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Microsoft has released a bunch of new videos in which it focuses on the peripherals of Xbox One.
The first video focuses on the wireless controller, while the second takes a look at the play and charge kit. Finally, the last video focuses on the system’s headset.
As the WCS Europe Round of 16 Group C matches came to a close today, viewers and commentators alike were starting to finally feel a little more comfortable with the players they were seeing. After two days of stunning upsets, today’s competition saw Starcraft II international veterans NaNiwa and MMA moving on to the round of 8. Of course, even with familiar players, the round of 8 is already shaping up to be far different from the competition we saw last year. For one thing, MMA is the only Terran player to be moving on to the next round and is, in fact, the only non-Protoss player to move on so far. Tomorrow’s Group D matches will continue the ‘Toss heavy trend, with TitaN, MC, and MaNa all playing Protoss. Poor VortiX is Zerg’s only chance to move beyond this round. No pressure.
The preferred races of the players aren’t the only changes to be seen in this year’s competitive Starcraft scene. The series have also taken noticeably longer than games in the past. No longer are early attacks the deciding factors in games. Cheese has been nearly non-existent in this competition so far. More and more, we are seeing the deciding moments in games being large scale, battles between supply-maxed armies, rather than the more micro heavy, smaller, earlier plays of previous years. Given how many veteran players we have seen fall to newcomers in this bracket so far, it’s probably worth looking into favoring these new, long term tactics over the more aggressive play of the past.
While not quite as epic as yesterday’s matches, the WCS EU Round Of 16 Group B competition today held some similar surprises. Finnish newcomer Welmu ended up winning the day, knocking out veteran competitors Lucifron and Duckdeok on his way to the round of 8. In the lower bracket, Lucifron knocked out last year’s WCS champion, Stephano in an exciting match, but fell to Korean Duckdeok in the following series. It’s notable that, of the four players who will be moving on the round of 8, three of them are Protoss players. This is a stark contrast to last year’s competition where only one Protoss player made it beyond the round of 16.
Today’s results were especially important as Stephano has announced that this will be his last professional Starcraft II competition, and that he is retiring from eSports. His elimination in this round ends his pro gamer career. Ever the controversial figure, Stephano has been polarizing the eSports community with those who decry his wild partying, outspoken personality, and dismissive demeanor, coming up against those who feel that he added much needed attitude to a sport where players typically have very quiet dispositions. Whether you love him or hate him, it’s hard to deny his impact on eSports as a whole. He was the first non-Korean to gain real recognition in professional eSports, and his offscreen antics brought a lot of attention to a sport that was struggling to get attention. His abilities were impressive to say the least, and today, eSports loses one of it’s original icons.
The full replay of today’s matches can be seen here
Stephano’s final words on his pro gaming career can be seen here
Deep Silver and Volition have launched the Saints Row 4 Inauguration Station, allowing you to create your future President before release day release Day on August 20.
The Inauguration Station can be downloaded for free and allows you all the infinite creative possibilities you’ll find in the game. Take the time now to create your character and then hop right into the virtual world of Steelport with that character once Saints Row 4 launches. Zero time wasted.
The Inauguration Station is available for download on Xbox 360 and PC, with the PS3 version becoming available in the Americas on August 13, 2013. However, PS3 users outside of the Americas can download it tomorrow. Either way, you have plenty of time until the game’s actual release.
Once you create your president, head over to the community portion of Saints Row 4’s website and begin campaigning.
Virgin Media Games Space created for games players and developers
Oculus Rift and Cello Fortress to showcase latest innovation
Superfast 1Gb broadband powers new hub on Silicon Roundabout
Virgin Media is creating a pop-up games hub in the heart of London’s technological innovation, Silicon Roundabout¹, to champion the future of British gaming. The Virgin Media Games Space will be powered by the company’s superfast broadband, providing speeds of up to 1Gb, and will include a stellar line-up of games to play, industry talks to inspire and workshops to help create the next generation of gaming developers.
Games curator and event producer David Hayward is overseeing the creation of the space to provide a environment for gamers and budding developers of all ages to come play, learn and develop their digital skills. The free Virgin Media Games Space will open its doors to the public on 27th August until 21st September, and the best parts will also be available for visitors to enjoy at this year’s Eurogamer Expo.
The British video gaming industry is a valuable contributor to the national economy and considered an area of growth with some of the world’s largest franchises already developed here, as well as strong communities of independent game developers. With gaming high on Government agenda, measures are being introduced to help develop programming skills as part of the national curriculum. Virgin Media Games Space is celebrating this welcome news by offering gamers a glimpse of the future and helping wannabe developers build it.
Virgin Media has a track record of championing undiscovered talent and now, after the success of last year’s 100 Day Game Project which saw a winning team of students from Essex University create and launch ‘Super-Fluid’ as an Android and iOS app in just 100 days, has invested to help even more raw talent hidden amongst the gaming community.
All visitors will have the opportunity to experience the latest in virtual reality gaming courtesy of Oculus Rift, plus have a chance to test yet-to-be-released indie titles such as Super Pole Riders, There Shall be Lancing and Krautscape.
Some Virgin Media Games Space highlights include:
Week 1 – Lifelites Game Jam a 24-hour developer session to produce games for children with limited mobility
Week 2 – Cello Fortress showcase
Week 3 – New Sony Computer Entertainment tiles, Beyond: Two Souls (PS3), Tearaway (PS Vita)
Week 4 – Arcade Jam – Games collectives and artists from all over Europe will come together to build DIY arcade machines and games. See the results at VMGS, all week from September 17th – 21st
Richard Larcombe, director of advertising and sponsorship at Virgin Media said: “We’re excited to be able to provide a space where anyone can come and play games all day long but also where visitors can come and learn or be inspired by experienced developers from across the industry.
“The digital world is creating incredible job opportunities as well as entertainment for people and the rise of the British gaming industry is something to be proud of. This is going to be a unique place for people to use who’ve got the same passion for gaming we have. Whether it’s to debate, develop, or push the boundaries of new technologies, Virgin Media Games Space will provide something for everyone no matter their gaming abilities.”
David Hayward, curator and event producer, said: “It’s immensely exciting that London is getting its first game space, and I’m very pleased to be curating it. Games are such a diverse thing now, and I think Virgin Media Games Space will be an excellent way of supporting that.”
The Virgin Media Games Space will be open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-7pm before it’s re-homed to take centre stage at this year’s Eurogamer Expo. It’s free to visit anytime. To attend any of the organised events, visitors can secure their place from 19th August at www.vmgs.com.
