Author - Jerry Paxton

T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert to Give CES 2022 Keynote

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® today announced that T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert will deliver a keynote address during CES® 2022, the world’s most influential technology event. Sievert’s keynote will discuss 5G innovations for consumers, businesses and thought leadership – and spotlight a look into the future of how these advancements are enabling people to work, communicate and learn more efficiently.

“As we return to in-person events, we look forward to convening innovators and business leaders from around the world who will showcase how technology impacts and improves every facet of our daily lives,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “The pace of innovation has accelerated over the last 18 months, and the rapid roll-out of 5G will only increase the momentum. There’s so much excitement in this space and for the first time, we welcome Mike Sievert to our keynote stage to share more about T-Mobile’s vision for fueling 5G innovation.”

5G is the key ingredient driving the future of many industries – from telecommunications and healthcare to transportation and smart cities – and will eventually underpin the global economy. CES 2022 will showcase these technologies and bring together industry advocates, including Mike Sievert, to share insights on the where 5G is headed.

“The last year has shown us the critical role connectivity plays in our lives – for consumers, businesses and society as a whole,” said Sievert. “As the nation’s 5G leader, T-Mobile is driving a transformation in wireless communications. I can’t wait to keynote CES 2022 and showcase new ways this 5G network is unleashing game-changing innovations both now and in the future!”

As CMO, COO and now CEO of T-Mobile, Sievert leads a customer-crazed team of disruptors and innovators, working tirelessly over the last eight years to change the rules of wireless, resulting in T-Mobile becoming the fastest-growing company in the industry. As CEO, Sievert is unrelentingly focused on supercharging the successful Un-carrier strategy to deliver both the best value and best network in wireless and building a company and culture that is world-famous for putting customers first.

CES returns to Las Vegas Jan. 5-8, 2022, with Media Days taking place Jan. 3-4, 2022. This is the first CES 2022 keynote announcement, as CES heads back to Las Vegas for an in-person event . The CES keynote schedule will be updated regularly as keynote speakers are announced. Top visionaries and thought leaders will speak and share insights on premiere technologies during CES 2022. The keynotes will be viewed in-person in Las Vegas and accessed across the globe through the digital experience, giving the world a front row seat to experience the future of technology.

Virtual Crunchyroll Expo Reveals Event Lineup

Virtual Crunchyroll Expo is right around the corner and Crunchyroll is bringing together the global anime community to celebrate the beautiful art form of anime through guest panels, premieres, performances and more. There’s so much content planned for this year’s event that, in addition to four live stages for three days, fans worldwide can view panels 24 hours a day until 10 PM PT on August 9 in the Video on Demand section.

This year, fans will be welcomed back to New Crunchy City and can expect:

  • An incredible lineup of guests including voice actors and creative staff from Black Clover, JUJUTSU KAISEN, My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! X, The Rising of the Shield Hero and To Your Eternity among many others.

  • World premieres including the original anime series SAKUGAN, Restaurant to Another World 2 and the new OVA for Crunchyroll Original TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You ~SNS~!

  • First looks at Fena: Pirate Princess, a Crunchyroll and Adult Swim Original, ORIENT, The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window and In the Land of Leadale, alongside Crunchyroll Original High Guardian Spice, which will make a special appearance in the Crunchyroll Industry panel.

  • An extensive slate of panels including The Making of Blade Runner: Black Lotus, an upcoming Crunchyroll and Adult Swim Original, Professional Athletes of Anime panel including Defensive End Ifeadi Odenigbo of the New York Giants and Defensive Tackle Larry Ogunjobi of the Cincinnati Bengals, and fireside conversations with voice actors Junya Enoki (JUJUTSU KAISEN, Girlfriend, Girlfriend) and Zeno Robinson (My Hero Academia), just to name a few.

  • The return of Crunchyroll-Hime’s Cosplay cup, which includes 41 finalists from 8 different countries including Australia, Brazil, Japan, Trinidad, and more, all  vying for the top spot.

  • A showcase from Crunchyroll Games on the latest titles, partnerships, launches and more including special guests from Princess Connect! Re: Dive, Mitrasphere, and Grand Summoners.

  • Musical performances by 7 Billion Dots, Burnout Syndromes, MAGIC OF LiFE, Rhythmic Toy World, and TeddyLoid.

  • Concerts featuring music from The Rising of The Shield Hero and Tower of God

This exciting programming will be featured within Virtual Crunchyroll Expo’s immersive digital convention experience, allowing fans to enjoy and explore New Crunchy City. Each online city district represents the areas that fans are used to enjoying at live conventions including:

  • The Theater District featuring more than 100 hours of content across 4 live-streaming stages. Video on Demand will also be available for 5 days, with select content available in 7 languages.

  • The Super Arcade will house fan activations and activities like galleries for TSUKIMICHI -Moonlit Fantasy- and The aquatope on white sand, alongside Crunchyroll’s fan-favorite celebrity-inspired anime art gallery.

  • The Anime Arts District will feature V-CRX’s online artist alley where fans can purchase directly from artists around the world.

  • The Central Shopping District bdorfeaturing tons of shopping experiences!

Registration is free and open now for fans worldwide at expo.crunchyroll.com. Register now to catch action, announcements, special guests, and more.

Arcade1Up Announces Pre-Orders for The Simpsons Home Arcade Machine

Tastemakers LLC’s Arcade1Up, the leader in home retro gaming entertainment, begins preorders for one of their most anticipated arcade machines yet: The Simpsons at-home arcade machine, releasing on the 30th anniversary of the game’s first entry into the market. Arcade1Up’s latest at-home arcade machine transports fans back to the early ‘90s, where players can play as Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa, to take on swarms of their favorite televised characters.

“Arcade1Up is excited to expand its family home game room offering with a modern lens on retro gaming and classic pop-culture game collection editions like The Simpsons” said Scott Bachrach, CEO of Tastemakers, LLC and Arcade1Up. “With over 2 million home arcade and pinball machines sold by Arcade1Up, fans of The Simpsons will enjoy bringing home the authentic arcade experience with endless gameplay.”

Exciting features consumers can bring home with The Simpsons home arcade machine include:

  • 2 Games in 1: The home arcade machine comes with The Simpsons Arcade Game and a bonus game slated to be announced during pre-orders this summer.
  • Expansive Player Access: Up to four simultaneous players can experience endless animation inspired fun and remote play with the Live feature.
  • Retro Authentic Artwork: True to the original arcade machine, this custom shaped machine and matching riser design with lit marquee is the perfect conversation piece for any room in the home and even offices with its stunningly vibrant graphics.
  • Easy Assembly: Once the arcade machine is plugged in at home, players can follow the in-game setting menu and on-screen game selections. No coins required!

Starting Monday, August 16th, 2021, consumers can pre-order The Simpsons home arcade machine on www.arcade1up.com. For more information on Arcade1Up, visit www.arcade1up.com and follow Arcade1Up on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).

A Total War Saga: TROY – MYTHOS Announcement Trailer

The battle for Troy cannot be waged by man alone. In distant corners of the realm there are whispers of three ancient behemoths: A winged calamity reigning terror. A slithering serpent with many heads. A beast prowling the abyss. Track them, harness them and turn the tide of war.

Watch the announcement trailer here:

Experience MYTHOS

Within the MYTHOS content Pack for A Total War Saga: TROY players can experience the Trojan War in all its Mythological glory.

Create your own odyssey and embark on one of three new expeditions to track, fight and tame legendary beasts and unleash them upon your enemies: the Cerberus – a vicious hound of Hades that guards the abyss, the Griffin – a deadly master of the skies, and the Hydra – a nine-headed serpent spreading poison and madness.

Spill blood in epic theatres of war whist commanding renowned heroes of the age alongside devastating mythical warriors. Multiple new units are yours to recruit including the legendary Arimaspoi and Shades from the underworld alongside mythological redesigns for iconic key units such as the Centaur, Giants and the Minotaur. Bolster their battle prowess with supercharged battle abilities including deadly spells and regenerative magic.

Turn the tides of the Trojan conflict within a mythologically inspired campaign map featuring all-new gameplay options to execute and new ways to entice the gods and enact their divine will.

Free content for all owners of TROY

Alongside the titanic swathe of content in MYTHOS, a brand-new game mode will be available to all owners of TROY that dramatically changes the gameplay experience. The new Historical mode offers refreshing gameplay that overhauls TROY’s features so that players can experience the Aegean conflict from a realistic, history-first perspective. Such changes include wars being fought between generals and their bodyguards instead of one-man armies wielding the powers of gods.

TROY is coming to Steam

Players who prefer to wage war on Steam can now take up arms and join the action when A Total War Saga: TROY and its DLC packs officially launch on the platform alongside the release of MYTHOS on September 2nd. There’s never been a better time to wage war in ancient Greece as three editions will be available purchase for a limited time from launch.

  • STANDARD EDITION (TROY base game) – 25% off
  • MYTHIC EDITION (TROY base game + MYTHOS expansion) – 30% off
  • HEROIC EDITION (TROY base game + Mythos expansion + Amazons DLC + Ajax & Diomedes DLC) – 40% off

More information on MYTHOS can be found on the official FAQ. And additional information on TROY’s Steam release and editions can be found here.

McFarlane Toys and WB Unveil DC Direct Collectibles Line

McFarlane Toys’ huge success story with their DC Multiverse action figures is getting bigger and better as they announce they are further expanding their relationship with DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP). McFarlane Toys have entered into a global licensing agreement with WBCP to unleash a new line of McFarlane Toys designed statues, busts, and figures based on DC’s expansive roster of iconic characters. Fans and collectors can look forward to an array of McFarlane Toys created DC Direct collectibles under legendary artist Todd McFarlane’s creative direction coming in 2022.

McFarlane will also manage current DC Direct inventory.

Under McFarlane Toys, DC Direct will continue to produce high-quality collectibles, including fan-favorite lines DC Designer Series, Batman Black & White, and Harley Quinn Red, White & Black.

In 2020, McFarlane Toys launched its successful DC Multiverse line with ultra-posable action figures and vehicles to bring dozens of iconic DC characters based on the comic books, video games, and feature films to life at mass specialty retailers globally. McFarlane Toys’ DC Multiverse line is one of the top-selling action figure lines in the US.

McFarlane Toys will continue to sell and market all the current and upcoming pre-ordered DC offerings.

Fans of both McFarlane Toys and DC can check McFarlane.com and the McFarlane Toys social media channels for updates and news.

Dead by Daylight – Tome VIII: DELIVERANCE Reveal Trailer

The DELIVERANCE Tome has opened within the Archives of  Dead by Daylight, and with it, a new Rift filled with time-limited rewards for those willing to test their mettle. In addition to its usual share of memories, the DELIVERANCE Tome offers players gripping new contents including new challenges. Also accompanying the DELIVERANCE Tome in this Mid

Chapter release is a new addition to the Greek Legends Collection in the in-game store!

DELIVERANCE

This Tome features a look into the troubled past of Jeffrey Hawk (The Clown). Jeffrey discovers a  finger that reminds him of his father’s, leading him to stalk his victim through the fairgrounds. Through  Jeffrey’s memories, players witness the complicated and at-times hilariously sad relationship  between him and his father.

Other memories to be unlocked through challenges are Jake Park’s Exile of the Kingdom and The  Observer’s Midnight in the Garden of Infinity.

New Yellow Glyph Challenges 

Tome VIII features a new type of Glyph Challenge. Survivors must find and interact with the new  yellow Glyphs lurking within trials. But they must beware – interacting with these Glyphs triggers a

Skill Check. Failing the Skill Check makes the Glyph disappear, and teleport to a new location within  the trial. Players who complete these challenges will be granted progression in the Rift, unlocking  exclusive cosmetic items.

New Outfits and Charms  

Through the Rift, players have access to free cosmetics including two Very Rare Outfits for Nea Karlsson and The Hillbilly. As part of the Premium Track, players are also able to get their hands on  three Very Rare Outfits for Jake Park, The Clown and Ace Visconti, two Rare Outfits for Élodie  Rakoto and The Huntress, as well as a slew of new Charms.

New Additions to The Greek Legends Collection 

Available in the in-game store, the hit Greek Legends Collection is expanding to offer some very  special newly released outfits, notably Ferryman of the Underworld, an Ultra Rare Set for The Blight, as well as Vengeful Enchantress, a Very Rare Outfit for The Nurse. Players would also be remiss not  to get their hands on the Very Rare Outfit God of Wine for Ace Visconti, exclusively available through  the Rift.

The Realm Beyond: Update 6 

With Dead by Daylight evolving every day, it’s just as important to look back as it is to look forward.  That’s why the Dead by Daylight team has spent the past year working on a visual overhaul of the  game, dubbed The Realm Beyond, with the goal of creating the best possible in-game experience for  players.

Fans will be happy to know that the Tome VIII release includes the latest Realm Beyond update  which pays special attention to improving the character models of some of the earlier and most  beloved Survivors. These include the original four Survivors Meg, Claudette, Dwight and Jake, as  well as Nea, Ace, Feng, David, and Kate.

From skin textures, to hair, to facial animations, a lot of care went into making sure the first Survivors  now look as good as the last, ensuring a new level of visual consistency across Dead by Daylight.

Tome VIII: DELIVERANCE (accessible in The Archives) as well as the 6th update of the Realm  Beyond are available now via PS4, PS5, Stadia, Steam, Windows Store, Xbox One as well as Xbox  Series X|S. The content will also be available in an upcoming update for Nintendo Switch.

About Dead by Daylight™ 

Created by Behaviour™ Interactive, Dead by Daylight is a multiplayer action horror game of hide and  seek, set in a dark fantasy and drawing from all corners of horror, where each match is a different  experience. Dead by Daylight boasts more than 36 million players both globally and across all  platforms. On any given day, up to 1,5 million players step into the Fog, whether on PC, console, or  mobile. Since its release in 2016, the game has become a place where cult classic horror survives  and thrives, having welcomed legends from TV, movies, and video games. For more information,  please visit deadbydaylight.com.

About Behaviour Interactive  

Behaviour Interactive, Canada’s largest independent game developer and publisher, was founded in  1992. The company boasts more than 800 employees in its Montreal studio. With its award-winning  original IP Dead by Daylight™ and the strategy RPG Game of Thrones Beyond the Wall™,  Behaviour continues to grow as a leading global developer. Behaviour counts amongst its partners  some of the world’s most renowned brands including Activision, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, Ubisoft  and many more. For more information visit: bhvr.com.

Hell Let Loose – The Eastern Front Launch Trailer

Team17 and Black Matter have today announced the full Steam launch of World War II strategic squad shooter, Hell Let Loose. Featuring relentless 50 vs. 50 gameplay and set across 11 maps that authentically depict some of the most important and notorious battles on both the Western and Eastern Fronts of the war, including Utah and Omaha beaches, Carentan, and Stalingrad, Hell Let Loose brings the horrors of the front line warfare to its fullest. Initially launched on Steam Early Access in June 2019, today’s launch includes the introduction of Update 10, which debuts the Eastern Front. This free update adds two additional maps – Kursk and Stalingrad – more than 20 new weapons and gadgets, four new vehicles, and Soviet forces into the game.

Each of the new and expansive maps, from the yellowing grasslands on the Russian Steppe in Kursk to Stalingrad’s obliterated urban wasteland, provide gameplay experiences that contrast not only to each other but also to the previously released environments of the Western Front. The new maps provide newcomers and Hell Let Loose’s established passionate community of over a million players with the opportunities to craft new strategies and challenges to overcome.

Hell Let Loose key features

  • The brutality of the War in Europe: Hell Let Loose portrays the battles of the Western and Eastern Fronts across two distinct modes, Offensive and Warfare.
  • Authentic strategic gameplay: Each side of 50 players is broken down into armour, infantry, and recon, led by officers with a direct line to an overall player-commander directing the flow of the game.
  • Unique metagame: Extended battles entrench participants in the tidal-like motion of the frontline that builds up Hell Let Loose’s real-time strategy inspired metagame.
  • Playing a Part: Fourteen roles are available for players to experience, from engineers and snipers, commanders and tank crewmen, medics and support; all play a part in the war effort.

Max Rea, Studio Head and Lead Designer, Black Matter:

“After two years in Steam Early Access that’s seen 10 major content updates and overhauls & improvements to every major system imaginable, it is hugely exciting to finally launch Hell Let Loose on PC. The journey to date has seen our passionate playerbase explode, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new commanders, officers, and soldiers onto the theatres of war on both fronts of the War in Europe. Today doesn’t mark the end of the road however; it’s merely the end of the beginning. We have big plans to continue building Hell Let Loose as an evergreen title for years to come, and we look forward to bringing this authentic World War II experience to new generation consoles later this year.”

Chris Coales, Producer, Team17:

“It’s been an incredible journey for Hell Let Loose, which makes today’s launch so highly memorable for everybody who’s worked on it. Black Matter’s strong vision for their debut title has steered the project throughout, as it’s been built up and expanded upon to become one of the most authentic and immersive shooters available on PC. The attention to detail and the amount of care and respect shown towards the real-world horrors of war during the development of the game has been extremely high. Black Matter continues to be an awesome partner for Team17, we’re excited about the future that lies ahead for the team, and for their extraordinary title.”

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla The Siege of Paris Release Date

Today, Ubisoft announced that Assassin’s Creed® Valhalla’s next major expansion, The Siege of Paris, will be available on August 12. In addition, Season 3, Sigrblot Season, features exclusive rewards and activities accessible to all players. The Sigrblot Festival is live this Thursday, July 29 for all players until August 19.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s second expansion, The Siege of Paris, will release on August 12. Set in Francia, this new adventure will set Eivor on a dangerous path full of gripping questlines across the Frankish countryside, towards one of the most infamous conquest battles in Viking history. Players will get their hands on new weapons, abilities, gear, and skills to take on new enemy types. The Siege of Paris will also mark the return of Infiltration Missions, directly inherited from long-time, fan-favorite Black Box Missions. Here, players will have the liberty to choose the best way to eliminate their designated target. The Siege of Paris will be available for all Season Pass** owners or as a separate purchase for $24.99 by all owners of the main game.

Along with the Expansion 2, the “The Siege of Paris” music album will release on August 12th, giving all fans the chance to fully enjoy the complete soundtrack. From today, they can discover “Hásæti”, the first track of the album composed by Stephanie Economou. With this song, she wanted to evoke a sense of spirituality and depth in the music and vocals felt like the right avenue to explore. The lyrics are in Old Norse, with “Hásæti” translating to “Seat of Honor.”

Starting Thursday, July 29, players can celebrate Summer in the time limited Sigrblot Festival, a traditional Viking festival celebrating the start of the Raiding season. Until August 19, various festive activities will be available in the Ravensthorpe settlement around the traditional bonfire, including:

  • Flyting, Fight Tournament, and Dice Game mini-games
  • Three new quests available
  • Exclusive rewards including settlement decorations, customization items, and weapons. Notably, the one-handed sword Skrofnung can be acquired with Sigrblot tokens in the festival shop for a limited time before the festival ends

To experience the Sigrblot Festival, players must reach England and complete one of the first narrative arcs – either Grantebridgescire or Ledecestrescire – and have their settlement reach Level 2.

An additional update is planned for later this season and will bring a new River Raids map pack, with destinations scattered along the rivers of Francia and Ireland.

With development led by Ubisoft Montreal*, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers players the captivating experience of playing as Eivor, a legendary Viking warrior, driven from Norway by endless wars and dwindling resources in ninth century AD. Players can relive the ruthless fighting style of Viking warriors with a revamped dual-wielding combat system and experience new gameplay features such as raids, assaults, and the settlement, as well as a revamped progression and gear upgrade system. Political alliances, combat decisions and dialogue choices can influence the world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, so players must choose wisely to protect their clan’s home and their future.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is available on Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One consoles, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Store on Windows PC, as well as on Stadia, Amazon Luna and Ubisoft’s subscription service, Ubisoft+.**

For more information about Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, please visit assassinscreed.com.

Black Widow Digital and Home Video Launch Dates

Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow” arrives early on all major digital platforms on Aug. 10 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on Sept. 14. “Black Widow” fans can enjoy the film in stunning Ultra HD quality and immersive Dolby Atmos audio along with never-before-seen bonus footage, including nine deleted scenes, bloopers and featurettes.

Film Synopsis

In Marvel Studios’ action-packed spy thriller “Black Widow,” Natasha Romanoff – aka Black Widow – confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger. Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha/Black Widow, Florence Pugh stars as Yelena, David Harbour portrays Alexei/The Red Guardian and Rachel Weisz is Melina. “Black Widow” – the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe – is directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige.

Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow” Bonus Features*

  • Bloopers – Take a look at some of the fun mishaps on set with the cast and crew of “Black Widow.”
  • Deleted Scenes
    • Grocery Shopping – Natasha heads into a grocery store to prepare for her journey through Norway. After a long drive, she arrives at her destination: a mysterious trailer in the middle of nowhere.
    • Bike Chase – Tailed by assailants, Natasha and Yelena speed through the city in order to escape their nemeses.
    • Gulag Fight – Alexei squares up against several enemies and is quickly overpowered. When all hope seems lost, Natasha leaps in to lend a hand in the fight.
    • Smile – The Taskmaster protocol is activated in a tense moment, and an iconic helmet is unveiled.
    • Come After Me – Secretary Ross and Mason discover an important message Natasha left behind.
    • Walk and Talk – Alexei and Melina have a playful exchange. The Taskmaster arrives and faces off with Alexei.
    • Widows in Training – Yelena and Alexei awaken in captivity. Melina hands the Taskmaster vials while the Widows train.
    • Kiss – Alexei and Melina reunite after the action. Natasha grieves over an untimely demise in the brutal aftermath.
    • Ohio – Natasha witnesses the carefree nature of the Ohio suburbs through the neighborhood children.
  • Filmmaker Introduction Featurette – Director Cate Shortland introduces the film and her vision for it.
  • Sisters Gonna Work It Out Featurette – Watch Scarlett and Florence as they train, fight, and bond to become the sister duo in “Black Widow.” Listen as the cast and crew discuss the characters, rigorous training, and building the dynamic between the two fearsome siblings.
  • Go Big If You’re Going Home Featurette – Step back to appreciate the size and scale of “Black Widow”’s solo film. Shot around the world, the film balances family and drama with mind-blowing action. The cast and crew reveal the intricacies of stunts that made the film so action-packed.

Blightbound Launch Trailer

Following a successful 12 months in Early Access, fearless developer Ronimo Games (Awesomenauts) and their trusty sidekicks Devolver Digital have unleashed Blightbound 1.0, a dark and stylish multiplayer dungeon crawler, on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

Blightbound is an online & local multiplayer dungeon crawler that tasks three heroes to venture down from their mountain refuge to face the abominations of the Blight – a mysterious and corrupting fog that enshrouds the land.

Explore handcrafted dungeons, fight a terrifying cadre of mystical and monstrous enemies, grab valuable loot, and recover fallen heroes to expand your roster of available warriors. Each player will fulfill a specific role on the team – warrior, assassin, or mage – to overcome colossal bosses and solve clever puzzles.

Can you collect all of the heroes, complete all the challenges, and conquer the Blight once and for all? Visit blightbound.com and follow @ronimogames and @devolverdigital on Twitter for more courageous marketing hype.