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Benefits of cloud adoption for the media & entertainment industry

The creation and delivery of media using cloud infrastructure is a paradigm shift, and one of the most significant technological changes the media and entertainment (M&E) sector has seen in the last two decades.

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Brigade Marketing, LLC

BRIGADE is a leading full-service entertainment marketing firm spanning the digital, creative, media and publicity realms. Since our inception in 2010, we have quickly evolved into a trusted marketing partner for studios, television networks, filmmakers, festivals and production companies.

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Media and Broadcasting

Netflix versus Amazon Prime Video – depth versus breadth

Article | June 14, 2021

The first half of 2021 has been a year of continued change and disruption for subscription video. The global incumbent subscription video on demand (SVOD) leaders, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, have been busy signalling to the financial markets how they intend to entrench their market dominance in light of the ongoing market acquisition pushes unleashed by the D2C disruptors following the D2C ‘big bang’ moment of Q4 2019 – Q2 2021. Netflix announced in January that it was no longer going to borrow on the financial markets to fund its day-to-day operations – specifically for its content acquisition budget, which is now driven predominately by commissioning original content for its service. This leaves the SVOD leader with $14.9 billion of outstanding long-term debt to service as it seeks to live within its means by commissioning future content from its ongoing cashflow. In Q1 2021 alone Netflix spent $500 million on servicing this debt pile versus $1.7 billion in net income generated over the same period.

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Media and Broadcasting

Hi-Res audio: It’s all about a maturing market

Article | May 21, 2021

Music streaming contrasts sharply with video streaming. While the video marketplace is characterised by unique catalogues, a variety of pricing and diverse value propositions music streaming services are all at their core fundamentally the same product. When the market was in its hyper-growth phase and there were enough new users to go around, it did not matter too much that the streaming services only had branding, curation and interface to differentiate themselves from each other. Now that we are approaching a slowdown in the high-revenue developed markets, more is needed. Which is where Hi-Res comes in.

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Media and Broadcasting, Business

Stride Is Mirror’s Edge VR In Everything But Name

Article | August 4, 2022

Ever since the Oculus Rift was first introduced, people have wanted a Mirror’s Edge VR game. Years later, Stride looks to deliver where EA hasn’t. The first footage for Stride, which debuted over the weekend, promises essentially a VR doppelganger of DICE’s beloved series. Players hop between rooftops using parkour, avoiding enemy gunfire and taking opponents down as they go. But while the game sounds similar to Mirror’s Edge, it looks practically identical; bleached-white buildings are peppered with vibrantly-highlighted objects you can use for progression.

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Technologies, Virtualization

3 Applications of AI in the Entertainment Industry

Article | August 2, 2022

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry has automated time-consuming mundane tasks and increased proficiency in delivering winning content to drive engagement. Production businesses can make informed decisions on marketing and advertising because AI can examine critical data and provide important insights into consumer behavior. Let us look at three other important applications of AI in the entertainment industry: Content Personalization Made Easy Streaming websites like Spotify and Netflix contribute content that attracts a diverse audience with different tastes and choices. They are adopting AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze individual user performance and demographics to promote content that users are interested in. Such personalized content recommendations create audience engagement. AI also helps optimize video quality based on how fast the internet is in a certain place so that streaming works without buffering. Streamlined Movie Production Processes The movie production process is time-consuming and complex. Using AI can help automate processes like sound production, storyboarding, scheduling, and pre-production tasks. It can also automatically sync and group filmed clips. Machine learning has graphics and visual effects that can be used to make fictional characters look better. Subtitle Generation for International Communications Content publishing businesses need to cater to an audience from various regions. Multilingual subtitles make this interaction easier. Manual transcription is time-consuming and requires expensive human resources that businesses cannot afford. Also, human error and variable efficiency are issues that can tamper with customer experience. Any kind of delay in presenting subtitles can put the audio-video-subtitles out of sync. AI prevents such mishaps through speech and vocabulary integration in conversations using neural interfaces. Last Words Apart from the implementation of AI in entertainment, the development of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) apps will make the customer experience immersive and captivating. Moreover, AI-based chatbots can be used for promotional operations for books, films, artists, and TV shows. Platforms in the entertainment sector involve AI to efficiently enhance user engagement and production rates.

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Media and Broadcasting

Games video creators can help attract new audiences to esports, if rights holders empower them to

Article | June 14, 2021

The first half of 2021 has been a year of continued change and disruption for subscription video. The global incumbent subscription video on demand (SVOD) leaders, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, have been busy signalling to the financial markets how they intend to entrench their market dominance in light of the ongoing market acquisition pushes unleashed by the D2C disruptors following the D2C ‘big bang’ moment of Q4 2019 – Q2 2021. Netflix announced in January that it was no longer going to borrow on the financial markets to fund its day-to-day operations – specifically for its content acquisition budget, which is now driven predominately by commissioning original content for its service. This leaves the SVOD leader with $14.9 billion of outstanding long-term debt to service as it seeks to live within its means by commissioning future content from its ongoing cashflow. In Q1 2021 alone Netflix spent $500 million on servicing this debt pile versus $1.7 billion in net income generated over the same period.

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Media and Broadcasting

Hi-Res audio: It’s all about a maturing market

Article | May 21, 2021

Music streaming contrasts sharply with video streaming. While the video marketplace is characterised by unique catalogues, a variety of pricing and diverse value propositions music streaming services are all at their core fundamentally the same product. When the market was in its hyper-growth phase and there were enough new users to go around, it did not matter too much that the streaming services only had branding, curation and interface to differentiate themselves from each other. Now that we are approaching a slowdown in the high-revenue developed markets, more is needed. Which is where Hi-Res comes in.

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Media and Broadcasting, Business

Boost Your B2B SaaS Business with Live Streaming

Article | August 4, 2022

Ever since the Oculus Rift was first introduced, people have wanted a Mirror’s Edge VR game. Years later, Stride looks to deliver where EA hasn’t. The first footage for Stride, which debuted over the weekend, promises essentially a VR doppelganger of DICE’s beloved series. Players hop between rooftops using parkour, avoiding enemy gunfire and taking opponents down as they go. But while the game sounds similar to Mirror’s Edge, it looks practically identical; bleached-white buildings are peppered with vibrantly-highlighted objects you can use for progression.

Read More
Technologies, Virtualization

3 Applications of AI in the Entertainment Industry

Article | August 2, 2022

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry has automated time-consuming mundane tasks and increased proficiency in delivering winning content to drive engagement. Production businesses can make informed decisions on marketing and advertising because AI can examine critical data and provide important insights into consumer behavior. Let us look at three other important applications of AI in the entertainment industry: Content Personalization Made Easy Streaming websites like Spotify and Netflix contribute content that attracts a diverse audience with different tastes and choices. They are adopting AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze individual user performance and demographics to promote content that users are interested in. Such personalized content recommendations create audience engagement. AI also helps optimize video quality based on how fast the internet is in a certain place so that streaming works without buffering. Streamlined Movie Production Processes The movie production process is time-consuming and complex. Using AI can help automate processes like sound production, storyboarding, scheduling, and pre-production tasks. It can also automatically sync and group filmed clips. Machine learning has graphics and visual effects that can be used to make fictional characters look better. Subtitle Generation for International Communications Content publishing businesses need to cater to an audience from various regions. Multilingual subtitles make this interaction easier. Manual transcription is time-consuming and requires expensive human resources that businesses cannot afford. Also, human error and variable efficiency are issues that can tamper with customer experience. Any kind of delay in presenting subtitles can put the audio-video-subtitles out of sync. AI prevents such mishaps through speech and vocabulary integration in conversations using neural interfaces. Last Words Apart from the implementation of AI in entertainment, the development of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) apps will make the customer experience immersive and captivating. Moreover, AI-based chatbots can be used for promotional operations for books, films, artists, and TV shows. Platforms in the entertainment sector involve AI to efficiently enhance user engagement and production rates.

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Spotlight

Brigade Marketing, LLC

BRIGADE is a leading full-service entertainment marketing firm spanning the digital, creative, media and publicity realms. Since our inception in 2010, we have quickly evolved into a trusted marketing partner for studios, television networks, filmmakers, festivals and production companies.

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Media and Broadcasting

HyperX is Official Sponsor of TwitchCon: Experience the Ultimate Streamer Station Powered by HyperX and OMEN

PR Newswire | October 17, 2023

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, along with OMEN Gaming, today announced its role as the Official Sponsor of the TwitchCon Streamer Station, including a planned special appearance of Zedd, global music artist and HyperX ambassador at the streamer station. This unique collaboration between HyperX and HP OMEN offers TwitchCon attendees the opportunity to experience the latest HyperX products designed for gaming streamers and content creators, along with cutting-edge OMEN PC and monitor products. Also taking front stage at TwitchCon is HyperX’s annual talent program Queued Up, showcasing emerging streamers and innovative streaming solutions with special voting for the next class of 2024. Zedd, global music artist, producer and HyperX ambassador, is planned for a special guest appearance Saturday, October 21 at the HyperX Streamer Lounge. As a global HyperX ambassador, Zedd will be connecting with fans and celebrating his love for gaming. The TwitchCon Streamer Station will feature a range of products for attendees to test out on the show floor, including the HyperX Vision S Webcam, delivering quality 4K video and low light performance, the HyperX Audio Mixer Audio Interface, designed for mixing multiple audio inputs, and the Cloud III headset, engineered for supreme comfort, audio performance and durability. In addition, OMEN PCs and monitors will be available at each station, adding to the experience and allowing attendees to hone their streaming prowess during the event. Daily sponsored live streams will be broadcasted straight from the Streamer Station, spotlighting gaming streamers and content creators from the HyperX ambassador lineup. “HyperX is excited to join TwitchCon this year as the official sponsor of the Streamer Station, giving visitors the opportunity to try out our new gaming streamer products,” said Ryan Romeos, director of marketing, HyperX. “The HyperX and OMEN collaboration at TwitchCon demonstrates HyperX’s continued support and dedication to the content creating community and efforts towards investing in new ways to improve gaming streamer and content creator experiences.” HyperX is also highlighting Queued Up at TwitchCon, an annual talent showcase program highlighting emerging streamers. A special voting period will take place allowing fans to cast their votes for their favorite streamer, who may then become part of the esteemed Top 5 of Queued Up 2023. The Top 5 will be revealed on the HyperX Twitch livestream on November 8th. For additional details, please visit the Queued Up landing page. In addition, HyperX plans to spotlight two new products designed for the streaming community that were recently announced in October. These products are the HyperX Vision S Webcam with 4K resolution and low lighting features and the HyperX Audio Mixer Audio Interface that allows creators to manage XLR microphones and other audio inputs used during gaming streams and creating content. Plus, professional-quality HyperX ProCast XLR microphones will be available to see and test during the show. Taking place Oct. 20 – 22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center – West Hall, TwitchCon 2023 show attendees are encouraged to visit the Streamer Station to explore the latest streaming equipment from HyperX and OMEN. By combining the power of HyperX and OMEN gaming brands, HP Inc. aims to elevate content development for gaming creators and streamers everywhere. For more information on HyperX products, visit hyperx.com. About HyperX For 20 years, HyperX’s mission has been to develop gaming solutions for every type of gamer and the company is consistently recognized for delivering products that provide superb comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. Under the tagline of “WE’RE ALL GAMERS,” HyperX gaming headsets, keyboards, mice, USB microphones, and console accessories are the choice of everyday gamers as well as celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, tech enthusiasts, and overclockers worldwide because they meet the most stringent product specifications and are built with best-in-class components. For more information, please go to www.hyperx.com. About HP HP Inc. is a technology company that believes one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world. Its product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions helps bring these ideas to life. HyperX and the HyperX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of HP Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All registered trademarks and trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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Applications

The future of immersive entertainment is now - the sphere experience premieres tomorrow

PR Newswire | October 12, 2023

Sphere Entertainment Co. will tomorrow debut The Sphere Experience, a signature content category featured at Sphere – the next-generation entertainment medium that opened in Las Vegas last week, capturing worldwide attention for its stunning visual displays and immersive technologies. The Sphere Experience is a new genre of live entertainment that will transform the shared experience and put Sphere's 22nd century immersive technologies on full display. The approximately two-hour program begins in the Atrium, which tells a universal story of how culture, technology, science, art, and the natural world have been intertwined throughout human history. Through one-of-a-kind immersive experiences created specifically for Sphere, guests will gain a better understanding of how technology amplifies our human potential. The Sphere Experience then continues in the main venue bowl for a muti-sensory cinematic experience at an unparalleled scale – Darren Aronofsky's Postcard from Earth. "Every aspect of Sphere was designed to transport audiences to new places, both real and imagined, and The Sphere Experience is where that vision comes together in its most integrated form," said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment. "From the moment guests enter the venue, Sphere's next-generation technologies will create an unforgettable journey, which includes a sci-fi exploration of our planet via Darren Aronofsky's Postcard from Earth." Darren Aronofsky said: "Sphere is a temple to the arts. It's not built for sports, it's built for performance and for this new moving image medium: this experiential cinema. I can't wait to share Postcard from Earth with the world." The Atrium The Sphere Experience journey is curated by five humanoid robots – named Aura – that serve as interactive guides to Sphere, each focusing on one fundamental aspect of human ability: connection, creativity, innovation, longevity, and productivity. Aura was developed using next-generation technology in robotic mechanics and artificial intelligence. Aura will guide guests through an interactive demonstration of Sphere Immersive Sound powered by HOLOPLOT which shows beamforming technology can simultaneously send unique audio content to specific locations, allowing guests to hear completely different content – such as languages or instruments. Sphere Immersive Sound is the most advanced concert-grade audio system in the world – using 3D audio beamforming technology and wave field synthesis to deliver targeted, crystal-clear and uniform audio to every seat in Sphere. Other immersive technology experiences in the Atrium include a 50-foot-high holographic installation that draws on the themes of Postcard from Earth, artwork created by machine learning, LED displays, and a 360-degree avatar capture that virtually puts guests on top of Sphere. Postcard from Earth The Atrium experience ties directly into the main cinematic feature – Postcard from Earth – a first-of-its-kind immersive film by Academy Award-nominated director Darren Aronofsky. Postcard from Earth is a portrait of our planet, re-imagined as a sci-fi experience. The film brings audiences on a voyage spanning all seven continents, and deep into the ocean, high into the mountains, into the eye of a storm, and out into space. Postcard from Earth takes full advantage of Sphere's experiential, next-generation technologies to transport audiences and engage the senses, making them feel like they have traveled to new worlds without ever leaving their seats in Las Vegas. This includes utilizing the interior LED display plane that wraps up, over, and around the audience to create a fully immersive visual environment. At 16K x 16K, it is the highest resolution LED screen on Earth. Through Sphere Immersive Sound, a variety of technologies, including beamforming, enable audio to be directed to specific locations at a volume that remains consistent – from point of origin to destination. Sphere's audio system also allows sound designers to create a virtual point of origin and place it in a precise spatial location – meaning audio can be directed to the listener so that it sounds close, even though the source is far away. Postcard from Earth is also the first production to feature the venue's multi-sensory 4D technologies. This includes immersive seats with an infrasound haptic system that will use deep vibrations so guests can feel the experience – such as the rumble of thunder or a soaring rocket launch. Sphere also utilizes environmental effects to rouse the senses – the feeling of a cool breeze and familiar scents – which help audiences conjure the feeling of being there. Credits for Postcard from Earth include: directed by Darren Aronofsky; written by Ari Handel & Darren Aronofsky; produced by Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel, Graham Booth; Executive Producer Jane Rosenthal; Director of Photography Matthew Libatique, ASC, LPS; Production Designer James Chinlund; Edited by Jennifer Lame, ACE; Supervising Producer Ronan Browne; Field Producer Richard Evans; Sphere Director of Photography Andrew Shulkind; Costume Designer Ane Crabtree; Music Concept by Rob Simonsen; Music Produced by Rob Simonsen and Ben Wynn; Music by Brendan Angelides, Judson Crane, Nathan Johnson, Rob Simonsen, Joseph Trapanese, Ben Wynn, Jeremy Zuckerman; Music Supervisor Julianne Jordan; Casting by Mary Vernieu and Bret Howe; Cast: Byron – Brandon Santana, Fang – Zaya Ribeiro. About Sphere: Sphere is a next-generation entertainment medium that is redefining the future of live entertainment. A venue where the foremost artists, creators, and technologists will create extraordinary experiences that take storytelling to a new level and transport audiences to places both real and imagined. The venue will host original Sphere Experiences from leading Hollywood directors; concerts and residencies from the world's biggest artists; and premier marquee events. The first Sphere venue opened in Las Vegas in September 2023, and is a new Las Vegas landmark, powered by cutting-edge technologies that ignite the senses and enable audiences to share experiences at a never-before-seen scale.

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Media and Broadcasting

Zynga’s Socialpoint Studio Launches Top Troops Worldwide

Business Wire | October 10, 2023

Zynga Inc., a wholly-owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced that its studio, Socialpoint, launched Top Troops, a new mobile game that blends mobile strategy, RPG, and merge mechanics to create a thrilling medieval fantasy adventure of combat and conquest. Top Troops transports players into the colorful Kingdom of King’s Bay as two feuding brothers lead their squads into colossal battles of good versus evil. Players are challenged to merge and battle their way to victory, utilizing endless combinations of strategies to create powerful squad-based armies. Each unit type, from Ninja Moles to Imperial Elves, can be leveled-up and combined strategically to create the perfect army for any challenge. Every choice that players make will determine the fate of their conquests. “Top Troops is a bold new step into the merge-and-battle genre that combines the best of both worlds with strategic gameplay," said Akshay Bharadwaj, Head of Socialpoint. “We invite players to unleash their inner commander by building powerful empires and leading assassins, necromancer rats, and mermen into combat. With its innovative gameplay and colorful universe, Top Troops is sure to appeal to fans who want the fun and excitement of tactical conquests.” “From the early days of our collaboration with Socialpoint to today’s launch, we are thrilled to finally bring Top Troops to life,” said Yaron Leyvand, Executive Vice President of Games at Zynga. “Top Troops is Socialpoint’s first worldwide launch under the Zynga label following our 2022 combination with Take-Two Interactive. Combining Zynga’s expertise and resources with Socialpoint’s success in mobile development and live operations, Top Troops will help to usher in a new phase of growth for our partner studio. This is just the beginning of what’s possible when you bring together the best minds from both teams to create a dynamic and vibrant game.” Game Features: Build your army: Merge and level-up your troops to grow and upgrade your units; Dominate your enemy: Lead your army into epic, massive battles where strategy and power win the day; Save the kingdom: Reclaim lost land where you can train, interact with your troops, and farm resources for further expansion; Strategize your victory: Master deck building strategies to create the strongest army for varied foes; Game Modes: Campaign and Player vs. Player. About Zynga Zynga is a global leader in interactive entertainment with a mission to connect the world through games and a wholly-owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. With a massive global reach in more than 175 countries and regions, the combined diverse portfolio of popular game franchises has been downloaded more than 6 billion times on mobile, including CSR Racing™, Dragon City™, Empires & Puzzles™, FarmVille™, Golf Rival™, Hair Challenge™, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells™, High Heels!™, Merge Dragons!™, Merge Magic!™, Monster Legends™, Toon Blast™, Top Eleven™, Toy Blast™, Two Dots™, Words With Friends™, and Zynga Poker™. Zynga is also an industry-leading next-generation platform with the ability to optimize programmatic advertising and yields at scale with Chartboost, a leading mobile advertising and monetization platform. Founded in 2007, Zynga is headquartered in California with locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. About Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. The Company develops, operates, and publishes products principally through Rockstar Games, 2K, Private Division, and Zynga. Our products are currently designed for console gaming systems, PC, and mobile, including smartphones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms, and cloud streaming services. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO.

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Media and Broadcasting

HyperX is Official Sponsor of TwitchCon: Experience the Ultimate Streamer Station Powered by HyperX and OMEN

PR Newswire | October 17, 2023

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, along with OMEN Gaming, today announced its role as the Official Sponsor of the TwitchCon Streamer Station, including a planned special appearance of Zedd, global music artist and HyperX ambassador at the streamer station. This unique collaboration between HyperX and HP OMEN offers TwitchCon attendees the opportunity to experience the latest HyperX products designed for gaming streamers and content creators, along with cutting-edge OMEN PC and monitor products. Also taking front stage at TwitchCon is HyperX’s annual talent program Queued Up, showcasing emerging streamers and innovative streaming solutions with special voting for the next class of 2024. Zedd, global music artist, producer and HyperX ambassador, is planned for a special guest appearance Saturday, October 21 at the HyperX Streamer Lounge. As a global HyperX ambassador, Zedd will be connecting with fans and celebrating his love for gaming. The TwitchCon Streamer Station will feature a range of products for attendees to test out on the show floor, including the HyperX Vision S Webcam, delivering quality 4K video and low light performance, the HyperX Audio Mixer Audio Interface, designed for mixing multiple audio inputs, and the Cloud III headset, engineered for supreme comfort, audio performance and durability. In addition, OMEN PCs and monitors will be available at each station, adding to the experience and allowing attendees to hone their streaming prowess during the event. Daily sponsored live streams will be broadcasted straight from the Streamer Station, spotlighting gaming streamers and content creators from the HyperX ambassador lineup. “HyperX is excited to join TwitchCon this year as the official sponsor of the Streamer Station, giving visitors the opportunity to try out our new gaming streamer products,” said Ryan Romeos, director of marketing, HyperX. “The HyperX and OMEN collaboration at TwitchCon demonstrates HyperX’s continued support and dedication to the content creating community and efforts towards investing in new ways to improve gaming streamer and content creator experiences.” HyperX is also highlighting Queued Up at TwitchCon, an annual talent showcase program highlighting emerging streamers. A special voting period will take place allowing fans to cast their votes for their favorite streamer, who may then become part of the esteemed Top 5 of Queued Up 2023. The Top 5 will be revealed on the HyperX Twitch livestream on November 8th. For additional details, please visit the Queued Up landing page. In addition, HyperX plans to spotlight two new products designed for the streaming community that were recently announced in October. These products are the HyperX Vision S Webcam with 4K resolution and low lighting features and the HyperX Audio Mixer Audio Interface that allows creators to manage XLR microphones and other audio inputs used during gaming streams and creating content. Plus, professional-quality HyperX ProCast XLR microphones will be available to see and test during the show. Taking place Oct. 20 – 22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center – West Hall, TwitchCon 2023 show attendees are encouraged to visit the Streamer Station to explore the latest streaming equipment from HyperX and OMEN. By combining the power of HyperX and OMEN gaming brands, HP Inc. aims to elevate content development for gaming creators and streamers everywhere. For more information on HyperX products, visit hyperx.com. About HyperX For 20 years, HyperX’s mission has been to develop gaming solutions for every type of gamer and the company is consistently recognized for delivering products that provide superb comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. Under the tagline of “WE’RE ALL GAMERS,” HyperX gaming headsets, keyboards, mice, USB microphones, and console accessories are the choice of everyday gamers as well as celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, tech enthusiasts, and overclockers worldwide because they meet the most stringent product specifications and are built with best-in-class components. For more information, please go to www.hyperx.com. About HP HP Inc. is a technology company that believes one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world. Its product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions helps bring these ideas to life. HyperX and the HyperX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of HP Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All registered trademarks and trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Read More

Applications

The future of immersive entertainment is now - the sphere experience premieres tomorrow

PR Newswire | October 12, 2023

Sphere Entertainment Co. will tomorrow debut The Sphere Experience, a signature content category featured at Sphere – the next-generation entertainment medium that opened in Las Vegas last week, capturing worldwide attention for its stunning visual displays and immersive technologies. The Sphere Experience is a new genre of live entertainment that will transform the shared experience and put Sphere's 22nd century immersive technologies on full display. The approximately two-hour program begins in the Atrium, which tells a universal story of how culture, technology, science, art, and the natural world have been intertwined throughout human history. Through one-of-a-kind immersive experiences created specifically for Sphere, guests will gain a better understanding of how technology amplifies our human potential. The Sphere Experience then continues in the main venue bowl for a muti-sensory cinematic experience at an unparalleled scale – Darren Aronofsky's Postcard from Earth. "Every aspect of Sphere was designed to transport audiences to new places, both real and imagined, and The Sphere Experience is where that vision comes together in its most integrated form," said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment. "From the moment guests enter the venue, Sphere's next-generation technologies will create an unforgettable journey, which includes a sci-fi exploration of our planet via Darren Aronofsky's Postcard from Earth." Darren Aronofsky said: "Sphere is a temple to the arts. It's not built for sports, it's built for performance and for this new moving image medium: this experiential cinema. I can't wait to share Postcard from Earth with the world." The Atrium The Sphere Experience journey is curated by five humanoid robots – named Aura – that serve as interactive guides to Sphere, each focusing on one fundamental aspect of human ability: connection, creativity, innovation, longevity, and productivity. Aura was developed using next-generation technology in robotic mechanics and artificial intelligence. Aura will guide guests through an interactive demonstration of Sphere Immersive Sound powered by HOLOPLOT which shows beamforming technology can simultaneously send unique audio content to specific locations, allowing guests to hear completely different content – such as languages or instruments. Sphere Immersive Sound is the most advanced concert-grade audio system in the world – using 3D audio beamforming technology and wave field synthesis to deliver targeted, crystal-clear and uniform audio to every seat in Sphere. Other immersive technology experiences in the Atrium include a 50-foot-high holographic installation that draws on the themes of Postcard from Earth, artwork created by machine learning, LED displays, and a 360-degree avatar capture that virtually puts guests on top of Sphere. Postcard from Earth The Atrium experience ties directly into the main cinematic feature – Postcard from Earth – a first-of-its-kind immersive film by Academy Award-nominated director Darren Aronofsky. Postcard from Earth is a portrait of our planet, re-imagined as a sci-fi experience. The film brings audiences on a voyage spanning all seven continents, and deep into the ocean, high into the mountains, into the eye of a storm, and out into space. Postcard from Earth takes full advantage of Sphere's experiential, next-generation technologies to transport audiences and engage the senses, making them feel like they have traveled to new worlds without ever leaving their seats in Las Vegas. This includes utilizing the interior LED display plane that wraps up, over, and around the audience to create a fully immersive visual environment. At 16K x 16K, it is the highest resolution LED screen on Earth. Through Sphere Immersive Sound, a variety of technologies, including beamforming, enable audio to be directed to specific locations at a volume that remains consistent – from point of origin to destination. Sphere's audio system also allows sound designers to create a virtual point of origin and place it in a precise spatial location – meaning audio can be directed to the listener so that it sounds close, even though the source is far away. Postcard from Earth is also the first production to feature the venue's multi-sensory 4D technologies. This includes immersive seats with an infrasound haptic system that will use deep vibrations so guests can feel the experience – such as the rumble of thunder or a soaring rocket launch. Sphere also utilizes environmental effects to rouse the senses – the feeling of a cool breeze and familiar scents – which help audiences conjure the feeling of being there. Credits for Postcard from Earth include: directed by Darren Aronofsky; written by Ari Handel & Darren Aronofsky; produced by Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel, Graham Booth; Executive Producer Jane Rosenthal; Director of Photography Matthew Libatique, ASC, LPS; Production Designer James Chinlund; Edited by Jennifer Lame, ACE; Supervising Producer Ronan Browne; Field Producer Richard Evans; Sphere Director of Photography Andrew Shulkind; Costume Designer Ane Crabtree; Music Concept by Rob Simonsen; Music Produced by Rob Simonsen and Ben Wynn; Music by Brendan Angelides, Judson Crane, Nathan Johnson, Rob Simonsen, Joseph Trapanese, Ben Wynn, Jeremy Zuckerman; Music Supervisor Julianne Jordan; Casting by Mary Vernieu and Bret Howe; Cast: Byron – Brandon Santana, Fang – Zaya Ribeiro. About Sphere: Sphere is a next-generation entertainment medium that is redefining the future of live entertainment. A venue where the foremost artists, creators, and technologists will create extraordinary experiences that take storytelling to a new level and transport audiences to places both real and imagined. The venue will host original Sphere Experiences from leading Hollywood directors; concerts and residencies from the world's biggest artists; and premier marquee events. The first Sphere venue opened in Las Vegas in September 2023, and is a new Las Vegas landmark, powered by cutting-edge technologies that ignite the senses and enable audiences to share experiences at a never-before-seen scale.

Read More

Media and Broadcasting

Zynga’s Socialpoint Studio Launches Top Troops Worldwide

Business Wire | October 10, 2023

Zynga Inc., a wholly-owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced that its studio, Socialpoint, launched Top Troops, a new mobile game that blends mobile strategy, RPG, and merge mechanics to create a thrilling medieval fantasy adventure of combat and conquest. Top Troops transports players into the colorful Kingdom of King’s Bay as two feuding brothers lead their squads into colossal battles of good versus evil. Players are challenged to merge and battle their way to victory, utilizing endless combinations of strategies to create powerful squad-based armies. Each unit type, from Ninja Moles to Imperial Elves, can be leveled-up and combined strategically to create the perfect army for any challenge. Every choice that players make will determine the fate of their conquests. “Top Troops is a bold new step into the merge-and-battle genre that combines the best of both worlds with strategic gameplay," said Akshay Bharadwaj, Head of Socialpoint. “We invite players to unleash their inner commander by building powerful empires and leading assassins, necromancer rats, and mermen into combat. With its innovative gameplay and colorful universe, Top Troops is sure to appeal to fans who want the fun and excitement of tactical conquests.” “From the early days of our collaboration with Socialpoint to today’s launch, we are thrilled to finally bring Top Troops to life,” said Yaron Leyvand, Executive Vice President of Games at Zynga. “Top Troops is Socialpoint’s first worldwide launch under the Zynga label following our 2022 combination with Take-Two Interactive. Combining Zynga’s expertise and resources with Socialpoint’s success in mobile development and live operations, Top Troops will help to usher in a new phase of growth for our partner studio. This is just the beginning of what’s possible when you bring together the best minds from both teams to create a dynamic and vibrant game.” Game Features: Build your army: Merge and level-up your troops to grow and upgrade your units; Dominate your enemy: Lead your army into epic, massive battles where strategy and power win the day; Save the kingdom: Reclaim lost land where you can train, interact with your troops, and farm resources for further expansion; Strategize your victory: Master deck building strategies to create the strongest army for varied foes; Game Modes: Campaign and Player vs. Player. About Zynga Zynga is a global leader in interactive entertainment with a mission to connect the world through games and a wholly-owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. With a massive global reach in more than 175 countries and regions, the combined diverse portfolio of popular game franchises has been downloaded more than 6 billion times on mobile, including CSR Racing™, Dragon City™, Empires & Puzzles™, FarmVille™, Golf Rival™, Hair Challenge™, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells™, High Heels!™, Merge Dragons!™, Merge Magic!™, Monster Legends™, Toon Blast™, Top Eleven™, Toy Blast™, Two Dots™, Words With Friends™, and Zynga Poker™. Zynga is also an industry-leading next-generation platform with the ability to optimize programmatic advertising and yields at scale with Chartboost, a leading mobile advertising and monetization platform. Founded in 2007, Zynga is headquartered in California with locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. About Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. The Company develops, operates, and publishes products principally through Rockstar Games, 2K, Private Division, and Zynga. Our products are currently designed for console gaming systems, PC, and mobile, including smartphones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms, and cloud streaming services. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO.

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