Author - Jerry Paxton

THQ Nordic’s Digital Showcase 2023 Set for Aug 11

“ICYMI” as the fresh young people on the internet say: THQ Nordic’s Digital Showcase 2023 will air on Friday, August 11th, 2023, at 12 PM PDT / 3 PM EDT / 8 PM BST / 9 PM CEST / 10 PM EEST.

HandyGames will once again start off with a pre-show and present what they are cooking – so tune in early for some awesome indie-extravaganza!

This year’s showcase will not only include world premiere announcements but also feature news and reveals for previously-announced games. Without giving too much away, if you want to learn more about some of our titles like Alone in the Dark, Gothic, Outcast: A New Beginning, Wreckreation, or Trine 5, we kindly invite you to tune in and check out our showcase!

Official THQ Nordic channels to watch the Showcase:
YouTube: https://thqn.net/thqn2023-yt
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/thqnordic
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/publisher/THQNordic

Official THQ Nordic channels with copyright-free music:
Copyright Free (for streamers):
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thqnordicinside
Twitch: www.twitch.tv/thqnordicinside

Atlas Fallen Out Now

Today Focus Entertainment and its studio Deck13 Interactive are beyond thrilled to release Atlas Fallen, the superpowered action RPG where you’ll battle legendary creatures in an epic, sand-covered, fantasy world. The game is available in Standard and Limited editions on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Watch the launch trailer now and dive right into the action to liberate Atlas!

Atlas Fallen stems from Deck13’s passion for thrilling action-RPG experiences, embracing a fresh vision for a unique medieval fantasy world and fast-paced combat.

Rise from dust and unleash your power

Glide the sands of a timeless land filled with ancient dangers, mysteries and fragments of the past. Hunt legendary monsters using powerful, shape-shifting weapons and devastating sand-powered abilities in spectacular combat.

Target and gather the essence of your enemies to shape your own custom playstyle, forging a new era for humanity in a fully cooperative or solo story campaign.

Get the superpowered Limited Edition now!

The Limited Edition of Atlas Fallen completes your divine powers with:

  • The game on the platform of your choice (Physical copies for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X; Steam code for PC)
  • The game’s official SteelBook®
  • A metal poster
  • The “Ruin Rising Pack” DLC, featuring bonus armor and gauntlet skins and more

Don’t miss this special edition!

Sharknado 10th Anniversary Screening Dates

On August 15 & 16, fans will finally get the chance to relive the pop culture phenomenon that took the world by storm. It’s the 10 Year Anniversary and SHARKNADO and the creators are bringing on the celebration. The Asylum and Rubey Entertainment present a special theatrical release of SHARKNADO: The 10th Anniversary Edition, featuring an all new remastered version with never-before-seen kills and thrills! Fans can catch the newly restored iconic moments from one of cinema’s greatest cult classics for two nights only on in select movie theatres nationwide.

Fully remastered in 4k with hundreds of new visual effects, the story of a freak tornado that attacks Los Angeles with gale force winds, metric tons of water and thousands of nature’s most ruthless killers is finally ready for the big screen.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.sharknado10th.com

Screening links for advance review coverage will be made available. Please send your request by responding to this email!

Atlas Fallen Lords of the Sand Trailer

Today Focus Entertainment and its studio Deck13 Interactive shared a new trailer before the imminent launch of Atlas Fallen, the superpowered action RPG where you’ll battle legendary creatures in an epic, sand-covered fantasy world, coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on August 10. Watch the “Lord of the Sands” trailer to discover new gameplay footage and a jaw-dropping vision of your journey in Atlas Fallen!

Seize the divine power of a mysterious Gauntlet and wield heroic abilities to defeat a tyrannic, almighty god. Tame the sands into a shapeshifting weapon and watch it grow larger as you build Momentum to unleash the full, irrepressible power of the Gauntlet.

The 151 Essence Stones that can be found in the world of Atlas grant you a wide range of extra effects and abilities. Whether you prefer to play aggressively, or more carefully with a mix of shields, debuffs and healing, you can combine Essence Stones how you like to create your own approach to combat.

Propel yourself in the air and glide across the dunes thanks to your sand-infused powers, experiencing incredible speed, verticality and mobility as you explore the vast and timeless land of Atlas and fight its terrifying beasts. Atlas Fallen delivers a fascinating world filled with mysteries and a variety of enemies to defeat through breathtaking action, supported by deep progression and customization systems.

Pre-order the Limited Edition today
Pre-orders are now open for Atlas Fallen – Limited Edition, which includes:

The game on the platform of your choice (Physical copies for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X; Steam code for PC)
The game’s official SteelBook®
A metal poster
The “Ruin Rising Pack” DLC
Don’t miss this special edition before it runs out!

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Reveals Full Line-Up for 2023

This year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood completes its 2023 line-up with the demonic “Evil Dead Rise” and frightening original houses, “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” and “Holidayz in Hell.” The notorious “Terror Tram” returns with “Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz” to petrify guests starting Thursday, September 7 and running select nights through October 31.

The full line-up of the fear that awaits follows in eight haunted houses and Universal Studios Hollywood’s exclusive Terror Tram:

  • “The Last of Us” engrosses guests in a struggle to survive against fearsome Clickers, Bloaters, and more from Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning 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” invites visitors into a terrifying new beginning in horror, as two families battle a sinister demonic force that has possessed their young daughters. 
  • “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 hit USA & SYFY series and cult classic films.
  • “Evil Dead Rise” brings guests to a new twisted tale, based on New Line Cinema’s return to the iconic horror franchise and 2023 box office hit.
  • “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” includes the most terrifying ghosts and creatures from Latin American folklore.
  • “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 blockbusters.

A plethora of horror-themed food and drink items will be available to whet the scariest of appetites. Must be 21 years or older with valid photo identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.

  • “Stranger Things” fans can visit Surfer Boy Pizza for a variety of pizza flavors, Scoops Ahoy for tasty ice cream creations and a new 80’s themed Stellar Bar with mixed cocktails.
  • Quick service restaurant Hollywood & Dine will transform into a “Chucky”-themed BBQ featuring brisket and Nashville popcorn chicken sandwiches, pulled pork macaroni and cheese, funnel cakes and themed drinks.
  • The Carl Laemmle Patio will feature Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar with themed cocktails from The Purge and “Chucky” and photo opportunities with scareactors.
  • Universal Plaza will serve up a celebration in honor of Dia de Los Muertos featuring an array of Latin Folklore-themed cocktails, Lil Cocina Taco Stand and a margarita bar.

Horror fans looking to commemorate their Halloween Horror Nights experience can find a selection of merchandised themed to this year’s houses, including t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more.

Guests also can experience select theme park attractions open during the run of event, including “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride™.”

Additionally, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” will be open during Halloween Horror Nights, inviting guests to experience some of their favorite attractions, including “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™.” Returning for another year, Death Eaters™, a group of Voldemort’s most devoted followers, will roam Hogsmeade™ village looking to find others willing to show loyalty to the Dark Lord’s cause.

Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of Halloween Horror Night ticket options, including General AdmissionUniversal ExpressAfter 2 P.M. Day/Night, the premium R.I.P. Tour, the new 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. For more information about each ticket type and Terms and Conditions, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

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.

Nights Of The Jack Returns for 2023

LA’s leading immersive event, Nights Of The Jack, the ultimate Halloween experience for the whole family, is back this year for the 6th year and again promises to be bigger and brighter than ever. Welcoming over 100,000 people every year, greater LA area residents and celebrity fans alike are expected to return to King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas for the annual event, that includes thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, immersive scenes and walking trail, premium food, beverages and cocktails and much more. Tickets go on sale on August 14, 2023 at 6:00am PT at NightsOfTheJack.com, with a 20% off discount until September 1, 2023. Nights Of The Jack officially kicks off on Opening Night on Friday, September 29, 2023.

Thirty miles northwest of Hollywood, tucked in the Santa Monica Mountains, there’s a strange and shadowy wonderland that everyone’s been whispering about. Guests are encouraged to follow the mile-long, immersive walking trail, glimmering at every turn with blazing gourds around every corner. This season, Nights of the Jack has created a lot of new attractions, including adding advanced technology throughout the experience with a first-time AR scavenger hunt to earn prizes, AR selfie moments and digital carnival games for prizes. They have also added entirely new scenes, like Día De Los Muertos and The Enchanted Forest, unparalleled lantern art activations and tons of new photo moments.

Nights Of The Jack is Halloween fun for everyone. Adults, families and children alike are welcome and won’t want to miss this hair-raising feast for the senses. Spooky but never scary, kids will love the enchanted renditions of their favorite characters in pumpkin-form and have fun amongst the big multi-sensory scenes. Adults will appreciate the artistry and craftmanship of the elaborate sets and be able to enjoy alcohol from two full bars. Everyone can enjoy picking out Halloween gifts and light-up items from the souvenir shop.

Nights Of The Jack offers a premium food and beverage experience, including some of LA’s best food trucks. The Spookeasy is a high-end full bar and will have ample Halloween treats for adults, including top shelf spirits, cocktails, craft beer and wine. There will also be sweet treats, coffee, hot cider and cocoa nightly, with special additional dessert trucks on Wednesdays.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating another Nights Of The Jack this year in Calabasas,” in a joint statement said by Nights of the Jack co-founders, Ben Biscotti and Tony Schubert. “We can’t wait to see what everyone thinks of the exciting new features this year, including interactive technology elements like digital carnival games, AR scavenger hunt and AR backgrounds to take your selfies to the next level. We look forward to entertaining everyone again for a bigger and brighter season!”

Main Attractions:

  • Immersive Walking Trail – nearly 1 mile of bright Halloween lights, themed scenes and hand-carved festival jack-o’-lanterns
  • AR Scavenger Hunt – brand new interactive challenge to “find Jack” and earn digital points and prizes
  • Digital Carnival Games – brand new interactive games such as axe throw and jack-o’-lanterns toss for prizes
  • AR Selfies – brand new immersive backgrounds with ghosts and ghouls throughout the trail so everyone comes home with amazing photos
  • Art Installations – unparalleled lantern art activations and more
  • Pumpkin Carver – watch live pumpkin carvings from experts and see real pumpkins get turned into Halloween masterpieces
  • Face Painting – themed and festival face painting options for all ages
  • Psychic – stop by our resident psychic and have your palm read, tarot card reading, energy reading or love and compatibility reading
  • Souvenir Shop – purchase fun light-up items and Halloween gifts
  • The Spookeasy – where adults can enjoy craft beer, wine and Halloween themed cocktails
  • Food Trucks – LA’s best food trucks on rotation to fuel all of the Halloween fun

Details:

  • Dates: Nights of the Jack will be open to the public for 30 dates beginning September 29 through October 31
    • September 29 (Opening Night and Friends & Family Night)
    • September 29 – October 1 (Opening Weekend)
    • October 4–16
    • October 18–31
  • Times: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
  • Location: King Gillette Ranch: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
  • Tickets: www.nightsofthejack.com
  • Price:
    • Weekdays: $29.99-34.99
    • Fridays: $39.99-44.99
    • Saturdays: $44.99
    • Sundays: $39.99
    • 2 years and under are free admission.
    • Each ticket will grant you access to the event at the day and time of selected slot.

Nights Of The Jack is also available for private events and corporate sponsorships and features a private 100-person VIP bar that can be closed off for private parties.

Guests can also celebrate a little bit of Calabasas’ history from this very location that inspired the event. According to legend dating back to 1824, a rancher from Oxnard spilled a wagonload of pumpkins in Calabasas while on the way to Los Angeles and later, hundreds of pumpkins sprouted alongside the road.

Dead by Daylight Alien Official Trailer and Details

It’s the collaboration that has been requested for years. Starting today, players can download the Public Test Build and experience two iconic franchises coming together for one unmissable gaming experience. The story unfolds as the Xenomorph becomes the latest Killer to join the Fog alongside Ellen Ripley, its newest Survivor. Set against the eerie backdrop of the Nostromo Wreckage, fans will be able to go to the depths of space and try their best to dominate their prey or make it out alive. Dead by Daylight: Alien will be available on all platforms on August 29, 2023.

“Alien has been and continues to be one of the best sci-fi stories ever told – and to be able to collaborate with 20th Century Games on bringing this story into Dead by Daylight is a privilege for all of us at Behaviour Interactive,” says Mathieu Côté, Head of Partnerships for Behaviour Interactive.

A relentless specimen from a distant planet

The Xenomorph is the embodiment of the stealth Killer – quick and powerful, it can strike Survivors with its razor-sharp tail. The Xenomorph’s Power, called Runner Mode, allows the Killer to walk on four legs and become stealthier, reducing its Terror Radius considerably. An icon of the horror and science fiction realm, it is the perfect deadly killer: surprising even the most resourceful Survivors and forcing them to “sign off”…

“What a gift to bring such an icon of horror into Dead by Daylight”, says Dave Richard, Creative Director for Dead by Daylight. “Its appearance is so striking, so fear-inducing in itself…but to have it in our game also delivering on horrifying surprise moments really opens the door for fun strategic gameplay. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with this Chapter.”

The Xenomorph’s arrival also introduces a new interactive Map function: Control Stations. Seven Control Stations are scattered across the Map. Survivors can interact with these stations to get a new Tool, the Remote Flame Turret, while the Xenomorph can enter and exit the tunnels underneath the Control Station.

“Creating the Xenomorph’s Tunnel system was very challenging as we had never created a sub-level that could only be accessible to the Killer”, explains Janick Neveu, Game Designer on Dead by Daylight. “This new mechanic grants it Map-wide mobility and definitely amps up the scare factor – which feels very connected to the original character.”

The Ultimate Survivor

As the sole survivor of the Nostromo, Ellen Ripley is strong-willed, level-headed, and determined. Having overcome relentless threats, she is the embodiment of resilience, making her an invaluable ally to any Survivor groups. She has faced the Xenomorph before and is now in the Entity’s hands. Her fate in this hostile place is still undecided – but there is hope.

“Get out of there!”

Surrounded by vast, overwhelming shadows, an omnipresent feeling of dread is imbued with the new Map, Nostromo Wreckage. The Entity has reconstructed the Nostromo spaceship from Ripley’s memories, so that players can stalk – or be stalked – around the derelict and nightmarish craft. Players will rediscover the iconic ship as it incorporates memorable elements from the first Alien film with some unique Dead by Daylight twists.

New Survivor Tool: The Remote Flame Turret

Dead by Daylight: Alien introduces a new Survivor tool that can be used exclusively when facing the Xenomorph. The Remote Flame Turret’s defensive attack staggers the Xenomorph and can cause its unique Power to end. This tool complexifies gameplay as it requires Survivors to strategically place the Turret and activate it at the opportune time. Players will be kept on their toes as they will need to repair the tool if it overheats, and will be forced to protect it (and themselves) from the powerful Xenomorph, which can destroy the Turret. Who will make it out alive?

ABRISS Gameplay Trailer

Düsseldorf-based video game developer and publisher astragon Entertainment and Berlin-based developer studio Randwerk Games today announced that the physics destruction puzzle game ABRISS – build to destroy will be released for PC on Steam on September 5, 2023. ABRISS won in the category “Best Graphic Design” at the German Computer Game Award 2023. ABRISS is currently available for PC on Steam in an Early Access version for 14.99€/$16.99/£13.99. Players who own the Early Access version will automatically receive the full PC version via an update when the game is released on September 5. The reduced price will continue for a limited time after the release. Starting September 21, 2023, ABRISS – build to destroy will be offered at the full price of 19.99€/$19.99/£16.99.

Razer Unveils New Line of Kitty Ears

Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today unveils the latest litter of its Kraken Kitty line so gamers, streamers, and cosplayers alike can celebrate International Cat Day in style. Become a fur-midable opponent with the latest release of the iconic, original Kraken Kitty headset, one of Razer’s most popular models.

The three new Kitty-additions follow the Kraken Kitty V2 Pro announced last year, and include the USB-wired Kraken Kitty V2, the wireless Kraken Kitty V2 BT, and cute clip-on Kitty Ears V2 that are purrfect for everybody – and every budget. The unmistakable Kraken Kitty ears have taken a stretch, now 50% bigger and bolder across all new styles.

“When we first released the Kraken Kitty, it really scratched an itch in the market, as there was nothing like it before.” said Alvin Cheung, Senior Vice President of Razer’s Hardware Business Unit. “At Razer, we’re always on the prowl for ways to bring bolder and better products to gamers. The latest line of Kraken Kitty headsets continues to drive this design philosophy in an iconic form factor.”

Pawsitively Striking: The Kraken Kitty V2

The new Kraken Kitty V2 is lighter, slimmer, and cuter than ever. Stand out and turn heads with bigger and bolder kitty ears powered by the world’s largest gaming RGB ecosystem, Razer Chroma™ RGB.

Create a killer kitty online purr-sona with the Kraken Kitty V2’s crystal-clear mic and stream-reactive lighting to level up audience engagement with Chroma that responds to emotes, alerts, and more. Streamers can enjoy customizable profiles with over 16.8 million colors and countless effects. 

The Kraken Kitty V2 is available in both classic Razer Black and Quartz, with a lightweight design complete with plush, breathable ear cushions for all-day comfort and play.

Wirelessly Furr-ocious: The Kraken Kitty V2 BT

Take cat-titude anywhere with the new Kraken Kitty V2 BT, a wireless Bluetooth headset for gaming, music, or IRL streaming. 

No wires to chew on here – enjoy up to 60-hour battery life, Chroma RGB on-the-go, and seamless Bluetooth 5.2 with a gaming mode for low-latency gaming performance. Available in a Quartz colorway, it’s a purr-fect companion for any gamer looking to make a statement on-the-go.

Add some Paw-some Accents: Razer Kitty Ears V2

Unleash the ultimate meow factor with the Razer Kitty Ears V2. These clip-on Kitty ears, now 50% larger, make any audio setup instantly more endearing. 

The adjustable silicone straps ensure a universal fit and comfortable wear, perfect for a variety of headsets. Available in Quartz or Black, they add a touch of feline finesse to any gaming look.

Unleash an ultra-cute persona with Razer’s new litter of Kraken Kitty V2 products and celebrate International Cat Day in style.  These are purrfect for gamers everywhere, no kitten around!

For more in-fur-mation on the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 line, please visit Razer.com

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

Razer Kraken Kitty V2

  • $99.99 USD / 119.99€ MSRP
  • Razer.com – August 8, 2023
  • For more information, please visit Razer.com.

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT

  • $99.99 USD / 119.99€ MSRP
  • Razer.com – August 8, 2023
  • For more information, please visit Razer.com.

Razer Kitty Ears V2

  • $19.99 USD / 29.99€ MSRP
  • Razer.com – August 8, 2023
  • For more information, please visit Razer.com.

Midsummer Scream 2023 – Frightening Fun at the Long Beach Convention Center

The folks at Midsummer Scream are back with their flagship event: Midsummer Scream! On our first night at the event, we attended an amazing, albeit unofficial “preview night” like you’d find at the San Diego Comic-Con. The crowds were low, the weather was nice and cool, and you could roam the aisles with ease to purchase wares and visit with friends. It was such an outstanding time and we bought way too much stuff!

The next day, the convention proper began and the turnout was incredible! The general admission line went across the pedestrian bridge in front of the hotel and, had it not been wrapped back around against itself, would have ended up in the Pacific. The VIP line was also full but that line moved much more quickly. I highly recommend their VIP tickets if you plan to attend more than one day. The perks of earlier entry into panels as well as the event itself (you get in an hour ahead) is well worth the extra ticket price.

The Hall of Shadows made is triumphant return as well, featuring a number of local haunts presenting mini-haunt versions of themselves for attendees to experience.  The Decayed Brigade slider crew was back as well with an impressive showing of their sliding skill. The amount of bodies an experienced haunt slider can jump over always impresses me. The one thing that is a bummer is that, during the Decayed Brigade shows, a lot of the mini-haunts in the Hall of Shadows go dark as the music and noise from the show is overpowering. Part of me would like to see the Decayed Brigade moved out of that room somewhere else just for their show so the Hall of Shadows can keep cycling attendees through the attractions. But, I digress…

The Long Beach Convention Center has a huge convention floor and Midsummer Scream seemed to make use of every square foot. So many vendors featured effects, props, artwork, sculptures, and other macabre wares that my wallet was substantially lighter when I left than when I entered the floor. We even got to put our cell phone on the worlds smallest horror rollercoaster.

Outside the convention center, there were several food trucks lined up, each with a culinary flare all their own. Also, if you stayed at the Hyatt Regency next door, you could eat at their fantastic eatery in the lobby. Also, staying at the hotel is super convenient as it is basically attached to the convention center, making your parking experience way easier.

Overall, it was an amazing return for Midsummer Scream and I look forward to next year’s! So – stay tuned for more!