Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games, and former creative director and lead writer of the GRAND THEFT AUTO, RED DEAD REDEMPTION, and BULLY video game franchises, among others, has founded Absurd Ventures, a media company which will create new IP across all platforms and for all formats.
Absurd Ventures is building narrative worlds, creating characters, and writing stories for a diverse variety of genres, without regard to medium, to be produced for live-action and animation; video games and other interactive content; books, graphic novels, and scripted podcasts.
“We are building Absurd Ventures to create new universes and to tell great stories, wherever and however we can,” said Dan Houser.
Absurd Ventures launched its new website, www.absurdventures.com, where users can register to receive exclusive content and company updates. Absurd Ventures also launched its social media channels.
Until 2020, Dan Houser was the creative director and lead writer for Rockstar’s games and game series, which sold more than 500 million units, and comprise five of the top ten-rated games of all time.
GRAND THEFT AUTO V is the most successful entertainment release of any kind, grossing more than $1 billion in its first three days, and selling more than 175 million copies to date.
RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2 grossed more than $725 million in its first three days, is one of the highest-rated games of all time, and has been hailed as “one of the greatest games of the modern age.” It has sold more than 50 million copies.
Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights dares guests to survive “The Last of Us” as Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game comes to life – for the first time – as an all-new haunted house at Universal Orlando Resort, beginning Friday, September 1, and at Universal Studios Hollywood, beginning Thursday, September 7.
Set in a ravaged civilization, where Infected and hardened survivors run rampant, Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s “The Last of Us” video game, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has captivated audiences since its release. And now, guests can immerse themselves in a real-life experience that puts them directly into the game’s frightening world.
“The Last of Us” haunted houses on both coasts will propel guests into a world of carnage and mayhem as they follow in the footsteps of the game’s protagonists, Joel and Ellie, who endure a brutal journey in a world overtaken by a fungal virus that turns humans into various forms of a new threat known as the Infected. As guests encounter the Infected – Runners, Stalkers and Clickers – along with The Hunters, a band of hostile humans, they will need to navigate the Pittsburgh Quarantine Zone, including iconic locations from the video game such as the creepy and desolate The Hotel Grand and a labyrinth of dark and dank tunnels, in a desperate attempt to escape and survive.
“As a massive fan – and frequent attendee – of Halloween Horror Nights, we are honored to have ‘The Last of Us’ included in this year’s lineup. It has been an incredible thrill for us at Naughty Dog to collaborate with Universal, bringing the world of the game to life, focusing on even the tiniest details that our fans know so well,” Naughty Dog Co-President Neil Druckmann said. “Having just celebrated the 10th anniversary of ‘The Last of Us,’ it’s a perfect time for our fans to team up with Joel and Ellie and come face-to-terrifying-face with Clickers, Raiders and much more!”
“We are excited to bring ‘The Last of Us’ to life in a terrifying haunted house that is true to the spirit of this popular video game featuring our heroes, Joel and Ellie, Clickers and more,” said Lora Sauls, Assistant Director, Creative Development and Show Direction at Universal Orlando Resort. “The world inside the game offers a multitude of suspenseful and horrifying opportunities to provide guests with a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Halloween Horror Nights,” added John Murdy, Executive Producer of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Tickets are now on sale for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood with the screams beginning Thursday, September 7. Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of Halloween Horror Nights ticket options, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2 P.M. Day/Night, 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), the premium R.I.P. Tour and popular passes, Frequent Fear and Ultimate Fear, which allow guests to experience the scares again and again. Click here for more information about each ticket type and for Terms and Conditions.
For Universal Orlando’s event, guests can now purchase a variety of tickets and vacation packages for Halloween Horror Nights 2023 which begins Friday, September 1, including single-night tickets and event upgrades like the R.I.P. Tour, Express Pass and the daytime Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour. Guests can also stay near the screams with a special vacation package that includes one-night admission to the event, Universal hotel accommodations and admission to all three Universal Orlando theme parks. Package holders also receive theme park benefits exclusive to Universal Orlando hotel guests, such as Early Park Admission during the day and access to a dedicated Halloween Horror Nights entry gate at night. Additional ticket products, including Frequent Fear Passes, will be available soon. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Both events will run select nights through Tuesday, October 31. Additional details, including new haunted houses, will be revealed soon. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
The wait is over! NERF’s new NERF PRO GELFIRE X MRBEAST FULL AUTO BLASTER created in partnership with Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson, an American digital creator who has amassed over 100 million subscribers in the last 10 years and has become an icon among younger generations around the world, is now available for purchase in the U.S. and Canada at Hasbro Pulse, Walmart, Target and Amazon.
The blaster was revealed in December and was available for pre-order.
For the first time, get your hands on House Flipper 2 with the all-new demo at Steam Next Fest. New tools, an all-new graphic style, 1700 unique items, and new building mechanics join the familiar format of Flipper mode! The demo is available at Steam Next Fest from June 19 at 10:00 AM PDT (UTC-7) until June 26 at 10:00 AM PDT (UTC-7). House Flipper 2 will be released later this year.
The House Flipper 2 demo will let players take control of their trusty renovator’s tools to flip a run-down home on a picturesque island. A lot has changed since the first installment, yet in House Flipper 2, some of the classic mechanics make a comeback, refreshed and upgraded. The demo showcases new mechanics for connecting lights, cleaning, and painting, new interactivity and advanced customization of furniture items.
The demo focuses on interior renovation and restoration but also includes traces of the future Architect Mode, which will involve free building. However, the full extent of this mode will only be revealed in the full version of the game, where players will have the opportunity to construct their own unique homes entirely from scratch.
More than just a simulation game, House Flipper 2 offers an inspiring journey of transformation and rediscovery. It’s a story deeply rooted in the essence of home, about returning to the place that shaped us and embarking on a quest to forge a new identity, establish friendships, and contribute to the community.
There’s a lot to unpack, check out some of the features in the demo:
One House, One Island: Players will embark on a task to place orders for a house on a deserted island, offering approximately 1.5 hours of immersive gameplay.
Tool Inventory: The demo offers 10 tools, with seven being familiar from the first game. Many of these tools showcase new functionalities or modes.
New Mechanics: Unpacking items from boxes will be introduced as a fresh game mechanic, elevating the gameplay experience.
Day and Night Cycle: The game now features a realistic day and night cycle, adding a new layer of realism.
Task Highlighting: Flipper Sense allows players to highlight objects for tasks.
Customization and Variety: The demo introduces a division of objects into various companies, each with their own unique character. It also provides the possibility for advanced customization of items.
House Flipper 2 unleashes your DIY Dreams with total freedom in building anywhere, in any shape you want, indoors or outdoors. The demo is available at Steam Next Fest until June 26th, 2023.
In Jagged Alliance 3, victory in battles is no guarantee of winning the war. Our tactical turn-based game demands more than just skillfully maneuvering your mercenaries in combat. Welcome to the world of the “Wider Picture,” an essential aspect that may even surpass the battles themselves in importance.
In Jagged Alliance 3, you bear the responsibility not only for coordinating grenade throws and well-timed gunshots but also for the composition of your battlefield forces and their equipment. As the to reclaim Grand Chien campaign unfolds, you take charge of the entire operation. Your role extends beyond hiring and training mercenaries; you also train militia units once you’ve conquered one of the various sectors, the strategic map contains. Ensuring your soldiers’ well-being becomes paramount as they require healing and equipment maintenance, gaining an edge in combat is also possible by dispatching scouts to nearby enemy strongholds.
It’s crucial not to overlook the financial aspect. Sustaining your operations necessitates acquiring funds to cover expenses. This means conquering mines, seizing diamond transports, and employing strategic measures. Prepare yourself for Jagged Alliance 3’s dynamic open-world campaign, a thrilling experience that demands your adaptability in response to your enemies’ actions. Seize every opportunity to gain the upper hand and ultimately crush the legion!
Streaming weekly now!
The release date is getting closer, so time to share more information about the game! Tune in to our our weekly Twitch streams, Thursdays at 11 AM EST / 17:00 CEST on THQ Nordic’s Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/thqnordic
Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the latest evolution of their hyper-portable 14-inch gaming laptop – the Razer Blade 14 – in both classic matte black and stunning mercury white colorways.
Featuring the all-new AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series laptop graphics and faster DDR5-5600MHz SO-DIMM memory enables the Blade 14 to slice effortlessly through demanding gaming and creative workloads. Users experience this power through an immersive 16:10 aspect ratio QHD+ 240Hz display with stunning color depth and contrast.
“The Razer Blade 14 is the perfect machine for gamers and creators looking for top of the line performance in a compact and highly mobile package,” says Travis Furst, Head of Laptop Division at Razer. “With this announcement, our full 2023 laptop portfolio now offers Blades perfectly suited for every use case – from peak portability to full desktop replacement, all with incredible performance and signature Razer Blade styling.”
SMALL SIZE
The new Blade 14 is the most portable chassis in the Razer Blade line of premium gaming laptops, designed to deliver top-tier performance at home, on the road, and anywhere in-between. With a slim profile of just 0.71 in. (17.99 mm), and weighing only 4.05 lbs. (1.84 kg), the Blade 14 is made to move.
CONSTANTLY CONNECTED
A comprehensive array of ports keeps users connected with two USB4 Type-Cs and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports that support a full suite of peripherals, including Thunderbolt™ docks. In addition to the plethora of ports to keep users connected in-person, the 1080p webcam enables users to connect to the outside world, featuring passwordless sign-in enabled by Windows Hello and a new mechanical privacy shutter for greater security.
PLAY ALL DAY
Equipped with a larger 68.1 Wh battery, the new Razer Blade 14 provides up to 10 hours of life[1] to get users through a full day of work or play. Within Razer Synapse, a new Battery Health Optimizer feature has been added, allowing users who like to stay plugged in, the ability to limit the charge capacity of the battery and better protect its health over the years. For the most mobile users moving, quick-charging is supported via USB-C – capable of reaching 80% charge in 1-hour[2]– to ensure less time is spent tethered to an outlet.
Combining a mobile design with mobile first features make Blade 14 the perfect choice for gamers, creators, and professionals who require maximum productivity and performance while on the move. Gamers can jump into play right away, with access to hundreds of high-quality games through the included one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
BIG PERFORMANCE
At the heart of the laptop is the new AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, the world’s fastest ultrathin processor[3], boosting up to 5.2GHz and featuring AMD Ryzen AI, the world’s first dedicated artificial intelligence engine on a Windows x86 processor[4]. AMD Ryzen AI hardware is integrated directly into the processor to handle AI workloads as quickly and efficiently as possible while freeing up the CPU and GPU for traditional, non-AI tasks. Ryzen AI gives gamers and creators access to AI-powered technology, delivering accelerated multitasking, increased productivity, advanced collaboration, and improved efficiency. Continuing the trend of processor-integrated security, Blade 14 will feature Microsoft Pluton™[5] to better protect users’ data whether they are at home, in the office, or if the device is lost or stolen.
Just as powerful as it is mobile, the new Blade 14 features up to the all-new GeForce RTX 4070 laptop GPU capable of achieving up to 140 W TGP to deliver more graphics power per cubic inch than any other 14-inch gaming laptop[6]. Beyond raw power, the Blade 14’s RTX 40 Series Laptop GPU can leverage AI-driven NVIDIA DLSS 3 frame generation to multiply performance even further.
Continuing a legacy of innovation, the Blade 14 features a bespoke vapor chamber cooling solution with the world’s thinnest exhaust fins (.05 mm) to increase CPU cooling performance by up to 5% while maintaining the overall compact form factor.
EXPANDABLE DDR5 MEMORY
The new Blade 14 ships with up to 32 GB of blazing fast DDR5-5600 MHz memory but for users looking to take their Blade 14 experience to the next level, the slotted memory is upgradeable up to 64 GB. Users looking for greater storage capacity can also upgrade the 1 TB NVMe SSD up to 4 TB. This means gamers and creators alike can customize their system to suit their specific needs and achieve new heights.
EDGE-TO-EDGE CLARITY
Matching power with pixels, the new Blade 14 is equipped with a modern 16:10 QHD+ display, packing in more pixels per inch of glorious gameplay. A fast 240 Hz refresh rate, an incredibly low 3 ms low response time, and AMD FreeSync (TM) Premium guarantee a crisp, frame-perfect gaming experience. Content creators will appreciate the vivid custom-calibrated display achieving 500 nits peak brightness and 100% DCI-P3 color space coverage for rich, detailed visuals.
PRECISION CRAFTED
The Blade 14 combines exceptional performance and portability in Razer’s signature sleek CNC cut anodized aluminum body, ensuring superior rigidity and durability. The silky-smooth glass touchpad has been expanded to give users more space to play and with Windows precision drivers, every swipe feels quick and accurate feedback. The laptop’s two front firing speakers are housed behind flush laser milled grills, allowing for an immersive audio experience and a sleek aesthetic. Connecting via the 3.5mm audio output further enhances the soundscape with THX Spatial, to provide rich and immersive positional audio. The user experience is powered by Windows 11, delivering a modern and intuitive interface for everything from productivity tasks to hardcore gaming and professional creative work.
AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT
All Blade laptops are protected by a 1-year manufacturing warranty and a 2-year battery warranty backed up by Razer’s award-winning customer support. For added peace of mind, users can also enroll in RazerCare, an optional protection plan that offers extended warranty coverage and dedicated 24/7 customer support.
The Razer Blade 14 is the ultimate combination of performance and portability, for users who want to experience extraordinary gaming and creative power on-the-go.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060/4070 Laptop GPU (140 W TGP)
Up to 32 GB DDR5-5600 MHz RAM (expandable to 64 GB)
14” 16:10 QHD+ 240Hz Display (up to 500 nits; 100% DCI-P3; <3 ms response)
0.71” (17.99 mm) thin; 4.05lbs (1.84 kg) light
Matte Black | Mercury White
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Starts at $2,399.99 USD / €2799,99 MSRP
Available beginning June 14, 2023 at 8am PT. Customers who purchase at Razer.com and RazerStore will receive a limited-edition Chroma Joyplot Razer Skin ($59.99 value) while supplies last.
For more information on the Razer Blade 14, please visit Razer.com.
Team17 Digital and Covenant.dev have today announced that dark fantasy strategy game Gord will emerge from the shadows and launch 8th August on Steam, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. Adventurers and strategy enthusiasts alike can pre-order their copy now for all platforms. Physical edition pre-orders for consoles and digital pre-orders on Steam will receive the additional ‘Hold Your Ground’ scenario for the game’s Custom Scenarios mode, a digital soundtrack, and a digital art book; digital pre-orders for consoles will receive the ‘Hold Your Ground’ scenario only.
Created by a team that includes former Frostpunk and The Witcher 3 developers, Gord is a single-player dark fantasy strategy game where, to survive, you must build, but to prevail, you must conquer the darkness beyond the gates. Complete life-threatening quests in this dark fantasy world while managing a populace whose personal stories and well-being can decide the fate of your tribe.
Those who can’t wait until launch to test their mettle in Gord’s ruthless world of horrific beasts and rich lore inspired by Slavic folktales, can sink their teeth into an English language-only demo from next week, 19-26th June, during Steam Next Fest. Additional languages for the game will be available at full launch, including Polish, German, Spanish (European and Latin American), Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Russian, French, Italian, Japanese, and Korean.
tinyBuild are proud to announce that they will be publishing FEROCIOUS, the upcoming single-player FPS adventure from independent studio OMYOG, coming to PC and consoles soon. After a catastrophic shipwreck, players awaken, marooned on a fog-shrouded and mysterious island. Its shores and jungles teeming with both prehistoric life and a shadowy private army intent on keeping the island’s secrets to themselves. A battle is about to erupt in this forgotten world, and only the fittest will survive. Get your first glimpse of the chaos to come in the gameplay reveal trailer below, first shown during the 2023 PC Gaming Show.
Inspired by classic pulp adventure stories like King Kong and modern tactical shooters such as Crysis, FEROCIOUS plunges players into intense jungle combat. Stalked by deadly predators and well-equipped soldiers alike, it’ll take cool nerves, a steady aim and an arsenal of customizable weapons to come out on top. Mastery of the jungle also reveals new tactical options, including stealth, evasion and even working alongside the native animals. Not everything here wants to take a chunk out of your hide.
Developed using Unity, FEROCIOUS is a testament to what a small independent team can achieve. A rich, detailed environment, textured with a mixture of hand-crafted and photo-sourced assets. The island’s shores are hammered by simulated waves, and the forests are dense with destructible foliage and physics-driven trees just waiting to be split by a hail of gunfire.
While many of the creatures living on the island are lifted straight from paleontology books, not everything here is immediately familiar. In this strange and isolated ecosystem, new creatures have evolved. Face the unknown, and battle for survival when FEROCIOUS launches on PC and consoles. Wishlist the game on Steam now to receive updates on development, and to hear the release date as soon as it’s announced.
Today, renowned indie horror publisher DreadXP burst with joy as it announced at the PC Gaming Show the release date for its puppet-filled survival horror game, My Friendly Neighborhood! This gosh darn spooky game releases on July 18, 2023, for Windows PC, but that’s not all; My Friendly Neighborhood will also release on PlayStation 4|5 and Xbox One and Series S|X at a later date.
Prepare for a charming adventure where felt and fear will consume you.
My Friendly Neighborhood puts you into the work boots of Gordon, a repairman tasked with shutting down the sudden broadcast of a canceled children’s TV show titled The Friendly Neighborhood. Back in the day, the loveable show lit up TV screens and the smiling faces of children all across the world. Fans loved its colorful cast of kooky puppets who took them on educational adventures and delighted them with fun games. But the show’s popularity waned over time, and the studio had to ultimately shut its doors. Now the show’s characters are back on the air for an encore… wait, are they eating each other!?
Featuring a mix of action and adventure, My Friendly Neighborhood is the perfect game for horror fans looking for solid and surprising scares rather than gore. Sure, there might not be any dead bodies, dismemberment, or decapitations, but don’t expect your new puppet pals to stay down for good. They demand hugs — intense, painful hugs.
My Friendly Neighborhood Key Features:
Friends or Foe-zz?: Meet and greet a colorful cast of puppet friends turned adversaries (and maybe turned friends again!)
Follow Directions: Non-linear, survival horror gameplay. Make sure to check your map!
Toys and Stuff: Arm yourself with unique weapons like the Rolodexer. Do you know your ABCs? You better — it’s your ammo
Brain Teasers: Solve an array of puzzles in the vein of the survival horror greats
Lots of Playspace: Experience a multitude of diverse environments, from the “BTS” Ray’s Workshop to Cardboard Crayon Halls
Don’t Be Messy: Enjoy a grid-based real-time inventory, ‘cause that’s just way better
There is no better way to start the summer than being able to move around freely. Atomi wants to help you beat traffic, avoid limited parking space, and enjoy buzzing around this summer using their latest micro-mobility solution, Atomi Alpha.
The Atomi Alpha is a motorized scooter with a stylish design, impressive performance, and it comes packed with smart technology. The competitively priced Atomi Alpha enables riders to effectively commute in style while avoiding traffic jams and high gas prices. Atomi Alpha was invented to provide an eco-friendly and flexible mode of transportation that can easily be carried around or securely locked, making it a great option to move around during the summer.
Atomi Alpha
The promo is currently only available on Atomi Scooters’ website for $449.99, but the product is also well-stocked on Amazon, Wellbots, and other online retailers.
