Author - Jerry Paxton

Mountain High Unveils March Radness Competition

2019/03/15

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. – Mar. 14, 2019 – Mountain High is set to host March Radness, a head-to-head snowboard competition, on Saturday, March 16. Interested participants are encouraged to arrive at 7:30 a.m. to register for this special rail jam event.

The contest begins at 10:00 a.m. with 32 riders battling it out in a game of s-n-o-w, similar to h-o-r-s-e in basketball. Riders will play rock-paper-scissors to determine who goes first. Each opponent must match the competitor’s tricks, or s/he is eliminated from the competition. Winner takes home $500 and bragging rights. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers.

Complete schedule for the 2019 Mountain High March Radness Rail Jam:

7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Registration in the Big Pines Base Lodge
9:50 a.m.: Riders meeting at Main Stage
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: March Radness competition
2:00 p.m.: Closing ceremony at Main Stage

Go to mthigh.com for up-to-the-minute details and helpful tips. Check the Mountain High calendar for daily hours of operation and snow report for updated conditions.

For more information on tickets or to purchase Mountain High season passes, click here. Follow Mountain High on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Use #mthigh to get in on the conversation.

Razer Unveils Value-Conscious Gaming Peripheral Line

2019/03/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Peripherals News

SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced three new gaming peripherals to expand its best-selling lineups. The BlackWidow keyboard, Kraken headset, and Basilisk Essential mouse are some of the best value-for-money gaming peripherals Razer has to offer and deliver everything a gamer needs.

RAZER BLACKWIDOW

The Razer BlackWidow keyboard is the latest addition to Razer’s best-selling keyboard family. Sporting many features of the flagship BlackWidow Elite, the BlackWidow is fitted with Razer’s tactile and clicky Green Mechanical Switches.

Designed for gaming by Razer, the Green Mechanical Switch features a tactile bump and distinctive click sound, with optimized actuation and reset points for best-in-class gaming and typing. Using Razer’s improved dual-side wall switch design, key wobble is minimized while increasing accuracy and responsiveness. Each key is rated to last up to 80 million keystrokes.

The BlackWidow offers Razer Chroma with individual key lighting of 16.8 million colors controllable via Razer Synapse 3. With Razer Hypershift, every key can be a macro key, or be assigned secondary functions through Razer Synapse 3. The Razer BlackWidow also features on-board hybrid memory and cloud storage, allowing you to preserve your personalized settings (such as lighting profiles, key binds and macros) when used with different computers.

Product Features

Razer™ Green Mechanical Switches designed for gaming
80 million keystroke lifespan
Razer Chroma™ customizable backlighting with 16.8 million color options
Hybrid On-Board Memory and Cloud Storage – up to 5 profiles
Razer Synapse 3-enabled
Cable routing options
N-key roll-over with built-in anti-ghosting
Fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
Gaming mode option
1000 Hz Ultrapolling
Instant Trigger Technology

Price & Availability

$119.99 USD / 129,99 € MSRP

Razer.com – 14 March 2019
Worldwide – March 2019

For more information, please visit http://www.razer.com/gaming-keyboards-keypads/razer-blackwidow

RAZER KRAKEN

The new Razer Kraken is the successor to the best-selling Kraken Pro V2. Taking design and hardware cues from the flagship Kraken Tournament Edition, the Kraken features large 50 mm drivers to deliver clear, powerful sound whilst the improved retractable microphone has been honed to cut out even more background noise, ensuring crystal-clear team communication.

Long-term comfort is assured with thicker headband padding and all-ear gel cooling cushions. The ear cup padding features a moisture-wicking breathable fabric on the contact surface, a cooling gel layer and hidden eye-wear channels built into the foam layer, giving the ultimate in comfort.

With inline mute and volume controls, the 3rd generation Razer Kraken is Razer’s most versatile cross-platform headset to date.

The Kraken is also available in a Quartz Pink edition, and as the Razer Kraken for Console, featuring a new color variant of black with blue highlights.

Razer Kraken	Razer Kraken Pro V2
$79.99 USD / 79,99 € MSRP	$79.99 USD / 89,99 € MSRP
Cooling-Gel Infused Ear Cushions	Leatherette Ear Cushions
Extra Thick Headband Padding	Thick Headband Padding
Retractable Microphone with improved ambient noise rejection	Retractable Microphone
Bauxite Aluminium FrameCustom-Tuned 50mm Drivers Compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Mobile Devices with 3.5mm jack

Product Features

At-a-glance

Custom-tuned 50 mm Drivers
Cooling Gel-Infused Cushions
Retractable Unidirectional Microphone
Bauxite Aluminium Frame
Thicker Headband Padding
Cross-Platform Compatibility

Headphones

Frequency response: 12 Hz – 28 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω @ 1 kHz
Sensitivity (@1 kHz): 109 dB
Input power: 30 mW (Max)
Drivers: 50 mm, with Neodymium magnets
Inner ear cup diameter: 54 mm x 65 mm
Connection type: Analog 3.5 mm
Cable length: 1.3 m / 4.27 ft.
weight: 322 g / 0.71 lbs
Oval ear cushions: Designed for full-ear coverage with cooling gel, perfect for long-wearing comfort

Microphone

Frequency response: 100 Hz – 10 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: > 60 dB
Sensitivity (@1 kHz): -45 ± 3 dB
Pick-up pattern: Unidirectional ECM boom

In-line control

Analog volume control wheel
Microphone quick mute toggle

Audio Usage

Audio Usage: Devices with 3.5 mm audio jack
Audio + microphone usage: Devices with 3.5 mm audio + mic combined jack

Audio / mic splitter adapter cable usage: Devices with separate 3.5 mm audio and microphone jacks

Price & Availability

$79.99 USD / 79,99 € MSRP

Razer.com – 14 March 2019
Worldwide – March 2019

For more information, please visit https://www.razer.com/gaming-audio/razer-kraken

RAZER BASILISK ESSENTIAL

The Razer Basilisk Essential stays true to the unique right-handed ergonomic form factor of the original Razer Basilisk and has a total of 7 configurable buttons utilizing Razer’s Mechanical Mouse Switches, with a durability of up to 20 million clicks.

The unique thumb-operated Multi-Function Paddle, an award-winning feature in the original Basilisk, can be programmed for any function the gamer needs; a quick-shift DPI clutch for sniping, shortcut for a weapon or spell slot, push-to-talk comms or Press and Hold for sprinting, healing or crouching.

Powered by a native, gaming-grade 6400 DPI optical sensor the Razer Basilisk Essential features Razer Chroma with customizability of 16.8 million colours and variety of effects available through Razer Synapse 3.

Product Features

True 6,400 DPI optical sensor
Up to 220 inches per second (IPS) / 30 G acceleration
7 independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons
Razer™ Mechanical Mouse Switches
Gaming-grade tactile scroll wheel
Ergonomic right-handed design with enhanced rubber side grips
1,000 Hz Ultrapolling
Razer Chroma™ lighting with true 16.8 million customizable color options
Razer Synapse 3 enabled
Approximate Dimensions: 124 mm / 4.88 in (Length) X 75 mm / 2.94 in (Width) X 43 mm / 1.69 in (Height)
Approximate Weight: 95 g / 0.21 lbs (excluding cable)

Price & Availability

$49.99 USD / 49,99 € MSRP

Razer.com – 14 March 2019
Worldwide – March 2019

For more information, please visit https://razer.com/gaming-mice/razer-basilisk-essential

Left 4 Dead Dev Team Returns for Back 4 Blood

2019/03/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

BURBANK, CA – March 14, 2019 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Turtle Rock Studios today announced Back 4 Blood, from the creators and development team behind the critically acclaimed, co-op phenomenon Left 4 Dead. Back 4 Blood is designed from the ground-up as an original, premium title and marries the best of what made the co-op zombie shooter so successful with new features and state-of-the-art technology.

“We are thrilled to partner with the proven Turtle Rock Studios team on Back 4 Blood to advance the co-op zombie genre forward with innovative multiplayer gameplay,” said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The talented team at Turtle Rock has been developing amazing games together for a long time, and this is a great opportunity to work with them to create a new gaming universe built specifically with the large co-op zombie shooter community in mind.”

“It’s hard to overstate what an awesome opportunity this is. We get to return to a genre that was born in our studio with over ten years of additional experience and zombie ideas racked up in our brains,” said Chris Ashton, Co-founder and Design Director, Turtle Rock Studios. “We also have some of the best teammates in the business at WBIE who understand our development process and are equally committed to our player-first mentality. We love being able to announce, so we can start working with the community right away.”

“We are not resting on any past laurels. Our goal is to take all we’ve learned and push forward. We know that’s a tall order,” said Phil Robb, Co-founder and Creative Director, Turtle Rock Studios. “We’re growing the team considerably because we’re stepping up to the biggest challenge in this studio’s history. We know this title has to stand out and we fully intend to make that happen.”

For more information on Back 4 Blood, please visit: www.Back4Blood.com.

Fade to Silence Release Date

2019/03/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

Vienna/Austria, Offenburg/Germany, March 14th 2019: Fade to Silence from developer Black Forest Games will leave Early Access on PC and will be available on PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and the Xbox® One family of devices, including the Xbox One X on April 30th 2019. The SRP on PC will be 39,99 $ / 39,99 € , console editions will be at 49,99$ / 49,99€.

Valve Unveils New Steam Service Features

2019/03/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

March 14, 2019 – As the industry prepares for next week’s GDC, Valve has launched two new service features for Steam – Steam Link Anywhere and the Steam Networking Sockets APIs.

Steam Link Anywhere, an extension of the Steam Link functionality that allows you to connect to your computer and play games from anywhere, is now available in early beta. The service is available free of charge to all Steam users through the Steam Link hardware or the Steam Link app, and can be used to connect to any computer running Steam. Note: A high upload speed from your computer and strong network connection to your Steam Link device are required to use Steam Link Anywhere. More information is available here: https://steamcommunity.com/app/353380/discussions/0/3362406825533023360/

Today Valve also released the Steam Networking Sockets APIs, which give all Steam developers access to the technologies and infrastructure built to support CS:GO and Dota 2. This enables you to relay your game traffic over Valve’s private gaming network, giving your players faster and more secure connections. The service is offered free of charge to Steam developers and a large portion of the API has been open-sourced. A more detailed write may be found here: https://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamworks#announcements/detail/1791775741704351698

Available now, these updates and other new features coming to Steam will be discussed at next Thursday’s Steam Platform Update talk at GDC, happening at 12:45 pm in Moscone West Hall 2011.

For more information, please visit www.steampowered.com

Turtle Beach to Acquire ROCCAT

2019/03/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Industry News, News

San Diego, CA and Hamburg, Germany – March 14, 2019 – Turtle Beach (Nasdaq: HEAR), the global leader in gaming headsets and audio accessories, today announced the entry into an agreement to acquire ROCCAT – a top German PC peripherals company with a history of producing innovative, award-winning gaming mice, keyboards and other accessories.

With ROCCAT’s powerful product lineup added to Turtle Beach’s broad market position and leading headset brand, the acquisition significantly accelerates Turtle Beach’s planned expansion into the $2.9 billion1 market for PC gaming headsets, mice and keyboards. By acquiring ROCCAT, Turtle Beach further strengthens its market position in key PC-centric European territories, including Germany where ROCCAT is already a well-respected leading brand. Additionally, ROCCAT will see the benefits of Turtle Beach’s strong sales and distribution in North America and across Europe, while Turtle Beach will gain distribution into new Asian markets through ROCCAT’s presence in those markets.

Turtle Beach is acquiring ROCCAT for $14.8 million in cash, net of a working capital adjustment, $1 million in cash or stock (company option), plus up to approximately $3.4 million in earnout payments.2 Following the completion of the transaction, which is expected in the second quarter, ROCCAT’s partial year contribution to Turtle Beach’s 2019 net revenue is expected to be approximately $20–$24 million. The Company expects revenues from ROCCAT products to be over $30 million in 2020, and that the acquisition will be accretive to net income and EPS in 2020.

“This is a dynamic and strategically important deal for Turtle Beach,” said Juergen Stark, CEO of Turtle Beach. “We are adding a complementary portfolio of PC gaming mice and keyboards, a skilled PC accessories team, and a highly synergistic distribution footprint.

“The acquisition is also a key step in achieving our goal of building a $100 million PC gaming accessories business in the coming years. ROCCAT accelerates our expansion into the roughly $1.6 billion3 PC gaming headset market, as well as directly enables us to address the roughly $1.3 billion4 PC gaming keyboard and mice market. We believe our combined product portfolio is one of the strongest in the industry, covering gaming headsets for consoles and PC’s, gaming keyboards and mice. Together we will have 48 core product models to pursue the total addressable market of over $4.7 billion in North America, Europe and Asia.”

Stark continued, “We are thrilled to welcome René Korte and the ROCCAT team to the Turtle Beach family, as they are a highly talented group with deep experience in PC accessories and have a similar focus on providing high quality, innovative products to gamers worldwide.”

René Korte, CEO of ROCCAT, added, “We’ve long admired how Turtle Beach’s pioneering headsets have elevated gaming and it is an honor to join forces and bring our great products to more gamers. I have no doubt that combining ROCCAT’s strength in the PC peripherals market with Turtle Beach’s 45 years of experience, impressive technology, console dominance, and strong brand will bring even more victories to gamers around the world.”

ROCCAT has been ranked as one of the top 10 best-selling gaming peripheral brands in Europe, and per recent Newzoo consumer survey data3, is one of the top four brands for awareness, purchase consideration, and preference for gaming keyboards and mice in the German PC gaming peripheral market.

ROCCAT recently launched its new Vulcan Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and latest Kone AIMO RGBA Smart Customization Gaming Mouse to high editorial and fan praise. The original Kone mouse has been acclaimed as one of the most ergonomic gaming mouse shapes on the market and was the first mouse to incorporate RGB lighting into its design. The new Kone AIMO mouse was the best-selling PC gaming mouse in Germany in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The Vulcan keyboard introduced ROCCAT’s proprietary Titan mechanical switch and has become one of the top three best-selling gaming keyboards in Germany, as well as a best-selling product in its price tier. The Vulcan’s design was also recognized by winning the 2019 iF Design Award for its product category.

Turtle Beach is the global leader in gaming headsets and audio accessories, having held over 40% share of the console gaming headset market for the past nine consecutive years. In 2018, Turtle Beach extended its reach beyond the console space, launching a new lineup of Atlas PC headsets that drew high praise from leading PC writers and gamers alike.

For the latest information on ROCCAT’s lineup of PC gaming accessories, visit https://en.roccat.org/.

Wedbush Securities acted as exclusive financial advisor and Morgan Lewis acted as legal advisor to Turtle Beach on the transaction. CatCap GmbH acted as the exclusive financial advisor and Lutz Abel acted as legal advisor to ROCCAT.

Viveport Infinity Unlimited VR Subscription Plan Announced

2019/03/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

San Francisco, CA – March 14, 2019– Today, VIVEPORT^TM announced that Viveport Infinity, the first unlimited VR subscription service, launching on April 2^nd, will be available for $12.99 a month or $99 a year. In the largest upgrade to the platform yet, Viveport Infinity members will gain unrestricted access to the service’s library of over 600 apps and games in addition to exclusive membership benefits such as the revamped Viveport Video application. Current members, including those with pre-paid subscriptions, and new members who sign up before April 2nd, will keep their current price through the end of 2019.

Viveport Infinity offers a diverse library of popular and indie VR titles. At just $12.99 a month or less with a prepaid annual subscription, members can save thousands of dollars on top-quality content while aiding them in the discovery of hidden gems throughout the service. Popular titles, such as Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs, have timed their launch in Subscription to coincide with their global release, giving members optimal choice and affordability when it comes to trailling new content in Viveport’s Subscription service. New Viveport customers can sign up anytime for a free 2-week membership to experience unlimited gaming with Viveport Infinity.

“We have built a new model for VR that shines a light on the great library of VR content this industry has developed and gives users a reason to spend more time in headset than ever before,” said Rikard Steiber, President of Viveport. “At the same time, we’re increasing developer reach and potential revenue as more developers can monetize a single Infinity user. We believe this model matches how consumers want to experience VR”

Viveport Infinity will be available to VIVE and Oculus Rift owners. For compatible titles, Viveport Infinity will also travel with members to any standalone headset built on VIVE’s WAVE platform. This hardware agnostic and cross-platform approach is bringing the service to a whole new category of VR devices while broadening a developer’s reach and audience pool.

“Through Viveport’s subscription service, we’ve been able to increase our player pool and build a bigger community around The Wizards,” said Paweł Gajda, Head of Marketing and Publishing, Carbon Studios. “Viveport Subscription has become a significant part of our revenue and we can’t wait to connect with even more players thought Infinity.”

To further support Viveport Infinity developers, Viveport is increasing the developer’s share of revenue earned to 80/20 up from 70/30. Running from April 1^st through the end of 2019, this increase in profits applies to all titles in Viveport Infinity. In addition, with a consumer’s unlimited access to content, more developers can monetize a single member with Viveport Infinity, increasing potential revenue for a developer.

Membership Promotions

All Viveport Infinity members will enjoy exclusive perks such as weekend deals on select titles, free title giveaways, and monthly coupons. Starting April 2^nd, members will automatically receive a 10% coupon at the beginning of every month to spend on any Viveport store purchase. Viveport will also hold a store-wide sale on over 100 titles to celebrate the launch of Infinity from April 2nd – April 7^th.

New members can start their free trial today to lock in the current $8.99 price before Viveport Infinity launches on April 2^nd. In addition, all current monthly Viveport Subscribers and those with pre-paid Subscription bundles will also keep their current low price through 2019.

Blind Squirrel Games Funds First Self-Published Game

2019/03/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

March 14, 2019 – Developer Blind Squirrel Games announced today that it has secured $5 million in funding from an external source to complete the development and publishing of their highly anticipated game, “Drifters”. For the last year and a half, the studio has invested its own capital, time and resources in the development of the F2P 5v5 hero action shooter, centered around a ragtag team of intergalactic raiders, fighting and looting the galaxy. The additional funding will not only help to complete the remaining development of the game, it provides the necessary funding to self-publish the game directly to consumers.

“We are super thrilled to have the opportunity to finish and launch the game on our own,” said Brad Hendricks, CEO of Blind Squirrel Games. “In addition, self-publishing will allow us to become the masters of our own destiny and give us the ability to make the game the way we intended. We have already shared a peek of the game with the community, and the reception has been amazing so far”.

“Drifters” is a F2P 5v5 hero action shooter that revolves around a ragtag team of intergalactic raiders living outside the boundaries of normal society, looting abandoned warships, space stations, and a variety of other exotic and dangerous locales for valuable relics and supplies. With a diverse set of heroes and play styles, “Drifters” will offer customizable abilities and skill trees for each character. Gameplay will blow players away with a unique grapple traversal mechanism, arcade style gameplay and the high intensity of a typical shooter. With plenty of irreverent humor, “Drifters” will deliver a unique experience that combines humor, the flare of traditional arcade games and the personality and choice of a hero shooter.

Upon launch, the game will include a set of unique characters with diverse abilities, several multiplayer maps and a variety of game modes, including a unique mode called plunder.

Subscribe for the Latest Drifters News & Updates at: Driftersgame.com

Path of Exile Announces ExileCon in New Zealand

2019/03/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

Auckland, New Zealand – March 14, 2019 – Grinding Gear Games announced today the first convention dedicated to their award-winning RPG, Path of Exile. ExileCon will be a two-day (November 16-17, 2019) celebration of all things Path of Exile, including multiple earth-shaking announcements and previews, competitions, talks given by Grinding Gear Games developers and hands on demos of unreleased new content. The event culminates with the spectacular closing ExileCon Party.

ExileCon will take place over two full days at the beautiful Aotea Centre in Auckland. Regular, VIP and “Ultra VIP” Tickets (featuring a homecooked BBQ dinner with Grinding Gear founders Chris Wilson, Jonathan Rodgers and Erik Olofsson) are available now alongside full details at www.pathofexile.com/exilecon.

Path of Exile continues to be one of the largest online Action RPGs with continual, massive audience growth. Launches on the Xbox One (and soon, PlayStation 4) as well as in China have more than doubled the Path of Exile player community since August 2017, with over 3.5 million players having played the game’s 2017 expansion, Path of Exile: The Fall of Oriath. In 2018, Path of Exile saw an increase in total play-hours of over 26% and the Betrayal expansion set a new record of 188,970 players online simultaneously.

Path of Exile was released in October 2013 to critical acclaim including winning GameSpot’s PC Game of the Year award. Since its launch, Path of Exile has become a global community of over 20 million players including localized versions in English, German, French, Spanish, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Russian, Thai and Brazilian Portuguese. Path of Exile was listed as one of the top ten most-played games on Steam in 2018.

Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle Announced

2019/03/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

Burlingame, Calif. – March 14, 2019 – KOEI TECMO America revealed today the latest entry in their best-selling Attack on Titan game franchise: Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle. The new gaming experience follows Attack on Titan’s Season 3 adventure through the actions of specific characters; capturing all of the conflict of the popular anime series like never before.

Taking place throughout Attack on Titan Season 3’s timeline, Final Battle’s Story mode plays through selected characters’ points of view with major heroes active in Season 3 – now playable for the first time – boosting the total number of playable characters to over 40. In addition to the content covering all three seasons of the popular anime series, developers will also include original episodes to create a more fulfilling Attack on Titan experience.

Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle will feature two new gameplay experiences: A frenetic anti-personnel combat feature using anti-personnel omni directional mobility gear and an all-new wall reclamation mode focused on recovering outside territories. Here, players will have an ability to choose a leader of their squad, pick out the members they want to include – even members who were never together in the original work, and set out to reclaim the lands from the Titans. Thunder Spears will also be equipped for battle for the first time, allowing the take down of the Armored Titan when a normal blade just won’t cut it.

Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle is being developed by OMEGA Force, and will be available July 5, 2019 for the PlayStation®4 Computer Entertainment System, Nintendo Switch™, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X, and digitally on Windows PC via Steam®. The title will be made available for digital purchase as an Upgrade Pack to fans who already own Attack on Titan 2, and it will also be available for purchase as special digital or physical bundle; combining the experience of Attack on Titan 2 alongside the new Season 3 content in one unique package.

For more information on Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle, check out our official website https://www.koeitecmoamerica.com/attackontitan2/finalbattle. Like us on www.facebook.com/koeitecmous and Follow us on Twitter @koeitecmoUS.