#WorldEsportsDay returns for 2021 to promote competitive gaming and raise money to get COVID-19 vaccines to developing nations

The British Esports Association is proud to announce that it will host the second annual World Esports Day, due to take place on Saturday 23rd October 2021 and bring people together for a global celebration of esports.

Following on from the success of last year’s activities, the event is coming back bigger and better to increase awareness of the positive impacts that esports has on society.

The campaign aims to celebrate all things competitive gaming, including the players, tournaments, streams, content, as well as other areas that help to build up the industry.

World Esports Day is backed by the British Esports Association, as well as having further support from the Global Esports Federation, Singapore Esports Association and Twitch.

After raising money for Special Effect in last year’s event, this year the selected charity is COVAX.

‘COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access, abbreviated as COVAX, is a worldwide initiative aimed at access to COVID-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the World Health Organization.’ 

In light of the pandemic, British Esports decided it was best to support this charity in its journey to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to countries all around the world.

Funds raised will go straight to COVAX and allow more people globally to be protected amidst the current global situation.

There are several ways to get involved with #WorldEsportsDay, whether you are an individual or organisation.

Some of the many things to do include: hosting an event, running a stream, doing an educational piece or even just promoting esports through social media.

To give some inspiration, these are some of the activities completed last year:

– RAF vs student show matches
– Warzone Tournament
– Fundraising Stream
– Social Media Post
– Merchandise Promotion

World Esports day allows for organisations to let their creativity shine through and help to celebrate all of the positive aspects of esports with people from around the globe.

Download the activity deck:
British Esports has created a deck for individuals and organisations to gain more of an understanding about the day itself, as well as how they can get involved.

This deck outlines the processes behind things like donations to give you more of an understanding about what happens in a more detailed way.

The deck can be found here.

What We Know About the Project 007 Video Game So Far

Other than the free mobile game 007: World of Espionage, which was released in 2015 by the game developer Glu, there hasn’t been a proper James Bond video game since Activision’s 007 Legends, which came out in 2012 to coincide with the launch of the Skyfall film. Even with the much-anticipated No Time To Die now in cinemas, which you surely know is the last outing for Daniel Craig as Bond, there’s no new console video game release as of yet. However, a new game featuring everyone’s favourite martini-drinking British spy is currently in development. So, what do we know about the Project 007 video game so far

Who is making the game?

 IO Interactive, the company that brought us the acclaimed Hitman video game series, is developing the new James Bond video game at its two Nordic studios in Denmark and Sweden. IO Interactive is working closely with the licensors MGM and Eon Productions, so expect the new game to closely resemble the modern movie world of 007. Also, IO Interactive has stated that it has been recruiting elite talent from around the world to build the exciting upcoming game. We also know that IO Interactive is using Glacier, the same proprietary game design software that was used to develop the incredibly successful Hitman series of games. Speaking of which, if you can’t wait to play the Project 007 game, the Hitman series is a great substitute that’s sure to keep you entertained. You may also like to play older 007 video games like 2004’s GoldenEye: Rogue Agent or James Bond 007, which was released for Game Boy in 1998. Alternatively, you could follow in the footsteps of 007 and play thrilling and fun casino games. Play online slots at Dunder, or play Bond’s favourite game of baccarat.

What is the title of the game?

While the new James Bond video game is widely being called Project 007, that name is merely a working title. It looks likely that the name of the game will be changed before it is released. Although, we quite like the simplicity of the name Project 007.

When will the game be released?

 We actually know little about the new Project 007 game at present and IO Interactive hasn’t released or hinted at any details about a possible release date. However, progress is certainly being made. In November 2020, the first teaser trailer for Project 007 was released.

What is the teaser trailer like?

The forty-nine-second trailer begins with a bullet being loaded into a gun. Familiar Bond movie music then starts playing until it reaches a crescendo and the 007 logo appears. However, with no actual gameplay footage shown, it’s impossible to know what IO Interactive actually has in store for gamers.

What will the new game be about?

What we do know about the new Project 007 video game is a little about the story. The game will feature a brand-new, wholly original story, in which Bond earns his 007 status for the first time. The origin story won’t be based on the James Bond origin story contained in Ian Fleming’s original Casino Royale novel or in the 2006 movie adaptation in which Daniel Craig first played the charismatic spy. Nor will the origin story of Project 007 be based on the prequel novels written by Anthony Horowitz.

Which platforms will the game be released on?

According to IO Interactive, Project 007 will be launched on modern systems and platforms. So, while we don’t know precisely which consoles and platforms the game will be released on, it looks as though Project 007 will be available to play on both game consoles and PCs.

The Technologies that Could Impact Online Slot Games in the Future

Most of us have seen phenomenal changes in technology within our lifetimes, and the industry doesn’t look as if it’s going to slow its advancements any time soon. From digital special effects in the movies, to electric cars and missions to space, these things seemed impossible just 100 years ago. Technology has also affected our lives on a smaller scale. Most adults now own a smartphone, with computing technology small enough to fit in their pocket. And by connecting to 4G internet, they can instantly access a global network of information.

The advancement of technology has also brought into existence entirely new industries. One of the fastest growing new industries is the online gambling industry, which is only 25 years old now. Online casinos and slot providers, like Wink Slots,  are now able to provide top quality games to millions of customers, anytime and anywhere. This convenience is why mobile slots are fast becoming one of the nation’s favourite online games.

The Evolution of Online Slots

Online slots developers have now got more creative freedom to design their games, because they know that modern technology can handle it. Gone are the standard 3 reels, some slots play around with 5 or 7, but developer NetEnt have taken it one step further and invented InfiniReels, where every win adds a new reel to your slot, with no limit to how many you can have. This really shakes up the way that online slots are played, and it’s not the only fun new innovation in slot design.

Megaways and Gigablox are some of the other fun new slot designs which offer players the change to play for higher jackpots than every before. Of course, the odds of hitting the top money are still very small, but new players are enticed in by the promise of larger payouts.

Technological advancements have also enabled online slots to come in many different themes and styles. Because it’s so easy to tweak a few settings within the coding of a game, new slots can be released quickly and without much cost. There are now online slots to suit every player, from animal themes to Viking themes, with different RTPs and volatility ratings.

How Technology has Made Online Slots Popular

Slots have always been a very visually appealing game, so it was important for their success that online developers be able to replicate the classic video slots look. But it was also important for players to possess hardware powerful enough to showcase the games in all their glory. The development of the smartphone market, and the fact that prices now start reasonably low for what is still a decent phone, has made it possible for more people than ever to access online games and enjoy them at their leisure.

Fibre broadband and the arrival of 5G mobile internet has also been a massive boost to the industry. Players no longer have to wait for their games to load, or deal with buffering and lag. Online slot games load almost instantly and players can play for as long as they like. Faster download speeds have made it more appealing for people to play for short bursts of time, like during a commute or a lunch break, and this has been great for the online slots industry.

Technology has allowed players to be able to play whenever and wherever they want.

 

Increased Competition

One of the downsides of the online slot industry’s rapid growth is that the marketplace is now saturated with competing sites. While this is great for the players as they have more choice of where to go, it means the online slots sites are having to work harder to appeal to new customers.

One-way sites are using technology to do this is by offering different payment methods. Debit and credit cards are no longer the only way of making deposits, with many online providers utilising the services of online wallets and cryptocurrencies to encourage new types of users to join their sites.

Female players tend to gravitate towards slots, but they also like to play socially. So online slots sites have started offering chat rooms, live slots games, and multiplayer slots. This increases player interaction and has replaced the missing social element that you could get from playing slot with friends in a land-based casino.

Technology has opened many doors for slot providers, however, competition has become even more intense.

 

The Future

Live online slots are just starting to appear online, as are virtual reality casinos, proving that there’s plenty of scope for the sector to continue evolving. Live online slots utilise fast streaming technology to broadcast from a studio where a dealer oversees spinning the reels. Players can interact with the dealer through a chat box and carry out conversations in real time – like being part of a massive game show! So far, only two online slots are available in this format, but interest is growing, and it looks certain to join other live casino games as the next big thing.

Conclusion

Online slots are constantly evolving and advancing to keep up with technological changes. Faster internet speeds mean the games can include more functions and better graphics; better smartphone penetration means that more slots are optimised for mobile in order to tap into a new market; and live slots are putting the community feel back into gaming. With 5G rolling out and virtual reality headsets becoming more affordable, online slots will be in for another big change soon.

What Can We Expect Next from the Adventure Game Genre?

Adventure games such as role-playing games (RPGs) and other fantasy titles have been massively popular for decades. They tend to follow roughly similar themes, with magic, incredible creatures, exploration, and fighting usually all part of the adventure. How have they become so popular and what can we expect to see next?

The Rich History of RPGs and Adventure Games

Perhaps the best-known example of this genre is World of Warcraft. First released in 2004 by Blizzard Entertainment, it has since established a reputation as arguably the most popular MMORPG of all time. WoW is loved by players for the way it gives them complete freedom to explore the world in the way they prefer, and it has led to spin-offs in several other genres, as well as books and a blockbuster movie.

There’s also The Elder Scrolls series, by Bethesda Game Studios, which has become hugely successful in the last few years, despite being initially released in 1994. These games take the player through open-world fantasy settings that mix real-life elements with mythology to terrific effect. The most recent entry in the series, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, is still going strong a decade after it was first released, which is testament to the enduring popularity of adventure RPGs.

Mobile games also now offer a similar experience to desktop games in terms of RPGs. Among the best mobile RPGs just now are 2020’s Genshin Impact and Another Eden, which was released in 2017. As mobile technology improves, the ability to explore huge worlds and carry out varied missions has grown enormously, meaning that mobile RPGs are now a lot closer to the feel of desktop versions. 

Developers in other areas of the online gaming industry have also taken note of the popularity of adventure games. Slot titles such as Book of Dead by Play’n GO and Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt have been classic favorites among players, such that you’d find them offered by both old established names in the industry as well as new slot sites, among many other adventure-themed slots.

New World: The Next Big Adventure Game?

The New World by Amazon Games is one of the latest examples of a game that lets you live out amazing adventures, although it has received a mixed reception upon the preliminary release of its free beta iteration. While it isn’t due for official release until September 28th, here’s what we already know about the game and how players have responded to it, so far.

Firstly, New World is set in the Atlantic Ocean, where the protagonists are shipwrecked on Aeternum Island. The action takes place in the 17th century, and you can join a group of up to five members due to its multiplayer online RPG format, or else join one of the major factions on the island. Your adventures are comprised of foraging for resources and exploring while fighting monsters and other players. 

Though Amazon Game Studios have been talking about this title since 2016, the release date was delayed from 2020 until this year. Over this period, there was plenty of hype generated, which is perhaps why the overall reception has been pretty mixed.

On the one hand, players who signed up on Steam to try the beta version have applauded the impressive graphics and have deemed New World a visually stunning game. Players also highlighted that they enjoyed the chance to explore a varied, open-world setting where you can fish, fight, and get immersed in the gameplay.

However, some reviewers who’ve tried the beta version think that the combat feature is fairly weak with repetitive characters and moves, and have also complained about the grind in collecting items before being able to fully explore the island.

It’s still early days for New World, but it looks like it’ll be a worthy addition to the adventure canon. Although the first reviews suggest that there’s a mixed reception, it’s clear that there are manageable elements that could be easily improved, and that this game could go on to become a classic alongside the others we have looked at.

Frenetic Firefighting Multiplayer ‘Embr’ Launches on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch Today

Ever wanted to burst into your neighbour’s home, douse it in jets of water, throwing said resident out of the nearest opening in the process, all in the name of heroism?

More than a year since it first made its Early Access debut, Curve Digital and Muse Games are happy to announce the frenetic firefighting multiplayer game Embr launches on PCPlayStationXbox, and Nintendo Switch today.

For those taking their first steps into the world of for hire heroism, Embr is a marvellously manic multiplayer game where you and your friends come together to have a go at fighting ferocious fires and rescuing residents – if you consider tossing them out a third-floor window window “rescued”, that is.

Players can take on the game solo or work together in online teams tackling fire after fire to pick up tips from clients, earning the ever-so-crucial 5-star rating in order to collect cash, upgrade tools, and hopefully become the ultimate ‘have-a-go hero’ firefighter.

On top of that, players can also deliver takeout food on the fly with ‘Embr Eats’ and drop off explosive parcels as a ‘Box Box’ delivery expert, all before becoming a DIY safety engineer as a Gaslight Inc employee. In short, it’s the ultimate amateur adventurer experience.

Compared to the Early Access build, Embr’s full release also includes:

  • 2 brand new expansive districts to explore housing 12 new hand-crafted levels.
  • 13 new tools and upgrades to customise your firefighting experience.
  • 5 brand new game modes to earn extra money your way.
  • Daily and weekly missions for extensive replayability.
  • Cross-platform play across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Stadia.
  • Extra difficulty settings and level mutators to keep things rolling.
  • Tons of additional wearables, vehicle cosmetics, UI overhaul, achievements, and more.

“Here at Embr, we’ve revolutionized firefighting,” says Matthew Niederberger, Director of Embr at Muse Games. “Now you and your friends can step in, save lives, and earn yourself a little money on the side. Be sure to rescue all of your clients, their valuables, and crack their safe open, in order to earn that five-star rating, and keep your career going! We believe anyone can start a new career running into house fires today!” 

Embr is designed for PS4 and Xbox One, but will run perfectly on PS5 and Series X|S. The game launches today on PCPlayStationXbox, and Nintendo Switch for £17.99/€19.99/$19.99, and features crossplay compatibility between the PC, Playstation, and Xbox versions. Embr will also see a physical release on PlayStation and Switch tomorrow.

Rover Mechanic Simulator out now on Xbox and is coming to other consoles soon

Developed by a Polish studio, Pyramid Games S.A., and previously released on PC in November 2020, Rover Mechanic Simulator has been warmly received by gamers. The title created by the makers of Castle Flipper and upcoming Occupy Mars has garnered a 90% approval rate from Steam reviews.

The Xbox One port is handled by Ultimate Games S.A, and this version of Rover Mechanic Simulator is also backwards compatible with Xbox Series X|S.

In Rover Mechanic Simulator you will get a taste of what it is like to live on the first Martian colony and work there as a mechanic responsible for repairs and maintenance of Mars rovers. The game at its core is about fulfilling various tasks: after familiarizing yourself with a particular mechanical problem, it is expected of you to conduct an analysis, find a solution and then perform an entire repair procedure. Once in a while you’ll get to tinker with a 3D printer that will create for you a specific part that your current mission demands. What’s more, the gameplay itself is interspersed with hidden retro mini-games.

The game features several well-known rover types that space enthusiasts will surely recognize (among them: Sojourner, Curiosity, Opportunity and Spirit) as well as a robotic helicopter, Ingenuity. Each of the models has been faithfully recreated thanks to actual NASA technical documents. Such level of meticulousness led to rendering a grand total of 437 separate parts for the Curiosity rover alone.

“Our game combines a relaxing gameplay along with educational elements. Individual vehicle models showcase a huge level of realism in the game. Our artists have spent several months studying actual NASA equipment to recreate it as faithfully as possible. Of course, we had to take some liberties in order to make the gameplay fun. A good case in point is that real-life rovers are designed for one-way trips only, yet in our game it is possible to fix them and bring them back to full operational capacity, so for example we replaced bolts with screws in order to make it possible.” – said the CEO of Pyramid Games S.A., Jacek Wyszyński.

Players will have a plethora of tools at their disposal, such as a 3D printer, recycling machine, overhead crane, soldering iron and many more. Your progress in Rover Mechanic Simulator is reflected in a character development system that lets you earn and spend skill points once you reach certain experience levels. According to the developers, the simulator offers at least a dozen hours of relaxing gameplay.

Rover Mechanic Simulator – key features:

  • Take up a career of a Martian mechanic
  • Enjoy leisurely and educational gameplay 
  • Get a chance to work on a selection of faithfully recreated real-life NASA rovers and vehicles
  • Shape up your character with a rank system allowing you to improve your skills
  • Fulfill a wide array of varied and engaging tasks

Rover Mechanic Simulator is set to debut on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S on September 22, 2021. PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch ports are slated for release at later dates.

Balsa Model Flight Simulator launches today. #Pilots #Gaming

Following a 4 week open beta which saw over nine thousand pilots shape their dream balsa models and take to the skies, Felipe “HarvesteR” Falanghe, creator and lead developer of the original Kerbal Space Program, is soaring into the troposphere as Balsa Model Flight Simulator from Floating Origin Interactive takes flight on Steam Early Access from today.

BMFS is designed to offer something truly unique in the flight sim category and takes the next step in player-built flight simulation games with its detailed, powerful editor where players can design, build, fly and battle their own model aircraft, delivering an entirely new, multi-genre experience for virtual pilots of all skill levels.

“I was really nervous about launching such an extended Beta test for Balsa but really wanted to get back to that feeling of creating a game with the community from the very beginning” commented Falanghe “It has been an amazing few weeks for us to finally have a version of the game in the hands of fans, and their feedback has been amazing! So much so we’ve decided to bring up our schedule a little and we’re so excited to officially launch the game for sale via Steam Early Access.”
Falanghe concluded “We really wanted to make sure we were launching a game with the absolute best foundation before we put it into Early Access, just like we did with Kerbal Space Program 10 years ago, and the players so far have really made it a joy to get the game to this stage. Can’t wait to see what happens over the coming weeks and months”

Key Features:

1. In-game Vehicle Editor – Build anything you can imagine using parts that snap together in a hands-on, intuitive way. Plus paint and apply decals to your vehicles to make them completely your own.
2. Advanced Physics-Based Flight Model – Every design decision counts, as Balsa’s aerodynamics account for even the tiniest changes to your model’s geometry.
3. Single Player Career mode – Tackle a range of challenges and build up your reputation as the greatest RC pilot ever!
4. Free-Flight Sandbox mode – Hone your skills, tweak your designs, or just enjoy the experience of flying.
5. Paintball Combat – Create and take your aerial combat machine up against other players and AI in model-scale paintball dogfights.
6. Moddable to Extremes – Designed from the ground up to support modding. Players are able to add custom content inc. everything from new planes and parts to maps and modes.
7. Steam Workshop Enabled – Share your designs, missions and mods in the Steam Workshop, and subscribe to an endlessly-expanding collection of player-made creations.
8. Fully supported multiplayer – Up to 16 virtual pilots.
9. A fully featured Scenario Editor – Create your own Missions and Game Modes using a powerful module-based gameplay logic system.

Buckle up and take flight with Balsa Model Flight Simulator HERE 

4 Expert-Level Hacks to Optimize Your PC for Gaming

Gaming on PC provides you with entertainment, and it helps you learn different skills. However, to enjoy your favorite game, you should make sure your computer is optimized for that purpose. Here are 4 expert-level hacks to optimize your PC for gaming.

 

1. Close Background Processes

First and foremost, you should specifically get a computer that is meant for gaming. There are special machines designed for games that you can get on the market. Whether you are using a PC for gaming or just a Windows computer to play games, make sure you close all background programs that are open in the background. These programs may prevent your computer from achieving its full potential in gaming. Any open programs can affect the speed of the game, which leads to a poor experience. Therefore, make sure you close all the windows that you do not need if you want to enjoy your favorite game.

2. Choose The Best Components For Gaming

There are different components like graphics cards, CPUs, storage devices, and memory that affect your games. Additionally, you also need to consider the motherboard for gaming which ensures enough connectivity for the vital components required by the games. There are different types of motherboards designed for gaming; you must get something that suits your needs. You need to check the best motherboard that suits your needs. In addition, it is vital to tweak the graphics settings for your games. For instance, lowering the resolution of your game can go a long way in ensuring that you get more frames per second.

3. Update GPU Drivers

To boost the performance of your PC for games, you should update its GPU drivers. If you update the graphics card, your GPU will deliver 100% of its potential performance. You will observe a significant increase in FPS. To achieve this, you can look for the best software to update your drivers for PC gaming. With the right program, you will get the latest updates that will help improve your gaming experience. If you want, you can set your PC to install automatic updates at given times. This helps to ensure you do not miss any critical updates.

4. Remove Unwanted Programs

If your PC for gaming consists of programs that you rarely use or no longer need, it is a good idea to remove them. These programs affect the performance of your computer by competing for precious RAM. This means you will have lower FPS while gaming. You can uninstall all programs you are not using. On top of that, you should clear all outdated updates since they can affect your RAM. Reduce startup programs or deactivate them so they do not affect the speed of your computer.

 

Computer gaming is exciting since it plays a crucial role in entertaining different people. To enjoy the maximum experience of gaming, you must have an optimized PC. There are different measures you can take to improve the performance of your computer when playing games. While the list is not exhaustive, the above tips can help you enjoy your favorite game to the fullest.

PewDiePie and Crainer On Board to Serve as Mentors in Content Creator Simulator ‘Youtubers Life 2

Entire Team of Superstar YouTubers Will Appear in the Game to Inspire the Next Generation

For the past decade, PewDiePie – known as Felix Kjellberg to his friends – has been one of the most popular YouTubers on the planet, with more than 110 million subscribers around the world at last count hanging on his every word, for better or worse.

Who better, then, to pass on the fruits of his wisdom to the next generation of content creators?

Raiser Games and UPLAY Online are excited to announce that PewDiePie will be headlining a  cast of real life YouTubers who will all appear in forthcoming content creator simulator Youtubers Life 2. Taking on the role of guardians – or ‘Senpais’, as PewDiePie fans may be more accustomed to hearing – Kjellberg and a cast of 10 YouTubers in total will appear in the game in side-missions, offering players the opportunity to increase their knowledge and experience in specially set challenges.

Also joining the line-up will be CrainerLaurenzSideRubiusPalutenInoxTagWillyRexGermanLetsPlayVegetta777 and xFaRgAnxYoutubers Life 2 will offer aspiring content creators the opportunity to live out their YouTube dreams in relative safety when it launches on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch later this year.

According to Sergio de Benito, Marketing Director at Raiser Games, working with some of the world’s most popular YouTubers should give players an example of the responsibility that comes hand in hand with wielding considerable influence.

“Fame is a fickle beast and – like film stars, pop stars, and sports stars before them – YouTubers have spent the last decade finding out that, once you hit the big time, everything you do or say is under the microscope,” says de Benito. “We thought that having real life YouTubers in play was a must for Youtubers Life 2, because they are the only people on the planet who can, with some authenticity, pass on advice based on the highs and lows they’ve both enjoyed and endured whilst in the public eye. They really will be the players’ guardian angels.”

All of the YouTubers will appear in dedicated, specialised side-missions, challenging players to carry out fun tasks increasing their knowledge and experience in the process. They will act as the icing on the Youtubers Life 2’s considerable cake, adding an extra slice of realism to proceedings.

“It’s been really interesting working with the Youtubers Life 2 developers to make sure my likeness comes across in play,” adds Crainer. “I hope my subscribers get a real kick out of seeing me in the game.”

In Youtubers Life 2 you will be able to: –

  • Create content on different apps: NewTube, Glitch, and InstaLife.
  • Explore NewTube City throughout three different neighborhoods: The City Hall, Downtown, and the Port. Each one has unique stores, leisure centers, activities, and other Youtubers (NPCs) with whom we can build a social relationship.
  • Follow different trends triggered at different times, take pictures to Instalife, or record VOD and streamings on the way. The city is alive and will be a key to your development as a Youtuber.
  • Record your progress on your Drone – your closest, customisable friend who will follow you on your adventures.
  • New customisation options for your character and for your home. For the first time in the franchise, we will be able to customize our home and setup with our preferred style.

Raiser Gamers and UPLAY Online will have more to announce regarding Youtubers Life 2’s forthcoming launches in the months ahead.