Tag: Gaming

Tech Review – JBL Quantum TWS earbuds

With a myriad of earbuds out there today there is certainly good choice for those who want some more when they set out for new earbuds or upgrade and the options are getting better day by day and those who need more in certain instances JBL are providing such. As our readers know we have a multiple earbuds in from JBL and are testing them as we speak but our focus will be more detailed in the video as we have lots to get through and of course with a look at the app which has many new features and different set-ups as you would have seen in recent JBL reviews and more to come. Search here for the latest reviews from JBL and keep an eye out for more hands on reviews with context. See the unboxing here of the Quantum TWS the Tour One headphones and the Tune Flex earbuds. As mentioned before at their Dublin launch event they showcased their latest products and you can see that here.

The Quantum TWS are after throwing a bit of a spanner in the works for me anyway with how they sound and what they offer and for those who want more as mentioned these have an extra piece thrown into the party being a dongle which allows you to connect to external devices like your consoles and so on to have better latency which also works well from my testing. This can be used on your phone too but I feel there is no need for it been honest but this also worked on my TV with an adapter which makes them even better again for home use. You can buy third party dongles but I find these often do not pair up well with other products but this being a JBL standalone product of course it works perfectly well.

The case is a familiar shape with LED lights up front and sadly missing wireless charging this time around, not a huge deal for me but the case is pocketable and has a Glossy/Matt finish. The earbuds have stems which is fine by me and fit well and stay put. The controls are touch controls this time but work well with a large enough area covered by the JBL logo to get the job done accurately.

Of course we have the JBL app to avail of which again enhances the user experience giving you control, we have gone through this several times in our reviews but here is some idea of what to expect and see more in the video review.

When it comes to the sound I am not going to go through the usual terms used all you need to know but they are great with great bass and very punchy with 10mm drivers and with the EQ in the app you are in control for gaming movies and music these are better than expected and at the price point and with the gamer element thrown in both gamers and those who want audio have a complete package here and will no be disappointed at all. The ANC worked really well on these too and for me one of the better offerings out there at this price again.

In short if you are a gamer and like audio these should be on your list of earbuds and are affordable and with the Google extras on them makes it even more sweet. See the video for more below.

BUY

VIdeo

 

How Did Texas Holdem Online Become A Globally Enjoyed Card Game?

It’s hard to believe that Texas Holdem, a card game enjoyed by millions of people all over the globe, started as an obscure two-player draw game. But that precisely is what happened. What is even more impressive is how quickly Texas Holdem became the most popular poker game in the world.

This blog post will examine how Texas Holdem online became such a global phenomenon. We’ll also discuss some key factors that have contributed to its success. So if you’re interested in learning more about this iconic card game, keep reading!

Poker origins: 16th-century history

Poker is a card game with a long and rich history. Though the game’s exact origins are unknown, it is thought to have originated in Europe during the 16th century. Poker first gained popularity in the United States during the 18th century, when it was played aboard riverboats that plied the Mississippi River. In the 19th century, poker became even more popular and began to be played in saloons and gambling houses across the United States.

The birth of Texas Holdem Poker

Texas Holdem, the most popular poker variation, was first created in the 1970s. It is a community card game, meaning that each player is dealt two cards face down and five shared cards face up in the middle of the table. Players can use any combination of their cards and the shared cards to form the best Texas Holdem poker hands. The game is simple enough to be learned quickly but requires strategy and skill to master. 

 

The rapid rise of online poker in the early 2000s

It Is hard to believe that it’s been almost 20 years since it first became popular. It started with Texas Holdem poker, which quickly took the world by storm. People loved that they could play against opponents from all over the globe, and the game soon became a mainstay on many online sites offering free Texas Holdem poker games.

Online poker is still strong, with millions of players logging on to play daily. And with the recent introduction of live dealer games, it seems like the popularity of online poker is only going to continue to grow. These developments will undoubtedly lead to even more people enjoying this fantastic card game from the comfort of their own homes.

 

Poker is now a globally enjoyed card game

Today, poker is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, both online and offline. Poker is a game everyone can enjoy, whether it’s for fun or money. There are various poker games to choose from, each with its own rules and strategies. But no matter which game you play, poker will provide hours of enjoyment.

Starter tips to consider when playing Texas Holdem

1. The importance of position in poker.

In poker, the position is determined by where you sit relative to the dealer button. The dealer button rotates around the table clockwise after each hand, so everyone gets a chance to be in different positions. The three prominent positions in poker are early, middle, and late. Each position has strengths and weaknesses, and you should adjust your play accordingly.

 

2. Playing tight and aggressive.

One of the best ways to win at poker is to play tight and aggressive. Doing this means playing only the best starting hands and betting aggressively when you have a good hand. In some cases, betting aggressively can sometimes force your opponents to fold and give you the pot if you don’t have the best hand.

Remember that playing too many hands or being too passive can lead to losses in the long run because you’ll give your opponents too many chances to outdraw you.

 

3. Bluffing with caution.

Bluffing is vital in poker, but it should be used with caution. If you bluff too often, your opponents will catch on and call your bluffs. But if you use it sparingly, you can bluff your way to some big wins.

4. Reading your opponents.

One of the most critical skills to have is being able to read your opponents. Doing this means figuring out what type of hand they have and how they’re likely to bet. If you can read your opponents well, you’ll be able to make better decisions and help get the results that you are aiming for.

5. Managing your bankroll responsibly.

Another essential poker tip is to manage your bankroll responsibly. Doing this means only playing with money you can afford to lose and quitting while you’re ahead. Manage your bets accordingly because if you play with too much money, you could lose everything if you have a few bad games.

Poker is a game that people have enjoyed for centuries. While the rules may be simple, the game can be complex and challenging. Texas Holdem has become one of the most popular poker variations, and it’s easy to see why.

 

The mix of skill and strategy makes for an exciting game that players of all levels can enjoy. If you’re looking for a fun, challenging card game to play online, sign up with GGPoker, the world’s largest poker room.

5 of the Best Medieval Games

The Medieval period in Europe, sometimes referred to as the Middle Ages, describes a period in history where nothing much happened in terms of real art, or technological advances – in fact, after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th Century, culture and innovation started going backwards as the roads, sanitation, and society that the Romans brought with them as they conquered fell to rack and ruin. 

What emerged in this period was a world of Crusades, plagues, and fiefdoms, where the king and the church ruled the lands and peasants had to work for local lords – or face eviction and starvation.

The medieval period has long been a source of material for pop culture references, whether that be in books, film, or TV series – and whether rooted in historical accuracy or taking a flight of fantasy (with added dragons), it is definitely a period that has inspired us. 

When it comes to games, you really are spoiled for choice if you want to experience a medieval world while you play. Thousands of titles spanning many different genres have been released based on this dark and savage period, where knights fought battles with heavy swords, war was a recurring theme, and more than 30% of the European population died from the Black Death.

So, whether you are looking for a super casual themed game like slots with no download, or you prefer a fully immersive RPG, below are some suggestions that you might be interested in playing. 

1. Black Knight at Jackpot Party

Sometimes you want to get involved in a game that is more about random chance than it is about deep storylines – and the Black Knight slots game is the answer. 

Black Knight is part of a collection of no download slots with five reels and up to 30 paylines, making it incredibly satisfying to play. The icons all fit the theme, including crowns and sceptres as well as a king and queen, but it is the Black Knight himself that you want to look out for – he is the wild symbol that can replace other icons to give you a surprising win. 

With the rest of the slots games available at Jackpot Party, this is a fun way to spend some time, and you’ll love the simple gameplay and progressive jackpots – all completely free. You might not win real cash, but you’ll still get all the rush of the game when you play. 

2. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Role Playing Games (RPGs) feature heavily in any list about historically accurate games, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance claims to be an authentic story-based game. You play as the son of a blacksmith, and instead of following the usual ‘hero’ storyline, you are tasked with doing some ‘normal’ things like buying charcoal or finding food. 

The non-playable characters often add extra dimension to your tasks, and you’ll hear a lot about the ongoing civil war that is ravaging Bohemia, the land that you live in – but you don’t have to get involved. Like the other great RPGs, this is an open-world game that you can really explore.

3. Age of Empires 4

Although not strictly all about medieval times, this real time strategy (RTS) game is the latest in a seriously successful franchise that has seen a boost thanks to the rise of eSports. 

The premise is simple – build a civilisation from the ground up, develop an economy and trade with other players, and eventually send your armies to war to destroy other civilisations. The gameplay is simple enough to learn, and the campaigns in Age of Empires 4 are based on real historical skirmishes and figures, which makes it a bit of a learning experience too. 

4. A Plague Tale: Innocence

Another RPG, this one based in plague-ravaged France. You need to focus on stealth tactics to avoid both the Inquisition and the plague carrying rats rather than combat as you navigate the world. Your characters, Amicio and Hugo, are siblings trying to survive in a world that is diseased and dangerous. 

This is a beautifully detailed game with an intense and heart-breaking storyline, set against a backdrop that is both dark and atmospheric. 

5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

This is probably the most cinematic and beautiful of all the games mentioned, and while it might not be the most authentic or historically accurate  – there probably weren’t any dragons or magick in the medieval times – it is hugely immersive. 

There is an in-depth story mode in this open-world game, but most players love it for the immersive escape from the real world that the details offer. Every part of the world can change your tasks for the game, and you can interact in so many ways completely outside the quests that every player will have a different game experience. 

You can get on board with the stunning and often bleak world of medieval Europe in so many ways – this list is just the start. 

Creative Launches Katana V2X Soundbar

Creative Technology today announced the release of Sound Blaster Katana V2X, its latest gaming soundbar which offers the same all-conquering audio prowess that the Katana series is known for, and has been re-engineered to not just suit users with smaller spaces for their gaming set-ups, but is also easier on the pocket.

It is the slimmed-down alternative to the highly-rated Sound Blaster Katana V2 which has won various plaudits from reviewers as a choice gaming soundbar, including ‘The best soundbar for gaming is now even better’ (Windows Central), ‘The best PC upgrade you can make’ (VentureBeat), ‘An excellent soundbar for PC gaming and all other media’ (GamesRadar+).

 

Sound Blaster Katana V2X features a slimmer subwoofer ideal for tighter spaces.

A cluttered desktop or TV console may not be the fancy of every gamer – Sound Blaster Katana V2X frees up valuable footprint with a subwoofer that is 40% smaller than its predecessor. The peak power output of 180W makes perfect sense for gaming set-ups in smaller rooms.

That said, the audio quality is maintained where it always matters. This soundbar retains the familiar sound signature of a high-end Sound Blaster, delivering hi-fidelity multichannel audio via the acclaimed tri-amplified Xamp technology, where Creative’s proprietary multi-core DSP controller powers the tweeters, mid-range and subwoofer drivers individually. Super X-Fi Headphone Holography, an award-winning technology which recreates the soundstage of a high-end multi-speaker system in headphones, is perfect for late-night game binges without disturbing the neighbors.

Avid FPS gamers gain an edge in enemy-spotting with special gaming audio modes. SXFI BATTLE Mode enhances in-battle audio cues, both for directionality and distance, while Scout Mode focuses on sound detection so that opponents are heard before they are seen moving on screen.

The cinematic experience is not just limited to gaming – with the integrated Dolby Audio decoder, users get to enjoy Sound Blaster Katana V2X while movie-binging on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime.

Users can make this soundbar their very own when connected to the Creative app, by customizing the audio via the Acoustic Engine suite and choosing their favorite RGB illumination modes. These settings can be saved as customized profiles on either the app or the programmable buttons on the remote control.

There are various connectivity options to choose from, including HDMI ARC and optical ports, wireless Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C port for USB audio support, 3.5mm AUX-in and SXFI-out for certified Super X-Fi products. This versatile soundbar is compatible with desktops and consoles alike, including PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster Katana V2X is priced at £ 259.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit www.creative.com/KatanaV2X.

Most Popular and Rated Online iGaming Games by Country

Have you ever wondered which online casino games are the most popular in different countries? Or what the top-rated games are? Well, wonder no more!

In this blog post, we will be taking a look at the most popular and rated online iGaming games by country. So whether you are from Ireland, the UK, Canada, or the USA, read on to find out which games are loved by players from your neck of the woods and why they are considered the most popular casino game to be played!

Additionally, we will be taking a look at why online casino games have become as popular as they have and why so many are continuing to enjoy them whenever they can!

Which countries are known for their love of iGaming games?

A few countries are known for their love of iGaming games and gambling in general. These include Ireland, the UK, Canada, and the USA, the latter of which is relatively new to the iGaming scene with states such as Michigan taking advantage of the change in regulations made by the Supreme Court back in 2018.

Each of these countries has its own reasons for why gambling is so popular there, but one of the main ones is because it can be a great way to win money! Many of the different types of casino games available nowadays offer bettors a number of opportunities to win big rewards, with slots perhaps chief amongst them all.

Of course, another big reason why casino games are so popular in these countries is that they are incredibly fun and entertaining to play. No matter your skill level, there is always a game you can enjoy and have a great time playing. Lastly, they are typically simple to enjoy and learn, thus making the overall gaming experience one that is rather enjoyable.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at each of the countries outlined in this article:

Ireland

In Ireland, one of the most popular online casino games is poker. Poker is a card game that has been around for centuries and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a game of strategy, skill, and luck, and there are many different variations of the game. Poker tournaments are often televised, and some professional poker players out there make a living playing the game. If you are looking for a fun and challenging game to play online, then poker is definitely worth checking out.

United Kingdom

One of the most popular online casino games in the UK is blackjack. Blackjack is a card game that is also known as 21 or pontoon. It is a simple game to learn but difficult to master, and it is one of the few casino games where your skill can actually give you an edge over the house. If you are looking for a fast-paced and exciting online game, blackjack is definitely worth considering.

USA

As mentioned, online iGaming and eSports has only started to take off, with well-reputed casinos like BetMGM that launched in different states like Michigan and in other locations around the US and each of them have experienced huge success since doing so. One reason for this is due to the fact that slots have proven to be one of the most popular online casino games to play for Americans.

Slots is a gambling game that involves spinning reels with symbols on them. You will receive a payout if you line up certain symbols in a winning combination. Slots is a fast-paced and exciting game to play, and it can be very profitable if you know what you are doing. If you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping game to play online, then slots are definitely worth considering.

Canada

In Canada, one of the most popular online casino games is roulette. Roulette is a casino game involving betting where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. There are many different betting strategies that can be used in roulette, and it is a fun and easy game to play. If you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable game to play online, then roulette is definitely worth checking out.

Why are online casino games so popular?

So, why have online casino games become extremely popular for punters in Michigan, USA, London, UK, Dublin, Ireland, and Toronto, Canada? Well, it is easy to highlight that online casino games are popular for a number of reasons but you also need to be aware about slots volatility. 

As we highlighted beforehand, one of the main reasons is that they offer players the opportunity to win money and that they are incredibly fun and entertaining to play. People within each of these countries continue to want the best gaming experiences possible. Given that they are fun and entertaining and boasting the possibility of potentially lining your pocket, it is no surprise that so many continue to enjoy them.

Additionally, it has been found that a number of people in the state of MI like online casino games because they are convenient. This is because you can play them whenever you want, from the comfort of your own home with your preferred device. There are a number of options available to those in Michigan and around the world these days whereby they are able to play with their smartphone or tablet device, rather than having to use a desktop. And finally, online casino games are safe and secure, so you can be sure that your personal information is never at risk.

Final Thoughts

All in all, there are many different popular and rated online iGaming worldwide. Whether you are from Ireland, the UK, Canada, or the USA, there is sure to be a game that is perfect for you to try and enjoy. Each one of them is different and will provide a different experience, however they will each guarantee that a serious amount of enjoyment can be had whenever one of them is played!

Creative launches Sound Blaster Blaze V2

Creative Technology today launched Sound Blaster Blaze V2, which succeeds the original Blaze gaming headset with new features to energize the gaming experience on PC, Mac, Playstation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles.

The Sound Blaster Blaze V2 looks the part, with an all-black color theme that means the business; plush premium velvet padding on the circumaural ear cups and headband combine with a lightweight form factor (187g) to raise the level of comfort for extended gaming.

But beyond making gamers look and feel empowered, they hear it too. Precision-tuned 40 mm Full Spectrum Neodymium drivers deliver impactful bass and crisp audio designed to create an exhilarating experience. With Creative app (on Windows), users get to access the Sound Blaster Studio Essential suite to enable sound processing technologies like virtualized 7.1 Surround Sound, Acoustic Engine (with features like Surround, Crystalizer, Smart Volume, Dialog Plus), built-in audio presets for various gaming profiles, movies and music, and CrystalVoice (with features like Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Smart Volume, Microphone Equalizer).

Sound Blaster Blaze V2 is equipped with a detachable, noise-cancelling microphone so that gamers can communicate efficiently without unwanted distractions. A gold-plated 3.5 mm 4-pole combo jack makes connecting easy, with its high-purity oxygen-free copper wire cable helping to transmit distortion-free audio. An inline remote control provides instant access to volume adjustment and mic mute.

Sound Blaster Blaze V2 simply expands the possibilities in all aspects, so that users can enjoy every gaming adventure.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster Blaze V2 is priced at £39.99 and is available at the Creative online store.

For more information, visit creative.com/SBBlazeV2.

Red Bull announces a huge investment in Irish gaming.

Red Bull has announced its biggest investment in Irish gaming yet, with a state-of-the-art gaming hub to be installed in an Irish university (to be announced) to support the development of third level gamers and a global gaming tournament with a €20,000 prize up for grabs.

Red Bull Campus Clutch, the global VALORANT tournament is now open to college and university students in Ireland and across the globe, players are invited to show their skills for a chance to play on the world stage with €20,000 up for grabs for the winning team.

What is Red Bull Campus Clutch:

Red Bull Campus Clutch is a grassroots esports initiative bringing up and coming student VALORANT players of every skill level together as they team up and experience competitive gaming like never before. In its first year, the tournament showcased up-and-coming talent who went on to establish a career in the professional gaming scene.

How to enter:

Entries are now open to currently enrolled College and University Students over the age of 18, visit RedBullCampusClutch.com.

How does it work:

Teams of five will battle it out in an online Irish qualifier event on Saturday 29th of October which will find the top three teams in the country. These top three will then face off at the live National Final on 11th of November with the winning team crowned National Champions. The Irish National Champions will then receive an all-expenses paid trip to São Paulo, Brazil to show their skills against 50 other country teams at the Global Final where the winning team will be treated to a VIP Experience at a 2023 VALORANT Champions Tour Event and €20,000 in prize money. More details on the date and location of the Red Bull Campus Clutch National and World Final will be revealed.

Red Bull’s VALORANT commitment:

Entering its second season Red Bull Campus Clutch, along with Red Bull Home Ground, the premier pro Red Bull event for VALORANT, encapsulates the brand´s continued commitment to support the VALORANT community and uplift its competitive ecosystem, from a grassroots level with an array of local initiatives to the very highest echelons of esports.

Who are our partners?

Four outstanding partners are supporting Red Bull Campus Clutch this year, helping bring the latest and greatest hardware to competitors. Intel NUC, SteelSeries and AGON by AOC all return to the tournament, with Backforce joining as a new partner for 2022. As PC Partner, Intel NUC, renowned for packing high-powered gaming rigs in small form factors, will support with their top-notch Gaming PCs. SteelSeries, the worldwide leader in gaming and esports peripherals, is the official Peripheral brand of Red Bull Campus Clutch and will equip students with award-winning gaming headsets, keyboards, and mice. Backforce, the new Gaming Chair partner, will provide ergonomic chairs that can boost performance and help maintain high-level gaming over long, competitive sessions. And the official Monitor Partner, AGON by AOC will once again provide high-performance gaming monitors for the event.

 Sign up now at RedBullCampusClutch.Com

Tech Review – QCY T18 true wireless earbuds, value for money.

Earbuds and headphones are my thing here and it is a rare occasion when I get impressed with earbuds under a certain price and as I have been saying for a while now the cost to performance ratio has come along way when it comes to both and with a pair of earbuds that have an app which is actually great and aptX for well under a 100 quid is a rare thing, yes there is other caveats here like mobile phones cutting corners to get the price down but here these are not key features left out and everyone has their own features they desire, as someone who reviews the most earbuds in Ireland I can relate to all sides here so even for me I have my own personal preferences but again can let those go if the product as whole delivers so  what is missing here before we move in is auto play and pause wireless charging and that is probably the only downsides here which is not much to talk about but you get the full story here from us on what you get for your money..

As those who know we do not give a stock image review with no context or two paragraphs and the press release attached we give you the video we look at the features and the app and there is plenty here to talk about at this price point. So what features for me here that stands out at the price here is aptX dual point connectivity and app and single use (AKA mono mode) meaning you can use one earbud at a time while the other is still charging, this believe it or not is a feature left out on earbuds three or four times the cost of these but again different strokes for different folks and all that everyone has their needs and preferences.

Ok so there is an app here which is cool and works well and allows you to customise your earbuds, yes we go through this in the video review and what you have at your disposal with the EQ player not only that you have find your earbuds and lots more which makes these appealing and lots on offer. And… you even get the pop up window on the app set-up.

As for comfort and fit these are also fine, stems are not for all  and come in different lengths and thicknesses nor are in ears again a personal choice I am fine with both and use to having the opportunity to see all sides of the options here myself, the controls work well and as seen above can be customised to your needs which is great and not an out of the box default set-up which you can avail of if you wish.

When it comes to the sound it is good as a whole with the EQ settings in the app you can figure out what suits you or choose the default modes and edit from there for me these where good and well balanced overall and of course the bass for me was my choice but it is worth messing around with the settings, one thing to note if you pick game mode all these options become obsolete but you can use the device you are connected to to change that and no lag latency noted from me, calls are also fine too both ends on my testing.

Conclusion – On a budget and want a pair of earbuds that sound good offer more than others at this price there are one to put down on your list and so far one the best pair of earbuds in this price range this year.

Features

【Qualcomm QCC3050 & Bluetooth 5.2】T18 MeloBuds built-in the latest Qualcomm QCC3050 and Bluetooth 5.2 technology create an all-round upgrade with optimized Bluetooth transmission, flawless connection (90% more stable than the last generation) and enhanced sound to bring you unprecedented experience

  • 【Studio-level Sound & aptX Adaptive】With 10 mm Graphene dynamic driver and aptX Adaptive technology aims to provide 24-bit/96kHz studio-level sound. To bring you a unparalleled audio feast, QCY T18 wireless earbuds adopt low frequency enhancement technology and latest aptx-adaptive audio decoding technology to deliver fantastic immersive sound with powerful bass. Support Qualcomm aptX Lossless – New addition to the proven aptX Adaptive technology and Snapdragon Sound
  • 【aptX Voice & Clear Call】Built-in 4 Mics & cVc 8.0 and aptX Voice technology offers 32kHz super wideband voice calls. Higher-order noise cancellation arithmetic and cVc 8.0 ensures clear calls without any disruption along with dual mic in each earbud, one for capturing your voice in the best way and the other for reducing the ambient noise around, making the QCY T18 wireless earphones perfect for conference calls, online courses and video/voice chat
  • 【Multipoint Connection & Comfortable Fit】Connect to 2 devices, QCY T18 wireless earphones allows you to watch movies on tablet and auto switch to phone to answer incoming call by touching earbud. In-ear ergonomic design and three different sizes of eartips brings you most comfortable wearing
  • 【30 Hrs Playtime & USB-C Charge】Taking with QCY T18 bluetooth earbuds, you can enjoy music wherever you go as it offers up to 7 hours playtime on a single full charge and pocket sized charging case extends playtime up to 30 hours

BUY

Video review

Irish Developers WarDucks Edging Closer to Release of AR Game that Spurred €3.3 million funding

Ireland is a common sight in entertainment, particularly within the modern rise of fantasy movies and TV series. In gaming, however, there isn’t a large contingent of developers, studios, or even games set in Ireland. There are many within certain genres, but not an overly large count overall.

This is despite the presence of massive companies with strong ties to gaming, with Microsoft Ireland being the prime example of this. Still, there are some working their way up, with WarDucks being one of the more exciting up-and-coming prospects. As specialists in virtual reality games, the studio received a hefty sum in funding to spur their next augmented reality project.

Bringing the battles against Kaiju to the real world

WarDucks rose to prominence through their mostly PlayStation VR creations. Rollercoaster Legends, Rollercoaster Legends II: Thor’s Hammer, and Sneaky Bears all topped charts on the platform, while Sneak Bears Rollercoaster on Samsung Gear VR was a top seller. A few years ago, however, the South Dublin-based studio decided to make their next game with an AR core design.

The 2013-founded company has clearly impressed with its creations to date, with the development of their leap into AR receiving a hefty sum of €3.3 million in funding. The money was raised from EQT Ventures, Suir Valley Ventures, and some other investors. Helping the appeal of WarDucks has been the presence of gaming veterans who have worked on several smash-hit titles.

John Romero (Doom and Quake), Lawrence Schick (The Elder Scrolls Online), and Doug Kaufman (Civilization II) are all playing key roles in the development of the upcoming location-based AR mobile game. The game, which we now know to be Edge of Earth: Epic Monster War, is still in development, but a recent update proves that the first 4X Strategy title on mobile to use the real world is gradually closing in on a full launch.

Gameplay footage has emerged online for the in-development WarDuck game, showcasing the virtual base-building on the real-world map, monster combat, and the familiar time-based base-building mechanics. In mid-August of this year, the team launched live testing for the game in Ireland, the UK, and the Philippines, garnering over 1,000 downloads on the Play Store to help development. It’s currently on version 0.6.2.

More gaming in an Irish setting

 

Edge of Earth allows anyone in the world to make their surroundings the setting of a futuristic battle against monsters on Earth. Players in Dublin will be able to set up bases and defend the capital against the monsters that seek to destroy the city. So, for some, it can be classed as another game that uses Ireland as its setting or theme, made even better by it coming from WarDucks.

Other popular games that have placed Ireland into their virtual worlds in a more story and theme-driven way include the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla DLC Wrath of the Druids, which takes your Viking adventure from Britain to Ireland, as well as the Aground DLC map for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 – a battleground on the Irish coast.

Of course, the most common use of the Irish theme and setting in gaming takes a more mythological approach, with creatures like the fabled leprechaun front and centre. In the online casino world, for example, Irish games with depictions of lucky charms and leprechauns always do well with players. Right now, it’s the progressive jackpot game Charms & Clovers that sits among the most popular of its type.

If the live testing goes well, Ireland can look forward to the full release of WarDucks’ intriguing real-world AR game, which might just raise the prestige of the Dublin developers by yet another tier. Until then, there are some other Irish-associated games to delve into, with Project Cars 2 and Tomb Raider Chronicles worth adding to the list.