News

QuakeCon Has Wrapped Up, but the Memories are Here to Stay

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

Alas Quakecon 2016 has come to an end – It was a great three days. When you first walked into the exhibit hall you were at a stage where you could compete in the DOOM “Unto the Evil” Death Match Tournament. The screens were set so spectators could watch the action from the front of the stage – it is a great DLC that I will have to get here soon.

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Credit: David Murphy | Build Credit: Cyberpower PC/Thermaltake

Thermaltake had their booth decked as usual. We’ve been looking at expanding our reviews to do more PC gaming and at the beginning of our adventure – the Thermaltake Core P5 Case had my interest. Once our adventure ended – the Core P3 case became the case of choice. Shannon Robb was a tremendous help in closing our decision. He had a P3 set up very close to what we’d been speccing and it will work perfectly for what we know.

In the back of the exhibit hall Bethesda had a short Doom and Fallout 4 VR example you could play. One that relied on the HTC Vive. I had never tried to play a game with the Vive VR headset. Those two games are excellent normally, but the VR took it to a whole different level of intensity. It will be a must down the road when they are available.

The people of DXRacer were there again this year. I love the look of their chairs. I sat in several during the event. These gaming chairs are special – they are made in many sizes with a decent enough price range between each type. I found two, both of which I really liked and took notes. Later this fall we are going to order one and do a review on it. We will start with how hard it is to assemble and then a follow up on how it is holding up and how we feel about it.

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Credit: David Murphy | Game: Dusk by New Blood | Chair: DXRacer

There were several new games there again this year. The one that caught my eye was Dusk by New Blood Interactive. It’s a fast paced first person shooter – one, in which, I loved the retro look and feel of. There isn’t much story, but there is a lot of stuff that needs killed.

There were several seminars we attended. All of them were well thought out and the panels very informative as to what went into gaming, development, and story writing. We will have articles on those in the coming days.

When you’re at QuakeCon you always have to go by Modders Inc – the builds they have on display are always top notch and the best of the best on the floor. I love going over because I can ask whatever question I have and they try to answer it. They’ve never treated me with the look of “that was a dumb question”, and I know I’ve asked several of those. Instead they are happy to share their knowledge so you can do your build and just enjoy your PC builds and gaming.

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Credit: David Murphy | Booth: Modders Inc.

We did see three games coming up that will have to be on the get list. We saw trailers for Prey, Dishonored 2 and Quake Champions. All three of these looked great. Dishonored 2 will be out this year on 11/11/16 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Prey and Quake Champions is a bit further out. I can’t wait to see more on these titles.

Last, but not least, I want to thank all the people and sponsors that put this on each year. Without the companies like Alienware, Bethesda, id Software, DXracer, Nvidia and everyone I missed, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy this.

About the Writer:

David_Murphy_Vault_BoyDavid Murphy is B.A.T.G.R.’s behind the scenes man who helps get things up and going as well as keeping things in order. Don’t  be surprised to know that the old man contributes rather heavily to editing, news, and information he digs up so that editorials as well as articles are done properly. He also likes Fallout… A lot. We’re not sure he’s not secretly the Vault Boy in disguise.

QuakeCon Day 1 Recap – A Glimpse of a Beautiful Future

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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It’s a nice day here in Dallas, Texas, one that has brought hundreds of gamers together to move among the crowd in unison. With plenty of games to see such as Dusk by New Blood, Shadow Warrior 2 as well as Strafe by Devolver Digital, DOOM (2016) on Vulkan API, and even The Elder Scrolls Legends for fans to enjoy. Among the group of vendors, exhibitors, and showings, Bethesda has once more brought the largest LAN party in North America together again. With games such as Dishonored 2, Fallout 4 VR, DOOM VR, and even Quake Champions on the way, the lineup is huge for fans to expect.

As the event opens, we are given a warm welcome by Tim Willits, a man that brings the event to life with Pete Hines. With much of this, we’ve learned that there will be upcoming panels, giveaways, and even more as the weekend gets underway. As a kickoff, we are introduced to many of the sponsors for the event such as AMD, Nvidia, id Software, and many more as the event begins to come to life.

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The focus this year isn’t just at what makes QuakeCon live outside of the fans, but it’s also the fact that fans have come across the country to make this happen – the fans that serve as volunteers. With QuakeCon remaining as big as it is, we learn that it’s not just the fans and teh volunteers, but the vendors, the companies that want to get their product out. The community itself is what helps make this event live the way it does.

As the stage lights up Pete Hines, VP of PR & Marketing steps out onto the stage. As his opening speech begins, he welcomes in the volunteers for this year in order to recognize them for their hardwork they will do. With games coming up in the VR booths such as The Elder Scrolls: Legends, which is upcoming for PC, Android, MAC, and Linux. Guess what makes this even better? The best part? It’s going Open Beta for PC as of today. Yes, that’s right. All you have to do is head over to the website in order to play the game.

As this news breaks? Pete goes on to let us know that Prey will be getting a new trailer here at QuakeCon. Doing so we are given a glimpse of a screen opening up to display the future we will see. One that is grim, dark, and troubled as our protagnist walks out, pistol in hand, our character? Morgan warns us about what is happening – a nightmare that is happening – a place where their is no room for uncertainty, there is no room for mistakes – this is the reality and humanity is lost. To fix it? Someone must die in order to save humanity. As the trailer ends, Pete once more comes to stage to inform us of the that the QuakeCon Trials are once more live. This includes Fallout Shelter on PC, Dishonored, DOOM, and even the Elder Scrolls: Legend.

With DOOM having released this year, they have announced that DOOM’s Eye on the Prize, which just reuqires attendees to wear a DOOM shirt. That’s all- it’s that easy. With DOOM also being the big game, the SnapMap Jam also gets underway starting Friday and Saturday between 12-4pm. With it being a big title, there’s prizes to win. With this news? Attendee’s will also be getting this free in order to enjoy the new content. This also comes with news of sales that include games up to 60% off for fans that don’t have them.

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This news also comes with what donations people make by purchasing games through Amazon or partners will go to partners of theirs. With this news ending, Marty Stratton takes to the stage in order to talk about what’s going on with id Softwares latest work on DOOM. With DOOM being a critical acclaim by the press, the fans, and more. They recognize both forums and critics, but also the development team for the games success. As he discusses this, he also recognizes the fans love and passion for what they have worked on. He takes note the game has been getting a good size amount of new and additional content as it comes out. Some of this includes the new multiplayer DLC 01 called “Unto the Evil” releasing today and will be playable by those who have been waiting for it. The pack includes new maps Cataclysm, Offering, and itual. All Hell themed maps. One is a new weapon called the new Kinetic Mine and the AUC EMG pistol and the new Demon titled “The Harvester”, which many will remember fro the base game.

The screen dims, we get a look at Dishonored 2, giving us a look at a world much different than the one we had gotten to know. With whales in the water and a boat headed to shore titled the “Dreadful Wale”, we’ve gotten a glimpse of what has happened to the world. With the future of the city gturning grim, we once more get to learn we will be under taking the roles of Corvo for this mission view in the world set before us. His future is grim, dark, but memorable as he once more gives glimpse of his skills as an assassin using his weapons and his teleport entitled “Blink”. We’ve also gotten a glimpse at his capabilities as a figther. This includes abilities such as possession, his ability to take over the enemy, but also his ability to sneak past his foes. As his assination target comes into play, we learn that Corbo remains as a master assassin in a world that is grim, a world that is dark, and quite easily troubled. With slow time remaining possible, his chance to be as deadly as ever remains true. His enemies? Set aflame with his incendiary bolts before being taken out by Corvo.

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Like before, the verticality in the world plays a major role as Corvo displays his need to continue his status in the world. To right wrongs, and to fix what has troubled the world around him. His combat prowess is deadlier than ever as he takes out his target Paolo, as he assists his new group – the Overseers, which players can side with. Dishonored 2 will be out November 11th. As the gameplay comes to an end – Pete Hines reminds us that the imgarey that people take with the cameras and phones is not allowed. As he finishes Raphael Colantonio and Ricardo Bare come to the stage to tell us about their upcoming title – Prey.

For those new to the game, it is a much different take on the title we knew before. Prey this time takes place on a Space Station titled Talis 1, one where a new project has gone underway, but as it does? Something has gone wrong: Aliens have invaded. These Aliens are hunting our main protagonist. With the game being open world, we’ve learned that the game will take the approaches we’ve never seen before, which doesn’t change much from the direction we could have imagined. The beauty of it? The world is deadly, it is alive, but it is also barren of the world where we wanted. A lockdown has occured, which leaves our protagonist fighting enemies such as weapons, but we’ve learned that weapons are rare, they aren’t as easily obtainable as one would hope.

This gives the element of ideology that the world of it exists. We’ve learned players will grab new abilities called Neuromods. This will allow players to upgrade their character to fit their playstyle as they do. The upgrades can be made by human while some can be directly learned from the aliens themselves. With weapons such as the Gloo Gun being capable of being around, we’ve learned the game will make it so that the player can freeze enemies in place, use an alien power, and even turn ourselves into things such as coffee cups with the Mimic ability. The Gluu gun itself can also be made for players to create their own path as they explore the world around them. With enemies around the corner, players will have to be readily aware for combat with weapons such as the shotgun, which can bring players down to fighting for survivability. With a weapon and ability wheel at their disposal, fans can easily get underway with what they are doing. A weapon titled the recicyling charge, players can gather ingredients to craft what they need. This also can open up paths they will need in order to explore the world around them.

Prey in this era will change heavily from the one we knew, and even become its own entity for players to enjoy. It will be a game that sets into a genre that fans of Bioshock, Dishonored, and even System Shock will enjoy quite a bit. Especially with items being fabricated for their use. Prey is a promising glimpse of open exploration of freedom as the demo takes us forth into outer space, where players can see a place to explore – an open world scifi experience that requires awareness of O2 and their supplies to keep alive. Abilities can be upgraded for players to use, making them more effective, more powerful, and even attract the attention of deadly enemies. This will be a game that will be a must have for PC, Xbox One, and PS4 owners when it launches in 2017.

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Hearthstone’s Next Expansion Dated and Named: One Night in Karazhan

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Karazhan, one of the most famed raids in Warcraft history, has gotten some Hearthstone love with it becoming the next single-player adventure adventures within the title. This adventure explores the nostalgia-filled fan-favourite dungeon starting on August 11th.  This adventure release date will allow fans to explore the first one of the adventure on August 11th, with new wings opening up over the course of the month. Much like how they have released the previous adventures within the game.

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The expansion will feature 45 new cards, new characters, and familiar settings that players will recall from the legacy raid, such as the Opera Event, Enchanted Chessboard, and more when the adventure launches. Additionally Blizzard Entertainment has announced that they will bring in a heroic mode for a card back after completing it. This card back will be unlocked as each card is unlocked.

 

One Night In Karazhan will launch August 11th, allowing players to take to the new adventures prologue mission, which will reward two new cards, while the entire experience can be purchased for $19.99 when it launches. Each wing will be sold for $6.99 each.

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

 

Bethesda Softworks and id Software to Support National and Local Charities

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

With its 21st year underway, Bethesda Softworks and id Software have announced that they will be helping give back by hosting several charitable organizations in order to help give back to the communities around them. This year they have announced they will be teaming up with the American Red Cross, 1Up on Cancer, Dallas Pets Alive, and Extra Life.

“We’re honored to host these amazing charities at QuakeCon this year,” said Pete Hines, VP of PR and Marketing, Bethesda Softworks. “Giving back to the community is extremely important to us, and we’ve got a wonderful group of attendees that come to QuakeCon year after year to lend their support to great causes.”

With the largest BYOC LAN Party in  North America under their belt, Bethesda Softworks and id Software will host the organizations at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas starting Thursday, August 4th through Sunday, August 7th, 2016. Lets take a look at how you can help, what these charities look at doing, and what they are about. We know we will be donating to help out the communities we love and know.

  • The American Red Cross will be collecting blood to provide lifesaving contributions to people in need during the critical summer months. Attendees who wish to donate blood can sign up with an American Red Cross representative onsite in the Topaz room from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6. Donors who take part in the Blood Drive will receive a limited edition Bethesda Softworks t-shirt to honor the donation, while supplies last.

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**Donors must be at least 17 years old and meet American Red Cross requirements for donating blood, which can be found at http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements.

  • 1Up On Cancer, a gaming community-based non-profit organization dedicated to direct financial assistance for adults in the United States undergoing cancer treatment, will be in booth #703 in the Exhibit Hall.

  • Dallas Pets Alive, a local non-profit dedicated to promoting and providing the resources, education, and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals, will be on hand with adoptable dogs and raffles of various prizes, including signed merchandise and a custom Vault-Tec™ Animal Friends Xbox® One. Attendees who adopt a pet or contribute a charitable donation will receive “Vault-Tec Animal Friends” Frisbee while supplies last. Visit Dallas Pets Alive in the Exhibit Hall (booth #701) throughout the event.

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  • Extra Life, a peer-to-peer fundraising group that raises money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through the power of play, will be in attendance raising awareness at booth #702 in the Exhibit Hall. Players can visit http://www.extra-life.org/team/quakecon2016 to register an account and join the QuakeCon 2016 Team to join a group effort to raise $10,000 during the weekend.

As they continue to express appreciation with their ability to give back, Bethesda Softworks has announced they will be offering a QuakeCon Sale in partnership with Amazon.com in order to help benefit GameChanger. They have also announced they are also supporting a cure against paralysis by also helping battle cancer by teaming with with  Conquer Paralysis Now, the leading authority on spinal cord injury research and treatment committed to finding a cure for paralysis. Beginning August 2 through August 8, all digital PC Bethesda titles and a number of others will be on sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting both organizations. For full details on the QuakeCon Sale and a complete list of the deals, be sure to visit Amazon.com/quakecon on August 2.

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

The Beastmen Strike in the Latest Total War: WARHAMMER Campaign Pack

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Your empire has risen from the ashes and become strong. Your allies know your prowess in combat, your enemies have felt your wrath, and your people have grown to love you. Peace has begun to resume over the lands, but as of today, that is all changing. A dull roar has come from the countryside as your soldiers take to battle against the vampires, the elves, and even the dwarves. As the Beastmen, you will undertake their Grand Campaign, custom games, and multiplayer battles, with the experience of their own story mission Campaign titled “An Eye for an Eye”.

The Beastmen are the masters of guerilla warfare, they strike fast, hard, and ambush their enemies when the chances provide. Their prowess with weapons is irrefutable as they send chaotic magic ahead to doom their enemies. These magics were only told of from The Lore of the Wild. When their combat ends? They will vanish once more into the safety of the forests. Their Beastmen Grand Campaign may be led by two of their famous Legendary Lards from the Warhammer Fantasy Battles. The first is Khazrak The One Eye and Malagor The Dark Omen. Each of these leaders, much like the others, comes with their own quest-chains, and even an new starting positions for their Grand Campaigns. Their warriors are unique, hideos, and filled with Centigors, Minotaurs, and the devastating Cygor.

With the support of the ongoing free content program that is on-going with the game, Call of the Beastmen also brings in the Amber Wizard hero for all players to use, even if they didn’t purchase the DLC. This wizard can utilize the power of the Lore of the Beasts by summoning Manticores directly into battle to chain the odds into their favor. Want to know how the DLC looks?

As part of Total War: WARHAMMER’s ongoing free content program, Call of the Beastmen also introduces the Amber Wizard hero for all players, regardless of purchase. Wielding the Lore of Beasts, the Amber Wizard can summon wild Manticores into the thick of battle. For another look at the game, check out the battle video here. The DLC can be purchased via Steam at http://store.steampowered.com/app/404012/

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Fallout 4’s Vault-Tec Workshop Is Available Now

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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So you’ve finally arrived at your final destination. Well temporarily. You’ve been promoted to being a Vault-Tec Vault overseer. You’ve finally gotten to where you wanted in order to create your vault, bring in your Dwellers, and even made it feel complete thanks to the retro-nostalgic feeling. Furniture, lighting, and art will always feel unique as well as perfected for the time frame. Much as you would expect, let alone can you decorate, you can also run experiments on your dwellers. Wouldn’t be a good position if you couldn’t, now would it? The Vault-Tec Workshop, is available today for download worldwide on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC for $4.99!

Additionally, you can try your hand at building more Vaults with Fallout Shelter, now available for download on PC for free via the Bethesda.net launcher.

If you are going to QuakeCon, we’ll see you there folks!

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Tripwire Interactive Launches Merchandise Store

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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By now you’ve already turned enough zeds into splattered goo across most of Europe, you’ve taken your time turning a farm house into a scene from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and you’ve even mastered your favorite talent tree. You’ve taken on enjoying Tripwire Interactive’s series Killing Floor and have taken up the new changes that have hit the series with Killing Floor 2. So what more is there to do to show your fandom?

Tripwire Interactive has announced that their Tripwire Interactive Merchandise Store has officially launched for the fans to drop in on. It features signature clothing from Killing Floor 2 including hoodies, t-shirts, and even a pretty badass Killing Floor 2 poster. The amazing part? This is the first time the merchandise has been purchasable for fans of the title. So go over there, grab a few pieces of gear, then get back into the game and slay some more zeds.

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

 

QuakeCon’s Annual Welcome Features Dishonored 2, Prey, and Quake Champions

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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QuakeCon 2016 is almost upon us. The show will undoubtedly herald in a higher anticipation than ever for some of their upcoming titles that have already received a heavy round of applause. On August 4th, at 10am CT, the doors for QuakeCon will open, welcoming in thousands of the publishers fans from all walks of fandom. Remaining open till 12pm CT on August 5th, fans will prepare to see a rather large kick-off at 3PM CT where they will open up the show with the highly anticipated title Quake Champions only to give attendee’s some exclusive gameplay presentations of their recently announced Prey and the follow up title Dishonored 2.

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If you can’t make it in time for the Thursday presentation? Arkane Studios’ Harvy Smith and Raphael Colantonio will return to the Ventrillo stage on Saturday, August 5th, where they will lead up with encore presentations of both Prey and Dishonored 2 for another exclusive look at the game.

 

Along with these presentations, Bethesda has announced that attendee’s will have a chance to experience DOOM‘s multiplayer, Fallout Shelter for PC, and the in-beta title The Elder Scrolls: Legends. In addition to this, players can also head down to the Exhibit Hall where they can get their hands on Bethesda VR. While down there, attendee’s can also meet up with featured exhibitor events, exhibitors, and sponsors for the event. 

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If you’re looking for something to do Friday and Saturday – look no further. Bethesda is offering the opportunity for attendee’s to see their developers as well as industry personalities discuss the importance of creating entertainment, giving fans a behind-the-scenes looks at went on behind the scenes with the development of DOOM and much, much more. Take a peak at the full list below. If you are attending? Head over and download the official QuakeCon App on your Apple, Android, or Windows mobile device to ensure you don’t miss a thing! The app will contain a full listing of daily events and will be continually updated throughout the show.  It’ll be updated over the course of the event.

If you can’t attend? Don’t be worried, you aren’t being left out, you can head onto Twitch.tv/Bethesda for live streaming of select panels and presentations, as well as Twitch.tv/QuakeCon to watch all of the official QuakeCon tournament action in real time. So stay tuned for our coverage as we will be covering the event live at QuakeCon with constant article updates, and possibly some live interviews!

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Before we wrap up, we want to give a special thanks to all the support that both id Software, Bethesda Softworks, the exhibitors, the 2016 event sponsors, and all of the Volunteer Staff give for the event to happen. If you are interested in attending, head on over to http://registration.quakecon.org, and pre-register now. For more information on QuakeCon 2016, you can check out: www.quakecon.org.

Official Schedule

(Please note: All times listed are Central Time.) 

FEATURED EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Thursday, Aug 4th 

 

 Annual QuakeCon Welcome

3:00pm | Streaming Live from the Ventrilo Main Stage

 
 

Friday, Aug 5th 

 

  

Panel: Uncapped: DOOM and the Power of idTech 6

Moderated by Marty Stratton, Game Director

2:30pm – 3:30pm | Sapphire Room

·         Sit down with members of id Software’s technology team  (Robert Duffy, Chief Technology Officer; Billy Khan, Lead Programmer; Tiago Sousa, Lead Rendering Programmer; Shale Williams, Technical Specialist) to get an inside look on how they drive technology decisions and push the limits on graphics, framerates, and performance.

 

Panel: Creating Worlds: A Discussion About Bringing Life to Games, Movies, and Books

Moderated by Andrea Rene and Geoff Keighley

3:30pm – 4:30pm  | Streaming Live from Topaz Room

·         Join Hugo Martin (id), Harvey Smith (Arkane), Ricardo Bare (Arkane), Andrew Reiner (Game Informer), Scott Porter (Actor), and Rick Malambri (Actor/Streamer) as they discuss the creative process and differences behind entertainment.

 

Fast as Hell: Live Speedrun

Moderated by Bethesda’s Global Community Lead, Matt Grandstaff and id’s Peter Sokal (Gameplay Systems Designer) and Kurt Loudy (AI Gameplay Designer)

4:30pm | Streaming Live from Sapphire Room

·         Watch as record-holder DraQu puts his world class speed-running abilities on display while playing DOOM running on Vulkan.

 

Master Pancake Theater

9:00pm – 12:00am | Ventrilo Main Stage

 
 

Saturday, August 6th 

 

  

PC Perspective Hardware Workshop

10:00am – 12:00pm  | Streaming Live from the Ventrilo Main Stage

·         Get ready for two hours of prizes, games, and raffles during the annual PC Perspective Hardware Workshop

 

Panel: Creating Hell: The Art and Design of DOOM

Moderated by Adam Sessler

12:00pm – 1:00pm | Sapphire Room

·         Join key members of id Software’s development team (Marty Stratton, Game Director; Hugo Martin, Creative Director; Shinichiro Hara, Animation Director; Jerry Keehan, Level Design Director; Chris Hite, Audio Director) to get a unique look at creating and designingDOOM’s epic single-player.

 

QuakeCon Attendee Exclusive Presentation of Prey and Dishonored 2

2:00pm | Ventrilo Main Stage

 

Panel: Bringers of DOOM

Moderated by David Houghton (GamesRadar+)

3:00pm – 4:00pm | Streaming Live from Topaz Room

·         Join DOOM’s senior leadership team (Marty Stratton, Game Director; Hugo Martin, Creative Director; Robert Duffy, Chief Technology Officer) as they share stories about their journey to bring DOOM to a modern audience.  Learn about their reactions to the post-launch acclaim as well as get an exclusive look at never-before-seen production assets and art.

 

Official QuakeCon Tournament Finals Party!

6:00pm | Streaming Live from the Ventrilo Main Stage

 

 

QUAKECON TRIALS

Participants in this year’s QuakeCon trials will need to complete five unique goals tied to DOOM, Dishonored, The Elder Scrolls Legends, Fallout Shelter, and Quake Champions for a chance to win raffle tickets for Ventrilo ‘Ultimate Power Up’ sweepstakes. All participants will also have an opportunity to win $5,000 during the QuakeCon Finals Party. The QuakeCon Trials will be held Thursday, August 4th – Saturday, August 6th from10:00am – 5:30pm in the Exhibit Hall. Visit booth #212 to register.

 

FEATURED TABLE TOP VILLAGE ACTIVITIES

Table Top Village will be open for the duration of QuakeCon (Thursday, August 4th at 10am – Sunday, August 7th at 12pm) and the full schedule of events will be available on the Official QuakeCon App.

 

FEATURED EXHIBIT HALL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

This year’s Exhibit Hall hours, exhibitors and sponsors are listed below. In addition to the schedule of events above, the Exhibit Hall’s Alienware Event Stage will feature numerous presentations and activities from our 2016 exhibitors and sponsors. The full Alienware Event Stage schedule will be available on the Official QuakeCon App.

 

Exhibit Hall Hours:

Thursday, August 4th: 10:00am – 6:00pm

Friday, August 5th: 10:00am – 6:00pm

Saturday, August 6th: 10:00am – 6:00pm

QuakeCon 2016 Sponsors

  • Alienware (Premier Sponsor)
  • AMD  (Premier Sponsor)
  • BenQ America Corp. (Premier Sponsor)
  • Corsair
  • CybertronPC
  • DXRacer (Premier Sponsor)
  • iBuyPower
  • Fatal1ty
  • HTC VIVE
  • Intel (Official Tournament Sponsor)
  • Magic Box
  • NVIDIA  (Premier Sponsor)
  • Razer
  • Ventrilo  (Premier Sponsor)

 

QuakeCon 2016 Exhibitors:

·         1UpOnCancer
·         Alienware

·         Altex Computers and Electronics
·         Attic Space Games
·         BAWLS Guarana
·         BenQ America Corp.

·         Bethesda Softworks

·         Catalyst Mints
·         Cheshire Cat Studios
·         Corsair Components Inc
·         CPU Magazine
·         Dallas Pets Alive
·         Devolver Digital
·         DXRacer

·         Extra Life
·         FSP Group USA
·         Glitch Gaming Apparel
·         iFixit
·         Inspired by Nerd
·         Modders, Inc.
·         New Blood Interactive
·         NVIDIA
·         Roll2Play
·         SolarFlare Games
·         Steam Knight
·         ThermalTake USA

·         Think Geek

Attending? Let us know, we’d love to meet up, and talk!

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Rise of the Tomb Raider for PS4 Gets Dated to Celebrate 20 Years of Lara Croft

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment
RoTT_Classic_Lara

Classic Lara is Playable in Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration

Known for her prowess in scaling cliff sides, ancient ruins, and her capabilities as an archaeologist have become known around the world over her 20 year reign. Lara Croft has become one of the most iconic heroines in the history of gaming and one that proceeds to remain so even today. To celebrate the 20 year anniversary – Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20th Celebration has officially been announced for PlayStation 4 on Oct. 11th, 2016. This new version of Rise of the Tomb Raider features a completely new story chapter named “Blood Ties”. The game will also feature a new co-op Endurance gameplay mode, PlayStation VR will be supported for “Blood Ties”. The title will include all previously released DLC, more outfits, weapons, and Expedition Cards for players to find. A Limited Edition has been announced and will feature a Limited Edition art book.

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The newly announced Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration will also be available for PC and Xbox One. Own the season pass? Square Enix has announced that all PC and Xbox One Season Pass owners will get the content for free, but with the exception of VR support. Moving Forward the Season Pass will be updated with new content that is upcoming. As for the PlayStation 4 version? All the content will be included with this versions upcoming release on launch. So there will be no need for fans to download post-release DLC at this time,.

“The studio is celebrating with all Tomb Raider® fans, thanking them for being on Lara’s 20 year journey with us,” said Scot Amos, co-Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics. “The team has packed in surprises, new story, and the top-requested special features into this 20 Year Celebration edition.”

For a bit of background on the DLC “Blood Ties,” Square Enix has released a bit of background about the new story more, which takes place in the famed Croft Manor. In this new story mode, Lara Croft must fight against a zombie invasion in “Lara’s Nightmare”. This story gets underway with Lara’s uncle contesting for ownership of the Manor, and forces Lara to explore the estate in order to find the proof that she is the rightful heir. As she fights for the proof of the mansion, players must fight swarms of zombies as she attempts to hold onto her birthright and father’s secrets for good. Want to replay the mission to find all the secrets? You can re-test Lara’s zombie-killing skills in the “Lara’s Nightmare” mode, which forces her to fight her way through the haunted Croft manor in order to rid it of the evil presence holding onto it. This can all be done in support with the PlayStation VR so that players can explore and unlock the mysteries of Croft Manor in first person.

“This year we celebrate 20 years of the iconic Lara Croft,” said Ron Rosenberg, co-Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics. “This provided the perfect opportunity for us to deliver a new Tomb Raider experience. With the addition of PlayStation VR support, you can play the world through Lara’s eyes for the first time in franchise history.”

With all the new content, Square Enix has also announced that the game will come with a first-time experience for the franchise: a new online co-op expansion. The Endurance Mode will allow fans to raid tombs in the games brutal wilderness together.This mode will allow two players to team up in order to survive the harsh elements by day while fighting off against enemies by night. Players will gather fuel for fire, food to restore health, and even more as all resources will be hunted, collected, and or crafted. All of this will be recorded on the leaderboards for players to show off their longest survival run.

 

Additionally, in partnership with long-time partner Nixxes Software, the development team also created a numerous about of new additions in order to celebrate Tomb Raider over the years. This includes a re-envisioned version of Lara’s cold-weather outfit and the Hailstorm pistol from “Tomb Raider III”. Also, classic character models of Lara will be available for play when the game launches, including classic Lara from 1996. With the request of fans, the game will have an “Extreme Survivor” setting, which causes the game to get even more difficult, brutal, and will test players with their skills as all checkpoints will be removed from the game. This means saving is only available for those with campfires being lit – if you have the resources.

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Square Enix, in order to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Lara Croft, has also announced a new “Scavenger Hunt Promotion” that will launch and allow fans to use their wits and skill to obtain some awesome prices. The Scavenger Hunt is a website for PC and Mobil, which allows fans to enjoy a photo, trivia, and social media challenges every week. Accomplishing these will allow fans to earn points to unlock in Rise of the Tomb Raider’s Expedition Cards. Players can also earn sweepstake entries for prices such as ATV’s, Rise of the Tomb Raider skinned PS4 consoles, and an epic grand prize that’ll take fans to the Artic for an adventure. Players can Pre-order today exclusively at GameStop’s int he United States and participating retailers in Canada to gain entry into the experience.

Rise of the Tomb Raider, currently available for Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC, is one of the most celebrated games of the past year. The game was nominated for more than 75 awards, winning 27. Rise of the Tomb Raider was also nominated for nine DICE Awards, more than any other title in 2015.

For more information on Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration, please visit the official website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Digital Extemes’ TennoCon 2016 Sold Out and is a Success

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment
5_NekrosPrime

Nekros Prime is on his way.

Conventions aren’t anything new. You’ve probably been to a few of them, you’ve even seen the awesome news that comes from them, but what happens when the master minds behind Warframe get their own show? A soldout success. Having taken place in London, Ontario – Tennocon 2016 brought in over 1,100 players from around the world in order to celebrate Warframe on July 9th, 2016.

Remaining as a free and devoted to game by developer Digital Extremes – Warframe is a free-to-play smash hit from the independent developer and sole publisher of the title. With the first-of-its-kind event, Digital Extremes brought forth their players, nicknamed the Tenno; they offered up activities, panels, tournaments, and even the opportunity for the games dedicated community to meet with one another as well as the developers.

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Earlier this year, the company pledged to donate 100% of all ticket sales for TennoCon to go to their charitable partner, Outward Bound Canada, which supports the program for at-risk youth, women survivors of violence, and military civilians that are transition from being in service to civilian life. Today, Digital Extemes is proud to announce together that they raised over $74,000 CAD in ticket sells to the charity.

“I’m not often speechless but there are no words I can say that captures the excitement and emotion felt when meeting so many fans today in person,” said Steve Sinclair, creative director at Digital Extremes. “It was an incredible experience for me and the entire Warframe development team to see how games — our game — can bring people together in such a positive way. Our community is second to none and they proved it by making our first TennoCon a huge success not only by attending but also by raising a significant amount of money for a very good cause.”

The event was brought to a close with a special edition of Warframe’s well known TennoLive show, which streamed live on Twitch.tv, which game Tenno an exclusive-first-look at some of the upcoming content, which included a new “The War Within Teaser”, which can be seen below.

 

As a final installment of the current three-part-update that has bee nunder way sarting with the release of the games already quite enjoyable sports mode, Lunaro, in June, The Specters of the Rail Last Week, and the first-look of War Within, which features Conclave Master and Operator Teshin. Console players can expect to see the content shortly after the PC debut of it.

Additionally, Tenno at the event got to see the debut of the new warframe Titania. Lead by Design Director Scott McGregor – he explained the plans for the upcoming designs as well as ability for the warframe that is currently in-the-works. Among these highlights is the explanation behind the suits ability to shrink down to 1/10th of the suits normal size, which allows players to navigate levels in archwing mode while attacking enemies with swarms of Titania’s powerful and destructive butterfly minions. Just note that not all of this is not final and is subject to change.

While there the 100 Days of Warframe teaser was revealed, which is being done with a partnership with Paul Otaking77077 and the the people at mashed. 100 Days of Warframe will be an action-packed short that pays an homage to the original awakening of the Tenno when Warframe launched. You can expect more about this later this summer when we receive the news. If you missed TennoCon 2016, you can check out the complete archive of TennoLive on the official YouTube Channel for Warframe.

Warframe is free-to-play on PlayStation Network for PlayStation 4, Xbox One through the Xbox Marketplace, and for PC on www.warframe.com. Make sure to check them out on Twitter and Instagram also.

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.