Author - Jerry Paxton

Marvel’s Midnight Suns Launch Date and New Trailer

2K and Marvel Entertainment today announced Marvel’s Midnight Suns will launch on October 7, 2022. Created by Firaxis Games, the legendary studio behind the critically-acclaimed, world-renowned Civilization and XCOM franchises, Marvel’s Midnight Suns is an all-new tactical RPG set in the darker side of the Marvel Universe. It will be available on PlayStation®5 (PS4™), PlayStation®4 (PS4™), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. The Nintendo Switch version of the game will be available at a later date. Rated 12 by PEGI, Marvel’s Midnight Suns is now available for pre-order.

When the demonic Lilith and her fearsome horde unite with the evil armies of Hydra, it’s time to unleash Marvel’s dark side. As The Hunter, your mission is to lead an unlikely team of seasoned Super Heroes and dangerous supernatural warriors to victory. Can legends such as Doctor Strange, Iron Man, and Blade put aside their differences in the face of a growing apocalyptic threat? If you’re going to save the world, you’ll have to forge alliances and lead the team into battle as the legendary Midnight Suns – Earth’s last line of defense against the underworld.

With an array of upgradeable characters and skills allowing you to build your own unique version of The Hunter, you will choose how to send Lilith’s army back to the underworld.

“We’re thrilled to invite players into the darker, supernatural side of Marvel,” said Bill Rosemann, Vice President and Creative Director at Marvel Games. “In Marvel’s Midnight Suns, our friends at Firaxis and 2K have created an incredibly unique and totally authentic Marvel experience that fans can leap into this October!”

As part of today’s announcement, 2K debuted a thrilling new cinematic trailer at Summer Games Fest 2022 that showcased the Midnight Suns in action against Lilith’s army, joined by two newly revealed and unlockable playable heroes – including Spider-Man! But just as the heroes come together to unite against Lilith, the Mother of Demons assembles her own twisted entourage – corrupted Fallen versions of Venom, Sabretooth, Scarlet Witch, and the Hulk!

“We know fans have been eager to see what’s coming next for Marvel’s Midnight Suns,” said Jake Solomon, Creative Director at Firaxis Games. “We’re honored by the opportunity to introduce so many new heroes and villains to Marvel fans and can’t wait for tactics players to discover the joys of fighting like a Super Hero in Marvel’s Midnight Suns!”

Marvel’s Midnight Suns will be available in four editions: Standard EditionEnhanced EditionDigital+ Edition, and Legendary Edition:

  • The Standard Edition will be available for £59.99/€69.99* on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. It includes the base game;
  • The Enhanced Edition will be available for £64.99/€74.99* on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It includes a next-gen optimized version of the game for next-gen consoles and five premium cosmetic skins;
  • The Digital+ Edition will be available for £69.99/€74.99* on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. It includes 11 premium cosmetic skins. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S SKUs include the next-gen optimized version of the game for next-gen consoles;
  • The Legendary Edition will be available for £89.99/€99.99* on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. It includes 23 premium cosmetic skins, as well as access to the post-launch Marvel’s Midnight Suns Season Pass**.

For a full breakdown of what’s included in each version of the game, as well as pre-order bonuses, please visit the www.midnightsuns.com.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns will allow you to:

  • Unleash the Darker Side of Marvel. Rise up against Lilith and her underworld army as you experience a deeply personal story that puts you at its center as The Hunter, the first customizable original hero in the Marvel universe. In the face of fallen allies and the fate of the world at stake, it will be up to you to rise up against the darkness!;
  • Lead Heroes from Across the Marvel Universe. Fight fire with hellfire and lead an unlikely team of seasoned Super Heroes and dangerous supernatural warriors across The Avengers, X-Men, Runaways, and more. Resist Lilith’s corruption and confront Fallen versions of some of Marvel’s most iconic and powerful characters, including Venom, Sabretooth and even the Hulk!;
  • Fight, Think, and Live Like a Super Hero. From legendary studio Firaxis Games comes a deep tactical RPG where you fight and strategize like a Super Hero! Create the perfect squad and customize their abilities, unleashing skills and attacks to devastate the battlefield. Live the Super Hero life in the Abbey, your very own mystical secret base, and strengthen personal bonds outside the field of battle.

For more information on Marvel’s Midnight Suns, visit www.midnightsuns.com and sign up for the 2K newsletter, become a fan on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube, follow on Twitter and Instagram, and join the conversation using the hashtag #MidnightSuns.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns is rated 12 by PEGI. Firaxis Games is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*Based on 2K’s suggested retail price. Actual retail price may vary. See local store for info.

**Marvel’s Midnight Suns Season Pass to deliver content after launch; more details will be shared in the future.

Squad-based Action Game Aliens: Dark Descent Announcement Trailer

Today, Focus Entertainment and Tindalos Interactive, in collaboration with 20th Century Studios, revealed Aliens: Dark Descent, an enthralling, single-player, squad-based action game set within the iconic Alien franchise for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, Xbox One and PC. Drop into an original Alien story where players will lead a squad of marines in real-time combat against the deadliest creature mankind has ever faced. Get a first look at the Aliens: Dark Descent experience awaiting you on the moon Lethe with this unnerving world premiere reveal trailer, as we follow a squad of Colonial Marines during a recon mission.

“We are honored to partner with 20th Century Studios and Disney to work on a new project from this emblematic franchise, and to team up with our excellent partners at Tindalos Interactive. Their expertise, talent and passion for the license will make Aliens: Dark Descent an iconic new chapter in the Alien series,” said John Bert, Managing Director at Focus Entertainment.

“The entire team at Tindalos is dedicated to delivering a gaming experience faithful to the spirit of the Alien franchise and adding its own, never-seen-before elements to this iconic universe. The gameplay we have developed is unique, inspired from our favorite tactical and CRPG games and packaged in nerve-wracking, real-time action. Translating from film to our game the sheer terror caused by the deadliest species known to man was quite a challenge, but I’m confident most of you will end up in strung-out shape – as Hicks himself would say,” said Romain Clavier, CEO & Creative Director at Tindalos Interactive.

“We’re excited to continue expanding upon the beloved Alien franchise with a deeper single-player story experience thanks to the bright minds from our friends at Focus and Tindalos,” said Luigi Priore, Vice President at Disney, Pixar & 20th Games. “Fans of the franchise should be excited to jump into a new genre experience and a new tactically thrilling gameplay offering unlike any of our previous Alien game titles.”

A new and original Alien story

Explore the horrors and wonders of the Alien universe like never before, immersing yourself in a brand-new Alien storyline that introduces a new threat and a cast of new Marines to the iconic horror franchise. Uncover Lethe’s sinister secret, battle against an onslaught of iconic Xenomorph creatures and put an end to this new menace.

Real-time, squad-based tactical combat

Recruit, gear up and customize your squad of Marines with an extensive arsenal of weapons, armor, and special abilities while exploring, as enemies will adapt their tactics to your actions to hunt you down. When ready, embark on high-stakes missions in treacherous territory, all the while gathering resources to fix up the stranded Otago spacecraft and researching tech upgrades for your crew.

Players will command a squad as one unit thanks to intuitive controls, allowing their Marines to automatically prioritize and execute complex actions in real time, based on their respective skill sets and the environment around them. Navigate levels strategically, making sure to leverage the persistent and reactive environments to your advantage by sealing off checkpoints, unlocking shortcuts, or creating safe zones.

Be cautious and monitor each Marine’s vitals – for any who falls in combat, death is permanent. Anticipate, think fast, and act faster to outwit the lethal creatures from the deeper hive. Will you make it out alive?

Aliens: Dark Descent, the riveting, single-player, squad-based action experience set in the Alien universe, will release on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, Xbox One and PC. For more information, visit the Focus Entertainment website.

Six Flags Great Adventure Unveils Summer 2022 Events and Annual Pass Program

Six Flags Great Adventure, the Northeast’s Largest Thrill Park, announces an exciting series of summer events and the introduction of the new Six Flags Annual Pass program.

During a season that already includes the largest array of guest experience improvements in the parks’ nearly 50-year history, the park will present a robust summer event lineup and a new pass that provides more flexibility and value than ever before.

Summer events include:

  • Six Flags Slamfest, June 18 – Northeast Wrestling presents Six Flags Slam Fest in the Movietown Arena. Meet & Greet autograph sessions with the stars will run from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, and a full-card wrestling event will follow at 5:00 pm – free with theme park admission. Ringside seats are available for an upcharge. The event includes superstars such as Malakai Black, Sammy Guevara, Tay Conti, Mick Foley, NZO, Erick Rowan, Mickie James, Matt Taven, Eddie Kingston and many more;
  • Father’s Day, June 18 & 19 – Families can celebrate the important “dad” in their lives while challenging thrilling coasters, yummy eats and craft beers;
  • Coca-Cola July 4th Fest, July 2 to 4 – One of N.J.’s largest and most spectacular fireworks shows runs nightly July 2 through 4 at 9 pm. Guests can celebrate the red, white and blue with an ice-cold Coca-Cola, refreshing surprises, heart-pounding thrills rides like Kingda Ka and the Medusa, and beat the summer heat with Log Flume and Congo Rapids. This event is included with theme park admission; and
  • Summer Vibes Festival, July 16 to Aug. 14 – This new summer festival promises eye-popping spectacles, specialty eats, beat-the-heat beverages, live entertainment and colorful curiosities for truly Instagrammable moments. Six unique, themed sections plus two additional experiences will bring the park to life in the sights, sounds and smells of summer Six Flags style.

The summer event series will run in addition to Six Flags’ extensive beautification and modernization efforts throughout the world-class theme park, Wild Safari and Hurricane Harbor. Improvements include increased capacity and streamlined operations in rides, food service, and admissions; new theming and reintroduction of Medusa for daredevils and Barnstormer for junior thrill seekers; aesthetic and comfort enhancements in all parks; the debut of popular food brands, new dining options and more guest amenities.

Six Flags Announces New Annual Pass Program

Six Flags unveils a new pass program featuring three different levels of benefits tailored to suit each guest’s preferences. This flexible, new program offers the option for 12 easy monthly payments:

  • Annual Thrill Seeker Pass:
    • $115.00 or 12 payments of $9.62;
    • Includes access to Six Flags Great Adventure, Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure and Hurricane Harbor New Jersey plus general parking and special savings (blockout dates apply);
  • Annual Extreme Pass:
    • $175.00 or 12 payments of $14.62;
    • Includes access to all Six Flags Outdoor Parks including Six Flags America outside Washington, D.C. and Six Flags New England in Agawam, Ma., plus general parking, two Junior Passes and special savings; and
  • Annual Ultimate Pass:
    • $350.00 or 12 payments of $29.24;
    • Includes access to all Six Flags Outdoor Parks including Six Flags America outside Washington, D.C. and Six Flags New England in Agawam, Ma., plus preferred parking, two Junior Passes, a ten-meal dining plan, and special savings.

In addition, for a limited time, guests have the option of a Summer Pass which includes access to Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure, plus general parking through Labor Day for only $69.99.

Guests can purchase and manage their Six Flags Annual Pass now by visiting sixflags.com/greatadventure or through the Six Flags App, where they can access a full list of benefits associated with their pass.

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed Announcement Trailer

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, the 4v1 hunt or haunt supernaturally-charged video game from the asymmetrical multiplayer experts at IllFonic, celebrates Ghostbusters Day with a virtual ghost hunt across IllFonic’s social media channels.

The contest runs from 6:00 AM PDT to 11:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, June 8, Ghostbusters Day, which celebrates the anniversary of the original Ghostbusters film in 1984. By entering the contest and earning additional entries by finding trivia across IllFonic and Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed social pages, fans can win a Deluxe Replica Proton Pack of their very own.

Those who don’t win will get to don a Proton Pack of their very own when Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed releases later this year on Epic Games Store for PC, Playstation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

D23 Expo 2022 Major Presentations Announcement

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced the lineup of the most highly anticipated presentations at D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa, September 9, 10, and 11. Disney100 kicks off at the biggest Disney fan event in the world celebrating 100 years of wonder as The Walt Disney Company enters its second century. The festivities begin Friday morning, September 9 with the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony and a kick-off to Disney100. Later that same day, The Walt Disney Studios will showcase what’s on the horizon from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Disney Live Action. On Saturday morning, the Studios will give fans a sneak peek at the latest from Marvel and Lucasfilm. Saturday afternoon, Disney Branded Television will preview their exciting slate. On Sunday morning, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and that afternoon, guests will enjoy a special presentation of Disney Princess – The Concert.

These incredible presentations will take place in “Hall D23,” the 6,900-seat venue located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center. The schedule of Hall D23 Events and Presentations is as follows (all events subject to change and additional events to be announced in the coming weeks):

Disney100 kicks off at D23 Expo on Friday, September 9 at 10:30 a.m. with an epic presentation that includes the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, featuring Disney CEO Bob Chapek. Legends will once again honor those visionaries and artists who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. Look for the names of the 2022 inductees to be announced in the coming weeks.

On Friday at 3:30 p.m., guests will be treated to new details, first looks, sneak peeks, surprises, and announcements regarding upcoming theatrical and Disney+ titles from Disney Live Action, Pixar Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Studio heads, filmmakers, and cast members will come together onstage with the inside scoop on some of these studios’ most exciting titles.

Filmmakers, celebrity talent and surprise guests join representatives from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, among others, onstage in Hall D23 to showcase theatrical and Disney+ titles on Saturday, September 10, at 10 a.m. Going behind the scenes of these studios’ highly anticipated films, specials and series, attendees will see exclusive footage and be among the first to learn what’s in the works.

Disney Branded Television, home to some of the most iconic stories and characters in the Disney canon, including Peabody Award winners Doc McStuffins and The Owl House, and culture-defining movie franchises like High School Musical and Descendants, presents an exclusive showcase of upcoming content that will carry on the legacy of excellence in storytelling with a look at the new Disney+ Original series National Treasure, American Born Chinese, and The Santa Clause, on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.  The showcase will include talent appearances and never-before-seen sneak previews of original content for Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior.

On Sunday, September 11, at 10:30 a.m., join Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro for a look at Disney’s boundless future. With announcements and updates on the magic happening around the world in parks, on the high seas, at home, and beyond, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the big dreams of Disney Imagineers. Every Disney fan will want to be a part of this special presentation full of exciting news and surprises.

Sunday afternoon at 4:15 p.m., Disney Concerts presents a special performance of Disney Princess – The Concert, featuring Tony® nominee Susan Egan (Broadway’s original ‘Belle’ in Beauty and the Beast, ‘Meg’ in Disney’s animated feature Hercules), Broadway.com® Audience Award-nominee Isabelle McCalla (’Princess Jasmine’ in AladdinThe Prom), Disney Channel star Anneliese van der Pol (That’s So Raven, Raven’s Home, Broadway’s final ‘Belle’ in Beauty and The Beast), and Broadway World Award–winner Syndee Winters (Broadway’s ‘Nala’ in The Lion King, Hamilton). Music Director Benjamin Rauhala (Fiddler on the RoofThe Secret Life of Bees) and enchanting Prince Adam J. Levy (Moulin Rouge) will also join the quartet. The acclaimed cast will perform favorite Disney Princess and Frozen songs, including classics such as “Part of Your World,” “Let It Go,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind” and “Almost There.”  The performers will share exclusive, hilarious, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen.

A limited number of single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2022 are available for $99 for one-day adult admission and $79 for children ages 3–12. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $89 for a one-day adult admission. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2022, visit D23Expo.com.

Schedule and talent are subject to change.

Cats & Soup Gets New Content Patch

NEOWIZ is thrilled to announce that its mobile phenomenon Cats & Soup has been updated with a meow-vellous patch that brings a host of new content to players around the world. It is the purr-fect update for mid-week gameplay and will leave everyone feeling paw-some!

Players will be able to visit the new Mini Room Furniture Shop where they can purchase furniture on a daily basis. These furniture items were previously only available from the in-game shop but now can be secured each and every day. Players can choose up to three pieces of furniture they’d like to purchase and viola! In addition, using the newly-added “refresh” feature will show new additions to the list for those looking for something new and different.

In celebration of the Cats & Soup official YouTube channel, “Kittypaw”, achieving over 400,000 subscribers in just under 5 months, the team is excited to offer its community the free limited-time “Pajama” costume set. Everyone who logs in before June 30th will receive this adorable addition to their costume collection for free.

The Smoke Persian cat joins the ranks of adorable felines inhabiting Cats & Soup. This furry kitty loves to sleep and it is making its debut with this paw-some update.

Lastly, there are two event-limited packages available:

  • World’s Best Professional Gamer Package featuring limited-time costume items, pieces of furniture, and gems.
  • Cute Shiba Package containing two Shiba friends with puddings and gems

Cats & Soup is now available for iOS devices via the App Store and for Android devices via Google Play.

Be sure to check out the Cats&Soup YouTube channel for more adorable videos of our favorite cuddle friends or head to the Cats&Soup Instagram for some of the cutest pictures ever. More information on Cats&Soup can be found at NeowizGlobal.com.

Crossout Mobile Update 1.7 Trailer

Gaijin Entertainment announces that the mobile online action game Crossout Mobile has received a major update 1.7.0. It adds the Free Market feature, the new battle pass dedicated to the Ravager faction, as well as new parts and weapons for building post-apocalyptic armored cars.

The key advantage of the Free Market is that the prices here are determined dynamically based on the balance of supply and demand – that is, the actions of the players. Popular goods become more expensive, and less popular ones become cheaper. This allows the Wasteland warriors to buy equipment for armored vehicles at fair prices and even earn in-game currency by trading and exploiting market fluctuations. A similar feature has been present in Crossout for PC and consoles for a long time, and now it has appeared in Crossout Mobile, a new game for iOS and Android mobile platforms.

The new Battle Pass gives you access to 70 rewards, including weapons and parts for building armored vehicles. For example, the epic Pulse Rifle “Adapter” pierces even the toughest armor and allows the owners to place laser turrets on the field that automatically detect and shoot the enemy. Among the rewards there are also unique cosmetic items that let the players express their support of the cruel and treacherous Ravagers.

The “Virion” content pack is also on sale now, containing an armored car based on the new legendary “Contemplator” cockpit and a pair of light cannons. The “Chameleon Mk2” invisibility module will help the players hide from the enemy, and the Hermit wheels are equipped with a device that temporarily takes control of enemy turrets. This design is great for hunting single targets and destroying them at medium range.

Detailed information about the update is available on the official website – https://mobile.crossout.net/

Pivo Pod Active Review

The Pivo Pod Active is a AI-driven, mechanized panning gimbal that, when coupled with various Pivo Pod apps, will allow your phone to automatically follow you while you create videos or take video calls. This means that, those creators out there looking to go hands-free and showcase or perform for the camera, can do that now without having to rely on a second person to hold the smartphone for them. The Pivo Pod comes in two basic flavors: the Pivo Pod Lite and the Pivo Pod Active. Both Pivo Pods are very similar in size and shape – the biggest differences being that the Lite version comes in a variety of colors and the Active version featuring a motor that is twice as fast for better action-tracking. The Pivo Pod Active was, until recently, referred to as the Pivo Pod Silver so you may still see it called that in various videos, etc.

Inside the box, you’ll find the Pivo Pod Active unit itself, a remote control, and a USB-C charging cable. It should be noted that the Pivo Pod Active is featured in several bundles on the Pivo website – some of which come with things like a tripod, travel case, smart mount, and more. However, in this review, we took a look at the basic Pivo Pod Active standalone package. The Pivo Pod Active itself is a black rubberized cylinder measuring about 2.5 inches in diameter and 3 inches tall. On the bottom side of the Pivo Pod Active, you’ll find three rubber feet that can extend out to the sides for greater support as well as a 1/4″ threaded mount for a tripod. On the front of the unit, you’ll find the on/off button with status ring light and, on the opposite side, the Pivo logo and USB charging port.

Pairing the Pivo Pod Active should be fairly straightforward if you are at all familiar with pairing Bluetooth devices on your smartphone. Once the Pivo Pod Active is turned on, just use the Pivo+ app to connect the device. It should be noted that sometimes the Pivo+ app will not detect the Pivo Pod Active even when turned on. It seems to have some bugs to work out still. That being said, using the Pivo Pod Active is not difficult and is overall a good experience. In fact, it is a bit too streamlined in some cases. For instance, there is no way to set your resolution, framerate, shutter speed, etc. It is all automatically handled by the app which might not work for your particular type of content. Attaching your phone to the Pivo Pod Active is accomplished via a knob-tightened clamp system that allows the phone to be mounted in either portrait or landscape orientations. It works well and doesn’t scratch your phone which is always a plus. It even includes a built-in bubble level to make sure the unit is angled where you want it.

The most confusing part of its usage is which of the five different apps to use for which situation. Unfortunately, they are all separate and it is easy to get mixed up between them. If Pivo decides to integrate them all into one app some day, I think that would be a good thing for the userbase. Pivo+ will probably be the app you spend most of your time in – that’s the app that simply handles recording video and tracking a subject. There is a lot of AI built into the app – it is even smart enough to track a horse, making it an outstanding choice out there for equestrians looking to record content. You can even set the Pivo Pod Active to “auto-zoom” which uses a digital zoom to keep the subject being tracked large enough within the frame. It’s a very cool feature. Aside from Pivo+, there is the Pivo Play app which records short videos using the tracking of the Pivo Pod to great effect in 12 different modes. This is where you can do things like clone yourself in a video clip – cool stuff. The Pivo Cast app is where you can do conference calling and social media casting albeit the app does seem to have some bugs to work out.

The Pivo Pod Active features about 10 hours of continuous use battery power – which I did not fully test as I couldn’t record content that long if I tried. But, it is nice to know that you won’t have to recharge it every day unless you are really taxing it. Using the remote control is easy and allows you to switch modes, start and stop recording, as well as manually adjust the rotation of the gimbal. The Pivo Pod Active is an outstanding auto-tracking smartphone gimbal for creators looking to present and record videos. While the app ecosystem is a bit confusing, the basic functionality of the Pivo Pod when coupled with the Pivo+ app is second to none. I highly recommend you pick up a tripod to go with your Pivo Pod, as that is a force multiplier when looking at replacing a camera operator with the automated system.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

RTX Austin 2022 Announced

RTX Austin, Texas’ largest celebration of gaming, podcasting and animation, is thrilled to announce highlights from its program of panels, screenings, special guests, evening events, and convention floor activations. RTX is returning to Austin July 1-3 this summer after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. RTX will take over downtown Austin with programming at the Austin Convention Center and the Hilton hotel, and special events at the Paramount, Stateside, and Bluestarlite theaters and the historic Scoot Inn. Weekend badges are available at RTXEvent.com.

Stop by the RTX Gaming Pavilion to catch live appearances from gaming talent on the RTX expo floor. Fans will have the exclusive opportunity to play their favorite video games alongside their favorite streamers! Featuring Rooster Teeth’s rockstar roster of gaming talent, including members of Achievement Hunter, Squad Team Force, Funhaus and special appearances by Therapy Gecko, BoomerNA, Datto, AvaGG, JenEricLive, CriticalBard, Lobosjr, and bloodyfaster.

Arcadegeddon from IllFonic studios makes its debut to gaming fans at RTX Austin this summer with its first playable version available exclusively at its booth on the RTX convention floor. Fans will experience this cooperative multiplayer game that provides a mix of PVE and PVP for all different speeds of play. RTX attendees can play to win free tickets to the concert in a tournament at the booth starting Friday, July 1. The concert at the Scoot Inn features live music from artists on the game’s soundtrack, including DJs UZ and AFK. Tickets start at $25.00 and can be purchased here.

APEX LEGENDS will host a special panel featuring stars from the game. Join writer/comedian Ify Nwadiwe as he speaks with Johnny Young (Crypto), Justine Huxley (Wattson), and Ben Prendergast (Fuse) about voice acting and the world and lore of Apex Legends.

Tabletop game fans can play live on the convention floor all weekend with over 100 incredible booths and 50 independent artists, featuring the best in gaming and gaming lifestyle. Game Kastle Austin will host live games, DnD one shots, and mini fig painting in a dedicated table top area on the show floor.

“The history of RTX has historically been steeped in gaming culture, and this year more than ever we are returning to those roots to bring the best in gaming to Austin July 1-3,” said Rooster Teeth’s head of events, Clarissa Gonzalez. “We’re lucky that RTX is able to come back this year when so many other gaming conventions haven’t been able to return. RTX has something for every gaming fan so we can all continue to celebrate the games and creators we love in person, together.”

The RTX Animation Festival will feature premieres, screenings, panels and special guests from popular adult animated series, including Adult Swim’s Primal, HBO Max’s Ten Year Old Tom, and Rooster Teeth’s RWBY Volume 9, RWBY: Ice Queendom, Minnow Mountain, Newscape Studios, and Neebs Gaming.

The Official RTX Cosplay Contest Presented by HBO Max returns with Alyson Tabbitha, Mangoloo, and Anna Fugate set as judges. This year, the cosplay contest will feature a new category for HBO and its @HeroMode characters. The winner of this category will receive a special prize from HBO Max. Other categories for this year’s contest include design, quality, accuracy, presentation, effort, and creativity. Cosplayers can apply for the contest on-site in the Hilton Austin Hotel, starting the morning of Saturday, July 2 at 10AM. Fans who are unable to attend RTX in person can also submit cosplay pictures of their favorite HBO Max character online for a chance to win.

The RTX Podcast Festival returns with a lineup of panels from some of the biggest creator-led podcasts, including Dead Meat Podcast, Therapy Gecko, Podcast But Outside, Super Carlin Brothers, New Rockstars, Danny Brown, Big Mood, Primm’s Hood Cinema, FoundFlix, Recreyo, Great Night, Scam Nation, Cult Podcast, and more!

RTX will feature the best of Rooster Teeth with panels from The Rooster Teeth Podcast, Achievement Hunter, Funhaus, RWBY, and Squad Team Force. Fans will get sneak peeks at new Rooster Teeth shows like Red Dragon Inn and RWBY Volume 9. The fun continues into the night with FIRST Night at the Paramount Theatre, the RTX Rave, Theater Mode Live at the Blue Starlite Downtown, and RTX Comedy Night!

For more information on RTX programming and events, please click here. For the schedule at a glance, click here.

Battlefield 2042 – Season 1: Zero Hour Unveiled

Electronic Arts and the Battlefield team revealed Battlefield™ 2042 – Season 1: Zero Hour, the game’s first season of post-launch content. Available June 9 on all supported platforms, this season features a new map with vertical thrills, a new Specialist, as well as tactical additions to the player’s arsenal of weapons and gadgets. These core content additions are freely available to all players as part of Battlefield 2042’s new Battle Pass*. Additional cosmetic items – including legendary skins and melee takedowns – are earnable through a Premium version of the Battle Pass**.

In Zero Hour, players can head to the Canadian Rockies and traverse the vertical terrain in the new Exposure map. Ground-to-air combat, as well as tight infantry fights, await within caves and among mountain ridges. Exposure will be available in All-Out Warfare and Portal when Season 1 launches.

This new season introduces Ewelina Lis, Battlefield 2042’s newest Specialist, a renowned vehicle-killer exceptionally skilled at tracking down and destroying armored land vehicles and aircrafts. Lis’ rocket launcher, which fires remote-controlled missiles for pinpoint accuracy, and the valuable-intel providing Armor Hunter trait make her a deadly foe to any vehicle on the ground or in the sky.

Zero Hour also adds new vehicles and items to collect. Pilot the new RAH-68 Huron and YG-99 Hannibal Gunships, equipped with radar deflection and advanced defensive capabilities. Choose from regular, light, heavy, and explosive ammo with the Ghostmaker R10 Crossbow and adapt to different combat situations. Take out enemies from afar in All-Out Warfare with the BSV-M Marksman Rifle, ideal for mid-range combat. Lastly, use the new Smoke Grenade Launcher in both offensive and defensive situations to open up new windows of opportunity and lay down extra cover for your squad..

Zero Hour brings with it a continuation of fixes across patches since Battlefield 2042’s launch, targeting stability, gameplay balance, gunplay, vehicle handling, performance and more – as outlined, alongside the pillars of our long-term support, in the recent Development Update. Battlefield Portal players will see the return of some iconic vehicles and experiences. Creators can look forward to a new game mode preset and expanded rules editor functionality.

For more information on Battlefield 2042’s editions, Dual Entitlement for current-gen purchases, the EA Play and EA Play Pro subscriber offerings and all other details on the game, visit https://www.ea.com/games/battlefield/battlefield-2042 or follow the game on YouTube, Twitter or Instagram.

This announcement may change as we listen to community feedback and continue developing and evolving our Live Service & Content. We will always strive to keep our community as informed as possible. For more information, please refer to EA’s Online Service Updates at https://www.ea.com/service-updates.

*Free Battle Pass content requires gameplay to unlock. Requires Battlefield 2042 (sold separately) and all game updates to play.

**Premium Battle Pass content requires Year 1 Pass (available for Gold/Ultimate edition owners) or Season 1 Battle Pass (sold separately) and gameplay to unlock. Requires Battlefield 2042 (sold separately) and all game updates to play.