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Horror-Comedy Anthology Scare Package Coming to Shudder

May 13, 2020 — Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, announced today that it has acquired all rights in its territories to horror comedy Scare Package, from creators Aaron B. Koontz and Cameron Burns. The anthology film, which delighted audiences at numerous festivals including the Sitges Film Festival in Spain, features seven gleefully ghoulish tales from a range of horror subgenres. Scare Package will premiere on Shudder in the U.S., Canada and the UK on June 18.

“We are delighted to introduce a new generation of horror voices in this smart, funny, gory, ode to horror that is Scare Package,” said Emily Gotto, Shudder’s Director of Global Acquisitions & Co-Production.

“People say this often, but we mean it: This truly is a movie made by horror fans, for horror fans. And we have the tears, sweat and 40+ gallons of blood to prove it. So, to be able to partner this love-letter with Shudder was a dream come true and hopefully can be a wild and hilarious distraction in our newly confined times,” said producer and segment director Aaron B. Koontz.

In Scare Package, Chad, the owner of Rad Chad’s Horror Emporium, recounts a series of bone-chilling, blood-splattered tales to illustrate the rules of the horror genre to his newest employee. Each story takes aim at different tropes, paying homage to and subverting the timeless clichés of the beloved genre with a cast that includes Noah Segan (Knives Out), Baron Vaughn (Mystery Science Theater 3000) Chase Williamson (Beyond the Gates), Jocelyn DeBoer (Greener Grass), Jeremy King (Camera Obscura), wrestling legend Dustin Rhodes, Toni Trucks (SEAL Team), Hawn Tran (Watchmen) and more.

Led by a diverse group of up-and-coming genre filmmakers, Scare Package features the directorial debuts of actors Segan and Vaughn. Emily Hagins (Netflix’s Coin Heist), Anthony Cousins (The Bloody Ballad of Squirt Reynolds), Chris McInroy (Bad Guy #2, Death Metal), Courtney and Hillary Andujar (Production Designers of The Girl On The Third Floor, Bloodline), and Aaron B. Koontz (Camera Obscura, the upcoming The Pale Door) round out the collection of filmmakers.

The film was produced by Austin-based genre production company Paper Street Pictures and developed by Koontz and Burns, who are currently in post-production on the witchy-western The Pale Door and previously collaborated on the horror-thriller Camera Obscura for NBCUniversal. Additional producers included Alex Euting, Shawn Talley, and Ashleigh Snead (The Ranger) for Paper Street as well as Kris Phipps. Graham Northcote served as Executive Producer. The deal was negotiated by Emily Gotto on behalf of Shudder and Aaron B. Koontz on behalf of Paper Street Pictures.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 Games Getting Remastered

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – May 12, 2020 — The videogame that transformed the skateboarding world is back! The original birdman Tony Hawk, and Vicarious Visions, the studio that reinvigorated Crash with the Crash Bandicoot™ N. Sane Trilogy, have teamed up to bring fans remastered versions of the first two badass games in the critically-acclaimed Tony Hawk franchise — Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 1 and 2. To provide players with breathtaking gameplay experiences, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 will blend all the original levels, pro-skaters, old-school tricks and more that gamers remember from the ‘90s and ‘2000s with new, beautifully recreated levels. This faithful remaster will also include blockbuster songs from the original franchise. Dropping in on September 4, 2020, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 will return remastered in one awesome package for PlayStation® 4, PlayStation® 4 Pro, the family of Xbox One devices from Microsoft, including the Xbox One X, and on PC through the Epic platform.

“The original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series is a big factor in the evolution of modern skateboarding tricks and inspiring many of the pro skaters you know and love today,” said Tony Hawk. “I’m excited to help inspire a new generation of skateboarders and gamers – and existing fans – to grow the sport even further.”

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 will also include fan-favorite features from games across the entire original franchise, including revert, lip tricks, wall plant and original multiplayer game modes, both online and for local couch play. And yes, Create-A-Park and Create-A-Skater modes are back! New to Create-A-Park this time around is a robust editor enabling new ways of customization. Players will be able to share parks online with friends and outfit skaters with customization options. Additionally, fans can select their favorite skaters from the complete roster of original pro talent, including Tony Hawk, Bucky Lasek, Steve Caballero, Geoff Rowley, Andrew Reynolds, Elissa Steamer, Chad Muska, Eric Koston, Rodney Mullen, Rune Glifberg, Kareem Campbell, Jamie Thomas and Bob Burnquist. New features to the remaster include even more goals than before, added challenges to amp up gameplay and more.

“Getting the chance to bring back the original two games which had such a meaningful impact not only on gaming, but on an entire sports genre, has been an epic experience for our team, many of whom worked on the original series,” said Jen Oneal, Studio Head at Vicarious Visions. “We’re taking what you knew and loved from the original games and mixing that with enhanced creative tools which will allow gamers to invent brand new ways to play the game they love. We’re confident it will be the ultimate Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater experience fans have been asking for.”

To celebrate the reveal, Activision, a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) has teamed up with @JablinskiGames on YouTube starting today to provide the world’s first look at gameplay from the iconic Warehouse level. Fans can watch as Jack Black and Tony Hawk offer hilarious commentary and banter while playing the level together. Those who digitally pre-order Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 on PlayStation, Xbox or PC will receive access to the Warehouse Demo ahead of the game’s official launch. The demo will be available to download at a later date. Check out the official trailer here.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 will be available worldwide for the suggested retail price in the U.S. of $39.99. A digital deluxe version that includes unique content and in-game gear will be available for the suggested retail price in the U.S. of $49.99. For the ultimate fan, a collector’s edition will be available for the suggested retail price of $99.99 in the U.S., complete with the digital deluxe content and a limited-run Birdhouse deck. Information about Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 including local suggested retail pricing can be found at www.tonyhawkthegame.com. Also be sure to follow news on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @TonyHawkTheGame, as well as subscribe to the YouTube channel at YouTube.com/tonyhawkthegame.

F1 2020 First Gameplay Trailer Released

Larkspur, Calif. (May 12, 2020) – Codemasters today showcased the first full in-game trailer for F1® 2020, the official videogame of the 2020 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™. Against the backdrop of the rousing F1 theme music written by composer Brian Tyler, the trailer celebrates the 70th anniversary of Formula 1® with intense racing wheel-to-wheel battles on some of the season’s most demanding circuits.

The trailer also features Formula 2™ which makes its return following its successful debut last year. Now fully integrated into Career mode, F2 allows players to choose from full, half-season and three-race challenge options, creating the ultimate F1 training ground. Players will have access to the 2019 F2 season at launch with the 2020 season coming as a free update later in the year.

Alongside the stunning cars designed for the 2020 season, F1 2020 gives players a chance to race some of the most desirable classic cars from the glorious history of F1.

The 16 classic cars featured in F1 2020 are:

  • 2010 Red Bull RB6
  • 2010 Ferrari F10
  • 2010 McLaren MP4-25
  • 2009 Brawn BGP 001
  • 2008 McLaren MP4 –23
  • 2007 Ferrari F2007
  • 2006 Renault R26
  • 2004 Ferrari F2004
  • 2003 Williams FW25
  • 1988 McLaren MP4/4
  • 1998 McLaren MP4-13
  • 1996 Williams FW18
  • 1992 Williams FW14
  • 1991 McLaren MP4/6
  • 1990 Ferrari 641
  • 1990 McLaren MP4/5B

Included in the F1 2020 Deluxe Schumacher Edition:

  • 1991: Jordan 191
  • 1994: Benetton B194
  • 1995: Benetton B195
  • 2000: Ferrari F1-2000

“The first in-game trailer has become a key moment in the F1 game campaign and this year is no exception,” said Lee Mather, F1 Franchise Game Director at Codemasters. “Each season we raise the visual benchmark, and with more circuits and teams getting new liveries. We can’t wait for the season to start and for players to be able to race.”

F1 2020 will be released on Friday, July 10, 2020 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Xbox One X, PC, and Google Stadia (MSRP $59.99). Players who purchase the F1 2020 Michael Schumacher Deluxe Edition (MSRP $69.99) will receive exclusive content and three days early access.

For future news and details on all the new features follow Formula 1 game website and social channels on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

WBIE Announces Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath

Burbank, Calif. – May 6, 2020 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, a new expansion for the hit videogame Mortal Kombat 11, the best-selling title in franchise history that was named Fighting Game of the Year at the 2019 D.I.C.E. Awards. Set for a global release on digital first beginning May 26 and developed by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath expands the critically acclaimed story campaign with an all-new, cinematic narrative centered around trust and deceit. The Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath expansion will be available on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®4 Pro computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch™ system, PC and Stadia.*

The epic saga continues in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, as Fire God Liu Kang, the new keeper of time and protector of Earthrealm, must now enlist the help of unlikely allies and familiar foes to forge a new history as the fate of two worlds hang in the balance. Adding to the growing roster of playable fighters, the new expansion features the triumphant return of Fujin, the God of Wind who serves as Earthrealm’s protector alongside his brother Raiden, and Sheeva, the four-armed, half-human and half-dragon queen of the ancient Shokan race. RoboCop, the iconic, highly advanced cybernetic police officer will make his first appearance in the franchise, continuing the pedigree of popular Mortal Kombat guest fighters. RoboCop in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath features the voice and likeness of actor Peter Weller, who portrayed the popular character in both the original “RoboCop” (1987) film and “RoboCop 2” (1990) sequel. Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath will also include three new character skin packs to be released over time.

Additionally, all Mortal Kombat 11 owners will have access to new Stages, including the return of the Klassic Dead Pool and Soul Chamber arenas, accompanied by Stage Fatalities, the fan-favorite finishing moves that use the environment to destroy opponents, and the popular Friendships feature from the ‘90s, which allows players to take down their adversaries with a hint of kindness. These features will be available as a free content update in conjunction with the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath release.

Week-Long Live Documentary Goes into Real House from The Conjuring

May 8, 2020 – While many of us revel in the perks of an extended staycation, one family’s quarantine situation is almost unthinkable, and they want to give you a front row seat to see what their terrifying lives are like in the real-life Conjuring House. From May 9 to May 16 , The Dark Zone Network proudly presents a 24-7 interactive live streaming event like no other, entitled “The House.”

Featuring live Remote interviews available with the Heinzen Family (current residents) and Andrea Perron (eldest Perron family daughter and author of the books “The Conjuring” is based on).

“The House ” is a week-long immersive experience documenting the daily lives of Corey and Jennifer Heinzen, the current residents of the notorious haunted house made famous by the hit film, “The Conjuring;” which chronicled the experiences of the house’s former residents, The Perron family. A little over a year ago the Heinzens moved into the house thinking they could handle whatever came their way; after all, they are paranormal investigators themselves. Almost immediately after the family moved in, paranormal activity reached a fevered pitch, and now they need your help to figure out what lurks in the house with them.

MAY 9 – STREAMING EXCLUSIVELY ON THE DARK ZONE

https://live.thedarkzone.tv

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 ‘Come Dance’ Trailer

May 8, 2020 – Paradox Interactive and Hardsuit Labs have revealed that Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 will be heading to Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The reveal came with a new Bloodlines 2 trailer showing the Kindreds’ macabre dance between the living and the dead.

Bloodlines 2 on Xbox Series X will feature Smart Delivery – players who purchase the game for Xbox One will receive a copy of the game optimized for Xbox Series X at no additional cost. In addition, cross-generation character and progress saves between the two console versions will also be available.

We’ll share additional details about what Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 support means for Bloodlines 2 at a later date.

It has been a while since we last talked about Bloodlines 2, so here’s a quick recap to get you up to speed:

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is a vampire RPG featuring memorable characters and deep, reactive storytelling. Set in Seattle, players will make tough moral choices that will shape the world around them.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Key Features:

  • What Monster Will You Be? Choose to be brutal and unflinching or cultured and seductive. Use charm, cunning, terror and sheer will to rise through vampire society.
  • Descend into Seattle’s Dark Heart: Seattle has always been run by vampires; hunt your prey across locations faithfully reimagined in the World of Darkness.
  • Enter into Uneasy Alliances: Choose a side among the competing vampire factions in the war for Seattle’s blood trade. Everyone has hidden agendas, so choose your allies wisely
  • Experience the Story: Written by the creative mind behind the original Bloodlines, live out your vampire fantasy in a city filled with intriguing characters that react to your choices.

Railway Empire – Down Under Launch Trailer

Ridgewood, NJ – (May 8, 2020) – Publisher Kalypso Media and developer Gaming Minds Studios today launched the next DLC for Railway Empire, ‘Down Under’. In the series’ second visit to the Southern Hemisphere, Down Under DLC moves the beloved rail tycoon sim to the sun-scorched plains of the Australian outback.

The DLC adds four additional territories: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria, and allows players to discover 52 new cities, customize settlements, and trade goods customary to the continent, such as beer and grilled seafood.

Check out the Kalypso Store and feature list below for a full run-down.

LucidSound LS50X Wireless Hybrid Gaming Headset Available Now

SAN DIEGO, May 6, 2020 — LucidSound, announced today that the LS50X Wireless Hybrid Gaming Headset is now shipping and available at lucidsound.com, amazon.com and gamestop.com.

The LS50X delivers the ultimate gaming audio experience in a design that rivals some of the best audiophile headphones on the market. The headset uses an advanced chipset that provides unparalleled wireless gaming performance and wireless mobile performance via Bluetooth. Notably, the chip allows the LS50X to deliver lag-free, uncompressed audio for gaming even in crowded WiFi areas. The LS50X is compatible with the full family of Xbox One devices, as well as the next generation of Xbox, Xbox Series X, launching Holiday 2020.

Built around the gamer’s lifestyle, the LS50X can simultaneously connect to your phone or other Bluetooth device while playing on Xbox. Take a phone call while gaming or listen to your favorite tunes, all while hearing game audio and chatting with friends on Xbox Live. When you’re ready to roll, the LS50X goes with you for wireless mobile gaming, music and calls. Unlike the stereotypical gaming headset designs that you would never wear outside your gaming setup, the LS50X won’t kill your style.

“You don’t have to look far to see how technology, style and design have shaped the world we live in. We combine all three of these to create the only gamer’s lifestyle headset that delivers the best wireless gaming experience combined with the best wireless mobile experience,” said Chris Von Huben, CEO of LucidSound.

The LS50X is available now at lucidsound.com, amazon.com, and gamestop.com.

LS50X Headset Features:

  • Future Proof: The LS50X is compatible with the full family of Xbox One devices, as well as the next generation of Xbox, Xbox Series X, launching Holiday 2020.
  • Signature Controls: The LS50X features the LucidSound iconic intuitive volume and mute controls, fully integrated into the design aesthetic.
  • Seamless Device Switching: The LS50X can be connected to Xbox devices and can connect to any Bluetooth audio device simultaneously, with seamless switching between the two.
  • Voice Prompts: Receive setting prompts as you set up and use your headset.
  • EQ Modes: 5 different EQ modes including Signature Sound, Bass Boost, Music Mode, Movie Mode, and Flat EQ.
  • Crystal-Clear Chat with Dual Mics: The dual microphone system offers a flexible boom mic for intense online gameplay. Remove the boom mic to use the integrated mic for mobile. Both mics support background noise and echo cancellation.
  • Designed for Comfort: Ultra-plush, easily replaceable oval earcups include advanced memory foam combined with cooling gel for superior comfort during long play sessions.
    Sound Quality: Custom-tuned 50mm speakers with state-of-the-art neodymium magnets provide deep bass and clear highs. Immerse yourself in the expertly crafted, signature LucidSound audio acoustics.
  • 20-Hour Battery Life: The built-in lightweight rechargeable battery delivers up to 20 hours of wireless operation. Even longer in Bluetooth only mode.
  • Premium Materials and Build Quality: Designed to be comfortable for every head size. Durable components and solid metal touchpoints are made to last.

The LS50X is available now at LucidSound, GameStop, and Amazon websites for $249.99. For more information on LucidSound visit www.lucidsound.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, ‘like’ us on Facebook.

DIRT 5 Announcement Trailer

Larkspur, Calif. (May 7, 2020) – Codemasters today reveals the next generation of racing with the announcement of DIRT 5, launching October 2020 on Xbox Series X, PlayStation®5, PC (Steam) and the current generation of Xbox and PlayStation consoles. A Google Stadia version will be released early 2021. Fully optimized for all platforms, DIRT 5 is a new heart-pounding off-road driving experience set against a sensory backdrop of vibrant visuals, an eclectic soundtrack, and dynamic weather conditions.

DIRT 5’s global journey takes in some of the most thrilling, exotic, and picturesque settings such as New York City and Rio de Janeiro alongside challenging events in remote areas of Greece and China. Players will experience the thrill of in-your-face extreme racing in a variety of vehicle classes from buggies, unlimited trucks, and rock bouncers to traditional and modern rally cars.

The expansive narrative-driven Career mode is bigger in every way with event types and challenges across some of the toughest terrain. Before hitting the track, get creative using the livery editor, with more customization options than any previous DIRT game. DIRT 5 features a non-linear progression path, so players can choose more of the events they want.

DIRT 5 heralds the return of split-screen for up to four players. The full list of game modes will be announced shortly, including a new game mode focused on creativity and designed for social couch play with friends or global online battles against the best racers in the DIRT universe.

DIRT 5 also boasts a roster of voice talent led by the iconic Nolan North and Troy Baker. Together, and in their unique style, the dynamic duo guide and mentor players through the Career mode and feature in the DIRT in-game podcast series, including the voice talents of other celebrities from the worlds of racing and gaming.

“As a studio, we are big fans of DiRT 2 and 3. This game is our homage: a bigger, amplified DIRT off-road experience in a setting that is alive, challenging and fun,” said Robert Karp, DIRT 5 development director at Codemasters. “Whether you want to compete against the AI on some of the world’s most challenging environments or play a four-player split-screen game with your friends, DIRT 5 has you covered.”

Keep up with all the DIRT 5 news and follow updates from the studio on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

SCORN Xbox Series X Trailer Released

Belgrade, Serbia – May 7th, 2020 – Following today’s Xbox 20/20 online showcase, independent studio Ebb Software is pleased to announce that its forthcoming first person horror adventure Scorn will be exclusive to Xbox Series X at game launch. Highly anticipated by horror fans for its powerful visual style and dense atmosphere, Scorn was presented as part of the forthcoming line up for Xbox Series X with the exclusive reveal of a brand new trailer. The game is planned for release during the Xbox Series X launch period.

Speaking about the studio’s collaboration with Xbox, Scorn Game Director Ljubomir Peklar said: “For us as developers it’s imperative to present Scorn in the best way possible. The distinctive art style is only half the story – the other half is having all the technical parts of the game running smoothly. That’s where our partnership with Microsoft and their next generation Xbox Series X console comes in. Xbox Series X is an extremely capable piece of hardware that will enable us to run Scorn at 4k 60fps with all the graphical bells and whistles. Ease of development and raw processing power are the primary reasons we chose to go exclusively with Xbox Series X. Players on Series X will experience an uncompromising version of Scorn.”

Scorn lures players into a claustrophobic underworld populated with mis-shapen organic forms dripping with unnamed fluids. You will find yourself entirely alone, with only your senses and instincts to guide you through the non-linear nightmare of interconnected spaces. In Scorn, the environment is itself a character, and will do its best to unsettle and unbalance you. Each location has its own puzzles, characters and story to tell, all of which combine to create a cohesive world. On your journey through the game, new areas, skills, weapons and items will be unveiled as you attempt to comprehend the unfolding reality of Scorn.

For more information about the game, visit: https://scorn-game.com/

For updates, follow Scorn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/scorn_game