New Indie Publisher, Renegade Machine Starts Up

Renegade Machines logo

So, our friend Tom Ohle from Evolve PR and Khaled Ibrahimi, Cinematic Producer of Killzone 3 and longtime developer, have started a new Indie Publishing Studio called Renegade Machine. They have created this new studio to help indies find success. Using Tom’s knowledge of media and PR and Khaled’s knowledge of development, they intend to be the publisher that can help indies in whatever manor they may need it. As Tom puts it,

Perhaps a better answer is that we want ultimately want to help developers wherever we’re needed. I’ve spent a long time in video game PR/marketing — 12 years and counting — so certainly we’re able to help devs on the promotional side. My cohort Khaled Ibrahimi has spent his career on the other side of the coin — development, that is — and as such we’re able to help with production issues, dev pipelines, managing a virtual team and everything else you need to do to get a game out the door. We’ve also both been around the block enough times to be able to consult on business matters, make connections, help with distribution and so on.

We realize that developers often have a negative image of publishers: they force ideas on you, take too much money or just plain suck. We want to use our experience in working with publishers to build an appealing publishing option for a wide range of indie needs. To that end we’ve pulled together a survey. If you’re an indie dev, we’d really appreciate a few minutes of your time so we can truly understand what you’re looking for in a partner.

These guys are looking to change how publishers work with studio’s, bring new exciting games to market, and to really change the gaming landscape. If you want to learn more or are a developer looking to get in touch with these guys, head over to their website – Renegade Machine.

You can also follow them on Twitter:
Tom Ohle
Khaled Ibrahimi
Renegade Machine

I can’t wait to see the games that come out of this, it sounds exciting, and we wish them the best of luck!

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody

SteelSeries 9H Headset Is Available for Pre-Order Now

SteelSeries 9H-hero-shot

So our friends over at SteelSeries are just about to release their newest headset, the 9H.

The 9H features three different Dolby® technologies, a double enclosure design, SteelSeries signature retractable microphone, and a swappable cable system to allow for cross platform usage on PC, Mac, handheld consoles or tablets and smartphones. The 9H also features thick leather ear cups for extended use comfort, during those long gaming sessions. Like all of SteelSeries Products, the 9H was designed alongside professional gamers to create the most balanced and linear tournament-grade soundscape. To get a better idea of how they did this take a look at this video below


SteelSeries 9H1SteelSeries 9H2

I had a chance to get some hands on time with this headset at PAX, and I have got to say, what a sweet, sweet headset. They are very comfortable, and fit very nice on the head, I could easily see gaming in them for long periods of time. The sound quality from them was honesty jaw dropping. I never expected a pair of gaming headphones to sound so good. I didn’t get an opportunity to test the Dolby® Technologies in them, but here is hoping I can get my hands on a pair and see how they sound for you guys. I really liked the style, it is a lot more low key then a lot of gaming headsets and with the retractable Mic I could definitely see myself using them outside of the house. The swappable cable system has in line controls, but also can be  disconnected on the go for a more streamlined “on the go” headset. Honestly I will be following this closely and I would highly recommend if you are in the market for a new pair of headphones to give the 9H a look.

SteelSeries 9H Sound Dongle

Equipped with an advanced USB soundcard, the SteelSeries 9H provides users with Dolby® Technology that works together to create incredible sound:

·      Dolby Digital – reproduces multichannel audio to deliver a cinematic audio experience

·      Dolby Headphone – allows up to 7.1 channels of realistic multi-channel surround sound

·      Dolby Prologic IIx – provides the smoothest surround sound experience allowing for multiple listening modes and a more realistic sound

steelseries-9h-headset-with-dolby-technology_retail-box-image

The 9H is up for preorder from SteelSeries as well as other fine electronics retailers for 159$. For more information you can head over to SteelSeries.

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody

Nintendo 2DS hands on Impressions and Video

Nintendo 2DS Box

So during PAX  (Penny Arcade Expo)  this past weekend in Seattle, we were able to go hands on with the new Nintendo 2DS system. So I thought I would write some quick impressions from my hands on time with it.

  • It is much lighter in the hand then I thought it would be, it appears to be quite heavy, but that is not the case at all, it is definitely lighter then both of its 3DS brothers.
  • It feels a lot like the original Gameboy advance. It’s sturdy, has a similar feel to the plastic, and feels solid, like you could easily give this to a child and not stress about it.
  • It is much nicer looking in person then I thought it would be. I actually really liked the hand feel when I was holding it and playing games on it. Because you are holding more of it in your hands, I could see this being easier to play over long periods of time then the 3DS Twins, as there is nothing weighing it down awkwardly on one side like you get when you have the 3DS open.
  • The screens are the same size as the regular 3DS, just not with the 3D. They seem to be the same nice screens that you expect.
  • You can still take 3D video/pictures and send them to your friends with a 3DS. They just can’t be displayed on the 2DS.
  • They have added a lock screen toggle switch in the bottom right corner, as well as the WiFi switch has been removed and is now a software toggle.
  • The new Home button looks really nice, I hope that it comes over to the 3DS in the future.
  • I managed to fit it in my back pocket. I think trying to get it in a front jeans pocket would be pretty difficult, but it did fit fine in my back jeans pocket. Just remember to remove it before sitting down.

So there you have it, those are my initial impressions of the new Nintendo 2DS. I must say I was a LOT more impressed with it once I was able to hold it, and see it in the flesh. This is a device for small kids, and to that end I think Nintendo nailed it.

Take a look at our video below where we show you the 2DS from all the angles. If you have any other questions about the 2DS, feel free to ask away.

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody

Two New Pokemon Edition 3DS XL Systems coming soon to North America.

Pokemon 3DSXL Systems

Today, during Nintendo Direct, the company announced, two Limited-Edition Pokemon X/Y-themed 3DS XL models, one blue and one red, coming to North America on Sept 27th. These systems feature the likenesses of Xerneas and Yveltal, the two Legendary Pokemon that grace the covers of the Pokemonand Pokemon Y game boxes. The Pokemon X and Y games are not included in the package and will be sold separately.

Via Nintendo

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody

Nintendo Announces the Nintendo 2DS, No This is NOT a Joke.

Nintendo 2DS

This morning Nintendo announced, the Nintendo 2DS Handheld. It will play all of the DS and 3DS games, but only in 2D.

In the US it will be available in red or blue for $129.99 from 12th October, the same day Pokémon X and Pokémon Y comes out.

The Nintendo 2DS plays the entire library of packaged and downloadable games for Nintendo 3DS only in 2D, and features a fixed, slate-type form factor. Optional carry cases will be available in red or blue at launch for $12.99 a pop.

As for hardware features, the 2DS shares the Nintendo 3DS’ dual screens, gameplay controls and touchscreen features, and has backward compatibility with the existing library of over 2000 DS games. There’s also wireless connectivity for online multiplayer, Nintendo Video and access to the eShop.

Take a look at some screens of the 2DS below.

Screens:

Via Press Release

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody