Everything Microsoft at CES 2014 is at your finger tips! Want to the latest updates from CES for all things Microsoft? Visit Microsoft’s CES 2014 page: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/ces/2014/index.html
What mattered at CES 2014 – Press day
The action kicked into high gear at CES today, with lots of companies taking the stage for formal press conferences and keynotes. We sort through the chaos so you don’t have to.
Read more: http://www.cnet.com/8301-35305_1-57616588/what-mattered-at-ces-2014-press-day/#ixzz2pgVHNk9C
CES 2014: Philips reveals 28-inch 4K Ultra HD monitor
Kicking things off for CES 2014, which doesn’t officially begin tomorrow, is an announcement of a new 28-inch 4K Ultra HD monitor from Philips. Appropriately named the “PhilipsUltraClear Display,” the monitor combines 4K UHD high resolution with a color depth of 1.07 billion colors.
“Whether you require extremely detailed information for CAD-CAM solutions, use 3D graphic applications or are a financial wizard working on huge spreadsheets, this Philips display will provide UltraClear 3840×2160 pixel images to meet the visual demands of the most sophisticated power user,” Philips boasts.
“The 28-inch monitor (model 288P6) is also ideal for those seeking superb onscreen clarity and color accuracy for personal applications, and includes built-in stereo speakers for multimedia and MHL technology for easy mobile device connectivity.”
The UltraClear Display comes equipped with HDMI, DisplayPort, Dual-link DVI and VGA SmartConnect ports, and also features MultiView functionality which allows users to work with multiple devices (like PC and laptop) side-by-side simultaneously. Another feature is SmartErgoBase, which allows the monitor to be lowered down almost to desk level for a comfortable viewing angle.
Below are official specs for the UltraClear Display which is expected to be available in spring 2014 for $1,199.99.
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| LCD panel type | TN |
| Backlight type | W-LED system |
| Panel size | 28-inch |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Optimum resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| Brightness | 300 |
| Color | 10-bit |
| Viewing angle | 170º (H) / 160º (V) @ C/R > 10 |
| Signal input | VGA (Analog )x1; DVI-D dual link x1; MHL-HDMI x1; DPx1 |
| USB | USB2.0 x2; USB3.0 x2; + fast charger |
| Audio | 3W x2 |
| Power supply | Internal |
| Cabinet color | Black |
Read more at GameZone: http://www.gamezone.com/news/2014/01/06/ces-2014-philips-reveals-28-inch-4k-ultra-hd-monitor
The Absolute Best Cosplay of 2013
This was an amazing year for creative costumes and clever tributes — so it was a lot of work to do all of it justice. We looked through a whole year of costuming at every convention, Halloween outing or simply talented people messing around online and we found a massive collection of exceptionally talented costumers. The Absolute Best Cosplay of 2013:
Read more at io9: http://io9.com/the-absolute-best-cosplay-of-2013-1487246144?utm_campaign=socialflow_io9_facebook&utm_source=io9_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow
Oculus VR Receives Real Infusion of Cash for Their Virtual Reality System
“Oculus VR, the company behind the highly anticipated Oculus Rift virtual reality gaming goggles, has just secured a boatload of cash to bring the product to market.
The company late Thursday announced that it has secured $75 million in a venture funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz. Spark Capital and Matrix Partners, among others, participated in the round.
The cash infusion, which dwarfs the more than $18 million Oculus has raised through Kickstarter and a Series A round, will be used to hire more staff, the company said in a statement. That staff, coupled with the funding, will provide the company the opportunity to get the Oculus Rift to store shelves more quickly.”
Source: CNET News
News from Game Connection America 2014
Game Connection America 2014 is reaching a few key milestones soon for folks invested in the “publishing, distribution or funding of games & projects”. A number of opening dates, deadlines and advance groundwork is laid for conferences, expos and related events in Q1 and Q2, so it never hurts to keep an eye on what might be important to you and your game industry event interests in the meantime.
Wednesday, December 18 is the last day for “super early bird registration” for all attendee packages — from standard, business, exhibitor, to premium exhibitor packages. If you’re interested, sign up early to save your €’s!
Also, Game Connection sent out a reminder news announcement about their call for submissions for their “Marketing Awards” and “Selected Projects”.
“Game Connection’s “Selected Projects” is once again giving independent developers the unique opportunity to pitch their games in front of some of the gaming world’s most influential people. Until January 10th, 2014, developers worldwide can submit their projects with a chance of taking home the ultimate accolade of “Best Project” at Game Connection America, March 17-19 at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, San Francisco. Recently in Paris, OSome Studio received the Best Project Award directly from Kevin Yanagihara’s hands, Senior Vice President at Namco Bandai Games Europe. We are glad to confirm that Namco Bandai Games will sponsor again the American Edition of this unique competition. ”
…Alongside independent developers, marketing professionals, agencies and in-house marketing teams from across the industry are also invited to submit their campaigns before January 10th. After three memorable ceremonies in Paris and in San Francisco over the past two years, Game Connection is pleased to confirm the next edition of its Marketing Awards. Chaired by an advisory board of leading industry experts, these awards will recognize and reward outstanding work in marketing and communications from across the breadth of the video game industry worldwide.”
For more information about each of these events within the main Game Connection event, please read the news release for more full details: http://www.game-connection.com/gameconn/content/call-indies-and-marketers-game-connection-america-2014-0
NVIDIA Opens Registration for GPU Technology Conference 2014
From an NVIDIA’s news release:
“Register today for GTC 2014 and discover emerging trends, compelling success stories, the very latest research findings, and innovative programming methods and techniques. In tandem, network with the brightest minds working in science, technology and industry today and walk away with new skills and insights to advance the work you’re doing.
Missed GTC 2013? Download the highlights brochure and make it a point not to miss an even better GTC 2014. Register today and save big with early bird pricing. GTC alumni can save an additional 20% using the discount code GM20ALUM. (emphasis ours)”
While NVIDIA is casting an ever bigger net over visual computing outside gaming and traditional graphics applications, there’s still likely much to be revealed from the gaming sector at NVIDIA’s flagship annual event, Will we see more about the SHIELD 2, Tegra K1, Gamestream and G-Sync? Stay tuned for more news as this conference date comes closer.
Last Day to Apply for IGDA Scholarship for GDC 2014
Today is the last day to apply to be an IGDA Scholar at GDC 2014. This scholarship allows students or recent graduates over 18, who are members in good standing with the IGDA, the opportunity to be provided a full conference pass for GDC 2014. To apply, read the full qualifications required and fill out the form. For more information and to start the process, visit this link: http://scholars.igda.org/how-to-apply/
Events For Gamers chats with Giulia Palmieri at Game Connection
E4G: Hello Giulia, thank you for taking time to chat with Events for Gamers about Game Connection Europe 2013! Please share a little bit about the purpose of the event for those not familiar.
Photo credit: AFJVGiulia: Game Connection is an international conference that gives video game industry professionals the opportunity to interact, network, and promote their products, services and expertise. Since 2001, key players from the games industry have gathered in Europe and in the US —to meet, do business together, connect with new industry professionals and socialize in a lively environment where business gets done. This business-focused setting is largely enabled by the Game Connection Meeting Application, a unique match-making tool allowing attendees to schedule meetings in advance of the event – thereby effectively optimizing time spent onsite.
E4G: What role does the event take in the ecosystem of games business conferences?
Giulia: It is the best place to network and to showcase projects effectively. We bring the players, you make the deals. No other event you can get these 30 minute meetings, back-to-back with C level managers. If time is today’s currency, we are letting people save a lot of money! There is no wandering around, everybody is there to get business done. Whether if you are a AAA publisher or an independent developer, you’ll find very precious contacts on our show floor. Plus, the spirit is unique: when you come to Game Connection, you have the feeling that you’re visiting your extended family!
E4G: What overall game industry trends do you believe keeps Game Connection relevant to attendees?
Photo credit: AFJVGiulia: Game Connection follows the current market trends, so people working into mobile or F2P can certainly find what they are looking for. However, it doesn’t mean that more hardcore platforms and business models are not represented. Quite the opposite: for example in Paris both Sony and Microsoft unveiled some tricks to the attending developers on how to best exploit the futuristic features of their next-gen consoles. Plus, the variety of service providers that are now coming to the show help us guaranteeing a coverage of the whole production pipeline. In the end what’s relevant for our attendees is the service we are providing to let them schedule 3 full days of meetings with the most pertinent key players they may find in the industry.
E4G: What were some of the new event features, conference or networking highlights?
Giulia: The 15 nominees for the Selected Projects awards opened the show, presenting their unsigned games before of all attending publishers, with White Night from OSome Studio sweeping both the “Best Console & PC Hardcore Award” sponsored by Microsoft Studios and Sony XDev Europe and the “Best Selected Project Award at Game Connection Europe 2013” sponsored by Namco Bandai Games and given directly by Kevin Yanagihara, Senior Vice President at Namco Bandai Games Europe. The show also recognized Panzer Pets from Gamundo as “Best Mobile, Tablet and Handheld Game” and Little Warlock from Storm Potion as “Best Social, Casual & Online Game”.
Photo credit: AFJVThen it was the turn of Marketing Awards, designed to recognize best-in-class video game marketing campaigns and creativity from around the world. The British Dead Good Media Ltd together with Koch Media Ltd have been elected the “Best Marketing Team at Game Connection Europe 2013” for their outstanding PR campaign on Dead Island Riptide, which included an awesome Zombie Wedding. The very same night all attendees have been invited to the Official Game Connection Zombie Apocalypse Party where dancers and make-up artists made them have the time of their lives!
There were also 2 special events: on the first day, the “Assises du Jeu Vidéo”, hosted by Capital Games was a forum of discussion and debate around economic, social and political problems encountered in the video games industry. On the second day the Innovation & Regulation Chair of Ecole Polytechnique and Telecom Paris-Tech with Mosaic, the Creativity & Innovation Pole of HEC Montréal, organized a research and professional seminar on the evolution of video games industry ecosystems: 1. Evolution of business models; 2. Create and develop value by actors: clusters and associations in cooperation with the Game Industry Support Group.
I can go on, but I guess the 90+ conference sessions we had, speak for themselves! 😉
E4G: What are the main differences between Game Connection Europe and Game Connection America?
Photo credit: AFJVGuilia: In 2011, Game Connection Europe launched a program of conferences, workshops, and master classes to reposition itself as a 360° experience. Game Connection America preferred to remain the business heart of San Francisco during GDC. We know that people normally head to the Moscone Center for sessions, so we booked alongside an entire hotel, transformed regular rooms in meeting suites, ballrooms into expo floors and got the business done!
E4G: Have you considered expanding the event to Asia or Latin America yet?
Giulia: You bet, we are. But I can’t say more, so stay tuned! 😉
E4G: Thank you for talking with us about Game Connection! Where can interested attendees go to learn more about the event and to purchase a pass?
Giulia: All information can be found on our website: www.game-connection.com or on our social networks: follow us on twitter (https://twitter.com/The_GameCo) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Game.Connection.Official.Page) and of course don’t hesitate to contact our Team if you need any further information: sales@game-connection.com
Save the date! SOE Live 2014 announced
SAN DIEGO – Dec. 12, 2013 – Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced that its annual community fan event, SOE Live, will take place at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Aug. 14 – Aug. 17, 2014. Celebrating 15 years of hosting the annual SOE-sponsored event, SOE Live, is the ultimate gathering for the SOE community, providing players an opportunity to celebrate their favorite free-to-play SOE games, including: DC Universe™ Online, Dragon’s ProphetÔ, EverQuest®, EverQuest II, PlanetSide®2, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes®, and the highly-anticipated EverQuest Next Landmark and EverQuest Next.
SOE Live echoes the core belief that all SOE players are part of one extended family and presents an opportunity for fans of all ages to meet the talented people behind some of the online world’s most successful games. In addition to a slew of social events, SOE will host developer panel discussions and game-themed live events, giving attendees a chance to voice their opinions of current and upcoming game content. SOE Live will also feature new announcements and access to beta programs, tournaments, premium swag and more. Additional information will be announced in the upcoming months.
SOE Live tickets will be available for purchase in early 2014.
Read more at: https://www.soe.com/soelive/news/soe-announces-soe-live-2014
DevGAMM Kyiv 2013 – Official report
DevGAMM Kyiv 2013 was a huge success! We had a chance to cover it and see what their show is all about from DevGAMM Moscow. Here is your DevGAMM Kyiv 2013 – Official report from the DevGAMM website:
It was attended by more than 1300 participants! Many of them have never been to game events before, so we are happy to encourage young teams on their way to the game industry.
The program was rich and interesting, its main focus was on technical speeches about game design, art, producing and community management.
37 speeches, 4 round tables, around 10 blitz-sessions and Game Lynch, of course!
Read more at: http://blog.devgamm.com/en/2013/devgamm-kyiv-2013-report/
SXSW Speaker Connections: Liberty Lunch Alumni
If you were part of the Austin music scene in the 1980s and 1990s, whether as a musician or a music fan, then you know about Liberty Lunch. The club, which opened as a live music venue in 1976, was considered a landmark to Austin’s live music fans – Liberty Lunch was voted the “Best Place to Hear Live Music” multiple years in a row in the Austin Chronicle’s Reader’s Poll ballots. The venue closed in 1999.
Read more at: http://sxsw.com/music/news/2013/speaker-connections-liberty-lunch-alumni
