Tag: Gaming

GAME Spreads the Cheer this Christmas, Offering Festive Fun and Prizes with Free Web Browser Game Christmas Quest!

GAME the UK’s largest entertainment retailer, announced today a slice of festive fun for all gamers, with Christmas Quest, a free to play web game that’s guaranteed to spread Holiday cheer, and bag some lucky gamers a Santa’s sack full of GAME Reward points!

From December 1st, through to December 24th, gamers can head to christmasquest.co.uk, where they will need to practise a little Elf care as they work to help Santa’s helper navigate an isometric world full of enchantment, snow, and an overload of festive cheer!
Reindeers, polar bears, and beavers (Christmas beavers mind) will stand before you, as you work against the clock to collect as many gifts as you can, avoiding the holes in the ice and the penguins (Christmas penguins mind), racking up those points in the hope of making your way onto the daily leader board. Secure 500 points or more to be submitted to the leader board, or even set up your own leader board to challenge your friends and family! Each day, the leader board will refresh, Santa checks who’s naughty or nice, and the top ten winners will each be awarded with £10 in GAME Reward points! It’s the gift that keeps on giving, as you battle to see how many times you can make it into the top ten.
If you’re not already a GAME Reward customer, then it’s easy to sign up for free at: https://www.game.co.uk/reward/ so, don’t wait for Santa to dole out the gifts, get yourself in the Christmas spirit and start playing from December 1st!
Commenting on Christmas Quest, Nick Arran, Managing Director for GAME said, “Not content with offering some of the best gaming, toy and collectible exclusives this Holiday season, we’re beside oursElves with joy by offering a fun, festive, freebie and one which can earn gamers an early present in the run up to the big day! Christmas Quest is designed to put a smile on your face and maybe even GAME Reward points in your account, so we look forward to seeing some serious high scores in the month ahead,”
Play Christmas Quest for free at: www.christmasquest.co.uk

Tech Review – Creative Zen Hybrid Pro SXFI Headphones

Gaming headphones are a big deal these days and there is plenty on the market to pick from and come in all price brackets so there is something for everyone here, As a user of Creatives products some years it is a brand I know I can trust with their audio products and even not being the huge gamer I once was and now a casual user  with all the consoles, Creative is a brand you will most likely see on my big head be it headphones or earbuds for gaming and not only gaming but audio in general as they are well build solid products offering you great value for money and more via their apps which enhances any experience.

The Creative Zen Hybrid Pro SXFI boasts an array of core features, including Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode, giving users the flexibility to fully immerse themselves in their audio or stay attuned to their surroundings with modes that seamlessly adapt to any environment. It also comes equipped with custom-tuned 40 mm, powerful yet light Neodymium drivers, which ensure every note is reproduced with power and precision, delivering a rich and captivating sound experience. We take a look at all this in the video review below and also the apps which gives you enhancements like no other and I tested these on my machines here at home to see what is on offer this time around.

The build quality again is robust and solid yet lightweight which for the more avid gamer is critical, the soft cups rest nicely on the ears and the headband is comfortable as well you also get a removable mic which for me is the best option to go over the fixed ones we see as it is something I personally would not use much as I game on my own rather than go into multiplayer online rooms etc.

You get the RGB effects thrown into the  mix too which gives a little flair to what otherwise looks like a regular set of gaming headphones and makes these stand out and the look sleek and clean, you also have other controls on them too such as the power on/off which doubles as a broadcast search and pairing mode, mic mute control, volume wheel and ANC/Ambient control button and trust me the ANC on with the volume maxed out you will hear nothing outside, I mean nothing. Within the SXFI app you have EQ settings and the magic SXFI can be turned on and off. You also get music controls such as play and pause skip and reverse tracks so you can use these not only for gaming but your music and it all plays out well.

RGB Lights on the headphones

The sound is what people are after lets get to it, You need to do the head mapping it only takes a few minutes and you will need someone to help you, you have an EQ to suit your needs and two apps to use what more do you want here, the ANC is great the volume is LOUD and when gaming you wont miss a beat or a footstep and if you do use the mic it works well I done a quick test for audio and it was well received after calling up a buddy or two to waste their time for a few mins to test the headphones, they dont mind and know what I am like but sorry lads no time for gaming right now. BUT that is going to change going forward.

For the money you will fork out here you are onto a winner in short with plenty of features and great audio no matter what they might be plugged into.

The Apps 

For the money you will fork out here you are onto a winner in short with plenty of features and great audio no matter what they might be plugged into.

BUY

Video Review 

Black Friday Promotion: €100 off PlayStation 5

From today, Sony PlayStation have announced until the 30th November, players will be able to purchase PlayStation 5 consoles for €449.99 * at participating retailers.  Further information on this offer can be found at PlayStation Black Friday 2023

As part of Black Friday, there will also be great deals on PlayStation peripherals and software across participating retailers. Those offers include but are not limited to:

Hardware:

  • DualSense (RRP €49.99)
  • PULSE 3D Wireless Headset (RRP €89.99)
  • DualSense Charging Station (RRP €24.99)
  • Media Remote (RRP €24.99)
  • HD Camera for PS5 Consoles (RRP €54.99)

Software:

  • God of War Ragnarök PS5 (RRP €49.99)​
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales PS5 (RRP €29.99)​
  • GT7 PS5 (RRP €39.99)

2023 has been a fantastic year for PS5 so far, with plenty of games to keep players entertained, including recently released blockbuster titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and EA SPORTS FC 24, as well as virtual reality experiences like Horizon Call of the Mountain and Resident Evil Village on PlayStation VR2. We’ve continued to deliver incredible gaming experiences to our growing PS5 community, including PlayStation’s game subscription service, PlayStation Plus, which offers benefits such as the Game and Classics Catalogue with hundreds of games to choose from.

*Offer ends 30/11. Subject to availability. Manufacturer’s recommended promotional price. Actual retailer price may vary. Saving against previous recommended retailer price of €549.99.

Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story

Today, Riot Forge and Tequila Works are proud to announce that Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story™, a story-driven adventure game starring beloved League of Legends champions Nunu and Willump, is now available on Nintendo Switch™ and PC via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. The game launches on Wednesday, November 1 at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET / 4 PM GMT / 5 PM CET and on Thursday, November 2 at 1 AM KST.

Watch the Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story Launch Trailer here.

Developed by Tequila Works and published by Riot Forge, Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story™ takes players on the ultimate road trip with best friends and revered League champions Nunu and Willump. Players hike, climb, and sled across the Freljord, a frostbitten land full of harsh blizzards, ferocious wolves and enchantment, and will meet other legendary champions along the way. You must use your wits to progress through the frozen landscape and uncover what secrets lie hidden beneath the ice.

Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story™ is now available on all relevant digital storefronts for $29.99/£24.99/€29.99. Additionally, a physical Collector’s Edition ($99.99/€99.99) is available on merch.riotgames.com, which includes a Willump plush, Poro plush, Song of Nunu art book, four Freljord postcards, five collectible enamel pins, a collectible artwork print and a campfire pop-up diorama.

Social Gaming: Transforming the Online Experience

Social Gaming is growing in popularity, with platforms like Facebook and Instagram serving as popular hubs for playing games without the need to make a purchase. Social casinos usually offer a variety of free casino games, including slots, blackjack, and roulette. This trend is altering how people engage with online gaming, providing a more social and interactive experience than traditional solitary casino games. In this article, we will explore the impact of social gaming on the global iGaming market, with a special focus on the Middle East.

What Exactly is Social Gaming?

Social gaming involves playing games with virtual currency instead of real money, allowing players to enjoy playing these games without any of the financial risks that are associated with playing at online casinos. Early favorites in this category included games like FarmVille, PetVille, and Candy Crush. Over time, social gaming expanded to include casino-style games such as Zynga Poker, Texas Hold’em Poker, and Slotomania, offering a casino-like experience with virtual currencies.

What Makes Social Casinos Appealing 

The social component that social casinos offer sets them apart from traditional online casinos, even though they have the same games, rules, and features. These games allow players to communicate with one another, which promotes more engagement that leads to longer player retention and a higher likelihood of players returning.
Statistics show that around half of social casino players are still playing after six months, compared to only 8% of online casino players who continue playing at the same point in time. This difference highlights that social gaming significantly impacts player engagement and interest retention.
Furthermore, the shift to hosting online casino games on social media platforms, rather than traditional online casinos, has made it possible for people in regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where online gambling is not legally permitted, to access these games.

The Soaring Popularity of Social Casinos in MENA 

Despite religious constraints banning gambling, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region contributes a surprising 3% to the global gambling revenue. The appeal of social gaming has witnessed a substantial rise in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. Specifically, Saudi Arabia emerges as the central hub for gaming in the Arab World, with a substantial number of people participating in gaming activities on social media platforms and offshore online casinos. However, it’s worth noting that Saudi Arabia is not the only Middle Eastern country where online casinos enjoy popularity. Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco also have many players who enjoy playing at online casinos.

The Legal Landscape of Gambling in the Middle East

The Middle East offers a complicated and diverse environment regarding gaming laws and regulations. Due to cultural and religious reasons, the majority of Middle Eastern nations forbid gambling in any form. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait uphold stringent laws against gambling, and anybody found engaging in such activities may be subject to harsh legal repercussions. However, there are some exceptions within the region. For instance, Lebanon permits specific types of gambling within its regulated casinos, and there are indications of a changing perspective on gambling in the United Arab Emirates as plans emerge for the development of a high-end gaming resort.

Social Gaming’s Impact on the Arab World

Extended periods of home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in activity on social casinos in the Arab world. Even though there is no real money betting involved in these games, there are still some possible risks involved as some players end up immersing themselves in them for extended periods of time. It’s important for people to be aware and cautious when playing social gaming, especially if they have a history of gambling problems.

Unlike online casinos, most social gaming platforms do not offer readily accessible, responsible gaming features. Therefore, it falls upon the players themselves to recognize when recreational gaming starts to transform into an addiction. Given that social gaming is now considered a part of online gaming, it is more vital than ever to raise awareness about potential gambling problems and equip all users with the necessary support and tools to prevent addiction.

Final Thoughts

The online gaming landscape is evolving, with social gaming emerging as a significant and innovative trend. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have transformed into major hubs for casino gaming, providing a unique and social gaming experience distinct from traditional online casinos. However, it’s crucial for players, especially those with a history of gambling problems, to be cautious, as social gaming platforms may not offer readily accessible, responsible gaming features. As social gaming becomes an integral part of online gaming, promoting awareness and support for responsible gaming practices is increasingly important.

First Look – Final VR2000 gaming earphones

Recently on techbuzzireland we checked out the Final ZE 8000 true wireless earbuds which are for the high end audio enthusiasts out there and they are an exceptional pair of earbuds and you should check them out, this time around the company is catering for the gamers out there, not something I do much but do have time now and then to enjoy the many consoles I own and actually use them.

The Final VR2000 earphones will be a welcome addition for the gamers out there and you can read more about them over here and today we take a first look at the latest product on offer so in the interim while we test them out do feel free to ask any questions you might have and we will gladly answer as always.

Specifications

Housing: ABS
Driver Type: 6mm ‘fCore DU’ Dynamic Driver
Colour: Olive Green
Cable: OFC with in-line microphone
Cable Length: 1.2m
Sensitivity: 102dB
Impedance: 18Ω
Weight: 20g
The Final VR2000 are now available for £59.99/$69.99/€67.99 from Amazon and selected retailers worldwide.

Final introduces VR2000 earphones for immersive gaming and 3D audio experience

Final, the Japanese high-end audio specialist, has announced their latest venture into the world of gaming and VR with the new VR2000 earphones.
For close to five decades, Final has long proven their mastery of all things hi-fi. Starting in 1974 with the development of high-end turntable cartridges, amplifies and CD transports, and more recently moving onto portable audio with their award-winning headphone and earphone models – final’s experience and insight is unmatched.
With the VR2000 Final has turned its attention to gamers, VR users and the captivating world of ASMR and immersive audio. Using newly designed ‘f-Core DU’ custom-made dynamic 6mm drivers developed in-house, final has been able to tune the VR2000 to extract every detail from your digital surroundings.
Whether playing a first-person shooter, exploring virtual worlds, relaxing to mediative ASMR or listening to a live jazz recording – the VR2000 will transport you into the heart of the action and deliver an experience like never before with no sound going unheard.
Hear distant footsteps and gunfire as though you were in battle yourself. Feel every reaction from a stadium full of thousands of spectators. Transport yourself to a 1970’s jazz club and hear every note played as though you were there.

A Wealth of Applications

Primarily designed for gaming and VR, the VR2000 can also be utilised to get the most out of live recordings, intricate electronic music, ASMR and the latest advancements in Dolby Atmos technology. Unlike typical earphones, the VR2000 has been designed to provide a spatial listening experience with a naturally vast soundstage and the ability to hear each and every sound individually separated with absolute clarity.
This attention to detail and separation lends itself most effectively to gamers – especially those involved within a competitive domain. The ability to react in-game is heavily reliant on the quality of the audio, and the speed at which users notice sound effects that have been produced for this very reason. The VR2000 is able to separate each sound and simultaneously deliver them accurately, and naturally, within its expansive soundstage.

‘f-Core DU’ Custom-Made Dynamic Driver

With the ‘f-Core DU’ driver, Final has managed to achieve a quality of sound that is unheard of in this price range. Completely redesigning driver parts such as diaphragms, voice coils, magnets, magnetic circuits, and adhesives, as well as production equipment. The material of the driver front housing is brass, which is less affected by magnetic force and has a higher specific gravity than general aluminium. In order to improve the time response performance of the diaphragm, the voice coil uses 30μ ultra-fine CCAW and is assembled with a minimum amount of adhesive to thoroughly reduce the weight of the moving parts.
Further developments in housing design have resulted in a uniquely attractive appearance and comfortable fit for the VR2000. Shells made from ABS plastic provides durability, and the OFC cable is covered in a tough and flexible coating with an in-line 3 button control with a high-quality built-in microphone – ideal for online gaming, streaming and taking calls.
The VR2000 comes supplied with a number of accessories including a selection of final Type E silicon eartips, earhooks for added support, and a carry pouch for safe storage.

Specifications

Housing: ABS
Driver Type: 6mm ‘fCore DU’ Dynamic Driver
Colour: Olive Green
Cable: OFC with in-line microphone
Cable Length: 1.2m
Sensitivity: 102dB
Impedance: 18Ω
Weight: 20g
The Final VR2000 will be available to buy on the 15th of October for £59.99/$69.99/€67.99 from Amazon and selected retailers worldwide.

EA SPORTS NHL 24 BRINGS THE TRUE INTENSITY OF HOCKEY, AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE TODAY

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today released EA SPORTS™ NHL® 24, now available worldwide on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One. Fueled by EA’s Frostbite™ engine, the all-new Exhaust Engine introduces the Sustained Pressure and Goalie Fatigue systems for lifelike hockey intensity that bring the rush and fatigue of on-ice high-pressure to life. The revamped NHL 24 Physics-Based Contact mechanics offers realistic player contact and body checks, elevating the feel of the gameplay experience.

“Hockey fans cherish the sport’s raw intensity. This year, with new features like the Exhaust Engine and Physics-Based Contact, we’re capturing that essence,” said Mike Inglehart, Creative Director at EA Vancouver. “NHL 24 allows players to feel the thrill of the sport, and we’re eager for fans to experience its gritty physicality.”

NHL 24 is packed with new features including:

  • Completely Revamped Gameplay Experience: EA SPORTS NHL has never felt this intense, with all-new gameplay mechanics that dial up the pressure, physicality, and control of authentic on-ice action. The brand-new Exhaust Engine – powered by Frostbite – includes the Sustained Pressure and Goalie Fatigue systems, rewarding extended offensive events and attack zone time, adding a dynamic new layer of authenticity and excitement to the game. Players can pass anywhere at any time with Vision Passing and Total Control Skill Moves makes using highlight-reel moves more intuitive and accessible. These are just a few of the exciting gameplay layers added to NHL 24, and players can learn more by checking out the 15-minute deep dive trailer here as well as the corresponding blog post here.

 

  • The Most Dynamic World of Chel Yet: Players will be able to connect in more ways than ever before with enhanced Cross-Play‡, which will lead to better matchmaking to players across platforms. Improvements to Creation Zone will give players more customization, while an update to the EASHL Playoffs introduces an authentic, streamlined do-or-die 16-game path to the title, allowing players to earn ranking points as they make their way through the bracket. NHL 24 also introduces World of Chel Battle Pass, and players can play their way through action-packed seasons at free and premium level. Learn more about the upgrades to World of Chel in the deep dive video here, and a blog post about the game’s modes here.

 

  • Experience Historic Hockey Moments in Hockey Ultimate Team™: NHL 24 debuts HUT Moments, allowing players to recreate, share, and track iconic hockey plays using a real-time system that updates player progress based on items, teams and on-ice actions. NHL 24 also introduces a new real-time objective-tracking system, enabling players to keep active track of their objectives and stay focused on the exciting on-ice action. Learn more about Hockey Ultimate Team by watching the over eight-minute deep dive here.

 

  • Modernized Presentation: With NHL 24, players will experience deeper on-ice immersion through the inclusion of Flex Moments, providing 75+ new goal celebrations, camera angles, lighting and customizable celebration controls that will allow players to map their celebration to their controller. NHL 24 features enhanced crowd reactions to bring to life the intensity of hockey, and Dynamic Rink Boards expand the augmented reality broadcast and communicate key on-ice moments. Learn more about the all-new presentation in NHL 24 in the nearly eight-minute deep dive video here.

Developed by EA Vancouver and EA Bucharest, EA SPORTS NHL 24 is rated E10+, and now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The EA SPORTS NHL 24 X-Factor Edition* includes the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 or Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions of the game, three days of early access, 4600 NHL Points, exclusive Cale Makar player item, HUT Power-Up Icon of choice and WOC Battle Pass XP Modifier x5. For more details visit: https://www.ea.com/games/nhl/nhl-24/buy.

EA SPORTS FC 24 LAUNCHES WORLDWIDE

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today marked the beginning of a new era in football, with the worldwide launch of EA SPORTS FC™ 24, available now for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch™. A trinity of new technologies powers EA SPORTS FC™ 24, with cross-play** now expanded to all multiplayer online modes, allowing friends to play across platforms as EA SPORTS enters a new era for the world’s game. Fans are invited to join the club alongside the 6.8 million players who have already played EA SPORTS FC 24 through Early Access, an increase of over 25% from last year.

“Today marks a milestone moment as we welcome millions of fans to the club with EA SPORTS FC,” said Nick Wlodyka, SVP & GM of EA SPORTS FC. “There is massive innovation at the heart of FC 24, combined with a commitment to authenticity, and together they deliver an unparalleled, entertaining experience that is expansive, true-to-life, and above all – brings together a football community with our fans at the center.”

EA SPORTS FC 24 launches this week alongside EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile as the first new experiences in the EA SPORTS FC platform of global football fandom powered by video games. EA SPORTS FC reaches fans through console, mobile, online and esports products, powered by EA SPORTS’ 30-year history of defining interactive football, and leading a fan-first future built on inclusivity, innovation, and authenticity.

Unrivaled authenticity in EA SPORTS FC™ 24 is brought to life through a roster of players from the biggest clubs and leagues from around the world, including LALIGA EA SPORTS, the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, CONMEBOL Libertadores, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Barclays Women’s Super League, and more.

“EA SPORTS FC is our greatest ever expression of interactive football, and will connect fans around the world with the sport like never before.” said David Jackson, VP of Brand, EA SPORTS FC. “Together with 19,000 athletes, over 700 teams and 30+ leagues, we’re kicking off this new chapter with FC 24 by bringing unprecedented levels of authenticity and innovation to football fans everywhere.”