Author - Jerry Paxton

Razer Unveils Interhaptics Universal HD Haptic SDK

2023/03/20

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the release of the Interhaptics universal HD haptic SDK and directional haptics at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2023 in San Francisco. This free SDK release focuses on enabling a heightened immersive gaming experience, bringing audio and visual effects to life with HD haptic feedback that can now be completely customized through the Interhaptics SDK.

With today’s announcement, Interhaptics, the leading haptic technology platform, has expanded its support to include PlayStation®5*, PlayStation®4, Meta Quest 2, X-input controllers, iOS, and Android devices for game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine. Additionally, the haptic composer software has been upgraded to include in-app testing for DualSense™ wireless controllers for PS5™ and select Razer HyperSense headsets. Interhaptics can now deploy HD haptics on over 5 billion devices across multiple ecosystems. Developers can sign up for the waiting list for the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense Dev Kit with programmable directional HD haptics at the Interhaptics website.

Interhaptics SDK

The Interhaptics SDK is now free at interhaptics.com, and will also be coming to the Unity Asset Store and Unreal Engine marketplace within the next few months.

“At Razer, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming, and we know that haptics plays an essential role in creating the most immersive gaming experiences,” said Eric Vezzoli, General Manager of Interhaptics. “With the introduction of directional HD haptic feedback for our HyperSense headsets, we’re bringing PC gaming and VR to a previously unachievable level of player immersion. Players will now be able to physically feel effects as games creator intended, extending compatibility of our toolsets to a near universal level across game engines and haptic-compatible hardware.”

In 2022, Razer acquired 100 percent of the shares of Go Touch VR SAS, also known as Interhaptics, the leading haptics development platform for game studios. Founded in 2017, Interhaptics’ mission is to deliver consistent, realistic, and immersive haptics solutions for PC, console, mobile and XR developers. It strives to provide developers with the essential tools guaranteeing quality, faster development, and cross-platform deployment.

GDC 2023 attendees can join the Interhaptics session by Razer at 5pm, on Wednesday, March 22nd at Room 3020, West Hall.

Join the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense dev kit waiting list here.

For more information on Interhaptics, please visit https://www.interhaptics.com/

For more information on Razer, please visit https://www.razer.com/

For more information on how Razer empowers you to #WinItYourWay, please see here.

SubwaySim Hamburg Release Date Announcement

2023/03/20

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Simulation Experts Aerosoft and developers HR Innoways are excited to officially reveal that their latest subway simulation project, SubwaySim Hamburg, will be released on May 16, 2023 at a price of €29.95 for PC.

To be one of the first to alight on the platform, wishlist the game here!

In cooperation with Hamburg’s centennial transport authority, Hamburger Hochbahn AG, the port city has been realistically recreated in Unreal Engine 5, ready for players to experience Hamburg from the U3 ring line – with all its stations, tracks and signals.

In the detailed replica of the DT5 double railcar, players will explore what has been touted by many as Germany’s most beautiful subway line, which has been in operation for over 100 years. It runs mainly above ground and thus offers players the opportunity to marvel at numerous Hamburg landmarks such as the stunning Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall, the historic Landungsbrücken port and St Michael’s Cathedral, Hamburg’s biggest church. Additionally, players will be able to explore their surroundings off the train in freeplay mode, where they’ll be able to walk around the map in each station.

SubwaySim Hamburg will also feature a timetable mode, where players can realistically relive the everyday life of a subway conductor. With numerous functions to discover in the highly detailed conductor’s cab, every journey will have its own lessons and surprises, and when the train reaches its last stop, the excitement continues!

Features:

Highly detailed simulation of the DT5 railcar
Numerous vehicle functions such as IBIS, display and push buttons
Hamburg’s U3 Ring Line, lovingly recreated with all of its 25 stations on a 20.7 km route
Lively environment with famous Hamburg landmarks
Appealing graphics made in Unreal Engine 5
Authentic driving experience
Immersive soundscape
Freeplay mode in the open world as well as timetable mode
Realized in cooperation with Hamburger Hochbahn AG

SubwaySim Hamburg will be available for PC on May 16, 2023 at a price of €29.95. More information is available on the official website of Aerosoft.

Focus Entertainment Unveils Void Crew Reveal Trailer

2023/03/20

Jerry Paxton

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

Focus Entertainment is thrilled to announce a new partnership with development studio Hutlihut Games for Void Crew, a thrilling space adventure where you’ll explore, fight and loot through the galaxy with up to four teammates. In space, no one can hear you scream… except your friends! Rally your crew, man your ship, and prepare for an epic trek through the cosmos.

In Void Crew, humanity must unite against a mysterious aggressor: the Hollow. As the chosen ones, it’s up to you as a crew of up to four mavericks to brave the void and bring order to the galaxy! Battle fearsome foes, salvage valuable loot, and die repeatedly – all while reclaiming humanity’s lost territory together.

Embark on the most advanced spacecraft ever built, and journey into deep space on thrilling missions that you and your crew absolutely never trained for! Asteroid storms, solar flares and your buddies’ screw-ups will be the least of your worries, as hostile aliens and desperate human scavengers push your crew to the limits. Teamwork is key: pick a role and prioritize your most urgent tasks with your crew… or just wing it and try to do everything at once, as you’ll be short on reliable manpower!

Play the Demo at PAX East

Void Crew will be present at PAX East 2023 (March 23–26) with a playable demo at the Focus Entertainment booth. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the immersive, co-op space experience firsthand.

Void Crew will be released later this year and is available to wishlist now on Steam.

Strayed Lights Mix Direct Spring 2023 Trailer

2023/03/20

Jerry Paxton

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

Strayed Lights, the atmospheric action-adventure game developed by Embers, has just released a brand-new trailer featured in the Mix Direct Spring 2023 showcase. The trailer reveals more about the game’s stunning graphics, fast-paced combat, and abstract storyline. Set to launch across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on April 25, Strayed Lights offers a unique art direction with vibrant visuals, innovative combat mechanics and a soundtrack composed by the Grammy award-winning Austin Wintory.

Begin your travels through Strayed Lights’ mysterious universe of flickering lights and rhythmic duels in The Mix Direct Spring 2023 Showcase trailer :

In addition to the new trailer, Embers is excited to announce the availability of a limited-time Steam demo for Strayed Lights. This demo will give players the opportunity to experience the game’s mechanics, story, and gameplay firsthand ahead of its public facing as an upcoming PAX Rising Showcase 2023 inductee.

“We are thrilled to be able to share our new gameplay trailer and demo with fans of Strayed Lights,” says Alexandre Arramon, co-founder and creative director at Embers. “We’ve been working hard to create a game that is both engaging and visually outstanding, and we can’t wait for players to experience it for themselves.”

Strayed Lights is an atmospheric action-adventure with fluid combat set in an intricate world imbued with mystery. Players take on the role of a tiny, growing light seeking transcendence to explore a land of otherworldly ruins and glowing trees, where entities of flickering lights and luminescent shadows reside.

Strayed Lights Key Features

● Combat: Absorb the energy of your opponents with a familiar but innovative
and challenging combat system

● Creatures: Face your inner demons and soothe immense creatures who
succumbed to their emotions

● Journey: Unlock abilities and progress towards awakening while seeing your
character grow from a newborn to an ascended being

● World: Travel through dreamlike forests, misty valleys, broken cities and dark caves, search for ancient relics to reveal the history of these lands, with an ambitious soundtrack by Austin Wintory.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Release Date Trailer

2023/03/19

Jerry Paxton

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

Today, Gun Interactive—the multimedia development firm behind the upcoming asymmetrical-horror adaptation of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre—is pleased to announce that the game will launch on August 18th, 2023, in recognition of the infamous date upon which the events of the original 1974 film took place. As well, the official technical playtest for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is set to occur on May 25th, 2023, marking the first opportunity for fans to experience the terror and brutal intensity that first shocked audiences almost fifty years ago. Check out the announcement trailer below!

The best way for fans to stay informed on the technical test is to add the game to their wishlists on Steam and to follow The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on social channels (Reddit, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook). Eligibility for the test will be limited, but further details and instructions will be shared in the coming weeks. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre will debut in full on August 18th, 2023 for PC, PlayStation® 5 (PS5™) & PlayStation® 4 (PS4™), Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, and will launch into Game Pass on Xbox and PC.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre video game takes place in the months leading up to the events of the original 1974 film, and features authentic recreations of the locations, characters, and imagery of the source material. Players control either the Victims or members of the Slaughter Family—including the infamous Leatherface—in a vicious game of 3v4 cat-and-mouse that takes the tension and suspense of the film and repurposes it into thrilling, competitive action. The Victims and the Slaughter Family must both utilize their unique abilities to come out on top, as the former use stealth and smarts to escape their fearsome tormentors, while each member of the Slaughter Family wields brutal and murderous attacks to hunt their prey.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre features an entirely new soundtrack overseen by composer and lead sound designer Ross Tregenza that channels Wayne Bell’s trailblazing sound design for the 1974 film, as well as an additional album, Remains, featuring music written and performed by Jim Bonney and Gun CEO and President Wes Keltner. For more information, visit The Community Hub at the official The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Website, and join the conversation at the Gun Interactive Discord.

Men of War II Official Soundtrack Sample

2023/03/17

Jerry Paxton

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

Fulqrum Publishing and Best Way invite players to take a seat and experience ‘Waiting for an attack’, the second piece of evocative music from their upcoming WWII RTS, Men of War II, by the renowned composer and sound designer Volodymyr Savin, as well as a new set of screenshots.

Together, the audio-visual experience provides a taste of what players can expect from the creative side of Men of War II, and for a short while immerse themselves in the complex, dark atmosphere of the game and feel the weight of decisions they will face in their role as battlefield commanders.

‘Waiting for an Attack’ – Volodymyr Savin

“The soundtrack to Men of War II is a quintessence of modern orchestral music and the general feeling about ongoing WWII battles on your screen. I was inspired by various games in the same setting and films about the events of those years, for example, Fury” said Volodymyr. “But most of all, the composing of a variety of the tracks was influenced by the war in my own country, Ukraine. I recorded this track on February 23 last year in Irpin, near Kyiv, eight hours before a full-scale invasion… so, you can hear reflections of my premonition that something bad was inexorably approaching us.”

Volodymyr Savin began studying music and art before pursuing a career in composition and sound design, using his training, experience and passion to explore the vital connection between visuals and audio. His wealth of experience in the video game industry started with creating audio for mobile series Cut the Rope, through to most recently leading the sound design and engineering team on critically-acclaimed title Metro Exodus.

Alongside his work in the video game industry, Volodymyr has comprehensive experience in many facets of music production and sound design, from working with AC/DC and Sony Music to creating the incredible PRIPYAT Pianos audio plug-in used on the HBO Chernobyl series, which required seven years of recording within the exclusion zone itself.

Fulqrum Publishing and Best Way are also pleased to present four new screenshots from Men of War II’s gripping German campaign, showcasing just a few examples from its full roster of more than 300 historically accurate vehicles and varied, battle-torn locales:

Fulqrum Publishing and Best Way are continually working with creatives from various fields to create unique, evocative pieces all of which champion and complement the highly-anticipated WWII title.

Men of War II will be available for PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and other digital stores in 2023. For more information, visit the official Fulqrum Publishing website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and/or Steam.

Layers of Fear 11-Minute Gameplay Walkthrough Trailer

2023/03/17

Jerry Paxton

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

In advance of the 2023 Game Developers Conference, Bloober Team and Anshar Studios are proud to share the first official gameplay preview for Layers of Fear (2023), showcasing the title’s new mechanics and stunning visual upgrades. Built on Unreal Engine 5, Layers of Fear (2023) supports Ray Tracing, HDR and 4K resolution, making use of the Lumen system to achieve superb graphical fidelity and create a meticulously-refined horror journey that’s as immersive as it is frightening. Check out the brand-new gameplay video below!

Layers of Fear (2023) presents a unified vision of horror reimagined, and will be the ultimate experience for both returning fans and newcomers to the franchise. Featuring the original Layers of Fear, Layers of Fear 2, as well as all DLC’s (including a new chapter entitled “The Final Note” that provides an alternate perspective on the first game’s storyline), the game will also introduce the never-before-told story of The Writer, a harrowing tale that ties each entry in the series together. Layers of Fear (2023) will launch on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles in June of 2023.

In an accompanying statement, Bloober Team says that “Layers of Fear (2023) is a tribute to our fans. The game has shaped the way in which we strive to make the best horror experiences possible, and we’re hopeful that our community will enjoy what we consider to be the series’ crowning work.” Prepare to make peace with the unknown as you delve into the twisted and eerie stories of three obsession-driven artists in this first-person psychedelic horror game.

Layers of Fear (2023) introduces new core gameplay mechanics that elevate and expand the player’s experience. One such improvement is the addition of the lantern, a useful tool that will prove essential in confronting the fears that lurk within the game’s story. The music of the game has also been updated, as Arek Reikowski, the two-time nominee in the Best Soundtrack category of the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, and winner of the Digital Dragons Best Soundtrack award for The Medium, has composed a hypnotic score that adds an extra layer of tension to the game. His hauntingly beautiful compositions—paired with the enhanced visual fidelity made possible by Unreal—will leave players sitting on the edge of their seats with chills shooting down their spines.
Key Features:

The Ultimate Layers of Fear Experience – The series’s crowning work casts an overarching narrative over the entire franchise.
Horror Reimagined – Everything in the Layers of Fear series melds together into a single experience, including all DLCs, so players can find all the answers they seek.
Shocking New Looks – Enhanced with Unreal Engine 5’s improved technology. This version offers a more immersive horror experience with the addition of Ray Tracing, HDR, 4K resolution, and the Lumen system.
Psychological Horror – A grim but gripping first-person psychedelic horror game focused on tense exploration, puzzle-solving, and immersive storytelling. Discover what lies in the depths of the human psyche with this mature, cathartic game.
New tricks – New brand-new core mechanics that will be introduced to Layers of Fear and its sequel, as well as additional features, so all the chapters and stories will blend seamlessly
Horror Through the Many Lenses of Art – Explore the depths of obsession with three different stories of craft-obsessed protagonists (The Painter, The Actor and The Writer) which are interwoven to create a truly immersive experience and gripping storyline
Classical, Ominous Soundtrack – Hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by the highly-acclaimed musician Arek Reikowski. He has composed a hypnotic score that adds an extra layer of tension to the game and will leave you on the edge of your seat

Layers of Fear is being published by Bloober Team and co-developed by Bloober Team and Anshar Studios and will be available in June 2023. To be up-to-date with the latest news, wishlist the game over on Steam and follow Bloober Team on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Knock at the Cabin Digital and Blu-ray Release Dates

2023/03/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News

Critically acclaimed filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan returns with his seventh #1 movie debut, KNOCK AT THE CABIN, yours to own on Digital March 24 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD on May 9 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Based on the book “The Cabin at the End of the World” by Paul Tremblay, the suspenseful apocalyptic thriller is “a relentlessly gripping winner” (The Playlist) that “commands your attention at every reveal” (Comicbook). KNOCK AT THE CABIN comes home with more than 40 minutes of exclusive bonus content, including deleted scenes and featurettes that dives deep into the film’s layered and multi-dimensional themes, Shyamalan’s visionary filmmaking process, and more.

KNOCK AT THE CABIN is a thriller about a tight-knit family who are taken hostage by four armed strangers while vacationing at a remote cabin. The visitors, led by Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Dune), demand that the young girl and her parents make an unthinkable choice: to save their family or save humanity.

Knock at the Cabin

Showcasing outstanding performances from a talented and diverse ensemble cast alongside Bautista, KNOCK AT THE CABIN stars Jonathan Groff (Hamilton, “Mindhunter”), Ben Aldridge (“Fleabag,” “Our Girl”), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Old, “Avenue 5”), Abby Quinn (Little Women, “Mad About You”), Rupert Grint (Harry Potter franchise, “Servant”), and Kristen Cui in her feature film debut.

With the purchase of KNOCK AT THE CABIN on disc or digital, fans are eligible to earn points towards digital movies via the Universal All-Access Rewards program. Members can redeem their points for digital movies, swag and more! For registration and details please visit www.MyUniversalRewards.com.

The film is also available to stream on Peacock on March 24, 2023.

BONUS FEATURES ON 4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAY^TM, DVD AND DIGITAL:

Deleted Scenes
- They Need Some Time
- Going to Church
- Enjoying the Sun
- Leonard Explains
Chowblaster Infomercial – Enjoy an extended cut of the TV informercial from the film that features an appearance by M. Night Shyamalan himself.
Choosing Wisely: Behind the Scenes of KNOCK AT THE CABIN – Examine what drew M. Night Shyamalan to adapt this terrifying story, and how the relationships between characters were unlike any this ensemble cast had ever played before.
Tools of the Apocalypse – Explore the creation of some of the film’s most terrifying props and learn why they play such an important role in the story.
Drawing a Picture – See how M. Night Shyamalan envisions his shots in advance of ever turning on the camera, through his extensive use of storyboards.
Kristen Cui Shines a Light – Take a closer look at actress Kristen Cui’s dynamic performance as Wen in her film debut.

EverQuest Celebrates 24th Anniversary

2023/03/16

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Twenty-four years. Let that sink in. That’s an incredible number of quests completed, achievements earned, baddies destroyed, zones traveled, items and commodities crafted, and everything else under the Norrathian sun. Even Lendiniara the Keeper, featured in this year’s Anniversary key art, smiles indulgently at your progress and success.

And we continue to do this because of you!

Every single one of you inspires us to keep developing new content, items, and just good old-fashioned gaming fun. We cannot thank you enough for being part of the EverQuest family! It’s with that in mind that we offer some amazing gifts.

All players will receive the following:

50% bonus to experience gains! (Bonus ends on April 1, 2023, at 1:00 a.m. PDT.)
Dashing Feathered Cap for all your characters. (Available until April 20, 2023, at 11:00 p.m. PDT.)

All-Access Members will also receive the following:

Celebratory Opal Stein Ornament, a weapon ornament for all your characters. (Available until April 20, 2023, at 11:00 p.m. PDT.)
Goblet of Adventure II (one per account; available until April 20, 2023, at 11:00 p.m. PDT)
A new title for all your characters, “the Commemorator”. (Available until April 20, 2023, at 11:00 p.m. PDT.)

What’s new for this year:

Mission: Reetuk the Inexorable
- Historian Graya is interested in the history of the Spine ogres and is looking for adventurers to help. Based on information she read in the Lineage of the Nokk Ogres, and with your help, Graya will guide you through exploring Blightfire Moors and encountering Reetuk the Inexorable.
Quests:
- Footloose and Fancy Free – Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. But do you know from what all heroes can benefit? Music! Seek Erol Xybella in the Plane of Tranquility to get started.
- Stones of the Unknown – The disheveled erudite, Talesiyn the Driven, seeks to learn more about the standing stones in the Feerrott region. Could the rumors of a long-dead race be true?
- Misgnomer – They call him the Pirate Captain Nalot, but he’s hoping you can help him prove his true identity. You can find him in Steamfont Mountains.

Returning events:

All the quests, the mission, and the raid that were added last year.
Looking for adventures that are over level 100? Some of the earlier top hits included Sailor Twift with her Riveting Tales. Don’t have time to help spread Unity among the Gnolls? Head to the Plane of Knowledge and speak with Maitreya the Maitre D`. He needs some help making a Fancy Feast.
Not quite up to the level 100+ quests? Don’t worry, there are a bunch of lower-level quests. If you are not ready to head out for summer, stop by Geia Korrel and head back to school with School Supplies. Or if helping a lovesick Iksar is more to your liking, speak with an Emissary of Erollisi in the Plane of Knowledge.
No party is complete without eating some delicious Platinum Anniversary Cake in scenic locations. While you’re out in the world adventuring, take the time to explore over nineteen years of anniversary content.

Lastly, we are also unvaulting the Past Heritage Crates. You can find the Tier`Dal (Dark Elf), Ayr`Dal (Half Elf), Iksar, Northman (Barbarian), Gnome, Trollish, Human, Dwarf, Halfling, Fier`Dal (Wood Elf), Ogre, and Erudite heritage crates on the marketplace from now until April 1, 2023, 1:00 a.m. PDT.

There’s no better way to celebrate two-dozen years of existence than with you. And we’d have it no other way. Cheers, Norrathians, and here’s to all the memories—past, present, and future!

Be sure to follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Discord.

Demo for Outer Terror Survival-Horror Game Out on Mar 28

2023/03/16

Jerry Paxton

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

Video game publisher VoxPop Games announced that a free demo for Outer Terror, its upcoming survival horror title, will be available to play on Steam starting March 28. Battle an onslaught of deadly otherworld monsters while exploring overrun cities – survival is paramount! Inspired by classic Pulp Horror comic books and B-movies, Outer Terror is a frantic bullet hell casual game with rogue-lite elements, swarming with cosmic creatures (think possessed toasters and rabid rabbits!) to mow down while attempting to not die on your survival journey.

Game Features:

Play through the anthology of Outer Terror, each of the five chapters inspired by classic horror stories features its own signature character and storyline.
10 playable characters each with their own trademark weapons and badass skills.
Explore massive maps to discover survivor hold outs and collect treasures that lead you to massive boss encounters with elite creatures from beyond, ghouls, robots, and otherworldly abominations.
Stockpile an arsenal of weapons and then blast apart seemingly endless waves of demonic cosmic creatures!
Don’t Die! Play through each chapter and battle off hordes of enemies including the vampiric polar bear, lifelike toasters, the remains of a pet rabbit and more!
Hop online or invite your friends over to experience online and couch co-op gameplay modes.

On March 28th check out the free Steam demo of the upcoming rogue-lite that pays homage to the B-movies and Golden Age horror comics of the 80’s and 90’s, with the full game coming in April 2023.