Author - Jerry Paxton

EA Sports Reveals New NHL Legends

2012/08/30
Jerry Paxton
News

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – August 29, 2012 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced today that for the first time ever in a professional league simulation sports video game, EA SPORTS NHL 13 has added female athletes as playable characters. Former Team USA superstar Angela Ruggiero will join former Team Canada great Hayley Wickenheiser, both four-time Olympic Ice Hockey medalists, as playable legends in NHL 13. NHL Hall of Famers Doug Gilmour, Jari Kurri, and NHL legend Dominik Hasek will also be added to the roster of legends which includes the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. The NHL 13 demo is available for download now via Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Promising the biggest year on year innovation to the franchise on this console generation, NHL 13 will be available on September 11, 2012 in North America and September 14, 2012 in Europe.

 The addition of women’s hockey legends as playable characters within the EA SPORTS NHL franchise is the continuation of a commitment that the development team made to create greater representation for women’s hockey beginning with NHL 12.

“With the release of NHL 12 we added generic female characters in our Be a Pro mode based on a request from a 14-yr old female fan who emailed our staff because she felt underrepresented as a hockey videogame fan,” said Dean Richards, General Manager, NHL, EA SPORTS. “This year we are very excited to continue our effort of creating a more representative experience for female hockey fans by adding two of the greatest female athletes to ever play the game in Wickenheiser and Ruggiero to NHL 13.”

“The EA SPORTS NHL franchise took a big step last year by including female characters to create a more inclusive experience for female hockey fans,” said Hayley Wickenheiser. “I’m excited to be a part of NHL 13 and hope that the addition of women’s hockey legends will encourage greater participation in hockey from young women everywhere.”

Legends Integration in NHL 13

Legends in NHL 13 will be integrated across several modes:

  • ·         Be A Legend – gamers will experience the glory of playing their entire Be A Pro career as a legend as they attempt to shatter the most impressive records in hockey, achieve legendary milestones and complete legends tasks.
  • ·         Legends teams – Play as the legends team, Team Ruggiero or Team Wickenheiser, which are comprised of legends and current NHL greats in head-to-head play – within Play Now, Online and Battle for the Cup modes. Players on Team Ruggiero and Team Wickenheiser were selected by each athlete, respectively.
  • ·         Hockey Ultimate Team & Be a GM – Gamers will have the ability to add legends to any team roster in Be a GM mode, or collect ultra-rare legends cards and use them within their Hockey Ultimate Team experience.

Headlined by all–new True Performance Skating, and supported by an innovative new A.I. system dubbed EA SPORTS Hockey I.Q., NHL 13 will deliver a revamped gameplay experience that accurately captures the speed, creativity and strategy of NHL hockey. In addition, NHL 13 will also deliver new experiences that connect hockey fans to their friends and the real world of hockey with the all-new GM Connected and NHL Moments Live modes.

Tritton 720+ 7.1 Surround Sound Headset Announced

2012/08/29
Jerry Paxton
News

San Diego – August 29, 2012 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT: MCZ) announced today the TRITTON 720+ 7.1 Surround Headset, the upgrade to the Company’s TRITTON AX 720 Headset.  Compatible with both the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system from Sony®, the TRITTON 720+ 7.1 Surround Headset is expected to ship in September 2012.

The 720+ features a number of key enhancements designed to offer superior performance and sustained comfort.  All new Neodymium drivers have increased in size from 40mm to 50mm resulting in improved bass response and audio clarity.  Featuring the latest Dolby Headphone technology, the720+ delivers rich 7.1 Surround Sound, ideal for pinpointing in-game enemy movements or for enjoying movie blockbusters.  In addition, the 720+features Selectable Voice Monitoring (SVM), allowing users to choose to hear their own voice through the headset.  Sporting a lightweight and flexible design, the 720+ has been designed for extended playing sessions and comes replete in an eye-catching gloss white finish.

“Following our recent announcement of the Pro+, we are pleased to continue upgrading our range of TRITTON headsets with the announcement of the720+.  We expect the 720+ to be a key product in our range as we continue to grow our portfolio and market share within the headset sector.” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz.  “We believe the enhanced features and upgraded design of the 720+ further demonstrate our commitment to offering market leading product which appeal to the passionate gamer.”

Additional information and purchase options are available at: www.trittonaudio.com/720plus

Archos Announces GamePad Tablet

2012/08/29
Jerry Paxton
News

Denver, CO – August 29, 2012 – ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, is proud to announce their first gaming tablet. This new type of tablet, the GamePad, combines gaming controls with AndroidTM for a full tablet and gaming experience in one. Gamers will not only have access to all their favorite games, they will also have access to email, Internet, apps and more through one device.

The GamePad features a 7-inch, capacitive screen, physical control buttons and analog sticks. This Google certified tablet has full access to Google PlayTM for the tens of thousands of games available, runs a dual-core processor @ 1.5 GHz combined with a Mali 400mp quad-core GPU. In addition, the GamePad includes automatic game recognition and mapping tools – patented technology to ensure control compatibility with every advanced Android game.

Until now, tablets provided gamers with touch controls that lacked response and compatibility for their advanced games, providing a disappointing gaming experience. As one of the main tablet uses, there is a strong need for a tablet that does more for gaming. Thanks to the complete touch and physical controls of the ARCHOS GamePad, Gamers can enhance their experience starting at the end of October 2012 for less than 150€.

“When Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, was first released they included game controller support within the framework and that is when we decided to build the GamePad,” says Henri Crohas, ARCHOS Founder and CEO.

Some leading game developers have already embraced the physical controller support that was introduced with ICS rendering their apps compatible with the physical controls of the GamePad or with game controllers plugged into tablets or phones.

However many games originally did not include physical control mapping, which is why ARCHOS developed their mapping and game recognition tool; a patented technology that allows any virtual controls to be mapped the GamePad’s physical control buttons.

“Thanks to the mapping and automatic game recognition systems included on the GamePad, we already have over a thousand android games compatible with the ARCHOS GamePad’s physical controls, including back catalog titles that originally didn’t include physical controls,” continued Crohas.

ATTENTION DEVELOPERS
Over the past six months, ARCHOS has been discussing the GamePad with leading Android game developers around the world to make their games compatible with the GamePad’s physical controls and now we invite others to participate.

Developers interested in getting their current and upcoming games mapped for the ARCHOS GamePad can contact GamePad@archos.com.

March of the Eagles Announced with Trailer

2012/08/29
Jerry Paxton
News

New York – August 29, 2012 – Raise the regimental banner and beat the drums of war, because the Emperor is calling you back into service with the help of Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studio. Announcing “March of the Eagles”, a strategy wargame covering the ten years of the Napoleonic Wars, when a Corsican boy used maddeningly clever new tactics to bring all of Europe to its knees.

Players will take control of any one nation of Europe in this geopolitical barfight, dispatch armies and envoys, raid supply lines, form coalitions and get with the times, already. Because one thing’s for sure: Napoleon’s Grande Armeé is coming, and he’s not interested in second place though he might have to settle for it, if he’s just one guy in a 32 person multiplayer battle with set victory conditions.

Sign up for a chance to be part of the closed beta for March of the Eagles:
http://beta.paradoxplaza.com/signup/39/

Deadline to apply for the beta is September 6th.

Trailer

New Chaos on Deponia Screenshots Released

2012/08/29
Jerry Paxton
News

Hamburg, August 24th 2012. Daedalic Entertainment releases new screenshots of the upcoming adventure game Chaos on Deponia. Players can celebrate the reunion of Rufus and Goal in the sequel of the worldwide beloved game Deponia. Compared to the predecessor, Chaos on Deponia improves in every possible way and players can expect even more depth and fun.

The award winning hit Deponia has been critically acclaimed by the gaming press and became the best reviewed adventure of all times in Germany within the shortest time. Rufus, the main character, is as lovely as his home Deponia. He, the odd and cantankerous guy, lives in the most remote part of the worldwide junkyard and works on his plans to escape to the hovering city of Elysium. After uncountable failed attempts he succeeds – nearly, at least. As a result, he falls from the sky and lands back in his hometown together with the mysterious girl, Goal.

For Rufus, she mainly is a good reason to escape once again, and so he begins to plan her way back. Obviously, Rufus’ bad luck seems to be infectious and, in the sequel Chaos on Deponia, both end at the point where all began. Before they can start another attempt to escape, Goal’s consciousness needs to be restored. Besides that, they have to save Deponia from threatening chaos.

Chaos on Deponia will be available on November 6th, 2012 on Steam for PC and Mac.

http://www.deponia.com
http://www.facebook.com/daedalic http://www.twitter.com/daedalic

Gallery

GUNNAR Unveils New Line of Eyewear

2012/08/29
Jerry Paxton
News

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

2012/08/28
Jerry Paxton
News

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

2012/08/28
Jerry Paxton
News

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

2012/08/28
Jerry Paxton
News

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>.