Author - Jerry Paxton

Elgato Unveils 4K X and 4K Pro Capture Cards

Elgato, a brand of CORSAIR (NASDAQ: CRSR), today announced the launch of two new capture cards, 4K X and 4K Pro. Equipped with the latest chipsets and outstanding specifications, these capture cards enable creators to give their audiences the best viewing experiences on all platforms — without compromising their top-tier gaming experience on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, high-end gaming PCs, or handheld consoles like Nintendo Switch. 4K X, a USB card, features up to 4K144 passthrough and capture. 4K Pro, a PCIe card, boasts up to 8K60 HDR10 passthrough and 4K60 HDR10 capture. Setting yet another benchmark in streaming technology, Elgato is again putting gamers at the cutting edge of content creation.

“Over 10 years ago, we revolutionized the process of capturing and sharing high-quality gameplay content for creators worldwide,” said Julian Fest, SVP and GM of Elgato. “Today, we’re excited to continue removing barriers for creators with the launch of 4K X and 4K Pro. Combining HDMI 2.1 connectivity, vivid HDR10, and flexible VRR passthrough up to 8K60 for the first time in a game capture card, these products will take user-generated content to greater heights.”

4K X is a game-changer for content creators who demand simplicity without compromising quality. Roughly the size of a smartphone, this portable capture card not only packs HDMI 2.1 input and output ports but also USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity, variable refresh rate (VRR), and true HDR10 support. All these features enable you to play and capture at higher resolutions and frame rates, such as 4K at 120 frames per second, without experiencing screen tearing. Those with native 4K144 monitors or better can passthrough and capture 4K gameplay at 144 frames per second. 4K X is compatible with Windows, Mac, and — for the first time in capture card history — newer iPads with a USB-C port, enabling a truly portable capture setup for sofa gamers and events.

For PC enthusiasts seeking top-of-the-line game capture capabilities, 4K Pro offers the highest specifications, including HDMI 2.1 input and output ports, and true HDR10 support. With up to 8K60 HDR10 passthrough and 4K60 HDR10 capture, plus VRR support, this capture card transforms your high-end single or dual-PC setup into a live streaming powerhouse. For competitive gamers who demand even higher frame rates, 4K Pro supports low latency passthrough up to 240 frames per second in 4K resolution while allowing you to capture your performance in 1080p240 quality. Additionally, Multi App support enables you to send your capture feed to multiple apps at the same time, so you can record raw gameplay while streaming in OBS, Discord, and even Zoom. 4K Pro compatibility is exclusive to Windows machines via a PCIe 2.0 x4 connection.

4K X and 4K Pro work seamlessly with popular broadcast apps, including OBS Studio, Twitch Studio, Streamlabs Desktop, vMix, and more. Elgato also offers its companion app for free download, giving creators powerful yet user-friendly tools for capturing and managing recordings, as well as exporting AAF files for advanced editing in professional software such as Adobe Premier and Vegas Pro. 8K HDMI cables are included with both cards, while 4K X comes with a USB 3.2 C-to-C cable to get you connected right out of the box.

From this day forward, next-generation players can set the new standard for gaming content on Twitch, YouTube, or any other video-sharing platform.

Tortuga – A Pirate’s Tale Launch Trailer

Ahoy mateys! Fresh off the heels of its one-year anniversary, the scurvy crew at Kalypso Media and in-house developer Gaming Minds Studios (Paderborn) have announced that Tortuga – A Pirate’s Tale will hit the shores of Steam on February 13.

Dig up buried treasure and chart a course for the Caribbean Sea, because the hit pirate game of 2023, Tortuga – A Pirate’s Tale is now available on Steam for the plundering enjoyment of all seafaring Steam buccaneers. Send those who stand in the way to Davy Jones’ Locker and build a stash of stolen booty in tactical turn-based naval battles.

More than 25 hours of swashbuckling adventures await those brave (or foolish) enough to pillage Gold from the fat pockets of the Spanish, Dutch, French, and English colonies during the Golden Age of Piracy. Embark on a treacherous journey in one of 18 customizable and historical pirate ships, each with distinct features and over 360 unique loadouts to upgrade the crew and fleet into the ultimate terror of the high seas.

Ensure victory against unsuspecting enemies by upgrading skills through earned experience and notoriety. Conquer the open seas and hone your power to be as sharp as your cutlass, and parley with some of history’s most infamous pirates. But beware – being a pirate isn’t always Gold, glory, and rum. Tempers run hot on a ship with a galleon full of exploited pirates; fairly share the spoils of conquest with your ragtag crew of scallywags to maintain peace and avoid the fatal work conditions brought about by mutiny.

Climb aboard and set sail in Tortuga – A Pirate’s Tale, arriving on Steam February 13, and available now on the Epic Games Store and on PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles.

Five Nights at Freddy’s Soundtrack Available for Pre-Order

The premise for Five Nights at Freddy’s is inspired, tinged with familiar nostalgia from our collective childhoods — pizza parties at the family amusement center in Anytown, USA, presided over by archaic animatronic creatures who fancy themselves a rock band.

We always knew there was a darkness there, amongst the dusty game cabinets and wobbly tables — something lurking, something… off kilter. It’s a plot that jettisoned Freddy Fazbear and pals into the retrosphere of megastardom — a franchise of countless games, books, and merch drenched in depths of lore, with the feature film from director Emma Tammi (and our pals at Blumhouse and Universal) as the culmination of it all.

However, an effective horror experience is nothing without its accompanying sound, and The Newton Brothers certainly showed up for this score. From the opening title track, they hypnotize us with the haunting vocals of a children’s choir, cut with the melodies of nursery rhyme horrorshow. It’s a chilling hors d’oeuvre, leading into a pulsing, synthy moody main course that is both a 90s throwback and freshly sinister. How could we expect any less from the boys behind the maniacal music of Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep?

This is the Five Nights at Freddy’s Collection from iam8bit, featuring the film’s stellar score on CD, cassette, and, of course, vinyl. The cover art features the whole Freddy Fazbear funtime gang, from Chica to Foxy to Bonnie and, of course, Freddy himself. It’s an absolute feast for fans.

Blockbuster INC. Free Prologue Announcement Trailer

Star, direct, produce, and create your next cinematic feature in Blockbuster Inc., a new management sim that surrounds the love of movies and TV! Inspired by the classic The Movies game, players will be able to have a hand in every aspect of the filmmaking process throughout multiple decades and genres. Starting today, a free Prologue is available for you to start your movie empire!

In Blockbuster Inc., it all starts with the studio lot. Build spaces for your writers to create, researchers to make sure things are sticking to the source material, directors to set up their shots, and more! Completely customize the look of the studio lot from the buildings where people work, outdoor landscaping features to the sets themselves. As time progresses, it’s up to you to stay up to date on the trends and stay relevant in the biz.

Blockbuster Inc. blends tycoon, management, and sim gameplay, allowing you to manage every aspect of their studio, cast, and scenes. Build and manage your studio from the ground up, managing every aspect of film production. Hire the crew and cast you want based on their individual traits, manage funds in order to keep business booming, and set up each scene of your movies. Get into the editor’s chair, watching back the scenes you’ve set and save or change them to bring your creative vision to cinema life.

Blockbuster Inc’s free Prologue will be available worldwide on Steam starting today, Wednesday January 31st. Get ready to build your movie studio, hire and discover new movie stars, find the visionary to direct, the producer to fund the picture, writers to bring the story to life, and the staff to run it all as you try to keep up with the evolution of cinema.

Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller Pre-Orders Up Now

Performance Designed Products (PDP) today opened pre-orders for its premium Victrix Pro BFG™ Wireless Controller ($179.99) for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Praised for its unique customization options, lightweight feel and overall value, the Pro BFG controller will set a new standard for elite competitors on Xbox next month.

Check out the Pro BFG for Xbox Series X|S and PC here: (https://pdp.com/collections/victrix-controllers-xbox)

Pre-Order the Pro BFG for Xbox Series X|S and PC here:

“The Victrix team designs and engineers products with pro gamers in mind. Pro BFG PlayStation continues to be a breakout success securing the #1 third party pro-controller rank since launch last year.” said Brad Wildes, CEO, Performance Designed Products.

“We are excited to bring the Pro BFG design to Xbox and PC gamers next month, the perfect start to a 2024 PDP portfolio poised to reach gamers wherever and however they play!”

Officially licensed by Xbox, the Victrix Pro BFG™ Wireless Controller features:

  • Wireless and wired connection with Bluetooth compatibility​
  • Complete customization with 3 swappable modules and additional interchangeable sticks, D-pads, and gates​
  • Dual rumble motors and impulse triggers for an immersive experience​
  • 4 mappable back buttons for faster reactions ​
  • Faster firing with the patented multi-position Clutch Triggers with hair trigger mode​
  • Access to Victrix Control Hub app on Xbox and PC to allow deeper customization
  • Built-in Dolby Atmos with a lifetime subscription for spatial, surround sound audio
  • Carrying case and mod tool​

The Pro BFG be available at leading retailers worldwide, including GameStop and Best Buy.

Age of Wonders 4: Primal Fury Trailer

Paradox Interactive and Triumph Studios today announced the release date for Age of Wonders 4: Primal Fury, a new content pack coming on February 27, 2024 to the award-winning fantasy strategy game for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The studios also revealed the full list of features that will be included with Primal Fury, including a new Primal Culture themed around mastery of beasts and nature, new Tomes of Magic to wield the forces of mists and storms, new physical forms, mounts, and much more. Primal Fury will be available on all platforms for a suggested retail price of $9.99/£8.49/€9.99; players who purchased the Premium Edition of Age of Wonders 4 or the Expansion Pass will receive Primal Fury at launch for no additional cost.

In the Age of Wonders 4: Primal Fury content pack, players will discover new ways to conquer the realms, and bring the land itself under their control. The new Primal Culture will enable rulers to channel an animal spirit that shapes their empire, both physically and spiritually. The Tome of Fey Mists and the Tome of the Stormborne, both added in Primal Fury, include new spells to conceal troops in magical fog, gain advantages over seas and shorelines, and even transform armies into fearsome nagas. The pack will also launch alongside the free Wolf Update, which will add new features and improvements requested by the Age of Wonders community, including a rework of necromancy, new randomly generated items, and War Bounties to better direct allies in conflicts.

Spooky Swap Meet Returns to Heritage Square Museum this April

Southern California’s largest “Halfway-to-Halloween” celebration expands to three days this year when Spooky Swap Meet returns to Heritage Square Museum from Friday evening, April 26 through Sunday the 28th.

Featuring 60+ vendors selling a mix of used Halloween decor and props and new merchandise, Spooky Swap Meet has sold out each day of the event since its start in 2021.

“The added Friday evening allows for an even spookier shopping experience, and for us to allow more people to enjoy Spooky Swap Meet,” said the show’s co-founder and producer Sarah Cooke.

In addition to shopping, guests of all ages are encouraged to trick-or-treat at Heritage Square’s seven Victorian era manors, whose exteriors have been decorated and “spooked up” for the weekend by a curated selection of professional and amateur haunted attraction designers including LA Haunted Hayride, A Mr. He Slasher, Art’s Sideshow and more.

Guests are also invited to participate in an immersive ghost hunting experience created by AdamJess FX.

Vendors include leading Halloween brands Trick or Treat Studios, Foxblood, and Strangecvlt, as well as convention and online favorites Velvet Apparition, Discount Cemetery, and Black Magic Cakery selling selections of new and gently used items including gothic furnishings, Halloween inspired decor, baked goods, apparel, props, and more. Fortune telling and food will also be available for purchase.

Horror celebrities and influencers participating include Nikk Alcarez (@practicalparticularities), LeeAnna Vamp with Vamp & the Fiends (@vamp), and Vanessa Decker (@horror.vixen).

Additional mayhem and interruptions provided by LVCRFT and The Monster Kid Club (featuring Psychic Buster and Barry Under Your Bed).

Tickets on sale Friday February 2, 2024 at spookyswapmeet.com. Spooky Swap Meet will be open Friday, April 26, 5pm-10pm; Saturday, April 27, 11am-8pm; and Sunday, April 28, 10am-5pm.

General admission starts at $19 for timed entries throughout the weekend, with a VIP ticket allowing exclusive access the first hour on Friday for $29, when ticket buyers will be the first to have access to the one of a kind items brought in by vendors.

The event entrance is located at 3515 Pasadena Ave (the “back” entry to the museum), with free parking across the street at Metro Gold Lot, Heritage Square Station. Parking at Metro lot is first come, first served and limited. Neighborhood street parking is also available.There will also be a few VIP parking spots for pre-purchase only ($25). There will be no entry or parking from the Homer Street side except for ADA with placards.

For more info visit SpookySwapMeet.com and on Instagram and Facebook at @spookyswapmeet.

About Spooky Swap Meet: Spooky Swap Meet is created/produced by Scarlett Creative, Inc, owner Claire Dunlap (co-creator/Producer of Midsummer Scream, Season’s Screamings) and Instagram influencer Sarah Cooke (@the_pumpkin_queen and owner/creator of GOREnaments). Production Assistance by David Markland (Executive Director, Midsummer Scream) and Jon Cooke (Owner of Plague Productions and Savannah Scenic Services, and haunt designer for Knott’s Scary Farm, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor and 13th Floor Entertainment).

Thrustmaster Unveils New ESWAP X PRO CONTROLLER

Thrustmaster is thrilled to unveil the new generation of the ESWAP X PRO CONTROLLER gamepad with the launch of ESWAP X2: an evolution three years after the launch of the iconic first version, which captured the hearts of gamers looking for exceptional performance.

Thrustmaster’s modular ESWAP controllers have become the gold standard in the segment of professional-grade gamepads used at the highest level in competitive gaming. ESWAP X2 represents the new generation of ESWAP X PRO CONTROLLER, maintaining all the features that gamers have come to appreciate over the years. Hot-Swap technology allows for unlimited replacement of the S5 NXG mini-sticks, recognized for their exceptional precision in the world of esports.

This new version improves the lifespan of the mini-sticks, providing players with an extended gaming experience. What’s more, the D-pad’s ergonomic design has been completely reworked in order to simplify and speed up activations. ESWAP X2 includes a USB-C cable for optimal connectivity, minimizing latency during gaming sessions and ensuring maximum responsiveness between pressing a button and the action in the game.

NEXT-LEVEL RESPONSIVENESS

From the ABXY and RB/LB buttons to the D-pad to the rear buttons, you’ll love the super-responsive clicks provided by the mechanical buttons, which are 64% faster than standard membrane-based buttons (tested under laboratory conditions). Enjoy greater responsiveness and execute combos faster than your opponents, thanks to an activation distance reduced to just 0.01″ / 0.3 mm.

MASTER YOUR DIAGONALS

Eliminate the risk of misclicks during decisive moments, thanks to a new mechanical D-Pad with remarkable precision and exceptional responsiveness, with a minimal activation distance of just 0.02″ / 0.45 mm.

Developed in collaboration with professionals in the versus fighting scene, the D-pad’s ergonomic design has been carefully adjusted to let you to link up your diagonals completely smoothly.

TAILORED TO YOUR GAMEPLAY

The ESWAP X2 gamepad adapts to your gaming preferences, for customized control and handling. Thanks to Hot-Swap technology, you can change the gamepad’s modules in a flash, at any time. Refine your fighting style and explore new possibilities with FIGHTING MODULE! Simplify linking up your combos with the addition of two extra buttons specially optimized for fighting games. You now have the ability to create a 6-button configuration on your ESWAP gamepad, providing maximum flexibility to master your movements and gain a competitive advantage over your opponents.

EXPAND YOUR ARSENAL

Free yourself from the limitations of traditional gamepad buttons and vastly increase your action options with ESWAP X2. You can directly remap any function to one of the 4 additional buttons on the back of the gamepad.

CREATE AND USE YOUR OWN STYLE

Take control of the gamepad thanks to the ability to fully configure ESWAP X2’s sensitivity levels and settings. With the ThrustmapperX software, you’re free to customize your entire gamepad for the perfect fit with your own personal preferences and gaming style.

The ThrustmapperX software lets you configure all of the settings you’ll ever want to adjust:

  • Create made-to-measure profiles, specifically designed for particular games or characters.
  • Map and remap as many buttons as you like.
  • Configure the sensitivity curve of the analog mini-sticks.
  • Change the shape of the curve for the dead zones on the analog mini-sticks.
  • Adjust the power of the vibrations.

On Xbox®, ThrustmapperX appears directly in the console’s menu for quick and easy use.

Destiny 2 x BioWare Crossover on February 13

Today, Bungie announces its new collaboration with EA and BioWare to allow Guardians to join the crew of the Normandy with new cosmetics and in-game items, launching February 13, 2024. The Normandy Crew Bundle will be available at the Eververse store in-game and will include a Commander Shepard-inspired N7 armor set for Titans, a Garrus-inspired Vakarian set for Hunters, and a Liara-inspired Shadow Broker set for Warlocks. In celebration of the partnership, all players will be able to claim the Alliance Requisitions Bundle, including the Enhanced Defense Ghost Shell, Alliance Scout Frigate ship, and Alliance Drop Ship Sparrow, which will be available at no cost. Players can also get the Omni Strike finisher and Flux Dance emote for Silver.

Releasing today in Destiny 2, Riven’s Wishes are new weekly quests open to all players from January 30 until March 12. During this period, Guardians will be tasked with completing a pursuit each week to earn a token redeemable for a treasure trove of rewards. Choose from the Wish for Strength to earn Last Wish raid Deepsight weapons, Wish for Protection to armor up with Exotic gear from the Lightfall year, or Wish for Beauty to collect event mementos and essential Ascendant crafting materials.

Join the year of Lightfall celebrations with Moments of Triumph, running from January 30 to June 3, available to all Destiny 2 players (with select Triumphs requiring expansions or Season entitlements). This celebratory capstone event sets the stage before The Final Shape, inviting Guardians to conquer an array of Triumphs that honor the past year of our journey in Destiny 2. By completing the MMXXIII Seal, players can purchase the Moments of Triumph shirt from the Bungie Store via Bungie Rewards. Players who complete the Paracausal Adventurer Triumph by tackling the past year’s raids and dungeons can unlock an exclusive patch through Bungie Rewards to enhance their Moments of Triumph shirt.

Players can look forward to the annual Guardian Games celebration launching in March, and Destiny 2: Into the Light, an upcoming two-month content update available to all players, will be releasing in April. Destiny 2: The Final Shape launches on June 4, 2024, when Guardians will attempt to travel into The Pale Heart of the Traveler, take on the Witness, and rally their allies to end the ten-year War of Light and Darkness.

Alone in the Dark | Everything You Need to Know in 60 Seconds Trailer

We sometimes perceive time differently when darkness surrounds us. However, we only need a minute of your time before we send you off into madness again! Today, THQ Nordic reveals a new trailer for Alone in the Dark. We have summarized the most important information for you in this 60-second video.

More than a mere battle for survival, this journey will challenge your core beliefs. But what exactly is Alone in the Dark? Join Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) and David Harbour (Stranger Things) in this cosmic horror tale set against a Southern Gothic backdrop. Experience the breakdown of reality through their characters’ eyes as you face countless challenges, from searching puzzles to scarce ammo, to uncover the truth at the heart of Derceto Manor.

Alone in the Dark is developed by Pieces Interactive in Sweden and published by THQ Nordic and will be coming to PC, Xbox Series S/X, and PlayStation®5 on March 20, 2024.

Alone in the Dark and the Alone in the Dark’s Digital Deluxe Edition are available for pre-order now! The Digital Deluxe Edition includes:

  • Base Game
  • Derceto 1992 Costume Pack
  • Vintage Horror Filter Pack
  • Director’s Commentary Mode

For more details, check out the “Why you should pre-order”-trailer here: https://youtu.be/L_HQnU4YbXA