Author - Jerry Paxton

11 bit studios Announces Two New Frostpunk Books Along With Merch Store

2024/06/24

11 bit studios is pleased to unveil two handcrafted collector books that expand the Frostpunk universe and are coming to Kickstarter later this year. The first is a series of novellas set in Frostpunk’s apocalyptic world, and the second is a uniquely crafted artbook that is a must-have for Frostpunk fans. In addition, 11 bit studios is launching their merch store today and you can check it out here.

Curated by famous Polish sci-fi author and futurologist Jacek Dukaj, “Tales from the Frostland” features works by Jakub Nowak, Robert M. Wegner, Janusz Cyran, and Anna Kańtoch. The artbook “Aesthetics of Desolation: Design and Art of Frostpunk”, will also feature in the same Kickstarter and is carefully curated by Frostpunk’s game directors. It features never-seen-before art, and never-before-told insights about the design process that guided the creation of world in Frostpunk and Frostpunk 2.

“Working on Frostpunk always entailed two main aspects: crafting its believable world and creating an engaging game in it. It boasted a fresh and bold art direction, yet remained faithful to the story and gameplay. It wove a narrative that was non-linear and focused on gameplay, conveyed through the unique language of video games that is still being explored. It was an exhilarating creative journey but also the challenging labor of a complex project in a volatile industry. This book mirrors that experience. It tells the story of art and design, inseparable yet distinct; where design and art each feed into each other to create a truly unique experience. It chronicles the creative journey amid the daily grind of practical challenges. Ultimately, it’s a tale of world-building” – said Jakub Stokalski, Frostpunk 2 Game Director and Design Director.

“Tales from the Frostland” and “Aesthetics of Desolation: Design and Art of Frostpunk” will come to Kickstarter this fall, with the current goal to ship the books in the second half of 2025. Both books will be available in English only, with pricing to be announced at a later date.

As for the 11 bit studios merch store, the initial selection of limited edition Frostpunk and publishing division games apparel is now available. Over time, more apparel, vinyl records, pins, and various other gadgets will be added, all with a singular aim: to prioritize quality over quantity with a curated selection of unique, must-have products.

DarkStar One Nintendo Switch Edition Launch Trailer

2024/06/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, Trailers / Videos

Prepare for an intergalactic thrill ride as publisher Kalypso Media and developer Engine Software join forces to deliver the electrifying retro space opera DarkStar One – Nintendo Switch Edition to spacefaring adventurers today for £26.99 which includes a 10% discount through June 20th.

Venture to the stars as Kayron Jarvis, a skilled pilot and heir to the famed starship DarkStar One to navigate the excitement and perils of space and uncover the mysteries of the cosmos. Set in the distant future, DarkStar One – Nintendo Switch Edition offers a dynamic universe full of diverse characters and alien races both friendly and otherwise… where customisation options and an open universe provide playstyle opportunities and paths for exploration as vast as space itself.

Engage your foes in a variety of different epic space battles. With challenging encounters and alien enemies at every turn, you will need battle prowess to outmanoeuvre the enemy in close-range dogfights and outsmart rival factions in challenging large-scale encounters. Make improvements to the DarkStar One in an RPG-style upgrade system using information gleaned from alien technology to ensure victory as you traverse the hazards of space.

Determine your own path to victory and choose your playstyle as either a Mercenary, Smuggler, Trader, Spy, or Killer, or combine the essence of them all to truly make your playstyle your own. Engage in different activities throughout the exhilarating storyline and participate in missions offering a variety of additional content and fun new objectives as you progress through the galaxy.

Industry Giant 4.0 Gameplay Trailer

2024/06/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Publisher Toplitz Productions and Munich-based development studio Don VS Dodo proudly present the first in-game trailer for Industry Giant 4.0, the highly anticipated revival of the legendary Giant brand.

As part of the showcase event for the “Games Made in Germany” sale on Steam, which was broadcasted by IGN, Industry Giant 4.0 opens its doors to fans of business simulations and nostalgics for the first time and provides a sneak peek of the new game design with a familiar flair.

Don’t hesitate, unleash your inner tycoon and follow us into a new age of business simulations, the age of Industry Giant 4.0.

Industry Giant 4.0 will encompass all the aspects necessary to create and manage a thriving business where utilizing important data will be instrumental in strategic decision-making across the value chain. A keen business mind means looking at all aspects, from the flow of goods to the condition and efficiencies of factories, stores and warehouses. Additionally, players will need to look at ways to enhance productivity, flexibility, innovation, and resource efficiency, and even construct transportation networks, plan production, manage finances, and navigate global events that can impact their bottom line.

Players will shape an industrial empire from the ground up with all of the available tools at their disposal to formulate a successful business. Industry Giant 4.0 aims to offer a comprehensive experience in transportation infrastructure, industrial building, production planning, and financial management.

As a visionary industrial giant or business team, players can confront the daily challenges of a dynamic business as they deal with the complexities of outside influences from seasonal challenges such as weather and random events, to market conditions and financial implications such as taxation and permits.

Industry Giant 4.0 isn’t just a game; it’s a journey into the heart of industrial strategy. From supply chain finesse to global market domination, players will craft their legacy in the ever-evolving landscape of commerce.

ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Available Now

2024/06/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Touch the withered arm of the Empyrean, leave the shackles of the Lands Between and enter the Realm of Shadow to find Miquella and his followers. It’s time to embark on a new journey full of new secrets in ELDEN RING™ Shadow of the Erdtree, available now. The long-awaited ELDEN RING expansion from Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. and FromSoftware, Inc. adds a new chapter to the multiple “Game of the Year”-winning title and 25-million-unit best seller. The expansion is available now in multiple versions, including a collector’s edition as well as bundles which include the base game for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam®. For more information, visit eldenring.com.

ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree adds an expansive new experience to ELDEN RING, the intriguing world created by FromSoftware, Inc. director Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R. R. Martin, author of the fantasy series “A Song of Ice and Fire.” The original game, which released in February 2022 to broad critical acclaim, has sold more than 25 million copies, and won numerous prestigious awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2022, Golden Joystick Award 2022, 26th D.I.C.E. Awards, and the 2023 Game Developers Choice Awards, earning many distinctions in category awards for storytelling, game design and production value.

In ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree players step into the Realm of Shadow to embark on a new adventure full of mysteries and danger, setting off on a terrifying new adventure where they will confront threatening bosses and discover new gear, abilities, weapons and armor. Following in the footsteps of Miquella, the once tarnished legions who rose to Elden Lord may now need to leave their grace behind, as they enter a sinister new chapter and unravel the dark side of the ELDEN RING story.

The Riftbreaker: Heart of the Swamp – Launch Trailer

2024/06/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

The paid DLC is released alongside the biggest free content update for The Riftbreaker up to this date – World Expansion III. Thanks to World Expansion III, all players can discover the new Fungal Swamp biome in two brand-new Survival Mode scenarios, complete with its unique fauna and flora. The expansion also features more than seventy new technology items players can use in-game, as well as dozens of game optimizations, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements.

The Heart of the Swamp DLC is now available on Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2506610/The_Riftbreaker_Heart_of_the_Swamp/), GOG, Epic Store, and other PC storefronts, priced at $9.99 (and local equivalents).

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – Gameplay Overview Trailer

2024/06/21

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Today Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive premiered the new gameplay overview trailer for their hotly-anticipated third-person action game Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Narrated by Creative Director Oliver Hollis-Leick, this six-minute video dives deeper into Space Marine 2’s main story campaign, multiplayer modes, and progression mechanics. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 releases on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 9. Pre-order the Gold or Ultra Edition today and play up to four days before release!

Play as Lieutenant Titus and Fight the Tyranids in All-Out Galactic Warfare

Continue the story of legendary Ultramarine Lieutenant Demetrian Titus a hundred years after the events of Space Marine and fight the endless Tyranid swarms to defend the Imperium. Unleash Titus’ superhuman skill and wide-ranging arsenal solo, or with up to two friends playing as Titus’ battle-brothers Chairon and Gadriel in seamless drop-in/drop-out co-op.

Customize Your Space Marines and Loadouts in PvE and PvP

Battle as one of six playable classes (Tactical, Assault, Vanguard, Bulwark, Sniper, and Heavy) in “Operations” (PvE) and “Eternal War” (PvP) modes, and make them your own with Space Marine 2’s deep customization system for armor and weapons.

In “Operations” mode, use Armoury Data and experience earned on the battlefield to upgrade each class with up to 25 perks to shape your playstyle. Armoury Data will also let you level up your weapons with each new mission to unlock more powerful variants and unique cosmetics. The armor and weapon cosmetics earned in “Operations” will even be available for your “Eternal War” matches, though your perks and weapon upgrades will remain exclusive to the PvE experience for balancing purposes.

More Missions, Enemies and Weapons Coming in Free Updates

Following the game’s launch on September 9, Space Marine 2 will add new “Operations” missions, PvP maps, enemies and weapons to fight them with through regular free content updates for all players. Additional cosmetics and Chapter heraldry will release as part of the Season Pass, with no microtransactions or in-game cash shop involving premium currency.

Heed the call of battle when Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 launches Sept. 9, 2024, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Pre-order the Standard, Gold, Ultra, or Collector’s Edition now! Sign up as a Focus member to get exclusive news and upcoming special offers for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and the whole Focus catalog.

World of Tanks Blitz Celebrates 10 Years

2024/06/21

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Mobile News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

World of Tanks Blitz was launched a decade ago as a mobile only game with 8 maps and 3 tank nations. Since then, it has evolved into a successful AAA title and expanded to macOS, Windows 10, Steam, and Nintendo Switch, creating a full cross-play and cross-progression eco-system for tank lovers.

Over the years, World of Tanks Blitz has seen consistent growth, as the MS-1 team continuously implemented player feedback, improved graphic fidelity and performance, while creating in-game events and forming major partnerships. Today, the project boasts over 500 historical and fictional tanks, 11 game modes, and 30+ maps enjoyed by 180 million players around the world.

“While working on World of Tanks Blitz, one of the key lessons that we learned was: set no limits. This allowed the team to transform a rather niche slow-paced tank gameplay into fun and engaging experience that appeals to a wider audience,” said Thaine Lyman, General Manager at MS-1 studio, Wargaming. “While our players are celebrating this big milestone, we have already started implementing all the ambitious plans we have for the upcoming decade.”

World of Tanks Blitz has an entire summer of in-game festivities planned to make the party hotter.

June has already started with a special birthday event where players can win a brand-new Tier VIII and favorite Tier X tanks. Tankers can also claim a special festive container filled with the Blasteroid tank, a themed avatar, and a profile background before June 30.
July rolls out a space-themed party and cosmic activities, bringing back the “Objective: Sheridan Missile” event featuring the Sheridan Missile tank. Players can also look forward to a special collaboration with a world-famous sci-fi movie franchise, taking the party even further into the cosmos.
August will bring in the beloved among players Mad Games event returning for 10 days along with the highly anticipated seniority awards. Tankers can also expect a totally epic (and secret) gift to conclude the festivities, celebrating a decade of virtual tank battles. Don’t miss out!

Join World of Tanks Blitz for celebration during the whole summer!

Dune: Awakening Direct Reveals New Details in Massive Showcase

2024/06/21

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Dune: Awakening, the Open World Survival MMO set on Arrakis from developer Funcom, today unveiled the second Dune: Awakening Direct. The showcase offers 30 minutes of in-depth interviews and game footage showing character creation, the MMO-like server structure, the narrative ramifications of a world where Paul Atreides was never born, and the spiritual journey the player will undergo in the game, following in the footsteps of the Fremen.

Dune: Awakening, which recently shot past 1 million wishlists on Steam, draws on the visual and aural identity created by Denis Villeneuve and Legendary’s recent blockbuster movies and is deeply rooted in the original masterpiece by Frank Herbert. The game unleashes you on a vast and open Arrakis torn by war, where you must survive and strive for control of the spice alongside hundreds of other players.

Premiered at Summer Game Fest, the Story Cinematic – The Vision of Paul Atreides, revealed the alternate timeline that Jessica Atreides creates by choosing to give birth to a daughter instead of Paul, beginning a cascading chain of events. Paul’s absence leads to a huge power vacuum into which players will venture, creating their own story.

“Expression and customization” is one of the core pillars of Dune: Awakening. To showcase a part of that, the Direct shows off the robust in-game character creation tool. Choose every detail of your appearance, then your home planet, and even your mentor’s specialization, such as Mentat, Swordmaster, or Bene Gesserit, which determines your starting abilities.

Creative Director Joel Bylos also dived into the server structure and the Overland Map, which connects various massive sandbox maps, allowing for a larger number of players in each, both of which set Dune: Awakening apart from many other survival games.

“Making the world feel seamless and connected has always been one of our goals on Dune: Awakening,” said Joel Bylos. “We built this structure with the idea of making the game expandable, which is difficult with a single map. The idea with the overland map is that it allows us to just keep building the world and giving players new spaces to explore. Who knows what it will look like 5 years from now?”

Dune: Awakening has recently entered its persistent closed Beta, giving access to the full breadth of the game, from the Hagga Basin starting area to the Deep Desert endgame. Sign up for a chance to join on the official website, and wishlist the game on Steam.

With Gamescom coming up in August, Funcom now prepares for an epic Dune: Awakening gameplay reveal.

Spirit Halloween Unveils 2024 Animatronic Collection

2024/06/21

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos

The countdown to Halloween has begun and Spirit Halloween, the nation’s largest Halloween retailer, announced its lineup of delightfully disturbing animatronics. Fans anticipating the grand reveal can witness new and returning legendary characters available on SpiritHalloween.com and attend the Carnevil in stores opening this August while supplies last.

The shriek-worthy lineup stars hair-raising clowns, monsters, demons, and a few familiar faces from horror film shows that are sure to send chills through anyone brave enough to step right up. This highly anticipated drop includes:

Emily and Victor of Corpse Bride: Straight from the mind of Tim Burton, the cursed couple from “Corpse Bride” bring their on-screen romance to life. These motion-activated animatronics feature realistic fluid movement, are motion and audio compatible with one another, and speak lines from the beloved movie. Available for $299.99 and $279.99 respectively.
Deluxe Ghostface: A new rendition of the cut-throat killer, the Deluxe Ghostface animatronic not only stabs and speaks lines from “Scream VI,” but also comes with two interchangeable masks and weapons to switch up the scares. Available for $279.99.
Michael Myers: Realistic fluid stabbing motions and Halloween-themed music bring this Michael Myers animatronic to life… Available for $279.99, exclusively on SpiritHalloween.com.
Nibbles the Clown: On the prowl for his next victim, Nibbles the Clown uses motion-tracking sensor technology to stalk his prey and follows movement with his head. Available for $299.99.
Ringmaster: Standing at a staggering 7 feet tall, Ringmaster introduces himself in a smooth, yet thunderous voice to distract his victims, then tilts back his head with erupting evil laughter as a projection of swirling red souls light up his barrel chest. Available for $329.99
Towering Tallulah: Her bewitching look and yellow LED eyes will be the least of your worries! This terrifying witch springs forward rising from 4 feet and 9 inches to an impressive 8 feet and 10 inches, while her signature evil laughter drowns out the sounds of screams. Available for $329.99.

“Halloween enthusiasts are upping their game when it comes to décor and they’re starting their quest for their favorite animatronics earlier than ever,” said Kym Sarkos, Executive Vice President at Spirit Halloween. “We are thrilled to introduce this year’s lineup, featuring fan-favorite characters equipped with innovative technology, and we can’t wait to see them come to life at incredible home haunts this fall.”

Fans can shop this lineup of animatronics online now on www.SpiritHalloween.com and come enjoy the show at Spirit Halloween stores across the country opening this August, while supplies last.

Follow @SpiritHalloween on social media to stay up to date on everything Halloween and visit SpiritHalloween.com to shop the best Spirit Halloween has to offer anytime, anywhere, every day of the year.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Wins The Xbox Excellence Award

2024/06/21

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Xbox Series X News

Gun Interactive and Sumo Nottingham will be celebrating the first anniversary for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on August 18th. However, they have plenty to be proud of before the big date. Having received the Xbox Excellence Award, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre celebrates being a top performing game on Xbox Game Pass!

With a Day One Game Pass release, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre reached 4.5 million players on Game Pass by their six month anniversary. Being a breath of fresh air within the asymmetrical horror genre, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre let friends hunt their prey together through the lens of the original 1974 film. With dedicated lore setting itself as a prequel to the first film, horror fans everywhere can create their own version of escaping the Slaughter Family. The 3 vs 4 balancing act saw critics rave about the terror and tension so perfectly crafted for fun and electrifying gameplay.

The cast for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre embodies the love and dedication Gun Interactive has for the genre. Kane Hodder mo-caps the Leatherface of the franchise. Scout Taylor Compton and Kristina Klebe, both hailing from the success of Rob Zombie’s Halloween films, deliver amazing performances as Julie and Sissy Slaughter respectively. The one and only Ed Neil reprises his role and voices The Hitchhiker while Sean Whalen (The People Under the Stairs) provides the perfect amount of terror and zany for Hitchhiker’s mo-cap. Damian Maffei, known for The Strangers: Prey at Night and Haunt, voices the narcissistic but charming Johnny Slaughter.

Continuing to pay homage to horror, many iconic figureheads have collaborated with Gun Interactive to extend the world of the franchise. Legendary special effects make-up artist Greg Nicotero designed a completely new and terrifying look for Leatherface, aptly named Nicotero Leatherface. Horror royalty Barbara Crampton lent both her likeness and amazing talent to voice DLC character Virginia, a pivotal person to the lore of Maria Flores and her disappearance. Hands, the newest threat to our roster of Victims, is mo-capped by House of 1000 Corpses actor Robert Mukes and voiced by Aaron LaPlante (Resident Evil: Village). Maria, the definitive final girl and catalyst for the events of the game, is voiced by Stephanie Panisello (Resident Evil 2 Remake).

Gun Interactive has no plans on stopping the momentum anytime soon. With additional teams aiding the project such as Black Tower Studios taking over development from Sumo Nottingham and Art Bully Productions on cosmetics, the developers of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre are proud to have players who understand their vision and enjoy spending time in Muerto County with them!

This week also saw the arrival of BBQ Bundles: special discount packs collecting some of the DLC content that the Gun team has released in the past few months. BBQ Bundles are available for purchase at $9.99 USD on all platforms, including the Character Bundle (which features Danny and Nancy) and the Execution Bundle (featuring Execution Packs 1 and 2).

And coming June 25th, a new outfit variant for everybody’s favorite Hitchhiker: the Claymore cosmetic, with some cozy outerwear to keep our Killer comfortable.