Posts tagged with "gaming"

VULIWEAR inside 360 MAGAZINE.

PAY IT FORWARD

During these tough economic times, we’ve decided to focus on practical, affordable gifts. Thus, we wanted to try to inspire those seeking a thoughtful gift for this period of transition, by compiling a complete menu that is sure to leave a lasting impression.



VULIWEAR

The beautiful array of colors and unique design patterns in an insect’s eyes can only be seen when magnified for the human eye. Their compound eyes are made up of thousands of mini eyes that come together to form patterns that are truly awesome. Stylish yet elegant frames, which are wonderfully crafted for longevity.

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VULIWEAR Eyewear collection via 360 MAGAZINE.



<gaM 063> BY AOHSOA

An exclusive partnership between AOHSOA × 360 MAGAZINE. A high quality tennis shoe perfect for painting the town red with clients. Eclectic prints which mimic a psychedelic, athleisure era – both designed in-house. Ideal for walks, jogging and gymnastics thanks to its visco-elastic better known as memory foam technology.

Rigorously tested for durability, they’re an ultramodern alternative to NIKE, Adidas shell toe and Reebok classics.

With two distinctive colorways that pay homage to The ‘Boogie Down’ Bronx‘s grafitti art scene, these melodic masterpieces possess a modest price point to achieve the unexpected.

Finally, a chic shoe in vibrant hues, combining style and functionality, to be worn in the gym and non-traditional work environments.

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gaM 063 a new sneaker created by AOHSOA and 360 MAGAZINE
<gaM 063> a new sneaker capsule created by AOHSOA and 360 MAGAZINE.

HARD ROCK HOME

From the textile manufacturers over at Sobel Westex, comes an eclectic seven piece bed set inspired by the Hard Rock marquee – a guitar. With designs which embody the essence of the greats such as Johnny Cash and Elvis, these sheets will have you leaping on a bed, strumming your stomach while lip syncing BB King. Fun yet affordable option for a guest room, dorm and/or sleeper. It’s offered in a rustic bandana blue pattern which mimics a pair of prewash. For the cost of a night stay at a modest hotel, it includes: 1 comforter, 2 Shams, 2 euro shams, and 2 decorative pillows. It’s a great purchase for that special someone in need of a slight push to began adultery. And, it makes almost any room feel harmonious. Machine wash, tumble dry, no iron.

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Hard Rock Home bedding listed in 360 MAGAZINE gift guide

ROBOROCK

Roborock is gearing up for this holiday season. From planning and decorating to the cluttered aftermath, Roborock has the cleaning tools to keep their homes tidy!

  • Dyad: Make wet and dry dirt disappear at a stroke with DyadPower this holiday season – The only dual roller motor, multi-roller wet/dry vacuum in the world! The 13000Pa suction vanishes dirty water leaving floors clean yet dry after the entire family has left. What’s more – the folding holder allows it to stand on its own, and the cordless design allows users to freely move from room to room.
  • Q5 Series: Driven by a 5200mAh battery to power longer cleans, the Roborock Q5+ features 2700Pa of suction power to easily suck up dirt and grime into the 2.5L dust bag of the Auto-Empty Dock Pure for hands-free cleaning while you’re busy with everything else. Runs on a PreciSense LiDAR Navigation System, unique to Roborock which creates a 3D map along with custom routines, multi-level mapping, as well as No-Go Zones & Invisible Walls. Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Siri, the Q5 utilizes advanced app control to create a customizable clean.
  • S7+ MaxV Ultra: Roborock’s smartest robot combo yet! The S7 MaxV Ultra provides an extremely convenient, totally hands-free cleaning experience. The dock even cleans itself too! The S7+ MaxV Ultra has more suction power than any previous Roborock robot vacuum, generating a maximum of 5100 Pa, picking up debris, hair, dust, and more from hard floors and carpets. Using its camera, this model can now recognize the furniture in your home and place them on the map automatically. It can also identify your floors in each room and recommend cleaning patterns and scrub intensity accordingly.

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Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra robotic vacuum and mop inside 360 MAGAZINE
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra robotic vacuum and mop inside 360 MAGAZINE

JOHN MAYER ROLEX DAYTONA

Though green watch dials are still trending, the green dial Rolex Daytona hype, thanks to John Mayer, is finally over.

It’s finally the perfect time to invest in the Green Daytona of your dreams from SwissWatchExpo

Selling for over $125,000 at the peak of its popularity, the “John Mayer” Rolex has finally dropped in price to $81,000, making it the perfect time to buy.  

While it remains out of reach for most of us, the lucky few will see this as their time to shine.

Eugene Tutunikov, CEO of pre-owned luxury watch retailer, SwissWatchExpo, has followed this watch for years and finally saw the price of this Daytona fall in the last month after 14 months of its increasing price.  

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In tandem with the launch of the new eyewear, Oakley also released a campaign video lead by pro surfers and Team Oakley athletes, Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto which shows how the Hydra captures the essence of “Good Times Only.” 

JOHN MAYER ROLEX DAYTONA IN 360 MAGAZINE
JOHN MAYER ROLEX DAYTONA IN 360 MAGAZINE

Hydra features semi-rimless sunglasses with a shield lens, similar to the Oakley Razor Blades, the brand’s first foray into surf culture-inspired eyewear from the ‘80s and ‘90s. The new eyewear is accentuated by a modern trigger system design, also reminiscent of Razor Blades’ silhouette, and it has been modernized to include Prizm™ Lens Technology and Unobtainium® no-slip grip nosepads.

ROSE BOX NYC

A new school year is quickly approaching and what better way to get excited than designing your dream dorm with Rose Box NYC! These gorgeous bouquets are completely customizable, letting your personality be expressed through a variety of color combinations and decorative boxes. The best part? These flowers can actually live up to 3 years with the proper care and maintenance!

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MODERN ICE BUCKET

Whether you need ice to whip up cocktails or want to cool a bottle of wine, the TRUE Chill Modern Ice Bucket is the best ice bucket for all of your chilling endeavors.

Roomy, featherlight, and stylized, this modern ice bucket comes party-ready. It’s made of durable acrylic with cut-out handles allowing for easy mobility. Low-cut sides make it easy to swoop in and grab another bottle. Holds 4 wine bottles.

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Crisbi ice bucket in 360 MAGAZINE

CHARCUTERIE BOARD W/ KNIFE

This board will ensure your spread is on point for any occasion. It’s beautifully designed, featuring gorgeous end grain wood and an acacia spreader. The knife fits conveniently in grooves between the two sections. Turn it upside down for the perfect cutting board. Cleans up easily with a damp cloth.

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Charcuterie board by Crisbi via 360 MAGAZINE

ARTISTSCENT CANDLES

Celebrate the coming holidays with luxurious, fall-scented candles. Warm up your home and have it smelling fresh going into the new season with decadent fragrances.

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CHAMPS SPORTS COLLECTION

Today, Champs Sports has launched their new, Eastbay Performance Field Day CollectionChamps Sports developed this new collection, part of the brand’s Eastbay Performance line, for the modern athlete and includes both lifestyle and performance apparel. Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts and NIL basketball superstar Jared McCain show off the versatile new products in the collection’s corresponding campaign.  

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GLASS XTR2 + REPAIR PLAN

Glass XTR2 + ZAGG Screen Repair Guarantee Plan for the iPhone 14 family of smartphones. U.S. customers who purchase a Screen Repair Guarantee plan ($10) may register their phone for a one-time screen repair up to $250 if their iPhone 14 screen gets damaged with the XTR2 screen protector on the device. The plan is valid for up to one year from the date of purchase per device, and customers are limited to a one-time screen repair. This plan will also cover all future OEM smartphones for which we will make Glass XTR2. For FAQ click HERE.

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HYPERX CLOUD STINGER 2

Definitively the choice of a player for less than fifty dollars. In fact, a lot of them compare it to $200 versions. Cloud Stinger 2 maintains the fundamentals of the original HyperX Cloud Stinger, while refining them to meet an even wider range of gamers needs. Weighing in at under 300g, the headset is designed for aquality user experience with great sound and lightweight comfort. Cloud Stinger 2 utilizes large 50mm drivers to provide clearer audio, with earcups that rotate 90 degrees for adaptive fit and comfort aroundthe neck during breaks. The headset also features easy-access audio controls on the earcup and a swivel-to-mute, noise-canceling flexible microphone for added convenience, reduced background noise and clearvoice quality.

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HYPERX CLOUD STINGER 2 headset via 360 MAGAZINE
HYPERX CLOUD STINGER 2 headset via 360 MAGAZINE

La Tourangelle

From sourcing quality ingredients to small batch production, La Tourangelle’s products are authentic, sustainable, and crafted locally in California and France using traditional practices, and recently approved by everyone’s favorite tastemaker, Jonathan Van Ness.

  • NEW this year is La Tourangelle’s Black Truffle Infused Oil (250 ml – $24.99), robust and distinctive with complex earthy notes of damp forests and dried mushrooms that are characteristic of the French Périgord Truffle. This September, La Tourangelle will release two-pack gift box of Truffle Oils (price is TBD for now – let us know if you would be interested)with one White Truffle and one Black Truffle Infused Oil, the perfect gift for the home gourmand.
  • Or opt for is the classic stocking stuffer gift sets – the Favorites Trio ($22.99) with Walnut, Avocado, and Sesame oils, or the Infused Gift Trio ($20.99) with Garlic, Herb de Provence, and Basil oil.
  • And for a little something extra this festive season, La Tourangelle’s newest bold and bright launch, Extra Virgin Avocado Oil (250 ml – $11.99), or choose the classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500 ml – $9.99) or another new product, for the home cook in your life (or even the friend who can’t cook).
  • All of La Tourangelle’s products fit into the category of  “Gifts that Give Back” – 2% of the company’s profits and 5% of the company’s land in Woodland, Yolo County, CA are dedicated to the La Tourangelle Foundation – founded to support edible gardens within schools, regenerative agriculture, and food banks.

Where to buy? La Tourangelle oils can be purchased at Whole Foods Market, Kroger’s, Safeway, Publix, and Walmart, its website, and on Amazon.

La Tourangelle Avocado Oil featured inside 360 MAGAZINE
La Tourangelle Avocado Oil featured inside 360 MAGAZINE

MONDAINE WIFI WALL CLOCK

With the new MONDAINE stop2go WiFi wall clock, you can hang a piece of Iconic Swiss design culture above your office desk or on your living room wall. In addition to its unique design, the wall clock—featuring an aluminum case with a diameter of 25 cm—also offers sophisticated electronics that do not require yet another app on your phone to set the time. After inserting the batteries, you only have to press two small buttons next to the battery compartment simultaneously to activate the WiFi function. After connecting the watch to your smartphone (via the WiFi settings), it can be adjusted thanks to a user-friendly multilingual operating menu. For example, a different time zone can be selected, or daylight-saving time can be switched on and off.

The new MONDAINE Stop2Go WiFi wall clock will be available from mid-September 2022 at selected specialist retailers and at mondaine.com.

MONDAINE wifi wall clock in 360 MAGAZINE gift guides
MONDAINE wifi wall clock in 360 MAGAZINE gift guide

GUCCI DIVE

Gucci reinvents the GUCCI DIVE collection with the addition of four new watches made with bio-based materials and recycled steel. The choice to use plant-derived
plastic from renewable sources reflects the House’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and generating positive change for people and the planet.

GUCCI DIVE inside 360 MAGAZINE
GUCCI DIVE inside 360 MAGAZINE.

60TH ANNIVERSARY CASHMERE COLLECTION

In celebration of 60 years of the James Bond film franchise, N.PEAL reimagined some of the spy’s most iconic and memorable looks in cashmere whilst revisiting their signature styles that were not just inspired by Bond, but worn by the secret agent in Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and No Time To Die (2021).

N.PEAL James Bond inspired collection featured inside 360 MAGAZINE.
N.PEAL James Bond inspired collection featured inside 360 MAGAZINE.

OAKLEY HYDRA

Hydra features semi-rimless sunglasses with a shield lens, similar to the Oakley Razor Blades, the brand’s first foray into surf culture-inspired eyewear from the ‘80s and ‘90s. The new eyewear is accentuated by a modern trigger system design, also reminiscent of Razor Blades’ silhouette, and it has been modernized to include Prizm™ Lens Technology and Unobtainium® no-slip grip nosepads.

In tandem with the launch of the new eyewear, Oakley also released a campaign video lead by pro surfers and Team Oakley athletes, Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto which shows how the Hydra captures the essence of “Good Times Only.”

Pro-surfer athletes,Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto for OAKLEY via 360 MAGAZINE.
Pro-surfer athletes,Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto for OAKLEY via 360 MAGAZINE.

MNT Gillette ProGlide

In celebration of soccer super fans, Gillette is releasing a limited edition Mexican National Team ProGlide razor, available only at MNTGillette.com. There’s nothing like a clean shave to look your best, feel your best, and cheer on your team to play their best!

The Mexico National Team fanbase always shows up and rallies for El Tri day in and day out. With this limited-edition Gillette ProGlide razor featuring the Mexico National Team logo, superfans can show their team pride in their daily routines and have a keepsake for years to come.

MNT Gillette ProGlide via 360 MAGAZINE.
MNT Gillette ProGlide via 360 MAGAZINE.

Photo: Gillette

Doctor Plotka

Never suffer from that funky old toothbrush taste again, and instead enjoy a deeper clean in the new year with Doctor Plotka’s Mouth Watchers. PLUS! Check out their amazing toothpaste!

$4.99 and up – available:
www.mouthwatchers.com
Amazon.com

Doctor Plotka toothpaste and toothbrushes via 360 MAGAZINE.
Doctor Plotka toothpaste and toothbrushes via 360 MAGAZINE.

LIDS | AMAZON PRIME DAY

Get a head start on your holiday shopping with the latest Amazon Prime Day deals, global sports retailer, Lids has amazing deals that you won’t want to miss for the fashion maven or sports fanatic in your life. See below for the best headwear products for kids and adults from Lids.

Adults

·       Lids Blank Original Adjustable Snapback Hat ($17.99)

·       Lids Pop Culture Foam Trucker Adjustable Snapback Cap ($18.99)

·       Lids Americana Adjustable Strapback Dad Hat ($18.99)

·       Lids Blank Essential Dad Adjustable Strapback Hat ($14.99)

Kids

·       Lids Explore Youth Adjustable Snapback Hat ($17.99)

 

Lids caps for the holidays via 360 MAGAZINE.
Lids caps for the holidays via 360 MAGAZINE.

Reebok has announced the return of its BB 4000 II, a transcendent lifestyle basketball sneaker from the brand’s iconic 1980s “BB” footwear range, dropping October 28.

Reebok BB 4000 II coming soon via 360 MAGAZINE.
Reebok BB 4000 II via 360 MAGAZINE.

LIDS LAMAR VALLEY

Lids latest collection, “Lamar Valley” includes the brand’s newest New Era x MLB colored undervisor hat.

Designed by Lids’ president, Britten Maughan, the “Lamar Valley” collection is inspired by Maughan’s experience of growing up on the western side of the United States and visiting the natural beauty of our nation’s parks and landscapes like the Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park.

Maughan worked with a New Era designer to creatively curate the Lamar Valley colorway, making every detail and decision intentional. The overall hat tells a story and has underling meanings behind the cap’s undertones. The team logos are outlined in blue, signifying the river that flows through the valley. If familiar with Lamar Valley, you know the river isn’t prominent from every view, unlike the earth tones – the browns and greens – that can be seen all-year round. The collection also includes the limited edition MiLB hat, The Buffalo Bisons.

“Lamar Valley” includes the brand’s newest New Era x MLB colored undervisor LIDS hat via 360 MAGAZINE.
“Lamar Valley” includes the brand’s newest New Era x MLB colored undervisor LIDS hat via 360 MAGAZINE.

REEBOK’S BB 4000 II

Reebok’s BB 4000 II lifestyle basketball shoe re-emerges from the brand’s ‘80s basketball archive via Extra Butter (U.S.), Courir (Europe), and Reebok.com, among other select retailers. Creative directed by artist Cam Hicks.

REEBOK'S BB 4000 II lifestyle basketball sneaker via 360 MAGAZINE.
REEBOK’S BB 4000 II lifestyle basketball sneaker via 360 MAGAZINE.

CASIO | The PRW6900YL-5

Casio America, Inc. is excited to expand its PRO TREK line of outdoor timepieces with the PRW6900YL-5.

Geared for outdoor enthusiasts, the new timepiece is inspired by bushcraft, which is the art of learning to find one’s way in the wild. The PRW6900YL-5 features an octagonal metal bezel with sharply tapered edges reminiscent of a wood axe. At the 10 o’clock position, the inset dial indicator hand recalls the blade of a camping knife, and the second-hand features the orange gradation of campfire flames. The base of the dial has a textured cast iron-like surface evoking a Dutch oven, bringing together a design that epitomizes all there is to love about bushcraft.

In keeping with the PRO TREK commitment to be “One with Nature”, the PRW6900YL-5’s case and resin case back are made with biomass plastics, an eco-friendly, green material. The newly developed flame-retardant leather band of the PRW6900YL holds up even when hit by flying sparks.

Equipped with Casio’s V3 Triple Sensor technology, the new watch provides easy measurements of compass bearing, barometric pressure, temperature, and altitude with the push of a button, all necessary for outdoor exploration. Other features include Tough Solar, Multi Band 6, water resistance up to 100 meters, super illuminator, full auto LED, five daily alarms, World Time (29 cities + UTC), and more.

The PRW6900YL-5 is now available for purchase (MSRP: $500) on Casio.com.


PGA TOUR 2K23 x NBA 2K23

2K lines up the perfect putt and slam dunks the game-winner this December with the PGA TOUR 2K23 x NBA 2K23 Bundle. 

The ultimate gift for any sports fan, athlete or gamer, the digital bundle is available for a special introductory holiday price of $49.99 for PlayStation® Plus and Xbox Live Gold subscribers and $39.99 on PC via Steam from December 13 through December 27, 2022*. The perfect last-minute gift features a combined cover depicting stylized images of PGA TOUR 2K23 icon Tiger Woods and NBA 2K23 superstar Devin Booker.


WHATIF FOODS

WhatIF Foods – NoodBoxes and plant based milk – WhatIF Foods is a planet-positive food and beverage company that’s on a  mission to regenerate the planet and its people.

Whatif plant milk via 360 MAGAZINE.
WhatIF plant milk via 360 MAGAZINE.

SOUND BLASTER BLAZE V2

Unparalleled sound at an affordable price point‘ – 360

The Sound Blaster Blaze V2 is a no frills, light-weight over the ear gaming headset.

Precision-tuned 40 mm FullSpectrum Neodymium drivers deliver crisp audio. With Creative app (on Windows), users get to access the Sound Blaster Studio Essential suite to enable sound processing technologies like virtualized 7.1 Surround Sound, Acoustic Engine (with features like Surround, Crystalizer, Smart Volume, Dialog Plus), built-in audio presets for various gaming profiles, movies and music, and CrystalVoice (with features like Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Smart Volume, Microphone Equalizer).

Sound Blaster Blaze V2 is equipped with a detachable, noise-cancelling microphone so that gamers can communicate efficiently without unwanted distractions. A gold-plated 3.5 mm 4-pole combo jack makes connecting easy, with its high-purity oxygen-free copper wire cable helping to transmit distortion-free audio. An inline remote control provides instant access to volume adjustment and mic mute.

Sound Blaster Blaze V2 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Sound Blaster Blaze V2 inside 360 MAGAZINE.

MANTA SLEEP MASK PRO

Surprise your Valentine with the most advanced sleep mask on the planet! Manta Sleep Mask PRO features true 100% blackout for deeper sleep, C-shaped eye cups for unbeatable side sleep comfort, and zero pressure on the eyelids or lashes. Uncompromisingly engineered for side sleepers, the PRO’s eye cups sit completely flat against your temple without sacrificing eye space. So there’s nothing between your head and your pillow. The eye cups feature a smart “air bubble” that expands to keep light out when switching positions and compresses flat when you lie on your side. So you get a perfect blackout seal with none of the bulk. Featuring an infinitely adjustable fit and cooling perforated foam, this mask offers unmatched breathability and ventilation (powered by advanced material science).

Manta Sleep Mask Pro via 360 MAGAZINE gift guide.
Manta Sleep Mask Pro via 360 MAGAZINE gift guide.

REDEMPTION ROAD COFFEE

Redemption Road Coffee is made with special quality grains of unique origin. Discover one-of-a-kind beans from four parts of the world. Each bag supports a special cause, from family companies to women-owned farms, supporting sustainable emerging entities.
Choose between light, medium, and dark roasts. Comes with beans or pods.

Redemption Road Coffee via 360 MAGAZINE.
Redemption Road Coffee via 360 MAGAZINE.

REEBOK PUMP

Chapter 1 of Reebok’s ‘Pump Universe’ collection (Question Pump and Shaq Victory Pump) drops today, Friday 2/17, from Reebok.com and in-store exclusively from Foot Locker.

Reebok pump release via 360 MAGAZINE.
Reebok pump release via 360 MAGAZINE.

FORTNITE X MARVEL: ZERO WAR via 360 MAGAZINE.

FORTNITE X MARVEL: ZERO WAR

THE FORTNITE X MARVEL: ZERO WAR HARDCOVER IS HERE! RELIVE THE BIGGEST COMIC SAGA OF THE YEAR AND UNLOCK ALL SIX IN-GAME ITEMS IN FORTNITE!

The FORTNITE X MARVEL: ZERO WAR HARDCOVER, collecting every best-selling issue of the hit series that saw the Marvel Universe collide with video game phenomenon Fortnite, is available now!

Fans who purchase the hardcover collection will get access to each in-game item in Fortnite that previously released issues unlocked, including the highly sought-after IRON MAN ZERO OUTFIT

This past year, comic fans witnessed a blockbuster crossover event between the video game phenomenon Fortnite and the Marvel Comics universe in FORTNITE X MARVEL: ZERO WAR! The five-issue limited series, written by Epic Games’ Chief Creative Officer Donald Mustard and veteran Marvel writer Christos Gage and drawn by artist Sergio Davila, was a mega hit packed with enormous ramifications for both universes! Now, readers can experience the series in an all-new hardcover format! Those who purchase the hardcover will also receive a download code for all six of the Fortnite in-game cosmetic items that were available to those who picked up first-print editions of the comic series.

The redeemable code will unlock the following in-game items in Fortnite:

  • Spider-Man Zero Outfit
  • Iron Man Zero Outfit
  • Zero War Loading Screen
  • Adamantium Claws Pickaxe
  • SNIKT! SNIKT! Spray
  • Stark Seven Wrap

Fans can see images of the items by visiting Marvel.com

The inhabitants of the ultimate battleground, the Island, are locked in a never-ending war — and only one thing has the potential to turn the tide: a crystallized fragment of the Zero Point that was cast into the Marvel Universe! Spider-Man, Wolverine and Shuri team up with several Fortnite fighters to hunt down the elusive Zero Shard. But as the search extends from Wakanda to the Savage Land and beyond, can they find it in time to avert catastrophe? Heroes from both realities enlist in the struggle against the Imagined Order — but do they have a fighting chance of avoiding doom when Marvel’s most dangerous villain sets his sights on the Shard?

Check with your local comic shop for availability and enjoy one of the biggest comic sagas of 2022 with the all-new FORTNITE X MARVEL: ZERO WAR HARDCOVER! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

FORTNITE X MARVEL: ZERO WAR PREMIERE HC

Written by CHRISTOS GAGE & DONALD MUSTARD

Art by SERGIO DÁVILA

Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU

On Sale Now!

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.

For more information visit marvel.com.

Sports Video Games Make Great Holiday Gifts

Gaming has become incredibly competitive over the years. The development of video games has been spread across four generations and is most prevalent among millennials and Gen Z. It’s not like the days when people would gather together and play on one system and host parties.

Technology’s development has driven that competitiveness to a new level. While some people play the best online casino, card games, shooters, or other types of games, perhaps the people best equipped to play video games competitively are sports fans.

Most fans like sports because it is results driven. There is an entertainment element to it, but a lot of fans’ emotional state hinges on a win or a loss. There is banter between two sides of a game, and then it is settled after a week of practice; in the case of football which has limited games to make the playoffs and determine who is the best team.

Those stakes have similarly been raised over the years. The emergence of gaming online has created greater competitiveness. The gaming industry is booming because everybody can have their own device and still connect with friends and put their skills to the test, whether in simple online games or entering tournaments against various skill levels.

Sports fans, who often grew up playing sports, have a natural competitiveness to them, so when they play a video game, it is about being the best or striving to improve to be the best. Gaming gives them an outlet to continue that competitiveness in a constructive way.

Sports games also give them offline opportunities to play as or simulate their favorite teams in hopes of winning a championship in season modes. They can also build dynasties, manage the economics of player contracts, and more.

The holidays are a great time to connect with sports fans, and there are many related gifts. But for those who enjoy gaming and sports, here are games worth pursuing.

Madden

The annual EA Sports franchise has the official license of the National Football League and tries to replicate the greatest and most powerful organization. The game offers several modes, including a single-player mode that allows users to control a person’s career from the college ranks to getting drafted and attempting to become a Hall of Famer once in the league.

But there is also Ultimate Team mode. This is unique in that there are player cards like what collectors used to and still do get out of packs, but it is all virtual and in the game. Players have different ratings and skill sets, and legends also come back to combine into a single team. As users play, they accumulate more cards and their team improves through the different seasons that will bring different rewards that can only be earned at that time.

NBA 2K

The top basketball game with National Basketball Association licensing has dominated the space for basketball games. It, too, allows users to play as their favorite franchise, develop their own player – from style to piling up attributes to become the best in an online park setting to compete with and against others – and has its own version of Ultimate Team.

Basketball fans have had their gripes about the series, but developers have been heralded for taking a step forward in improving gameplay and giving a great experience for all gamers.

FIFA

The latest soccer game is incredibly popular internationally, and this year has grown in popularity because of the 2022 World Cup being played in Qatar. Gamers can play as national teams or their favorite English Premier League teams, or any number of teams from other leagues across the world. While online play and an ultimate team mode dominate this game, there is plenty to do offline.

MLB The Show

Major League Baseball’s license has been dominated for a decade by MLB The Show. While the game was largely built on offline play, it has long created a realistic experience for gamers. The latest step was Diamond Dynasty, the baseball version of Ultimate Team, which allows for much shorter, three-inning games and roster balancing through various game modes. It’s one of the most competitive sports games out there despite not having as many users.

OAKLEY GAMING COLLECTION

Oakley drops its newest Gaming Collection, featuring the new Prizm Gaming ™ 2.0 technology.

Additional details on the gaming eyewear is below:

  • The technology was created to help gamers’ eyes stay comfortable during long gaming sessions
  • Lens designed to offer enhanced visual contrast and sharper vision
  • The new lineup includes NXTLVL and Admission combined with existing headset compatible frames such as Pitchman R and Holbrook
  • All styles are available with or without Oakley Authentic Prescription lenses 

Additionally, Oakley launched the latest Be Who You Are chapter, “Play: It’s Real,” featuring some of the best gamers in the world such as Scump and Hecz.

Watch campaign video HERE.

 

Sexism in online games via 360 MAGAZINE

Sexism in Gaming Industry – How Bad is it?

Video game players and developers, especially women, frequently suffer sexism, which is prejudiced conduct or discrimination based on sex or gender. Sexual harassment or the portrayal of genders in video games, such as when characters adhere to gender-specific clichés and stereotypes, are examples of how this could appear.

Video game culture changed significantly during the 1980s and 1990s when it was once thought of as a subculture exclusive to young men. As of the 2010s, women make up roughly 50% of all gamers. However, by not punishing users who engage in this kind of behavior or by including sexist elements in their plots, several video games actively encourage instances of sexism against women. 

People in the video games industry are now more aware of sexism as a result of the growing number of women in the gaming business and the subsequently publicized cases of harassment of these women.

Sexism in Video Games

The International Game Developers Association carried out a survey in 2014 that revealed some unprofessionalism women encountered in the game development industry. Women first noted defiance from male coworkers who were beneath them. The study also revealed that white men were preferred for executive jobs and throughout the whole hiring process. 

According to a poll, female developers were not treated with respect in the industry and were instead subjected to inappropriate behavior by male coworkers, such as being tricked into going on dates.

Online video games can be host to extreme sexism towards women, with 65 percent of women reporting an instance of sexual harassment in this setting. Women receive three times as many offensive or derogatory comments from gamers as men do, which can be made anonymously by gamers.

Why is Sexism So Widespread in the Gaming Industry?

Well, there are a few things that need to be considered before we answer that question. According to researchers, playing video games has traditionally been associated with men. At least since the 1980s, when the industry experienced a financial depression, game developers have prioritized targeting men as their main market. 

Even Esports participants are affected by the video game industry’s male orientation with only 1 out of 500 earning professionals being a woman. Although there is some evidence that this is starting to change, male dominance in the business and its focus on its male clientele have led to the creation of video games with few female characters and hyper-sexualization of those few that exist.

Is There a Light at the End of this Tunnel?

Some people have expressed optimism in response to the most recent allegations of sexism in the industry, theorizing that a tipping point may have been reached and that significant change is feasible. They find encouragement in the fact that recent events have not provoked the customary backlash but rather compassionate reactions, resignations, and promises of culture change from firm CEOs. As part of their efforts to change and reform, several businesses have employed diver officers and recruited high-priced consultants.

Women’s rights activists actively work to change how women are portrayed in video games and how the gaming community as a whole treats them. For instance, feminist frequency, a group founded by media critic Anita Sarkeesian, offers training and seminars to influence game culture and change it for good.

Gaming companies have also taken initiatives to maintain a safe and respectful workplace, including adopting standards and training programs. The French government proposed legislation in 2016 that would reward or incentivize video game developers for portraying more positive representations of female characters in their works, in an effort to combat sexism. These recommendations also lay out a rating system that separates games that support positive female representation from those that do not, with the latter receiving the highest age 18 rating.

Conclusion

Although we still have a long way to go in this battle against not only sexism but all kinds of discriminatory behavior in the online video game industry. It is safe to say that the fact that harassment is now being talked about is a big step forward. Whether the games industry has actually been able to transform and create better working conditions remains to be seen. But for the time being, it has made a start.

The Fashion & Gaming X-Overs You Need to Know

Fashion has conquered many industries on its quest to dominate mainstream culture, and now, gaming has fallen under its sartorial spell.

While the nerdy gamers of yesteryear were hardly the bastions of style, 21st-century gamers are immensely fashion conscious, leading some of the world’s fashion houses to take a foray into designing for games.  

Read on to discover why fashion brands, including Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga, are clamouring to have their designs featured in the latest games.  

The Gamification of Fashion 

Of all the tech industries to have emerged since the late 20th century, gaming stands alone as being the most mainstream of all. The remote gaming market has grown exponentially in recent years, providing players with opportunities to play free online games across a spectrum of genres.  

Although estimates vary, market researchers like Newzoo pinned global gaming revenues to be as high as $180.3 billion in 2021. Gaming is now larger than the music and film industries combined.  

For today’s players, gaming isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. Their digital avatars are carefully crafted to express all the facets of their identity, and that includes looking good, even if all they’re doing is trying to survive.  

Gaming in Style 

With gaming being such a lucrative industry, it’s no wonder that fashion brands are keen to capitalise on the increasing appetites of style-conscious gamers.  

Louis Vuitton’s Nicolas Ghesquière has long been a sci-fi and gaming enthusiast. As far back as 2016, he was blurring the lines between fashion and gaming by casting Final Fantasy’s Lightning as the S/S 2016 campaign lead. Elements from games like Minecraft have even inspired his womenswear runway collections.  

It was only a matter of time before LV would make its way into video games, and, in 2019, Ghesquière teamed up with Riot Games to craft an exclusive design for League of Legends character, Qiyana. The Empress of the Elements was suitably kitted out in a Louis Vuitton monogrammed outfit, right down to her Ohmlatl weapon.  

Ghesquière followed this up by creating a one-off Trophy Travel Case awarded to the winners of the 2019 Summoner’s Cup – the LoL world championships. Cast in silver plate, brass and accented with 24ct gold, the case represented the designer and eSports collaboration.   

In 2021, Balenciaga made its first steps into gaming with the release of its autumn/winter collection via the immersive video game Afterworld: The Age of Tomorrow. The Maison followed this up by collaborating with Epic Games to produce exclusive character outfits for its MOBA behemoth, Fortnite.  

Four characters in the game can now be kitted out in head-to-toe Balenciaga skins, with ‘fits even including backpacks and those iconic Triple S trainers. Furthermore, gamers can also purchase Balenciaga tools to use in the game, such as the Hourglass-bag glider and Speed-sneaker pickaxe, by visiting the virtual Retail Row – the Fornite take on the company’s brick and mortar stores.  

Of course, it’s not just the fashion powerhouses that are dipping their toes into gaming waters. More independent brands are crossing over into designing for the digital realm. The Polish streetwear brand, MISBHV, produced a range of virtual clothes for RockStar Games’ Grand Theft Auto V. The label’s digital tees and hoodies, which are worn in the game by DJ group Keinemusik, were “conceived real-world first” to ensure authenticity in the virtual one.

Online Gaming Illustration via 360 MAGAZINE

POST MALONE CHARITY

POST MALONE RAISES OVER $200,000 FOR CHARITY WITH “GAMING FOR LOVE” STREAMS

BENEFITING HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH, UNITED WAY, Project HOPE, & THE TREVOR PROJECT

 Post Malone raised a total of $196,066.20 from his series of “Gaming For Love” charity streams on Twitch this month and then capped it off by donating $40,000 of his own funds.
 
Playing Respawn Entertainment’s Apex Legends, each of these four streams benefitted a specific charity, beginning with Human Rights Watch on the first night, Project HOPE on the second, United Way on the third, and finally The Trevor Project. The latter included a 60-person tournament on a private server, generating a whopping $76,026.33 in one evening!  Respawn Entertainment contributed $10,000 to each stream for a total of $40,000 – which Post also matched, while OpTic donated $10,000. Viewers actively supported these respective causes via fundraising platform Tiltify.

Fans can still contribute; the streams are now uploaded to Post’s brand-new YouTube gaming account “Gaming For Love” with donation buttons on each video. 

Check them out HERE

John Vitti, CEO of VersusGame, headshot via Luxure Group for use by 360 Magazine

Millennials and the Metaverse: Here’s where Gaming and Engagement Come into Play

The digital age has taken over our daily lives. We now have technology that does everything for us – wake us up, read us our daily news, count our calories – the list goes on. But what the digital age has done for us most: provide fun and engaging ways for us to spend our downtime. 

The gaming universe has become one of the most flourishing industries of all time. With millions of games to choose from, like Bubble Hit, people of all ages can connect, engage, and enjoy. Recent reports show that the younger the generation, the higher the likelihood of engagement in the mobile gaming industry. Studies have shown that every 8/10 Millennial and Gen Z consumers are playing video games. Gaming is even on track to replace movies and television as the preferred form of entertainment. With numbers like this, it is a no brainer to begin ventures into this highly grossing marketplace. 

This thought is actually what created the staple of today’s gaming: the metaverse. With gaming on the rise, something had to be done to take it to the next level. The metaverse is an immersive virtual reality. Gamers enter this virtual world, “live”, and participate in activities in this virtual world. You may, in fact, have seen or heard of the metaverse in many different aspects besides gaming. The idea of NFT’s/cryptocurrency, for example, is another aspect of the metaverse. Games like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite are examples of popular gaming sites that have immersed their users into the metaverse. 

But what exactly about the metaverse makes it so attractive? 

You can have fun with your friends anywhere,anytime. In the past, games could only be played together in person. But the metaverse extends the fun. Just the click of a button can take you into a new reality with all your friends. But the metaverse does more than just connect you with your friends – it can actually make you money. 

“I want to level the financial playing field and give the masses the opportunity to reach financial wealth,” remarks CEO John Vitti of VersusGames

Vitti transcended the already futuristic metaverse by going a step above and beyond – instead of simply having fun, you can have fun and earn money. VersusGames is a prediction-based gaming app, allowing you to make predictions that test your knowledge on all things pop culture. You enter a one-on-one match up, earning money through correct predictions. In addition to those earnings, by referring a friend, you earn 5% of their earnings. Players are earning so much that they’re even quitting their jobs! Here, the idea of the metaverse takes on a new meaning. The metaverse extends from the virtual world to reality, allowing you to turn your gaming into real-life profit. 

VersusGames also allows influencers and celebrities to engage with their fans. As creators host games, they are able to earn consistent profits from their engagement. Unlike other big tech giants that only have a small pot of funds for all of their creators, VersusGames ensures creators get value for their time. But VersusGames is more than another PR opportunity – celebrities like Kevin Hart, Jason Derulo, and internet superstars Josh Richards and David Dobrik find VersusGames a meaningful way to form genuine connections with their fans. 

VersusGames is a great example of how engagement is enhanced through the metaverse. By turning virtual fun into real-life profit, consumers aren’t just engaging with the product once, but consistently coming back for more. Besides a higher retention rate, the metaverse provides another layer of enhanced gaming. With tools like virtual reality sets, you aren’t simply playing a video game, you are inside of one. Gaming goes from a 2-D to 3-D experience. The physical gaming experience has become more immersive than ever, as well as the real-life opportunities that go with them. Gaming isn’t simply a passtime anymore. Thanks to the metaverse, it has become a lifestyle. 

With every innovation comes its skeptics. Many are worried about the impacts of the metaverse on privacy. With new technology like the metaverse, so much is unknown. From tracking your physical movements and patterns when you play games, to tracking personal and financial information in transferring gaming money to money in the bank, a lot of consumers are worried about the implications of these actions. Companies are ensuring that with this brand new technology, consumers remain the priority. Privacy laws regarding the new metaverse technology are now being developed to protect consumer privacy first and foremost. 

Another fear with the metaverse is its implications on its players’ physical and mental health. By entering such an immersive world, some players have experienced a feeling similar to a hangover or depression period after exiting the game. When switching from such an exciting and immersive world, the switch back into reality can sometimes be challenging. Companies like VersusGames have worked to ease the transition by providing real-life opportunities for advancement from the games, and allowing social interaction to be a large part of the game. By staying connected to others in the metaverse, players’ confidence in their abilities to interact is high, helping bridge the gap of social anxiety, and encouraging more genuine connection in reality. 

To sum up, here are the key features the metaverse provides your gamers:

  • An immersive and engaging gaming experience
  • Opportunities for profit
  • A great way to connect with friends/family

Gaming is redefining the entertainment industry. As the younger generations are now engaging with entertainment more often, gaming has become at the forefront of priorities. The era of the metaverse is here – it is time to get on board!

Gaming illustration by Gabrielle Marchan for 360 Magazine

How Graphic Design is Used for Online Gaming

When most individuals are asked what graphic designers do, they are likely to say they create logos, business cards, t-shirts, or other 2D images. Even though we engage with visual designers’ work every time we choose which games to play online, few people will mention their importance in game design. 

However, graphic design has taken on new dimensions in the twenty-first century, and with the growing online digital environment, it now plays a more critical function than ever before. Graphic design may be seen everywhere on the digital screen, from building web interfaces to online marketing, social media to online games.

The gaming industry is perhaps one of the most challenging fields in digital design. Of course, you need motion graphics, but you also need to pay attention to detail for credible elements and gaming instructions. Nevertheless, it’s safe to conclude that the gaming industry has progressed significantly. This article will look at how graphic design is vital in online gaming.

Marketing

Because many graphic designers work in marketing, their ability to create appealing visuals could benefit video games. Design specialists will capture people’s attention and enhance revenue long term by developing gorgeous banners. As users’ attention spans have shrunk dramatically in recent years, a visual approach gradually takes over written content.

User Interface

A graphic designer creates a game’s user interface (UI). The user interface is a collection of visual elements that allow the player to interact with the game and access various tools and settings. Several user interfaces are frequently found in a single game. When you initially start a game, the first UI you see is usually the launch screen, which sends you to the Menu, which is another UI. Each menu item opens to its own UI, which uses components like volume sliders and mouse sensitivity to assist you in navigating through each setting.

A graphic designer is responsible for selecting where all of these visual components and text should be placed so that they do not obstruct the player’s main view. Therefore, an excellent understanding of visual hierarchy is one of the most crucial skills a graphic designer possesses.

Gaming

So far, we’ve looked at how graphics are utilized in online games to attract attention and convey instructions, but what about the game itself? The motion graphics are well-articulated to guarantee that they achieve their full potential in terms of authenticity. Because online games are frequently adaptations of real-life games, such as casino games, getting them as similar to the real thing as possible is critical to ensure the gamer has a good time. Some of the most well-known gaming studios have reaped the benefits of advances in graphic design and computer technology, producing games that are as immersive as they come.

Video games are multi-faceted bodies with a semiotic landscape as one of them. Signs, display panels, visual announcements, and various other features distinguish games. These graphic objects are frequently employed in real life, such as in ads and the in-game world. As a result, it’s critical to pay close attention to them, enlisting a graphic designer’s help.

Graphic designers’ responsibilities do not end with the elements mentioned above. These designers will always be in demand for a variety of projects. In addition, graphic design is an integral part of gaming since it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. We may take the technology employed in the graphical design component of games for granted, still, it has taken a long road of experimentation in line with general advances in computer technology to get to where we are now.

Overall, graphic design has become an essential part of many industries. It has been established via the study of online gaming that graphic design is critical to the success of the digital game. Consider this: without design in marketing, fewer people will be drawn to the game; without design in instructions, people may be confused about how the game works; and without design in the game itself, people may be dissatisfied with the game they have played.

Ways to Remain Connected With Your Co-workers When Working Remotely

Long periods of isolation can be emotionally draining. Working remotely does not help either, seeing that there are limited in-person interactions. Here are several practices you can adopt to maintain a sense of connection with your co-workers.

Create Opportunities for Spontaneous Connection

The micro-interactions in the office environments, such as afternoon chats, contribute to your overall happiness. Studies show that this type of social connection is essential for employees’ well-being. Since it’s impossible to have such interactions whilst working from home, you can enhance similar connections via video calls. Zoom and Microsoft Teams are great tools for work-related calls. However, you can plan for short meetings during the week meant for informal conversation.

It is advisable to set a recurring 15-30 minutes meeting that you can label as ‘chit chat’ or ‘coffee break.’ This will help relieve the pressure of feeling that you have to talk about something business-related. Additionally, you can make them optional to ensure they are intentional and more toned down.

Utilize Non-Video Options for Involvement

While video conferencing has helped co-workers stay connected, constant use can lead to zoom fatigue. The overwhelming screen time for workplaces, schools, and social engagement can feel overwhelming. This is why it is crucial to find a balance and incorporate non-video options for interactions. For example, you can schedule a phone call instead of a video chat and, where possible, have a one-on-one check-in.

Engage in Fun Activities Online

Office setups often have team-building activities, including physical activities such as games and competitions. Ideally, these activities are great for socializing, and they contribute to increased productivity among staff. With virtual workspaces, this may be challenging, but there are some fun activities that co-workers can engage in online. Several options to consider include online cooking competitions, coffee classes, and mixology workshops. There are also tons of online team-building games that offer just as much opportunity for fun.

Online games such as scavenger hunt are excellent for group play and are becoming increasingly popular for South African firms. Yet, if you would rather play with maybe one or two co-workers, you can consider simple but fun casino games. Deal or no deal, live poker, or monopoly are excellent options. Luckily for South African players, most casinos offer online casino bonuses, giving you additional funds to play with. These bonuses include free spins, matched bonuses, and no deposit bonuses. There are several guides on how to claim these offers, including the related terms and conditions.

Find a Productivity Accountability Person

Working from home presents a lot of distractions, and it is hard to remain focused. To help complete your targets, you can team up with a co-worker and implement the Pomodoro Technique. With this productivity method, you work for 25 minutes and then have a 5-minute break. After the first three sections, you get a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This working strategy allows you to take guity-free time. Also, when working with a friend, you get some time to catch up during the break.

Be A Cheerleader to Your Fellow Team Members

It is harder to remember to take time to celebrate your co-worker’s achievements when you don’t meet physically. It is believed that 79% of employees who quit their jobs cite lack of appreciation by the company as the main reason. Therefore, it is critical to practice gratitude even when working remotely. Sharing and celebrating every milestone achieved keeps the employees motivated.

Set Out ‘Get to Know You’ Events for New Staff

New workers in a virtual setup can find it hard to interact with existing workers. The company’s management has to get creative in introducing them to the rest of the team. Although they will interact via project meetings, it might not be enough time to get to know each other. 

A creative way to facilitate a ‘get to know you’ event would be using communication programs designed to pair colleagues randomly. Predetermined prompts and questions to guide their conversation could come in handy. Allocating such time will help news staff feel settled and connected with their co-workers. 

We hope you found our tips useful in becoming more productive when working remotely.