Epic Pictures’ specialty horror label DREAD presents HAUNT SEASON, the chilling tale of a costumed killer infiltrating a Midwest haunted house, blurring the lines between performance and reality. HAUNT SEASON will have a limited theatrical run beginning October 4, and on October 8 the film will be available to rent or purchase on video-on-demand (VOD).
HAUNT SEASON was filmed on-location at a working Midwest haunted house during its Halloween season. The film utilizes practical effects and jaw-dropping SFX makeup to achieve its terrifying kills. The film features prominent YouTube stars Rob Scallon and Craig Benzine in supporting roles. The film features music by Composer Rasheed Thomas of the band Nonpoint, and the soundtrack features songs from YouTube stars Rob Scallon and Andrew Huang.
Epic Pictures CEO Patrick Ewald says, “DREAD is the leader in Halloween films, and with HAUNT SEASON arriving just in time, it promises to kick off the spookiest time of the year in terrifying style. Brace yourself for a cinematic thrill that only DREAD can deliver.”
“HAUNT SEASON is about the world of passionate creatives. Partnering with a real haunted house gave us incredible insight into the world of haunters and there were so many parallels to our world of indie production.” says writer/director Jake Jarvi. “It’s about creative people doing what it takes to turn their dreams into reality. Except in this case one person’s dream is killing a whole lot of people.”
The official synopsis for the film reads: A masked maniac targets cast members at a suburban Halloween haunt attraction, turning their staged injuries into gruesome real-life horrors. As the terror escalates, the lines between performance and reality blur.
HAUNT SEASON is written and directed by Jake Jarvi (The Rob Scallon channel, The Platoon of Power Squadron, The Girl). Starring Rob Scallon (The Rob Scallon channel, Sonic Boom, WheezyWaiter), Craig Benzine (Wheezywaiter, Algorhythm, Oscar’s Hotel for Fantastical Creatures), Stephen Kristof, Jeremy Warner (Reporting for Christmas, The Coming, The Unseen), Katelin Stack (The Evil Three, Evil Lurks, The Natural) and Adam Hinkle (Chicago Fire, The Park, Under Covers). Produced by Eliza Toser (The Platoon of Power Squadron), Stephen Kristof, Jeremy Warner and Jake Jarvi.
About Epic Pictures Group
Founded in 2007, Epic Pictures is an independent content studio with the mission of delivering the best-in-class genre entertainment “for fans, by fans.” Epic Pictures produces, finances, and distributes approximately twenty-thirty independent genre films a year. In 2013, the company established Epic Pictures Releasing which is its US focused distribution division. In 2017, Epic Pictures acquired the world’s most popular horror website, Dread Central, and launched its unique horror label, Dread, followed by its AVOD channel, DreadTV. In 2019, Epic Pictures started the horror gaming site, DreadXP, with a focus on editorial, reviews, podcasts, and original streaming content. In 2020, DreadXP began a video game production and publishing division in collaboration with some of the most innovative developers in the independent gaming space.
Today, Critical Role, a leader in innovative storytelling, announced its new Fall 2024 programming lineup across YouTube, Twitch and its membership program Beacon.tv. Back by popular demand is season two of The Re-Slayer’s Take, as well as the newest show from Midst and Third Person, UNEND. In addition, Tales from the Stinky Dragon, a popular actual play show starring well-known storytellers formerly of Rooster Teeth, will officially launch its third campaign in partnership with Critical Role and Beacon. Fans can also look forward to the relaunch of an old favorite, Narrative Telephone, and a thrilling new companion show to The Legend of Vox Machina Season 3 (premiering October 3 on Prime Video), titled Insight Additions. Also continuing are the Beacon exclusive one-on-one Fireside Chats, this time with founders Travis Willingham and Ashley Johnson. Last, but not least, Critical Role will once again perform live in-person while revealing the final version of its upcoming tabletop roleplaying game Daggerheart, with Critical Role Presents:A Daggerheart Critmas Story LIVE.
What: The Re-Slayer’s Take Season 2 Description: In Season 2 of The Re-Slayers Take, the group discovers that, despite having defeated the Timberblight, their mission is far from complete. Issylra’s shadows are still haunted by more ghosts, including some from the Re-Slayers’ own past. The cast is led by a duo of game masters, George Primavera and Nick Williams of Hero Club, with the main cast including Jasmine Bhullar (Dimension 20), Jasper William Cartwright (Three Black Halflings, Not Another D&D Podcast), Caroline Lux (Story Pirates), and Jasmine Chiong (Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight). When: September 9 Where:
Beacon members can listen to the first three episodes now, and stay two weeks ahead
Non-Beacon members get the first episode now, with episodes available weekly
What: Tales from the Stinky Dragon Campaign 3 Description: A team of trained soldiers is caught in the middle of a war between distant deities and under-dwelling devils. As they turn the tide of this celestial crusade, a voice beckons them from the beyond—destiny or doom? Dungeon Master Gus Sorola (Red vs. Blue, Black Box Down, Halo 3) leads this band of misfits and fellow former Rooster Teeth crew, including Barbara Dunkelman (RWBY, Always Open), Chris Demarais (A Simple Walk Into Mordor, Black Box Down, Good Morning from Hell), Jon Risinger (On the Spot, Class of X Podcast), and Blaine Gibson (Good Morning from Hell, Camp Camp) – in Tales From The Stinky Dragon! When: September 30 Where:
Beacon members will experience the episodes ad-free with a 48-hour early-access window
Non-Beacon members will have access to each episode following the Beacon early access window
New episodes continue every other Monday, with episode two airing on October 14
What: Midst: UNEND Description: Several decades after the events of MIDST and Moonward, a supernatural ship and a remarkable crew set forth on an expedition to explore the highest heights, deepest depths, and furthest reaches of the known cosmos. But their journey is fraught with peril as they discover truths and realities far stranger than any of them could ever have imagined. Three narrators – Xen, Sara and Matt, also known as Third Person – are the storytellers in this out of this world journey. When: October 9 Where:
Beacon members will get to listen to the first three episodes right away and ad-free, and stay two weeks ahead
Non-Beacon members will get the first episode on October 9, with new episodes available every Wednesday
What: Narrative Telephone Description: The beloved Narrative Telephone returns in a refreshed monthly series!Much like the game of telephone we all played in elementary school, Narrative Telephone involves a group of friends telling and re-telling a short story from one person to the next; with only their memory to help them recount what they heard. As the story inevitably changes and distorts it becomes more and more outlandish and hilarious. They then gather to watch the results and react, comment, commiserate, and joke about the chaos that ensues. When: October 16 Where:
Beacon members will have access to the first episode on October 16
Non-Beacon members will have access to the first episode on October 30
Following the first episode, the monthly show will be available to Beacon members two weeks ahead of non-Beacon members
What: Insight Additions Description: Get a peek behind the scenes of The Legend of Vox Machina in Insight Additions! Sam Riegel (Scanlan Shorthalt, Executive Producer) and Travis Willingham (Grog Strongjaw, Executive Producer) will serve as hosts alongside members of the Critical Role cast and special guests where they’ll discuss all the intricate details behind each episode. When:
LIVE Cocktail Party, Critical Role-style on October 4 to celebrate the premiere of The Legend of Vox Machina Season 3
Episode 1 (which covers The Legend of Vox Machina Season 3, episode 1-6) will be streamed on October 15, with the VOD available October 17
Episode 2 (which covers The Legend of Vox Machina Season 3, episode 7-12) will be streamed on October 29, with the VOD available October 31
Where:
Episode 1:
STREAMED on Twitch, YouTube and Beacon
VOD available October 17 on YouTube and Beacon
Episode 2:
STREAMED on Twitch, YouTube and Beacon
VOD available October 31 on YouTube and Beacon
What: Beacon Exclusive Fireside Chats with Travis Willingham & Ashley Johnson Description: A LIVE monthly Ask Me Anything (AMA) series where you can sit down and learn more about our Critical Role cast and guests! Questions will be curated directly from Beacon members via Discord and each episode will feature a different cast member. Previous chats – which are available now on Beacon.tv – have included Taliesin Jaffe, Sam Riegel, Matthew Mercer and Marisha Ray. When:
Ashley’s fireside chat will take place LIVE on September 23
Travis’s fireside chat will take place LIVE on October 21
Where:
Exclusively on Beacon.tv
What: Critical Role Presents: A Daggerheart Critmas StoryLIVE with the cast and founders of Critical Role Description: Watch Daggerheart played LIVE with the cast of Critical Role for a special Critmas one-shot at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ on December 7th! Game Master Matthew Mercer will lead players Travis Willingham, Laura Bailey, Liam O’Brien, Sam Riegel, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, and Marisha Ray through an exciting live actual play of Daggerheart with Lenore Riegel (aka Momlan) serving as Master of Ceremonies. PLUS VIPs get to contribute to a LIVE session zero ahead of the main show! When:
Live show: December 7
VOD: December 19
Where:
Live show: Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ – tickets can be purchased HERE
Beacon: Members will gain access to the “live show experience,” a more theatrical version of the show, where viewers will get a close-up look at the players and experience the performance just as the live audience did at the venue, as well as the VIP Session Zero
Non-Beacon: Fans will gain access to the live show VOD
For more information on everything Critical Role has going on, visit critrole.com.
CORSAIR® (NASDAQ: CRSR) today announced an update to its award-winning low-noise RMx series of power supplies with ATX 3.1 compliance, a native ATX 12V-2×6 connector, a manual fan speed control knob, and other improvements. Boasting Gold-certified efficiency (up to 91%) and an A+ noise rating from Cybenetics, the new RMx series includes fully modular, ultra-flexible embossed cables that simplify cable routing even in the most challenging of PC builds. Cooled by a 140mm Fluid-Dynamic Bearing fan with a magnetic dome structure and a manual fan override knob, the RMx series remains one of the quietest and most reliable power supplies available.
“We’re pleased to launch the new RMx Series with an entirely new electrical design that includes a six-layer PCB for better thermal and electrical performance, an upgraded fan, and full ATX 3.1 compliance,” said Jon Gerow, Director of Power Supply Research and Development at CORSAIR. “We’re also happy to announce it achieved the Cybenetics Gold™ rating for efficiency and the A+ rating for audible noise.” Each RMx power supply features 100% Japanese electrolytic capacitors and delivers its rated power output at a 50°C ambient temperature, ensuring reliable power and longevity even under high-stress conditions.
Available in 750W, 850W, and 1000W models, every RMx Series PSU is fully ATX 3.1 compliant and includes a native 12V-2×6 connector to support both current and future high-end GPUs. The 140mm FDB fan is PWM controlled and features a half-dome structure that reduces surface friction, resulting in less noise and an improved lifespan. The specially calculated fan curve ensures fanless operation at low loads and minimal noise as power ramps up. Users who wish to override this can do so quickly and easily using the included knob on the rear of the unit.
The RMx Series features fully modular, embossed cables that are sleek and ultra-flexible, capable of making tight bends when connecting to nearly any device within a case, allowing for easy concealment. The 12v-2×6 cable includes low-profile combs for a clean look that compliments your GPU rather than obscuring it. The RMx PSU enclosure is all-new, featuring a stamped, low-restriction fan grill and an improved connector layout with clearer labeling. For users who want a splash of color, the RMx Series is compatible with CORSAIR Premium Individually Sleeved Type 4 PSU cables and our ARGB PSU cable strips, sold separately.
RMx Series power supplies measure 150mm x 86mm x 160mm and include a wide variety of cables and connectors that vary based on the model purchased. For more information, please visit www.corsair.com.
Web Pages
To learn more about the CORSAIR RMx Series, please visit:
Today, Free League Publishing is excited to announce that its highly anticipated adaptation of Simon Stalehag’s narrative artbook, The Electric State, releases on October 1, 2024, in the Free League webshop, hobby stores and digitally on DriveThruRPG. The Electric State Roleplaying Game asks players to explore themselves, their friends, and what they are willing to do when the world collapses around them. The game is now available for pre-order with immediate access to a complete PDF.
The Electric State Roleplaying Game includes lavish art by Simon Stålenhag, including pieces created for The Electric State art book project but never published before.
Written by Nils Hintze (Tales From the Loop RPG, Vaesen – Nordic Horror Roleplaying) in collaboration with the Free League core team, the rules of the game are based on the acclaimed Year Zero Engine, used in award-winning games such as the ALIEN RPG, the Blade Runner RPG, the Tales From the Loop RPG, and The Walking Dead Universe RPG, but uniquely tailored for this new game. The Electric State RPG is a standalone book that contains all the tools you need to play and create short to mid-length campaigns in a society on the brink of apocalypse.
Following the discovery of neuronics in the late 1960s, technology diverged from our world. It is now the year 1997, and the world is on the verge of apocalypse. The ever-present Sentre corporation pushes neuronic technology to the population via cheap headsets. Civilization crumbles as something strange spreads through the neuronic net. People fail to turn up for work, basic services cease to function, and the government is rapidly losing control.
The Electric State is coming.
Players will embark on a journey of exploration and relations, conflict between groups and individuals found on the road, and they will discover what they are willing to do when they’re stuck halfway to their goal and bad turns to worse.
Omni One, the full-body VR gaming system from Virtuix, launches today for consumers: preorder units are shipping out, and open orders are now available.
Omni One provides a next-level, all-in-one immersive experience for VR gaming. Featuring an innovative 360-degree treadmill, Omni One invites players to experience virtual worlds like never before. Patrol the streets of enemy-infested cities, survive heart-pounding boss battles, or explore exotic locales while unraveling elaborate mysteries. Physically walk, run, jump, and crouch through favorite games of all genres from an awe-inspiring new dimension.
Omni One comes with everything you need including a customized Pico 4 Enterprise headset along with the treadmill and overshoes with sensors for tracking movement. Assembly and disassembly take minutes, and the system’s wheels make it easy to move and stow away as necessary. Forget dedicating an entire room to a VR setup; Omni One offers a convenient portal to other worlds whenever desired.
The 50+ titles coming to Omni One have been specifically optimized with this movement in mind, like Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, Sniper Elite VR, Amid Evil, Doctor Who: The Edge of Time, and Ilysia. Play exclusive titles developed by Virtuix to take full advantage of the hardware, like competitive multiplayer shooter Elite Force and co-op zombie wave shooter Dead Zone. Or, connect Omni One to a VR-capable PC and play thousands of titles.
Following the successful shipment of hundreds of beta units and receiving enthusiastic feedback from early users, Virtuix is pleased to conclude its preorder phase, having secured over 3,000 preorders. Preorders begin shipping today on a first-come, first-served basis. Given Omni One’s greater-than-expected demand, customers purchasing today, either buying outright or with the monthly payment plan option, can expect to receive their Omni One system starting in January 2025.
“Bringing full-body VR to homes has always been our mission, and we’re beyond grateful to our beta community and the thousands of preorder customers for sharing our vision,” said Jan Goetgeluk, CEO of Virtuix. “When you play on Omni One and experience how much the system’s freedom of movement immerses you in the game, you will never look the same at traditional ways of gaming.”
Omni One is available now for purchase for $2,595, with monthly payment plans starting at $90. To stay updated on all things Omni One and to learn more about the launch, visit virtuix.com.
xMEMS Labs, developers of the foremost platform for piezo MEMS innovation and creators of the world’s leading all-silicon micro speakers, today announced collaboration with SOUNDPEATS to equip its all-new Capsule3 Pro+ TWS earbuds with its Cowell micro speaker. Cowell is the world’s smallest full-range, all-silicon, solid-state speaker that delivers precise, high-fidelity, high-resolution audio, phase consistency, and high-frequency extension.
Capsule3 Pro+ are the first product from SOUNDPEATS to leverage xMEMS’ solid-state micro speakers, and, as a result, excel in sound quality and elevate the user listening experience.
The Capsule3 Pro+ TWS earbuds use xMEMS’ Cowell as the tweeter for exceptional high-frequency response and a 12mm dynamic driver for mid-bass production. With the dual speakers working in tandem, the earbuds deliver well-balanced sound with both powerful bass and pristine high-frequency details – that overcome the typical sound quality limitations of TWS earbuds. Consumers can also expect a more comfortable and ergonomic fit with the Capsule3 Pro+ TWS earbuds due to the integration of xMEMS’ compact hardware.
According to VP Marketing and Business Development at xMEMS Mike Housholder, “Cowell is a leap forward in audio fidelity, setting a new standard for high-resolution, lossless audio in TWS earbuds. We’re excited to bring the Cowell micro speaker to SOUNDPEATS specifically and the TWS market more broadly – helping manufacturers develop high-quality audio products at scale and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.”
The quality of Cowell’s mid-to-high range sound and enhanced high-frequency detail immerses consumers in a broader soundstage where every detail comes to life with unparalleled clarity and precision.
Measuring 3.2 x 6.0 x 1.15mm and weighing only 56 milligrams, Cowell is the first speaker to use xMEMS’ second-generation M2 unit architecture, offering increased volume in a smaller form factor. Available in both top-firing and side-firing packages, Cowell also provides additional sound pressure above 1kHz, significantly improving the speech signal-to-noise ratio of voices and enhancing the clarity of vocals and instruments.
The Capsule3 Pro+ earbuds support LDAC, a high-efficiency audio codec that enables high-resolution audio with a maximum sampling rate of 96kHz and 24-bit depth when paired with a compatible device. Certified as Hi-Res Audio Wireless, these earbuds meet the Japan Audio Society’s standards for high-frequency reproduction and signal processing.
Along with high-quality audio, the new Capsule3 Pro+ earbuds also offer AI adaptive environmental noise cancellation, which detects and reduces noise based on external conditions and the wearing state, providing an immersive and interference-free noise cancellation experience.
The six built-in microphones accurately capture noise during calls, providing a high-definition and quiet environment. Features such as wind noise reduction, 43 hours of battery life, dual-device connectivity, and low-latency gaming mode further enhance the consumer experience.
Recently, xMEMS has also announced several reference designs leveraging Cowell, including the industry’s first 2-way over-ear headphone reference design, as well as cutting-edge reference designs for TWS earbuds and in-ear-monitors.
The SOUNDPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ TWS earbuds are available for purchase here for less than $100.
The World of Tanks development team is excited to launch one of the biggest updates of the year: Hailstorm. This update introduces a wealth of exciting content, including a new line of Czechoslovakian light tanks with completely new firing mechanics, more dynamic Random Events, a fully reworked Crew Perk system, and a brand-new Battle Pass Season. Additionally, there is a special Back in Action event for those who have been away for a while, offering the chance to earn great rewards like days of Premium account, vehicle rentals, credits and more.
Leading the charge in this update is the new line of Czechoslovakian light tanks, consisting of four swift flankers with the formidable Tier X Vz. 71 Tesák at the top. The high-tier tanks feature unique autocannons that unleash thousands!! of rounds per minute, so tankers should be ready to master these dynamic firing mechanics. Three vehicle branches just got stronger so players can expect the updates to the Bat.-Châtillon 25 t, M48 Patton, and K-91 branches.
Eight maps have been revamped for gameplay comfort, and three more have received Random Events. Players will witness the central plant in Pilsen being bombed, a plane crashing on the Malinovka mountain, and a rockslide altering the landscape in Karelia. These events reshape the battlefield, creating fresh opportunities and challenges.
The improvement of the Crew Perk system, which has undergone significant changes over several years, culminates in this update. From now, each crew member can learn up to 6 perks, and the XP earned thereafter will allow players to receive universal training manuals. Alongside these enhancements, players will find new and rebalanced perks, bonus perks, and more. This is the perfect time to fine-tune crew’s setup, as there will be a one-month period of free perk resets available after the first login to experiment and optimize.
Finally, the last Battle Pass Season of the year infused by the Waffenträger universe, echoing the excitement of the future battle, is ready to explore. It unveils Max von Krieger’s early life and features exclusive customization rewards.
World of Tanks Update 1.26: Hailstorm is now live and ready for players to enjoy.
Hasbro, a leading toy and game company, announces an exciting programming lineup for Hasbro Pulse Con 2024 through highly anticipated product showcases and reveals, as well as fan trivia, Q&As, and interactive polls based on TRANSFORMERS, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and G.I. JOE, as well as products based on premier collaboration brands, Star Wars™ and Marvel fromDisney Consumer Products. Reaching fans across the globe, including the US, Canada, UK and the entire European Union, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan, Hasbro Pulse Con 2024 will be livestreamed exclusively on Hasbro Pulse YouTube, Instagram and Facebook channels on September 13 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.
Hasbro Pulse Premium Members can enter an exclusive pre-show experience starting at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET where they can expect brand sneak peeks and teasers for the main event. They’ll be treated to a Hasbro Pulse Con Exclusive Product Showcase as well, along with special products and a live Q&A session hosted by members of the Hasbro team.
This year’s virtual pop culture and fandom experience will be hosted by Jordan Hembrough and will feature special guests: Actress Emily Swallow (The Mandalorian) and popular YouTube Creator Dan Larson of Secret Galaxy. During the 2-hour event, fans will get a first look at the new TRANSFORMERS ONE Studio Series action figures, hear about new G.I. JOE Classified Series product reveals, get a sneak peek of a new Marvel Legends wave, view the latest Hasbro Star Wars products, and take part in the ongoing celebration of the 50th Anniversary of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, among other activities.
Additionally, over 35 products will be showcased, including four Hasbro 2024 Convention exclusives:
TRANSFORMERS LEGACY UNITED DINOBOT DINOKING MULTIPACK
G.I. JOE CLASSIFIED SERIES #136, EDWARD “STARDUSTER” SKYLAR
STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES STAP & BATTLE DROID FIGURE
MARVEL LEGENDS SERIES KANG THE CONQUEROR
Pre-orders will be available September 13 at 5 p.m. ET exclusively on Hasbro Pulse. Early access will be offered to Hasbro Pulse Premium Members at 4 p.m. ET. To learn more and become a Hasbro Pulse Premium Member, please visit the link here.
Anniversary celebrations continue this year, with Hasbro celebrating the inaugural TRANSFORMERS DAY, on September 17, to honor our iconic franchise. This month has marked significant milestones for the brand, including the launch of the first TRANSFORMERS figure, the premiere of The Transformers (1984), and now, with the highly anticipated theatrical release of the first-ever fully CG-animated movie, TRANSFORMERS ONE on September 20. Additionally, previously announced products, TRANSFORMERS Studio Series Elita-1 and Bumblebee, will be available for preorder on TRANSFORMERS DAY, September 17 at 1 p.m. ET.
To keep the fan engagement up, Hasbro has unveiled its brand panel coming to New York Comic Con on Friday, October 18. During the presentation, fans can expect product updates from TRANSFORMERS,G.I. JOE, Ghostbusters as well as updates on products featuring the premier collaboration brands, Star Wars™ and Marvel from Disney Consumer Products.
Additional programming details and full schedule for Hasbro Pulse Con can be found on HasbroPulseCon.com. To stay up-to-date, fans can sign up for the Hasbro Pulse newsletter or follow @HasbroPulse on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
V/H/S/BEYOND, the seventh installment of the V/H/S franchise will feature six new bloodcurdling tapes, placing horror at the forefront of a sci-fi-inspired hellscape.
Poster Debut
Directors: Jordan Downey, Christian Long & Justin Long, Justin Martinez, Virat Pal, Kate Siegel, and Jay Cheel
Affirming their interest in a community-centered development process, the UK-based indie studio, Variable State, just announced plans to delay the POLARIS pre-alpha test until later this fall, as their team works to further polish the early build for an improved playtest experience. Players keen to take flight in the upcoming sci-fi co-op shooter still have time to sign up to the POLARIS Newsletter; subscribers will receive 4 pre-alpha Steam keys ahead of the upcoming playtest. Variable State will announce a new timeline for the playtest once confirmed.
The small team hopes to work closely and candidly with community members, seeking honest feedback at an early stage of development. The pre-alpha playtest will showcase a prototype for the co-op shooter: players should expect a build that includes some placeholder artwork and work-in-progress features.
