Author - Jerry Paxton

FIFA Game Opening Day Sales Up 42 Percent from Last Year

2012/10/01
Jerry Paxton
News

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – Sept. 27, 2012 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced today that EA SPORTS™FIFA Soccer 13 has launched to unprecedented opening day sales in North America with 353,000* games sold—a 42* percent increase year-over-year—on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system. Those fans across North America played a staggering 1.4 million online games in the first 24 hours after the game launched, up 35 percent year-over-year. It was also the biggest global launch-day performance of any iOS game on iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod touch® in EA history. FIFA Soccer 13 launched Tuesday across North America and will be available around the world beginning Friday.

Momentum in North America was fuelled by a launch event in New York hosted by Snoop Lion that propelled the hashtag #SnoopsFIFA13 trending in the United States and worldwide on Twitter, midnight openings at over 2,000 retail stores across the country, and game quality. Critics are praising FIFA Soccer 13 with 39 review scores of 90 or above.Eurogamer Spain awarded FIFA Soccer 13 a perfect 100 score, Multiplayer in Italy called it the “best FIFA ever” and JeuxVideo Magazine said “FIFA 13 approaches a form of perfection.”

It was also a record-setting opening for FIFA Soccer 13 on iOS around the world. FIFA Soccer 13 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad achieved the biggest launch-day performance of any EA iOS game in history, with downloads up 62 percent over last year*.  FIFA Soccer 13 also hit No. 1 in Top Paid Games in 55 countries and No. 1 in Top Grossing Games in 24 countries on the App Store^.

Similar to North America, there is unprecedented anticipation for FIFA Soccer 13 around the rest of the world. For the first time in the history of EA SPORTS, over 1.3 million games** (and still counting) have been preordered worldwide, pointing toward a historic opening when the game launches around the world on Friday.

“We’re thrilled that fans throughout North America have embraced FIFA Soccer 13 in such a big way,” said Andrew Wilson, Executive Vice President of EA SPORTS. “North Americans appreciate a great-playing game and their level of engagement with our game is helping to drive the sport’s popularity in the United States.”

During the month of September four North American cities—Los Angeles, New York, Toronto and Chicago—trailed only London, England, among the top five cities^^ with the most engaged fans among the 10 million fans in the EA SPORTS soccer community on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/easportsfifa. Additionally, the FIFA Soccer 13 demo was played by 294,000 first-time FIFA Soccer fans in the United States. In a story published Tuesday on ESPN.com that can be read here http://es.pn/OnKiwc, leading soccer journalist Roger Bennett credited the EA SPORTS FIFA Soccerfranchise as being a key driver in the popularity of soccer in the United States.

FIFA Soccer 13 captures the unpredictability of the real-world sport with breakthrough features like First Touch Control that ensure no two matches ever play the same, and new online services like EA SPORTS Football Club Match Day that completely connect FIFA Soccer 13 to the real-world season for the world’s top leagues. The FIFA Soccer 13 demo is available through Origin™, Xbox LIVE® and PlayStation Network. FIFA Soccer 13 trailers, screenshots and fact sheet are available at http://info.ea.com.

FIFA Soccer 13 will be available for now in retail stores throughout North America, and as a digital download throughOrigin. The videogame is available for the PlayStation 3 with PlayStation Move support, Xbox 360 with Kinect™, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system, Nintendo Wii™ console, PC, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo 3DS™, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and November 18 on Nintendo Wii U™ system. The game is available on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. FIFA Soccer 13 is rated E for everyone by the ESRB and Pegi 3+.

Join more 10 million fans in the EA SPORTS football community at http://www.facebook.com/easportsfifa or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/easportsfifa. The FIFA Soccer 13 website is http://www.ea.com/ca/fifa-soccer-13

EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sports through industry-leading sports videogames, including Madden NFL football, FIFA, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® golf, SSX™, andFight Night boxing. For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com.

*According to internal data

** according to internal sales data as of September 25, 2012 in NA, and Sept. 22 in EU

^ According to AppAnnie.com

^^ According to Facebook.com

Nexus Sequel Hits Kickstarter

2012/09/28
Jerry Paxton
News

If you are a fan of space RTS games, you probably have heard of Nexus: The Jupiter Incident. It was a benchmark RTS title which became a sleeper hit – beautiful graphics, innovative gameplay, and intriguing story all can be found within its gameplay experience. Fans have clamored for a sequel for quite some time and now, the developer has hit Kickstarter with a campaign to get one funded. Checkout their Kickstarter page for more information on how you can help get this sequel made.

The Walking Dead HHN Orlando Video

2012/09/27
Jerry Paxton
Halloween, News

In this video from the folks at Universal Studios Orlando Halloween Horror Nights, The Walking Dead co-executive producer and special effects makeup legend Greg Nicotero walks through The Walking Dead maze currently scaring guests in Florida.

Video

First GRID 2 Gameplay Trailers

2012/09/27
Jerry Paxton
News

Los Angeles, Calif. – Sept. 27, 2012 – Codemasters® today launched the first two gameplay videos for GRID® 2™, the long-awaited sequel to the BAFTA-award winning, critically acclaimed GRID™. Revealing races at two of the game’s new locations, Chicago and California Coast, the GRID 2 gameplay videos are captured from pre-alpha, work-in-progress code and are now showing at www.youtube.com/gridgame.

The Chicago video features a Street Racing stage where muscle cars, including the Camaro SS, Z06 Corvette and Boss Mustang, charge through skyscraper-lined streets and chase through tunnels. The California Coast video follows a head-to-head, point-to-point duel between a contemporary Boss Mustang and a classic Mustang Mach 1 on a tight and twisting sprint for the line.

GRID 2 will make its consumer debut at this week’s Eurogamer Expo (www.eurogamerexpo.com) at London’s Earls Court (September 27-30), where gamers can experience the return of the race themselves. Players can take to the streets of Chicago or hit the California Coast’s spectacular roads, each offering a different racing challenge, yet sharing the game’s core relentless, high-impact, aggressive competition.

GRID 2 will challenge players to be fast, be first and be famous as they enter a stunning new world of competitive motorsport. Following the success of GRID, which set new standards for damage, AI, visuals and introduced the Flashback time rewind feature – now adopted by many racing games – GRID 2 will again raise the gameplay and technological bar for motorsport gaming and remain true to the series’ core value – it’s all about the race. GRID 2 will also introduce the new TrueFeel™ Handling System, which uses real physics to hit a sweet spot between accessibility and simulation to deliver handling that is approachable yet challenging to master.

Going behind the wheel of a handpicked selection of automotive icons spanning four decades and three continents – North America, Europe and Asia – players will race their way to the top of GRID 2’s new, evolving world of motorsport. From Paris to Dubai, Miami to the sun-kissed California coast and beyond, beautifully created city streets, licensed circuits and twisting mountain roads will become home to the most visceral and exhilarating races in games.

GRID 2 will also set new standards for a racing multiplayer experience with an entirely distinct and extensive gameplay component and unique progression system. Deep customization options and integration with RaceNet* – the online community portal for Codemasters Racing games which tracks player’s races, rewards and rivals – will offer further immersion and connectivity to extend each player’s GRID 2 experience.

GRID 2 is in production at Codemasters Racing Studios and is available to pre-order ahead of its summer 2013 release for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. Fans can keep up with all the latest updates straight from the studio by speeding over to www.gridgame.com and www.facebook.com/gridgame or follow the team at www.twitter.com/gridgame.

Chicago Street Racing

ROCCAT Unveils New Gaming Mice

2012/09/27
Jerry Paxton
News

Hamburg, 27 September 2012 – ROCCAT Studios, the Hamburg-based manufacturer of competition gaming peripherals, is set to expand their high-performance mouse portfolio with the upcoming debut of three new game-changing devices: the ROCCAT™ Kone XTD – Max Customization Gaming Mouse, the ROCCAT™ Kone Pure – Core Performance Gaming Mouse and the ROCCAT™ Lua – Tri-Button Gaming Mouse.

ROCCAT has tapped the Kone XTD to be the successor to the legendary Kone[+] gaming mouse, packing the XTD with a hefty increase in the already formidable capabilities of the Kone[+] – while keeping the beloved Kone design completely intact. The German manufacturer also kept the legendary Kone form when designing the Kone Pure – but slimmed it down to 91% the size of the Kone[+], while also adding more competition-crushing power to the original Kone[+] performance specs.

Keeping the world famous Kone design when creating the new Kone models was extremely important, says ROCCAT, because legions of Kone fans worldwide have shown such a strong devotion to it.

ROCCAT engineers designed the ultra-sleek Lua, meanwhile, to deliver superb combat performance to gamers of all hand sizes.

The Kone domination dynasty continues

Both the Kone XTD and Kone Pure are powered by an astounding performance package loaded with the latest 8200 DPI Pro Aim R3 laser sensor, a commanding 32-bit Turbo Core 2 72MHz ARM MCU processor, and the most advanced Tracking & Distance Control Unit around – all working in clockwork unison to deliver world-beating battle ability.

Both also offer a range of ergonomic features designed for the longest play comfort – and a suite of the world’s most advanced gaming software for max customization – all designed to give users a masterful tool for dominating any gaming world they choose.

In addition, both new Kone models feature fully-customizable lighting systems designed to boost the mood of every gaming session. Flanking the sides of the Kone XTD are two shimmering light rails powered by four independent multi-color LEDs that gamers can set in their choice of a wide range of vibrant hues. Gamers can even program the light rails to execute effects, such as a “breathing” function, color rotation in their choice of shades, or game profile change notification – eye-catching displays sure to enhance any session.

The Kone Pure, meanwhile, boasts a large ROCCAT logo on its back that users can set in their choice of 16.8 million vibrant colors. It, too, can be programmed to carry out the “breathing” and color rotation functions.

The Lua: sleek and deadly

In designing the Lua, ROCCAT took the beloved three-button mouse model and injected it with loads of advanced gaming engineering – and then slimmed it down to fit any gamer’s hand.

Packing a fully-adjustable Pro-Optic sensor in a rugged, ambidextrous V-shape – featuring No-Sweat side grips, soft touch surface, and illuminated ROCCAT™ logo – the Lua gives props to the past while heading boldly into the future. Built for any hand and for any battle, the Lua is ideal for gamers who want an entry-level gaming mouse, but who don’t want to compromise on performance.

New standards in quality

Continuing a dedication to building the world’s highest quality gaming gear, each of the new mice is built mega-tough using only the highest-quality materials, inside and out. From robust exteriors to premium inner electronics, everything on the new devices is state-of-the-art and built to last.

ROCCAT has additionally announced that the Kone XTD and Kone Pure will feature an advanced new scroll wheel – the toughest and most reliable ever designed. The new wheel is “built to last and engineered to own”, says ROCCAT, with each having been constructed using the planet’s most robust and high-tech components – for a level of quality that sets a new standard in scrolling.

In addition, ROCCAT has built each new mouse model using ROCCAT™ Click Master switch tech – powered by Omron©. Using with the world’s most advanced switch components, Click Master technology ensures that every button press registers with extreme precision. Every click also delivers pronounced feedback, letting gamers feel their way to successful gaming. And because of their premium materials and rugged construction, Click Master systems deliver the longest life of hardcore gaming, click after click.

A dedication to excellence

“With the Kone XTD, Kone Pure and Lua, we have renewed our commitment to gaming excellence”, says René Korte, ROCCAT Founder and CEO. “These new mice are world beaters. They deliver an amazing combination of quality and performance, and they illustrate perfectly the difference between simply playing and engaging in some serious gaming.”

Coming soon

The Kone XTD, Kone Pure and Lua are expected to hit shelves end of October/beginning of November, 2012, with a suggested retail price of $89.99 (Kone XTD), $69.99 (Kone Pure), $29.99 (Lua).

The Old Republic Update 1.4: Terror From Beyond Live

2012/09/27
Jerry Paxton
News

Travel to the furthest reaches of the galaxy to come face-to-face with a horror never-before-seen in the Star Wars™ universe!  EA, BioWare and LucasArts announced today that Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Game Update 1.4:Terror From Beyond is now available for download! Players will be able to get their hands on new high-level group content, new game features and new gear.

Here is what fans can expect in terms of new gameplay and game enhancements in Game Update 1.4: Terror from Beyond:

  • Operation: Terror From Beyond is an all-new unique group combat experience located on the remote world of Asation, where an ancient alien race known as the Gree are rumored to be guarding mysterious and dangerous archaic technologies. The Gree’s secrets have suddenly caught the interest of the Dread Masters, a treacherous group of Sith Lords who have discovered the key to unlocking the ancient Gree Hypergates. Once this portal is open, a passageway to an unknown place will unleash an unspeakable horror that will become a threat for the entire galaxy.
  • Improved Group Finder will now allow players to join a group for an Operation or Flashpoint and then return to their previous location once the mission is completed.
  • Legendary Dread Guard Gear will give players the chance to upgrade their characters’ effectiveness and appearance.
  • Unified Colors for Companions will give players the chance to select an option that will match all of their companions’ gear to their chest piece for a more stylish look.
  • New ‘Facial Expression’ Emotes are a new set of slash commands that will give players the chance to set their characters’ expressions to let the rest of the galaxy know how they feel!

Star Wars: The Old Republic went live last December to critical acclaim around the world. Prior to today’s release ofTerror From Beyond, BioWare has already released three major free Game Updates, adding hours upon hours of new, higher level group gameplay, more PvP Warzones, special in-game events, new game features like the Legacy System, Group Finder, and continued improvements to the game. In November BioWare will introduce a new Free-to-Play option for Star Wars: The Old Republic.

For more information about Game Update 1.4, please visit www.StarWarstheOldRepublic.com, follow the game on Twitter® at http://twitter.com/swtor or “Like” Star Wars: The Old Republic on Facebook® at http://facebook.com/starwarstheoldrepublic. Press assets for Star Wars: The Old Republic are available at www.info.ea.com.

Mass Effect Trilogy Announced

2012/09/27
Jerry Paxton
News

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – Sept. 26, 2012 – Winner of over 300 awards. Recipient of over 200 perfect scores. A universe that has expanded beyond games to comics, novels, apparel, collectibles, action figures and more. TheMass Effect franchise has become one of the most heralded series in video game history. BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), today unveiled the Mass Effect Trilogy, a compilation of all three award-winningMass Effect games in one box. Available in stores beginning November 6, 2012 for only $59.99, the Mass Effect Trilogy is the perfect holiday gift for longtime fans or friends who have yet to experience Commander Shepard’s epic journey to save the galaxy.

Coinciding with the launch of Mass Effect Trilogy, BioWare will kick off the first annual “N7 Day,” a worldwide celebration of the Mass Effect franchise on November 7, 2012. Stay tuned to http://MassEffect.com for updates and announcements for a variety of in-game, online and live events which fans can congregate and fly their N7 colors.

The Mass Effect trilogy follows the rise of Commander Shepard from Alliance Marine to becoming the galaxy’s mostelite soldier – the only soldier who can lead an all-out galactic war against an ancient alien race known as the Reapers. Heart-pounding action meets gripping interactive storytelling as players decide how their unique story unfolds over all three games. With a team of loyal soldiers at their side, each player decides how they will save the galaxy, from the weapons and abilities they utilize to the relationships they forge or break.

The Mass Effect Trilogy will be available on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC on November 6, and will be available at a later date for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Mass Effect, the game which started it all, will be available on PlayStation 3 for the first time through the Mass Effect Trilogy and digitally as a standalone title via the PlayStation Network. For more information about Mass Effect Trilogy, please visit the game’s official web site at http://MassEffect.com. Fans can also receive more Mass Effect updates and “N7 Day” news on Twitter at http://twitter.com/masseffect, or on Facebook at http://facebook.com/masseffect.