The developers at Hi-Rez Studios have been quite busy with their Paladins multiplayer romp, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have room for another effort, especially one in the Battle Royale arena.

It’s announced that Realm Royale is available in Steam Early Access. It’s free to play with microtransactions, but it never hurts to give it a try and see what it’s like.

Hi-Rez is actually in the middle of a 120-hour livestream to celebrate the game’s launch, which you can watch here.

Here are the features for the game, straight from the Steam listing:

Choose your class. Forge a legend.

Explore a fantasy world in Realm Royale, the new Battle Royale inspired by the hit game Paladins. Are you an Assassin, a Warrior or a Mage? Choose your class, then loot fantastic weapons and magical abilities to create your own Champion. Stay ahead of the deadly fog by mounting up and moving out. Will you be the last Champion standing?

Wield Awesome Abilities

Choose from one of five classes before every match, each with its own game-changing abilities. Become a Warrior, chug a shielding potion, and leap into battle. Soar through the skies as a Mage, slinging fireballs. Take steady aim as a bow-wielding Hunter. Deploy turrets and shields as an Engineer. Or blink onto a rooftop and snipe your enemies as an Assassin.

Forge Legendary Weapons

Go traditional with shotguns and snipers, or embrace the fantasy with ice staffs, swords, and crossbows. If you want to win, you’ll need to craft Legendary Weapons at Forges scattered across the Realm. But be careful: While you’re crafting, your enemies may attack.

Mount Up. Explore the Realm.

Journey through the lush jungle of Jaguar’s Claws and the scorched sands of Goblin Gulch. Visit frigid Everfrost and iridescent Fungal Forest. The best part: you don’t have to walk around this massive Realm. Just summon your mount to outrun the fog and ride into your next glorious battle!

The Ultimate Team Royale

Call your friends: It’s time to squad up. Realm Royale is the first Battle Royale designed to be played in four-person Squads. Help your team by dropping a Healing Totem, or plant a Sensor Drone to reveal incoming enemies. Each class has strengths and weaknesses, but by working together the crown royale could be yours.

You can check out the game here!

Minecraft players who have ideas for some innovative cosplay creations can win themselves prizes that include a free trip to Minecon Earth by submitting the idea in a costume contest.

If you tuned in for last year’s Minecon Earth event, you’ll already have an idea of what this contest is all about. Like any other cosplay contest, all you have to do is come up with your best costume idea, but it has to be centered around Minecraft. The game’s site has a page set up for Minecon Earth’s details and gives an overview of the contest.

“Do you have an idea for an amazing cosplay costume, and the passion to create it? We would love to see it!” the Minecon Earth site says. “Start prepping your masterpiece and submit it before August 3rd for a chance to win awesome prizes! The best contributions will get a free trip to MINECON to participate at the live streamed award ceremony!”

The video above comes from last year’s Minecon Earth event and shows some of the best cosplay competitors that took that stage for the 2017 contest. You don’t have to be at Minecon to participate in the first part of this contest though with the Minecon Earth Costume Contest taking place online as players submit their best creations and hope for a shot at being flown out to Minecon Earth in Boston.

“As a crafty Minecraft-er, we know that building is one thing you do best, and we want to see your creative costume-building skills IRL! Enter now to upload photo(s) of your MINECON costume and earn a chance to win a trip to MINECON Earth in Boston, Massachusetts. We can’t wait to see it!”

To submit your Minecraft cosplay to the contest for consideration, all you have to do is head to this page and fill out some personal info. After registering on the Minecon Earth Costume Contest site, you’ll have to submit images of your cosplay creation so that the judges can compare your ideas to other costumes. You’ve got until August 3 to submit an idea which should leave plenty of time to gather enough cardboard and other resources that you need for the creation, but after that date, the contest will be closed to more applicants.

Minecon Earth 2018 takes place on September 29.

Minecraft Costume Contest Offers Free Trip to Minecon Earth

Echogear is a display-mounting company that’s attempting to increase its presence in the gaming market. PC gaming hobbyists tend to put a significant amount of money into getting the most from their rigs, and that has led to a spike in the number of gaming keyboards, USB microphones, webcams, and other peripheral products. That has also led to innovation in these spaces, and I think that Echogear could spark something similar for PC monitor mounts.

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks with the Echogear Triple Monitor Desk Mount, which is shipping now for $150. It features a sturdy, clamp-style design that can support up to three displays between 10 inches and 24 inches in size. Once I was able to track down three monitors for testing, I was surprised at how easy the Echogear mount was to set up. The contraption makes it simple to line up each monitor for that wrap-around sensation.

And of course, the mount has saved some of my desk space, which might make it worth $150 alone.

What you’ll like
Easy to assemble and to secure

As a three-monitor mount, the Echogear is necessarily large and heavy when it arrives. That’s because of the aluminum parts that make up the vertical stand and the mounting spine. Getting these pieces into place is a simple process. You just need to put the clamp on the back of your desk, insert and secure the stand, and then slide the spine into place.

Echogear ships the mount with everything you need except for a standard screwdriver, and I was shocked when I finished building 10 minutes after I started. I was also happy with heavy-duty look and feel of the final product. The mount never wobbles thanks to the high-quality clamp, and between that and the aluminum, I never worried that the Echogear device drop my monitors.

Painless to adjust with great cable management.

You’ll need monitors with VESA-compliant mounting brackets on the back. If you have that, getting them installed onto the Echogear is a breeze. Once they are all hooked up, you can start the fun process of setting the height, and adjusting the angle and positioning to best fit your setup.

And this is where the Echogear shines. On the unit where the monitors meet the mount, you will find two large dials. One locks and/or loosens the cone-like device that enables you to shift the angle and positioning of the monitor. Tighten this dial 100 percent, and you will lock the monitor’s angle in place. Loosen it a little bit, and you can shift it slowly, turn it on its side for a vertical orientation, and then adjust it back later when you’re ready to hop into your flight simulator. The Echogear does everything to make things simple without losing that sense of wobble-free security.

The second dial, which is just behind the front dial, enables you to slide the monitor on the spine. What you’ll like want to do here is loosen each dial just a touch, and then try to get everything arranged side-by-side at the correct angle. This mount makes that process easy, and you can tinker with it throughout your day without having to break out any tools or feel like it’s too much work to get back to your default position.

What you won’t like
You won’t have a lot of options about where it fits

The only issue I see is that you probably have to work backward from the Echogear mount when setting up your desk. This is a large mount, and it’s even larger when it has all of the monitors in place, and it’s going to fit where it fits. If you had your previous displays set in a corner, well, the Triple Monitor Desk Mount probably won’t fit in that spot.

For me, I put the mount in the one spot on my desk where it made the most sense. That just meant I had to rearrange everything else. This isn’t exactly a problem with the mount itself, but it’s important to remember that you are making more space on your desk by taking up more space in the air above your work area. That means you must think a bit more three-dimensionally when it comes to how you put together your office.

Conclusion
If you are running two or more monitors on a desk, a mount like this can help you reclaim a lot of your desk space and prevent clutter. What the Echogear does in particular is keep the mounting process from introducing new headaches. It’s so easy in both the set up and in everyday use that it’s easy to recommend.

The triple-monitor desk mount is available now for $150. Echogear provided a sample unit for the purpose of this review.

Minecraft fans downloaded fewer pieces of content from the game’s marketplace last month, but the top-10 lists for most downloaded and top grossing are both still excellent reminders of the variety and fun that players can find in that store. The Minecraft Marketplace had 285,816 downloads in April, which is down from 321,317 in March and 372,509 in February.

Welcome! You’ve once again found yourself reading GamesBeat’s monthly analysis of the Minecraft Marketplace, which is the block-building phenomenon’s platform for extra content from the Minecraft team as well as external developers. If this is your first time here, you can see the results from past months right here. We do have some new names on the charts, but once again, developers like PixelHeads are dominating.

But we can also see that teams that specialize in roleplay content like InPvP are also thriving with the No. 2 and No. 3 spot on the most-downloaded top 10. Maybe we’ll see developers chasing that trend, or maybe we’ll see some new fad break through in May.

Let’s do the charts.

Here are the top-10 most downloaded pieces of content from the Minecraft Marketplace in April 2018:

 

9. Chroma Hills HD by Syclone Studios

Here’s the top 10 in list form:

1. City Life
2. BrightStart Daycare
3. Prison Escape
4. Dinosaur Island
5. K-Pop: Teenage Rebellion
6. Wildlife: Savanna
7. Oropia
8. Summer Mini Games Festival
9. Chroma Hills HD
10. Steampunk Castle

And here’s the top-grossing list for April 2018:

 

6. Prison Escape by InPvP

1. City Life
2. Dinosaur Island
3. Wildlife: Savanna
4. BrightStart Daycare
5. Chroma Hills HD
6. Prison Escape
7. Relics of the Privateers
8. Lapis Lagoon
9. K-Pop: Teenage Rebellion
10. PureBDcraft

The Marketplace is already growing, and we can see that new content always causes download numbers to pop from month to month. But as the Marketplace hits new platforms as Bedrock launches on devices (like Nintendo Switch on June 21), content creators will have a chance to hit entirely new audiences. That’s a big opportunity for a group of Marketplace devs that are already making a living doing what they are doing.

April 2018’s top 10 Minecraft Marketplace creations: back to the city

When you put things together in the world of Mojang’s Minecraft, you usually let your imagination run wild. In fact, we ran a story earlier today where someone managed to go all out to recreate Fortnite’s Tilted Towers right down to the last block.

But we just found someone on Reddit who decided to go the extra mile when it came to reflecting something from his life within the game. He’s gone and built his work place from scratch using a number of Minecraft-oriented tools. And it’s none other than…Home Depot?

Yep, based on the screenshots that you can see in this article, the user, named r/BaconShooby, went all out to create not only the exterior of Home Depot, but inside as well. There aren’t too many tools to speak of inside, but the structuring is about the same. And in one of the shots, you can even see the word “Appliances” on the wall in capital letters.

It’s great work, although some comments have people questioning why BaconShooby would go all out to recreate Home Depot instead of…something else?

“My first reaction was…your work? Wwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyy?” one user asked, before someone noted, “Build what you know.”

Another user named AlanWayside noted, “I feel like this would make an awesome adventure map. A zombie survival map.” And he’s got a point there.

Ladainia4147 added, “No fair, my local Home Depot doesn’t have horses! Really cool though, must’ve taken forever.”

There are several other comments, most of them showing praise. But we think Helassaid’s really takes the cake: “And, as is tradition, not a single employee in sight.”

We do think BaconShooby did a great job with recreating Home Depot in the game, though we’re still not sure as to why. But hey, who are we to judge creativity? Maybe this’ll prompt someone to make a WalMart one of these days. Or for that matter, a fleet of 7-11’s that service every horse that comes in. (They like Slurpees, yeah?)

We’ll let you know what other creations users come up with when it comes to the wacky world of Minecraft.

Minecraft is available now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC and older consoles.

Dreaming of the deep blue sea? Quench all your marine needs with the first phase of Minecraft’s latest Aquatic expansion, now available on Xbox One, PC, and more.

Now when you dive under the watery blocks of your Minecraft world, it won’t just be a blue abyss with scattered temples here and there. Now you’ll see dolphins, new types of fish, corals, kelp and sea grasses, buried treasure, and more. The seas even coordinate with the nine different biomes now too. For the full list of features in this first release, head on over to the announcement post.

Every player on Xbox One, PC, mobile, Gear VR, Oculus Rift, and mixed reality platforms has access to this new expansion right now, totally free of charge. If you’re playing the Java version on PC, you’ll get the update soon. Xbox One players will need to download the latest version from the Xbox Store.

Mojang and Microsoft have not yet announced when the expansion will come to PS4 or Switch, or when the second phase will launch. But in other Minecraft news, Switch is getting cross-platform achievements for the title on Xbox One June 21.

After the recent press embargo was lifted, fans finally got to see more than ever before of the illusive Kingdom Hearts 3. It’s finally beginning to sink in that we’re getting this game after years and years of a run around and players can’t wait to jump back into the role of Sora and battle against the Darkness! With such high praise from those that got their hands on it, it’s time for you to be next! That’s why Square Enix is offering playable demos of Kingdom Hearts 3 at this year’s E3!

The reactions to the initial Twitter post were both exciting and heartbreaking at the same time. Here are a few of my personal favourites to really capture what the next installment means to us gamers:

🕹️ cσσkíє 🎮
@ArcanaLegacy
Replying to @SquareEnixUSA @KINGDOMHEARTS
The rest of us not going to E3 to play the demo:

5:30 AM – May 26, 2018
24
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David Cornejo
@DanteThePrivy
Replying to @SquareEnixUSA @KINGDOMHEARTS
Worldwide Demo after E3 hopefully?

5:10 AM – May 26, 2018
13
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Casimircarew
@casimircar
Replying to @SquareEnixUSA @KINGDOMHEARTS
YOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

4:52 AM – May 26, 2018
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Ryxan5
@Ryxan86
Replying to @SquareEnixUSA @KINGDOMHEARTS
7:14 AM – May 26, 2018
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The most common reaction by far though was the request (OK, we were begging) that a public demo be released before the projected launch date. After all, not everyone will be able to attend E3 but the desire to get those gaming hands on this title is real.

Just as it were with previous titles, the third game will follow Sora and his journey of friendship and overcoming the darkness. Once again faced against unspeakable dangers, fan favourites will make their debut once more alongside the protagonist, such as Donald Duck and Goofy, as they embark on a journey once more in the name of King Mickey from Disney Castle.

The Darkness will play a huge role once more as they continue on their mission to take over the entire universe. In an effort to stop The Darkness, Sora and crew must travel to different worlds, iconic places from beloved Disney-Pixar movies, in order to stop this growing threat in its tracks.

Here’s what we know from Square Enix:
Adventure in Disney and Pixar Worlds
Embark on an adventure that spans the Disney universe: Travel across Disney-Pixar worlds to protect them from
the Heartless invasion, and befriend and join heroes from Toy Story, Big Hero 6, Tangled, Wreck-it Ralph, Hercules and more.
Unlock the Power of the Keyblades
The powerful Keyblade can now transform into additional forms with new attacks, moves and animations. Players
can equip multiple Keyblades, and combo their attacks between different themed Keyblades.
Experience the Magic
Cast visually stunning, powerful magic spells to battle the Heartless. Call upon Disney-Pixar friends and partner
with them for support. Turn the tide of combat by summoning theme park inspired attractions using the all-new
“Attractions.”
Prepare for Battle
Interact directly with the Disney-Pixar world. Players will fight off swarms of Heartless as they scale massive cliffs,
dive deep underwater or even as they fall freely through the air.
Relive Classic Disney Shorts Through Minigames
Take a break from saving the world with minigames inspired by classic Disney short films.
The release date isn’t set yet, though during a recent press release the game’s director confirmed that we will be getting an official confirmation ahead of E3. For now, Kingdom Hearts 3 is set to release this year for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. No word yet as to a potential PC/Nintendo Switch release.

In most circles, Minecraft usually serves as some form of entertainment, allowing players to create whatever they seem fit just because they feel like it. But in some scenarios, it actually serves a purpose — like, in this situation, helping students preserve their hometown in a unique manner.

Per this report from Bournemouthecho, a group of 15 students in New Milton are actually using the Mojang-produced game in an attempt to recreate their town’s post World War II history by putting together streets and buildings as they’re represented in the real world.

And with that, others can jump in and help. The students are inviting young people to take part in what’s known as a Block 2 Block project, put together by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Hampshire Cultural Trust and Forest Arts Centre. The workshop is set to take place in the city’s Memorial Hall on May 30 and 31.

The project is expected to be completed in July, with the students interviewing members of the city, including the school’s chair of governors and the mayor. They also paid a visit to a nearby pair of museums to learn more about the history of the town.
The head teacher for the class, Nigel Pressnell, noted, “This is an amazing opportunity for our students and is a very exciting project for them to be part of. Not only are they learning so much about their hometown but they are also finding out more about computer techniques. We can’t wait to see New Milton’s history brought back to life.”

Microsoft has gotten involved as well. The company was so impressed with the work done by the students that they’ve been invited to share their plans with the company’s London headquarters.

And what’s more, they’re documenting their work. The students are actually adapting certain filming techniques when it comes to recreating the town, so that they can tell stories about its creation while having some video to serve as their back-up.

This is a rather ambitious project that no doubt has a lot of work that needs to be put into it, but the kids certainly look to be up to the task. We wish them the best of luck!

Minecraft is available now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC, as well as mobile and various older platforms.

As you’ll probably know if you played much Minecraft, a lot of the game is based on exploring the massive world. Of course, if you’re able to get to far away sections of the map quickly you’re going to be able to see different sections of the map. To do so, you’re going to want to know how you teleport to different places.

First of all, make sure the world you’re in is in Creative Mode. Then, work out where you want to go to using the coordinates in game and open the console and press ‘/’ and typing in ‘teleport, your name, and then the coordinates’. Coordinates are in X, Y, Z, with sea level being Y:63. Once you’ve done so and pressed enter, your character will teleport to that location.

On mobile, you do the same thing but you need to enable cheats before hand and type the command into the chat box. On console, you need to enable host privileges and select ‘teleport player’ from the Host menu.

That’s all you need to know about how to teleport in Minecraft. For more tips and tricks on the game, be sure to search for Twinfinite.

Death Stranding’s setting may have been revealed after a connection was made between a real-world location and one of Hideo Kojima’s frequent teasers.

Just a few days ago, Kojima shared an image from his upcoming PlayStation 4 exclusive that showed moss covering some rocks on the ground. He mentioned the Decima engine that the game will be running on, so many took it as a preview of the game’s graphics ahead of the E3 content that’s also being teased. While it’s entirely possible that that was one of the purposes of the tweet, it also seems that Kojima might’ve been hinting that the game would take place in Iceland.

Not long after Kojima shared the tweet, another Twitter user responded with a side-by-side comparison of two images that looked quite similar. Comparing Kojima’s image on the bottom to the one at the top, Rafael Andrade pointed out that the moss-covered field resembles lava fields in Iceland.

View image on Twitter
View image on Twitter

Rafael Andrade
@YamatoDT
Mosses on top of lava fields in Iceland and the new Decima/Death Stranding image are very similar. 🤔 @HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN @Kojima_Hideo #DeathStranding #Decima #E32018

7:54 AM – May 23, 2018
1,515
321 people are talking about this
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The two images together definitely encouraged speculation, but the Iceland theory was fueled even further the same day by Kojima himself. The game creator retweeted Andrade’s comparison without a comment attached, and many have taken this as a silent confirmation that the user may be onto something.

Once the Iceland comparison had been made, another user chimed in with an additional comparison that looked at the in-game and real-world locations. Sure, a crater can just be a crater anywhere, but the second Iceland comparison does lend more credibility to the possible reveal of the game’s setting.

View image on TwitterView image on Twitter

BlueHarvey
@BlueHarvey1
Replying to @YamatoDT and 2 others
Also Iceland

9:46 PM – May 23, 2018
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This doesn’t mean that Kojima’s confirmed the setting yet, thought it’s an interesting juxtaposition made even more intriguing by the fact that he noticed it. With how mysterious and confusing the game has looked so far, it’s not hard to believe that those waiting on Death Stranding will take their news anywhere they can get it.

It won’t be long before that desire for more info is satisfied though with more content coming at E3. Kojima has teased more than once that the game will be shown off during this year’s E3 and confirmed that a new trailer will be unveiled.