Author - Jerry Paxton

Happy Dragon Age Day 2024

Today, on Dragon Age Day 2024, we want to thank you, our community. You inspire all of us with your passion and care. If you’re new to our community, welcome, and if you’re a long time fan, we’re so glad to have you along with us on this journey! We observe DA Day on December 4th each year, and we have several activities today to celebrate you and our recent release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Check out today’s activities below.

Along with Patch 4 later today, we’re pleased to release a stand alone, free version of the Character Creator on all platforms! For the folks who have yet to jump into Dragon Age: The Veilguard, you can now create a Rook before buying the full game and transfer your character over, as long as you’re on the same platform*. There’s no time limit on the Character Creator; we know crafting the perfect protagonist can take hours. Special shout out to breebunn, who spent 21 whole hours making her Rook and Inquisitor! She’ll be doing a special stream at 9:30am PT to celebrate Dragon Age Day with us.

We’ve been so excited to see the many different Rooks you’ve created since the game launched over a month ago. In celebration of you, our community, we’ve assembled a special collection of some of our favorite Rooks that you’ve shared with us along the way. Check out the montage at the top of the blog and see if your Rook is included! We can’t thank you enough for being a part of our community.

Also part of today’s celebration, we asked our artists to create a new piece of art that commemorates the incredible journeys you’ve taken as Rook into the newest, darkest corners of Thedas, persevering against the Blight and the Elven Gods. We hope you enjoy this special Dragon Age Day edition that honors the legacy of the past games, showing your status as the hero and leader of the Veilguard.

Additionally, we made a fun infographic to explore your choices in-game! The full infographic will be available on our social media later today, but here’s a sneak peek.

Now that the game has been out for a bit, we’re happy to be doing another AMA with our developers! Join us today on the r/dragonage subreddit starting at 12pm PST. Our previous AMAs were on our BioWare Discord, if you want to check out the past questions and answers before hopping into today’s session. Please note, there may be spoilers in this AMA, so read at your own risk!

Last but definitely not least, we have a gift for everyone who owns Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Starting today, you will be able to get the iconic armor, body paint, and nose blood smear of Dragon Age II’s protagonist, Hawke, for your Rook. These cosmetics will be permanently available and can be found in the Lighthouse after downloading Patch 4 and completing the mission “The Singing Blade.”

We still have a few more things planned in the days to come and before the holiday season, so keep your eyes on our social media! Once again, thank you for being part of our community and always showing your passion for this series. Happy Dragon Age Day 2024!

The Thaumaturge Console Launch Trailer

11 bit studios and Fool’s Theory invite console players to step into the gritty streets of 1905 Warsaw in their isometric RPG, The Thaumaturge. Available today on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, the much-anticipated console release follows the successful PC launch earlier this year.

Wiktor Szulski, the titular thaumaturge, returns to Warsaw after years away for a family ceremony. The city is alive with contrasts: affluent districts of luxury hotels and buzzing bars stand side-by-side with the windswept shacks of Powiśle.

The Thaumaturge is a character-driven RPG blending rich storytelling, morally ambiguous decisions, and strategic turn-based combat. Dive into a world inspired by Slavic folklore, where you’ll encounter mysterious demons called salutors. Use Wiktor’s mystical abilities to influence others or unleash your salutor’s powers in battles as you shape the fate of this gripping tale.

Features:
  • Play an isometric RPG where your choices will shape the outcome of the story.
  • Use your unique skills to influence and manipulate other characters to bend their will to your liking.
  • Tame the power of folklore-inspired demons called Salutors to gain an advantage when exploring the world and bringing adversaries to their knees.
  • Experience unique turn-based combat and defeat your foes using both physical attacks and the skills of your tamed salutors.
  • Meet a rich gallery of characters from different parts of society on your journey and use your mystic abilities to discover their hidden secrets.
  • Explore the rarely portrayed historical period of early 20th-century Warsaw, where crime and luxury are often two sides of the same coin.

Disney Dreamlight Valley – Sew Delightful Update Out Now

In the “Sew Delightful” update, players will meet Sally from Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas! You’ll decipher hidden messages in cobwebs that have mysteriously appeared throughout the Valley and help Sally become the newest Valley resident. Once she arrives, help her and Jack Skellington rekindle their romance, embark on new friendship quests, and uncover more about Sally’s mysterious premonitions that might hint at a new threat in the Valley.

“Sew Delightful” also introduces the all-new Floating Islands, providing players with special outdoor spaces themed after existing biomes to decorate to their heart’s content and even invite their friends to experience. This initial release includes four Floating Islands, with more planned to be added in 2025. Plus, fans of decorating will be happy to know that decoration items can now be placed using a 16-point rotation system! Whether you’re decorating with furniture, buildings or landscaping items, you’ll now have even more control in how you decorate in the Valley, Eternity Isle (from Disney Dreamlight Valley: A Rift in Time Expansion Pass), the Storybook Vale (from Disney Dreamlight Valley: The Storybook Vale Expansion Pass), and in your Floating Islands.

If you love the chills and thrills of winter, don’t miss the new “Frost & Fairies” Star Path. Bring the whimsy of winter to the Valley by giving your friends gifts, clearing away Night Thorns, and completing duties as fae royalty. Unlock frigidly beautiful rewards, including a gleaming harp of ice and silk, a frozen throne, crystalline decor, unique fairy fashion, and much more!

XREAL Unveils XREAL One Series – World’s First Cinematic AR Glasses

XREAL today unveiled a step change for its newest augmented reality (AR) glasses, XREAL One Series, that the company believes is the biggest leap forward for the consumer AR industry and advances its mission to bring AR to everyone. Using XREAL’s brand new, in-house designed X1 independent spatial computing co-processor, XREAL One Series creates a spatial display from nearly any device and for anything the wearer sees, leaping beyond the limits of today’s AR and VR devices by introducing a fully customizable cinematic virtual screen that is for the first time spatially controlled by the glasses themselves. XREAL One Series connects to nearly any compute device with video over USB-C, unlocking a spatial display for unlimited apps, games, web sites, productivity tools, communications platforms, and more, while also enabling AR holographic experiences from developers who build with XREAL’s SDK.

XREAL One Series consists of XREAL One and XREAL One Pro, and are the first cinematic AR glasses, wearable displays, or smart glasses to deliver native next generation three degrees-of-freedom (3DoF) spatial computing using an integrated spatial co-processing chip built directly into the glasses. The custom chip is called X1 and is the first of its kind for any optical see through (OST) AR glasses. XREAL One Series features improved support for a variety of interpupillary distance (IPD) ranges, multiple TÜV Rheinland eye health certifications, Sound by Bose for audio, plus an optional modular multimodal AI camera, another first for the cinematic AR glasses category.

“The XREAL One Series represents the most advanced consumer AR glasses on the market today,” said Chi Xu, CEO and Co-founder of XREAL. “With the X1 chip, we’re introducing our biggest innovation since pioneering lightweight, portable, tethered AR glasses. X1 is the result of over three years of cutting-edge research and development, culminating in the world’s first customized silicon designed specifically for OST AR glasses. This is a transformative moment for XREAL customers—X1 powers the kind of spatial computing we’ve always envisioned and that customers have been eagerly waiting for. I’m thrilled for everyone to experience the XREAL One Series and see the X1 chip in action. It’s a true game-changer.”

Spatial Computing Anywhere with X1

Any XREAL One Series wearer, no matter if they connect their XREAL One Series glasses to an iPhone, Android device, Steam Deck, Windows PC, MacBook, or just about any device with video-out over USB-C, can experience the most stable virtual screen and anchor it anywhere they choose in three dimensional space with the simple press of a button on the glasses. These are AR glasses benefits previously held back by limited hardware and software configurations.

XREAL One Series produces spatial displays that are larger, more stable, more customizable, with faster refresh rates than any AR glasses available today because they are built around a revolutionary custom design that spotlights the company’s refreshed optical engine plus the built-in X1 co-processor. The unrivaled combination offers a consistent low latency 3DoF spatial screen regardless of source device with a crystal clear picture from edge to edge. X1 delivers an incredibly low motion-to-photon (M2P) latency of only ~3ms at 120Hz, ensuring a smooth and stable anchored or floating spatial screen at all times, without visual blur or image lag. The M2P latency, spatial anchoring and image stability delivered by X1 are unlike any OST AR device available in market today, far surpassing previous industry benchmarks of ~20ms.

The XREAL One Series design exemplifies the inherent advantages of OST AR compared to video see-through (VST) AR, providing a significantly superior spatial display compared to more expensive and cumbersome VST devices such as Apple Vision Pro which clocks 12ms M2P latency. Accompanying blazing speed and stability is the simplest display switching for any AR glasses. Changing between Follow and Anchor display modes, and display customization options, has become much easier and more user-friendly. Adjustments can be quickly performed by pressing the red X button on the underside of the glasses’ right temple, removing the tax of reaching for and navigating settings screens from the external host device.

The on-glasses customization options include: screen size, screen distance, stabilizer, side view, brightness enhancement, display optimization, color temperature, 2D/3D switching, IPD adjustment, volume and sound settings, button mapping settings, sensor calibration, language settings, tutorial and factory reset. The XREAL One Series also features Ultra Wide Mode viewing with a 32:9 aspect ratio, perfect for productivity and some gaming experiences.

 

Bigger Displays, Expanded IPDs, More Eye Comfort, and Thinner Frames

XREAL has evolved its advanced proprietary optical engine for XREAL One Series, offering a perfect viewing experience from any angle equal to 1080p Full HD for each eye. XREAL is known for its gigantic cinematic displays and reaches an impressive 50-degree field-of-view (FOV) with XREAL One, which employs a triangular birdbath lens design that achieves a 20.7% larger display area than the XREAL Air 2 series. XREAL One Pro achieves a big industry first by creating the first flat-prism lens design, a change from the traditional triangular birdbath design, and reaching an industry-leading 57-degree FOV. This is an 11mm thin plane that’s 40.9% thinner than traditional birdbath optics and increases the FOV by 23.9% compared to the XREAL Air 2 Series and which produces a 63.6% larger display area than the XREAL Air 2 series.

To ensure absolute comfort and fit with no blurring areas, XREAL is offering horizontal IPD options for the new glasses. XREAL One Pro comes in two sizes for different IPD ranges, 57-66mm and 66-75mm, allowing customers to select the horizontal IPD size that’s best for their vision. XREAL One comes in one size and includes software-based adjustable IPD. Both glasses feature three-level temple adjustments to help wearers find the right vertical IPD setting, and both can be paired with prescription inserts. XREAL One Series provides a higher standard of protection against eye-fatigue and UV protection, and are the first AR glasses to obtain two new TÜV Rheinland certifications: High Visibility, meaning the display is certified for high definition and clarity from edge to edge even under strong sunlight environments, and Eye Comfort (5 Star); they’re also TÜV Rheinland certified for Low Blue-Light and Flicker Free.

Both glasses feature a fast refresh rate of 120Hz and peak brightness of 600 and 700 nits respectively, which means images look crisp and vibrant even in challenging lighting conditions. XREAL’s electrochromic dimming for immersion control that darkens and lightens the lenses with the touch of a button on the glasses is present on both sets.

“We’re pioneering a super large 57-degree FOV, which is an incredibly wide FOV for OST head worn devices and a better option than heavy VST headsets,” CEO Xu said. “XREAL One Series is bigger than just big, its also the most stable spatial screen in OST. Our world-leading low latency produces a super stable spatial display that’s surprising everyone who sees it. Plus, with the new TUV Rheinland Eye Comfort (5-Star) certification, you can expect a high level of eye comfort and safety from your new XREAL glasses. With these results, we’re now at the point where AR glasses’ spatial screens can truly replace physical monitors all day long.”

“XREAL One Series has achieved a significant milestone in eye comfort, becoming the first augmented reality glasses to receive the prestigious TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort (5 Star) Certification. This certification is a testament to the advanced design and technology of XREAL One Series, offering users immersive AR experiences without compromising their eye health,” said Frank Holzmann, Global Vice President of TÜV Rheinland Electrical. 

“Offering multiple IPD options for AR glasses is a big deal,” said Dr. Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD, a board-certified Ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained refractive specialist. “Mechanical adjustments to diopters can sometimes lead to user error if not properly calibrated, potentially resulting in asthenopia (eye strain) or discomfort during extended use. Pre-set software adjustable IPD and variable IPD physical sizes like XREAL is offering are safer and more comfortable choices for customers’ eye health.”

XREAL One Series is crafted using a light yet sturdy magnesium alloy front shell that is lighter and stronger than previous generations and gives the front frame a slimmer appearance with enhanced heat dissipation for long-term comfort. An interchangeable front frame allows wearers to customize the look of their glasses, offering a range of finishes. The temple design has been optimized for weight distribution, reducing pressure on the bridge of the nose and achieving further balance than previous generations. The use of lightweight nylon for the hinges maintains durability while further reducing overall weight. XREAL One weighs 84 grams and XREAL One Pro weighs 87 grams.

The glasses’ temples include a 4-microphone layout with exclusive near-field and far-field algorithms that capture clear recordings of both near and distant voices. This can enable audio recording for meeting summaries, transcriptions and translations, or empower other recording scenarios.

Advanced Audio Options with Sound by Bose 

XREAL One and XREAL One Pro incorporate customized Sound by Bose, delivering audio that is meticulously fine-tuned for XREAL One Series and providing significantly enhanced listening experiences when compared to similar head worn or mobile devices.

Bose meticulously fine-tuned the audio performance of XREAL One and XREAL One Pro to provide optimal audio quality for the wearer. Superior mid-to-high frequencies enrich subtle details, while the glasses form factor allows for a more natural soundscape.

“The Sound by Bose program allows us to bring our renowned audio capability to new categories and markets where sound matters,” said Nick Smith, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Bose. “Our audio tuning expertise creates a powerful and distinguished sound experience for the XREAL One Series. Content is more vibrant and lifelike, and we know consumers will hear the difference.” 

Introducing the XREAL Eye Camera 

The XREAL One Series supports an optional and modular RGB camera called XREAL Eye, a first-of-its-kind detachable accessory that captures real-time 12MP high-definition photos and smooth HD video recording at up to 1080p at 60fps. XREAL Eye can be activated by the touch of a button on the temple of the glasses. Empowering recreational photos and video capture from the wearers’ point of view, the camera is nestled snugly below the bridge of the nose and between the zero-pressure nose pads, and can be easily removed for later use. In a future update after launch, XREAL Eye will add multimodal AI capabilities, including image recognition and communication via voice commands, in unison with an AI or voice assistant coming from the glasses’ host device.

When pairing the XREAL One Series glasses with the XREAL Eye camera plus the XREAL Beam Pro mobile device, people can combine first person point of view photos and videos with augmented reality holographic displays overlaid on the real world. This is an exciting update that allows XREAL owners to show anyone what they’re seeing through their XREAL glasses through external photos and videos.

Pricing and Availability

XREAL One is available for pre-orders now for $499 USD, £449 GBP, €549 Euro through XREAL.com and XREAL’s Amazon store. XREAL One Pro is available for pre-orders now for $599 USD, £549 GBP, €649 Euro through XREAL.com. XREAL One is expected to begin shipping to customers in mid-December and XREAL One Pro is expected to ship to customers in early 2025. Bundles will be available with XREAL One or XREAL One Pro plus XREAL Beam Pro; see XREAL.com for more. The new lineup will be available globally in the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Czech, Netherlands, China, Japan, and Korea. They will come to XREAL retail partners soon, including Micro Center stores in the US, Selfridges stores in London, Paris, Rome and Berlin, and retail partners in Korea, Japan and China.

See XREAL.com for more.

Razer Freyja Review: Is This the Future of Gaming Immersion?

Razer, a company renowned for pushing the boundaries of gaming technology, has once again delivered an innovation that redefines immersion. The Razer Freyja, a gaming cushion embedded with haptic technology, transcends the typical sensory experience of gaming, inviting players to not just see and hear their virtual worlds, but to feel them.

Born from “Project Esther,” a concept first unveiled at CES 2024, the Freyja is a testament to Razer’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to the gaming masses. This isn’t just a vibration pack strapped to a chair; it’s a sophisticated device designed to elevate the gaming experience to new heights. At its core lies Razer’s Sensa HD Haptics technology, a system that translates in-game audio cues into a symphony of tactile sensations. Imagine the rumble of an earthquake shaking your very core as you navigate a crumbling cavern, or the subtle flutter of a bird’s wings as it takes flight in a vast, open world. The Freyja doesn’t just provide generic feedback; it delivers nuanced and detailed sensations that mirror the on-screen action.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Freyja is its potential to revolutionize how we interact with games. Razer is actively collaborating with game developers to create bespoke haptic profiles for individual titles. This means that the Freyja can provide unique and tailored feedback for different games, enhancing the immersion and realism of each experience. Picture yourself feeling the distinct recoil of a shotgun blast in a first-person shooter, or the subtle vibrations of your car’s engine as you navigate a hairpin turn in a racing simulator. This level of detail and integration is what sets the Freyja apart from other haptic devices. It’s not just about feeling vibrations; it’s about feeling the nuances of the game world, adding a layer of depth and realism that was previously unimaginable. Of course, the Razer Freyja will work in games not optimized for Sensa HD haptics, but more based on audio frequency ranges – the effect is not nearly as immersive but still adds a visceral vibration to your games and music.

The Freyja’s physical design is as impressive as its internal technology. Six strategically positioned haptic motors work in concert to deliver multi-directional feedback. This means that you don’t just feel vibrations in a general sense; you perceive the direction and intensity of in-game events with remarkable precision. An explosion to your right will be felt distinctly on that side of the cushion, while the impact of footsteps will reverberate through your entire body, creating an uncanny sense of presence within the game world. This spatial awareness adds a tactical dimension to gameplay, allowing you to react more instinctively to threats and environmental cues.

Beyond its technological prowess, the Freyja is also a testament to Razer’s commitment to user experience. The adjustable strap ensures a secure and comfortable fit on a wide range of gaming chairs, while the quick-release connection system makes it easy to install and remove. This thoughtful design ensures that the Freyja seamlessly integrates into any gaming setup, whether you’re a hardcore enthusiast with a dedicated gaming throne or a casual player who enjoys a quick session on the couch.

But the Freyja’s versatility extends beyond gaming. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair it with Android devices via the Razer Nexus app, opening up a world of possibilities for movies, music, and other forms of entertainment. Imagine feeling the rhythm of your favorite songs pulsate through your body, or the impact of explosions in an action movie reverberating through your core. The Freyja transforms passive entertainment into an active experience, engaging your senses and drawing you deeper into the content.

While the Freyja represents a significant leap forward in gaming immersion, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations. The price point, at $299.99, is a considerable investment, especially for an accessory. Additionally, while the Freyja is designed for universal compatibility, its thickness might affect the ergonomics of some chairs, particularly those with fixed armrests. Some users might also find the intensity of the haptic feedback overwhelming at times, requiring adjustments within the Razer Nexus app to find the optimal balance.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Razer Freyja is undeniably a groundbreaking product that redefines the boundaries of gaming immersion. Its combination of advanced haptic technology, integrated content, and user-friendly design makes it a compelling option for gamers seeking a more engaging and realistic experience. It’s a glimpse into the future of gaming, where our senses are fully engaged, and the lines between the virtual and real become increasingly blurred.

Overall Score: 4 out of 5

Pros:

  • Immersive Haptic Feedback: Provides a new level of immersion by translating in-game audio into tactile sensations.
  • Integrated Haptic Content: Collaborations with game studios ensure tailored haptic feedback for specific games, enhancing realism and engagement.
  • Multi-directional Haptics: Six strategically placed motors deliver precise directional feedback, increasing spatial awareness.
  • Universal Compatibility: Designed to fit a wide range of gaming and office chairs.
  • Versatile Functionality: Can be used for gaming, movies, and music via Bluetooth connectivity.
  • User-Friendly Design: Adjustable strap and quick-release connection system ensure ease of use.

Cons:

  • High Price Point: At $299.99, it’s a significant investment for an accessory.
  • Potential Ergonomic Issues: Thickness may affect comfort and ergonomics with some chairs, especially those with fixed armrests.
  • Reliance on Developer Support: The full potential of the haptic feedback is dependent on game developers integrating Razer Sensa HD Haptics.

Universal Studios Hollywood Rings in 2025 with EVE

Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates New Year’s EVE with dazzling fireworks, energetic DJs, themed photo ops and more. All festivities are included in the price of theme park admission.

EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood is a celebration for the entire family, inviting guests to ring in 2025 in spectacular style while also enjoying all rides and attractions offered within the theme park. Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood and transition to the EVE beginning at 9:00 p.m. and enjoy colorful bursts of fireworks that will punctuate the night sky at the stroke of midnight.

More Information and to purchase tickets:

www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com

Location:          Universal Studios Hollywood
Date:                  Tuesday, December 31, 2024
EVE Hours:       9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Fireworks:        Midnight

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Abyss Trailer

DON’T NOD has just released an evocative new trailer for Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, developed by DON’T NOD Montréal. The two-part game promises a deeply immersive journey, with Part One (“Bloom”) launching on February 18, 2025, followed by Part Two (“Rage”) on March 18, 2025.

This latest trailer sheds a new light on events and characters of the game and introduces darker themes like adversity and conflict. It invites players and fans to piece together fragmented memories and offers the closest look yet at the supernatural mysteries that the Abyss presents. What is the Abyss and how will it change the lives of Swann and friends?

A physical PS5 version available for preorder

In partnership with Maximum Entertainment, a physical PlayStation 5 edition will be available in summer 2025. Players can preorder it now from participating retailers HERE.

Discover music from Milk & Bone

The track featured in the Abyss trailer is composed by Montréal duo Milk & Bone, who play a major role in the soundtrack of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage.

Additionally, check out their brand-new single, “FORGONE,” one of the licensed songs that will be part of the game’s soundtrack, among others. “FORGONE” will be released on December 6 on all popular music platforms.

“We’re so thrilled to be able to announce our collaboration with DON’T NOD for the original soundtrack of Lost Records. Scoring a narrative video game like this has always been a dream of ours, and we could not have ever hoped for a better partnership. As gamers and big fans of previous DON’T NOD games, it was such an honor to be able to infuse the game with our identity and to tap into our melancholic signature sound!”

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a narrative-driven adventure set over two timelines, following four high school girls who form lasting friendships over the summer, only to face a mysterious event that will change them forever. It releases on February 18 (“Bloom”) and March 18 (“Rage”) on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.

To be among the first to get news on Bloom & Rage, follow the Lost Records social media accounts on XInstagram and TikTok. You can also visit our website and follow DON’T NOD on FacebookX and Instagram.

theHunter: Call of the Wild Gets Three New Premium DLCs and Update

Expansive Worlds, a creative division within Avalanche Studios Group, has released three new premium DLC packs for the immersive open-world hunting game theHunter: Call of the Wild today on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store and Microsoft Store. The “Salzwiesen Park,” “German Shorthaired Pointer,” and “Hunters’ Choice: Bolt-Action Rifle Pack” DLCs are available for purchase individually, but players can grab all three new packs together at a discount with the “Winter Hunting Bundle,” available only until Jan. 31, 2025, for $15.99 (save 11%).

A free update is also available today, introducing two new “Great Ones” (the Pheasant and Red Fox) and a new dog skill customization feature that allows dog owners to combine the skills of two companions into one. The update also adds “Hunter Challenges”–daily and weekly goals that players can complete to earn in-game currency–and brings back photo challenges!

Salzwiesen Park

  • Discover a Compact Hunting Experience: Journey to Schleswig-Holstein, near the border of northern Germany and Denmark. Experience the natural beauty of possibly one of the best waterfowl hunting spots in the world, offering a more contained biome packed with the same animal density and species diversity as larger reserves.
  • Hunt New Small Game & “Great Ones”: Explore a vibrant salt marsh habitat teeming with 15 different species, including two new birds – the plump Gadwall and distinctive Ferruginous Duck – plus two new “Great Ones.”
  • Hone Your Shooting Skills: Visit the new Clay Shooting Range and put your accuracy to the test while competing against friends.
  • Unlock the GOPI 10G GRAND Shotgun: A versatile new weapon perfect for targeting small game and waterfowl, as well as clay shooting!
  • Available on PlayStationXbox, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store for $6.99.

German Shorthaired Pointer

  • A New Hunting Companion: Unlock your very own German Shorthaired Pointer, the third dog breed to be introduced to the game! On your command, this new companion will point you in the direction of your desired prey, helping track down animals faster.
  • Train Your Expert Hunting Dog: With today’s free update, dog owners can customize their own unique hunting companion by enhancing one dog with the skills of two! For example, combine the skills of a Pointer and Retriever to train your dog to flush out birds and retrieve them after you’ve taken your shot. (Players must own a given dog breed to use its specific abilities.)
  • Available on PlayStationXbox, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store for $5.99.

Hunters’ Choice: Bolt-Action Rifle Pack

  • Unlock Three New Rifles: Gear up with three new bolt-action rifles – the Vallgarda .375, Johansson .450, and Fors Elite .300. Each is tailored with different traits and compatible with a variety of scopes to engage targets with impressive accuracy.
  • Designed by the Community: Every rifle in the “Hunters’ Choice: Bolt-Action Rifle Pack” was chosen by the players, making this the first-ever DLC made in direct partnership with theHunter: Call of the Wild’s amazing community!
  • Available on PlayStationXbox, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store for $4.99.

theHunter: Call of the Wild is available for 90% off on Steam as part of the Avalanche Studios Group publisher sale (“Avalanche Fest”). Players can also enjoy discounts on a wide selection of DLCs, including reserves, bundles, and weapon packs. Check out the sale here.

theHunter: Call of the Wild is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store and Microsoft Store. For more information, visit the game’s website, and join the community on TwitterFacebookInstagram, and Discord.

Glorious Announces Partnership With National Parks Conservation Association

Glorious Gaming, a global leader in PC gaming hardware, today announces a partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).

Since the launch of the KeyCapsules program in May 2024, Glorious has launched 7 unique KeyCapsules designs, with the limited edition sets selling out in as little as 48 hours.

To round out the year, Glorious is partnering with NPCA to release 3 different KeyCapsules sets themed around national parks in the U.S. — the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite. Each set sports a unique design, featuring flora and fauna native to each park, along with tailored outdoor icons, including maps, carabiners, tents and walking boots. As GPBT National Parks launches on the same day as Giving Tuesday, 10% of the net proceeds from each set will be donated to NPCA to aid in their ongoing conservation efforts.

With more than 1.6 million members and supporters, NPCA works to protect and preserve the nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for present and future generations. NPCA works every day to protect unique and irreplaceable landscapes at more than 430 national parks across America, and have done so for 105 years.

Shazim Mohammad, Founder of Glorious said “We’re proud to be partnering with NPCA to bring some of their amazing landscapes to our KeyCapsules program. The work of NPCA is crucial to keeping our national parks preserved for current and future generations, now gamers can have their favorite parks at home, all while supporting a good cause.”

The GPBT Yosemite set kicks off the national parks journey and transports you to the crown jewel of California: Yosemite National Park for Blue Hour with its tranquil blue hues. Running up the side of the GBPT Yosemite set is the sequoia tree, while the California Republic flag sits proudly on the Escape Key. GPBT Yosemite includes outdoor-themed accent keys, trail signage inspired arrow keys, and other animals native to the park, including bobcat, rainbow trout and woodpecker.

The GBPT Grand Canyon features earthy tones reminiscent of the sedimentary rock faces of the Grand Canyon, while a “Welcome To Arizona” inspired Escape Key truly welcomes you to the Southwest. A large ponderosa pine adorns the left hand side of the keycap set to aid in setting the scene, while bald eagle and rattlesnake motifs take center stage. The arrow keys feature designs inspired by trail signage, while the large canvas of the space bar is embellished with an iconic view of one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon.

As the final set in the series, GPBT Yellowstone carries an aqua, orange and yellow theme to match the golden prairies, thermal springs and canyons of Yellowstone National Park, while a “Forever West” inspired Escape Key welcomes you to Wyoming. The iconic lodgepole pine found in the nation’s first national park is emblazoned on the left-hand side of the keycap set, and is accompanied by a red fox and Canada lynx. As with GPBT Grand Canyon, there are trail sign inspired arrow keys, extra outdoor icons for modifier keys and dedicated keys for the other fauna you find within the park, while the space bar is furnished with a landscape picture of Yellowstone’s iconic geysers.

“National parks – and the ecosystems, biodiversity and wildlife within them – are among our nation’s most awe-inspiring places,” said Theresa Pierno, President and CEO for National Parks Conservation Association. “Partnering with Glorious Gaming allows us to introduce the importance of park protection to new audiences and further our work to safeguard parks across the country.”

Each keycap set also includes a custom postcard showcasing the featured park, inviting the community to share a heartfelt note with someone through snail mail. Play with the new keycaps in Glorious’ Boardsmith — the GMMK 3 customization tool, where users can configure their own keyboards, or select from a range of GPBT National Parks themed boards. Step into the world of custom keyboards, and have Glorious build, test and ship the fully built keyboard.

The Parks Collection KeyCapsule drop is now available for purchase exclusively at Gloriousgaming.com:

  • Parks Collection KeyCapsule: US $69.99 | Europe €79.99

Critical Role Unveils Full-Length Holiday Album Winter’s Crest (A Holiday Album)

Hear ye, hear ye! Winter’s Crest is upon us! To celebrate this festive occasion, Critical Role today announced the release of Critical Role Presents: Winter’s Crest (A Holiday Album), their third album under the Scanlan Shorthalt Music label. This 11-track collection, honoring the beloved Tal’dorei holiday, is now available for digital streaming and purchase on all major platforms, with pre-orders open for both standard and deluxe vinyl editions (set to ship in Spring 2025). The deluxe vinyl edition comes signed by the cast of Critical Role and contains extras: a variant cover, a postcard, a vinyl sticker pack of cast member portraits framed in ornaments, and a pack of festive polaroid-style photos.

Stream the album or pre-order your vinyl now at scanlanshorthaltmusic.com

Winter’s Crest, a beloved in-universe holiday celebrated across Tal’Dorei, commemorates the alliance that defeated the ice elemental Errevon the Rimelord. A time for community, lights, feasts, and games, this festival is beautifully captured in these tracks, bringing the warmth and joy of the season to fans everywhere. Whether you celebrate like those in Tal’Dorei or whether you have your own traditions to mark the end of the year, these songs will ring in a wondrous new year for you and your loved ones.

Building on the success of Welcome to Tal’Dorei and Welcome to Wildemount, Scanlan Shorthalt Music’s third album continues to spotlight Critical Role’s innovative storytelling and worldbuilding, and brings the festive spirit of Tal’Dorei to your home. Winter’s Crest (A Holiday Album) features performances by the Critical Role cast as themselves and as their iconic characters from Vox Machina, Mighty Nein, and Bells Hells.
Tracklist:
  1. Winter’s Crest Welcome – Matthew Mercer
  2. Winter’s Crest Festival Time – Matthew Mercer (as Pumat Sol)
  3. Silent Mind – Laura Bailey (as Imogen)
  4. Naughty & Nice – Sam Riegel (as Scanlan)
  5. Nothin’ Under the Tree – Taliesin Jaffe (as Ashton)
  6. O Mighty Nein – Liam O’Brien (as Caleb)
  7. Twelve Days of Grogmas – Travis Willingham (as Grog), Ashley Johnson (as Pike)
  8. Cold Inside – Marisha Ray (as Laudna), Laura Bailey (as Imogen Temult), Sam Riegel (as Fresh Cut Grass), Travis Willingham (as Chetney), Matthew Mercer (as Pâté)
  9. Winter Anymore – Ashley Johnson (as Yasha)
  10. Deck the Bear – Ensemble Cast (Vox Machina)
  11. It’s Critmas! – Ensemble Cast
Vinyl Pre-Order Details
Bring the magic of Winter’s Crest to life with with Winter’s Crest (A Holiday Album) in these special vinyl editions:
  • Standard Vinyl Edition – $49.99
  • Featuring beautifully designed cover art and all 11 tracks, this edition is a perfect keepsake for music lovers and collectors.
  • Deluxe Vinyl Edition – $249.99 (limited to ONE per order)
  • A must-have for that Critter superfan in your life, this limited-edition vinyl is signed by the entire cast and packed with extra goodies such as:
  • Variant cover art
  • Vinyl sticker pack featuring festive designs
  • A collectible postcard
  • A Polaroid-style photo pack
Both vinyl editions are available for pre-order starting TODAY at scanlanshorthaltmusic.com. These collector’s items bring the spirit of Tal’Dorei into your home.
Album Credits:
  • Produced by Habib
  • Vocals by Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Matthew Mercer, Liam O’Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, Travis Willingham
  • Additional Background Vocals by Habib
  • All Instruments by Habib
  • Mastered by Jeremy Henry at La Villa Mastering
  • Executive Producer – Peter Habib
  • Creative Director – Sam Riegel
  • Album Art:
  • Design – Nate Gonzalez of Moon Life and Jordyn Torrence
  • Cast Member Illustrations – Adelle Kincel
Pre-order now to secure your vinyl today by visiting scanlanshorthaltmusic.com.