Gaming
XCOM 2: War of The Chosen Has Launched
2K and Firaxis Games announced today that XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, the expansion to the 2016 award-winning strategy title, is now available for Windows PC.
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen takes the incredible experience of XCOM 2 and provides players with all new features and allies to combat ADVENT, who have deployed three deadly new aliens called the “Chosen.” To aid XCOM in its fight to liberate Earth, players will have access to three new resistance factions, each with their own unique Hero class, in addition to new weapons, options to form bonds between soldiers and a new photo booth feature to create custom propaganda posters.
“With XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, Firaxis has developed a series-defining expansion to the award-winning XCOM franchise,” said Matt Gorman, VP of Marketing at 2K. “With a multitude of gameplay advances and new experiences, Firaxis Games has continued to redefine XCOM 2’s endlessly replayable campaign.”
“We can’t wait for fans to get their hands on XCOM 2: War of the Chosen. The array of added features, enemies, and allies give players a completely new tool set to employ tactics and strategies as they dive into the expanded narrative. In addition, we’re excited about the new Challenge mode that will let players hone their tactical skills against other players around the world,” added Jake Solomon, creative director of XCOM 2 at Firaxis Games.
Check out the XCOM 2: War of the Chosen – Launch Trailer, below:
Key features for XCOM 2: War of the Chosen include:
- New Factions & Hero Classes: Three additional factions represent pockets of resistance to ADVENT – the Reapers, Skirmishers and Templars – each with its own Hero class can be recruited to stand with XCOM:
- o The Reapers are infiltration specialists and stealth marksmen living on the fringe of society. Reapers utilize a powerful weapon called the Vektor rifle, as well as a special Claymore explosive – a targetable incendiary device that, when placed and activated, does not cause the Reaper to break Concealment;
- o The Skirmishers are former ADVENT soldiers who have chosen to rebel against their masters. The Skirmisher is an offensive powerhouse, capable of dealing with threats running the gamut from up close to afar, armed with a grappling hook to help close distance and a wrist mounted Ripjack capable of piercing the enemy with deadly force;
- o The Templars are a reclusive, monastic group of soldiers that have dedicated themselves to pushing their minds and bodies with psionic energy to the brink of humanity, honing their psionic energy with religious fervor into powerful weapons.
- The Chosen: These powerful adversaries are unique ADVENT enemies tasked by the Elders to recapture the Commander at all costs. Masters of asymmetrical warfare, the Chosen will kidnap, interrogate and ultimately kill XCOM’s soldiers. They can even invade the strategy layer and ravage XCOM’s global operations; The Chosen include:
- o The Hunter stalks its prey from across the map: tracking, wounding and disabling XCOM units at range;
- o The Warlock utilizes a variety of psionic abilities to sow destruction on the battlefield;
- o The Assassin are a stealth-based melee unit who prefers to fight at close range, preying upon XCOM units with her katana.
- New Alien and ADVENT Threats: Adopt new tactics alongside the new faction allies to counter a deadly new alien known as the Spectre, the explosive attacks of the ADVENT Purifier, the psionically charged ADVENT Priest, as well as the creeping swarms of The Lost.
- New Photo Booth: Immortalize your soldiers during their trials by creating customizable war-and-meme-worthy posters that are both sharable and can be found while in game.
- New Environments and Mission Objectives: Players can engage in wide-ranging tactical missions, from abandoned cities devastated by alien bioweapons during the original invasion, to underground tunnels and xenoformed wilderness regions.
- Enhanced Strategy Layer: Manage Covert Actions, Resistance Orders, and XCOM’s relations with factions while countering enemy operations from the Avenger.
- Greater Customization & Replayability: Soldiers cultivate bonds with compatible teammates for new abilities and perks, while the SITREP system dynamically adds new modifiers to the tactical layer to make sure every mission provides a unique challenge.
- Challenge Mode: New regular community challenges featuring unique missions not found in the campaign that rank players on a global leaderboard.
XCOM 2 is rated and available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC. XCOM 2 is also available for Mac and Linux by Feral Interactive. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is available now for Windows PC, will be available on September 12, 2017 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and will be available for Mac and Linux by Feral Interactive at a later date.
Accessories
CORSAIR to Collab with Call of Duty
CORSAIR has begun to release the first products in its multi-year, full cross-brand collaboration with the critically acclaimed Call of Duty franchise. This powerful new integration sees two of the world’s best-known gaming brands come together for the first time with the collaboration extending across multiple product categories at CORSAIR including Drop, Elgato, ORIGIN PC and SCUF Gaming.
“We are thrilled to be teaming up with Activision and have our world-class brands come together as CORSAIR is set to deliver premium performance for Call of Duty players across all platforms whether it’s playing Black Ops 6, capturing amazing content or streaming with friends,” said Thi La, President and COO at CORSAIR.
“Our goal has always been to fuel the Call of Duty fandom with best-in-class products built for today’s gamers and we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with CORSAIR for the launch of Black Ops 6. The suite of officially licensed products will help elevate gaming stations everywhere in true Call of Duty Black Ops style,” said Brooke Carpenter, Senior Director, Global Consumer Products at Activision.
In addition to top-tier controllers from SCUF Gaming, CORSAIR headsets and keyboards and streaming equipment from Elgato, this collaboration will see the introduction of several high-end gaming PCs including the ORIGIN PC EON16-X laptop, ORIGIN PC NEURON gaming PC, and the CORSAIR VENGEANCE Gaming PC line. These high-performance gaming machines are designed for the ultimate gaming experience, featuring cutting-edge hardware, custom Black Ops 6-themed aesthetics, and superior build quality. With powerful processors, advanced graphics, and lightning-fast storage, Call of Duty fans will enjoy seamless gameplay and stunning visuals.
Beginning with the launch of the highly-anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, featured products launching today and throughout this holiday include:
CORSAIR
- HS80 RGB WIRELESS CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A premium wireless gaming headset that delivers incredibly detailed sound through custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers with immersive Dolby Atmos. It features hyper-fast SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS and a broadcast-grade omnidirectional microphone that captures your voice with outstanding clarity.
- K65 PLUS WIRELESS CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Stand out from the crowd with superior skill and distinctive design.
- The CORSAIR K65 PLUS WIRELESS is a 75% gaming keyboard that maxes out on performance and personality. Step up your Switch game with pre-lubricated CORSAIR MLX Red V2 linear switches that make each keystroke silky smooth and responsive.
- M75 WIRELESS CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Sculpted by victory. Made for the spotlight. The M75 WIRELESS sports an expertly designed ambidextrous mouse shape and ultra-fast connectivity via SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS and Bluetooth.
- MM300 2XL CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: a high endurance cloth mouse mat for high-DPI gaming mice. Reinforced stitched edges guard against surface peeling, while the textile-weaved surface gives superior control for lethal in-game accuracy.
- VENGEANCE SERIES CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Step up your game with a CORSAIR VENGEANCE gaming pc, built with a full range of award-winning CORSAIR components, and powered by the latest cutting-edge processors and graphics.
SCUF Gaming
- REFLEX CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Stay unstoppable with ergonomically designed remappable paddles, adaptive triggers, and onboard profiles that allow you to quickly switch from one game to another with SCUF Reflex for PlayStation 5.
- INSTINCT PRO CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Engineered for better performance and responsiveness, SCUF Instinct Pro for Xbox Series X|S provides four remappable paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and instant triggers that switch from regular to a mouse-like click at the flip of a switch.
- ENVISION PRO CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Designed to deliver the best experience for controller PC gamers. SCUF Envision is equipped with 11 additional remappable inputs, ultra-fast wired/wireless connectivity, advanced software for macros and endless customization options.
- UNIVERSAL CONTROLLER PROTECTION CASE CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: This case has an impact-resistant exterior and a soft, padded interior to protect your controller from dents and scratches, even while travelling. It works to protect any Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PS4, or Xbox One controller.
Elgato
- STREAM DECK MK.2 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Features 15 customizable LCD keys to control apps and platforms. Hit the store for app plugins, icons, tracks plus effects, and keep your setup fresh with interchangeable faceplates.
- WAVE:3 USB MICROPHONE CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A premium microphone and digital mixing solution that fuses plug-and-play convenience with broadcast-grade circuitry.
- WAVE MIC ARM LP CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A studio-grade boom arm for your premium microphone, Wave Mic Arm LP sits below the shoulder line for an unobstructed view.
Drop
ARTISAN KEYCAP CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A 1u artisan keycap featuring a jet-black acrylic keycap with a bite jutting out to meet your fingertips.
ORIGIN PC
- ORIGIN PC NEURON CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A gaming powerhouse engineered for intense action and precision. Equipped with cutting-edge hardware including powerful graphics cards, fast processors, and more. With fully customizable options and up to 8TB of storage, you’ll have the space and speed to dominate every game. Encased in a sleek design, the NEURON brings unparalleled power and style to your gaming setup.
- ORIGIN PC EON16-X CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Experience unparalleled performance and immersive gameplay in a sleek, custom design. Fully customizable, add on a plethora of storage and high-quality DDR5 memory with components by CORSAIR.
Specific products are available now or open for pre-order. Additional categories, launch dates, and more details on this groundbreaking collaboration will be announced over time.
Gaming
Steam Revamps Game Purchases
Steam has taken a proactive step to inform users that purchasing games on its platform grants a license rather than outright ownership. This move aligns with a new California law that will require digital storefronts to disclose the true nature of digital game purchases.
While digital games offer convenience, they have always been subject to the terms and conditions set by the game publishers. This can lead to situations where access to games can be revoked, as demonstrated by Ubisoft’s removal of The Crew last year.
The new California law aims to increase transparency for consumers by preventing storefronts from using misleading terms like “buy” or “purchase” without clarifying that they are acquiring a license. Steam has already implemented this change, informing users in their shopping carts that purchases grant a license.
This move reflects Steam’s commitment to consumer protection and transparency. It is a positive step towards ensuring that gamers are aware of their rights and the potential limitations of digital game ownership.
Electric Scooters
Acer to Showcase Cutting-Edge Tech and AI at GITEX 2024
Acer Middle East returns to GITEX Global this October with a wide range of tech innovations and solutions that are sure to impress tech enthusiasts and visitors alike. Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 14th – 18th October 2024, visitors will be able to discover the latest in Artificial Intelligence, amongst other innovations from Acer’s diverse range of cutting-edge products for education, gaming, mobility, sustainability, business and more.
Acer is committed to creating an impact at GITEX as the event brings together the world’s brightest minds from across the tech industry from more than 170 countries. Through their participation in the event, Acer aims to continue to build and strengthen relationships with clients, while also showcasing their latest technologies and product ranges.
Commenting on the upcoming exhibition, Michele Montecchio, General Manager at Acer Middle East said: “We are excited to showcase our latest innovations, solutions and AI technologies alongside some of the largest tech giants that exist today.”
Visitors to GITEX will have the opportunity to experience Acer’s latest range of products through live demonstrations and hands-on experiences at the tech brand’s interactive stand. Showcasing something for everyone, products on display from Acer will include a wide selection of outstanding tech innovations across a variety of categories.
E-Mobility
The Predator Extreme PES017, a daring E Scooter with a bold design built for adventure and exploration.
AI Laptops
Acer’s new Swift AI Copilot+ PCs are available with a variety of processors, including Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor, AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors and Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2). These laptops utilize greater AI processing power and performance without compromise. Whether creating, working, or streaming – these Copilot+ PCs streamline daily tasks and workloads more efficiently and enable Acer’s on-device AI applications to help enhance users’ digital experiences.
Education and Business
The Chromebook Plus 515 is designed to empower productivity, efficiency, and multitasking. Featuring a powerful processor, a 1080p webcam, multiple connectivity ports, a fast-charging 10-hour-life battery, military-grade durability and built-in AI apps, this 15-inch Chromebook Plus is perfect for work and play, while withstanding daily wear and tear.
The new ultra-thin-and-light Acer TravelMate P614 AI laptop is designed and built purposefully for commercial organizations, offering exceptional performance, mobility and AI capabilities. With its long battery life, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and MIL-STD 810H durability, it’s ideal for professionals who work in a hybrid setting.
Gaming
The newly introduced Acer Nitro Blaze 7 is a powerful and portable handheld AI gaming device that delivers lightning-fast performance and efficiency for everyday gaming and entertainment on the go. Gamers can expect elevated efficiency and support for on-device AI-powered capabilities, real-time graphical upscaling and lag-free experiences. This handheld design allows users to easily slide the device into their bags or pockets for instant gaming wherever they are.
The Predator XB273K V5 Monitor has a crisp 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, a smooth 160 Hz refresh rate and a lightning-fast response time of up to 0.5 ms (GTG). It’s sure to deliver flawless gameplay and stunning clarity.
Tech Innovations
The Acer SpatialLabs Eyes is a multifaceted and intuitive 3D camera suitable for business and lifestyle users alike. Featuring 8MP per eye resolution, a selfie mirror, and a weatherproof design, users can create 3D content, stream live, and join meetings in 3 Dimensions.
For connectivity needs, the Acer Wave 7 Wi-Fi 7 mesh router creates a robust and secure high-speed network connection designed for modern living. It is the fastest and most seamless solution to achieve uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and browsing from any corner of your home or workspace.
Visit Acer’s stand at GITEX Global, at Hall 3, STAND NO: H3-C20 from 14 – 18 October 2024 at The Dubai World Trade Centre.