Category Archives: Gaming

eSports, Gaming, News

The Asia Pacific Predator League is Back! Malaysian Qualifiers Now Open for Registration

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Acer Malaysia has opened registrations for the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024, inviting Malaysian Dota 2 and Valorant eSports teams to compete for the coveted Predator Shield and a slice of the USD400,000 prize pool at the Grand Finals in Manila, Philippines.

Predator League 2024 MAIN PR Banner

With a substantial local prize pool of RM100,000, the Predator League 2024 Malaysia Qualifier welcomes teams to sign up for Dota 2 and Valorant from 30 August to 14 September 2023 through https://www.planet9.gg/.

The Malaysia Qualifier matches will occur online, while the local finals will take place at Noizucon in the KL Convention Centre from 30 September to 1 October 2023. The victors of the Predator League 2024 Malaysia Qualifier will proceed to the Grand Finals in Manila on 13 to 14 January 2024, where they’ll face off against champions from the Asia Pacific region.

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Since its inception in 2018, the Asia Pacific Predator League has served as a platform for emerging eSports talents in the region. Thousands of teams participate annually, vying for the opportunity to showcase their skills on the global Predator League stage, hosted by Acer. Acer’s consistent dedication to fostering the eSports industry through this yearly event has significantly contributed to elevating players’ careers.

Andrew Hou, President of Acer Pan Asia Pacific Operations, stated, “The Predator League reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing the gaming community and enhancing their competitive level in the APAC region. The tournament’s global recognition has grown in recent years, and we are thrilled to bring it to Manila, which houses one of the world’s largest and most passionate eSports fanbases. We anticipate incredible gameplay from all participating teams.”

Gaming, News

KONAMI Unveils eFootball™ 2024 Gaming Update

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Celebrity Supermatch eFootball

KONAMI recently kicked off the excitement for their latest football gaming update, eFootball™ 2024 at an exclusive media event in Kuala Lumpur. For those unfamiliar with this game, it is a football simulation video game that allows players to control virtual football teams and compete in various game modes. Another game that is highly popular in this category is FIFA.

KONAMI stated that the eFootball™ will begin its transition to eFootball™ 2024 (v3.0.0) update. This update, scheduled for 4 September 2023 till 7 September 2023, aims to refresh emblems, strips, and player data for Authentic Teams in accordance with licensing agreements.

Alongside these updates, they will be conducting an in-game asset and data carryover process.

Certain In-game Assets Eligible For Carryover

KONAMI Presenters eFootball

The assets eligible for carryover encompass eFootball™ Coins, eFootball™ Points, GP, Base Team, Nominating Contracts, Chance Deals, Contract Renewals (60 Days), Contract Renewals (10 Days), Players, Managers, Training Programs, Skill Training Programs, Objectives, and various in-game settings. eFootball™ Coins and eFootball™ Points will carry over, but be mindful of expiration, especially if your account is linked to Japan.

GP and Base Team may see changes, and players can select new Base Teams if needed. Nominating Contracts, Chance Deals, and Contracts will be carried over, but remember potential expiration. Training and Skill Training Programs, Special Strips, and Standard Player Tickets will also carry over.

Regarding your Avatar and settings, they will carry over if available in v3.0.0; otherwise, they will be reset to default. Your username, country/region, date of birth, and login bonuses will carry over. Records in your Balance Sheet will be partially reset, with only the past year’s records available. Match History will be reset entirely.

Team Playstyle Level Will Be Removed

However, there will be changes in the gameplay mechanics. Team Playstyle Level will no longer be a factor, and Abilities will not be influenced by it. Players who invested Progression Points in Team Playstyle Proficiency will see these points returned. The status of Players and Managers depends on Live Updates, with Standard Players experiencing updates to affiliations and data changes.

So, gamers, if you would like to learn more about KONAMI’s large-scale maintenance to facilitate these updates, check out more details on eFootball™ official website.

Gaming, News

XBOX Game Pass Comes to NVIDIA GeForce NOW

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Gaming is quickly growing to become one of the largest industries in the world. However, gaming itself is on the verge of a revolution that could change the way we enjoy our blockbuster AAA games forever with Cloud Gaming. While not many companies have offerings, companies like NVIDIA and Microsoft are looking to cash in early with services like XBOX‘s GamePass and NVIDIA‘s GeForce NOW. NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW is about to get a little bit more interesting with XBOX’s GamePass in a new collaboration.

NVIDIA and Microsoft are further accelerating this trend with a groundbreaking partnership that extends access to Xbox’s PC Game Pass and select Microsoft Store titles to the GeForce NOW streaming platform. This partnership will bring AAA titles to a myriad of devices including Android smartphones and tablets.

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GeForce NOW members will now notice a new Xbox button on supported PC games, enabling seamless launches of titles on different devices. This integration extends to those who have purchased standalone games through the Microsoft Store or hold active subscriptions to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. However, it’s important to note that not all PC Game Pass titles will be immediately available on the NVIDIA streaming service. While the integration is live, the complete library of Game Pass titles will be gradually introduced to GeForce NOW over time.

The synergy between NVIDIA and Microsoft reflects a commitment to enhance cloud gaming options for enthusiasts. The integration comes after Microsoft and NVIDIA solidified a decade-long Xbox games licensing agreement in response to concerns arising from Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard last year.

Among the initial wave of titles available on the service are WrestleQuest, Jumplight Odyssey, Blasphemous 2, Crusader Kings III, and No Man’s Sky. As both companies collaborate to onboard and test each game, NVIDIA assures members of a smooth streaming experience across all supported platforms, albeit with a slight delay due to testing requirements.

As cloud gaming continues to flourish, the NVIDIA and Microsoft partnership brings the Xbox PC Game Pass closer to gamers, expanding the options for an enriched gaming journey. With new games set to be added each month, this collaboration signifies a compelling leap forward in the world of cloud gaming. NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW was announced recently in Malaysia in partnership with YES 5G.

Computers, Gaming, News

Samsung’s Upping Its Gaming Offerings with a New Odyssey Neo G9 Monitor & Starfield on the Samsung Gaming Hub

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Hold onto your seats, gamers – Samsung has just dropped two new gaming monitors: the Odyssey Neo G9 57″ and Odyssey Ark 55″. Freshly unveiled at Gamescom 2023, these monitors are upping the ante for Samsung’s gaming offerings and also making things wider than ever before.

Odyssey Neo G9 57-inch: Immersion Takes Centerstage

The Odyssey Neo G9 57-inch (G95NC) boasts the world’s first Dual Ultra-High-Definition (DUHD) screen. It offers an immersive 1000R curvature that envelops users in the game or content with an expansive field of view. This monitor features Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Technology that utilises the company’s award-winning Quantum Mini LED lighting, delivering deeper blacks and brighter whites while minimising the usual blooming effect.

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The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 comes with The VESA DisplayHDR™1000 certification. This promises vivid clarity for HDR-enabled content with details even in the darkest shades for your competitive edge and viewing pleasure. It also indicates that HDR content is displayed vividly and authentically, with accurate colours and contrast. The monitor’s impressive 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms grey-to-grey (GtG) response time minimizes blurring, enabling seamless gameplay. It comes complete with AMD FreeSync™ Premium Pro technology which allows high-resolution gaming without graphical tearing and smooth transitions as well as lag-free gaming.

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(Source: Samsung) Full Specs of the Odyssey Neo G9

Connectivity options are robust, featuring VESA-certified DisplayPort (DP) 2.1, HDMI 2.1, and a USB hub. This streamlined setup caters to both gaming and multimedia needs.

Odyssey Ark 55-inch: Elevating Visual Engagement

The Odyssey Ark 55″ builds on its predecessor’s success as the world’s first 1000R curved gaming screen. With a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time, this monitor promises fluid visuals and minimal latency. The addition of Cockpit Mode introduces a fresh perspective with the Ark’s signature vertical orientation.

  • Gamer Room
  • Dual UHD Gaming Monitor dl5

Samsung’s MultiView brings the ability to view streams from the three HDMI inputs and DisplayPort 1.4 at the same time; maximising the large 55-inch display of the Ark. This new enhancement improves split-screen capabilities, providing an organized setup for focused gameplay and advanced productivity.

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(Source: Samsung) Full Specs of the Odyssey Ark

One screen to rule them all that is what the new Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) switch feature is built for. It turns the Odyssey Ark 55-inch into your command center, making it your central interface for multiple connected devices. It enhances multitasking across various devices, simplifying control with a single mouse and keyboard setup.

Gaming Beyond the Monitor: “Starfield” on Samsung Gaming Hub

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It’s not all about the monitors for Samsung at Gamescom either. Bethesda Game Studios’ much-anticipated game, “Starfield,” will be accessible through the Samsung Gaming Hub with an Xbox Game Pass subscription starting September 6. This collaboration offers a new way to access and stream cloud games on supported 2023 TVs and monitors, including the Samsung Neo QLED 8K.

eSports, Gaming, Lifestyle

Gentle Monster Eyewear’s Overwatch 2 Collaboration Is Here

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In the world of gaming, whenever there is a new and exciting crossover happening, it is sure to catch everyone’s attention. Even if you are not a hardcore gamer, you will want to know about the Gentle Monster x Overwatch 2 collaboration.

So, what’s the scoop?

In celebration of the release of OVERWATCH 2: INVASION, Gentle Monster has partnered with Overwatch 2 to release the ‘GENTLE TOKKI Package’! This package combines stylish tinted sunglasses called ‘TOKKI’ with exclusive in-game skins, all inspired by the popular Overwatch 2 hero, D.Va.

Gentle Monster x Overwatch 2

The ‘TOKKI’ eyewear is inspired by D.Va’s iconic headgear in the game and is available in two different colours. The packaging is a nod to D.Va’s mech, TOKKI. It even includes a soft case designed to resemble the mechanical structure of TOKKI. To top it off, you will also get an attachable D.Va figure!

Each package also comes with a redemption code. This code lets you unlock exclusive GENTLE TOKKI D.Va skins and other in-game items. If you are itching to get your hands on this package, you can now do that!

Tokki

Starting on 17 August 2023, the GENTLE TOKKI skin will be available for purchase on Overwatch 2. The GENTLE TOKKI Package itself will be gifted exclusively to lucky winners chosen through an online draw.

To enter the draw, you can take part in the Instagram “D.Va Challenge” until 31 August 2023. It’s easy – just snap a photo or video using the D.Va filter on Instagram, add the event hashtags, and you are in the running.

To find out more information, be sure to head over to Gentle Monster’s official website!

Gaming

Enjoy RM220 Off the PS5 this Merdeka

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ps5 merdeka 1

PlayStation and console fans, rejoice! This Merdeka month, PS5 is going on a limited-time sale for RM220 off. From 18 August to 31 August 2023, those who have been eyeing on the console will now have the chance to snag it at a discounted price at PlayStation Authorized Dealers.

This month will also see plenty of discounts and promotions for the console along with select peripherals and games:

PS5 Offers

PlayStation5 ConsoleRM 2,279
PlayStation5 Console – FINAL FANTASY XVI BundleRM 2,549

Peripheral Offers

PULSE 3D Wireless HeadsetRM 419
PULSE 3D Midnight Black Wireless HeadsetRM 419
PULSE 3D Gray Camouflage Wireless HeadsetRM 419

Game Offers

PlayStation4 Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles MoralesRM 169
PlayStation5 Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles MoralesRM 169
PlayStation5 God of War RagnarökRM 209
PlayStation5 Horizon Forbidden WestRM 209
PlayStation4 God of War PlayStation HitsRM 39

If you’re still on the fence about getting a PS5, or just simply want a couple of new games to play this Merdeka, this is your chance to snag them at a discounted rate! To enjoy the RM220 off PS5 promotion, check out the list of participating retailers to find the nearest one to you.

Gaming, News

PlayStation Games Catalogue Roundup: August 2023

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The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog is bringing even more fun this August with a lineup that’s bound to have you glued to your screens. So, let’s take a closer look at what’s in store for us this month!

Sea of Stars: Unleash Eclipse Magic

Playstation Plus Games Catalogue August 10

First up, we’ve got “Sea of Stars,” an enchanting turn-based RPG that lets you harness the incredible power of Eclipse Magic. Join the adventure of two Children of the Solstice as they team up to take down the evil alchemist, The Fleshmancer. Developer Sabotage is on a mission to blend nostalgic RPG vibes with modern turn-based combat and storytelling. Are you ready to embark on a celestial journey?

Moving Out 2: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Playstation Plus Games Catalogue August 9

It’s time to flex those muscles (and your funny bone) in “Moving Out 2.” The Furniture Arrangement and Relocation Technicians (F.A.R.Ts) are back, and they’re packing even more outrageous challenges and hilarious moves. But here’s the twist – now you can team up with your friends online and take furniture moving to a whole new level. Time to show off your furniture-finessing skills!

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen – Uncover Cosmic Secrets

Playstation Plus Games Catalogue August 8

Guardians, listen up! “Destiny 2: The Witch Queen” is here to take you on an epic journey into Savathûn’s mysterious Throne World. Uncover the truth behind her Light-stealing escapades, wield the new Glaive weapon type, and dive into an intricate web of power and corruption. It’s time to gear up and get ready for some cosmic battles that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!

Lost Judgment: Solve the Perfect Crime

Playstation Plus Games Catalogue August 7

Calling all sleuths! “Lost Judgment” is your ticket to a riveting crime-solving adventure. Join detective Takayuki Yagami and his partner as they dive headfirst into a tangled web of conspiracy and revenge. From seemingly perfect crimes to unlikely factions, this game has all the twists and turns to keep you hooked. Will you choose to uphold the law or seek your own justice?

Classic Catalogue updates and Creative Dreams

But wait, there’s more! The classics are making a triumphant return with “MediEvil: Resurrection,” “Ape Escape: On the Loose,” and “Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice.” Relive those nostalgia-packed moments with enhanced features that bring these beloved titles back to life.

Playstation Plus Games Catalogue August 3

And if you’re feeling creative, “Dreams” is your playground to bring your wildest ideas to life. Craft games, music, animations, and more in this ever-evolving universe of imagination. Plus, don’t miss out on the heartwarming adventure of “Tren,” a game that explores the transformative power of play.

So, there you have it – the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for August 2023 is bringing a diverse mix of excitement, creativity, and classic nostalgia.

Don’t forget, you have to be subscribed to PlayStation Plus on the Deluxe or Extra tiers to get access to the PlayStation Games Catalogue. Currently, the plans are priced at MYR50 a month for the Deluxe tier which comes with extra features and MYR44 a month for the Extra tier.

Computers, Gaming

The Alienware Aurora Gets A Makeover – Inside and Out!

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Alienware isn’t shying away from proving that Gamers can be stylish too. No, no, they’re not going into streetwear like other gaming brands (not yet… anyways). Instead, the company has revamped its Alienware Aurora Desktop with a whole new design with familiar design cues and a sleeker form factor.

Alienware Aurora R16 09
Alienware Aurora R16 10

The new Alienware Aurora R16 drops all pretensions for a sleek, minimalist design focused on performance. The new R16 comes with a smaller overall size but doesn’t sacrifice the volume. In fact, it maintains the same volume as the R15. It’s also easier to store with a more uniform shape. The biggest change? Well, the signature “Stadium Ring” is now on the side. Alienware has designed the Aurora R16 to catch your eye from the side this time. The stadium ring surrounds the intake vents of the new Aurora R16.

Speaking of intake vents, the Aurora R16 is designed with optimised airflow for better cooling. The new design takes in air from the front via vents nestled in the stadium ring. The top vent can be optimised to either draw in cool air or expel heat depending on how you configure your fans. The chassis itself is built to include anywhere between 2 to 4 fans depending on your configuration.

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The Aurora R16 comes with a motherboard based on the Intel Z960 chipset. Alienware has customised the board to maximise performance both in terms of thermals and convenience. It comes with liquid cooling options for the CPU in addition to the standard 240mm heat exchanger. The system is built to support DDR5 5600MT/s memory for intensive tasks. It also comes with Killer E3100G Ethernet which supports bandwidths of up to 2.5Gbps over ethernet. Wireless connectivity runs on Killer’s AX1675 Wi-Fi E which supports WiFi 6E and the system also supports Bluetooth 5.3.

The R16 still comes with a bevvy of I/O ports including three USB-A and a single USB-C on the front panel for quick and easy access under the AlienFX enabled Alien head power button.

Alienware Aurora R16 14

There will be multiple configurations of the Alienware Aurora R16 available depending on your region. In Malaysia, the Aurora will be launching with a configuration featuring the Intel Core i7F processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD and 1TB HDD storage. This will be complemented by an NVIDIA RTX 4070.

Pricing & Availability

The Alienware Aurora R16 will be available soon in Malaysia. Dell Malaysia hasn’t announced an availability date just yet. However, the system is now available on the US Dell online store with prices starting from USD$1,749.99 (MYR7,999).

In Malaysia, the Aurora R16 will be priced at MYR10,599 (USD$2,318.78) with the specs mentioned previously and 2 years of Dell Premium Support.

Gaming, News

PUBG Mobile Goes Ham with Crates in New Air Drop Carnival In-Game Event

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PUBG Mobile, one of the world’s largest mobile battle royale games, is going all out to celebrate its gamers! The game’s new Air Drop Carnival which kicked off on 4 August 2023, is not only rewarding players but is also bringing world-renowned EDM musician, DJ Alan Walker, to the mobile game.

The event will kick off with the introduction of Cool Island which is available in the Erangel, Livik, Nusa and Sanhok maps. This island will invite players to chill out in epic summer vacay style. They will be able to kick back on recliners and enjoy in-game cocktails to boost their energy. If that wasn’t enough, teams can get their ducks in a row – literally – with new 2 person Duckboats scattered across Cool Island.

PUBG MOBILE Air Drop Carnival KV ENG

You’ll be able to enjoy DJ Alan Walker’s tunes as you kick back and relax on Cool Island. As the Air Drop Carnival Ambassador, he’ll be showcasing his new track “Lands of the Heroes” which was initially announced at the 2023 PUBG Mobile World Invitational. The track was specially produced and written for the PUBG Mobile community. You’ll have until 8 August 2023 to complete the mission to unlock this exclusive track in-game to hear it outside the carnival. You’ll also be able to unlock the Alan Walker-themed set once again during the carnival. It’ll be the first time in four years for players to unlock it!

It’s not just about kicking back and relaxing! The Air Drop Carnival will be giving PUBG Mobile players lots of loot and perks that will be available throughout the carnival. Get your first crate when you log in and actively play throughout the carnival to upgrade it from a Level 1 crate to a Level 5 crate during the Air Drop Carnival. Get to a Level 5 crate and enjoy permanent in-game emotes and your choice of legendary gear along with other prizes. Did we mention? The Legendary set is yours to keep in-game. You’ll even get team-up rating protection when you team up with your squad!

Festivities will culminate on August 18, 2023 – CRATE DAY! On that day, players will be able to open their crates to finally get the prizes for their hard work!

If you haven’t played PUBG Mobile, where have you been all this while? You can download the game on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store right now!

Computers, Gaming, News

AMD Brings 3D V-Cache Technology Mobile with the Ryzen 9 7945HX3D!

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AMD launched their processors with 3D V-Cache technology in their 5000 series of desktop CPUs. The first of the 3D V-Cache equipped CPU was the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D. What this does is basically increases the CPU cache massively allowing for more memory access for the CPU and even the GPU with Smart Access Memory technology. They introduced the same technology too to the new Ryzen 7000 series CPUS rather recently on the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, Ryzen 9 7900X3D, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, and AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D.

How they massively increased the size of the cache available to their CPUs is by stacking the V-Cache module on top of their chips, hence the 3D moniker. Instead of spreading the memory module out and about, they stacked the memory modules to increase the height of the processor slightly and in turn increase the size of their cache. While it is a great solution to increase the CPU’s efficiency and effective speed, it is not so great for overclocking since stacking one chip over the other is not necessarily recommended in heat management. Still, we thought it was a great way to make your laptops more powerful without increasing power consumption by all that much or overclocking your chips. While this did not happen in the previous generation Ryzen CPUs, it is happening now with the new AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3D made for laptops.

  • Ryzen 9 7945HX3D 2
    Source: AMD
  • Ryzen 9 7945HX3D 1
    Source: AMD
  • Ryzen 9 7945HX3D 3
    Source: AMD

While it might seem like redundant technology for modern laptops, it is a clever technology that might allow you to fully take advantage of high-performing gaming laptops or creator focused laptops. Gaming laptops today come with high speed and high-resolution displays. In most cases, while resolution and detail are the GPU’s responsibility, frame rates and speed are determined by how much a CPU can process. That also means that you want a fast CPU to keep up with fast displays. That is where the 3D V-Cache technology comes in.

For the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3D, the 3D V-Cache bumps its memory to a whopping 144MB from the measly 64MB the regular Ryzen 9 7945HX packs. All its 16 cores still clock up to 5.4Ghz and offer about 55W of TDP. Thanks to a larger memory though, the CPU can process much faster than before and keep up with high-speed displays with ease. According to AMD, they have recorded a 15% boost in performance over the regular processor. They are also seeing massive gains even when TDP is at a low 40W.

This is a mobile CPU though, which means that you will not be able to find the chip out in the market on its own. You will find the AMD Ryzen 7945HX3D first in the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17 X3D in August of 2023. Of course, AMD is working with more partners to bring the X3D technology to more gaming laptops. You can find out more on AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 series CPU with 3D V-Cache technology on their website.