register for QuakeCon today go to: http://registration.quakecon.org. For more information on QuakeCon 2012 visit www.quakecon.org.

Steam Greenlight Announced

2012/07/09

Jerry Paxton

News

July 9, 2012 — Valve, creators of best-selling game franchises (such as Counter-Strike, Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, Portal, and Team Fortress) and leading technologies (such as Steam and Source), today announced Steam Greenlight, a new platform feature that enlists the community’s help in selecting some of the next games to be released on Steam.

Steam Greenlight will allow developers and publishers to post information and media about their game in an effort to convince the Community that their game should be released on Steam. Greenlight piggybacks on Steam Workshop’s flexible system that organizes content and lets customers rate and leave feedback.

As well as serving as a clearing house for game submissions, Greenlight will provide an incredible level of added exposure for new games and an opportunity to connect directly with potential customers and fans.

“Making the call to publish or not publish a title isn’t fun,” said Anna Sweet, at Valve. “Many times opinions vary and our internal jury is hung on a decision. But with the introduction of the Steam Workshop we realized an opportunity to enlist the community’s help as we review certain titles and, hopefully, increase the volume and quality of creative submissions.”

Steam Greenlight will be released August 30.

For more information, please visit www.steampowered.com/greenlight

Kalypso Media Unveils Gamescom 2012 Lineup

2012/07/08

Jerry Paxton

News

Ridgewood, NJ, July 06, 2012 –– Kalypso Media today unveiled their plans for Gamescom 2012 in Cologne. Occupying approximately 300 square meters of floor space in both the business and consumer exhibition halls, Kalypso will be presenting their key titles for 2012 and highlights for 2013. Exciting titles such as Omerta – City of Gangsters and The Dark Eye – Demonicon will be playable on consoles and PC during the expo.

Kalypso Media will be in Hall 4.2, Stand #E19 in the business hall and game fans will find the stand located in Hall 6, Stand #A51 in the consumer area.

The line-up for Gamescom 2012 includes:

Legends of Pegasus (PC)
The Dark Eye – Demonicon (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC)
DARK (PC and Xbox 360)
Omerta – City of Gangsters (PC and Xbox 360)
Port Royale 3 (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3)
Alien Spidy (PSN, Xbox Live and PC)
Dollar Dash (PSN, Xbox Live and PC)

War of the Roses Accepting Beta Applications

2012/07/08

Jerry Paxton

News

NEW YORK – July 6, 2012 – Paradox Interactive and Fatshark announced that, after recently completing a successful closed alpha, sign-ups for a chance to participate in beta testing for upcoming medieval multiplayer combat title War of the Roses has now opened to the public. Starting today, players can enroll to be a Knight in the King’s army and help restore order to England by visiting the following link: http://www.waroftherosesthegame.com/

When signing up to guarantee their access to enter the beta, future knights will obtain a unique referrer URL from the King that can be shared across social media channels. When five friends use this player-specific link to sign up for the beta, the player who is linked to the URL will be granted a secure spot in the beta.

Marvel vs Capcom Origins Gets Release Date

2012/07/08

Jerry Paxton

News

SAN MATEO, Calif. — July 5, 2012 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced MARVEL® VS. CAPCOM® ORIGINS, a compilation of two of the most popular arcade games of the 90’s; Marvel® Super Heroes and Marvel vs. Capcom®: Clash of Super Heroes. MARVEL VS. CAPCOM ORIGINS will be released in September 2012 on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®Network.

MARVEL VS. CAPCOM ORIGINS offers both the one-on-one gameplay of Marvel Super Heroes with its unique Infinity Gem system and the two-on-two carnage of the original Marvel vs. Capcom®: Clash of Super Heroes, featuring a tag system, assists, and the wild Duo Team Attack. Bringing forth a host of features never before seen in these games, MARVEL VS. CAPCOM ORIGINS features GGPO-enhanced online play with 8-player lobbies and spectator mode, HD graphical upgrades, dynamic challenges and replay saving.

MARVEL VS. CAPCOM ORIGINS will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 for 1200 Microsoft Points and on PlayStation®Network for $14.99/€14.99/£11.99/AUD23.95.

New Legends of Pegasus Alien Race Screens

2012/07/08

Jerry Paxton

News

Ridgewood, NJ, July 5, 2012 – Kalypso Media today released new images and information about the X’or, one of the three key races in their upcoming 4X space simulation, Legends of Pegasus. Download the new asset pack to learn more about this mechanical alien race, which is playable in both the single-player campaign, and in the multiplayer modes of Legends of Pegasus. Legends of Pegasus will feature an extensive single-player campaign, coupled with robust multiplayer options will keep players engaged with their space fleets for countless hours.

Kalypso will release Legends of Pegasus to North American retail for Windows PC in August 2012.

Screenshots

Robocop Viral Video Just in Time for Comic Con

2012/07/08

Jerry Paxton

News

Sony Pictures has released its first viral video, just in time for the San Diego Comic-Con, of their upcoming Robocop reboot. The video shows off Omnicorp’s latest inventions, including our favorite ED-209 and the mysterious “RC-2000”. Check it out below!

Trailer

SEGA Unveils Comic Con 2012 Lineup

2012/07/08

Jerry Paxton

News

SAN FRANCISCO (July 5, 2012) – SEGA^® of America, Inc. today announced that after last year’s success, the company is once again setting up shop in downtown San Diego to showcase its biggest titles during San Diego Comic-Con International 2012. The limited-time-only SEGA Arcade, located at 200 Harbor Drive, Suite 120, will feature this fall’s Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed™, the thrilling new racing experience featuring Sonic the Hedgehog and a fantastic cast of SEGA All-Stars, as well as Aliens: Colonial Marines™, the highly anticipated first-person shooter from critically acclaimed studio Gearbox Software that will bring new levels of bone-chilling suspense and adrenaline-filled action to the renowned ALIENS franchise.

Additionally, internationally acclaimed concept designer and visual futurist Syd Mead will sign limited prints of his concept art of the USS Sulaco, featured in the movie ALIENS and in the upcoming game Aliens: Colonial Marines, on Friday, July 13, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Dark Horse and SEGA® of America, Inc. are also pleased to invite fans of the franchise to stop by the SEGA Pop-Up Arcade in downtown San Diego or Booth #2615 on the expo floor to pick up a copy of an exclusive free Aliens: Colonial Marines comic that is only available during San Diego Comic-Con 2012. SEGA’s Aliens: Colonial Marines presence in San Diego will further entail the display of the original 12ft alien queen special effects prop used in the iconic 1986 film ALIENS, courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

SEGA’s Arcade will also feature Danica Patrick’s custom No. 7 Sonic the Hedgehog/GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, fielded by JR Motorsports, on display. The NASCAR superstar will be racing the car in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge on November 3 at the Texas Motor Speedway (to be televised live on ESPN). The race, part of NASCAR’s Nationwide Series, marks Sonic the Hedgehog’s NASCAR debut.

Fans of Sonic the Hedgehog will be able to get their fix at this year’s Sonic Boom event. After last year’s success of the event during E3, SEGA is bringing Sonic Boom to San Diego Comic-Con. Sonic Boom will be held on Friday, July 13, 2012 from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM at the House of Blues in San Diego. The event will feature Crush 40 with special guests Alex and JP Makhlouf from Cash Cash, Takashi Iizuka from Sonic Team, and Steve Lycett from Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Developer Sumo Digital. Tickets for Sonic Boom can be purchased here http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0A00486DA8FA2759. For more information on Sonic Boom, please visit http://blogs.sega.com/category/sonic-boom-2012/

SEGA Arcade

Location: 200 Harbor Drive, Suite 120, San Diego, CA 92101

Hours:

· Wednesday 7:00pm – 10:00 pm

· Thursday 1:00pm – 9:00pm

· Friday 1:00pm – 9:00pm

· Saturday 1:00pm – 9:00pm

· Sunday 11:00am – 7:00pm