Author - Jerry Paxton

Exploding Kittens VR – Announcement Trailer

2024/06/25

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

Saber Interactive has announced Exploding Kittens VR, a new experience based on the wildly popular social-strategy card game. Developed under license from Asmodee Entertainment and published by Saber, Exploding Kittens VR is coming this fall to Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 2 and is available to pre-order now with a 10% bonus discount!

Exploding Kittens VR combines the hilarious strategy and chaos of the original card game with the full immersive feel of VR for a totally unique experience. Play with up to five players online or play on your own against bots and force your opponents to draw the dreaded Exploding Kitten. Be the last person standing to win! Customize your own in-game avatar, explore the social hub, and dive into a variety of entertaining mini-games.

Key Features

Experience Your Favorite Card Game Like Never Before: Socialize with friends and make new enemies in this laugh-out-loud VR strategy experience based on the hit card game.
Master a Variety of Tools to Win: Use a slew of tools to strategically outsmart your opponents and come out on top. Look into the future, steal items from other players and deny their moves, defuse an Exploding Kitten at a crucial moment, and more!
Three Unique Game Modes: Battle it out in either classic or blitz mode with up to five players, or against your biggest rival in duel mode.
Engage with Immersive Social Hub: Discover an array of activities in the social hub, including mini-games, character customization and more!

First released in 2015, the original Exploding Kittens card game was a breakout success, going on to spawn multiple adaptations across multimedia, including video game consoles, mobile devices, and even an animated television streaming series planned for this summer.

Honeycomb Aeronautical Brings Charlie Rudder Pedals to FlightSimExpo 2024

2024/06/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Peripherals News, Windows PC News

Honeycomb® Aeronautical, a leading producer of professional grade flight simulation hardware, announced today that they will be bringing their highly-anticipated Charlie Rudder Pedals to the upcoming FlightSimExpo, taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada from June 21 through June 23, 2024.

Honeycomb Aeronautical will be displaying their premium range of flight simulation hardware at the AeroSoft® booth, situated at stand #406, and visitors attending the Microsoft® booth directly opposite, will also be able to sample the Charlie Rudder Pedals for themselves, where two units will be proudly on display, as well as the Alpha Flight Control Yoke and the Bravo Throttle Quadrant.

In addition to the all-new Charlie Rudder Pedals, Honeycomb Aeronautical will be bringing a host of new products to the event, including:

Charlie Rudder Pedals
Charlie Dust Cover
Lima Flight Seat
Flight Seat Mat (multiple colors)

For those wishing to experience the full range of Honeycomb hardware, visitors can also sample the following products, currently featuring in the Honeycomb range:

Alpha Flight Controls Yoke & Switch Panel XPC
Alpha Flight Control Yoke
Bravo Throttle Quadrant

Boasting high quality aluminium construction engineered for a lifetime of use, the Charlie Rudder Pedals have been carefully crafted with precise Hall effect sensors, (known for their incredible precision and durability) adjustable tension and anti-slip features. A left and right toe break utilise adjustable angles so that users can find a comfortable position for their feet during long haul flights. Alloy metal pedals, built to stand the test of time include smooth travel for optimal rudder control, and the reversible carpet spikes with a rubber grip surface have been designed to stay locked in position no matter where you play. With an adjustable tension knob and full compatibility with PC and Xbox™*, the Charlie Rudder Pedals have been meticulously crafted to provide a premium experience for enthusiasts looking for the last word in authenticity and realism.

Mike Steup, CEO of Honeycomb Aeronautical commented, “Recently Honeycomb Aeronautical underwent a change in management and we’re delighted to finally be in a position to offer the brand the support it so richly deserves. The Charlie Rudder Pedals have been in development for some time and we’re grateful to the community for sticking with us as we bring this breakthrough product to market. FlightSimExpo is one of the largest flight simulation conventions in the world and we look forward to greeting fans old and new as we open a new chapter in the Honeycomb story.”

The Charlie Rudder Pedals will be shipping to early customers who have already ordered hardware at the end of June 2024, with customers expected to receive their product from early July. Those wishing to purchase the Charlie Rudder Pedals who have not yet pre ordered, can expect to receive their product beginning late August 2024.

*Xbox compatibility via Honeycomb Xbox Hub sold separately.

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

2024/06/24

Jerry Paxton

Book News, Geek News, News, Windows PC News

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.