Author - Jerry Paxton

E3 2021 Portal and App Details Revealed

2021/05/13

E3 2021 is going online next month, and the ESA is offering a first glimpse at what an all-virtual E3 will look like with details of the event’s online portal and app.

The E3 2021 online portal and app will be a key hub for the duration of the show, with virtual “booths,” hosted events, video conferencing, profile and avatar creation, online forums and more. The online portal, created by Game Cloud Network, HCL Technologies Ltd and Revyrie, Inc., will be the destination for all things E3, beginning with a media access week starting on Monday, June 7, followed by public access on Saturday, June 12, the first day of the E3 broadcast.

“From the moment we decided to host E3 virtually, we’ve been focused on providing an interactive experience for fans around the globe that goes beyond the typical livestream,” said Stanley Pierre-Louis, President & CEO of the ESA. “The result is a bespoke online portal and app that will allow fans, media and industry professionals to have an E3 experience designed to run parallel to the four-day broadcast, laying the foundation for interactive E3 elements to continue beyond this year’s all-virtual show.”

Registration for access to the online E3 portal will be free and begin later this month.

Beginning on June 12, the public version of the online portal will give access to:

Exhibitor Booths – Featuring special events, VOD content and articles, exhibitor booths will act as hubs within the portal for key announcements and game information tied to each exhibitor
Lounges – Online gathering spots for all E3 attendees
Forums – Special boards for focused online discussion and sharing among attendees
Leaderboards – Gamified show elements that can be collected and displayed, encouraging fans to interact in as many ways as possible
Profile Creation – All attendees can create their own unique profiles within the portal and app, which can be customized

The online E3 2021 portal and app will also feature the E3 live broadcast, with interactive overlays powered by Hovercast. The graphics will be interactive across platforms, including viewer polls, featured tweets, and more. The broadcast will be hosted by Alex “Goldenboy” Mendez, Jacki Jing and Greg Miller and feature major publisher showcases, press conferences, industry panels, extended livestreams and special guest appearances.

Prior to June 12, a five-day long media week will utilize the online portal and app to help media gain early access to connect directly with E3 exhibitors. An online calendar tool will allow for scheduling appointments, while also including video conferencing and chat features as needed. Media registration and credentialing will begin later this month.

The all-digital E3 2021 experience runs from Saturday, June 12 through Tuesday, June 15. Media, creators, industry professionals and fans are encouraged to visit the E3 2021 website for the most up-to-date information. In addition, the primary hubs to watch the E3 2021 broadcast (outside of the portal and app) include:

E3’s Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/e3

E3’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/e3

E3’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/E3

E3’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/E3Expo/

Before We Leave Out Now on Steam

2021/05/13

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Balancing Monkey Games, in partnership with independent games label and developer, Team17, has today brought its non-violent, civilization-building title Before We Leave on Steam. Set in a world rebuilding after an apocalypse and ripe for exploring and recivilizing, Before We Leave launches on Steam with brand-new content, including scenarios and weather that affects fatigue, crop growth, and movement speed; in-game performance updates; as well as the multiple waves of content first released on Epic Games Store during the past year when it was exclusive to the platform.

The new scenarios and weather update are also available to players on Epic Games Store.

The game’s Steam launch comes with a slew of incredible content updates that have been added to the game since it first launched a year ago. This includes

The Kraken Comes: An update bringing submarines, trading ships, the Kraken guardian, and underground shelters.
Over & Under: An update rolling out new overlays for better experiences, new UI and UX, new languages, and more.
Paving the Way: A visual upgrade, new roads, new resources, new type of Warehouse, new effects, and more.
Biomes & Beasties: Three new island biomes, new visuals, inclusion of animals, discoverable secrets, and more.

Before We Leave is available to purchase on Steam and the Epic Games Store for $19.99/€17.99/£15.99.

Friends: The Reunion Gets Premier Date on HBO Max

2021/05/13

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

HBO Max will debut FRIENDS: THE REUNION special on THURSDAY, MAY 27, the one-year anniversary of HBO Max’s launch. “Friends” stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer return to the iconic comedy’s original soundstage, Stage 24, on the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank for a real-life unscripted celebration of the beloved show.

FRIENDS: THE REUNION will feature a variety of special guests including David Beckham, Justin Bieber, BTS, James Corden, Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Lady Gaga, Elliott Gould, Kit Harington, Larry Hankin, Mindy Kaling, Thomas Lennon, Christina Pickles, Tom Selleck, James Michael Tyler, Maggie Wheeler, Reese Witherspoon and Malala Yousafzai.

Ben Winston directed the special and executive produced along with “Friends” executive producers Kevin Bright, Marta Kauffman, and David Crane. The special hails from Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon, Fulwell 73 Productions and Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions. Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, Perry, and Schwimmer executive produced the special. Emma Conway, James Longman and Stacey Thomas-Muir co-executive produced.

Corsair Unveils VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT Headphones

2021/05/13

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

CORSAIR®, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, today launched a new model in its flagship VIRTUOSO family of premium gaming headsets: the VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT. Connecting via hyper-fast SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS and Bluetooth® for simultaneous dual-wireless connections, in addition to high-fidelity USB and universal 3.5mm wired connection options, the VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT combines exquisite sound quality, comfort, and versatility. Now with Dolby Atmos® three-dimensional spatial audio to complement its extensive 20Hz-40,000Hz frequency range, the VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT offers greater audio immersion than ever before.

Now with four different connection options, the VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT delivers uncompromising sound quality from virtually any source, including PC, Mac, PS5/PS4 (wired or wireless), Xbox Series X and Series S (wired connection only), Switch, mobile, and more. Connecting with 24bit/48KHz SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS technology for a blisteringly fast, unwavering 60ft signal, the VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT also adds Bluetooth with the Qualcomm® aptX™ HD codec for simultaneous dual-wireless connections. A USB wired connection delivers high-fidelity 24bit/96kHz audio, while a universal 3.5mm connector ensures compatibility with a multitude of devices, built with an inline controller that conveniently controls volume and mute. With so many ways to connect, you can switch from PC to console, wired to wireless, 3.5mm to Bluetooth and back, all with just a single amazing headset.

The VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT produces incredibly rich, authentic sound thanks to a hand-matched pair of high-density 50mm neodymium audio drivers, meticulously tuned within +/-1db of tolerance for exceptional performance. With twice the frequency range of typical gaming headsets at 20Hz – 40,000Hz, and the addition of Dolby Atmos three-dimensional spatial audio to place the sounds of the game all around you, the VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT offers an immersive experience that lets you react faster and more precisely to in-game audio cues, so you can stay a beat ahead of the competition.

When the game is on the line, the VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT has the high-bandwidth mic to ensure your voice is heard. This detachable, omni-directional broadcast-grade microphone provides a wide dynamic frequency range up to 10,000Hz to pick up sound in amazing detail, so friends and teammates hear you loud and clear.

The VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT provides an even more luxurious listening experience than its predecessors, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or relaxing with your favorite playlist, with additional padding on its soft, premium memory foam ear pads and lightweight aluminum headband. A high-capacity lithium-ion battery powers the VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT for up to 15 hours per charge, assisted by an accelerometer-based smart-wake function that preserves battery life when you put the headset down temporarily.

When connected to USB or SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS, the VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT harnesses the power of CORSAIR iCUE software, giving you complete control over your headset’s audio and lighting settings. Choose from a range of pre-tuned audio profiles or adjust the equalizer to your exact specifications. Customize the integrated RGB lighting, shining through micro-perforations on each ear cup, with near-limitless color options and effects, and synchronize with all your RGB devices across the iCUE ecosystem.

Whether you’re tearing across the battlefield or relaxing after a hard-fought win, the VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT delivers the uncompromising sound quality and peerless comfort no matter how you choose to connect.

Availability, Warranty, and Pricing

The CORSAIR VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT is available initially from the CORSAIR webstore and Best Buy.

The VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT is backed by a two-year warranty and the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network.

For up-to-date pricing of the VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

To learn more about the VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT, please visit:

https://www.corsair.com/virtuoso-rgb-xt

For a complete list of all CORSAIR headsets, please visit:

https://www.corsair.com/gaming-headsets

Skybound Games Announces The Big Con

2021/05/12

Jerry Paxton

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

Skybound Games today announced it will publish developer Mighty Yell’s teenage grifting adventure game The Big Con. A classic coming-of-age story steeped in the nostalgic humor and flair of the ‘90s, The Big Con will debut later this summer on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, as well as for PC on Steam.

The Big Con stars Ali, a teenage con artist out to save her mom’s video store from unscrupulous loan sharks any way she can. In this open-ended adventure with punchy puzzles and dialogue, how players make that money is in their hands: pick pockets, pick locks, persuade marks, pilfer prizes, sneak around in disguises, and even profit off the latest plushie fad. From the visuals to the writing, The Big Con is a fun and hilarious trip back in time to an age that is farther away now than some of us would care to admit.

Quote from Dave Proctor, Game Director of Mighty Yell: “Making The Big Con has been an absolute blast. It’s really been an incredible experience for our team that while trying to make our players laugh, we have made each other laugh just as much. I’m really excited for more people to get their hands on the game; to see this wild, rad trip into the ’90’s we’ve created and hopefully have some fun (and maybe some feelings) along the way.”

The Big Con Features:

A comical narrative adventure game with open-ended situations, puzzles, and exploration.
Live the grift! Pickpocket, sneak, wear disguises, and con anyone you can.
Talk your way into deals and out of trouble.
Meet a weird cast of ‘90s characters, then rip ‘em off, or help them (if you feel like it).
Call home and argue with your mom.

Quote from Ian Howe, Co-CEO of Skybound Games: “The Mighty Yell team’s passion and excitement comes through in every aspect of The Big Con. The game is funny, entertaining and has made all of us at Skybound miss the ‘90s! We are elated to welcome The Big Con into the Skybound Games fold and can’t wait to introduce it to indie game and fellow ‘90s fans later this summer!”

The Big Con is available to wishlist on Steam now. The Big Con has been named an “Official Selection” for Tribeca Games as part of the Tribeca Film Festival, which will take place June 9 – 20.

Star Wars Celebration Anaheim Moved Up To May 2022

2021/05/12

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News

Since its inception in 1999, Star Wars Celebration has focused on bringing fans together to celebrate our shared love of all things Star Wars. As we look ahead to 2022, we are more excited than ever to welcome you back safely to the event.

In order to provide the best fan experience possible, and after further consideration with our hotel and venue teams, we have made the decision to adjust the dates for Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022 from August 18-21 2022, to May 26-29, 2022. These new dates will provide fans with more incredible offerings to enjoy at Star Wars Celebration!

We apologize for any inconvenience or impact to your plans which this change may cause. For any current ticket holders who may be impacted due to this change, please click here to view our FAQ, which includes information on hotels, health & safety, and more.

Important note to current ticket holders:

If you wish to keep your existing tickets, your order will be automatically transferred to the new event dates. You will receive a new confirmation email in the coming months and no further action is required on your part.
If you wish to request a refund for your 2022 ticket order, you may do so now by clicking here.

All ticket holders will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to submit a refund request, if you choose to do so. Ticket refunds requests must be submitted before June 11th, 2021.

The safety and wellbeing of all Celebration attendees will remain our number one priority over the coming year as we prepare for a safe return to Star Wars Celebration in May 2022.

We look forward to celebrating with you all May 26-29, 2022 at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim!

Disney On Broadway Unveils Re-Opening Dates for Shows

2021/05/11

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

The Lion King returns to Broadway’s Minskoff Theater on September 14, 2021 while Aladdin resumes performances at Broadway’s glorious New Amsterdam Theater on September 28, 2021. Tickets are on sale now. Visit disneyonbroadway.com for tickets and information.

As Disney on Broadway returns, it introduces a suite of added benefits that offers guests a flexibility unprecedented in Broadway history.

These benefits, created with the guest experience in mind, include Disney paying 100% of Ticketmaster service and order fees; the freedom to exchange or even cancel tickets at no charge up to and including the day of performance; and Double the Magic, a two-show package, which offers the greatest savings with tickets for both shows starting at $149 total. Broadway has traditionally offered its customers only two purchase models: advance purchase, ensuring performance date and seat location but offering no flexibility when plans change; or last-minute options such as TKTS or show lotteries, which offer greater value but preclude advance planning. Disney on Broadway offers far greater flexibility, combining the best of both models for the first time ever.

“After 18 months of being apart we are thrilled to welcome our audiences back and are proud to introduce these unique benefits to make buying Broadway tickets risk-free, flexible and affordable,” said Thomas Schumacher President & Producer Disney Theatrical Productions. “Broadway’s reopening – before tourists fully return – will be the perfect time for us tri-staters to attend Broadway as shows will be more accessible than ever.”

The September 14th return of Broadway – kicked off by Hamilton, The Lion King and Wicked – was announced this morning in a joint appearance on ‘Good Morning America.’ This rare alliance between Broadway’s three highest profile hits sends a message that Broadway is united in its commitment to ending a devastating period of hardship for the tens of thousands who make their living directly on Broadway shows and the tens of thousands in dependent industries.

Beyond Broadway, the North American tours of The Lion King and Frozen and international productions of five titles will be among the 20+ Disney Theatrical productions resuming performances in nine countries on four continents in 2021.

The New Amsterdam and Minskoff Theatres will follow New York State and CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of all actors, production staff, theatre employees, and audience members. As public health conditions and the State’s guidance for performing arts and live entertainment changes, the theatre will remain flexible and adapt to applicable health protocols, such as face coverings, health screening, enhanced air filtration and ventilation, and rigorous cleaning and disinfection. For information on safety protocols at The Minskoff Theatre visit lionking.guide. For information on safety protocols at The New Amsterdam Theatre visit aladdin.guide.

Disney on Broadway offers guests 3 brand new benefits when purchasing tickets exclusively via Ticketmaster.com:

DISNEY PAYS YOUR FEES

There are no extra per-ticket service charges on Ticketmaster. Pay only the ticket face value. Available for performances through August 7, 2022.

FREE CHANGES and CANCELLATIONS UP TO DAY OF PERFORMANCE

If you cannot attend your performance, exchanges and refunds are free. Available for performances through August 7, 2022.

DOUBLE THE MAGIC

Celebrate the return of Disney on Broadway by purchasing a ticket to both shows for one special rate, as low as $149 total. Available through July 1, 2021.

With each Double the Magic package purchased, you’ll receive one ticket to THE LION KING and one ticket to ALADDIN in the seating section you choose. If you don’t know yet when you want to join us, no problem. You can choose your performance dates any time after purchase and get personalized concierge service to secure your best seats. You’ll fill out a simple form when you are ready and we will take care of the rest.

Our other policies apply to your Double the Magic purchase as well:

Disney Pays Your Fees – No Ticketmaster service charges. Pay only the price you see.

Free Change and Cancellations– If you cannot attend, exchanges and refunds are free.

Hardspace: Shipbreaker Launches Salvage Your Future Update

2021/05/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Blackbird Interactive and Focus Home Interactive’s acclaimed sandbox spaceship salvaging game Hardspace: Shipbreaker has launched its newest update: “Salvage Your Future.” Building on almost a year of improvements through Steam Early Access, including new ships, a new salvaging tool and new game mode, today’s content drop brings the most substantial revamp to the game’s campaign yet. And now’s the perfect time to dive in: Hardspace: Shipbreaker is on sale for 30% off on Steam for a limited time!

You might be alone in space, but that doesn’t mean you have to be lonely! A whole new cast of characters has been introduced to Hardspace: Shipbreaker’s campaign. While living out the trials and tribulations of a spaceship salvager, you’ll meet and interact with fellow shipbreakers and other LYNX employees from all walks of life.

As part of the tutorial and Act 1 revamp, you’ll also discover a whole new way to learn the ropes before climbing through 30 Certification ranks! A host of additions and changes also arrive as part of the update, including a redesigned HUD, new stickers to personalize your tools, quality-of-life improvements and more.

Hardspace: Shipbreaker is in development for an official launch on PC and consoles in the future.

RiMS Racing Gameplay Trailer

2021/05/07

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

NACON and RaceWard Studio are pleased to present the very first gameplay images of RiMS Racing, a brand-new motorbike game concept scheduled for release on August 19. The experts from Italian studio RaceWard have developed a game that gives players an unparalleled experience, blending driving and mechanics, pushing the limits of realism and customization.

Hot on the heels of the Ducati Panigale V4 R and the MV Agusta F4 RC, another of the eight motorbikes available in RiMS Racing is presented: the Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory, winner of 7 SBK World Titles. A masterpiece of aerodynamics and speed thanks to the integrated winglets and a double-layered fairing, the latest offering from the manufacturer’s competition department incorporates the most powerful engine they have ever used, capable of up to 217 horsepower. Just as with each of the perfectly reproduced motorbikes in the game, the Aprilia will be optimized throughout the player’s progress using the mechanical interface developed by RaceWard Studio.

Racing conditions, riding style and mechanical status of the components have a direct impact on the motorbike’s behavior. By taking the customization to its most extreme level and thanks to a physics system offering unmatched precision, RiMS Racing highlights the connexion between each part and puts mechanics at the very core of the gameplay.

To ensure victory, players are able to fully disassemble their motorbike and replace every element to achieve the best possible setup by choosing over 500 official components: tires, discs, callipers, pads, suspension, springs, air filters, exhausts, brake and clutch master cylinders, brake fluids, engine oils, ECUs, fairings… and many more.

The player uses different tools to identify the mechanical components that can be upgraded, such as the Motorbike Status Check (MSC), which provides a real-time analysis of the motorbike’s status and performance. Players are at the controls and select, handle and integrate each required component in the driver’s HQ, in a brand-new gameplay feature.

This gameplay demonstration premier takes players to Germany and Norway, highlighting two of the iconic locations reproduced in RiMS Racing: the official Nürburgring circuit, considered one of the most difficult by a large number of drivers and with a wide range of turns; and the breathtaking Atlantic Road, lying between the ocean and land.

RiMS Racing will be available on August 19, 2021 on PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and on Nintendo Switch™.

Resident Evil Village Launch Trailer

2021/05/07

Jerry Paxton

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

Capcom’s highly anticipated survival horror game Resident Evil™ Village is now available worldwide on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Steam and Stadia. Resident Evil Village immerses players into an intense battle to survive the horrors of a remote snowy village where a diverse cast of mysterious locals and terrifying creatures await. This action-packed title is the eighth main entry in the award-winning Resident Evil™ franchise which has shipped more than 107 million units globally and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Resident Evil Village is eligible to upgrade for free from PlayStation 4 to the digital PlayStation 5 version (please see details here), and will support Smart Delivery for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles.

Resident Evil Village continues the story of Ethan Winters, set forth in the critically acclaimed Resident Evil™ 7 biohazard. Larger-than-life heroes like series veteran Chris Redfield, along with imposing adversaries like Lady Dimitrescu, are just some of the enigmatic characters Ethan encounters in order to save his daughter. In addition to an intense story campaign and robust gameplay, Resident Evil Village also welcomes back the fan-favorite The Mercenaries game mode. This extra mode is available upon finishing the campaign and has new added features, giving players additional challenges and ways to enjoy the village once they complete Ethan’s journey.

The newest console technology paired with Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine, also used to create acclaimed titles such as Resident Evil 7 biohazard, Resident Evil™ 2, Resident Evil™ 3, and Devil May Cry™ 5, delivers the most vividly realistic survival horror experience to date. Resident Evil Village is available today both physically and digitally in Standard and Deluxe editions. The Deluxe edition includes the base game and digital add-on “Trauma Pack,” which consists of additional in-game content including a Samurai Edge weapon, a Resident Evil 7 biohazard found footage screen filter, tape recorder save point option, safe room music “Go Tell Aunt Rhody,” immediate access to the “Village of Shadows” difficulty setting, the Baker Family Incident Report, and more.

As a thank you to fans celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Resident Evil franchise, those who purchase Resident Evil Village will also get access to the free multiplayer experience Resident Evil™ Re:Verse, coming later in Summer 2021.