TEKKEN 3D PRIME EDITION Release Date

Leading video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today announced  TEKKEN 3D PRIME EDITION™ is releasing in North America on February 14, 2012 for the portable Nintendo 3DS™ system. The unique functionality of the 3D system takes the famous King of Iron Fist Tournament into the third-dimension for the first time, delivering a more immersive and dynamic TEKKEN® experience with more than 40 characters.TEKKEN 3D PRIME EDITION will make the most of the Wi-Fi functionality of the Nintendo 3DS, delivering fast-paced dynamic battles with impressive graphics at 60fps. And with the Nintendo 3DS system's StreetPass™ feature, nearby players can exchange collectable TEKKEN cards even when their systems are asleep. "TEKKEN has a rich 16 year legacy, with the franchise first appearing on the Nintendo platforms in 2001 with TEKKEN ADVANCE™ for GAME BOY™ ADVANCE," says Carlson Choi, Vice President of Marketing, NAMCO BANDAI Games America. "With the unique abilities of the Nintendo 3DS, we're able to show the characters of the epic franchise in a way that has never been seen before, and fans are going to love how TEKKEN's return to Nintendo systems has taken the series to new levels." As an industry first, the Game Card will also include the full-length CG animated feature film TEKKEN: Blood Vengeance™, produced by Digital Frontier (Resident Evil: Degeneration, Death Note, Appleseed) and directed by Youichi Mouri (opening movies for TEKKEN 5 and TEKKEN 6: Bloodline Rebellion). For more information on  TEKKEN 3D PRIME EDITION, please visit: www.namcobandaigames.com;  http://www.facebook.com/tekken; http://www.twitter.com/Harada_TEKKEN; or  http://www.twitter.com/FilthieRich.

BioShock 2 Surfaces on the Mac Jan 2012

Feral Interactive announced that the genetically enhanced role-playing shooter, BioShock™ 2, will be released for the Mac in January 2012. Developed by 2K Marin, 2K Australia, 2K China and Digital Extremes, and published by 2K Games for games consoles and PC, BioShock 2 is a sequel to the legendary BioShock. The game provides fans with an unsettling storyline, dazzling visual design and the evolution of BioShock's genetically enhanced shooter gameplay. Set almost a decade after a cruel civil war consumed the once magnificent city of Rapture, evil reverberates through its halls and a wickedness once thought gone forever returns along the Atlantic seaboard. An unspeakable series of kidnappings from local seaside communities by an unseen monster leads to the repopulation of Little Sisters in Rapture's failed utopia under the ocean. Players must step into the boots of one of gaming's most iconic characters, the Big Daddy, as they traverse through the fallen city, fending off attacks from an army of genetically modified Splicers, while searching for escape and the key to their survival. The Mac edition of BioShock 2 will also include an entirely separate multiplayer game, The Fall of Rapture, set prior to the original BioShock. Players will take on the role of mutated test subjects for the opportunistic plasmid manufacturer Sinclair Solutions, and engage in the civil war that tore Rapture apart. "BioShock 2 shows Rapture in a completely new light," said David Stephen, Managing Director of Feral Interactive. "By allowing players to be a Big Daddy, it explores the emotional consequences of the Rapture project." BioShock 2 for the Mac will retail in North America for US $34.95, £24.95 (inc. VAT) in the UK and €29.95 (inc. VAT) throughout Europe. It will also be available online for direct download from a variety of digital partner sites worldwide including http://www.feralinteractive.com and the Mac App Store. The boxed version of the game is now available to pre-order through Feral's online store (http://www.feralinteractive.com/?section=buy&game=bioshock2) and there is also a mini-site dedicated to the game (http://www.feralinteractive.com/bioshock2). Minimum system requirements call for a 2.0 GHz Intel Mac with at least 4GB RAM, Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later, and 256MB of graphics memory. The following graphics cards are not supported: ATI X1xxx series, ATI 2400, NVIDIA 9400, NVIDIA 7xxx series and Intel GMA series. The following cards require will require 4GB of system RAM: NVIDIA 320M and Intel HD 3000. These requirements are subject to change before BioShock 2 ships.

Activision Proceeds With Jury Trial In Suit Against EA

Motions Filed for Summary Judgment by Electronic Arts, Former Employees West and Zampella Denied SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI),  announced that the Los Angeles Superior Court has denied a motion brought by Electronic Arts, Inc. (EA) for summary judgment, thereby permitting Activision to proceed to trial on its $400 million contract-interference suit against EA..  At a hearing held yesterday, December 21, 2012, Judge Elihu Berle denied EA's motion, finding that the evidence presented by Activision supplied a basis for a jury to potentially conclude both that EA had intentionally interfered with Activision's employment agreements with former Call of Duty game developers, Jason West and Vince Zampella, and that EA had aided and abetted West and Zampella's breach of fiduciary duties to Activision.  A related summary judgment motion put forth by West and Zampella was also denied. In the suit Activision alleges that West and Zampella breached their contracts and duty of loyalty to Activision by conduct that was insubordinate and otherwise improper and that West and Zampella's misconduct was caused, at least in part, by EA's unlawful tampering.  A jury trial in the case is scheduled to begin on May 7, 2012.

Confrontation: Now Begins the Hostilities!

    Confrontation, the new Tactical RPG from Cyanide (Game of Thrones, Blood Bowl) today unveiled an epic first video teaser! Confrontation is the video game adaptation of the famous board game universe by Rackham. Deftly combining role-playing game elements with strategy, Confrontation offers a rich and unique experience that focuses on intense and extremely tactical battles. This video teaser will immerse you in the heart of Aarklash, the world of Confrontation, while the Rag'narok, announcing the end of this world, has just begun. The Path of Light (the Griffin), Path of Destiny (the Wolfen and Orcs), and Path of Darkness (the Scorpion) are preparing for battle: lead by their champions, the Incarnate, the armies of each faction are getting ready for a merciless war. The reward? The winners will impose their own vision of the Rag'narok… and will survive the others races. Confrontation will release exclusively for PC early 2012. - Visit the website  

An Affordable Green Stand for your Portable Device

Green Stand for your Smart Phone, Tablet & E-Book Let's talk tech… better yet Green Tech. Many people (like myself) are always looking for ways to display our gadgets. I hate just sitting my android phone and my tablet on a flat surface, I want it to be displayed on a stand so that when I get a text, e-mail, call or want watch a movie it's sitting right in front of me. I also don't like to spend money on something big and bulky or something that is proprietary to the phone especially when I'm only using it to sit my device on. Those things are expensive and not so eco-friendly and usually come in 2 colors… white or black. So what's the alternative? Sure you can make on (if you're a handy man) and I've seen some real fail homemade stands. So what's a tech guy or gal to do? On this episode I'll be taking a look at an environmentally friendly solution. To do this I have Garret Moore with Pliant Designs and a new product called E-Sill. Find their web page here    

The Last of Us, PLAYSTATION 3 Exclusive

Sony Computer Entertainment today announced The Last of Us, a new franchise created exclusively for PlayStation®3.  Developed by Naughty Dog Inc., creators of the highly acclaimed and best-selling Uncharted™ series, The Last of US was unveiled in a world premiere trailer at the Spike TV 2011 Video Game Award Show. The Last of Us is a genre-defining experience that blends survival and action elements to tell a character driven story about a population decimated by a modern plague. Abandoned cities are being reclaimed by nature and the remaining survivors are killing each other for food, weapons and whatever they can get their hands on. Joel, a ruthless survivor, and Ellie, a brave young teenage girl who is wise beyond her years, must work together to survive their journey across what remains of the United States. "We are excited to finally unveil The Last of Us, a project the team has been working hard on for some time," said Evan Wells, co president of Naughty Dog Inc. "Naughty Dog's mission is to change the way people experience videogames. We are confident The Last of Us will take a leap forward in cinematic gaming and storytelling, providing gamers with an experience unlike anything else in the industry." The Last of Us is developed by some of the industry's most talented game designers including Bruce Straley, game director and Neil Druckmann, creative director. Naughty Dog Inc. advanced to the forefront of the videogame industry in 1996 with the successful introduction of Crash Bandicoot on the original PlayStation.  The developer extended the franchise with Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped and Crash Team Racing, selling 22 million copies worldwide leading to Naughty Dog Inc. becoming the most successful video game developer in the United States for that console generation. The team then created the Jak and Daxter franchise including Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy®, Jak II™, Jak 3™ and Jak X: Combat Racing™.  In 2007 Naughty Dog Inc. released Uncharted: Drake's Fortune®, this was followed by Uncharted 2: Among Thieves™ and most recently Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception™. Having currently sold over 13 million units worldwide, the Uncharted franchise represents some of the most impressive graphics, sound and processing capabilities found on PS3.

STAR WARS: The Old Republic Launches Soon

All Systems Go for Launch on December 20 with Early Game Access Program* Beginning December 13 for those who Pre-Ordered

 

After successfully concluding one of the largest-ever Beta tests for an MMO, BioWare™, a Label of Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), is now making final preparations for one of the biggest entertainment launches of the year as Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ reaches stores on December 20, 2011 in North America and on December 15^th in Europe. BioWare also revealed today that Early Game Access for players who pre-order the game will begin on December 13, 2011 at 12:00 PM, giving some players as  much as a seven-day head start to their personal Star Wars™ saga. To participate in the Early Game Access program, customers must pre-order any version of Star Wars: The Old Republic and redeem their code** at www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com/preorder before the official launch of the game. Pre-orders are still available in limited supplies at most participating retailers and via Origin.com. Die-hard MMO gamers and passionate Star Wars fans worldwide are gearing up for the launch of Star Wars: The Old Republic. During the weekend of November 25 – November 28, 2011, over 725,000 unique gamers participated in a highly successful Beta test for the game, logging in over 9 million hours of gameplay. With two weeks to go until launch, more than 78,000 guilds have participated in the Pre-Launch Guild Program and over 2.4 million players are registered on the game's official web site www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com. Critics around the world are equally excited, as Game Informer has proclaimed that "The Old Republic is poised to reshape the MMO landscape," and MSNBC has said that "Star Wars: The Old Republic is looking strong and the attention to story is paying off in a big way." "Star Wars: The Old Republic is a go for launch on December 20," said Dr. Greg Zeschuk, Co-Founder of BioWare and General Manager of the BioWare label's MMO Business Unit. "We are extremely humbled by the surge of players who have joined us on this journey and participated in the Beta Weekend. Their participation has given us the opportunity to stress test the game and allowed us to tune the experience, ensuring that we deliver the smoothest possible MMO launch later this month." Set thousands of years before the classic films, Star Wars: The Old Republic is a story-driven, massively multiplayer online game challenging players with epic quests, featuring dynamic combat across iconic worlds in the Star Wars galaxy such as Tatooine, Alderaan, Hoth and more. Each of the game's eight primary classes will enjoy their own unique storyline, all of which are fully voiced by a huge cast of actors and features a sweeping musical score. Included with the purchase of every copy of Star Wars: The Old Republic is 30 days of access to the game, after which players can continue to play through subscribing at either £8.99 per month, £25.17 for three months (£8.39 per month) or £46.14 for six months (£7.69 per month).  For more information on Star Wars: The Old Republic, please visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com, follow the game on Twitter at http://twitter.com/swtor or "Like" Star Wars: The Old Republic on Facebook at http://facebook.com/starwarstheoldrepublic.

Wizard101 "Chrismoose" Mount

As the weather outside turns frightful, Wizard101 is spreading winter warmth by kicking off 12 days of holiday events and surprises. To give this celebration a little more juice – Wizard101is starting off with a charity moose! "Over the last two years, KingsIsle and the Wizard101 community have raised over $180,000 for children's charities in Texas and around the country," said Elie Akilian, chairman and CEO of KingsIsle Entertainment. "This year, with the launch of a festive Chrismoose mount, we plan to raise another $50,000 to benefit two extraordinary Texas organizations." The Chrismoose charity mount will gallop into Wizard101's in-game Crown shop on December 9th and be available for a limited time. The charity mount will support two organizations devoted to helping children: the Austin Children's Shelter located in Austin, Texas, and Children's Medical Center at Legacy, a pediatric hospital located in Plano, Texas. Additionally, from December 9 until December 21, each day KingsIsle will unveil new ways to celebrate the season. There are many surprises planned, so be on the lookout for:

• Discounts on a variety of popular in-game items
• A slew of giveaways and some special celebratory offers
• A holiday-themed creative poetry contest
• New festive items and special surprises

Gotham City Impostors 2D Animation Trailer #2

  Today Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment released a new Gotham City Impostors animated video chronicling the latest tensions between the Bats and Jokerz. Gotham City Impostors is a download only title that will be available beginning January 10^th in the Xbox LIVE^® Marketplace for the Xbox 360^®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®Network and Windows PC.  A console beta for the game is expected to go live worldwide this month.  Fans can go to www.GothamCityImpostors.com to register for their chance to take part in the beta.

NeverDead limb-ers up for February release

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH will release its demonic action title NeverDead for PlayStation®3 and ® on February 3^rd, 2012, the publisher has confirmed. The brainchild of Shinta Nojiri, and co-developed with Rebellion Software, NeverDead stars an immortal hero called Bryce Boltzmann who, alongside his partner Arcadia, works for an agency tasked with dealing with demonic incursions. As demons from the dawn of time emerge on present-day Earth, so Bryce – armed with an arsenal of guns and a Butterfly-Blade – and the gun-toting Arcadia must locate and destroy the hostile invaders. As the malformed adversaries appear, the heavily-armed Bryce must protect his sidekick and work together to kill them all. However, as the monsters get larger and more vicious, the side-effect of Bryce's immortality is revealed. For, as the player is attacked by the various miscreants, Bryce can be torn limb from limb, but can simply reattach the parts to his body. Even when all limbs have been removed, Bryce can roll around as a head, looking to reattach his lost parts. He can even use his amputated body parts as weapons, throwing arms into clusters of monsters, and still firing the attached gun, or lobbing his head into seemingly impossible areas, to gain access to new parts of the map. "For NeverDead, we've gone all out to change the approach the player takes in battle," explained Shinta Nojiri, creator of NeverDead for Konami Digital Entertainment. "Losing a limb is a mere inconvenience and Bryce's physical skills allow a wealth of ways to take out the enemy – from close-range combat, to throwing limbs into clusters of monsters and shooting them remotely! This adds a level of humour to the game that brings the world-weary main character to life, while players can revel in game worlds that can are fully interactive and eminently destructible." KONAMI has also confirmed that NeverDead will also be the focus of DLC elements and add-ons, further details for which will follow soon.

GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 Cores Limited Edition

ZOTAC^® Unleashes GeForce^® GTX 560 Ti 448 Cores Limited Edition

New ZOTAC^® GeForce^® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition delivers the performance and visuals gamers crave HONG KONG – Nov. 29, 2011 – ZOTAC® International, a leading innovator and a channel manufacturer, today unleashes the GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition graphics card geared for the latest stunning Microsoft® DirectX® 11-enabled titles.  The ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition graphics card delivers the performance and visual details gamers crave for an unmatched immersive gaming experience. Equipped with 448 lightning-fast shaders and 1280MB of GDDR5 memory, the ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition graphics card packs a performance punch. "PC gaming is a strong segment that continues to grow and now is the best time to upgrade for the latest DirectX® 11 releases. With the ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition, gamers can easily equip their PC to play the latest titles with ultra-quality settings up to 1080p – beyond what a console can deliver," said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC® International. The ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition is NVIDIA® SLI™ ready with dual SLI™ connectors. Up to three ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Editions can operate together for up to 2.8-times the performance of a single card or unlock 3D Vision™ Surround technology for triple-display gaming. It's time to play with the ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition. General details ·         New ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition graphics card ·         NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 Cores GPU ·         Engine clock: 765 MHz ·         448 unified shaders ·         Shader clock: 1,530 MHz ·         1280MB GDDR5 memory ·         Memory clock: 3800 MHz ·         320-bit memory interface ·         Dual DVI, HDMI & DisplayPort outputs ·         DirectX® 11 technology & Shader Model 5.0 ·         OpenGL® 4.2 compatible ·         NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology ·         Full HD video playback ·         Blu-ray 3D ready ·         Loss-less audio bitstream capable ·         ZOTAC® Boost Premium software bundle included Specifications:

Product Name	ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition
GPU	NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores
Engine Clock speed	765 MHz
Unified Shaders	448
Shader Clock	1530 MHz
Memory Clock speed	3800 MHz
Memory	1280MB GDDR5
Memory interface	320-bit
Display Outputs	Dual DVI, HDMI & DisplayPort
HDCP	Yes
Cooling	With fan (dual-slot)
DirectX® version	DirectX® 11 with Shader Model 5.0
Other hardware features	Hardware accelerated Blu-ray 3D ready
Software Features	Hardware Video Decode Acceleration Technology, NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology, OpenGL® 4.2
Windows 7 capability	Windows® 7 with DirectCompute support

Army Corps of Hell Trailer

Larva Game Studios’ Last Day On Earth

Developer secures initial funding to begin development of original IP. Guadalajara, Mexico - November 23, 2011 - Larva Game Studios is proud to announce the development of their first self-published title, Last Day on Earth. Based on an original IP, Last Day on Earth is a cooperative third-person shooter slated for console and PC release in late 2012. In order to better facilitate the development of LDOE, along with other current and future projects, Larva is taking steps to expand globally. "These are very exciting times for us," said Jorge Morales, CEO of Larva Game Studios. "We have been working closely with the Mexican government for some time, and along with a private investor, we now have the capacity to expand our studio and begin a new era. That new era begins with Last Day on Earth." Added Jorge, "We have a great talent base around us, and we are continually looking to make the team stronger. I won't deny that LDOE is an ambitious game, sure, but without ambition you are hard pressed to innovate." Hunkered down on The Island, an abandoned military island city which is divided into vast zones, you are part of a small band of surviving humans that must take their last stand against the genocidal alien invaders. To ensure your survival, you need to collect a variety of weapons, explosives, traps and items which you can combine and customize into more powerful creations. Last Day on Earth allows use of the highly detailed environments to your advantage by strategically and sometimes cooperatively destroying areas – and whatever you do, whether it is laying a trap or taking out a group of aliens with a building's wall, the persistent world will keep track of everything within that game session, creating a unique experience every time you play. Last Day on Earth is a cooperative third-person survival shooter with a strong emphasis on strategic play, and playable with up to 8 players online. Check out www.larvagamestudios.com for more information in the coming months.

Batman: Arkham City Robin DLC trailer

Get Up And Dance (PS3 Wii) Trailer

Win Alienware Hardware in Rise of Immortals

LAS VEGAS, NV  – Petroglyph today announced that it has partnered with Alienware™ for the  Rise of Immortals™ 2011 Holiday Challenge. This in-game event for the free-to-play Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game, challenges players to rack up the most amount of game time through December 21.  Winners will receive Alienware hardware and in-game currency. Beginning at 12:01am PST on November 22, Rise of Immortals players will be invited to compete on the game's five-versus-five-player map as often as possible through midnight PST on December 21. The players who rack up the most in-game time, as determined by Petroglyph, will receive the following prizes: ·      First place: Alienware M14x Laptop (MSRP $1400), Alienware Tactx™ Keyboard (MSRP $79.99), Alienware Tactx Mouse (MSRP $79.99), Alienware Tactx Headset (MSRP $59.99), and will also receive one copy of every item currently available on the Rise of Immortals in-game store. ·      Second place: Alienware Tactx Keyboard, Alienware Tactx Mouse, and 5000 Petroglyph coins for use in the Rise of Immortals in-game store. ·      Third place: Alienware Tactx Headset and 2000 Petroglyph coins. An additional 50 players chosen at random will each receive 1000 Petroglyph coins just for playing during the Holiday Challenge. A player can increase their changes of being selected to receive free coins by logging into the game and actively participating in a match each day during the event period. In addition, everyone who logs into the game during the event period will receive a special limited-time Alienware-themed skin for the Immortal Psychozen. New players will also receive 200 Petroglyph coins. The Rise of Immortals 2011 Holiday Challenge celebrates the game's new integration with AlienFX™. Players who play Rise of Immortals on compatible Alienware systems will see the AlienFX lighting zones respond to in-game events, turning their PCs into a real-world extension of the game world. Detailed information about the 2011 Holiday Challenge can be found at:  http://www.riseofimmortals.com/events/2011_holiday_challenge

Jane‘s Advanced Strike Fighters New Gameplay Trailer

Koch Media, a leading distributor of digital entertainment products, has released a new gameplay trailer for action flight simulator Jane's Advanced Strike Fighters from publisher Evolved Games. The new title for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC and PlayStation®3 continues the flight simulation series from Jane's, the renowned military publishing company. In Jane's Advanced Strike Fighters, players struggle to end a civil war in the fictitious state of Azbaristan. Action takes place in 16 missions, covers 65,000 square kilometers of mountains, deserts and urban landscapes, and includes 30 detailed jet fighters from the USA, Russia, Europe and China. In the game's multiplayer modes, up to 16 fighter pilots and two to four players in co-op mode can take up the challenge to solve the conflict. Koch Media and Evolved Games plan to release Jane's Advanced Strike Fighters in the UK for Xbox 360®, Windows PC and PlayStation®3 in February 2012. For more information about the game, and first impressions, please visit http://www.evolvedgames.com/JASF-english.htm.

New Sony 7.1 Wireless Headset In Stock

The hotly anticipated Sony PS3 Headset with its stunning design and 7.1 surrround sound is now in stock at GamingZap. The wireless PS3 headset was announced back in May, and has now finally arrived. It is fully wireless, so no PS3 cables are needed, and has been designed for the best comfort for hours of gameplay. It comes with a USB wireless adapter, precision volume controls and fully adjustable microphone with a mute option. The revolutionary headset also has onscreen updates such as battery life, and sound controls, and of course offers superb sound quality, that is built upon year's of Sony's audio experience. The headset is currently £79.99 and expected to be a huge hit this christmas. GamingZap are a leading online retailer for PS3 accessories including PS3 controllers as well as essential items like PS3 chargers and PS3 power supplies.

The World's First iPad Case for Baby Strollers

ORLANDO, Fla. - Kids love the iPad! It's interactive, convenient, media-rich, easy to use (we can keep going, but you get the idea). The iStroll Kid allows parents to connect the iPad to any stroller and go. While your child is busy watching a video or interacting with a educational app, parents are free to run errands, shop, go for a walk, whatever. Meanwhile, your little one stays entertained or educated or both, for up to 10 hours (but please, don't leave your child in the stroller for that long. That's just cruel.) It's pretty simple though: the iStroll Kid connects to your stroller's legs. Once it's attached, you insert the iPad into the case and you're ready to go. You can also quick disconnect the iStroll Kid from the stroller using the quick-disconnect feature. The iStroll Kid can also connect to the back seat of your car, so your little one can continue to watch movies on long road trips or quick runs to the grocery store. No more portable DVD players or expensive in-car entertainment systems - just strap it to your back seat. The Idea I'll spare you the marketing lingo and tell you what the impetus was for the creation of this little gizmo. When my wife and I went anywhere - to the grocery store, to the mall, to run a short 10-minute errand - if we had to take my son with us, that errand was guaranteed to become a nightmare. See, my son doesn't like drives and he doesn't like staying in his stroller. He's easily displeased in both places and when he is, the decibel level of his screaming is enough to drive dogs wild. So we did what many parents in our technologically-dependent world do. We bought a DVD player for the car. Which totally worked - in the car. The stroller, however, was still a challenge. Right around that time, the iPad was released. Movies! Games! Apps! Bright and Shiny Colors! It was my dream come true. More importantly, my son took to it like a fish to water. I thought about duct-taping it to his hands, but my wife (and the Department of Children and Families) had a thing or two to say about that. So, I set about finding a way to mount the iPad in two key places I needed it - my car and my sons stroller. We created the first prototype and put it to the test. My son was the beta tester here, we have a video at istrollkid.com showing how it works and our first test of taking my son to the mall. My son won't sit in his stroller for more then 5 minutes, but with the istrollkid we were able to walk around the mall for one hour. my son was calm for the entire duration of our mall trip. That's when I knew i had something. For more information please visit istrollkid.com.

Batman: Arkham City Release in UK

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today confirmed that the Games for Windows PC version of Batman: Arkham City will be available in the UK beginning November 25th. Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and developed by Rocksteady Studios, Batman: Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players soaring into Arkham City – five times larger than the game world in Batman: Arkham Asylum – and the new maximum security "home" for all of Gotham City's thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds. Set inside the heavily fortified walls of a sprawling district in the heart of Gotham City, this highly anticipated sequel introduces a brand-new story that draws together a new, all-star cast of classic characters and murderous villains from the Batman universe, as well as a vast range of new and enhanced gameplay features to deliver the ultimate experience as the Dark Knight.

“Happy Wars”: Massively Multi-player Battle Action!

Toylogic Releases Debut Trailer on Xbox LIVE Marketplace Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, November 7, 2011 – Today, Toylogic Inc. released the debut trailer for "Happy Wars" on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Happy Wars is a casual multi-player action game in which a large number of players control comical characters in fun battles. Players can use any of 3 types of characters-warrior, mage, or cleric-in a variety of fantasy battlefields including grasslands, a dark world, and the ocean floor. Cooperate with friends to enjoy action on a grand scale, casting magic spells, attacking castles, and so on. For off-line fun, the player can take on missions in the solo campaign mode. Happy Wars is expected for release by Microsoft Studios in 2012 on the Microsoft Xbox LIVE Arcade service. The debut trailer shows the real fun experience of "Happy Wars", including 15 vs. 15 online play and the spectacular actions of the 3 classes - the warrior, the mage and the cleric, all in HD quality. The trailer was previously shown at Microsoft's booth during Tokyo Game Show 2011. In addition, new details about the 3 classes and their unique skills are presented on the official game site (http://www.happywars.net). Look forward to further releases of more game information on the official game site and on facebook!

Super Hero Squad Online: Earn FREE Heroes

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Gazillion Entertainment and Marvel Entertainment today unveiled the brand new Challenge System in the free-to-play massively multiplayer online kids game Marvel Super Hero Squad Online. Through the Challenge System, players are rewarded for discovering new and exciting aspects of the game! By completing Challenges players earn Gold, Silver, Tickets and even unique Marvel heroes! Visit and explore all the far corners of the game world zones, make new friends, play in the virtual arcade and complete Card Game Quests; these are just a few of the challenge activities that await your squad. Best of all, there are Squad Challenges that allow players to earn free, new Heroes - heroes that cannot be purchased or earned in any other way! Fan favorites like Colossus, Daredevil, Firestar, Future Foundation Spider-Man, Sentry and more will be open to all players to earn for free, if they can rise to the Challenge! Complete Squad Challenges, raise your Squad through the Ranks from Private through Sergeant and display your new badge proudly. "The new Challenge System is a great way to reward players for simply spending time in the game and having fun," said Jay Minn, Vice-President of Gazillion Entertainment's The Amazing Society studio. "Fans will now win prizes for many of the activities they are already doing! While some achievements, like one of my favorites, 'I just flew into Baxter Plaza and…', might be obvious there are definitely some surprises players will have to discover!" "Every week the Marvel Super Hero Squad Online team adds more content that makes the game fun," said TQ Jefferson, VP of Games Production at Marvel Entertainment. "From new Heroes to Missions, Card Battle Quests and now the Challenge system they keep delivering reasons for players to come back and enjoy this exciting free-to-play massively multiplayer online world." Sign up at www.heroup.com to join the fun in Marvel Super Hero Squad Online.

RaiderZ News MMO Coming Soon

The Hunt Is On

Gigantic Monster Battles to Enter the MMO Stage Next Year RaiderZ, the newly announced title from Berlin based publishers Frogster, will be setting adventurers an entirely new breed of challenge when they fight for survival in MAIET Entertainment's sumptuous free to play title, set to arrive next year. A new trailer, in which the gigantic dragon 'Sorena' is rudely awakened from his slumber, gives gamers a thrilling insight into the world of RaiderZ. Survival of the Skilled RaiderZ features an unconventional non-targeting combat system where players have direct control over their characters in battle, a departure from traditional point-and-click MMOs. Players will be able to choose between six unique character specialisations that they must use to take down monsters roaming around the expansive world.  These enemies possess a great deal of physical strength and intelligence and only with a solid battle strategy, a great deal of precision and some sly off-the-cuff manoeuvres will players survive to see their foes drawing their final breath. "With RaiderZ, we have licensed a game that will make a serious splash in the MMO market. The graphics, the combat system and the numerous epic monsters are only a few of the qualities that make this game so special, setting RaiderZ apart from the usual fare", said Daniel Ullrich, CMO and Manager of Frogster, adding, "We will work together closely with MAIET and bring all of our experience to the table in order to achieve the best possible result for the players. We're looking forward to an exciting and successful future with the developers." Joongpil 'Venister' Cho, CEO of MAIET, also shared his enthusiasm about the future collaboration: "We have high hopes for RaiderZ, and given Frogster's proven success within the MMO genre, we are confident that RaiderZ will be a success when it arrives in Europe next year." RaiderZ is currently slated to appear towards the end of 2012 as a free download available throughout Europe, initially in the languages English, German and French. For more information, and to sign up for updates, please visit our website: www.raiderz-europe.com/en/. The first 10,000 players to subscribe to the newsletter will be granted access to the closed beta phase.  

Gamepot Unleashes the Magic of Wizardry Online

Japanese MMO Publisher Seeks Partners for Worldwide Distribution Los Angeles –  Leading Japanese massively multiplayer online (MMO) game publisher Gamepot Inc. is continuing its march to bring Wizardry Online to gamers around the world. Launching the open beta in Japan in October to an overwhelmingly positive response, Gamepot quickly added multiple new servers to accommodate the more than 100,000 sign-ups acquired on the first day of testing alone. Commercial service is now live in Japan and Gamepot is working to deliver an English version to fans in the U.S. and Europe in early 2012. "For Gamepot, it is truly amazing to see so many enthusiastic fans of the 'Wizardry' franchise participate in the open beta testing, and now live service, of Wizardry Online," said Shuhei Ueda, president of Gamepot. "Bringing this innovative and legendary series to a new platform has been a rewarding process and we're looking forward to continuing our world-wide rollout to fans around the globe." A revival of the legendary Wizardry titles, Wizardry Online is the next-generation incarnation of a series that has been called the godfather of the role-playing game (RPG) genre. Wizardry first came to computers in the early 1980s, and the popularity of its "Dungeons & Dragons"-style gameplay led to the creation of countless sequels, spin-offs and collections across multiple platforms. Developed in conjunction with Japanese game studio Headlock Inc., Wizardry Online offers multiplayer features new to the Wizardry series, including party play and player versus player (PvP) combat, while maintaining the classic style for which the series is beloved. Hardcore gamers will revel in the return of the complex dungeons that punctuated earlier iterations, and soon will find that the game is fraught with significant peril: Wizardry Online features permanent death, in which player characters can be removed from the game upon dying, creating a more immersive experience. Gamepot is currently in discussions with potential publishing partners in the U.S. and Europe for an English-language launch of Wizardry Online next year. For more information about Wizardry Online, please visit: http://www.gamepot.co.jp/wiz_en/.

ELIGIUM’s Races and Classes

New ELIGIUM Website Introduces Pandas and Elves Berlin publisher Frogster released the official website of the fantasy MMO ELIGIUM – The Chosen One earlier today. At www.eligium.com, fans will now find a forum as well as a growing library of in-depth information and videos on the game's races and classes. To start off, the details of the pandas and the elves were revealed today. The Pandas – Masters of Martial Arts For years they train in the secluded monasteries of their homeland, tempering body and spirit with the aspiration of becoming a monk. Once they have achieved this status, they are able to harness the power of their chi – the energy that flows through every living being – and implement it in battle. Using this life force, they instil fear in their foes, both in close combat as well as long-range fighting. Like the other races, pandas are given the choice between two skill specialisations once they reach level 15. One such specialisation is that of the Fire Breather. Panda monks with this designation particularly excel at fortification spells and long-range magical attacks, for example Breath of Fire, which hurls a mighty blast of flame at unsuspecting opponents. In contrast, pandas who opt for the other specialisation develop into terrifying close-combat fighters. Through their training, they can learn to create several clones of themselves for support in battle. The Elves – Arcane Forest Dwellers The elves are one of the oldest of the four races of Galgaron. These mysterious creatures have inhabited the dense forests since the dawn of time, and over the centuries they have become true masters of long-range combat. As hunters and trappers, they have mastered archery like no other race and always hit their mark, no matter how distant. Like the pandas, elves also have two specialisation options. The first is that of the Scout, who is able to attack with deadly precision. The second specialisation is of a more defensive nature. Elves who choose this path learn to become almost invisible, darting from one shadow to the next and expertly utilising every possible opportunity for concealment.

Brawl Busters: Open Beta November 3rd

Brawling Fun Coming Soon For Everyone Markham, Canada - Rock Hippo Productions announced today that its upcoming online multiplayer action game, Brawl Busters, will begin the Open Beta phase starting Thursday, November the 3^rd.  To kick off the Open Beta, Rock Hippo has released a new trailer, new screens and will be announcing a variety of all-new features for the game. The game update features two new modes, all new weapons and cool, never-before-seen outfits.  The website will also receive an update that will allow players to join the Brawl Busters community in the Busters Centre.  Players can expect more new features to be announced with the start of the Open Beta next week! "We invite fans to check out the Open Beta trailer and screenshots so they can get a real feel for the non-stop action that awaits them," said Howard He, President and CEO of Rock Hippo Productions. While waiting for the Open Beta phase, fans are encouraged to participate in the Brawl Busters Trivia event that's taking over the game's Forums. Answer simple trivia questions and win Buster Points prizes daily. Play here: http://www.brawlbusters.com/forum#4107 Rock Hippo is always looking for players' feedback. All Closed Beta participants, aka "Original Busters", are asked to answer a short, 5 to 7 minute survey, that will help Rock Hippo make Brawl Busters a better game down the road. The survey is available here: http://surveymonkey.com/s/BrawlBusters For compensation every "Original Buster" who answers the survey will receive a healthy Buster Points prize. About Brawl Busters Brawl Busters, an online multiplayer action combat game, brings a brand new free-to-play experience to PC gamers from all over the world. Featuring innovative gameplay and a signature offbeat style like no other, Brawl Busters is about to take the genre to a whole new level. Controls are intuitive and easy to learn, letting players focus on one thing: becoming World-Class Busters. In Brawl Busters, players have full access to five unique classes: Boxer, Firefighter, Rocker, Slugger and Blitzer. Each class has its own unique moves, strengths and weaknesses as well as an extensive range of customization options. With a variety of single-player and multi-player modes available, Brawl Busters appeals to a wide range of players. Hosting tournaments, organizing forum events and interacting through social media, the Brawl Busters Team also offers an outstanding gaming community to players as well! For more information, visit www.BrawlBusters.com

LoTR: War in the North - Machinima video #3

"I come back to you now at the turn of the tide." - Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has released the third of four new videos discussing the theme of Fellowship in The Lord of the Rings. From the world of entertainment, to the development team at Snowblind Studios, this video includes candid commentary from people close to The Lord of the Rings canon.   Speaking to the concept of Fellowship, and its vital impact on The Lord of the Rings story, film stars Sean Astin and Dominic Monaghan (The Lord of the Rings) discuss the power created through these characters coming together.  Actor Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) discusses the coming together of different races, utilising their different attributes to create an even stronger bond, Experts from the world of gaming, Eric Eckstin (G4) , Alison Haislip (G4) and Miri Jedeikin discuss this theme in relation to concept of co-op play, and actor Brian Posehn (The Sarah Silverman Show) discusses his choice of player race.

Exploring the necessity of these different races and character coming together for the singular purpose of saving Middle-earth, the Snowblind Studios team introduce the Fellowship – Farin, the Dwarf,  Andriel, the Efl, Eradan, the Human – central to the November 25th video game , The Lord of the Rings: War in the North.

Wild Games Studio announces “Dungeon Gate”

Wild Games Studio Inc. announced the development of an open-ended RPG/Adventure game. Dungeon Gate will be a game for PC and Mac. We will show our first trailer and Alpha demo at the "Montreal International Game Summit 2011" on November 1 and 2. I invite you to watch the trailer on our YouTube channel. Overview Dysan possesses unknown extraordinary powers. He has special skills, including one which can absorb the energy of nature directly through his DNA. He can also absorb the DNA of other creatures, making Dysan able to acquire their shape and skills at any time. Dysan will leave to search for his origins, while trying to release the Barrillian world of the influence of the tyrant. The story is set in the fantasy world of Barrillian. The tyrant forced the people into submission and forced them to work through the influence he has over all the dragons. Extracting from the tyrant the precious stones of the mines to enhance his magical skills, the people are unwillingly witnessing the gain of magical powers of the tyrant. Key Features :

• 3 huge open worlds to explore
• 7 big dungeons with traps, puzzles and challenging fights
• More than 70 foes to drain and play with
• Detailed and upgradable skill tree for each characters
• More than 40 hours of gameplay
• Multiplayer
• Storyline with multiple paths and endings
• Release date : Q1 2012

Microsoft Wireless Bluetooth Headset Due 4th November

Answers your phone while playing on Xbox Live! GamingZap are expecting the brand new Xbox 360 Wireless Bluetooth headset to be released on the 4th November. It's a brand new product from Microsoft which allows you to talk on Xbox Live and then answer your mobile phone via Bluetooth 3.0 using just one headset. Calls can be taken with just the "flip of a switch". Currently there are no other products on the market which will let you do this. The Xbox 360 headset features Noice, Echo and Wind-noise cancelling technology for crystal clear audio, whether talking to friends on Xbox live or on the phone. It has up to 8 hours of talk time, and 300 hours of stand and comes with a USB Xbox 360 charger. The headset is available for order now, and retails at £40.99. GamingZap are the leading supplier of Xbox 360 Accessories, with a fantastic range of Xbox 360 Controllers and Xbox 360 Cables for your headset. All orders are dispatched the same day if ordered by 6pm.

Power Grip for your 3DS

LOS ANGELES - November 1, 2011 - Leading gaming peripherals manufacturer Nyko Technologies® today released the Power Grip for the Nintendo® 3DS handheld system, a battery add-on with ergonomic grip that offers triple the normal battery life. The Power Grip does not require players to remove the existing battery and provides an ergonomic grip for added comfort and stability. With so many great 3DS games arriving this holiday season, gamers can play longer and more comfortably with the Power Grip, available today in stores and online for an MSRP of $29.99. "Comfort is a necessity in hand-held gaming," said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing at Nyko, "We designed the Power Grip to be the perfect ergonomic solution for long road trips, cross-country flights and marathon gaming sessions with the Nintendo 3DS." The Power Grip works in conjunction with the existing 3DS battery, providing up to 3x the play time. Extended battery life is complemented by the ergonomic finger grooves of the Power Grip, allowing the user to play in comfort for as long as the extended battery lasts. The Power Grip easily clips on to the back of the 3DS without the need to remove the internal battery or back cover. Installation is a breeze, and once you're done playing, the Power Grip easily recharges through the standard 3DS AC adaptor. Nyko Power Grip for 3DS features: • 3x Battery Life: High capacity rechargeable battery provides up to 3x the playtime than the stock 3DS battery • Easy Installation: Attaches to the back of the 3DS system, no tools or modification required • Comfort: Ergonomically designed for hours of comfortable use, especially for adult players • Charge: Recharges easily through the stock 3DS power adaptor Connect with Nyko for a chance to win exciting Nyko prizes at @nykotech or on Facebook.

Halo: Combat Evolved 10th Anniversary

LONDON — 1^st November, 2011 — In just two weeks, millions of gamers will be able to relive the legendary sci-fi epic that defined a decade of Xbox gaming like never before with the worldwide launch of "Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary" on 15^th November. To mark the momentous 10^th anniversary celebration, 343 Industries released a nostalgic campaign trailer today that brings fans back to the beginning of the iconic adventure and sets the stage for the arrival for the most eagerly anticipated remake this Christmas. "'Halo: Anniversary' is a token of gratitude to our fans for the incredible passion and dedication they've shown for the franchise over the past ten years," said Dan Ayoub, executive producer of publishing at 343 Industries. "We've poured all our passion and energy into making 'Halo: Anniversary' a truly faithful remake of the original classic, and we can't wait to join the fans online and commemorate ten years of historic gaming together on 15^th November." Created in celebration of the 10^th anniversary of one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history, "Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary" is a spectacularly re-mastered version of the original "Halo" campaign, packaged with some of the most memorable multiplayer maps in "Halo" history.  With a bounty of new features, including cooperative play over Xbox LIVE, six re-imagined multiplayer maps and one new Firefight mission, a Classic graphics mode, Achievements, innovative Kinect and 3-D support, and new challenges and story to uncover, "Halo: Anniversary" is a must-have experience for veteran Spartans and new fans alike. "Halo: Anniversary" is currently available for pre-order at participating retailers worldwide for an estimated retail price of £34.99. Players who preorder will gain access to the Master Chief Avatar Armour and the exclusive "Grunt Funeral" skull, which causes the series' most lovable enemy to explode in a blaze of plasma when killed. For more information about "Halo: Anniversary" and the "Halo" franchise, please visit HaloWaypoint.com and follow the 343 team on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HaloWaypoint.

Twister Mania on KINECT for Xbox 360 Out Now

Re-imagine the iconic game of Twister^® as you twist, bend, and squeeze in this uninhibited laugh-out-loud party game Edison, N.J.—November 1, 2011— Majesco Entertainment, an innovative provider of video games for the casual market, announced today that its full-body motion game, TWISTER™ Mania, exclusively on Kinect™ for Xbox 360®, is available now, just in time for the holidays. Majesco Entertainment has teamed up with Hasbro™, one of the largest toy companies in the world, to add a digital twist to one of Hasbro's premier brands that is a worldwide phenomenon in over 37 countries. "TWISTER was one of the first games where you used your body as the game piece." said Jesse Sutton, CEO, Majesco Entertainment. "TWISTER™ Mania is the perfect marriage of this all-time favorite game brand and the Kinect technology, as now your body is the game piece AND the controller. We know families and friends will have laugh-out-loud fun while playing TWISTER™ Mania this holiday season while enjoying the game's new play patterns and amazing functionality." TWISTER™ Mania on Kinect for Xbox 360 combines the colorful, expressive and cooperative gameplay of the iconic TWISTER® board game and transforms it for the video game generation. Twist into fun with friends and family in this light-hearted, fast-paced game that supports up to eight players with deep gameplay, three game modes with 16 different variations and over 1,800 shapes to twist in to! Don't hold back as you duck, squeeze, twist and move your body to match your opponent's silhouette, knock down blocks against the clock and fill in thousands of crazy shapes of all sizes and themes! "TWISTER is an iconic brand that is woven into the fabric of pop culture," said Mark Blecher, Senior Vice President and General Manager of digital media and marketing at Hasbro.  "The Kinect technology makes TWISTER Mania come to life and allows kids and adults to enjoy uninhibited full body fun in a whole new way." Developed by Naked Sky, TWISTER™ Mania is rated E for Everyone and available now for the suggested retail price of $49.99.  For more information about TWISTER™ Mania, please visit www.twistermaniagame.com. For more information about the iconic Twister® board game or any other Hasbro™ properties, please visit www.hasbro.com.

Batman: Arkham City - Launch Trailer

Batman: Arkham City will be available nationwide Friday 21^st October, and to help prepare you for the intense melee combat, sprawling cityscape and dangerous encounters in Arkham City, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment are presenting a new Batman: Arkham City trailer featuring some of Gotham's greatest villains.  Mr. Freeze, Hugo Strange, Two-Face, Penguin and The Joker are just some of the adversaries who are out to stop the Dark Knight in this hotly-anticipated release.  Batman: Arkham City is rated BBFC 15 and will be available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Aera Zero Launches Onto Game Portals World Wide

Free first person shooter explodes into a high tech battle online!

  Game development studio Xform is proud to announce the release of the 3D browser based first person shooter "Area Zero" on various game portals. The game is officially released on the 14^th of October. It is build to work with the Adobe Shockwave plugin and is completely free. About Area Zero Somewhere in the near future, high-tech robots battle it out in the Area Zero arena! Grab your assault rifle and suit up for this intense firefight. Blast your way onto the high scores list for eternal fame! Battle against different types of robots in this instant action arcade gameplay. Upgrade your weapons to get stronger and try to maintain as long as possible during the endless levels of robot attacks. Take down enemy robots to score points. Destroyed robots leave pickups behind. Score bonuses are awarded for multiple blasts at once. For a real challenge, try the HARD mode!

GDC OnLine Inducts Everquest Into Hall Of Fame

SAN DIEGO, CA - Sony Online Entertainment's landmark game, EverQuest, has been inducted into the Game Developers Choice Online Awards Hall of Fame. As the Hall's second inductee, joining Ultima Online, EverQuest (EQ) is being recognized for its contribution to the long-term advancement of online gaming, pioneering major shifts in the medium's development and video games as a whole. EverQuest is credited for introducing the concepts of guilds and raiding within an online world, and is often cited as an inspiration for nearly every subsequent MMORPG. A trailblazer within the MMO and online game genres, SOE's work with EverQuest has continually been recognized by leaders in both the entertainment and video game industries - including such honors as a 2006 Walk of Game selection and 2008 Technology & Engineering Emmy Award. To date, EverQuest has released 17 expansions, spanning from The Ruins of Kunark in April 2000 to House of Thule in October 2010, with the new Veil of Alaris expansion set for later this year - a feat which holds true to the franchise's promise of rich, continuous content for the SOE community to enjoy. "When we set out to create EverQuest, many felt it was an unattainable stretch of the imagination. As it turns out, EverQuest exceeded even our wildest expectations. Twelve years later, we are about to release its 18th expansion, and have big plans for its future," said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. "We are incredibly proud of its impact on the industry and the community we have built. Tonight's honor is a testament to the hard working individuals who have contributed to EverQues t - both past and present." Just how much ground has EverQuest covered since its launch in 1999? More than 16,000 virtual square miles of dungeons, mountains, plains, valleys, cities and forests. Even more, 12+ million player-generated characters have been added to EverQuest to date, with more than 380,000 non-player characters amongst the population as well. Players have also been given access to more than 100,000 unique items to discover, create or buy in game, with nearly 3,000 yet to be discovered. Along with EverQuest's Hall of Fame induction, GDC Online 2011 has nominated both DC Universe Online (Best Online Visual Arts, Best Online Technology) and Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures (Best Audio for an Online Game) for respective Choice Online Awards. EverQuest's 18th overall expansion, Veil of Alaris, is set to launch later this year. For further information, please visit: http://www.everquest.com/everquest.vm.

Skull Girls Trailer and Art Work

 

Tribes: Ascend Closed Beta Begins On November 4.

Invitation-Only Testing Event Will Include All Who Purchase VIP Starter Bundle ATLANTA. October 12, 2011.  Hi-Rez Studios (www.hirezstudios.com) today announced that the highly anticipated Closed Beta for Tribes: Ascend will begin on November 4, 2011.   The Tribes games have been played by well over 1 million gamers and feature fast-paced, jetpack-enabled multiplayer combat.  Tribes: Ascend continues that tradition, delivering speed, verticality, vehicles and stunning graphics as a free-to-play game for the PC. "Our vision is to deliver a high production, AAA multiplayer shooter that offers a refreshing alternative to today's slow paced military shooters, while also happening to be free to play." said Todd Harris, Hi-Rez Studios Chief Operating Officer.  "This holiday season, shooter players can continue to hide in cover and crawl across the ground while playing one of the familiar military-style shooters... Or they can get off their belly, strap on a jetpack and join us in high flying, high-speed combat in Tribes: Ascend!" The Tribes: Ascend Closed Beta will be invitation only. Interested players can register at http://www.tribesascend.com.   Those wishing to guarantee a spot in the Closed Beta may purchase the Tribes: Ascend VIP Starter Bundle at the game's official website. The bundle includes automatic admission into all Beta phases, as well as permanent VIP status in the game, a 30-day Booster and 800 Tribes Gold. The VIP Starter Bundle is priced at a 33% discount to list price, as a reward to the game's early testers. This initial phase of Closed Beta will include Hi-Rez-managed servers in North America, Europe, and Australia, and will include a subset of content and features planned for the launch release.  Additional information regarding the features included in the initial Closed Beta can be found in the online FAQ. Find Tribes: Ascend on Facebook here.