Samsung and Oculus announce the Gear VR
Samsung partnered with virtual-reality headset company, Oculus, to release a new virtual-reality headset called Gear VR. The headset will not require a computer or wires, as it will be powered by the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 smartphone’s battery. Featuring the 5.7-inch AMOLED display of the Galaxy Note 4, and a 96 degree field of view, the device promises “stunning and engaging visuals.”
Neither pricing or a release date were announced.
PopCap co-founder John Vechey departs studio
A blog published by video game publisher Electronic Arts announced the departure of one of the three co-founders of video game development studio PopCap. PopCap is known for developing popular titles like “Bejeweled,” “Plants Vs. Zombies” and “Peggle.”
The departing developer, John Vechey, said he was leaving to focus on nonprofit work.
“Batman: Arkham Knight” coming June 2015
“Batman: Arkham Knight,” the third installment in the “Arkham” series, will launch June 2, 2015. “Arkham Knight” was originally scheduled for an October 2014 release, but was delayed.
Two collector’s edition versions for the game were also announced. The “Limited” edition includes a steelbook case, an art book, a comic book, three character skins and a Batman statue. The “Batmobile” edition includes everything in the limited edition, except that the Batman statue has been replaced with a “fully transformable” Batmobile. The “Batmobile” edition will only be available for consoles. The “Limited” edition retails for $99.99 and the “Batmobile” edition retails for $199.99.
“Mortal Kombat X” gets April release date
“Mortal Kombat X,” the latest installment in NetherRealm Studios’s fighting game series, will launch April 14, 2015. Pre-ordering the game will get players access to the four-armed fighter, Goro.
“Mortal Kombat X” will be avaiable on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC platforms.
Last-generation digital “Destiny” copies get free update
Users of last-generation’s (PS3 and Xbox 360) copies of “Destiny” will be able to upgrade to the current-generation (PS4 and Xbox One) copies for free. Copies must be purchased digitally through the Playstation Store or Xbox Marketplace. Purchasers of the game’s expansion pass can expect that to carry over as well.
Unreal Engine 4 offered free for schools
As of Sept. 4, 2014, schools and universities will have access to Unreal Engine 4 for free. Developed by Epic Games, the Unreal Engine is a popular game development tool that can help students create anything from small web-based games to higher-end games for the PC and consoles.
According to Unreal Engine’s website, the software can be installed on school computers and personal copies are also available for free to all students enrolled in “accredited video game development, computer science, art, architecture, simulation and visualization programs.” The company said it hopes students will use the engine in conjunction with other free resources available through the company, which will raise both the quality and quantity of game developers in the market.
