Category Archives: Gaming

Virtual Trucking On USA Highways In Truck Simulation 19

September 25, 2019 The Silo Leave a comment

astragon Entertainment and developer Jujubee are happy to present the virtual trucking trucks of the next license partner of the mobile game Truck Simulation 19. The originally licensed trucks of US manufacturer MACK® will give virtual truckers the opportunity to drive along iconic United States highways and make their American truckin’ dream come true. The mobile game Truck Simulation 19 will be released for iPhone®, iPad® and smartphones and tablets using the Android^TM operating system.

Diverse environments and more than 30 US cities aren’t the only aspects creating an immersive trucker feeling in Truck Simulation 19. Other essential elements are authentic vehicles in the typical US truck design with enough horsepower for the transport of different kind of freights as well as pulling heavy trailers. Of course a real US truck also needs to provide a certain level of pleasant driving comfort.

All those important features come together in the three true-to-original truck models of the truck brand MACK®: the MackAnthem^TM, the Pinnacle^TM Axle Back and the TITAN BY MACK^TM.

As is possible with every other truck in the game, the truck models of MACK® can be equipped with different kinds of cabs for short-, middle- and long-range trips. If these customization options aren’t enough, every owned MACK® truck can be customized in a variety of ways. Compared to other playable trucks in Truck Simulation 19 the customization options for the three MACK® trucks are widely expanded with a lot more modifications to choose from offer quite some additional modifications to choose from: Not only the color of each model but also the bumpers, the wheels and the wheel sizes, the rims as well as the exterior mirrors and many more parts are completely customizable. By doing so truck fans will be able to conquer the highways with a special MACK® truck that reflects their unique tastes and preferences.

© 2018 astragon Entertainment GmbH. © 2018, Jujubee S.A. Jujubee® and the Jujubee logo are registered trademarks of Jujubee S.A. Published and distributed by astragon Entertainment GmbH. The MACK trademarks and designs are registered rights of the AB Volvo Group and are used pursuant to a license.

Ultimate Trucker Cap by Paid To Blaze Clothing — Click me!

Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc. All other registered trademarks or trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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astragon Entertainment GmbH

astragon Entertainment (founded in 2000) ranks among the leading independent games publishers in Germany. Our versatile product portfolio focuses on high-quality technical simulation games such as Construction Simulator, Farming Simulator or Bus Simulator, but also covers complex economic simulations and strategy games. The distribution of the Big Fish franchise (Mystery Case Files, Dark Parables, Grim Tales) completes our exciting product range. Games by astragon are available world- wide on many different platforms such as consoles, smartphones, tablets and PC.

Jujubee

Jujubee S.A. is a game development studio that has developed titles like “FLASHOUT 3D,” “Suspect in Sight,” “Take Off – The Flight Simulator,” the real-time strategy game “Realpolitiks,” and the upcoming documentary-adventure game “KURSK.” The company’s goal is to create inspiring and unconventional games for all significant device platforms, such as iOS (iPhone, iPod, iPad), Android, Mac, PC and consoles.

Gaming

Summer Of Change Ahead Of New NHL Season

September 24, 2019 The Silo Leave a comment

The new NHL season is just around the corner and you can’t say it’s been a quiet summer for the league. Throughout the NHL, there have been twists and turns throughout the offseason, setting the foundations for another fascinating campaign. On the back of a thrilling 2018/19 season in which the St. Louis Blues lifted the Stanley Cup after an enthralling finals series, over half the league will feel as though they have a realistic chance of going all the way this year.

So, ahead of the start of the new regular season, let’s take a look at the offseason’s biggest stories:

Fenton’s Fall

Undoubtedly, the story of the summer has to be Paul Fenton’s dismissal from his role in charge of the Minnesota Wild after one dismal year. While the decision to replace Fenton with Bill Guerin was understandable, to do so after the draft and free agency has been something many have questioned. The question is now whether or not the Wild will respond on the ice.

RFAs Still On Offer

It’s particularly strange to see so many restricted free agents still available at this point in the offseason. Mitch Marner (now signed), Mikko Rantanen, Kyle Connor and Ivan Provorov are just four unsigned RFAs, with many more still expected to hold talks with their franchises throughout preseason training, with some potentially remaining up in the air by the time the regular campaign gets started.

Devils And Rangers Set To Do Battle

The division that has caught the attention the most throughout the summer has been the Metropolitan. The New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers could be set to rekindle their rivalry after picking up the top two draft selections as well as signing some top veterans – both now around 40/1 with the latest NHL betting odds to win the Stanley Cup. It’s been a while since these two were able to battle it out at the top of the Metropolitan, but that could change this season.

Managerial Merry-Go-Round

Having a Red Wings hero as a player, Steve Yzerman is back in Detroit this season looking to have a similar impact as a general manager after leaving Tampa Bay. The man he’s replacing, Ken Holland, will look to turn around the fortunes of Edmonton. In terms of head coaches, six teams will start the new season with a new man behind their bench. They may be two years away from joining the league but Seattle’s NHL team know former Pittsburgh, Carolina and Toronto man Ron Francis will be their general manager.

“Matt Duchene” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by 5of7

Predators Risk It All

There’s no doubt the Nashville Predators needed to solve the huge power-play issues they struggled with last year but they may have taken a big risk to try to achieve that. To make room for forward Matt Duchene, the Predators decided it was P.K. Subban who would have to make way for Duchene, with the defenceman joining the Devils. Now, we will see whether swapping one of the best defenders in the league for, hopefully, a game-breaking forward pays off.

Gaming

Should Fantasy Sports Be Classed As Gambling?

August 29, 2019 The Silo Leave a comment

Online fantasy sport games are becoming increasingly popular in the modern era, with more and more variations on traditional fantasy games. There are now fantasy games for most sports, including but not limited to American football, soccer and rugby union. In particular, companies have latched onto major sporting competitions and offer fantasy games for those events. Most recently, there have been plenty of fantasy games created for the Rugby World Cup, which took place in England and Wales throughout September and October a few years ago.

Traditionally, fantasy sport games have been created purely for entertainment reasons. However, in recent years, a number of fantasy games have been created that require people to pay in order to enter the leagues. DraftKings is perhaps the most famous and widely advertised, and they offer DAILY fantasy leagues on a number of sports, mainly baseball, American football and ice hockey. To enter these fantasy leagues, you need an account and can stake money in order to win funds, which you can in turn choose to withdraw or restake.

It’s a little confusing for the fantasy novice and even more so for those who have been playing old-school free fantasy games for decades. But this new system appears to work, although the amount of skill and ability needed certainly makes it close to gambling. For example, you need skill to play online casino games like Blackjack by 32Red. This is widely recognized as gambling, so why should it be any different simply because it’s linked to an online fantasy game? Many people believe it shouldn’t. Both take up a reasonable level of talent to play, and require funds – in a way, they are incredibly similar.

Furthermore, quite a few people have compared staking money on fantasy football to placing a bet on players to score in real-life sporting events. For example, you can place wagers on Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on DraftKings but you can also stake money on Hopkins to score a touchdown, rack up ‘x’ amount of receiving yards and other markets at a range of both online and offline bookmakers.

Nothing like a $1 MILLION sweat! ???????????? Draft your Week 8 Millionaire Maker lineup here: https://t.co/U6IvbO8IPu pic.twitter.com/aW6KRhVbar

— DraftKings (@DraftKings)

However, many fantasy games are free to enter and don’t require additional funds. The NFL fantasy football game allows players to play free of charge, and users are able to compete in either NFL-managed leagues or custom-made leagues with friends and family members. For American football fans, this is the perfect fantasy game for those players who are more concerned about the enjoyment and having fun rather than winning money – even the NFL teams understand the need for the public to play. It’s a relatively simple website and they also have a downloadable app that can send reminders for changing and setting your line-up.

Most importantly, you don’t have to pay anything. You say have because there is the option to open a league with a prize fund. However, that is a season-long thing and certainly shouldn’t be considered as gambling. There aren’t any fantasy options at websites like 32Red, blackjackballroom, or caesarscasino but you can stake money on real-life American football matches and build accumulators. Fantasy football is an incredibly popular game across the world and free versions will always be welcomed by those who aren’t too concerned about winning money and those who play purely for the enjoyment and excitement of competing against others.

Moreover, soccer fans can access the Premier League’s official fantasy game free of charge, too. Football is one of the greatest sports on the planet and millions of people keep up to date with all of the latest injury news and transfers in the sporting world. The Premier League version could branch out to allow those wanting to stake funds the opportunity to do so, but for now it remains a free game for the masses. As soccer is so universally followed, many have called for the Premier League’s fantasy football game to offer a paid version and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see this in the future.

Are paid fantasy games gambling? Well, it depends on a number of key variables and external factors. If you’re staking on a daily basis, playing more because you’re addicted and focused on winning money than for the sheer enjoyment of fantasy sports, then that’s a worry. However, the majority of fantasy users aren’t like that and enjoy placing simple stakes, quite like many of the same people who enjoy playing online casino games such as Blackjack and Roulette. For the time being, there isn’t a huge need to classify fantasy sports as gambling but that could change if fantasy games adopt a similar stance as DraftKings and they all become ‘pay-to-play’ games in the future.

Gaming

Free Presidential Helicopter Game Via White House Historical Association

August 13, 2019 The Silo Leave a comment

NEW GAME Added to White House Experience App

“Fly Like Ike”

Players Can Pilot Presidential Helicopter Around Washington, D.C.

August, 2019 (Washington, D.C.) – The White House Historical Association has just launched a new game in its WHExperience mobile app called “Fly Like Ike.” This interactive game allows users to pilot the president’s helicopter and make stops to learn about several monuments and historic sites in Washington, D.C. before testing their aviation skills by landing on the South Lawn of the White House.

A picture containing grass, sky, outdoor

Description automatically generated

Helicopters have played an important role in transporting the president since 1957 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first president to use a helicopter. The helicopter used in this game is a replica of the Official 2019 White House Christmas Ornament.

“Fly Like Ike” currently features these seven destinations: U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Capitol, National Mall, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial/Tidal Basin, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House.

“Fly Like Ike” is the latest feature on the White House Historical Association’s WHExperience app, which is free to download on iOS, Android devices.

The WHExperience app also provides information and a link to purchase the 2019 Official White House Ornament, which commemorates President Eisenhower’s commitment to innovation as the first president to fly in a helicopter while in office in July 1957.

“Fly Like Ike” requires Wi-Fi or a data plan, and is compatible with iPhone 7 and up and devices running Android version 7.0 and up.

The WHExperience app also includes virtual tours of the White House and a “Presidential Lookalike” selfie feature, which is powered by Amazon Rekognition technology. For the Silo, Jessica Fredericks.

About The White House Historical Association

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. In 1961, the White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the White House Historical Association has contributed more than $50 million USD in fulfillment of its mission.

Gaming

Best Online Casino In Canada Where Gamblers Win Real Money

July 9, 2019 The Silo 13 Comments

Canadians respect the law. Those, who like gambling, do it as well. As soon as land casinos in this country are legal, they feel free playing in various gambling clubs placed in different provinces. Nevertheless, it is much more convenient for many players to stay at home and use the pros of casinos that work online.

However, as the situation with online gambling business legality is still vague, not to take any risks of breaking laws, Canadians prefer to play in their casinos that have licenses and use playing sites that welcome them and let win real money. Baocasino Canada is exactly this new reliable resource.

Legal online casino Сanada for real money

Canada is inherently a country that offers its residents and guests a huge selection of diverse entertainment options and a pleasant pastime. Among such options, a special place is occupied by numerous casinos and gambling houses.

Besides, Canadians take care of those people, who want to gamble online. Numerous advantages are offered to them here. When they choose Baocasino, they can use all the advantages of this gambling site, including earning crypto, taking part in tournaments and getting the best prizes in Bao way quest.

No taxes for players

Canada is a real paradise for those players, who win real money in online casinos regularly. If in other countries, especially in the USA, the closest to Canada neighbor, gambling tax in some states can reach 50%, here the situation is different.

However, there is one “but” even here. Yes, in Canada, there is no tax on winnings, but if Poker is a person’s main source of income, then he, as an individual, must pay income tax, the amount of which is directly proportional to the income for one year.

Progressive tax rates applied at the federal level:

Taxable Income – Rate:

Up to $ 42.707 – 15%;
From $ 42,707 to $ 85,414 – 22%;
From $ 85,414 to $ 132 406 – 26%;
From the sum more than $ 132,406 – 29%.

However, even in this case, the taxes in Canada are lower than in many countries (taxes in the gambling sphere, for sure). Canadian residents, who gamble in the casinos with licenses of other countries, should also follow these laws. Baocasino, with its license from Curacao, being a legal playing site, respects the laws, and follows them.

Bonuses for gamblers

Playing in the best online legal casinos in Canada, gamblers can claim a variety of bonuses, and get them, withdrawing money following wagering requirements. Those, who register in Baocasino for gambling, not for fun, can also get these bonuses.

Before claiming them, it is recommended to read about the Bonus policy of the casino. In brief, it is as follows:

When a gambler starts playing in Bao with an additional bonus that is over 20 free spins and 100% deposit bonus, this bonus will be added to the first made deposit;
Wagering bonus, the player cannot make the bet over 5 USD or 7, 7 CAD;
Withdrawing money that is won thanks to bonuses usage, the rules works — the maximum withdrawal here is 80 CAD or 50 USD;
Using bonuses, Canadian players must not use any strategies when gambling. If Baocasino finds out that the strategies were used, the win is terminated.

Exciting adventures also offered as prizes

If winning money isn’t amazing enough then take a look at Baocasino’s prize pool: it includes exclusive adventures such as this month’s Chernobyl Tournament. The First place winner is in for a unforgettable trip of a lifetime.

The variety of games

Baocasino that offers its registered players from Canada the variety of games that can be found in other gambling resources, but here, players have a chance to earn Bitcoin and some alternative cryptocurrencies like Litecoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.

They can do it when choosing crypto as the main currency for gambling or playing special crypto games, which are available in this casino. If a player wins in cryptocurrency, he can withdraw his win instantly.

Baocasino is the best choice for those Canadians, who are seeking for a reliable and legal online casino with a number of cool games, bonuses and interesting promotions. After registration, all these pros become available to a new user. For the Silo, Ella Wilson.

Gaming

Keno Online Means Worldwide Lottos At Your Fingertips

April 22, 2019 The Silo Leave a comment

Many of us enjoy playing the lottery. Whether it’s regularly as a group at work or as part of a bunch of friends or perhaps as an occasional indulgence at the corner store- there is always the chance that you will win. And unlike most betting games, the lottery is simple to understand and simple to play. By choosing a series of numbers often ranging from between 1 and 80, players hope that they have correctly predicted the outcome of numbered ‘ping pong’ balls that are randomly drawn by a machine. This machine uses air pressure to float a large number of balls about until all the receiving baskets are filled up by the no longer floating balls. Beautiful randomness.

Keno takes this idea a step further.

The basic rules and playing instructions are the same but allow for more variety. Modern day casinos have offered keno for decades and it continues to be a highly popular choice for gamers. The casino is able to modify the general lotto rules in order to make their version more attractive and fun. For example, they may decide to increase or decrease the amount of balls used or design their own type of keno betting slips making your odds of winning higher than a state or provincial lottery.

The move towards random number generators.

Not every casino or lottery uses a ball machine. Today, digital technology holds the lead in many areas and computers are able to quickly and efficiently generate a series of random numbers. In 1946 John von Neumann, an early computer programming pioneer, developed a mathematical way of generating random numbers using a computer.

After almost 75 years, the random number generator has proven to be reliable. That’s great news for gamers since this method is used by digital casinos ensuring keno draws are now available online 24/7.

It can now happen.

Even more exciting is the way that digital Keno is played. Instead of being restricted to your local lottery, you can now play lotteries all over the world from anywhere you are connected to the internet. Online sites offering keno payout by matching the official lottery rules and results.

This is an exciting change that leads to all kinds of fun and new ways of playing. For example, if you have family in another part of the world you can now join them and play together. Or perhaps you have always wanted to play the National lottery in England but live here in Canada- it can now happen.

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Gaming

Fast Track To The Future With Virtual Reality

April 3, 2019 The Silo Leave a comment

The implications of what Virtual Reality can achieve are vast, and it is predicted that VR will seep into every area of our lives in the very near future. VR is not just a concept that excites the entertainment business, but has a very real presence in some of the world’s most essential industries. However, many people remain skeptical about the impact virtual reality will actually have and suggest that it is only an attractive concept for gamers. Although it is true that VR is a fantastic way to improve online gaming, it has already been used in the medical and manufacturing industries, proving that virtual reality is not just a tool for play. Others fear VR could replace physical social interaction and they are therefore reluctant to consider the many benefits it actually presents. By taking a selection of real-life situations in which virtual reality is already used, we can assess its impact and perhaps decide whether it is to be embraced or discarded.

Surgery

It may not surprise you to know that the health sector is one of the biggest users and advocates of virtual reality. VR is of exceptional benefit in surgical training, improving student skills whilst minimizing risk to potential patients. This type of training can improve confidence and allow students to explore surgical procedures and options that would otherwise be inaccessible to them during the initial stages of their training. Virtual reality is already used by surgical staff, trainee nurses, dentists, and in numerous other health settings, world wide, allowing students to quickly gain skills without putting themselves or other individuals at risk.

Therapy

The authentic nature of VR allows therapists to assist patients with certain phobias. VR promotes controlled environments which can quickly be changed or eradicated during a course of therapy. For example, a person suffering from arachnophobia would perhaps find it more helpful and less daunting to experience holding a spider via VR rather than in a real life situation, and of course, a virtual reality headset can be turned off immediately should the situation require it. Other phobias and aversions could be tackled through the use of VR, including water aversion, acrophobia (fear of extreme heights) or aviophobia (fear of flying).

Entertainment

For some people, the online world is their only connection to society and if virtual reality gaming can help them continue to connect, then this can only be perceived as a positive thing. There is no denying that virtual reality is an amazingly entertaining concept and, when done well, is an excellent way to experience online gaming. Being fully immersed in a game is a highly attractive idea: whether it be one that takes you to a battlefield, or a game that allows you to feel as if you are actually being dealt cards at a plush casino in Vegas. Currently, gamers can connect with people from all over the world, or play slots in the comfort of their own home by visiting a site such as www.luckynuggetcasino.com yet imagine the thrill of full immersion through the power of virtual reality.

Transport and Training

Again, we touch upon the benefits virtual reality provides to many aspects of training and, in this particular situation, to the world of transport. For years the aviation industry has been using simulations to help train pilots and virtual reality is a welcome advance in such training. VR flight training presents minimal risk to both the pilot and passengers whilst allowing pilots to experience the difficulties that may arise whilst being in control of the aircraft. The most spectacular example of virtual reality based vehicle training is perhaps that used by NASA to train its astronauts. The training includes various simulations including that of an astronaut having to perform repairs during zero-gravity conditions, as well as a simulated detachment from the shuttle with the astronaut having to use a powered backpack to return. NASA has even managed to use VR in space, keeping astronauts up to date with training whilst on a mission and it has been suggested that VR will be used to entertain astronauts in space in the future. Just imagine, you could soon be sharing your virtual poker table with the astronauts of tomorrow!

Supplemental- Gamers are talking about the Oculus Rift and the Playstation VR but the HTC Vive looks pretty sweet too!

A Musical Journey for Robots and their masters~ CLICK ME

Gaming

Can Anyone Make Sports Betting Pay?

February 25, 2019 The Silo Leave a comment

If ever you read about any kind of “system” someone is trying to sell you or any kind of sports betting tipping service etc., you’d be well-advised to completely ignore it. If anyone “knew” anything in advance, they wouldn’t be busy trying to sell it to you – they’d be busy making a killing themselves. So please ignore all this stuff.

At the same time there are an increasing number of people around the world making a living from gambling online on various sports – so how do they do it and is it possible for any of us to emulate what they do?

Well first things first – it is possible to make a steady profit at sports gambling if you’re balanced and determined enough and, crucially, you understand value as a concept and have a niche knowledge in some way.

So what do we mean by value as a concept?

Well simply put, you need to have a feel for the study of mathematical probabilities and the way that even small margins can result in one side of a wager winning very large amounts over time. After all, it’s this simple principle on which the whole of the worldwide casino industry (whether online or real) is built. They call it the house edge.

So let’s consider roulette as a simple option. Roulette comes pretty close to giving gamblers an even chance in European versions of the game anyway when there is just the one “zero” slot. This means that you have a 48.6% chance of doubling your money if you select red or black, or odd or even numbers etc.

36 Years ago, almost to the day.....Kenny Rogers released The Gambler- click on the image above to learn more. — At the time of this article being published it was 36 Years ago, almost to the day….. that Kenny Rogers released The Gambler- click on the image above to learn more.

Conversely, it means the house (i.e. the casino) has a 51.4% chance of winning. And just that small percentage – the house edge – is sufficient when enough gamblers gamble long enough. It’s inevitable that the house will steadily profit – so the more players it gets, the bigger those profits are. There have been some big individual winners in casinos over time – but the really big winners are the casinos themselves, courtesy of that small percentage difference. That’s all it takes to make millions upon millions if you can get enough people to play with enough money. The laws of probability do the rest.

This is what we mean by value as a concept. So to overcome the edge, you have to have your own edge. And this usually means either an in-depth knowledge of a sport or some kind of information that the rest of the market hasn’t woken up to yet.

So look for opportunities in one-to-one situations mainly – where you think the wider market’s odds don’t reflect the actual chances of real-life events. You’re more likely to be able to spot these if you know a minority sport inside out. This will give you the kind of edge we’re talking about here –though you also need to understand value.

Let’s look at one specific example, then, of a sport that is big in some other countries but not here in Canada. I n some niche areas like gambling on rugby league with exchanges like Betfair – a detailed knowledge and the ability to analyze a game can really help. In Canada, of course, rugby league is a relatively tiny minority sport, but in both the UK and Australia that is not the case at all. In these countries, gambling on the sport is huge business – often via handicap betting where the odds are slightly less than even money, but one of the teams is given ‘X’ points start to even things up in the eyes of the market anyway.

The fact that rugby league is such a minority sport in Canada though, gives expert punters here a real edge – on games in the country. And that’s all any of us can hope to do – get a small edge on the market. That’s because making a steady profit at any form of gambling is a very tough thing to achieve – so even with the exchanges markets where the odds are slightly better than with the bookies, you still need to overcome the five per cent commission charged by the exchange betting website on each and every winning bet.

It’s rather like one of those old fashioned “penny falls” machines you see in amusement arcades where some of sliding off the side each time

the cash (in this case around five per cent) is into the proprietor’s coffers. In other words, if you keep gambling away and the market has the odds perfectly right all the time, then you are sure to lose gradually over time. In fact, to be specific, you’ll lose five per cent steadily – obviously.

So not only do you need to understand your niche sport inside out – but you also need to be shrewd and understand the whole concept of a true ‘value’ bet. This may sound obvious but it isn’t in practice as people are swayed by the market. But there’s one neat trick which is a really easy way around this “sway” problem and it’s this; always try to come up with your best educated guess of the likely odds of any market you feel you know pretty well before looking at the actual odds. Then – and only then – take the odds when you see that they’re markedly bigger than you think they “should” be.

This neatly gets around any extraneous external factors – and helps clear your mind of any market-driven bias in ignorance of what the market has actually made of it. Remember that you will have to be contrarian to make money over a long enough period of time at this game. Otherwise – if the market always called the odds on everything just right, there would be theoretically no room for the professional gamblers to make money – yet there are plenty people doing just that. And they all either have a system, or an in-depth knowledge of their chosen markets that has been tried and tested and is proven to beat the rest of the market over time – or they have a little of both of these things. You cannot win by being the same as everyone else – that’s a given.

Just remember that if you think you have what it takes – to trial and trial again your ideas with tiny amounts of cash only at first – whilst treating that amount like its 100 or 1,000 times as much. For the Silo, Claire Siblot. Online Media Relations Specialist. Leeds, UK

Gaming

Play Golf Better Faster

September 29, 2018 The Silo Leave a comment

Play Golf Better Faster is out and unless you’re Arnold Palmer or Tiger Woods you’ll want to read this to get the best tips, strategies and more good-to-know content to improve your golf fame. Barlis’ book is organized into three sections: Using Your Brain, Practicing Your Game and Playing Your Game. You’ll feel your golf game improving with every page you turn. So in lieu of spoiling the need-to-know material in Play Golf Better Faster, here are some tips you can read until you get your hands on Barlis’ new book.

Kalliope Barlis New book: Don’t Chop Wood, Drive the Spike

PGA advises “If you put a log on the ground and asked someone to take out a chunk of wood from the log they would most likely swing the ax into the log at an angle and create sliced out section from the log. This action is done with an abrupt angle of attack into the wood log.”

For more of their tips visit:

http://www.pga.com/topic/golf-instruction/golf-tip-day

Know Your Wind

Calculating the wind before you swing may sound like a no-brainer but it’s a necessary reminder and can take years to really get down pact. Don’t be afraid to make a few waist-high practice swings to get the feel and stricter for your hit. Then pick your target area and move it according to the wind. Once you become a more seasoned golfer you will learn the wind strengths and you may even be able to detect the pattern the wind is blowing in. Just remember that practice makes perfect.

Mind Power

Like most sports, golf can be as much mentally challenging as it is physically. It’s important to keep a clear mind so you don’t end up getting in your own way. Simple exercises you might have learned back in elementary school can be perfect for this scenario. If you’re stressing out about your score or your next shot take a deep breath in, hold it for 10 seconds and exhale -this strategy has been proven to help quell stress and panic. Another method is to wear a rubber band around your wrist and every time you start feeling anxious you snap the band. You’re not punishing yourself for stressing out -you’re actually training your brain! The small unpleasant feeling will eventually be linked to negative thoughts and soon without even thinking, your subconscious will start to repress those negative thoughts.

Gaming

Halo Fireteam Raven Arcade Game Launched In Australia

July 26, 2018 The Silo Leave a comment

Thursday, 26 July, 2018 (Sydney, Macquarie Shopping Centre) – Timezone Australia was excited today to introduce the first arcade edition of the Xbox cult favourite videogame Halo to Australia. Halo: Fireteam Raven blew arcade gamer’s minds when Timezone Macquarie Centre became the first Australian venue to boast this state-of-the-art multiplayer gaming experience. Timezone stores in Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Perth will follow hot on Macquarie’s heels, with the game debuting there next month in August.

Timezone also offered fans the chance to participate in an online social media challenge Halo as part of this Australian first gaming launch. The winner, Trent John Webb (age 23) from NSW’s Central Coast, won a years worth of Timezone Power Play credit for his online entry.

“I am so happy about this incredible experience. I have been a big fan of Halo since i was young and to see if brought to the arcade has been really exciting. My girlfriend and I are ecstatic to come back to Timezone each week to play this game!” – Trent says.

The largest Australian Halo cosplay community 405th Australian Regiment joined in on the celebrations, showcasing unique and realistic costume designs spanning from different chapters in the Halo multiverse.

“Bringing the arcade game version of Halo to Timezone Macquarie Centre gives the game’s dedicated fan base a chance to play like never before. Timezone is thrilled to introduce this first-in-Australia experience to fans as part of Timezone’s 40th birthday celebrations,” says Kane Fong, General Manager of Timezone Australia.

Halo’s console-based playing experience is now brought to life in an immersive multiplayer platform, which enables four players to either play cooperatively, or compete against each other. It’s Halo, but more: this latest installment’s physical structure boasts a colossal 130-inch widescreen, 4K game play and 5.1 surround sound. It adds a tangible element to the much-loved franchise, allowing individuals the opportunity to play right alongside Master Chief in the battle to ward off the enemy forces of the Covenant and the Flood infestation. For the Silo, Adrian Falk.

Halo: Fireteam Raven was created and fine-tuned by 343 Industries over several years and is set in the timeframe of 2001’s Halo: Combat Evolved game. Players will take on the roles of the Fireteam Raven – an elite group of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers.

You’ll not only able to battle it out with your friends, competing against them for the highest score – you can scan a QRC code with your phone to upload your stats and progress to your Halo Waypoint account. Exactly what you’d expect from a true 2018 arcade game experience!

Featured image- Halo Fireteam Raven 405th

Gaming

Fortnite Is Wake-Up Call For Companies On Verge Of Video Game Ad Buy

June 1, 2018 The Silo 1 Comment

Pong, Mario, Doom, The Sims, Minecraft and … Fortnite? The hallowed halls of video game history are packed with products that became a cultural phenomenon – and it’s looking like Fortnite will soon be able to stake such a claim. The co-op survival game that takes place in a “sandbox” universe recorded a record 3.4 million concurrent users in February 2018. [ If you’re one of the 3.4 million and want to leave us a video comment or video of your Fortnite character please use our Video Uplink button at the end of this article.] The game, which is free to play, also allows users to purchase a semi-annual “Battle Pass” that runs less than $10 and provides access to additional items. This low-cost approach is apparently working, as reports show Epic Games earned nearly $300 million in April 2018 alone. Further, in-game “microtransactions” that allows players to use minimal amounts of real-world money for in-game goodies is helping add to Epic’s well, epic payday.

So, let’s recap: A game that’s free to play plus $10 usd occasional optional investment and microtransactions gives us hundreds of millions of dollars each month. You know what else makes that kind of money? Hollywood movies, major league sporting events and social media platforms – and those things are plastered with advertisements. According to Ken Wisnefski, CEO of digital marketing firm WebiMax, advertisers who want to get ahead of the coming eSports curve and start reaching gamers where they reside need to start paying attention to the preferences of this sector.

“Fortnite has really taken the world by storm. I think the new microtransaction process is a concept that shows how high volume and low cost can have a huge impact. It’s growth and notoriety is amazing,” said Wisnefski. “A few years ago, Pokemon Go was all the rage; I am curious to see if Fortnite continues to show this sort of traction.”

Want to make money through Fortnite? Here’s what Wisnefski has to tell companies on the verge of investing in video game ad buy.

‘Go’ along for the ride: According to Wisnefski, we haven’t seen a video game with such mass appeal since 2016’s “Pokemon Go,” which drew 10 million people to download the app in one week. An advertising analysis also notes that some businesses were given the opportunity to turn their stores into a “Pokestop” and, of course, increase foot traffic and hopefully sales as a result.

Shadow of a doubt: Still skeptical about sinking money into video game advertising efforts? Then take one look at “Ninja,” a 26-year-old Fortnite player who is reportedly raking in $500,000 per month for streaming his live game feed on the “Twitch” website. Wisnefski says it merely makes sense for relevant brands to jump on an opportunity to get their product in front of potential customers – namely as a “medium rectangle” or 15-second spot before one of Ninja’s streams.

Risk and Reward: Soft drink and snack food companies – we’re looking at you, Mountain Dew and Doritos – have for years pandered to gamers. As well they should, says Wisnefski, noting that some sectors are “very viable for this sort of opportunity.” If you’re a small to medium-sized company, however, guidance from a digital marketing company may be in order. “Big companies have the ability to absorb some losses to see larger gains; smaller companies can’t afford to take that sort of risk,” said Wisnefski.

[vidrack align=”center” ext_id=”345″ desc=”some description”]

Gaming

Powerful Mac Gamer External Graphics Solution

April 4, 2018 The Silo Leave a comment

Sonnet Technologies recently announced the eGFX Breakaway™ Box 650, the latest and most capable model in the company’s series of Thunderbolt™ 3 to PCI Express^® (PCIe^®) eGPU expansion chassis for professional graphics and gaming applications.

The Breakaway Box 650 is designed and qualified specifically for large, power-hungry video graphics processing unit (GPU) cards, including the AMD Radeon™ RX Vega 64 and overclocked NVIDIA^® GeForce^® GTX 10 series-based cards. The AMD-approved Breakaway Box 650 is equipped with a 650-watt power supply, which provides ample power for GPU cards with high transient peak power requirements.

“With the introduction of AMD’s Radeon Pro and RX Vega Series cards, we have experienced a high demand for an eGPU chassis capable of supporting the higher standards of these GPU cards,” said Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. “The eGFX Breakaway Box 650 meets the demand, enabling users to tap the compute power of even the AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 and Radeon Pro WX 9100 cards while still providing up to 87 watts of upstream Power Delivery to support popular notebook computers.”

The eGFX Breakaway Box 650 provides a single slot for connecting any size Thunderbolt-compatible GPU card, and features enough room for many high-performance water-cooled cards — making it ideal for professionals and gamers who need to run bandwidth-intensive graphics applications on their eGFX-compatible notebook, all-in-one, or other small-form-factor computers. The unit is equipped with a 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 port that enables data transfers up to 2750 MB/s, and supports all Thunderbolt-compatible GPU cards — such as AMD Radeon R9, RX, RX Vega, and Pro WX models; and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 9 and 10 series, Titan X and Xp, V, and Quadro^® models. In addition, the Breakaway Box 650 includes two eight-pin auxiliary power connectors and provides 87 watts of upstream power (Power Delivery), useful for powering and charging a connected notebook computer that supports Thunderbolt 3 charging.

The eGFX Breakaway Box 650 (part number GPU-650W-TB3) is available now from Sonnet Technologies and its dealers at an MSRP of $449 usd. Featured image via egpu.io

About Sonnet Technologies

Sonnet Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of Thunderbolt™ 3 to PCIe^® card expansion systems; external graphics (eGFX) solutions for pro users and gamers; pro media readers; docks and adapters; and network, storage, and other interface cards for pro users in the audio, video, and broadcast industries. Sonnet’s Thunderbolt expansion products enable the use of pro audio I/O and DSP cards, pro video capture and transcoding cards, GPU cards, network and storage interface cards, and other high-performance PCIe cards with Thunderbolt technology-enabled computers. For 30 years Sonnet has pioneered and brought to market innovative and award-winning products that enhance the performance and connectivity of Mac^®, Windows^®, and other industry-standard computers.

Gaming

BenQ Announces ZOWIE Mice Equipped With 3360 Sensor

November 2, 2017 The Silo Leave a comment

COSTA MESA, Calif. — BenQ announces the ZOWIE EC1-B and EC2-B which come equipped with the 3360 sensor, providing gamers with a different mouse tracking feel.

In addition to a different sensor, the EC-B series has a USB report rate switch with indicator lights at the bottom of the mouse. This makes adjusting your settings more convenient and allows you to check your mouse rate without the need for additional software.

Two other changes in the EC-B series are the position of the DPI indicator light and the mouse feet. The DPI indicator light is now on the bottom of the mouse while the two large mouse feet have been replaced with four smaller ones.

On top of the EC-B release, we have another piece of good news to share. In our continuing commitment to the Counter-Strike series, we have collaborated with Valve and will release a CS:GO version of EC-B series for fans of both CS:GO and ZOWIE later. Please stay tuned to our social media for information regarding both versions in your region.

About ZOWIE
ZOWIE is a brand dedicated to the development of professional e-Sports equipment.

Gaming

Its Called The PGS And Its A Smartphone That Runs Almost All PC Games

April 19, 2017 The Silo 2 Comments

PGS – It’s the first “smartphone/portable game console/UMPC” hybrid ever created in the world. With comprehensive support for the Steam game library, this device is a game changer and is now available in for pre-ordering through the official website.

The device runs Windows 10, as well as Android in the Dualboot mode, simultaneously. Highly efficient mobile SoC Intel Atom X7 Z8750 is at the core of the Windows part of the device, while the versatile MediaTek Helio X2X chip is responsible for the Android part. The hybrid console will be released in two versions, Hardcore and Lite. The Lite version will come out a little later. Hardcore will be equipped with 8GB RAM for Windows and 3GB RAM for Android. External storages are supported thanks to a Micro-SD slot. Performance level of the device is more than enough to provide smooth operation of most PC games in HD-resolution.

PGS has an innovative side slider which houses the gaming control surfaces. Very, very slick. One of the key features of the device is two high-resolution displays with 5.9″ and 5.5″ diagonal for the main and for the auxiliary displays respectively. The battery, which capacity is 6800mAh, provides around 5 hours of work for demanding games. Among other features of the device are: LTE module, high-quality audio speakers, front and rear cameras, wireless charging, Smart Active Cooling System (allows the chips to work at maximum frequencies). For the Silo, Alexander Arjannikov.

Gaming

Creators Of World’s Most Played Mobile Sports Game Introduce Spellsouls Combat

January 23, 2017 The Silo Leave a comment

BELGRADE, SERBIA – (JANUARY 23, 2017) – Nordeus, an independent developer and publisher of mobile games, today announced Spellsouls: Duel of Legends, a new quick-play card-based mobile MOBA set in an epic fantasy world. In development for nearly two years, Spellsouls is the next big project from the company that created Top Eleven, the most-played mobile sports game with more than 150 million players worldwide. In Spellsouls: Duel of Legends, players will experience an engaging blend of intense three-minute battles and deep strategy in an immersive fantasy experience, built from the ground-up for mobile on iOS and Android.

With Spellsouls, Nordeus is looking to bring the competitive intensity and “easy to start playing, hard to stop” gameplay to the realm of card-based spells and magical duels. As seen in today’s new walkthrough trailer, the game is a completely new, graphically-rich title designed to bring a compelling high fantasy world to life.

Set in an ancient kingdom fallen prey to divisive realm wars, where powerful Spellcasters vie for power, the game invites players to enter into a thrilling, competitive experience. Gamers will choose a Spellcaster, collect and upgrade powerful spells, build the deadliest decks and unleash hordes of minions to compete with friends and adversaries around the world.

“We set out to ensure that Spellsouls builds on our strengths in competitive gaming to bring players a true blend of game genres that balances fast action and deep strategy” said Ivan Stojisavljević, CTO and co-founder of Nordeus. “We’re bringing a lot of the knowledge and expertise gained from years developing and running Top Eleven to Spellsouls; with AAA production values and deep engagement as our two highest priorities.”

In Spellsouls: Duel of Legends, two powerful Spellcasters will face off in fierce battles with elements of MOBA action combat, card deck building and Nordeus’ trademark focus on compelling PvP, that rewards smart strategic decisions. Players launch minions from top and bottom lane portals to attack their opponent’s minions and defense towers en route to defeating enemy Spellcasters.

Players boost minions with card-based spells, blast enemies with direct and area-based attacks, and strategically choose how to introduce new minions into the fray for maximum effect—while their opponent simultaneously does the same. Packed into three-minute battles, the game’s real-time competition is a mix of careful planning to build the perfect deck, white-knuckle intensity and well-timed strategy to execute the game-changing tactics that will lead to victory.

Spellsouls: Duel of Legends is currently in soft launch for iOS only in select countries including Taiwan, Canada, Croatia, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands. More details on how Spellsouls: Duel of Legends plans to enter the world of PvP mobile gaming in 2017 will be revealed in the near future with development updates and game announcements. To pre-register for the game when it becomes available in your country, visit www.spellsouls.com. To stay in touch with Nordeus and Spellsouls, follow us on facebook.com/spellsouls and twitter.com/playspellsouls. For the Silo, Jeffrey Fong.

About Nordeus

Founded in Belgrade in 2010, Nordeus is an award-winning independent mobile games developer that has actively pioneered cross-platform competitive mobile gaming. Top Eleven, the company’s premier competitive sports game in which players manage a soccer team vs. other managers, is the most played sports game worldwide with over 150 million registered players and a 4+ star rating across the App Store, Google Play and Facebook. The company is launching a major new fantasy card-based MOBA game, Spellsouls: Duel of Legends, in 2017. For more information, visit nordeus.com.

Gaming

World’s Best Street Fighter V Players Battled Head-to-Head at ESL One New York

October 7, 2016 The Silo Leave a comment

COSTA MESA, Calif. — ZOWIE, BenQ’s eSports brand, was the official tournament eSports monitor of The Brooklyn Beatdown, recently held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Held alongside the ESL One New York Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) tournament, the Street Fighter V event featured the RL Series console monitors as 256 competitors battled for a $75,000USD prize pool. The ZOWIE RL Series armed competitors with experience-enhancing features such as head-to-combat, lag-free technology, instant response and adjustable stand.

“The Brooklyn Beatdown was an intense weekend full of epic battles between the world’s best SFV players,” said Ronald Kim, eSports marketing at BenQ America Corp. “We’ve been looking forward to watching the pros compete head-to-head on our RL2460 monitor.”

The Brooklyn Beatdown streamed matches utilized the RL2460 monitor’s exclusive head-to-head feature, which allows multiple monitors to connect to the console system without any additional lag and eliminating split screen sharing.

About BenQ Corporation
Founded on the corporate vision of “Bringing Enjoyment and Quality to Life,” BenQ Corporation is a world-leading human technology and solutions provider aiming to elevate and enrich every aspect of consumers’ lives. To realize this vision, the company focuses on the aspects that matter most to people today — lifestyle, business, healthcare and education — with the hope of providing people with the means to live better, increase efficiency, feel healthier and enhance learning. Such means include a delightful broad portfolio of people-driven products and embedded technologies spanning digital projectors, monitors, interactive large-format displays, audio products, cloud consumer products, mobile communications and lifestyle lighting. Because it matters.

www.ingearpr.com/BenQ/160928BenQ-ZOWIE.docx

Gaming

Updated XSplit Broadcasting Connects Entire eSports And Gaming Communities

August 15, 2016 The Silo 1 Comment

When we launched XSplit almost six years ago, we set out on a mission to make live streaming and recording simple. In that time, both broadcasting and gaming changed dramatically, with the advent of new live streaming services, the birth of the Twitch Streamer, and the explosion of eSports capturing the imagination of players across the globe.

Fast forward to 2016 and the world’s top gaming personalities, eSports teams, game developers, publishers and millions of people worldwide are using XSplit to create innovative, hilarious, entertaining and meaningful content that has impacted audiences of all ages. Live streaming has helped bring people together from all walks of life, and with hundreds of thousands of new users joining us every month, that number is set to grow higher still.

Yet this is still only the beginning. Our aspirations for the future are much bigger, as we envision a world where players can seamlessly connect to one another in a dedicated space, share and create content, compete with one another and grow their own communities. To turn this dream into a reality though, we knew we needed the right expertise, technology and people to make this happen.

This is where social discovery platform, Player.me, and tournament management service, Challonge come in. Between these two services we see the potential to create a platform that connects the entire gaming community and serves the needs of all players in their daily lives.

We’re going to shake things up a bit over the coming months by combining the Player.me community and discovery engine with Challonge’s tournament bracket technology to create a future where players, content creators, eSports entrepreneurs and event organizers, can connect with one another seamlessly and beautifully.

Both Sean Fee (CEO of Player.me) and David Cornelius (CEO of Challonge), two top entrepreneurs and leaders in their field share this vision to build a connected experience, and we cannot wait to show you what’s coming in the near future. On a final note, we would like to thank our community, our partners and of course you – our users for being with us on this adventure. For the Silo, Henrik Levring, CEO of SplitmediaLabs.

Gaming

Newegg Widens Selection of Gaming Headsets- Affordable and Multi-purpose

July 7, 2016 The Silo Leave a comment

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Newegg, the leading tech-focused e-retailer in North America, today announced that gamers can now get the full gaming audio experience with its new selection of affordable headsets from Badasheng. Built to offer the best mix of price, audio performance, and comfort, the Badasheng headsets feature multi-platform compatibility with most gaming systems and smart devices, enabling full chat capability via a detachable and adjustable microphone.

The Badasheng gaming headsets include 40-mm Neodymium-32 (NdFeB) magnet speakers that deliver amazing depth, audio clarity, and strong bass to elevate the gaming experience. Four new models are now available on Newegg’s e-commerce site from the BDS-363 and BDS-939G series. Each model has different features such as up to 7-in-1 or multiplatform compatibility with a fully adjustable headband and ear cup. The HUHD HW-398 series are 2.4-GHz optical wireless headsets with noise cancellation. Most models are available in a variety of color options and all models feature an intuitive detachable and adjustable microphone. All models include system cable connectors such as micro USB as well as a detachable in-line controller for maximum flexibility with up to 12 hours of uninterrupted gaming on a single charge.

Featuring simple, plug-and-play connection to PlayStation^® 4 and Xbox One gaming consoles (with Microsoft adapter), PC and Mac^® computers, and even tablets and smartphones via a 3.5-mm jack (wired models), the headsets’ quality sound production means gamers can enjoy both high-quality background sound and clear chatting when battling it out with friends. With a high sensitivity (-67 db) microphone, the headphones solve the problem of low chat voice, keeping gamers fully immersed in the action. The lightweight design, soft ear cushion and padding, and adjustable headband keep gamers comfortable even after long hours of wear. The in-line audio controller allows gamers to effortlessly adjust volume levels without any interruption to the game, as well as play and pause music and answer and end calls when connected to smart phones and tablets.

“We want to provide our gaming customers with a range of options to fit their budgets and needs,” said Jackie Wen, senior product manager at Badasheng. “With the Badasheng headsets, casual gamers now have another affordable headset selection that can bring them an enjoyable audio experience.”

Pricing & Availability:
The headsets, which are now available for purchase at exclusive Newegg pricing, are backed by a 12-month warranty and Newegg’s highly rated customer service and fulfillment. A 15 percent discount with promotion code “MKPL5BH” can be applied when purchased; the promotion ends July 25 this year.

The price range is from $23.99 USD to $69.99 USD, depending upon the features and the models. (Check out avail. deals at Amazon USA : http://amzn.to/1Yb27h4) For the Silo, Peter Schuyler.

About Shenzen Bada Sheng Electronic Co. Ltd.
Shenzhen Bada Sheng Electronic Co.,Ltd is a leading manufacturer in professional headphones, established in 2005, with factory size at 86,000 square feet with more than 300 employees including over 30 production technicians, 15 R&D and production, and QA/QC departments. All products have gained the CE, FCC, CA, RoHS Reach, sound pressure certificates, and ISO9001:2008 quality management system certification. Bada Sheng Electronic is devoted to offering high quality sound products with great pre-sales/post-sales service to customers.

About Newegg Inc.
Newegg Inc. is the leading electronics-focused e-retailer in the United States. It owns and operates Newegg.com (www.newegg.com) which was founded in 2001 and regularly earns industry-leading customer service ratings. The award-winning website has more than 30 million registered users and offers customers a comprehensive selection of the latest consumer electronics products, detailed product descriptions and images, as well as how-to information and customer reviews. Using the site’s online tech community, customers have the opportunity to interact with other computer, gaming and consumer electronics enthusiasts. Newegg Inc. is headquartered in City of Industry, California. The Newegg Hybrid Center is located at 18045 Rowland St., City of Industry, CA 91748.

Gaming

DreamHack Austin 2016 Featured ZOWIE Official eSports Monitors

May 9, 2016 The Silo Leave a comment

COSTA MESA, Calif. — May, 2016 — BenQ America Corp., a globally renowned LED and gaming monitor expert, recently announced that ZOWIE, the company’s eSports brand, would be the official monitor sponsor of DreamHack Austin 2016. Making its first-ever stop in North America as part of the DreamHack ZOWIE Open World Tour, the event took place May 6-8 at the Austin Convention Center. Pro gamers competed using the XL Series eSports monitors for all PC gaming tournaments. Additionally, ZOWIE extended its partnership to supply its RL eSports console monitors for the Capcom Pro Tour’s Street Fighter V and Pokkén Tournament matches.

The North American eSports market has seen phenomenal growth, attracting millions of gamers and online viewers. Committed to eSports, ZOWIE is pleased to partner with DreamHack to deliver the ultimate pro gaming experience with its XL and RL monitor lines.

“BenQ ZOWIE is created for eSports and only eSports. We believe that gaming is all about the experience, whether it’s PC or console eSports. Our relentless pursuit to provide the most professional experience drives us to craft eSports products, including the XL and RL monitors, that are based on a deep understanding of the sport and fine-tuned to meet the pros’ specific usage scenarios,” said Lars Yoder, president of BenQ America. “With our XL and RL monitors, professional players will have the high performance they expect for competition.”

ZOWIE EC2-eVo Gaming Mouse

DreamHack Austin 2016 attendees were able to test-drive the full range of ZOWIE products at booth 135. The complete ZOWIE lineup includes the XL and RL series monitors, SR and TF mousepads, as well as the EC, ZA, FK, and newly released FK1+ mice series. ZOWIE mice fit every particular gaming style with options for right- and left-handed players in addition to ambidextrous ones. As a sneak peek, visitors also had an opportunity to experience the soon-to-be-released ZOWIE VITAL audio system, an intuitive, driverless device that provides convenient adjustments to improve both sound and audio communication for games.

ZOWIE also conducted its own Counter-Strike: Global Offensive death match tournament at its booth three times per day each day — noon, 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. — to give players a chance to win a custom ZOWIE G-SR mousepad.

Follow @DreamHackOpen and @DreamHack on Twitter and stay tuned to @ZOWIEbyBenQ for other deals.

About ZOWIE
Introduced in late 2008, ZOWIE is a brand dedicated to the development of the best competitive gaming products to improve eSports athletes’ combat performance. In 2015, the ZOWIE brand was acquired by BenQ Corp. to aggressively lead the company’s eSports product line with products that deliver true competitive advantages. More information is available at ZOWIE.BenQ.com/.

About BenQ America Corp.
The BenQ digital lifestyle brand stands for “Bringing Enjoyment and Quality to Life,” fusing lifestyle with technology, enjoyment with productivity and aesthetic design with purpose-built engineering. It is this mantra that has made BenQ the No. 1-selling projector brand powered by TI DLP® technology in The Americas(1). BenQ America Corp. offers an extensive line of visual display and presentation solutions that incorporate the very latest technologies. The company delivers a broad range of Colorific™ projectors, ZOWIE eSports gear and monitors, interactive large-format displays, mobile audio products, cloud consumer products and lifestyle lighting for any application and market — education, home, gaming, enterprise, government, house of worship, digital signage, A/V and IT — with cutting-edge models that lead the industry in performance, reliability, environmental sustainability and aesthetics. Whether it’s interactive digital whiteboards for classrooms, full HD 3D projectors for home theaters, short-throw projectors for boardrooms, interactive flat-panel displays for digital signage or LED backlight monitors for professional gaming, BenQ continues to defy the limits of digital displays. The company’s products are available across North America through leading value-added distributors, resellers and retailers.

More information is available at www.BenQ.us.

(1) Based upon Q1’15 – Q3’15 data from the Quarterly Projector Shipment and Forecast Report from PMA Research

Gaming

DarbeeVision Video Scaling Processor Gives Gamers the Competitive Edge

May 4, 2016 The Silo Leave a comment

ORANGE, Calif. — May 2016 — DarbeeVision, Inc., a pioneer in the field of digital image enhancement, is taking gamers to new heights. The company’s new HD DVP-5000S HDMI® video processor is a stunning new advancement in the evolution of picture imaging that makes gaming action pop, giving players a sharper edge over their opponents. Going beyond traditional imaging enhancement, the DVP-5000S is powered by DARBEE Visual Presence™ (DVP) technology, a powerful human-vision-based computational image-processing model that renders game details in a more true-to-life vibrancy. Video games are displayed with greater depth, clarity, and realism with no input lag, delivering an ultra-immersive gaming experience.

With the New DVP-5000S Video Processor, Gamers Experience Enhanced Image Depth and Detail for Improved Gameplay.

Dbl click image to zoom for better comparison. — Double click image to zoom for better comparison.

With DARBEE Visual Presence™

“It can cost gamers the lead when they don’t know what they’re looking at because the image is so flat that it blends into the scenery,” said Larry Pace, president of DarbeeVision, Inc. “Our DVP-5000S enhances the details so gamers can make much more accurate decisions during fast-action gameplay. No matter if you’re using the latest and greatest gaming system, the DVP-5000S sweetens the picture quality even further — with less than 300 micro-seconds of processing lag.”

No bigger than the size of today’s smartphones, the DVP-5000S is a sleek, plug-and-play device that fits right in with any gaming system. Just connect an HDMI cable between your console or PC and the unit’s input, and another HDMI cable between the unit’s output and your TV or gaming monitor, and immerse yourself in the unexpected clarity and never-before-seen details of your favorite game. For example, in first-person-shooter (FPS) games, players gain the competitive edge because critical details are revealed that allow them to see opponents crouched or lying prone waiting to attack. In role-playing games (RPG), players are able to spot handholds and paths quickly and easily, accomplishing more levels in less time.

The DVP-5000S uses DVP technology to embed depth information into any image or video stream in real-time with virtually no lag and independent of fidelity, whether gaming in SD, HD, or UHD. This process gives your eyes the perception that what you’re seeing is real, breathing new detail into flat images without touching color, contrast, sharpening, or resolution. It even adds depth perception and realism to 3D to make it appear less artificial.

Using the unit’s remote control and split-screen demo mode, viewers can easily adjust the effect to their desired taste or choose between three auto-calibrated processing modes, including a “Gaming” mode, which dynamically improves the image quality of video games. Additionally, the “Hi-Def” mode is recommended for high-quality content such as Blu-ray®, while the “Full Pop” mode is designed for low-resolution and/or low-quality video sources.

With each new DarbeeVision product and OEM partners’ products, the company moves closer to its goal of bringing DVP technology to the entire world. DVP processing technology is so effective that Galaxy Microsystems, manufacturer of high-performance gaming cards, partnered with DarbeeVision to optimize its hardware and deliver the best gaming experience for its users.

The DarbeeVision DVP-5000S is available now for $249USD. More information about DarbeeVision is available at www.DarbeeVision.com.

About DarbeeVision

DarbeeVision is a leading pioneer in digital image enhancement, offering solutions that solve the universal problem of flat images by implementing an advanced computational method that embeds depth cues to allow the human eye to process picture the way the brain intends it. DARBEE technologies — Visual Presence™, Reveal™ and Probe™ — represent the next step in the evolution of digital imaging delivering never-before-seen levels of depth, clarity and realism. The company offers consumers ranging from the casual viewer to videophiles and gamers, as well as OEM partners and dealers across the entertainment, security and medical sectors a unique opportunity to take image quality to unprecedented new heights. DARBEE technologies are fidelity-independent and work with all video content — SD, HD, upscaled HD to 4K UHD, 4K UHD, IPTV, OTT, VOD, virtual or augmented reality, omni-view 360-degree video, cable, satellite, Blu-ray, and still images — making its solutions compatible and complementary with existing and future image processing and display technologies. Headquartered in Orange, California, the privately held company has set out to make its image processing solutions ubiquitous. More information is available at www.DarbeeVision.com.

OEMs can fully tap into the innovative advantages of DarbeeVision’s IP technology — already inside some of today’s prominent video display devices — by calling 714-787-1006 (Please mention The Silo when calling) or emailing [email protected]

Gaming

Bandai Namco & Behaviour releasing WARHAMMER 40K on New Gen Systems

January 27, 2016 The Silo Leave a comment

Lyon, FRANCE – January, 2015 – BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe and Canadian developer Behaviour announced today that Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade will be available for PlayStation®4, Xbox One and PC starting summer 2016. For the first time, Warhammer 40,000 fans will join their favorite factions in the fiercest and most authentic Warhammer 40,000 battles ever realized in a massive online shooter.

Based on the multimillion-selling and extensive universe of Warhammer 40,000, Eternal Crusade will take gamers into a vicious battle between four factions of the 41st millennium in order to control a persistent world at war. Whether it is PvP (Player versus Player) or PvE (Player versus Environment) squads will have to work together and engage in massive battles and exterminate the other factions! To do so; fans can choose from twenty different sub-factions, earn hundreds of weapons, customization options and accessories drawn from 29 years of Warhammer 40,000 lore to create their perfect warriors!

“It’s an honor to work on a Warhammer 40,000 game that’s already getting great community feedback on our pre-alpha. We can’t wait to share what we’ve built with a wider audience.” – Stephen Mulrooney, SVP Behaviour Digital

“We are delighted to start a new kind of collaboration with Behaviour Interactive. Thanks to our prevailing distribution network and structure, customers from almost 100 countries will have access to Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade! Last but not least; our team here at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe is excited to work on the legendary Warhammer license.” Alberto Gonzalez Lorca, Vice-President of 3^rd Parties and Southern Europe.

“We are really happy to have BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment on board as a partner to complement our collaboration with Games Workshop.” Rémi Racine, founder and CEO, Behaviour

Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade will be available for PlayStation®4, Xbox One and PC Digital starting summer 2016.

For more information:

Official website: www.eternalcrusade.com
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe official website: www.bandainamcoent.eu
Behaviour official website: https://www.bhvr.com
Games Workshop official licensing website: licensing.games-workshop.com
Email- [email protected]

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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About BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe S.A.S.

BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe S.A.S., part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive content for platforms including all major video game consoles and PC, with marketing and sales operations in 50 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australasia. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises, including PAC-MAN™, Tekken™, SOULCALIBUR™, NARUTO™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, Dragon Ball®, GALAGA™, RIDGE RACER™ and ACE COMBAT™.

About Behaviour:

Founded in 1992, Behaviour Interactive is Canada’s largest independent game developer, employing 325 talented people in Montreal (Quebec) and Santiago (Chile). The studio’s objective is to deliver high-quality and commercially successful games, while staying on the cutting-edge of the industry trends in the digital markets, and exploring fresh ideas and connected experiences to keep players entertained. Our studios work with the industry’s top publishers and licensors, including Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, Cloud Imperium, Disney, Dreamworks, EA, Games Workshop, Majesco, Microsoft, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Pixar, Sony, Starbreeze, Ubisoft and Warner. For more information, please visit: bhvr.com. Eternal Crusade is produced by Behaviour Digital. Behaviour Digital Inc. is a subsidiary of Behaviour Interactive Inc whose mission is to “Create remarkable games we would play, our way.”

About Games Workshop:

Games Workshop® Group PLC (LSE:GAW.L) is based in Nottingham, UK. Games Workshop designs, manufactures, retails, and distributes its range of Warhammer® and Warhammer® 40,000® games, miniature soldiers, novels and model kits through more than 400 of its own Hobby centres, the Internet and independent retail channels in more than 50 countries worldwide. More information about Games Workshop can be found at www.games-workshop.com and further details about all of Games Workshop’s licensees and their products are at licensing.games-workshop.com

Gaming

Try This Digital Puzzle from Jigsaw Planet

September 30, 2015 The Silo Leave a comment

Gaming

BenQ releases Curved 35-Inch Immersive Gaming Display

August 10, 2015 The Silo Leave a comment

COSTA MESA, Calif. — BenQ America Corp., an internationally renowned digital lifestyle solutions provider and professional gaming monitor pioneer, today introduced the company’s all-new XR3501 curved gaming display. Designed to provide a more immersive gaming experience, the 35-inch panel brings gamers a dramatic 2,000R curvature — the highest of any LCD monitor — as well as a lightning-fast 144-Hz refresh rate, ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio, and BenQ’s RevolutionEyes™ technology — allowing gamers to experience enhanced visual comfort, a larger viewing area, and seamless peripheral views for a more authentic sense of engagement with today’s dynamic content.

35-Inch PC Display Featuring 2,000R Curvature and 144-Hz Refresh Rate Adds a New Level of Entertainment.

“BenQ’s new XR3501 monitor is set to transform gaming into a faster, wider, and more engaging all-around experience,” said J.Y. Hu, Vice President, Business Line Management at BenQ America Corp. “Featuring a 2-meter curvature, a fast-action refresh rate, and a 2560×1080 resolution, the panel provides breathtaking visuals that surround users with edge-to-edge excitement. Players will experience their favorite games in an entirely new way while features such as Black eQualizer, RevolutionEyes technology, and PIP will definitely put them ahead of the pack.”

BenQ’s XR3501 monitor has been designed for casual gamers looking for a more enveloping gaming experience. With over 20 options for color vibrance, the VA panel provides higher color reproduction with better viewing angles, which proves vital when using such a large curved screen by adding an extra layer of color optimization. Users can also adjust color levels directly via OSD or DisplayPilot for complete color control. Using Black eQualizer, the panel brightens darker scenes within games without over-exposing white levels — giving gamers the advantage of seeing details more clearly than their competitors, while picture in picture allows multiple sources to be connected and viewed on the monitor.

With a focus on “Eye-Care” and visual comfort, the XR3501 is equipped with BenQ’s RevolutionEyes technology. Featuring ZeroFlicker™, the monitor eliminates flickering at all brightness levels, reducing visual strain to provide a more comfortable viewing experience. When combined with the device’s built-in Low Blue Light modes, the monitor also successfully filters the exposure of emitted blue spectrum light — effectively reducing eye fatigue and elevating gaming performance to provide exceptional visual comfort, even during long hours of gaming or dynamic content viewing.

BenQ’s curved XR3501 monitor is now shipping across North America at an MSRP of USD$999. Details on BenQ’s full line of gaming monitors can be found at http://gaming.benq.com.

About BenQ America Corp.
The BenQ digital lifestyle brand stands for “Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life,” fusing lifestyle with technology, enjoyment with productivity, and aesthetic design with purpose-built engineering. It is this mantra that has made BenQ the No. 1-selling projector brand powered by TI DLP^® technology in The Americas⁽¹⁾. BenQ America Corp. offers an extensive line of visual display and presentation solutions that incorporate the very latest technologies. The company delivers a broad range of Colorific™ projectors, RevolutionEyes™ monitors, interactive large-format displays, mobile audio products, cloud consumer products, and lifestyle lighting for any application and market — education, home, gaming, enterprise, government, house of worship, digital signage, A/V, and IT — with cutting-edge models that lead the industry in performance, reliability, environmental sustainability, and aesthetics. Whether it’s interactive digital whiteboards for classrooms, full HD 3D projectors for home theaters, short-throw projectors for boardrooms, interactive flat-panel displays for digital signage, or LED-backlight monitors for professional gaming, BenQ continues to defy the limits of digital displays. The company’s products are available across North America through leading value-added distributors, resellers, and retailers.

⁽¹⁾ Based upon Q1’15 Quarterly Projector Shipment and Forecast Report from PMA Research

About BenQ Corporation
Founded on the corporate vision of “Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life”, BenQ Corporation is a world-leading human technology and solutions provider aiming to elevate and enrich every aspect of consumers’ lives. To realize this vision, the company focuses on the aspects that matter most to people today — lifestyle, business, healthcare, and education — with the hope of providing people with the means to live better, increase efficiency, feel healthier, and enhance learning.

Such means include a delightful broad portfolio of people-driven products and embedded technologies spanning digital projectors, monitors, interactive large-format displays, audio products, cloud consumer products, mobile communications, and lifestyle lighting. Because it matters.

About BenQ Group
The BenQ Group is a $22+ billion powerhouse comprised of nearly 20 independent companies operating in over 30 countries across numerous industries with a combined workforce of over 100,000 employees. Each Group member is a recognized leader in its own field, contributing to the BenQ Group’s vast resources, broad R&D, and distinct strategic strengths. By leveraging each company’s vertical specialization to create true scale across horizontal markets, the BenQ Group controls a highly efficient value chain with the unrivaled ability to deliver critical components and world-class solutions in the following industries: TFT-LCD, green energy, fine chemicals and advanced materials, lighting, IC design, precision components, system integration, branded business, and service. The Group is committed to profitable and sustainable businesses that share its long-standing vision of Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life. The BenQ Group companies are: BenQ Corporation, AU Optronics Corporation (world’s top manufacturer of large-size TFT-LCD panels), Qisda Corporation, Darfon Electronics Corporation, BenQ ESCO Corp., BenQ Materials Corp., BenQ Guru Corp., BenQ Medical Center, BenQ Medical Technology Corp., BenQ AB DentCare Corp., Daxin Materials Corp., Dazzo Technology Corp., Forhouse Corp., Lextar Electronics Corp., LILY Medical Corp., and Raydium Semiconductor Corp.

All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Gaming

Hashtag Roundup App reaching 100,000,000 Twitter “Hashtag gamers” weekly

June 29, 2015 The Silo 1 Comment

Have you been playing hashtag games on Twitter? Hashtag games are fun and free word games where Twitter users contribute funny or clever responses around a common theme, like #RejectedPrezCampaignSlogans or like #Things20SomethingsSay.

Hashtag games can often be found in the “what’s trending” area of Twitter but to discover all of them there’s a new app called Hashtag Roundup (www.hashtagroundup.com) that creates and hosts its own creative games, recruits comedians and Twitter celebrities to host live games, and aggregates the best trending games, making Twitter easy and accesible for everyone.

The Hashtag Roundup app, now available for Apple and Android, provides game alerts, peer-to-peer awards, and exclusive leader boards to serve the rapidly expanding global hashtag gaming community. Hashtag Roundup is the leading creator, promoter, and aggregator of hashtag games in the US, Canada, and UK, with a cumulative weekly reach now exceeding 100 million Twitter users.

We ( @thesiloteam) had fun with a recent game called #MakeAFilmSkeptical

Hashtag games are word games where Twitter users contribute often clever or funny responses to a common theme. For example, a recent game promoted by Hashtag Roundup was #4BestWordsEver, and contributions included tweets like “Open bar, free food” (@2p2TrollCat), “School is finally out” (@trjx1d), “Mom got us pizza” (@Broganza16), and “You’re the best mommy” @darksidedeb).

Brands get in the game as well, with submissions like “We’re going to Universal” @UniversalORL), “No soup for you!” @Seinfeldtv) and “a dozen original glazed” @krispykreme). The “winners” are the ones with the most retweets and favorites. Hashtag games provide a fun diversion and creative outlet for individuals and a marketing channel for big brands.

Hashtag Roundup recruits comedians and Twitter celebrities to host and create games. Users download the app in order to see what games are running and what the best responses are. Hashtag Roundup shares both original games and trending games on Twitter.

Hashtag Roundup is a joint venture of @TheHashtagGame and @absrdNEWS. In February 2012, @theHashtagGame was launched by Scott Fischler (@fastlaugh) and quickly established itself as the leading 24/7 hub of hashtag gaming. Meanwhile, @absrdNEWS and absrdCOMEDY.com were launched in February 2014 by Jeff Dwoskin (@bigmacher), immediately gaining recognition and followers for its sharp news parody and frequent, funny Top Ten Lists. Fischler and Dwoskin, both comedians, joined forces in 2014 to jointly develop the Hashtag Roundup app for iOS and Android. Hashtag Roundup delivers a consistently great Twitter experience, with engaging hashtag games and hosts.

“We love watching the hilarious and creative answers our fellow Twitter users come up with in hashtag games, but as hashtag addicts ourselves, we struggled to keep track of all the games, and all the responses,” said Jeff Dwoskin, founder of absrdCOMEDY.com.

“Hashtag gaming is rapidly becoming a significant marketing vehicle for brands, celebrities, major league sports teams… even political candidates. All are now frequently playing our games, and recognizing the massive positive exposure to new audiences that hashtag gaming provides,” said Scott Fischler, founder of @TheHashtagGame.

App Download links

iPhone/iPad https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hashtag-roundup/id985741893?ls=1&mt=8
Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.touchtitans.hashtag_roundup

Gaming

UK’s “ICE Totally Gaming” A Must Visit In The Gaming And Technology Sector

January 27, 2015 The Silo Leave a comment

The ICE Totally Gaming exhibition returns to London in the UK next month, but it’s a huge event for the industry worldwide where innovation comes to the fore and the future is literally paraded in front of our eyes. The three-day event offers conferences, seminars, networking and much more from companies around the world, and, of course, Canada is represented.

There’s a reason why the reach of Totally Gaming is so vast, as it encompasses online casinos, sports betting, social gaming and street gaming amongst other areas, bringing together the best minds and freshest technology into one place. Last year there were 23,506 attendees from 156 countries, and although Canadians represented just 0.93% of that, the fact that 218 of us (yes, I did the math) were willing to make that trip shows just how important it is to the industry, even over 6,000km away.

But why is that trip worthwhile, and will 2015 be value for money if you’ve got vested interests in gaming, technology and the business behind it? With the amount of knowledge on offer for the ticket price, I’d have to say yes.

ICE Totally Gaming 2014 Recap
This year’s seminars – which are all free to attend – include information on emerging and growing markets such as Bitcoins and Cryptocurrencies, expert knowledge from the likes of the International Masters of Gaming, and informative start-up workshops which can help build networks with mentors and even open business-to-business dialogue. You can pitch your own business to ICE to get some floor time, and there are heads of industry there that make it a must for anybody with an idea or a business plan, or even just a desire to make it in the field.

One of the seminars sure to be a big hit is the aforementioned Bitcoins and Cryptocurrencies offering, with notable industry figures taking to the podium for various sessions. As the world of money online is constantly changing, arming yourself with knowledge is one of the best weapons. Jon Matonis, board director of the Bitcoin Foundation, will open things up and delve into why cryptocurrencies have been so well adopted. Further to that, you can learn about risk management, boosting business, regulation and more. Having all this information in one place would be invaluable.

The Bright Group's Raif Oymen — The Bright Group’s Raif Oymen

It’s not the only one sure to instill potentially revolutionary ideas on the attendees, however. The workshops and mentorship for start-ups feature some successful names already well embedded in the gaming industry, who will be dispensing advise on getting your business of the ground and, more importantly, keeping it afloat. Martyn Evans of Unboxed Consulting talks lean start-ups, Phil Smith of Joelson Wilson will discuss the merits of London for a new business, and there are more workshops for crowdsourcing, licencing and finances. For more details on all of these information-packed seminars, you can look here.

Leading companies like IGT choose the event as a premiere for their freshest ideas, and the big internationals make sure it’s a part of their calendar. “ICE is a really good opportunity,” said The Bright Group’s Raif Oymen, who will be exhibiting after travelling all the way from Australia.

If you have to be at the forefront of emerging technology and know where the cutting edge of the gaming markets is then it should be a key date in your calendar. Even more importantly, if your career aspirations or business future relies on the gaming sector then there won’t be a bigger, more beneficial way to spend three days in the whole year.

Supplemental- Mapping the Future of Gaming

Gaming

World’s First Hybrid Gaming Monitor

November 10, 2014 The Silo Leave a comment

XL2420G Pushes the Limits of Competitive Play

BenQ America, an internationally renowned provider of visual display solutions and a gaming monitor pioneer, today announced the availability of its revolutionary XL2420G monitor. Featuring NVIDIA’s G-SYNC technology, the newest force in gaming allows players to entirely eliminate performance issues related to image tearing, stuttering, and latency — providing gamers with the ultimate in smooth, fast-action play. Unlike any other G-SYNC monitor, the XL2420G gives users the freedom to switch between BenQ’s proprietary Classic Mode and G-SYNC Mode to create a customizable solution that’s made to conquer opponents in any gaming situation.

“Giving players the ability to select between gameplay modes offers customization advantages that are currently unequaled in the marketplace,” said Bob Wudeck, Associate Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for BenQ America Corp. “When paired with BenQ’s RevolutionEyes technology, the XL2420G provides a hybrid experience which is both blazingly fast and incredibly comfortable. With the launch of this long-awaited innovation, BenQ is proud to be behind one of the most significant advancements in the history of competitive gaming technology.”

Equipped with an innovative hybrid engine, BenQ’s XL2420G is the new apex of virtual gaming. Featuring a wide 24-inch screen, amazingly fast 1ms GTG response time, and crisp LED display, the advanced monitor allows users to select between two new gaming modes: G-SYNC Mode, which ensures that images appear instantly the moment they are rendered, and BenQ’s proprietary Classic Mode for added versatility during gaming settings unsupported by G-SYNC. Users simply switch their input cables to match their gaming requirements — elevating gameplay to an entirely new level.

To increase visual comfort, the XL2420G features BenQ’s RevolutionEyes™ technology. Using ZeroFlicker™ capabilities, the monitor eliminates traditional LED flicker issues and supports eSports enthusiasts in longer gaming sessions by providing more comfort during competitive action. The RevolutionEyes monitor also features BenQ’s Black eQualizer, which enables total gaming visibility by allowing players to adjust brightness without over-exposing white levels, revealing critical combat details with improved visibility in darkened areas. In addition, the monitor brings an ultra-fast 144Hz refresh rate for faster pixel rates to give players complete control over any gaming experience.

For even more gaming comfort, BenQ’s latest innovation is equipped with Low Blue Light technology. Designed to manage the exposure of blue spectrum light, the monitor helps to protect players’ eyes during extended periods by providing several adjustable low blue light levels that automatically adjust emission without affecting picture quality. For setup flexibility, the monitors are fully height-adjustable and feature an intuitive on-screen user interface and controller, allowing gamers to save and quickly access their gaming preferences.

Now shipping, the XL2420G retails at US$649. More information on the full line of BenQ products is available at www.BenQ.us.

Gaming

Writer Releasing Video Arcade Game Dragon’s Lair Book

July 18, 2013 The Silo Leave a comment

Brantford, ON. The Personal Computer Museum is publishing a brand new book called “Collecting for Dragon’s Lair and Space Ace” (ISBN 978-1490383583) that covers two of the most loved LaserDisc video games ever made. Dragon’s Lair officially turned 30 years old on June 19, 2013.

Written by Syd Bolton, who (according to the CBC) has the largest collection of video games in Canada.

Collecting for Dragon’s Lair and Space Ace not only chronicles the hundreds of home releases of games, clothing, collectible merchandise, magazines, toys and more, but also includes an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes information on the development of the games which continue to see home releases right up until this year.

“Along with an introduction that’ll likely slap a nostalgic smile across your face, Syd Bolton has exhaustively aggregated and annotated virtually every Dragon’s Lair and Space Ace video game and merchandise known to modern man” says Marc Saltzman, syndicated gaming and technology columnist, author, TV and radio show host. “While it’s a specialist’s book, game enthusiasts, retro fans, and old folks will find it a fun read” says Steven Kent, noted video game historian and author of “The Ultimate History of Video Games”.

The book will ship next week (July 24, 2013) and can be ordered through the website

www.collectingfor.com, which will contain support materials for the book shortly. The book will also be available on Amazon.com next week. It is 170 pages, 8.5″x11″, full color and perfect bound.

Dragon’s Lair recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and was the first fully animated LaserDisc video game. It generated millions in sales and revived, for a short time, the ailing arcade industry. The follow-up, Space Ace, was released in the Spring of 1984. Unfortunately, the arcade business continued to decline. Both games have been available for home computers and game consoles since 1984 spanning hundreds of releases and also spawned many related items.

Interest in the franchise has continued to this day and there is even a new documentary film “Inside the Dragon’s Lair” in the works which is expected to release in 2014. For the Silo, by Syd Bolton.

Gaming

Ontario Lottery & Gaming Report To Government Pushed For Modernization

March 12, 2012 The Silo Leave a comment

OLGpressreleaseLibs — The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) developed a powerful analytic tool to provide instant access to billions of lottery transactions dating back to 1999. Dubbed the Data Analytic and Retrieval Technology (DART), OLG developed the solution in six months for about CAN$1.1 million (U.S.$1.15 million) with Microsoft and HP supporting technologies—a sharp contrast to the three-to-five years and more than $10 million needed with other BI solutions evaluated by OLG. Searches that used to take weeks can now be done in seconds. With the DART tool, OLG can identify play patterns to confirm legitimate winners and identify potentially fraudulent behavior and claims. DART builds on other OLG antifraud and player protection initiatives, delivering on the organization's pledge to better inform and protect those who play its games and lotteries.

OLG to Modernize Gaming- New Strategic Direction Will Create Jobs, Support Schools and Hospitals The Ontario government has received a report from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) that proposes modernization of the system, an increase in its revenues by more than $1 billion a year, and the creation of 2,300 net new jobs in the gaming industry and nearly 4,000 additional jobs in the hospitality and retail sectors by 2017-18.

With internet-based gaming growing, a higher Canadian dollar and U.S. border communities building their own gaming sites, our gaming system has to change. These reforms will modernize gaming in Ontario by allowing safe, responsible access to gaming opportunities.

The government has directed the OLG to implement a number of the proposals:

 Reconfigure the number of gaming sites and tailor the types of gaming activities made available at each site
 Launch multi-lane sales of lottery tickets at major retail outlets, including grocery stores
 Increase operational efficiencies by expanding the role of the private sector
 Stop annual payments to the horse racing industry by ending the Slots at Racetracks program on March 31, 2013, and allowing slot facilities to be located more strategically
 Implement a new fee model for municipalities hosting gaming sites; and
 Allow one new casino in the GTA, subject to an OLG business case and municipal approval.

The government will also enhance its responsible gambling programming. http://knowyourlimit.ca/PDF/Policies_and_Programs_ENG.pdf

These initiatives will allow OLG to meet the demands of a changing gaming marketplace.

QUOTES

“We are focused, more than ever, on balancing the budget while continuing to provide the best education and health care in the world. Modernizing OLG’s operations and business model is an example of how we are ensuring our assets are delivering the greatest value to taxpayers.”
– Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance

QUICK FACTS

 OLG is the biggest non-tax revenue generating Crown agency in Ontario, and the largest gaming organization – and jurisdiction – in North America, with 27 gaming sites and 10,000 lottery points of sale.
 In July 2010, the government directed OLG to undertake a review of its land-based gaming operations and lottery distribution network, to see how revenue from these could be optimized. The government’s plan to transform how OLG does business is a result of this review.
 Eight million people in Ontario play lotteries at least once every year, and 2.7 million Ontarians went to an OLG gaming site at least once last year.
 OLG generated $2 billion in net revenue for the province in 2010-11.
 Since 1975, OLG lotteries, and OLG Slots and Casinos have generated more than $28 billion for Ontario.
 Since 1998, OLG has provided nearly $3.7 billion to horseracing in Ontario through the Slots-at-Racetracks program. This year’s payment is estimated to be $345 million. That’s more than is spent on road safety or water safety. It’s also enough money to pay for more than two million house calls from doctors, nine million hours of home care or 27,800 hip or knee replacement surgeries.
 Provincial proceeds from gaming activities help support key government services, including health care and education.
 Ontario spends nearly $50 million annually on problem gambling treatment, prevention and research – more than any other jurisdiction in North America.

LEARN MORE
Read about the changes OLG is making to lottery and gaming in Ontario http://www.olg.ca/assets/documents/media/backgrounder_gaming.pdf
Learn more about OLG’s customers http://www.olg.ca/assets/documents/media/backgrounder_customers.pdf
See how revenue generated by OLG goes to help all Ontarians http://www.olg.ca/assets/documents/media/backgrounder_why_gaming_is_important.pdf
See how the OLG promotes responsible gambling.http://www.knowyourlimit.ca/

FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES CALL:
1-800-337-7222
www.ontario.ca/finance-news Disponible en français

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