Announced from NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX: Game On showcase event, Bloober Team, the studio behind acclaimed horror games including Blair Witch, Observer: System Redux, and Layers of Fear, today revealed their partnership with NVIDIA in implementing real-time ray tracing support for the upcoming psychological horror title The Medium when the game releases on Jan. 28.
The Medium will utilize the full potential of the latest version of the Unreal Engine 4, alongside Microsoft DirectX Raytracing and NVIDIA DLSS technology at launch, to deliver stunning real-time ray tracing reflections and shadows to showcase one of the most graphically immersive worlds and most ambitious projects from Bloober Team. With the latest tech and support from NVIDIA, The Medium brings fresh ideas and unique gameplay, all with petrifying ray-traced visuals powered by DLSS throughout the horror game’s mind-bending challenges and eerie puzzles simultaneously in two realities.
Visit GeForce.com for more comparison images and technical analysis.
Preorders are now open on www.themediumgame.com for Xbox Series consoles and PC platforms via Steam, Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store at the price of $49.99/€49.99/£41.74 with a 10% off discount before launch. Players who preorder via Steam will receive The Medium Original Soundtrack (by Akira Yamaoka and Arkadiusz Reikowski) and The Art of The Medium (digital artbook).
Developed and published by Bloober Team, and rated “M for Mature” by the ESRB and PEGI 18, The Medium will launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store on Jan. 28. Akira Yamaoka, known for his work on the Silent Hill series, and Bloober Team’s Arkadiusz Reikowski are working together on the game’s original ‘dual’ score, creating truly unique atmospheres across both worlds.
For more information on The Medium, please visit www.themediumgame.com; Follow us on Twitter @TheMediumGame; Like us on Facebook @MediumGame, or follow us on Instagram @the_medium_game.
Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced two new concept designs for CES 2021; Project Hazel, the world’s smartest and most socially friendly face mask, and Project Brooklyn, a compact, integrated gaming chair for next generation immersion.
Concept designs at Razer are explorations of innovation by the Razer design and engineering teams to evaluate feedback from the community and influence Razer’s future product portfolio. Earlier concept designs have either gone to market or elements of which have been included in shipping products.
The smart mask intends to help improve the convenience of daily wear while overcoming common social interaction challenges, while the new transformable gaming chair brings full-scale immersion from its haptics, graphics and lighting in a flexible form factor.
For an exclusive preview of these concepts, Razer invites all CES 2021 attendees and the global gaming community to join the RazerStore Live event on January 12th at 10am PST, simulcast on Razer’s YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels. For more details on the Project Hazel and Project Brooklyn concept designs, please read on.
PROJECT HAZEL – THE WORLD’S SMARTEST FACE MASK
From the start of the pandemic, Razer has been proactive in the fight against COVID-19, including the conversion of its manufacturing facilities to produce certified medical masks and the donation of 1 million surgical face masks to the healthcare frontline under its Razer Health initiative. A natural progression and evolution of this initiative, the multi-use Project Hazel smart mask from Razer addresses the increased emphasis on hygiene and preparedness for unexpected health risks as well as the environmental issues of disposable masks, while enhancing the features of a multi-use personal protective covering.
Further preparing consumers for the new normal in the road ahead, the mask concept design innovates with N95 medical-grade respirator protection using detachable and rechargeable active ventilators and Smart Pods that regulate airflow for optimal breathability. Its high bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) Smart Pods filter at least 95% of airborne particles and have a high fluid resistance.
For improved social interaction, Project Hazel has a clear, transparent design so those around you can view facial cues such as a smile or laugh and allow the hard of hearing to lip read what the wearer is saying. Interior lights activate automatically in the dark, allowing wearers to express themselves clearly regardless of the lighting conditions.
In addition, because masks can also muffle voices, a new Razer VoiceAmp Technology (patent pending) uses a built-in microphone and amplifier to enhance the user’s speech for clear communication while staying safe in social situations.
To reduce the waste created by disposable masks, the Project Hazel smart mask uses replaceable and rechargeable disc-type ventilators that can be conveniently sanitized of bacteria and viruses by placing it inside its dual-purpose wireless fast charging box with disinfecting UV-light interior. Lighting indicators show charge levels, and long-lasting battery life from a full charge easily enables all-day mask use. The waterproof, scratch-resistant mask is as tough as it is sustainable—made of recyclable plastic to greatly minimize the waste created by disposable masks.
The silicon-lined smart mask delivers comfort with active air cooling and regulation, bringing in fresh air and venting out CO2. The result is an air-tight seal from its adjustable ear loops, permitting custom sizes for a secure fit that keeps from obstructing the mouth. For extra user entertainment and style, wearers can activate two customizable Razer Chroma™ RGB lighting zones offering 16.8 million colors and a suite of dynamic lighting effects.
The smart mask concept will continue to be optimized through rigorous testing and user feedback to ensure safety compliance and maximum comfort and usability. Design improvements will also be ongoing to support the evolving user needs and to deliver value without compromising functionality and performance. Project Hazel will be foundational to Razer’s ongoing support and commitment to public health and safety within the community.
“Razer acknowledges the uncertainty in the road ahead, and so it was our duty to help protect our community members and prepare them from invisible threats,” said Min-Liang Tan, co-founder and CEO of Razer. “The Project Hazel smart mask concept is intended to be functional, yet comfortable and useful for interacting with the world, while maintaining a sociable aesthetic.”
For more information on Razer’s Project Hazel, please see here.
PROJECT BROOKLYN – TRANSFORM INTO NEXT-GEN IMMERSION
Designed for all types of gamers and engineered to conveniently fit in your bedroom or game room, the Project Brooklyn gaming chair concept design transforms from an ergonomic gaming chair into a full-fledged entertainment powerhouse that delivers breathtaking, next-gen immersion for both PC and console gaming.
Project Brooklyn is a cutting-edge gaming chair built with carbon fiber and RGB lighting, transforming easily into a fully immersive gaming station complete with panoramic visuals from a 60” rollout display, riveting tactile feedback built into the seat, and 4D armrests that roll out into adjustable peripheral tables. The existing types of all-in-one chairs that deliver “cockpit” style seating and mounted hardware are typically room-sized and the costs are astronomical.
With design inspiration from the Razer Iskur introduced in October 2020, Project Brooklyn takes leaps forward in user touch points, connecting the gaming chair to the display and its more functional components like armrests, while still delivering on comfort from plush, high-density foam cushions that support your unique body shape. The leather-stitched seat back is constructed in a robust carbon fiber body to maintain perfect posture throughout gaming marathons.
The adjustable platform on which the chair sits is complete with cable-routing and takes design cues from the Razer Raptor monitor. Mounted from the chair’s backbone and deployable with the touch of a button is a 60” full surround OLED display for stunning visual detail. Folding into the chair back when not in use, the roll-out display assembly plunges you into the center of the action with crisp detail and a savory panoramic experience.
The fully modular 4D armrests neatly tuck away collapsible tables with flexible ergonomics, allowing you to switch easily between PC gaming with a mouse and keyboard, and console gaming. There are separate panels in each armrest allowing for different keyboard and mouse ergonomics and each half folds away when not in use.
Building on the success of Razer’s audio-driven haptic feedback prototype shown at CES 2019, a new native Razer HyperSense integration has been built around the chair’s framework for the ultimate in tactile immersion. The independently activated high-fidelity modules offer feel for the most sensitive vibrations felt during gameplay, such as jumping into water or landing on a platform for truly immersive gameplay.
Razer Chroma RGB have been integrated along the outsides of the seat cushions and stand for personalization using 16.8 million colors, triggered as you game alongside other synchronized peripherals by over 150 integrated game titles.
“Project Brooklyn is an exciting concept developed on the true essence of a fully immersive gaming station,” said Min-Liang Tan. “The haptic feedback, visuals and overall functional design with attention to ergonomics will deliver a one-of-a-kind gameplay experience.”
Razer will continue to develop this gaming chair concept, conducting testing with top esports athletes and influencers to benchmark feasibility, comfort and performance. The Project Brooklyn concept is intended to offer insights on how to improve user mechanics and design to deliver a more immersive gameplay experience and inspire Razer’s growing portfolio of gaming chairs in the near future.
For more information on Razer’s Project Brooklyn, please see here.
For exclusive previews of the Project Hazel and Project Brooklyn concepts, please tune in to the RazerStore Live broadcast on January 12th at 10am PST via Razer’s YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels.
Razer is constantly strengthened by its passion for taking on new challenges and innovating in categories that gamers appreciate, in ways that address the road ahead.
Netflix is giving you a reason to get excited about 2021: Netflix has a new movie coming out every single week! This is just a sneak peak of the full list, which ranges from superheroes, to westerns, thrillers, rom-coms, action, comedy, and sometimes all of those things combined — and always with the world’s biggest and best stars, directors, and fresh faces. Get hyped, people, because this year is gonna be a big one.
Mad Catz Global Limited, the leading innovators in gaming hardware, are excited to announce a new gaming mouse, the B.A.T. 6+. Combining the elements of fast and powerful design, the truly ambidextrous gaming mouse offers the ultimate customizability and comfort, allowing every gamer to swap the side skirts and palm rests at will under each circumstance. Equipped with a high-end 16K DPI sensor and the 2ms response time of the DAKOTA™ switch, B.A.T. 6+ makes you become the mobile armory.
B.A.T. 6+’s design cues were inspired by spaceships, hypercars, and batmobiles. The side vents design was obtained from the speediest hypercar. This design prevents the gamer’s hands from overheating during long hours of play. The B.A.T. 6+’s various sizes of swappable backplates and side skirts are all expertly engineered to accommodate grip, claw, or finger-tip styles of play, allowing for a personalized gaming experience that adapts seamlessly to different gaming situations.
B.A.T. 6+ is the first gaming mouse to implement the Mad Catz Cyborg Engine. The Cyborg Engine is designed to have less impact on your gaming mouse while handling all of your important game settings. The software aims at combining your complex setup into an extension of the game with one integration while giving vivid lighting effects throughout the mouse chassis.
B.A.T. 6+ also features the Mad Catz DAKOTA™ mechanical switch. The DAKOTA™ Mechanical Switch adopts a new signal detection technology, enabling an instant response to be made by any of two contact points. This technology precisely processes signal registration and accelerates the switch’s response time to within only 2 milliseconds – 60% faster than other mechanical switches!
Empowered by the Pixart PMW 3389 optical sensor, the B.A.T. 6+ will be able to detect all of your adversaries in every step that they take, giving you critical strikes with incredible levels of accuracy. The 10 programmable button layout is specially designed to help you to become accustomed to different games. With up to 5 storage profiles, you can have the best optimization available for your current gameplay with just a click through the software.
The Mad Catz R.A.T. B.A.T. 6+ will be shipping from late February 2021. Availability may vary by region.
Today, Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a leading publisher of online games, and Cryptic Studios announced the first episode of Neverwinter’s new three-episode module, Sharandar, launches on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store and Arc) February 9 and on consoles March 9. The latest major update for the free-to-play MMORPG set in the Forgotten Realms brings Neverwinter players back to the mystical land of Sharandar — originally introduced in the first Neverwinter module, Fury of the Feywild — where they’ll experience a completely revamped and re-visualized world. Each episode introduces new features to Sharandar, including a brand-new social hub, new story content, re-imagined adventure zones to explore, new enemies to fight, a new end-game dungeon, and more!
In Neverwinter: Sharandar, an unsettling darkness creeps across the Feywild and the age-old elven stronghold of Sharandar. Brutish creatures kill any foolish enough to enter the lands once held by Malabog the Fomorian King. Deep in the forest, rumors of an ancient fey being, together with scattered bands of Malabog’s minions, seek to conquer Sharandar and seize its arcane secrets.
The story of Neverwinter: Sharandar is experienced over three episodes. The first episode, The Iron Tooth launches February 9 on PC and March 9 on console. Adventurers are sent to the Ruins of Malabog to investigate the disappearance of an elven dignitary. This episode introduces new and returning players to the Feywild lands of Sharandar, in which they’ll find the New Sharandar social hub, the Ruins of Malabog Adventure Zone, and the Vault of Stars dungeon, along with epic rewards.
The next two episodes, Episode 2: The Soul Keeper and Episode 3: The Odious Court, continue the story of Neverwinter: Sharandar at a later date. Players have the chance to experience the transformation of Sharandar as they take on the sinister new threat revealed in the first episode and push back the darkness. More details, including features, for these episodes will be revealed soon.
Neverwinter is a free-to-play action MMORPG featuring fast-paced combat and epic dungeons. Players explore the vast city of Neverwinter and its surrounding lands, learning the vivid history of the iconic city in the Forgotten Realms and battling its many enemies. Neverwinter is available on PC and is free to play digitally on Xbox One (with Xbox Live Gold*) and PlayStation®4
The co-op survival horror DEVOUR has set its sights on terrifying players worldwide with the upcoming full launch on Steam this January 28th. Up to four do-or-die players must brave the shadows to stop a possessed cult leader before they are dragged to hell. Run. Scream. Hide. Just don’t get caught…
Developed by the small British indie studio Straight Back Games, DEVOUR is a white-knuckle co-op survival horror game for up to four players. While best played cooperatively with easily-scared friends, more hardcore players can experience the scream-inducing DEVOUR on their own. With no two playthroughs ever the same, each DEVOUR terror session can last up to an hour, letting brave souls enjoy fright after fright into a nightly screamfest of epic proportions. Straight Back Games offers their heartfelt condolences in advance!
As once devoted cult members, players must steel themselves and work together to stop their cursed leader Anna Puerta from unleashing an unspeakable evil. With the goat demon Azazel possessing her after a ritual gone horribly wrong, Anna’s rage and power will grow with every step the players take in DEVOUR. In a race against time, the players burn ritual goats, evade a growing legion of demons, and ultimately hope to break Azazel’s hold over Anna.
DEVOUR will be made available on Steam for just €3.99 / £3.99 / $4.99.
DEVOUR is a prequel to their previously released two-player co-op game The Watchers.
HITMAN 3 takes immersion to the next level with PS VR. HITMAN has always been about immersing yourself in a living, breathing world. A world filled to the brim with interesting characters, secrets, and opportunities. But you’ve never experienced it like this.
You can learn more about the upcoming VR features in the following trailer:
HITMAN 3 will be available on 20 January 2021 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Google Stadia and PC. HITMAN 3 will also be coming to Nintendo Switch, playable via cloud streaming technology. Pre-order today for access to the Trinity Pack, a celebration of the World of Assassination.
During the “Monster Hunter Digital Event” today, Capcom shared new details for Monster Hunter Rise, the upcoming entry in the award-winning and top-selling Monster Hunter action RPG series. Beginning tonight in North America and offered throughout the month of January, a Monster Hunter Rise demo will be available as a free download from the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch™, serving hungry hunters around the world their first taste of the highly-anticipated new entry in the storied franchise. Also showcased in the livestream event, a brand new trailer introduced the “Wyvern Riding” gameplay mechanic, a new monster, a collection of returning monsters and frosty new hunting grounds that players can explore when the full game launches worldwide for the Nintendo Switch system on March 26, 2021.
The free limited time Monster Hunter Rise demo launches tonight and runs through January 31, giving players ample time to enjoy a sampling of this all-new Monster Hunter experience. The demo provides players with numerous hunting options, including offline solo and (up to 4 player) offline* local and online** multiplayer gameplay using all 14 weapon types. The following modes and quests are available in the free demo:
Training – Learn the basics of monster hunting, including an introduction to the new Wirebug mechanic and Palamute riding. Solo play only.
Wyvern Riding – Enter an arena to experience Wyvern Riding, a new feature that allows hunters to ride and guide monsters for a period of time. Solo play only.
Beginner Quest: Great Izuchi – Ideal for first time players or hunters who need a refresher course. Solo play, local multiplayer and online multiplayer.
Intermediate Quest: Mizutsune – A fierce challenge for experienced players only. Solo play, local multiplayer and online multiplayer.
*For offline local play, Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership is not required.
**For online play, Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account are required. From now through January 13, Nintendo is offering their NSO service as a free trial to all players on Nintendo Switch.
NOTE: The demo provides hunters with a total of 30 quest attempts, which are shared between both (beginner and intermediate) quests. The Tutorial and Wyvern Riding training do not count against the 30 quest limit, but those modes cannot be accessed after the limit is reached.
Also revealed today, the icy Goss Harag is an entirely new monster that will make its debut in Monster Hunter Rise. This fanged beast will send a chill down hunters’ spines, as he roams through snowy fields in search of new prey and attacks using blades of ice. Goss Harag is right at home in the Frost Islands, a new snow-capped and windswept locale that was once the nesting grounds for large dragons, who only the bravest hunters would attempt to slay.
Many other classic and fan-favorite monsters will be returning to join the ever-growing roster of foes in Monster Hunter Rise. In addition to the previously-announced monsters, these seasoned threats will also make their presences known: Lagombi, Khezu, Great Baggi, Barioth, Mizutsune, and Tigrex. More new and returning monsters will be revealed in the months ahead.
Grinding Gear Games will be announcing Path of Exile’s 3.13.0 expansion in an exclusive livestream on January 7 at 11AM (PST). The stream, which will take place on the Path of Exile Twitch channel, will reveal new end-game content, a new challenge league, new skills, items, and more.
In addition to hosting the 3.13.0 expansion reveal on its Twitch channel, Grinding Gear Games will also enable Twitch Drops for any channel streaming in the Path of Exile category during the livestream. Streamers who restream the broadcast on their channel, or fans who are watching the game during the stream, will be given the opportunity to earn something special from Grinding Gear Games. More details on logistics and which rewards will be up for grabs will be revealed soon.
Bloober Team, the studio behind acclaimed horror games including Blair Witch, Observer: System Redux and Layers of Fear, today debuted an extended look at gameplay from its upcoming psychological horror title The Medium, that showcases the different perspectives, environments and powers players will experience when the game is released on Jan. 28 for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
The 14-minute video sees the titular medium Marianne explore the real and spirit world both alternatively and simultaneously; showcasing the unique split-screen dual reality gameplay system that will see you play in two locations at the same time. Throughout the game, players will be pushed and pulled seamlessly between these two worlds – with about a third of the action taking place in the real world, a third solely in the spirit world and a third in both realms simultaneously.
Marianne is gifted with a number of psychic abilities she must combine to overcome the threats and obstacles of both worlds, such as the protective Spirit Shield and the more potent Spirit Blast. As she uses her powers to untangle the mystery of the Niwa resort, her investigation eventually takes her beyond the walls of the haunted hotel to other locations, including the mysterious Old Fort showcased for the first time in the new gameplay.
The video also gives players a taste of gameplay encounters against The Maw, the main antagonist voiced by Troy Baker, and reveals one of its unique abilities. Deceitful and insatiable, The Maw just like Marianne can travel between the real and the spirit world, thus chasing Marianne across both realities. In the spirit world, The Maw is visible and can easily spot Marianne, while she can defend herself with the Spirit Blast. However, travelling to the material world makes The Maw invisible but also blind, so it relies solely on hearing to locate its prey there.
The Medium is Bloober Team’s largest and most ambitious project to date and players can head to www.themediumgame.com to preorder on Steam, Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store at the price of $49.99/€49.99/£41.74 with a 10% off discount before launch. Players who preorder via Steam will receive The Medium Original Soundtrack (by Akira Yamaoka and Arkadiusz Reikowski) and The Art of The Medium (digital artbook).
Developed and published by Bloober Team, and rated “M for Mature” by the ESRB and PEGI 18, The Medium will launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store on Jan. 28.
