Author - Jerry Paxton

Hersheypark Announces Second Annual Dark Nights

2023/09/01

Following a successful 2022 Halloween season, EPIC Entertainment Group – award-winning producers of themed entertainment – have expanded their partnership with Hersheypark’s immersive haunt experience, Dark Nights. Already recognized for their work on “The Descent” attraction and “Midway of Misery” scare zone from last year’s inaugural season, this year EPIC’s scope will include production and stage management, technical direction and talent direction to deliver captivating and frightfully-fun experiences.

Promising to bring epic frights to Pennsylvania once again, EPIC Entertainment Group looks forward to expanding its contributions to Hersheypark’s Dark Nights and putting its multi-faceted expertise to work in support of the incredibly talented Hersheypark team. This increased scope includes production, stage management and talent direction within all five of the fear-inspiring haunted houses and three scare zones. In addition, EPIC will also expand its technical direction oversight and will continue to support haunted house and scare zone operations.

“As we continue to offer our guests more immersive attractions in 2023, we are delighted to have EPIC’s partnership and expertise for our second season of Dark Nights,” said Brewer Lister, managing director of marketing at Hersheypark. “From our all-new Wildcat’s Revenge coaster to Dark Nights now included with your Hersheypark Halloween ticket, this will certainly be a thrilling fall season!”

Hersheypark Halloween with Dark Nights will open more days and hours than ever for guests to experience new frightening scares this Halloween season from September 15 through October 29. New this season, every Hersheypark Halloween ticket now includes entrance to all five Dark Nights haunted houses and three Scare Zones featuring all-new and evolved stories, as well as 50 family-friendly attractions and thrilling coasters, with lights-out rides on the new Wildcat’s Revenge hybrid and other select coasters. More than 55 limited-time cocktails, treats and savory eats exclusive to Halloween will be offered during the seasonal event. To view full details, tickets and hours, visit www.Hersheypark.com and www.Hersheypark.com/DarkNights.

“We are honored to work with such incredible partners and especially during our favorite time of the year,” shared Charity Hill, Partner, EPIC Entertainment Group. “We look forward to helping to deliver enhanced immersive experiences to park guests in our expanded role at Dark Nights this year, and for the opportunity to curate fright-filled experiences that are truly unique.”

EPIC co-founders, Charity Hill and Steve Sheldon, are widely recognized as experts within the haunt industry for having delivered exceptional experiences as well as unprecedented attendance and revenue growth during their decade-long run as executive producers of The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor. Under their direction, Dark Harbor attendance grew by more than 294% while overall revenue grew by more than 250%, making the event one of the most profitable non-theme-park haunted attractions in the U.S. The EPIC duo’s introduction of ground-breaking entertainment, discoverable experiences and ultra-exclusive VIP packages helped to make Dark Harbor the most successful annual event in The Queen Mary’s 51-year history as a public attraction.

As a multifaceted live production company, EPIC has worked with world-class brands including Crayola, Hotel Del Coronado, Hersheypark, and NightGarden – Miami’s hottest holiday light phenomenon, and is currently managing daily operations for the world-renowned Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – one of the top-rated gardens in the country according to USA Today.

To learn more about EPIC Entertainment Group and all their Halloween happenings, please visit www.epicentertainmentgroup.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Arcade1Up Announces Atari 50th Anniversary Deluxe Arcade Machine

2023/08/31

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

Arcade1Up and Atari® today announced a one-of-a-kind product to celebrate the golden anniversary of the iconic brand – the Atari 50th Anniversary Deluxe Arcade Machine. The announcement comes as a full circle moment for both brands. Atari, a pioneer in arcade games and home video game consoles, helped define the electronic entertainment industry in the 1970s. Arcade1Up is the leader in creating authentic arcade machines that stay true to the retro experience that fans can enjoy from the comfort of their own home. The partnership celebrates that legacy while incorporating modern features and technology. The Atari 50th Anniversary Deluxe arcade machine can be pre-ordered beginning today exclusively at Atari.com for $499.99 and will also be available at select retailers on September 5, learn more at Arcade1up.com. Fans can get a sneak peek of the machine this weekend at PAX West (Atari booth #3005).

“Atari has been a tremendous long-term partner and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone in the company’s legacy with a product that will reach so many fans,” said Cyrus Rosenberg, Senior Licensing Manager for Arcade1Up. “Like the other products in our new Deluxe line, this cabinet hits all the right notes on combining authentic retro gameplay and controls with a modern, streamlined design approach.”

“With the 50th Anniversary Deluxe arcade machine we are delighted to deliver an experience that stays true to Atari’s roots both in arcade gaming and home entertainment,” said Casandra Brown, Director, Licensing for Atari. “Our brand means so much to so many people and to be able to play so many iconic Atari 2600 and classic arcade games in the comfort of your home, truly makes this a must-have.”

The Deluxe Edition is Arcade1Up’s most authentic arcade format yet. Featuring a streamlined style and sleek, single-cabinet design that echoes the look of the classic arcade machine, with modern features and technology.

The Atari 50^th Anniversary Deluxe arcade machine celebrates the magic of Atari with (14) Atari Arcade Classics and (50) Atari 2600 games, the largest selection of game titles to be released on an Arcade1Up Deluxe machine yet and includes classic games such as Asteroids®, Centipede®, and Missile Command® making this feature-packed machine one of the best ways to embrace nostalgia.

In addition to the 50th Anniversary machine, Arcade1Up’s entire line of Atari at-home arcade machines can be found at Atari.com

Pinball M! Horror Pinball Announcement Trailer

2023/08/31

Jerry Paxton

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

Get ready to tilt into terror with Zen Studios’ latest creation: Pinball M! At the MIX Next Online Showcase, Zen unveiled this brand-new digital pinball platform designed especially for horror fans. Pinball M will transport players into a world of terror, where every flick of the flipper can lead to victory or disaster. Pinball M is expected to begin terrorizing players on PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, Epic Games Store, and Nintendo Switch soon.

Pinball M will launch with five horrifying tables inspired by world class IPs, including Chucky’s Killer Pinball in collaboration with Universal Games and Digital Platforms, Dead by Daylight Pinball in collaboration with Behaviour Interactive, and Zen’s own Wrath of the Elder Gods Director’s Cut.

To round out the launch, Zen is also developing two other tables that will be revealed later. Each Pinball M table is fully loaded with gameplay designed to keep players on the edge of their seats, featuring assets inspired by their source material for an authentic experience.

And the terror doesn’t stop when the game is over! Pinball M introduces a new nerve-rattling Play Corner feature in the table menu, which immerses players in a 3D environment that’s themed to match each table’s horror-inspired design, with wickedly fun customization options that make each Play Corner unique. Players can craft their own personal corner of horrors in the game with eerie decorative elements which can be earned through gameplay. With Play Corners, you’ll be drawn deeper into the terrifying world of each pinball table – you may never want to leave!

“We are thrilled to bring this new pinball platform to our players with a killer lineup of new licensed tables,” said Mel Kirk, COO of Zen Studios. “Over the years, there have been many mature themes that we’ve wanted to explore on our pinball tables. Pinball M allows Zen to fully embrace M-rated source material and create authentic pinball experiences based on our favorite horror and irreverent themes.”

Players can add Pinball M to their wishlists now on Steam. For more information, visit www.zenstudios.com.

More ghastly news and updates about Pinball M are on the way in the coming months, including more table releases in 2024. Pinball M will be a free platform download with tables available as in-game purchases.

Survival Horror Game Holstin Gets A New Combat Gameplay Trailer

2023/08/31

Jerry Paxton

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

Polish developer Sonka has released the first combat gameplay trailer for their highly-anticipated upcoming psychological survival horror game, Holstin.

After a successful announcement back In January, the team has also released a Steam demo that lets players test out the game’s combat. Seamlessly switch to an over-the-shoulder perspective to get closer to the horrors, dismember bodies, and use quick thinking and movement to avoid getting swarmed.

The new demo is available on Steam now and showcases the game’s art, combat and character design, all using Sonka’s 2XD Rendering technology which allows the team to create real-time lighting and a 3D camera in pixel art environments.

Holstin is set in an eerie, isolated 90’s Polish lakeside town in which an ominous presence has slowly enveloped everything and everyone. A close colleague of yours came here, looking for answers to a newspaper story. But after a series of incoherent and troubling messages, all contact was lost. Now you need to venture into this psyche-shattering town to find out the truth and the fate of your friend.

The game is heavily inspired by the Resident Evil and Silent Hill series with the narrative team aiming for a darker Twin Peaks feel. Holstin will be coming to PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch.

Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box Out Tomorrow

2023/08/31

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Today, 2K and Gearbox Software revealed two new ways to experience the Borderlands universe, the acclaimed franchise with millions still playing today.

Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box arriving on PC via Steam, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4 (PS4™), and PlayStation®5 (PS5™) on September 1, 2023
Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition coming to Nintendo Switch™ on October 6, 2023

ENDLESS MAYHEM FOR INCREDIBLE VALUE

Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box packages together all six acclaimed base games from the iconic franchise: Borderlands, Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Tales from the Borderlands, Borderlands 3, and New Tales from the Borderlands, as well as all of their add-on content*, in one giant bundle for the first time. The digital-only offering is available for the incredible price of $149.99**, and for a limited time will be available for a discounted price of $59.99**. Additionally, you can complete your collection for a special price based on what titles you already own.

In the Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box, fans will experience the iconic franchise that defined the looter-shooter genre with its over-the-top firefights, absurdly varied arsenals, and thrilling interplanetary adventures perfect for solo and co-op play. It is the perfect opportunity for lovers of the franchise and newcomers to experience this legendary series in one place.

If you already own one or more Borderlands titles:

Xbox – If you already own a digital copy of any Borderlands game within the Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box on Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One and want to complete your collection, the Microsoft Store automatically entitles you to a special $30 price on this bundle.
Steam – If you already own a digital copy of any Borderlands game within the Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box on Steam, you’ll only pay for the content you don’t already own. This will be reflected on the Steam Store page for Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box.
PlayStation – If you already own a digital or physical copy of Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition or Borderlands: The Handsome Collection for PlayStation®4, or a digital or physical copy of Borderlands 3 on PlayStation®5 or PlayStation®4, and want to complete your collection, you can access a special $30 upgrade offer on Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box by launching one of these titles and following the in-game instructions.

BORDERLANDS 3 COMES TO SWITCH

Make some Mayhem at home or on the go when Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition hits Nintendo Switch on October 6 for $59.99**, with physical copies available for pre-order now.

Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition is the quintessential Borderlands 3 experience, featuring the award-winning base game plus all six content add-ons and the full collection of bonus cosmetic packs. Blast through multiple worlds as one of four Vault Hunters—the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities, and customization.

Play solo or join a friend in two-player local and online co-op to take on deadly enemies, score loads of loot, and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.

Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition on Nintendo Switch content includes:

Borderlands 3 base game
Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot
Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock
Bounty of Blood
Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck
Designer’s Cut
Director’s Cut
30+ cosmetic items

REVISITING BORDERLANDS HISTORY

Searching for your next auditory adventure? Tune into Echoes from the Borderlands, an all-new podcast series centered on the Borderlands franchise and its legacy.

In the coming weeks, hardcore fans and people curious about its rich universe will be able to listen to in-depth discussions and behind-the-scenes anecdotes about how the franchise came to be. There will be a new episode every Thursday at 5 a.m. PT following its initial launch. Echoes from the Borderlands will be available on all major podcast platforms, including Gearbox Official’s YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Pandora starting September 1 at 5 a.m. PT.

The Walking Dead: Betrayal Early Access Date Revealed

2023/08/31

Jerry Paxton

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

Skybound Entertainment, the creator-led, multi-platform entertainment company, today announced The Walking Dead™: Betrayal is set to enter early access via Steam on September 14. The Walking Dead: Betrayal is a third person action game of cooperation and deception for up to eight players and is currently in development for PC with Other Ocean Interactive, the team behind the critically-acclaimed and best-selling hidden-role survival game, Project Winter.

Players can purchase early access via The Walking Dead: Betrayal Steam page for $19.99 USD and join The Walking Dead: Betrayal Discord channel for the latest game updates. Players who purchase during Early Access will receive the Rick Grimes skin for free. The Walking Dead: Betrayal will also host a free weekend on Steam starting at 10 AM PT September 14 and ending at 10 AM PT on September 18.

In each match, a group of survivors are out of resources with a herd of walkers on their heels. Players must work together to complete objectives and escape. They’ll need to work fast, as walkers aren’t the only threat they will have to face in rural Canada. Incognito ‘traitors’ lurk among them, plotting to do everything in their power to delay repairs, and prevent anyone from leaving. As evidence of their sabotage becomes apparent, paranoia and accusations threaten to tear the survivors apart as they desperately work towards escaping.

For more information about The Walking Dead: Betrayal visit Steam.

It’s A Wrap! Out Now for Nintendo Switch

2023/08/31

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, Trailers / Videos

Today, from developer Chanko Studios and publisher AMC Games, It’s A Wrap! launches on the Nintendo Switch™ system with touch-screen enhancements. Take control of lead actor Johnny Rush and his Director as they puzzle their way through action scenes by manipulating props, practical effects, and the supporting cast. The 80’s-cinema inspired innovative puzzle-platformer is available now on Nintendo Switch for $17.99 USD.

Direct and star in 80s-inspired action flicks, navigating 2D movie sets! Decide when to trigger practical effects and supporting cast members to get the scene juuuust right, then move onto the next act of your film career! Manipulate the timeline, call “ACTION!” and navigate the scene in real time as the set comes alive.

Features:

Touch controls allow for direct interaction with an innovative timeline mechanic.
3 story campaigns, depicted as movies in the adventure, scifi, and action genres.
Multiple hint systems empower players to tune their own desired difficulty.
Avalanches, lava flows, cursed idols, car chases, and space battles abound!

It’s a Wrap! is available now from the Nintendo eShop, Steam, GOG, and the Epic Game Store. Players can test out their filmmaking skills by playing the action-packed demo available on all of the above platforms. Stay tuned for more news, and join the conversation about It’s a Wrap! on Discord and Twitter.

The Purge Stunt Show and Blumhouse: Behind the Screams Coming to Halloween Horror Nights

2023/08/31

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News

Acclaimed horror production company Blumhouse brings two new live entertainment experiences, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” and “Blumhouse: Behind the Screams,” inspired by some of its blockbuster films, to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. A trio of bone-chilling scare zones and the park’s signature Terror Tram, coupled with the terrifying line-up of eight haunted houses, round out this year’s screams, beginning on Thursday, September 7.

It’s been a decade since The Purge first declared all crime legal for 12 hours as part of the government’s annually sanctioned Purge and an iconic horror franchise was born. Now, for the first time, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” takes the blockbuster film franchise into an entirely new environment…open waters, in an all-new live show.

It’s a race against time when a politician and his entourage escape to an island to avoid The Purge. Sanctuary is fleeting when the island is quickly overrun by Purgers and the hunt is on. Located in the WaterWorld venue and featuring adrenaline-filled action sequences, stunts, spectacular lighting and laser effects, high fall fire burns and massive explosions, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” celebrates an evening of anarchy without thought of punishment or fear of retribution.

“Blumhouse: Behind the Screams” is an original concept that showcases a selection of Blumhouse horror films, including the highly anticipated films Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Exorcist: Believer, and fan-loving hits like M3GAN and The Black Phone. This unique experience breaks the fourth wall and invites guests to explore these films as they step through the silver screen for an up-close look at authentic film props, costume displays and terrifying character encounters.

More terror will come to life in three new scare zones designed to torment guests as they navigate their way through Halloween Horror Nights. These include:

“El Terror de las Momias” is a Latin-themed scare zone and an extension of the “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” haunted house that takes guests on a desperate attempt to escape an ancient army of unearthed mummies.
Located on New York Street, the “Toyz” scare zone dares guests to play in the toy box of terror where a wicked toymaker used dark magic to bring his evil toys to life.
A welcome wagon of “Ghostz,” featuring a horde of blood-soaked, chainsaw-wielding ghosts, gather at the entrance to Halloween Horror Nights to rattle nerves.

The full lineup of fear continues with eight haunted houses plus the Terror Tram experience:

“The Last of Us” is based on Naughty Dog and Playstation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game.
“Stranger Things 4” transports guests to Hawkins, Indiana where they will face off against the evil Vecna in the fourth season of Netflix’s original series.
“The Exorcist: Believer” features a terrifying new chapter as Chris MacNeil fights a nefarious demonic force which has possessed two girls.
“Universal Monsters: Unmasked” expands on the Universal Monsters legacy with horror icons The Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Phantom of the Opera and The Hunchback of Notre Dame coming together for the first time ever in a chilling new story.
“Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count” features the infamous slasher doll and his best kills throughout the series and films.
“Evil Dead Rise” brings guests to a new twisted tale in the Evil Dead franchise, based on the 2023 box office hit.
“Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” includes Latin American folklore’s most terrifying ghosts and creatures.
“Holidayz in Hell” takes visitors on a petrifying trip through a series of psychotic seasonal celebrations.
“Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz” puts guests on the world-famous Universal backlot and in the middle of an insect uprising led by the devious Larry Larva whose goal is to exterminate humans from the Earth. Horror fans will also walk along the Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope where they will encounter The Tethered from Us in an epic crossover from two of director Jordan Peele’s epic blockbusters.

Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of Halloween Horror Night ticket options, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2 P.M. Day/Night, and the premium R.I.P. Tour, as well as the Early Access Ticket, which provides access to select haunted houses prior to the scheduled event opening (starting at 5:30 p.m., subject to change), and the popular Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass. Click here for more information about each ticket type, Terms and Conditions and to purchase tickets.

Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights from Thursday, September 7 through Tuesday, October 31 at Universal Studios Hollywood and Friday, September 1 through Saturday, November 4 at Universal Orlando Resort. Due to popular demand, event nights are expected to sell out and tickets should be purchased in advance.

Insidious: The Red Door Out on 4K UHD Blu-ray Sept 26th

2023/08/31

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News

Insidious: The Red Door is on digital now and 4K/UHD Blu-ray on September 26th. The original cast from the horror franchise is back for the final chapter of the Lambert family’s terrifying saga, with Patrick Wilson (also making his directorial debut), Ty Simpkins, Rose Byrne and Andrew Astor. To put their demons to rest once and for all, Josh and a college-aged Dalton must go deeper into The Further than ever before, facing their family’s dark past and a host of new and more horrifying terrors that lurk behind the door.

SPECIAL FEATURES
BLU-RAY™AND DVD

Special Features
- Past, Present, Further
- A Possessed Director

Blu-ray™ and DVD include a digital code for movie and bonus materials as listed above, redeemable via Movies Anywhere for a limited time. Movies Anywhere is open to U.S. residents age 13+. Visit MoviesAnywhere.com for terms and conditions.

CAST AND CREW
Directed by: Patrick Wilson
Story by: Leigh Whannell and Scott Teems
Screenplay by: Scott Teems
Produced By: Jason Blum, Oren Peli, James Wan, Leigh Whannell
Executive Producers: Steven Schneider, Ryan Turek, Charles Layton, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones
Cast: Ty Simpkins, Patrick Wilson, Sinclair Daniel, Hiam Abbass, Rose Byrne

SPECS
Runtime: Approx. 107 Mins.
Rating: PG-13. Violence, terror, frightening images, strong language and suggestive references.

Blu-ray™: 1080p High Definition / 2.39:1 • Audio: English, French (Doublé au Québec), Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD MA, English – Audio Description Track 5.1 Dolby Digital • Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish • Mastered in High Definition • Color • Some of the information in the above listing may not apply to Special Features.
DVD: 2.39:1 Anamorphic Widescreen • Audio: English, French (Doublé au Québec), Spanish, English – Audio Description Track 5.1 Dolby Digital • Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish • Mastered in High Definition • Color • Some of the information in the above listing may not apply to Special Features

RazerCon Returns on September 21st

2023/08/31

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Industry News, News, Peripherals News

RazerCon, the digital celebration of all things gaming, is back for its fourth year and scheduled to air September 21, 2023 at 10AM PT / 7PM CEST / September 22, 1.00AM SGT.

Hosted by the OTK Network, RazerCon 2023 will kick off with a keynote from Min-Liang Tan, CEO and Co-founder at Razer, featuring the latest announcements in gaming. The annual digital event is produced in collaboration with Gillette, Displate, WD_BLACK and Intel.

Fans and gaming enthusiasts can look forward to another stellar show as Razer, along with its partners, pushes the boundaries of the virtual event experience. The pre-show festivities include giveaways leading up to the event and more.

RazerCon was built from the ground up to serve the gaming community. Not only will viewers get a feast of exclusive news and a glimpse into upcoming Razer products, but they will also be treated to more exciting segments:

Feast on a showcase of the latest news and announcements from the RazerCon Keynote.
Hear from Razer’s top streamers who will share more about their streaming journeys, powered by Razer’s award-winning hardware.
Master the art of crafting the ultimate battlestation for immersive gaming with Razer Chroma RGB, the world’s largest lighting ecosystem.

Maintaining its commitment to sustainability, RazerCon 2023 will once again be carbon-neutral, aligning with Razer’s ambitious decarbonization efforts to become a net-zero company by 2030.

First launched in 2020, RazerCon transformed the concept of online community engagement and marked a new era of digital events for Razer. RazerCon 2021 saw multiple giveaways including the highly coveted AMD Radeon™ RX 6900 XT Halo Infinite Limited Edition graphics card, and RazerCon 2022 witnessed a whopping 1.5 million viewers with a plethora of exciting product launches and partnerships.

RazerCon 2023 will be streamed live on Razer’s official livestreaming channels Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, Douyu, Douyin and bilibili from 10am PT.

As an iconic annual gathering in the gaming calendar, RazerCon 2023 brings together a global community of gamers and industry icons. The event showcases Razer’s commitment to pushing boundaries and driving innovation in the gaming industry and its dedication to sustainability.

WHEN: September 21^st, 10AM PT / 7PM CEST / September 22^nd, 1.00AM SGT
WHERE: RazerCon 2023 will be streamed live on Razer’s official Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, Douyu, Douyin and bilibili channels.