Author - Jerry Paxton

The Cycle: Frontier Closed Beta Test Extended

The closed beta for YAGER’s new high-stakes survival shooter The Cycle: Frontier has been going on since the beginning of October, and the revamped PvPvE multiplayer game is not only convincing new players to check it out, but also making a big mark with Twitch viewers. Earlier this week, it was one of the highest trending games on the platform with more than 1.7 million hours watched, already outpacing the 1.2 million hours watched of the original The Cycle over the course of three years.

To give even more players a chance to dive in, experience the action, and offer feedback to help shape the game, the closed beta is being extended by an additional week until Nov. 8, 2021. Players can register for The Cycle: Frontier’s ongoing closed beta here: Steam + Epic Games Store.

Some quick stats from the closed beta so far: 1,928,613 AI opponents have been defeated, and while 72,428 Prospectors had their trips cut short by AI, a whopping 248,067 fell to other players in PvP battles. But it is not only the armed Prospectors and AI opponents who can be dangerous – the hostile planet of Fortuna III itself racked up an impressive kill count of 2,004.

The Cycle: Frontier is a free-to-play, high-stakes FPS PvPvE shooter. The goal is to complete missions on a deserted planet while defending yourself from deadly creatures and armed opponents. But beware: resources and mission objectives can only be kept if you leave the planet alive. Resources can be used for weapon upgrades and other improvements that have a positive effect on future drops. The Cycle: Frontier offers a competitive multiplayer experience; whether playing solo, in a squad with friends, or making alliances with strangers, The Cycle: Frontier delivers the ultimate survival combat for everyone.

Seagate Announces New Capacity Options for Xbox Series XS Expansion Cards

More than ever, today’s Xbox fans needs more storage space to keep their console games easily accessible without sacrificing performance. Today, Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), officially added 512GB and 2TB capacity options to its Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S line up. Just in time for the holidays, players can now choose from 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB external storage capacities for a streamlined gaming experience replicating the speed and performance of their Xbox Series X|S console’s internal storage.

With a sleek design exclusively designed for Xbox, the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is the only external storage device that enables users to leverage the full performance of the Xbox Velocity Architecture when playing games that have been optimized for the next generation of Xbox consoles. With the added capacities, more Xbox fans can collect and play new and legacy games directly from the storage card without sacrificing graphics, speed, load times, or frame rates. The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is backwards compatible with games from all four generations of Xbox, including Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox. It includes a three-year limited warranty, so players have peace of mind knowing their games and data are safe.

The perfect holiday gift for Xbox fans, the new Seagate Storage Expansion card for Xbox Series X|S 512GB capacity is available for preorder now for $139.99, and the 2TB capacity will be available for preorder next month for $399.99. The 1TB capacity is available now for $219.99.

Vampyr Gets Free Next-Gen Graphics Upgrade

DONTNOD and Focus Entertainment’s narrative-driven action RPG, has received a free upgrade to its graphics on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4 Pro and Xbox Series X|S, significantly improving the experience across the board.

With the free upgrade, available now, players can enjoy the full Vampyr experience in glorious 60 FPS and 1440p on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X. 1440p is also available on PlayStation®4 Pro and Xbox Series S.

And it’s perfect timing – you can grab Vampyr for up to 75% off today on the PlayStation and Xbox digital storefronts, as well as Steam.

Vampyr is also available on PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. For more information, visit: https://www.focus-entmt.com/en-us/games/vampyr.

The Molasses Flood Acquired by cd Projekt RED

CD PROJEKT announces the acquisition of US-based developer, The Molasses Flood. Founded in Boston in 2014 by Bioshock, Halo, and Guitar Hero & Rock Band series veterans, The Molasses Flood is known for survival and base-building games The Flame in the Flood and Drake Hollow.

“We’re always on the lookout for teams who make games with heart,” says Adam Kiciński, President and Joint CEO, CD PROJEKT. “The Molasses Flood share our passion for video game development, they’re experienced, quality-oriented, and have great technological insight. I’m convinced they will bring a lot of talent and determination to the Group.”

“From the inception of The Molasses Flood, it was our goal to create games that touch and inspire people,” says Forrest Dowling, Studio Head at The Molasses Flood. “When CD PROJEKT approached us about the possibility of working together, we saw an incredible opportunity to reach a much wider audience through a collaboration with a company we love, creating games in worlds we love. We could not be more excited to continue our mission with the support of CD PROJEKT and their incredibly talented team.”

The Molasses Flood will be working in close cooperation with CD PROJEKT RED, but will keep their current identity and will not be merged with existing teams. The studio will be working on its own ambitious project which is based on one of CD PROJEKT’s IPs. Details about the project will be announced in the future.

SkyPark at Santa’s Village Unveils Airstream Trailer Campground

SkyPark at Santa’s Village today announces the opening of its newest guest experience; The SkyStream Resort, a year-round vintage Airstream Trailer campground where guests can reserve vintage Airstreams and spend the night on the edge of the San Bernardino Mountains. The camp offers sweeping views of the valley, just steps away from the SkyPark at Santa’s Village fantasy adventure theme park.

“This is the ultimate glamping experience for those who want to immerse themselves in luxury and mountain beauty,” says Michelle Johnson, the park’s Creative Director and Co-Owner. “It’s perfect for those who want to get away from it all without all the actual work of regular camping. Our Airstream Trailers are completely refurbished and restyled to reflect the chic design and sophistication of modern glampers. You bring the food and drinks and we’ll provide everything else.”

The SkyStream Resort is a special enclave of vintage Airstream Trailers located at the SkyPark Camp and RV Resort. “ Each trailer is over 50 years old and has been impeccably restored,” says Johnson. “Each has its own quirkiness and personality. The best part is that each Airstream has an incredible view of the valley below and the sparkling skies above at night. Bring your family, your friends, or just yourself. We’re very Instagram ready.”

Amenities for each trailer include a DreamCloud mattress, Keurig Coffee Bar, air conditioning, electric fireplace, a mini-fridge, custom bedding, a private patio with a gas fire pit, picnic table, and benches. Two Adirondack chairs also adorn each campsite. Accommodations include a queen or a full mattress and a convertible sofa or trundle bed for additional guests. Bed linens are provided for the beds and convertible sofas. Bath linens and sundries for showers, as well as bathrooms, are also provided in our beautiful Camp Restroom, just steps away. Community fire pits and outdoor games are also available in the camp’s common areas.

To visit SkyPark at Santa’s Village, visit: https://skyparksantasvillage.com

To SkyPark Camp & RV Resort, visit: http://skyparkcamprv.com/skystream

MAINGEAR Unveils R1 Razer Edition Custom Gaming Desktop

Today at RazerCon, MAINGEAR — an award-winning PC system integrator of custom gaming desktops, notebooks, and workstations — announced a brand new gaming desktop devised in collaboration with leading global lifestyle gaming brand Razer: the MAINGEAR R1 | RAZER Edition, a fully customizable Chroma RGB compatible gaming PC.

The R1 | RAZER Edition is a blend of the sleek form and vibrant Chroma RGB aesthetic that Razer is known for and the high-performance interiors that MAINGEAR prides itself on. The R1 | RAZER Edition includes Razer’s signature Tomahawk mid-tower ATX chassis, which has dual-side tempered glass, amazing thermals, swivel doors, and beautiful underglow lighting. The R1 | RAZER Edition features the latest graphics options from industry leaders AMD and NVIDIA, and top processors from Intel and AMD. All custom R1 systems include options for the latest graphics cards, up to 128GB of 3600MHz memory, and a full range of ultra-fast Gen4 NVMe SSDs. Razer’s award-winning Chroma RGB lighting ecosystem is built-in, offering a unique library of customizable lighting effects that feature over 16.8 million colors.

“I started MAINGEAR as a gamer with an obsession to build the ultimate gaming PC and with the single goal of making PC gaming better,” said Wallace Santos, MAINGEAR Founder and CEO. “Razer has solved some important problems in PC gaming by creating a strong ecosystem powered by Chroma RGB lighting, and the new R1 brings MAINGEAR and Razer’s visions together to deliver the ultimate, seamless PC gaming experience.”

The R1 | RAZER Edition is available as either a custom build or as one of four pre-configured options. The custom option puts gamers completely in control of their PC’s components and aesthetic, while the pre-configured models feature components hand-selected by MAINGEAR’s team of configuration experts. MAINGEAR will additionally offer the latest Razer PC components — such as the Razer Kunai Chroma Performance Fans, Razer PWM PC Fan Controller, and Razer Hanbo Chroma AIO Liquid Cooler w/ARGB Pump Cap — for selection in R1 | RAZER Edition configurations when available.

Combined with MAINGEAR’s award-winning pre-built expertise, the R1 | RAZER Edition is built for gamers and anyone looking for a PC that’s dripping with personality and performance. 

MAINGEAR R1 | RAZER Edition Specs and Features:

  • Razer Tomahawk Chassis
  • Optional Chroma RGB compatible fan kit available
  • Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 / AMD Radeon 6900 XT
  • Up to AMD Ryzen 9 5950X / Intel Core i9-11900K
  • The Latest MSI Motherboards
  • Up to 128GB DD4 3600MHz Kingston FURY Renegade Memory
  • Up to 4 2TB Samsung 980 Pro Gen4 NVMe SSDs
  • Up to 2 4TB Samsung 860 Pro SSDs
  • Up to 2 10TB Seagate Ironwolf HDDs
  • Up to 1200W 80+ Platinum Power Supplies
  • Windows 10 Home or Pro

The MAINGEAR R1 | RAZER Edition retails starting at $1,699 USD and is available now for purchase from MAINGEAR.com.

For more information about the MAINGEAR R1 | RAZER Edition, please visit: https://maingear.com/razer.

Corsair Unveils New PRO Series of CPU Water Blocks

CORSAIR® (NASDAQ: CRSR), a world leader in enthusiast components for gamers, creators, and PC builders, today announced a new PRO generation of performance custom cooling CPU water blocks in the award-winning Hydro X Series: the XC5 RGB PRO and XC7 RGB PRO. Equipped with more than 110 high-efficiency micro-cooling fins and an innovative quad-split flow design, these new water blocks deliver extraordinary cooling paired with vibrant RGB lighting at the heart of your loop. With compatibility across the entire range of modern CPUs from Intel® and AMD®, including the upcoming Intel® LGA 1700 socket, the Hydro X Series delivers the cooling you need to help your next stunning PC build run at its full potential.

Thanks to new precision-machined copper cold plates and a quad-split flow design with multiple inlet channels, the XC5 RGB PRO and XC7 RGB PRO achieve fantastic cooling performance, up to 4°C lower than their previous generation counterparts. Their durable construction with reinforced standard G1/4” threads will keep your CPU running at its best for years to come.

The XC5 RGB PRO shines with 16 RGB LEDs customizable across eight lighting zones and a solid top for a refined and minimalist appearance. RGB lighting can be controlled and synchronized across all CORSAIR iCUE-compatible RGB devices with a CORSAIR iCUE Controller (sold separately) and iCUE software, or controlled via compatible motherboards with an included 5V ARGB adapter cable. The XC5 RGB PRO is available with either Intel or AMD brackets, for easy installation on LGA (1700, 1200, 115X) or Socket AM4, respectively.

The XC7 RGB PRO ups the ante with nickel-plated copper cold plates and a transparent flow chamber to further show off your coolant and lighting, in addition to its 110 high-efficiency micro-cooling fins and quad-split flow design. Its 16 RGB LEDs are all individually addressable for even more intricate lighting effects. The XC7 RGB PRO includes brackets to fit both Intel LGA (1700, 1200, 115X) and AMD Socket AM4.

Whether you’re building a new custom cooled powerhouse or looking to improve the performance of your current system, the new PRO Series water blocks will help you get the best out of your CPU.

Availability, Warranty, and Pricing

The CORSAIR Hydro X Series XC5 RGB PRO and XC7 RGB PRO are available immediately from the CORSAIR webstore and the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors.

The CORSAIR Hydro X Series XC5 RGB PRO and XC7 RGB PRO are backed by a first-rate three-year warranty, alongside the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network.

For up-to-date pricing of the CORSAIR Hydro X Series XC5 RGB PRO and XC7 RGB PRO, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

To learn more about the CORSAIR Hydro X Series XC5 RGB PRO, please visit:

https://www.corsair.com/hydro-x-series-xc5-rgb-pro

To learn more about the CORSAIR Hydro X Series XC7 RGB PRO, please visit:

https://www.corsair.com/hydro-x-series-xc7-rgb-pro

For a complete list of all CORSAIR Hydro X Series parts, please visit:

https://www.corsair.com/hydro-x-series

Join the discussion on the CORSAIR Forums at https://forum.corsair.com

RazerCon 2021 Sees Zephyr Launch and Tons of Product Announcements

Today at RazerCon, Razer, the leading lifestyle brand for gamers, revealed a packed lineup of exciting announcements expanding the company’s diverse ecosystem of hardware, software, and services.

Tentpole announcements of the event include Razer’s official commercial launch of the Zephyr Smart Mask, the unveiling of a whole new family lineup of gaming chairs named Razer Enki, and the company’s expansion into manufacturing and selling a full line of all-new PC Components. Additionally, Razer announced sustainability partnerships with Underwriter Laboratories (UL) and luxury watch manufacturer Panerai. You can find more details about these announcements and other highlights from the virtual event below:

Product Announcements

  • Zephyr Smart Mask

    • Razer launched the highly-anticipated Zephyr Smart Mask. Initially revealed as a concept prototype called Project Hazel at CES 2021, the Zephyr is Razer’s first consumer product iterated from the Project Hazel prototype, and expands upon years of developing wearable lifestyle products such as the Anzu glasses. Zephyr provides safety through both functionality (surgical N95 respirator, active ventilation system) and form (transparent covering, form fitting silicone face mold, and customizable facial illumination).

    • Availability: Razer Zephyr is available at Razer.com from $99.99 USD / €109.99 MSRP

  • Enki Gaming Chairs

    • Razer launched a brand new family of gaming chairs called: Razer Enki. The Razer Enki, whose core design philosophy is around all day gaming comfort, naturally influences individuals’ posture by relieving pressure and stress on the back and legs. The exterior of the chair is encased in a high grade eco-sustainable synthetic leather for refined comfort that can withstand wear and tear. Razer is also offering an entry level price point to the Enki family in the Razer Enki X – featuring the same core design elements as the Razer Enki for essential all-day gaming comfort. For those looking for an ultra-premium seating experience, the Razer Enki Pro comes with a Carbon-Fiber finish, premium Alcantara® and sustainable leatherette, with a dual-density backrest cushion for targeted back comfort. Assets here.

    • Availability: The Razer Enki, and the Razer Enki X are available now at Razer.com and select retailers starting at $299 USD / €329.99 MSRP. The Razer Enki Pro will be available in early 2022.

  • PC Components

    • Razer unveiled the Razer Kunai, Razer Hanbo, Razer Katana, and Razer PWM Fan Controller, a new portfolio of high-performance PC components engineered for enthusiasts to build the ultimate gaming desktop. The new components will include cutting edge hydraulic case fans, all-in-one liquid coolers, a variety of industry leading platinum rated power supplies and controllers for maximum performance and customization.

    • Availability: The Razer Kunai and Razer PWM PC Fan Controller are available now on Razer.com and authorized retailers. The Razer Hanbo will be available in November, and the Katana will launch in 2022.

  • Kraken V3 Headsets

    • The Razer Kraken V3 Family lineup marks an overhaul to the fan-favorite Kraken by retaining proven headset fundamentals and implementing Razer HyperSense to deliver a lifelike experience with more features.

    • Availability: Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense, and Razer Kraken V3 are available at Razer.com and select retailers from $99.99 USD / €109.99 MSRP. Razer Kraken V3 Pro will be available later in Q4.

  • Razer Book Quartz Laptop

    • Crafted for go-getters and spirited entrepreneurs with fearless individuality, the ultraportable Razer Book now comes in Quartz. The Razer Book comes with Intel EVO certification and Windows 11 preloaded to take productivity to the next level. Including a bezel-less display, all-day battery life and weighs in at under 3 lbs. and only 0.6” thin.

    • Availability: The Razer Book in Quartz is available at Razer.com and select retailers from $999.99 USD / €1,099.99 MSRP.

Sustainability Partnerships

  • Razer revealed two new sustainability partnerships with Underwriter Laboratories (UL), the global safety science leader, and Panerai, the luxury watch manufacturer, on their mission to create a more sustainable ecosystem around its products and build awareness around environmental conservation.

  • Through the partnership with UL, Razer endeavors to create a comprehensive and objective way for manufacturers around the world to improve how they measure the impact of their manufacturing processes on the environment with new Product Category rules. New labels and these new product category standards will be applied to all future Razer products. Additionally, Razer has committed to enhancing ocean literacy with luxury watch brand Panerai, and jointly announced a limited-edition, co-branded timepiece made from sustainable material, which will be hitting the market in 2022.

Farming Simulator 22 to Introduce Beekeeping and Greenhouses

Farming will be as sweet and delicious as ever: Developer and publisher GIANTS Software introduces new beekeeping features to produce honey, and greenhouses to grow juicy strawberries, healthy lettuce and tomatoes in Farming Simulator 22. A new trailer also shines light on the livestock animals, even cuter than before, as well as the new wildlife whirling around through fields and forests.

In combination with the new production chains, farmers can extend their operation significantly through more options and produce way more than just the usual crops. This way of direct and local distribution allows for more complexity, especially in multiplayer mode with multiple farmers working together.

https://youtu.be/Nkwgr_JIDqE

Let’s make some money, with honey!
The irrefutable importance of bees shows itself in Farming Simulator 22 through various effects on the farm: by placing beehives in proximity to canola, potatoes, and sunflowers, the yield of said crops will rise thanks to pollinating. Of course, the bees also do what bees do best: produce a sweet, golden and viscous substance.

Stored on generated pallets, beekeepers (preferably wearing the new protective beekeeping suit) can either sell honey directly or deliver it to the cereal factory, where it’s used among other ingredients to produce a crunchy breakfast product. While the beehives in varying sizes are productive during warm seasons, they will only serve as a place for a buzzing slumber party when it gets cold.

Greenhouses to secure income during winter
With seasonal cycles coming to Farming Simulator 22, virtual farmers need to prepare for winter. While plowing snow and tending to livestock, additional income can be generated by building greenhouses in varying sizes. With plants and trees withered during the cold months, growing strawberries, lettuce and tomatoes will still provide a green sight – as long as fresh water is provided. And the profitability of the farm during winter is guaranteed.

Farming Simulator 22 releases on November 22nd for PC, Mac, PlayStation®5 (PS5™), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and Stadia.

Conan Exiles People of the Dragon DLC Gets Official Launch Trailer

Released today on PC, PlayStation and Xbox, People of the Dragon Pack introduces 110 new items ranging from medieval building pieces to weapons, armor and placeables. The newest Conan Exiles DLC is themed around the proud kingdom of Nemedia, Aquilonia’s longtime rival and neighbor to the east.

While Nemedia is perhaps most famed for fostering the leading philosophers and historians in Hyboria, the old kingdom can also boast a powerful army and have held the Aquilonians at bay for millennia. The People of the Dragon Pack allows you to create your own version of a Nemedian stronghold, taking this history into account.

Among the new placeables you will find journals, scrolls and a bookshelf, representing the learned women and men of Nemedia, whereas the new weapons and armor pieces allow you to charge into battle donning the fierce dragon emblem. And as a counterweight to the Roman inspired Aquilonian architecture, Nemedian building pieces have a distinct Germanic touch. Most of the new items are displayed in the brand-new People of the Dragon Pack trailer.

All the new content in People of the Dragon Pack is exclusive to this DLC and adds a host of new visual options but does not give any in-game advantage in power. All the new items have comparable stats to existing items.

Conan Exiles is an open world survival game set in the savage lands of Conan the Barbarian. Launched in full on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation in 2018, it quickly became one of Funcom’s best-selling and fastest-selling games and has since been continually updated with improvements and new content. The game’s first massive expansion, Isle of Siptah, was launched earlier this year, and featured a vast new island to explore.