Author - Jerry Paxton

GUNNAR Unveils New Line of Eyewear

SAN DIEGO – Aug. 29, 2012 – GUNNAR Optiks, the world’s leading manufacturer of computer eyewear, today announced the launch of three new Fall-fashion styles for its computer line – Haus, Joule and Vinyl. The rectangular Haus is available in Onyx, Onyx Fade and Tortoise, the oval-shaped Joule in Onyx, Tortoise and Amethyst, and Vinyl in  Onyx, all priced at an MSRP of US$99. Available in 20/20 or prescription (facilitated by Carl Zeiss Vision) with GUNNAR’s patented lens technology, the new additions combine form and function with style to reduce eye fatigue and stress, common side-effects of computer vision syndrome and digital eye fatigue that affects over 100 million Americans today.

“Now that we’ve solidified our leadership position in establishing the highest quality computer eyewear solution, we’re focused on fashion-forward trends and expansion of our product lines with innovative, ergonomically-designed frames,” said Rob Aarnes, President, GUNNAR Optiks. “The Haus, Joule and Vinyl styles allow workplace warriors to access more styles that fit into their daily lives, all while enhancing visual performance and increase productivity during those long days in front of a digital screen.”

GUNNAR eyewear enhances optical performance to give users an immediate, noticeable visual advantage using i-AMP® lens technology. The optical lens technology is composed of the following qualities:

  • IONIK Lens Tint: Formulated to improve overall contrast and comfort by filtering out harsh artificial light, eliminating UV rays and reducing high-intensity visible light.
  • FRACTYL Lens Geometry: Specifically tuned focusing power to enhance detail and a highly wrapped lens design that limits air currents near the eye.
  • DIAMIX Lens Material: A proprietary lens material that is optically pure, ensuring the clearest image by eliminating distortion caused by haze impurities.
  • I-FI lens coatings: An anti-reflective layer to reduce glare and an exterior hard coat that minimizes environmental damage and scratching.
  • 20/20 or Rx: Out of the box ready for 20/20 vision or used with corrective contact lenses and also prescription compatible in partnership with Carl Zeiss Vision with optional coverage by VSP Insurance. Visit www.gunnars.com/rx/ for more information.

Styles may be viewed and purchased on the GUNNAR Optiks online store, with select styles available from retailers worldwide. To learn more about GUNNAR Optiks and to find a retail location carrying GUNNAR’s eyewear collection, please visit:  http://www.gunnars.com/new-styles/


About GUNNAR Optiks 
Founded in 2005, GUNNAR Optiks, LLC designs and engineers computer and gaming eyewear to protect and enhance vision using revolutionary technology solutions. GUNNAR introduced the Technology Eyewear category in 2008 and pioneered eyewear to combat eye strain associated with long-term viewing of digital screens. GUNNAR also offers the industry’s first professional-grade, optically correct 3D eyewear on the market, and non-polarized outdoor eyewear with properties that allow for optimized visual performance with digital displays while shielding the eyes from the sun.

GUNNAR is a privately held company headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Investors include Peter Thiel, 50 Cent, Carl Zeiss Vision and Monster, Inc., among others. For more information, visit www.gunnars.com.

GUNNAR, the GUNNAR logo, and i-AMP are registered trademarks of GUNNAR Optiks, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies. Copyright 2010. GUNNAR Optiks, LLC. All rights reserved.
Official Website | Facebook | @GUNNAROptiks

WoW Patch 5.04 Released

Blizzard Entertainment has released patch 5.04 for World of Warcraft. Some of the major features of Patch 5.0.4 include:

New Talent System – The World of Warcraft talent system has been redesigned to allow for unique core ability and specialization choices

Class Changes – Many changes to character classes, including an array of new spells and abilities

Glyphs – Glyphs have been redesigned to be more specialized, while offering players fun and cosmetic customization options 

Account-wide Mounts, Pets, and Achievements – Players now have access to (nearly) all the mounts, pets, and achievements they’ve earned across all their characters under one Battle.net account

Area of Effect (AOE) Looting – Looting has never been easier

Theramore’s Fall Scenario – The first two Scenarios (one for Horde and one for Alliance) will be available for players to take on shortly before launch

Cross-Realm Zones – Cross-realm zones are a new technology enabling players to meet up and group with other players in underpopulated areas of the game world

BattleTag Support –Your BattleTag is a permanent, non-unique, account-wide nickname that serves as your identity when staying connected to other players using Battle.net’s powerful social features

David Bateson Returns to Hitman Series

August 28, 2012 – IO Interactive A/S, a Square Enix studio, today announced the talent behind the role of Agent 47 in HITMAN: ABSOLUTION.

After a long search, IO Interactive are pleased to unveil that the voice of Agent 47 will once again be acted by David Bateson who has been the voice of Hitman since the year 2000 with the seminal PC release of Codename 47.  Alongside Bateson, William Mapother (star of hit TV series LOST) has performed the motion capture work for Agent 47 which was recorded at Giant Studios.

Speaking about the decision to return to Bateson after the studio earlier declared he wouldn’t be the voice of 47 in HITMAN: ABSOLUTION, Brand Director Jon Brooke said, “IO and Bateson have been bed fellows for over a decade and like all long running relationships sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder. Looking back I think we were just playing hard to get.”

Both Bateson and Mapother now join a long list of talent announced for the game including Marsha Thomason, Keith Carradine, Vivica Fox, Shannyn Sossamon and Powers Boothe.

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION is the most ambitious Hitman game IO have ever undertaken and is set to be released globally November 20, 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.

Guild Wars 2 Now Live

SEATTLE – August 28, 2012: NCsoft<http://www.ncsoft.com>(r), the world’s premier publisher and developer of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) and ArenaNet, developer of the renowned Guild Wars franchise, are delighted to announce the launch of Guild Wars 2.

Even before today’s launch, more than one million fans paid for the game in full to enjoy a 3-day Headstart prior to today’s official launch. Additionally, demand for the game during this Headstart has been record-breaking, with a peak concurrency of more than 400,000 players online at once. Whether it’s because of the vast and dynamic world that changes based on player actions, the engaging, customizable personal storyline, or the visceral, highly-mobile action, it’s clear that online gamers are eager for Guild Wars 2.

“This is the culmination of a 5-year journey and to be greeted by this level of enthusiasm by our fans is truly amazing,” said Mike O’Brien, president and co-founder of ArenaNet. “But really our work is just beginning. Now our focus is shifting to building on this living world we’ve delivered, continuously refining our game and improving services to ensure our players have the best possible experience.”

For players that have yet to purchase Guild Wars 2, it is now available at buy.guildwars2.com as well as from numerous online and retail partners<https://buy.guildwars2.com/en/retailers>.

For more information on the game and to purchase Guild Wars 2, visit www.guildwars2.com<http://www.guildwars2.com>.

Crusader Kings II: Legacy of Rome Announced

NEW YORK – August 28, 2012 – Crusader Kings II: Legacy of Rome is a new expansion which will breathe a dose of hot, spicy, Mediterranean fresh air into the deliciously dark world of the critically acclaimed strategy/RPG, Crusader Kings II. The Byzantine Empire is receiving some tender loving care from Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studio with the new expansion pack, which will add a wealth of features to the game and build upon Crusader Kings’glory.

In the rich politics of Byzantium, you’ll find your cranky and disgruntled vassals split into factions, which will band together in revolt against your rule (they’re getting smarter)! Thankfully, your generals have improved to match them. Legacy of Rome introduces Leader Focus, with generals’ skills carrying more importance than ever before. This may prove useful if you have any generals that are (I) competent and (II) not plotting to drown you in a lake.

As for the wealth of features, let’s talk about wealth! You’ll be able to appoint your very own Orthodox patriarch instead of depending on that miserable old patriarch of Constantinople, plus you’ll have greater control over where you demand levies from your vassals, and, of course, indulge in new, Byzantine-specific events and decisions. You’ll need your regent to be at the top of their game, so it’s a good thing there are now Self-Improvement ambitions for them! It’s almost as if not everybody in the kingdom is out to get you.

The last gasp of the Roman Empire is in your hands, dear leader. Try not to screw it up.

This second expansion pack for Crusader Kings II arrives Q4 2012 on all major digital download portals for the suggested retail price of 9,99 USD.

MWO River City Reveal and PAX Events

MONTREAL – AUGUST 27, 2012 — Fans looking to go hands-on with Infinite Game Publishing (IGP) games or get in front of developers behind the upcoming MechWarrior Online, MechWarrior Tactics and Sins of a Dark Age have several ways to do so as IGP announces details on its PAX Prime participation this year. Hands-on demos, panels and exclusive Q&A session details for the games are below.

Fans seeking gameplay demos for MechWarrior Online, MechWarrior Tactics can do so at this week’s PAX Prime in two different booths:

Hands-on gameplay: Very limited, first come, first served access to MechWarrior Online and MechWarrior Tactics are available during PAX show hours (with some minor exceptions, as other activities will be taking place in this room).

Where: Catalyst Labs gives fans a chance to go head-to-head in epic matches with MechWarrior Online and MechWarrior Tactics, on the 2nd floor in Catalyst Games Labs Room #213.

Additionally, MechWarrior Online is playable in the NVIDIA booth #3747.

And for fans looking to get up close and personal with today’s most innovative developers in the strategy genre, check out two of IGP’s developers in this do-not-miss strategy panel:

Panel, “Thinking Tactically: The New Strategy Games”: This panel pulls together leads from four of the biggest strategy games of this year covering PC to console that are pushing the strategy genre forward to new heights. Lead producers from Trion Worlds/Petroglyph Games’ End of Nations, Ironclad Games’ Sins of a Dark Age and Roadhouse Interactive’s MechWarrior Tactics gather on stage to discuss the evolution of tactical gaming in a panel hosted by Quarter to Three’s legendary Tom Chick.

When: Sunday, 9/2 from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Where: Wolfman Theater

URL: http://prime.paxsite.com/schedule/panel/thinking-tactically-the-new-strategy-games

 

Developer interviews, other requests: Unfortunately, the developer teams’ time is limited during the show. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and requests and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Fans looking to get their Q&A on can do so with Catalyst Games Labs:

MechWarrior Tactics Q&A
Where:
 Second Floor, Room 213
When:   Friday, August 31st: 4:00-5:00 PM

Saturday, September 1st: 4:00-5:00 PM
Sunday, September 2nd: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Who: 
Chris Cleroux and James Romanchuk

 

MechWarrior Online Q&A
Where:
 Second Floor, Room 213
When:   Saturday, September 1st: 5:00-6:00 PM

Who: 
Russ Bullock and Bryan Ekman

Q&A Note: All in-room gaming will stop during all Q&As, including the Shadowrun Returns Q&As.

For more information on these games please visit the following URLs:

MechWarrior Online: www.mwomercs.com
MechWarrior Tactics: www.mwtactics.com
Sins of a Dark Age: www.soada.com

# # #

Reverb Publishing Publishing Ravaged

Twain Harte, CA – August 27, 2012 – Reverb Publishing today announced it will publish 2 Dawn Games’ stunning first-person online multiplayer title, Ravaged. Built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 3, Ravaged is an online PC first-person shooter that hammers gamers with savage balls-to-the-wall combat featuring five classes, clan support and dedicated servers.

Check out the gameplay trailer here.

Indie developer 2 Dawn Games, comprised of veteran staff members who have worked on top-tier titles BattlefieldDesert Combat, and Frontlines, have poured their collective talent into this apocalyptic combat game, packing straight-up first-person shooting, ground and air-based vehicular combat, and sprawling tactical battles for up to 32 players online. Ravaged is currently in its closed beta and players can sign up now at:http://www.2dawn.com/games/ravaged/join-the-beta

 

“Partnering with Reverb Publishing is a defining moment for us,” said Boris Ustaev, project lead for Ravaged with 2 Dawn Games. “Reverb’s model of supporting digital video game developers provides us with a full menu of production, marketing, public relations, and business development support, allowing us to focus 100 percent of our time on making the best game possible. In addition to Reverb’s support, our popular beta tests have garnered a huge, dedicated following. Couple that with our successful Kickstarter campaign, and we’re in a great position to deliver an amazing game.”

Ravaged is rated “M” for mature due to the violent subject matter, and is not intended for younger audiences. To play Ravaged at PAX Prime 2012 in Seattle, WA, please visit Reverb’s booth #3340.

“From the first time our team played Ravaged we knew it was a standout title,” said Doug Kennedy, president and CEO, Reverb Publishing. “This partnership with 2 Dawn Games is a perfect example of why we started Reverb Publishing. This very talented team has a great game and solid community as evidenced by its successful Kickstarter campaign. Reverb will now step in to help elevate the game’s visibility so gamers everywhere can jump into the action and log some kills.”

Ravaged joins Reverb Publishing’s growing roster of titles, which includes the smash-hit Dungeon Defenders, the recently-released JAM Live Music Arcade and Jeremy McGrath’s Offroad, as well as the upcoming Sanctum 2Primal CarnageCognition: An Erica Reed ThrillerBlack Knight Sword, Orc Attack and many more. For more information on Reverb Publishing and its line-up of titles, please visit us at reverbpublishing.com, follow us onTwitter or ‘Like’ us on Facebook.

Be sure to follow 2 Dawn Games on TwitterFacebook, and pre-order the game at the official 2 Dawn Games website.

Square Enix 2012 PAX Lineup

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 27, 2012) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced the title lineup and fan activities planned for Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) Prime 2012, taking place August 31 – September 2 in Seattle. Square Enix will give PAX attendees a chance to play some of the most anticipated and talked-about titles to date, including TOMB RAIDER®HITMAN®: ABSOLUTION™ and the critically acclaimed open-world cop drama SLEEPING DOGS™, now available in stores.

Additionally, Square Enix invites the general public to celebrate 25 years of FINAL FANTASY at the “Experience FINAL FANTASY” event on Friday, August 31. from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the ACT Theatre (700 Union Street). Fans will be able to reexperience their most cherished FINAL FANTASY games through dozens of playable units that span multiple generations and participate in a series of commemorative activities and games for fans of the renowned franchise. Prizes include fan-favorite character plushies and a custom FINAL FANTASY XIII-2branded PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and an Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Attendees will also be able to take their picture at the FINAL FANTASY-themed photo booth and will be able to receive a special 25th anniversary poster featuring Yoshitaka Amano’s artwork.

The “Experience FINAL FANTASY” event will also include two exciting presentations. At 5:00 p.m., there will be a special content presentation from the FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn team. At 7:30 p.m., fans will have the opportunity to learn new details about the direction of Lightning’s story through a video message from the esteemed creators of FINAL FANTASY XIII, including Yoshinori Kitase (producer), Motomu Toriyama (director) and Isamu Kamikokuryo (art director).

On the show floor, PAX attendees will be able to preview and play the following Square Enix titles at Booth 3625:

  • 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 of loyalty and betrayal unfolds, 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 raw instincts and physical ability to push beyond the limits of human endurance, TOMB RAIDER delivers an intense and gritty story about the origins of Lara Croft and her ascent from a frightened young woman to a hardened survivor.

In addition to getting the first chance to go hands-on with these blockbuster titles, fans will have the opportunity to gain greater insight into the world of HITMAN: ABSOLUTION through a dedicated panel:

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION

Unicorn Theater: Sunday, Sept. 2, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sven Liebold, global PR manager of IO Interactive will host a special HITMAN: ABSOLUTION panel at the Unicorn Theater. The panel will focus on “Contracts Mode,” a create-to-play experience inspired by the Hitman community. The panel will feature Tore Blystad, director of HITMAN: ABSOLUTION at IO Interactive.

Along with the panel, Square Enix fans will have several opportunities to take home fun and unique items during the show. With contests, interactive activities and more, PAX attendees will have multiple chances to win amazing prizes.

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION PHOTO SNIPING CONTEST
Upload your best photo sniping image to be entered for a chance to win a custom HITMAN: ABSOLUTION console. Runners up will receive miniature figures of Agent 47, and HITMAN-themed ties and tie clips. Participants can upload their photo entries athitman.com/photosnipe or by the photo-sniping app on the HITMAN Facebook page.

SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS PASSPORT PROGRAM
Visit booth 3625 to get your Square Enix Member Passport card. Participants will receive a stamp for every title they play at the booth. Once the passport is complete, participants can turn it in to receive a set of pins featuring custom logos from Square Enix titles and a special lanyard.

MEMBERS SWEEPSTAKES
Sign up to become a Square Enix Member for your chance to win prizes including Members exclusive promotional items and a custom Tomb Raider Xbox 360 console.

New England Patriots and Chicago Bears Capture Regular Season Crown in Madden NFL 13 Simulation

August 27, 2012 –The Chicago Bears and New England Patriots won their respective divisions and took home the overall number one seeds in the playoffs according to the Madden NFL 13 Season Simulation, powered by EA SPORTS Arena. The Patriots followed up last year’s Super Bowl appearance with a dominant season, securing a 12-4 record on the arm of NFL MVP Tom Brady. Brady delighted fantasy football owners everywhere by tossing a record-tying 50 touchdown passes against only 8 interceptions.

The Bears matched the Patriots’ record, also going 12-4 to win a tightly contested NFC North. Chicago needed every win they could muster, as the Green Bay Packers also ended the season at 12-4, but with the Bears holding an edge in the tiebreakers the Packers were relegated to the 5th seed in the playoffs.

The two surprise playoff teams in the AFC were the Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) and Buffalo Bills (10-6), both ending long playoff droughts. The Chiefs were a particular shock, winning the AFC West with a record of 11-5 and earning Romeo Crennel Coach of the Year Honors

The NFC experienced near total upheaval, with new champions in three of four divisions. The Atlanta Falcons (11-5) and Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) joined the Bears as new divisional winners, while only the San Francisco 49ers (11-5) were able to repeat amidst weak competition in the NFC West. In bombshell news, last year’s Super Bowl champion New York Giants didn’t even reach the postseason, finishing a disappointing 8-8.

Though the rebuilding Indianapolis Colts (4-12) had a tough season, fans were able to take solace in the fact that rookie quarterback and number one overall draft pick Andrew Luck took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Luck managed to outduel fellow highly-touted rookie Robert Griffin III, finishing the season with 4,170 yards, 32 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. On the defensive side of things, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw was able to step into an already intimidating unit and cause enough havoc to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Other award winners include Detroit Lions wide receiver and Madden NFL 13 cover athlete Calvin Johnson, Jr. as Offensive Player of the Year (97 receptions for 1,572 yards and 16 touchdowns), and DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys as Defensive Player of the Year (18 sacks).

For screenshots and video of the Madden NFL 13 Season Simulation, powered by EA SPORTS Arena, as well as box art and other assets, please visit http://maddennfl13.newslinevine.com/.

Tune into G4’s X-Play on Monday, August 27th at 6:30/5:30pm CT to check out more video of the Madden NFL 13Season Simulation.

NFL 2012 Season Awards (as simulated by Madden NFL 13):

• NFL MVP – Tom Brady, New England Patriots

• Offensive Player of the Year – Calvin Johnson, Jr., Detroit Lions

• Defensive Player of the Year – DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys

• Offensive Rookie of the Year – Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

• Defensive Rookie of the Year – Courtney Upshaw, Baltimore Ravens

• Coach of the Year – Romeo Crennel, Kansas City Chiefs

Top Ten Offensive Performers 

Quarterback
Player Team Yards TDs INTs
Drew Brees NO

5399

48

13

Tom Brady NE

5374

50

8

Mathew Stafford DET

5288

40

14

Aaron Rodgers GB

5245

49

9

Eli Manning NYG

4853

31

11

Peyton Manning DEN

4612

35

7

Matt Ryan ATL

4602

34

7

Philip Rivers SD

4475

35

12

Jay Cutler CHI

4215

36

18

Andrew Luck IND

4170

32

20

Running Back
Player Team Yards TDs
Darren McFadden OAK

1523

16

Arian Foster HOU

1501

18

Ray Rice BAL

1425

17

LeSean McCoy PHI

1386

14

Marshawn Lynch SEA

1317

14

Chris Johnson TEN

1309

12

Matt Forte CHI

1250

9

Adrian Peterson MIN

1118

10

Maurice Jones-Drew JAX

1115

10

Fred Jackson BUF

1109

7

Wide Receiver
Player Team Rec Yards TDs
Calvin Johnson, Jr. DET

97

1572

16

Wes Welker NE

111

1430

7

Julio Jones ATL

89

1326

8

Jimmy Graham NO

100

1301

13

Larry Fitzgerald ARI

87

1222

10

AJ Green CIN

79

1189

10

Rob Gronkowski NE

82

1188

13

Brandon Marshall CHI

80

1185

8

Roddy White ATL

101

1169

7

Eric Decker DEN

90

1150

6

Top Defensive Performers

Sacks
Player Team Sacks
Jared Allen

MIN

19

DeMarcus Ware

DAL

18

Jason Pierre-Paul

NYG

17

Aldon Smith

SF

16

Jason Babin

PHI

14

Chris Long

STL

14

Clay Mathews

GB

13

Von Miller

DEN

13

Tamba Hali

KC

10

Brian Orakpo

WSH

10

Interceptions
Player Team INTs
Charles Woodson

GB

7

Eric Weddle

SD

6

Corey Webster

NYG

5

Kyle Arrington

NE

5

Darrelle Revis

NYJ

5

Brandon Browner

SEA

5

Courtland Finnegan

STL

5

Ed Reed

BAL

5

Brandon Flowers

DAL

5

Nnamdi Asomugha

PHI

5

2012 NFL Playoff Seeding

                       AFC                            NFC
  1. New England Patriots (12-4)
1. Chicago Bears (12-4)
  1. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
2. San Francisco 49ers (11-5)
  1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)
3. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
  1. Houston Texans (10-6)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
  1. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
5. Green Bay Packers (12-4)
  1. Buffalo Bills (10-6)
6. New Orleans Saints (10-6)

 

For more information about Madden NFL 13, please visit www.easports.com/madden-nfl.

Madden NFL 13 is developed in Orlando, Florida by EA Tiburon and will be available for the Xbox 360® video game system from Microsoft, Kinect, PlayStation®3, Wii™, and PS Vita (PlayStation®Vita) handheld entertainment system on August 28.  For more information about Madden NFL 13 please visithttp://www.easports.com/madden-nfl.

Knott’s Scary Farm Haunt Museum Ribbon Cutting Announced

If you are a fan of Halloween like I am, you will be pleased to know that Knott’s Berry Farm has announced that its Halloween Haunt Museum will commence with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 31st. We will be on-hand to bring photos and commentary from the museum, which features rare and unusual stories and exhibits from Knott’s “Scary” Farm history. Stay-tuned!