Tuesday, 4 October 2016


SteelSeries Launches Arctis Headset Line - Challenges Gaming Audio Stereotypes
New family of revolutionary headsets deliver flagship-level comfort, microphone and sound as a standard across entire line


SteelSeriesleader and innovator in gaming peripherals, unveils the Arctis line, a selection of three gaming headsets that shatter preconceived notions of what a gaming headset should sound, feel and look like. The Arctis lineup reimagines the gaming headset through a complete overhaul of traditional gaming designs and headset technologies.

With Arctis, SteelSeries questioned everything about gaming headsets and challenged the features that have become gaming headset stereotypes. The company is taking a stand and making a promise to gamers that Arctis will always:
·      Deliver great audio quality for gaming, music, movies and more
·      Represent design-forward thinking and timeless style, instead of looking like a bulky toy
·      Include a microphone that delivers exceptionally clear and natural-sounding voice communication
·      Deliver the best technology in every model of the line, regardless of price

“Arctis is not a gaming headset. It is a headset line for gamers”, said Ehtisham Rabbani, SteelSeries CEO. “That is how we approached the new audio line-up – with a fresh perspective as to who our customers really are and what they want. Brands have been distracting gamers for far too long with meaningless specification races and options that encourage spending more in order to get gaming-level quality. Arctis changes that”.

The Best Sound and Microphone in Gaming
Arctis emerged from the belief that gamers should only have to choose between the features that best suit them, and not sacrifice the quality of the product. SteelSeries challenged every past industry decision and set a new standard of excellence by incorporating the company’s flagship speakers and the new ClearCast microphone.


The ClearCast microphone found in each Arctis headset is another leap forward in gaming technology;

“Even the most popular gaming headsets on the market featured gaming microphones that have been mediocre at best”, states Rabbani. “We truly believe that the industry has been approaching headset microphones completely wrong, so we questioned it. Why not look into a different type of microphone that would exceed gamers’ expectations?”

All Arctis models feature a reengineered, retractable bi-directional microphone called ClearCast – a SteelSeries exclusive noise-canceling microphone that delivers incredibly clear voice communication, focusing on the user’s speech while acoustically eliminating virtually all background and surrounding noise.  

Comfort Without Compromise
SteelSeries questioned everything when developing the Arctis line. The result is a new ski goggle suspension headband and ear cushions with exclusive athletics-inspired AirWeave fabric.

“We took inspiration from athletic brands and incorporated elements that performed exceptionally under stressful circumstances”, says, Ehtisham Rabbani, CEO of SteelSeries.  “Our exclusive AirWeave material combines the breathability and moisture-wicking ability of athletic fabrics with the sound isolating qualities of leather – it’s the best of both worlds”.

Every Arctis headset comes with the new ski goggle suspension design, featuring an adjustable and removable headband that comfortably stretches to fit heads of all shapes and sizes.  The patented headband design evenly distributes weight across the top of the head to prevent pressure points, even after prolonged use.

Celebrating a New Generation of Gamers
The desire to acknowledge that gamers are dynamic individuals with different personalities and interests was a driving force behind the product development. The Arctis lineup celebrates the passions that drive each gamer by providing them with an elegant canvas to customise and personalise.

“Gaming alone does not define gamers”, adds Rabbani. “The Arctis does not impose preconceived notions of what gamers like, but offers a blank canvas that allows them to express themselves and dictate what gaming should look like for them”.

SteelSeries’ award-winning suspension design also becomes customisable on the Arctis headsets, exchanging the traditional Siberia suspension with a new ski-google suspension headband. SteelSeries will offer a variety of different colours, patterns and an artist-series of headband styles that can be purchased exclusively on SteelSeries.com.  

Unique Selection
Arctis features three unique headsets with the same outstanding comfort and performance, allowing gamers to choose their model based on additional features.  Arctis 3 outperforms all other headsets in its class. The analog wired headset is equipped with 7.1 surround sound and is fully compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, VR and mobile devices.

The Arctis 5 is an illuminated wired headset with customisable Prism RGB illumination and a USB connector cable with a ChatMix Control dial for quick access to in-game chat volume. Featuring DTS Headphone: X 7.1 digital surround, the Arctis 5 is also multiplatform allowing gamers to switch effortlessly from the USB connection on their PC to a 3.5mm connection for laptops, tablets, mobile gaming listening to music and more.

The lag-free wireless Arctis 7 is also equipped with an on-ear ChatMix Dial, and showcases a full-wrap ski-goggle suspension design to further highlight the headband. Its steady, low-latency wireless connectivity is engineered for gaming, while a rechargeable 15-hour battery and a 40ft range elevate the headsets prime wireless features.

The Arctis 3, Arctis 5, and Arctis 7 gaming headsets are now available exclusively at SteelSeries.com for £89.99, £109.99 and £159.99 respectively. For more details about the Arctis or SteelSeries’ entire selection of gaming accessories, visit www.SteelSeries.com.



Arctis 3
Arctis 5
Arctis 7
Standard Features
Ski Goggle Suspension Band
Auto-Adjust Hinged Hanger Design
AirWeave Ear Cushions
SteelSeries ClearCast Microphone
Premium Audio Drivers
Multi-Platform – PC, Console, VR and Mobile
On-Ear Audio Controls
Audio Share Jack

SteelSeries Engine software – profiles, EQ settings, mic settings+

Arctis 3
Arctis 5
Arctis 7
Unique Features
Analog Wired
Illuminated Wired
Wireless
SteelSeries 7.1 Surround Sound
DTS Headphone: X 7.1 Surround Sound
DTS Headphone: X 7.1 Surround Sound
Half Wrap Headband
Half Wrap Headband
Full Wrap Headband

USB ChatMix Control
Zero Latency Wireless

Prism RGB Illumination
On-Ear ChatMix Dial


15 Hour Battery Life


40ft / 12.m Wireless Range




£89.99 / $79.99 / €99.99
£109.99 / $99.99 / €119.99
£159.99 / $149.99 / €179.99



Xbox UK extends line up of FIFA 17 and Battlefield 1 Special Edition Bundles

Today we announced details and availability of two new EA SPORTS FIFA 17 and Battlefield 1 Xbox One S Bundles. The Special Edition Bundles will both be available in Storm Grey and Deep Blue colours and some are available now for pre-order from GAME and Argos (selected styles available at each retailer).

Xbox One S is the only console available today with built-in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and 4K video streaming plus High Dynamic Range for video and gaming. With all the biggest blockbusters this year, including more than 100 console exclusives, a growing catalogue of more than 250 titles playable through Backward Compatibility on Xbox One and the fastest, most reliable gaming network with Xbox Live, Xbox One S is the ultimate games and 4K entertainment system for all gamers. And the best part of all? It starts at £249.99. 

Xbox One S FIFA 17 Bundle (500GB Storm Grey)


Exclusive to GAME, the special edition Storm Grey is available for pre order now and will hit store shelves on 28 Oct. The bundle will retail for £249.99 ERP.

Xbox One S FIFA 17 Bundle (500GB Deep Blue)



















Exclusive to Argos, the special edition Deep Blue will hit store shelves on 28 Oct. The bundle will retail for £249.99 ERP.

Both Bundles include a full-game download of FIFA 17, three Ultimate Team Loaned Legends, one month of EA Access and the most compact Xbox yet, the Xbox One S. Powered by Frostbite™, FIFA 17 delivers true-to-life action, takes players to new football worlds, introduces characters full of depth and emotion, and immerses you in authentic football experiences like FIFA 17’s The Journey, a brand new cinematic and narrative-driven mode. And with EA Access, play EA games for a limited time before they’re released and get unlimited access to The Vault, exclusively on Xbox One.

Xbox One S Battlefield 1 Bundle (500GB Storm Grey)


Exclusive to GAME, the special edition Storm Grey is available for pre order now and will hit store shelves on 21 Oct. The bundle will retail for £249.99 ERP.



Xbox One S Battlefield 1 Bundle (500GB Deep Blue)
Exclusive to GAME, the special edition Deep Blue is available for pre order now and will hit store shelves on 21 Oct. The bundle will retail for £249.99 ERP.

With the availability of Battlefield 1 Xbox One S Storm Grey and Deep Blue Bundles, GAME offers Battlefield 1 fans the full range of Xbox One S colours, as it already offers the 1TB Military Green Special Edition Bundle.
Players can join a world of discovery and epic warfare through ever-changing multiplayer battles with up to 64 players on Xbox Live. Fight as infantry or take control of amazing vehicles on land, air and sea, and adapt your gameplay to the most dynamic battles in Battlefield history. All the Battlefield 1 Bundles also come with one month of EA Access.

All Xbox One S Bundles available in the UK

Console bundle
Hard drive and colour
Price
Availability
Where to buy?





FIFA17
Xbox One S FIFA 17 500GB Bundle (Robot White)
£249.99
Available now
All Retail including Microsoft Store

Xbox One S FIFA 17 1TB Bundle (Robot White)
£299.99
Available now
All Retail including Microsoft Store
Xbox One S FIFA 17 Special Edition 500GB Bundle (Storm Grey)
£249.99
Pre-order now, avilable 28thOctober
Exclusive to GAME
Xbox One S FIFA 17 Special Edition 500GB Bundle (Deep Blue)
£249.99
Available 28thOctober
Exclusive to Argos



Gears of War 4
Xbox One S Gears of War 4 1TB Bundle (Robot White)
£299.99
Pre-order now, available 11thOctober
All Retail including Microsoft Store
Xbox One S Gears of War 4 2TB Limited Edition Bundle (Custom Red)
£399.99
Pre-order now, available 6thOctober

Minecraft
Xbox One S Minecraft 500GB Bundle (Robot White)
£249.99
Pre-order now, available 21st October
All Retail including Microsoft Store







Battlefield 1
Xbox One S Battlefield 1 500GB Bundle (Robot White)
£249.99
Pre-order now, available 13thOctober
All Retail including Microsoft Store
Xbox One S Battlefield 1 1TB Special Edition Bundle (Military Green)
£299.99
Pre-order now, available 21st October
Exclusive to GAME
Xbox One S Battlefield 1 500GB Special Edition Bundle  (Storm Grey)
£249.99
Pre-order now, available 21st October
Exclusive to GAME
Xbox One S Battlefield 1 500GB Special Edition Bundle (Deep Blue)
£249.99
Pre-order now, available 21st October
Exclusive to GAME

As always, check with your local GAME or Argos retailer for more information regarding availability.

Rockstar Energy Drink Launches Largest Game Promotion to Date with Custom Gears of War 4 Cans

The Gears of War franchise has inspired many artists over the years to create their own interpretations of the series’ iconic art style, and this Autumn, Xbox UK is partnering with one of the world’s most popular energy drink brands to deliver something special for fans. Today, Rockstar Energy Drink and Xbox UK unveiled the Gears of War 4 collector’s edition can featuring an original design by artist Jesse Hernandez who was inspired by the blockbuster videogame franchise.

Jesse was hand selected by the Coalition and Rockstar Energy to capture the authentic vibe of both brands. The design will feature on cans of Rockstar Energy Original available at retail stores across the UK this Autumn

“The universe of Gears is all its own; both the game world and the art that it’s inspired,” said Mike Rapson, Xbox Games Category Manager. “For over 10 years, Gears has been fortunate to collaborate with many of the artists we admire including and most recently tattoo artist Steve Soto, comics legend Tony Moore (The Walking Dead, Batman), composer Ramin Djawadi (Iron Man, Game of Thrones), and hip-hop duo Run the Jewels. The Rockstar Energy programme allowed us to develop relationships with a wide range of new artists over the past year, and we’re proud to include Jesse to the Gears family.”

Starting on October 1, you’ll be able to Gear-Up and collect under-the-tab codes found on any collector’s edition can. Every code entered at GEARS4.ROCKSTARENERGY.COM unlocks exclusive in-game content inspired by the collector’s edition art and also earns entries for the chance to win over 500 prizes including Xbox One S consoles and games.

“Fueling the passions of consumers has always been at the core of Rockstar Energy Drink.  In partnership with the Gears of War franchise, together we are bringing fans a range of authentic content to enhance their gaming experience. We’re excited for fans to start Gearing Up,” said Jason May, EVP of Marketing at Rockstar Energy Drink.

Finally, fans of the artwork can download desktop wallpapers for their PC, tablet or mobile device from xbox.com.


Burn New Rubber with the Forza Horizon 3 Smoking Tire Pack

The roads of Australia are now open for adventure in “Forza Horizon 3,” and we’re bringing you our first monthly DLC pack – The Smoking Tire Car Pack - featuring seven new-to-Forza vehicles that are bound to inspire new adventures Down Under.

Firstly, the Vulcan hypercar from Aston Martin; a car whose outer beauty is unmistakable, but can best be appreciated behind the wheel. In the wings are supercars from around the world, including the ultimate expression of Pagani’s famed Huayra hypercar and BMW’s latest M-class masterpiece. Additionally, the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, a true cop-car that is ready to give chase or power you to victory in a circuit race. If that isn’t enough, the classic Jeep CJ5 has arrived ready for all that Australia’s back country can dish out.

The Smoking Tire Car Pack is the first monthly car pack to arrive in the Forza Horizon 3 Car Pass, which is available as a separate purchase or as part of the Ultimate Edition of “Forza Horizon 3.” For one price, you can get access to all six of the DLC packs that will be arriving in the game from this October through March 2017.

That’s 42 vehicles total, representing the kind of automotive variety and fun you expect from a Forza game. The Smoking Tire Car Pack is also available as a standalone purchase for £7.99 ERP in the Xbox Store.

Be sure to head over to ForzaMotorsport.net to check out the full roster of cars available in the Smoking Tire Car Pack.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Launches Mortal Kombat XL for PC

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that Mortal Kombat XLfor PC is available now for purchase. Originally developed by NetherRealm Studios,Mortal Kombat XL is adapted for PC by QLOC and offers an expanded version of the critically acclaimed Mortal Kombat X, which was honored as Fighting Game of the Year by the 19th D.I.C.E. Awards and The Game Awards 2015.  Also available today, current owners of Mortal Kombat X on PC can download the latest patch for free, giving players access to the enhanced netcode that was available in the recent beta test for the game.

Mortal Kombat XL offers the ultimate Mortal Kombat X experience that includes the main game and all content featured in Kombat Pack 2:
  • Brand new playable characters the Xenomorph from Alien, Leatherface fromThe Texas Chainsaw Massacre horror film series, Triborg and Bo’Rai Cho
  • Apocalypse Skin Pack
  • Previously released content including playable Goro, Brazil Skin Pack, Kold War Skin Pack and Kold War Scorpion Skin
Also included with Mortal Kombat XL are previously released downloadable content from the original Kombat Pack:
  • Playable characters Predator, Jason Voorhees, Tremor and Tanya, with each accompanied by three themed skins
  • Samurai Skin Pack
Mortal Kombat X is NetherRealm Studios’ most recent installment in its legendary, critically acclaimed fighting game franchise that propels the iconic franchise into a new generation.  The game combines cinematic presentation with all new gameplay to deliver the most brutal Kombat experience ever, offering a new fully-connected experience that launches players into a persistent online contest where every fight matters in a global battle for supremacy.  For the first time, Mortal Kombat X gives players the ability to choose from multiple variations of each character impacting both strategy and fighting style. Players step into an original story showcasing some of the game’s most prolific characters including Scorpion and Sub-Zero, while introducing new challengers that represent the forces of good and evil and tie the tale together.     

2K Reveals Mafia III – The World of New Bordeaux – The New Mob

2K and Hangar 13 today released Mafia III – The World of New Bordeaux – The New Mob, the latest in a series of videos detailing a variety of exciting features in Mafia III.


In Mafia III – The World of New Bordeaux – The New Mob, learn how Lincoln Clay found uneasy allies among other victims of Sal Marcano’s tyrannical reign over New Bordeaux. Quickly, Lincoln recruited these allies into a variously-talented corps of underbosses, assembling his own family to exact revenge.

Mafia III  will be available October 7, 2016 for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC.  Mafia III  is rated PEGI 18. For more information on Mafia III, subscribe on  YouTube, follow us on  Twitter, become a fan on  Facebook and visit http://MafiaGame.com.

HITMAN – The Sarajevo Six – The Mercenary

6 BONUS CONTRACTS – The Sarajevo Six – only on PlayStation®4


The fifth target from The Sarajevo Six is available now with the launch of Episode 5: Colorado.



Your target is PATRICK MORGAN, former member of the CICADA Deniable Operations unit SIGMA, and is an expert in a wide range of combat techniques.

ICA files indicate that your target is a lethal combatant, who expects the worst following the mysterious deaths of four of his old unit.

PS4 players get exclusive access to The Sarajevo Six. These are six bonus contracts that tell a self-contained side-story revolving around former members of a paramilitary unit called CICADA.

Agent 47 will travel the world in pursuit of his targets, with one bonus contract available in each location from the game.

Visit hitman.com for more information on HITMAN and the Sarajevo Six.