Author - Jerry Paxton

Logitech Acquires Astro Gaming

NEWARK, Calif. and LAUSANNE, Switzerland July 11, 2017 —Logitech International (SIX: LOGN) (Nasdaq: LOGI) today announced that it has agreed to acquire ASTRO Gaming , a leading console gaming brand with a history of producing award-winning headsets for professional gamers and enthusiasts. Logitech and ASTRO, together, is the number one maker of headsets, mice, keyboards and streaming webcams for PC and console gamers.

“ASTRO is the leading player for premium console headsets and is the preferred headset for console esports athletes,” said Ujesh Desai, vice president and general manager of Logitech G . “It’s a perfect complement to Logitech G’s focus on PC gaming and we couldn’t be more excited; we love the team, the brand and the products. Together, we want to make game play even more fun for gamers everywhere.”

Jordan Reiss, co-founder and president of ASTRO, added, “The whole team at ASTRO has always held Logitech and Logitech G products in the highest regard, so I’m ecstatic we are joining forces. ASTRO’s brand strength combined with Logitech G’s unrivaled technology and global distribution network is going to bring our products to even more gamers around the world.”

ASTRO, is a pioneer in gaming audio and lifestyle products and has a strong leadership position in the premium end of the global console gaming headset market. ASTRO is best known for its iconic A40 and A50 headsets designed for pro gamers and core enthusiasts. ASTRO’s recently introduced A10 expands the company’s reach in the console headset market, offering the essence of what makes their headsets premium, but at a more broadly accessible price point.

Warner Bros. Unveils San Diego Comic-Con Collectible Hotel Keycards

BURBANK, Calif. (July 7, 2017) — On a weekend when it’s all about getting in the door — to Hall H, that hot cosplay party or a talent signing — Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television Group can at least get you into your hotel room with the help of some DC Super Heroes, some Big Bang Super-Geniuses, some Supernatural and some Super-Realistic Westworld hosts.

For this year’s Comic-Con 2017, hit DCTV series Arrow, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash and Supergirl, as well as WBTV’s The Big Bang Theory, Supernatural and Westworld, will be featured on limited-edition collectible keycards at top hotels throughout the San Diego area.

More than 40,000 branded room keys will be available to fans at nearly 40 participating hotels, courtesy of Warner Bros. Hone Entertainment.

  • This marks the ninth year that Warner Bros. has been the official Comic-Con hotel keycard sponsor.
  • All series featured on keycards will be out in force at Comic-Con from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23as previously announced:
    • Arrow (premieres Thursday, October 12, at 9/8c on The CW): Returning to San Diego Comic-Con for the sixth consecutive year, the cast and producers of The CW’s explosive DC Super Hero series will be on-hand for an eye-opening conversation about the upcoming season. Arrow: Season Five is available now on iTunes.
    • DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (premieres Tuesday, October 10, at 9/8c on The CW): The CW’s Super Hero team-up series lands again in San Diego for their third visit to Comic-Con as the cast and creative team seek to answer fans questions about how to fix time — after they “broke it.” DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: Season Two is available now on iTunes.
    • The Flash (premieres Tuesday, October 10, at 8/7c on The CW): Join cast members and producers of The CW’s highest-rated series as they make their annual appearance at Comic-Con allowing fans insight into where things will pick up when season four returns this fall. The Flash: Season Three is available now on iTunes.
    • Supergirl (premieres Monday, October 9, at 8/7c on The CW): Join the series cast and creative team for a special video presentation, followed by a Q&A as they discuss season three’s hot topics and the Girl of Steel’s latest threat. Supergirl: Season Two is available now on iTunes.
    • The Big Bang Theory (premieres Monday, September 25, at 8/7c on CBS): Television’s #1 comedy makes a triumphant return to San Diego with a special 10th anniversary panel with series stars and producers. Own the Complete Tenth Season of The Big Bang Theory available now on Digital. Blu-RayTM & DVD available on September 12. Pre-order now!
    • Supernatural (premieres Thursday, October 12 at 8/7c on The CW): Join series stars and executive producers in their annual Hall H panel session as they answer questions about the shocking events from last season and what’s in store for the Winchesters in lucky season 13 of this Comic-Con favorite. Own the Complete Twelfth Season of Supernatural available now on iTunes. Blu-RayTM & DVD available on September 5. Pre-order now!
    • Westworld (Returning in 2018 on HBO): After riding off into the sunset of season one, Westworld saddles up for season two of its dark odyssey into artificial consciousness and the evolution of sin. Pay a visit with an exclusive panel and Q&A with cast and producers as the series makes its San Diego Comic-Con debut. Westworld: Season One available November 7 in Ultra HD™ Blu-ray Combo pack, Blu-Ray™ and DVD. Available now on Digital.
  • For additional info on the Studio’s plans for Comic-Con and for real-time updates during the convention, please follow us on Twitter at @warnerbrostv — official hashtag #WBSDCC — and visit http://comiccon.thewb.com.

MTV Bringing Teen Wolf back to San Diego Comic-Con

Los Angeles, CA — July 6, 2017 – MTV today announced that “Teen Wolf” will premiere on a new night beginning Sunday, July 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Additionally, the show is returning to the Con, having landed a coveted Hall H panel on Thursday, July 20th at 2:00 p.m. ET/PT. “Teen Wolf” sits as the number one television series in the Comic-Con social sphere for the past two years.

The 6,000-person hall will see Tyler Posey, Dylan Sprayberry, Shelley Hennig, Cody Christian, Khylin Rhambo and executive producer Jeff Davis take the stage, with a few surprises in tow and offer fans an exclusive, extended sneak peek of the highly-anticipated final season.

On Friday, July 21 the “Teen Wolf” cast will hit the convention center floor for a signing with fans, at Fox Booth #4229. MTV will also be on-the-ground with the “MTV Fandom Fest” interactive experience on Friday, July 21st at Petco Park hosted by Tyler Posey.

The final ten episodes of “Teen Wolf” find Scott and his pack on the eve of their departure for college, as they discover a new enemy rising in the shadows, which threatens the fate of everything they hold dear.

For the fourth year, the “MTV Fandom Fest” will celebrate the fans who have descended upon San Diego Comic-Con to raise their beloved television shows, movies, comic books, animation and more to global phenomenon. “Fandom Fest” will feature thousands of guests at Petco Park as MTV offers numerous events including fan-facing activations, live music, giveaways, and more.

Below is the schedule of MTV events in San Diego. Follow “Teen Wolf” social on Twitter and Instagram and #TeenWolfSDCC to keep up with the latest happenings around San Diego.

Thursday, July 20 

“Teen Wolf” Panel

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Hall H

“Teen Wolf” cast members Tyler Posey, Dylan Sprayberry, Shelley Hennig, Cody Christian, Khylin Rhambo and executive producer Jeff Davis will take Comic-Con by storm for the 8th and final time – with a few surprises in tow! The pack will offer Comic-Con fans an extended first-look at the final season and reveal a handful of teases, making the pack’s last-ever Con.

Friday, July 21

“Teen Wolf” Cast Signing

10:00 PM – 10:45 AM PT

Location: FOX Booth #4229

Cast members and executive producer Jeff Davis will be signing exclusive, limited edition “Teen Wolf” posters for Comic-Con fans.

“MTV Fandom Fest”

7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Location: Petco Park

For the fourth year, the “MTV Fandom Fest” will celebrate the fans who have descended upon San Diego Comic-Con to raise their beloved television shows, movies, comic books, animation and more to global phenomenon. “Fandom Fest” will feature thousands of guests at Petco Park as MTV offers numerous events including fan-facing activations, live music, giveaways, and more.

Official sponsors of the “2017 MTV Fandom Fest” include AT&T, Doritos®, JOLLY RANCHER Candy and Pepsi™.

“Teen Wolf” was developed by Jeff Davis, who also serves as executive producer.  Additional executive producers include Russell Mulcahy, Joe Genier, Marty Adelstein, René Echevarria, Tony DiSanto, Karen Gorodetzky, Liz Gateley and Tim Andrew. The pilot was written by Jeff Davis and Jeph Loeb & Matthew Weisman and directed by Russell Mulcahy.  The “Teen Wolf” series is based on a Screenplay by Jeph Loeb & Matthew Weisman.  The series is a co-production with, and distributed by, MGM, in association with Lost Marbles Productions, Inc., Siesta Productions, Inc., First Cause, Inc. and DiGa.

Despicable Me 3 Characters Coming to Universal Studios

Universal City, California – July 6, 2017 – Leaping from the silver screen to Universal Studios Hollywood, four Minions and Dru, Gru’s long lost-twin brother, have made their way to the Entertainment Capital of L.A. this summer.  In addition to seeing the Minions come to life at Universal Studios Hollywood, fans are invited to see the box-office blockbuster Despicable Me 3 at Universal CityWalk’s new multi-million dollar AMC Theatre, the Universal Cinema.

Known as the Tourist Minions, Dave and Jerry from Despicable Me 3 step out in full tourist regalia—sporting fanny packs, oversized sunglasses, floppy hats and cameras. They are accompanied by two new Jail Minions—who join Minion Mel in Despicable Me 3 to revolt and make a go of it on their own—sporting familiar black-and-white stripped jailbird uniforms.

An endearing quality of the new Minion recruits is their lifelike gaze. As Dave, Jerry, and the Jail Minions peer into the faces of guests, their giant eyes now articulate, mischievously shifting from left to right and back again. At times, they even eye roll as they engage with fans. 

The effortlessly charming Dru, Gru’s long-lost twin brother, also joins the cast of walkabout theme park characters. Wealthy, larger than life, and with a full head of flowing blond hair, Dru, is Gru’s opposite in every way. Now, he’s ready to charm guests from around the world.

Inspired by Illumination and Universal Pictures global blockbuster Despicable Me franchise, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” an original 3D Ultra-HD adventure, and “Super Silly Fun Land,” an imaginative and interactive play zone, are featured attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood. Voiced by the film series’ stars, the fully-immersive motion-simulator ride features the beloved cast of characters that have resonated with audiences across the globe: super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher), and an army of unpredictable Minions.

“Super Silly Fun Land,” an elaborate play zone unique to Universal Studios Hollywood, sits adjacent to “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.” The colorfully themed, interactive Minion-inspired outdoor attraction is a literal interpretation of the seaside carnival from the original Despicable Me film, designed to entertain guests of all ages with more than 80 different water-play features. As well, a Minion-themed ride, “Silly Swirly Fun Ride,” soars and spins guests around for a 360-degree view of “Super Silly Fun Land”—aboard a fleet of uniquely styled ride vehicles.

In addition to seeing the Minions come to life at Universal Studios Hollywood, fans are invited to see the box-office blockbuster, Despicable Me 3 at Universal CityWalk’s new multi-million dollar AMC Theatre, the Universal Cinema.  Delivering modern, high-tech elegance and chic sophistication, the renovation of the split-level movie theatre offers a stylish and inviting place that captures the spirt of the glamourous movie studio—complete with screening room quality theatres and ultra-plush reclining seats. 

Each redesigned theatre has been fully upgraded with the most technologically advanced sight and sound achievements. The Universal Cinema represents the first multiplex in the United States to incorporate Christie laser projection, Christie Vive audio sound system and Dolby ATMOS with recliner seating to deliver maximum-impact movie presentations in 18 auditoriums. The installation of new, state-of-the art screens, perforated to enable 360 degree audio, complement the overall enhancements.

Additionally, movie-goers can enjoy $5 Movie General Parking with the purchase of a movie ticket.

Illumination, who brought moviegoers Despicable Me and the biggest animated hits of 2013 and 2015, Despicable Me 2 and Minions, continues the story of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters—Margo, Edith and Agnes—and the Minions in Despicable Me 3

After he is fired from the Anti-Villain League for failing to take down the latest bad guy to threaten humanity, Gru finds himself in the midst of a major identity crisis.  But when a mysterious stranger shows up to inform Gru that he has a long-lost twin brother—a brother who desperately wishes to follow in his twin’s despicable footsteps—one former super-villain will rediscover just how good it feels to be bad.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com and at www.CityWalkHollywood.com. Join the conversation online using #minionride. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Geek & Sundry and Nerdist Announce 2017 San Diego Comic-Con Lineup

Burbank, CA (July 6, 2017) – Legendary Digital Networks will once again join fans on their annual pilgrimage to San Diego for the 6th consecutive year. Headlined by Nerdist, Geek & Sundry, and their new membership service Alpha, this year’s Conival will start deep below the sea, before launching fans into the vast, unbounded continuum of space.

Kicking off the weekend Thursday night, Nerdist and Geek & Sundry talent and super fans can join The Kraken® Rum and Alpha at its exclusive “League of Darkness” Party, held at FLUXX. Attendees will be invited to “Wrestle the Kraken,” enjoy signature cocktails and be fully immersed in the deep sea of Kraken mystique. Fans can secure a special invite to “League of Darkness” by keeping an eye on @jointeamalpha on Twitter for details.

Joining forces with Nerdist and Geek & Sundry on many of the activations at this year’s Conival will be Hulu’s highly-anticipated original comedy series, Future Man, from executive producer Seth Rogen. The new Hulu Original will sponsor LDN’s annual party on Friday evening. This invite-only VIP event will take place at Oxford Social Club at the Pendry San Diego.

Beyond the parties, Conival is open to the public, allowing ALL attendees the opportunity to participate in fun-filled activities headlined by the return of fan-favorites including Nerdist laser tag (also sponsored by Hulu’s Future Man), Geek & Sundry’s tabletop lounge, a Wonder Woman cosplay march, a chance to win Sideshow’s life-sized Han Solo in Carbonite replica, swag and book giveaways by Tor and Inkshares, and much more. The activation will be open at the Marina Terrace at the Marriott Marquis & Marina at the following times:

THURSDAY  JULY 20, FRIDAY, JULY 21, SATURDAY, JULY 22:  11 AM – 5 PM

For the most up to date schedule of Nerdist and Geek & Sundry Conival activities and news, please stay tuned to www.nerdist.com and www.geekandsundry.com and follow us on Twitter @nerdist and @geekandsundry #conival.

The Marina Terrace at the Marriott Marquis & Marina will not be the only place to catch up with Nerdist and Geek & Sundry. There will also be a plethora of panels showcasing top Nerdist and Geek & Sundry shows and celebrities including the highly-anticipated Nerdist Panel in Hall H, the Geek & Sundry Panel with Felicia Day, Talks Machina with the cast of Critical Role and much more. Please find below a complete list of all Nerdist and Geek & Sundry panels:

Schedule of Official 2017 SDCC Nerdist and Geek & Sundry Panels

Thursday, July 20, 2017

4:45p.m. – 5:45p.m. The Nerdist Panel with Chris Hardwick – It’s that time of year again-time to enjoy your burrito with Chris Hardwick (Comedy Central’s @Midnight, AMC’s Talking Dead) and talk all things Nerdist! Joining Chris will be an all-star panel of your favorite Nerdist personalities, including Jessica Chobot (Nerdist News, Bizarre States), Kyle Hill (Because ScienceMythBusters: The Search), Dan Casey (The Dan Cave), Rachel Heine (Editor-in-Chief), Andrew Bowser (Onyx the Fortuitous’ Welcome to the Shadow Zone, Bizarre States), and Joan Ford (Nerdist News writer). Join the gang for a lively conversation about sci-fi, superheroes, and what’s on the horizon for Nerdist. Hall H

Friday, July 21, 2017

2:30p.m. – 3:30p.m. The Geek & Sundry Panel with Felicia Day – Gather your party!  Join Felicia Day (founder of Geek and Sundry, MST3K), Marisha Ray (Critical Role), Hector Navarro (Mothership, Shield of Tomorrow), Ivan Van Norman (Sagas of Sundry), Erika Ishii (Game Engine), Amy Dallen (The Wednesday Club), Eric Campbell (Shield of Tomorrow), and Sean Becker (The Guild, Head of Video at Geek & Sundry) as they discuss what it takes to make that broadcast magic happen and what the future of their programming may hold. Following the panel, the Geek & Sundry crew will partake in a Q&A session. Room 5AB

Saturday, July 22, 2017

10:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. Talks Machina with the Cast of Critical Role – Join Brian W. Foster (Host of Talks Machina) as he moderates a special episode of Talks Machina featuring the cast of Critical Role:Matthew MercerMarisha RayLaura BaileyTravis WillinghamSam RiegelLiam O’Brien and Taliesin Jaffe. The Critical Role cast will dive deep into the latest adventures of Vox Machina and answer your burning questions. Room 6BCF

2:00p.m. – 3:00p.m. The Science of Rick and Morty – Nerdist’s Kyle Hill (Because Science, MythBusters: The Search) and special guests open up a portal to the Rickstaverse to rise above and focus on the science behind everything from portal guns to screaming suns. Q&A session <burp> to follow. Room 7AB

Sunday, July 23, 2017

1:00p.m. – 2:00p.m. Bizarre States – Join Jessica Chobot (Nerdist News & Mothership) and Andrew Bowser (Onyx the Fortuitous’ Welcome to the Shadow Zone) as they take on the weird, wacky and wonderful world of the paranormal, true crime, occult and just plain odd. Topics run the gamut from strange news ala: Weird of the Week to the on-going feline saga in Bowser’s Backyard. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the supernatural, all while we mercilessly make fun of each other. 6A

City of Brass Announcement Trailer

July 6, 2017 – Leaping from the pages of the Arabian Nights, adventure awaits in the accursed City of Brass – a place of legend beneath the sand, filled with danger and reward. Infested with mischievous spirits and deadly traps, its shifting streets are brimming with the wealth of a nation. Players assume the role of a cunning thief, battling to reach a fabled treasure at the city’s heart, wielding a blade and whip that can be used to disarm, trip or stun enemies, to swing to safety, grab inaccessible objects or even break through flimsy barricades.

But the city itself also has teeth. Players have to leap across pits, slide under blades, dodge spears or arrows, evade or employ sprung paving slabs, and sidestep poison gas traps – all the while manipulating these hazards to their advantage against diverse supernatural foes.

EnemiesCity of Brass has eternal replayability, designed to encourage combinative gameplay within an ever-changing, carefully optimized cityscape. Gamers must learn to manipulate every system if they are to survive, moving swiftly and deftly through each level, balancing the need for loot with the absolute requirement to escape within the time limit.

“Developing a game with multiple, interacting systems that players can freely combine feels like a return to our roots, drawing on our experiences working on BioShock and many of our other favorites,” explained Ed Orman, Lead Designer. “Players must learn how to use the traps to kill their foes, and even turn enemies against each another. You’ll perish in the City of Brass – often, and quite horribly – but as your skills improve and you discover new ways to cheat death, you’ll return to fight another day.”

Game features include:

  • Loot! Collect treasure to increase your score, plunder chests for weapon and armor upgrades or powerful relics – but make it to the exit in time or face death by dervish…
  • Genies! Incarcerated within the city, and most are friendly… Some will barter gear, upgrades, secrets, unlocks or protections in return for loot. Use one of three wishes to unlock a powerful benefit, or for a king’s ransom, buy a genie’s freedom in return for help in the final battle.
  • Improv! When your sword just isn’t enough, get creative: smash your enemies with explosive vases, blind them with a brick to the face, or force them into traps.
  • Ghouls! The city is filled with wretched spirits of all flavors, all with unique behaviors, all with the singular character defect that they want to kill you.
  • Smarts! The algorithms that create each level are tweaked to generate a logically laid out cityscape of interconnected chambers, courtyards and corridors.
  • Agility! The rhythmic interplay of blade and lash has been carefully tuned along with sprinting, crouching, sliding, leaping and vaulting to give a fluid, balanced and natural feel to the movement and melee.
  • Challenges! For the ultimate test, experienced players can encumber themselves with Divine Burdens, global modifiers that change enemy abilities, spawn behaviors or multiply environmental hazards.
  • Permadeath! No two playthroughs are ever the same: play, die, and play again, each time using what you’ve learned to get further. Are you tenacious enough to reach the heart of the City of Brass?

City of Brass will be released for Windows PC on Steam in fall 2017, with versions for PlayStation® 4 systems and Xbox One following in 2018.

A Total War Saga Announced

July 5, 2017 – Creative Assembly have shared initial plans for a new class of historical Total War game that will launch under the badge of “A Total War Saga”.

This new spin-off series will arrive with gamers before the next major historical release in the franchise, promising a busy time for historical strategy fans.

In a blog post on www.totalwar.com, Jack Lusted, Game Director of the first forthcoming Total War Saga title, explains what fans can expect from this new class of Total War game. Building on previous titles, Total War Sagas will centre on pivotal flashpoints in those eras, such as civil wars, renowned conquests and political upheavals.

Similar in scope and focus to Fall of The Samurai, the best-selling standalone follow-up to SHOGUN II, the first Total War Saga will continue on from ROME II and ATTILA, presenting a thrilling new challenge in a focused geographical area.

For more details on the first Total War Saga, read Jack’s blog-post here: https://www.totalwar.com/blog/a-total-war-saga-announce-blog/

Rock Band’s July DLC Announced

Boston – July 5, 2017 – Rock Band DLC kicks off July with a pair of heavy hitters – “Down With The Sickness” by Disturbed and Ghost’s “Cirice”. Both songs will be available on Xbox One and PlayStation®4 this Thursday for $1.99.

  • Disturbed – “Down With The Sickness” (First appeared on Rock Band 2)
  • Ghost – “Cirice”

The full list of content coming to Rock Band in July features chart-topping hits, a Rock Band Rewind track and even more surprises to be announced:

  • The Black Keys – “Gold On The Ceiling”
  • Disturbed – “Down With The Sickness” (First appeared on Rock Band 2)
  • Ghost – “Cirice”
  • Wilson Philliips – “Hold On”
  • … and more!

Stay tuned to Rock Band’s Twitter and Facebook pages for additional song reveals, news and information about Rock Band throughout the month.

Past Cure Story Trailer Released

Berlin, July 3rd, 2017 – PAST CURE, the new action stealth thriller coming from Indie developer Phantom 8 Studio, is back on the screen with a stunning new trailer. Giving tantalizing insight into the story, the trailer also impressively demonstrates that in PAST CURE, action is not just a label: the fighting animations shown are completely motion-captured, having been created in collaboration with professional MMA fighters.

There’s also great news for console gamers: in addition to the PC and PlayStation® 4 versions already announced, PAST CURE is now set to come to Xbox One®. All versions will launch simultaneously in Q4 2017 and will be available both online and in retail stores.

Thrilling stealth missions blurring the line between madness and reality

After his years of being tortured in dark prisons across Europe, ex elite soldier Ian lives in the safehouse of his brother, struggling with the consequences of the military experiments he was put through. They twisted his mind, imbued him with preternatural mental abilities such as time control and telekinesis, and fractured his grip on reality. Driven by hallucinations and his thirst for revenge, Ian enlists his brother’s help as he sets out on a thrilling hunt for the perpetrators of the conspiracy against him, and for the truth underlying his torment. On his missions Ian experiments with his new powers, quickly coming to realize their inherent danger: with each use, his sanity frays a little more, inviting the nightmarish attention of something beyond reality. In pursuit of the men behind his imprisonment, Ian soon realizes that his true enemy may be hiding within his madness. With PAST CURE, indie developer Phantom 8 Studio have successfully combined challenging stealth missions and real-time action sequences. In the world of PAST CURE, two dimensions offer two realities – the waking world, and nightmare – coming together in a game aptly described as ‘Inception meets Fight Club meets John Wick’. PAST CURE will come to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC in retail and online versions for US$ 29.99/ € 29.99 in Q4 2017.

About Phantom 8 Studio UG

Phantom 8 Studio UG & Ko. KG was founded in January 2016 by Ivan Mirkovikj, Roman Duda and Simon Gerdesmann. The Berlin-based independent developer is currently focusing on the development of their first title PAST CURE. By utilizing the latest 3D scan and motion-capturing technologies as well as their strong partnerships with technology providers such as 3Lateral, Cubic Motion and Metric Minds, the studio embraces the challenge of delivering thrilling high quality games at an affordable price point for millions of players.

Official website: www.phantom8.studio

Official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pastcuregame