Thursday, May 15, 2008

Novint Hosting Tournament at NVGA SuperCon!

Hello Falcon Friends! We’ve been busy updating our Event Schedule. Everyone at Novint LOVES getting out and demonstrating the Falcon to new people. Our latest event is NVGA SuperCon.

The SuperCon is an awesome event that’s going to be held in Albuquerque (the hometown of the Falcon). Novint is going to be hosting several game tournaments during the Con and we have tons of great prizes for the winners. The SuperCon will be taking place May 22 – 25 and the Albuquerque Convention Center.


Here’s what we’re looking at for contests:

FRIDAY AFTERNOON (5/22)
Top Pin Bowling and Virtual Pool 3 Tournaments

SATURDAY MORNING (5/23)
Gish Multiplayer (football) and XLR8 Tournaments

SATURDAY AFTERNOON (5/23)
Talon Special Ops Tournament

The tournaments are free to enter. We’re going to be providing the following prizes to the tournament winners:
First Place: $100 AND a Novint Falcon
Second Place: $50
Third Place: $25

We’re really excited to team up with NVGA and can’t wait for the tournament! We hope to see you there!

Also, don’t forget that tomorrow’s FALCON FRIDAY! Check the blog to find out what game we’re launching tomorrow!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Game Preview: Force Fighter

Hello Falcon Friends! Just a friendly reminder that Falcon Friday is only a couple days away. We’re going to launch another game this week so don’t forget to check out the blog on Friday to find out which game is being released.

Speaking of games… we’ve got a ton of new games in the hopper. Today’s game preview is Force Fighter. Winner of the 2005 "Gameolympics" in the Best Newcomer category, Force Fighter puts you in the cockpit of a jet-powered airship for the ultimate flying deathmatch. Pilot your aircraft through rugged terrain in pursuit of your opponents, and then use your arsenal of weapons to blast them out of the skies. With the Novint Falcon, you’ll feel the full force of your firepower, impacts against the terrain, and enemy attacks as you gun for your prey across five detailed gameplay environments. Special scoring system based both on collecting objects and shooting down your opponents, up to 8 player multiplayer, 5 different crafts, and 14 ship upgrades/weapons.

I think this game would be so much fun to play with our Pistol Grip! We expect to release this game in June (on a Falcon Friday of course)! What are some games that you would us to add to our game lineup? Leave a comment below!

Monday, May 12, 2008

First Falcon Friday!

Happy Monday everyone! As you now know, we had our very first Falcon Friday and it was a big success! We had a great response and we want to thank everyone who supported it! Tom, Novint's CEO, even posted a link on Novint's Message Board allowing several lucky users to download Cell Blast for free! Please send over your review of Cell Blast once you've had a chance to play it. We'll feature you and your review on the blog! Send reviews to PR (at) novint (dot) com.

This week's Falcon Friday will also feature the launch of another new game as well as a discount on that game. Tom may also post a link for a free download, so keep checking the message board as well.

What did you think of our first Falcon Friday? Leave your comments below!

Friday, May 09, 2008

It's FALCON FRIDAY!

It’s Falcon Friday! Today we’ll be launching Cell Blast! Also, if you purchase Cell Blast today you’ll receive a 20% discount on the game! Cell Blast will sell for $19.95 but if you purchase it today using our Falcon Friday link, you can get it for $15.96.

Cell Blast is an action/strategy hybrid, where you'll assemble microscopic structures to cure a worldwide epidemic. The setting may be microscopic, but the stakes are enormous in this one-of-a-kind gaming experience. Use your sense of touch to assemble tiny defensive structures around cells in a human body, in the hopes of preventing a worldwide epidemic. In this unique combination of action and strategy, you will protect fragile brain cells from attack over dozens of waves, using microscopic components such as electrified walls, medical lasers, and repair pylons. Once you’ve constructed your defense system the invasion will begin, and you must repel the pathogens to save humanity, one cell at a time.

Simply follow this link: https://home.novint.com/store/game.php

CellBlast is at the bottom of the store with Red wording reflecting the discount. Remember, you must log in to your NVeNT account to purchase a game! Happy Falcon Friday!



Thursday, May 08, 2008

Falcon Fridays Are Coming!









Hello everyone! Just a friendly reminder that our very first Falcon Friday will be tomorrow! We're really excited about this new program and we think that you all will like it too! As a reminder, every Friday we’ll have a special game promotion. We could release new titles, offer special deals on games, host competitions, host chats with our CEO -Tom, and so much more! The featured games will be kept top secret until midnight (PST) on Friday. The Novint Blog is the only place that will announce the featured titles with the links for that Friday. But you’ll have to act fast, the deals will end once Friday’s over.

I've got a hint for everyone about tomorrow's deal. I can exclusively reveal to you that we will be launching a new game and offering a discount on the new game! What game do you think it will be? Leave your guess in the comment section and you could win a Falcon care package!

Until tomorrow, happy Falcon gaming!

Monday, May 05, 2008

Announcing... Falcon Fridays!

Hello everyone! We’ve got a pretty big announcement for you all this afternoon. We’re excited to announce Falcon Fridays! Here’s the lowdown…

Every Friday we’ll have a special game promotion. We could release new titles, offer special deals on games, host competitions, host chats with our CEO -Tom, and so much more! The featured games will be kept top secret until midnight (PST) on Friday. The Novint Blog is the only place that will announce the featured titles with the links for that Friday. But you’ll have to act fast, the deals will end once Friday’s over.

Falcon Fridays are starting this Friday so don’t forget to check out the blog!

What games would you like to see featured? Let us know below!

Friday, May 02, 2008

Game Preview: Cave Brain

Hi everyone! We've got an addicting game preview for you today, Cave Brain.

Can you help our caveman hero push rocks, smash crates and avoid traps as he solves each level of this arcade puzzle game? Dragons, Blue Goblins and Mad Mushrooms will do their best to stop you, but you can get rid of them by using your Novint Falcon to push boulders onto their heads, or to use your giant hammer to smash your way to victory. You’ll also use the Falcon to activate magical springs and teleporters, feeling your character’s movements throughout the diverse and magical environments. Play in two different modes: Arcade and Logic Modes. You can even add your favorite MP3 music files to put your own personal groove into gameplay.

Look for this game in June! It's only $14.95!

New Media Highlights Section on Web Site


Hey there everyone and happy Friday! We've added a new section to the Web site that might be helpful if you're trying to explain the Falcon to your friends. Check out the Media Highlights to see some of the more in depth media reviews that the Falcon has received.

Also, I wanted to remind everyone to keep the feedback about the new Games Section coming! We're listening to your feedback to improve the Web site! Happy Falcon gaming!

Monday, April 28, 2008

More of Novint in the News!

Hi guys! Slowly the Falcon is taking over the news. Check us out!

The Falcon was reviewed by Tom’s Hardware. They even gave our deal with EA and the pistol grip a shout out!

The Falcon was also featured in the Hartford Courant as part of a syndicated column from the Chicago Tribune.

Finally, you can see the Falcon in the April issue of Laptop Magazine. The Falcon was selected as their Gaming Gadget of the Month. It's a great feature!

Enjoy and happy Falcon gaming!

Friday, April 25, 2008

Game Section Now LIVE!


Hello everyone and happy Friday! The new Game Section on our Web site is live! Take a look and let us know what you think! We want to hear your feedback as we continue to improve the section. Happy Friday!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Exclusive: New Games Section Coming to Novint Web Site!

Happy Thursday everyone! We wanted to let you all know that we're going to be launching a new format for our Games Section on the Novint Web site. The pages will go live tomorrow, so check them out and send us your feedback! We're really curious to hear what you think and how we can improve the Web site. As we receive feedback, we'll continue to fine tune things. We're looking forward to your comments!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Meet the Falcon!

So… what are you guys doing this summer? Probably hitting up the movies at some point. We wanted to give you all a heads up that the Falcon MIGHT be making a big screen appearance this summer! The Set Decorator of Meet Dave, Eddie Murphy’s new movie, contacted us about using the Falcon as part of the main ship and smaller ship that Eddie Murphy pilots. We’re not about to confirm the placement yet, but if we hear anything, you’ll be the first to know! In the meantime, you can check out the trailer for the movie and some of the pictures we received very early in the production!






















Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Novint Office Hosts Talon Special Ops Deathmatch

Friday was a pretty fun day at Novint's office in Albuquerque. We've been working hard on our new game, Talon Special Ops. On Friday, everyone got together to play the multiplayer version of Talon Special Ops. After talking to everyone, it sounds like it was a lot of fun. The crew played 6v6 and played several types of games - (death-match, team death-match, team domination, and capture the flag). The smack talking started early in the day leading up to the afternoon matches.

Here were some highlights from Tom Anderson, Novint's CEO:

-- One of our employees is 6 months pregnant, so she named her character "Mommy To Be", which I thought was hilarious. It's funny seeing that someone was "... killed by MommyToBe". Also, makes you not want to shoot that character- makes you feel guilty.

-- We separated into the conference room and the programmers area. I loved hearing the roar from the other room when they won, and them calling in to make fun of us. I also loved calling into the other room when we won :)

-- It was really cool experiencing a milestone like that for Novint. It was our first company event like that. Everyone, including non gamers, had a blast.

-- The outdoor environments in Talon Special Ops are beautiful. It was especially fun playing the game, knowing it was one of our titles.

-- The different types of weapons and vehicles (mechs, jeeps, tanks, etc) were a lot of fun for everyone.

-- I spawned at one point right behind someone waiting to capture our flag - they had no idea how I found them (was pure luck) but made me seem pretty tricky.

-- Eric said his mom could take everyone, so Bill called his character "Eric's Mom" which was hilarious.

Sounds like everyone had a great time! We hope to release Talon Special Ops fairly soon, so keep checking back for the announcement!


<-- Several of Novint's employees (including Tom, Novint's CEO and Bill, Novint's Game Director) playing Talon Special Ops.










<-- Check out all of those Falcons!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Check It Out: Video Preview of Penumbra: Black Plague

Hello everyone! Our friends at Reachin have uploaded this awesome video preview of Penumbra: Black Plague. Check it out!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Game Preview: Penumbra: Black Plague

Hello Falcon Friends! Yesterday was Tax Day in the U.S. and if you're like me you'll be looking for a way to reward yourself! Our friends at Reachin have some great news for you... Penumbra: Black Plague – HaptX Edition will be released very soon!

Like its predecessor, Penumbra: Overture, Penumbra: Black Plague is a first person horror adventure game focused on story, suspense, immersion and puzzles. Throughout the game the player has to use his or her ability to analyze and solve puzzles to guide the main character Philip throughout the game. HaptX and the Novint Falcon promises to further enhance the chilling atmosphere and player interaction within this spectacular game.

Utilizing cutting edge 3D engine technology, Penumbra: Black Plague is a true advancement to the adventure genre. The unique physics system allows for true environmental interaction in a way only comparable within its predecessor Penumbra: Overture. The player can open drawers, pull levers, pick up objects and manipulate those objects in 3D space - all using natural Falcon movements, creating a spectacular new gaming experience.

Just like Penumbra: Overture – HaptX Edition, HaptX intends to provide Novint Falcon owners with some additional new features in this new release, including soft surfaces, fluids and new levels of texture details that we genuinely believe will blow your minds away.

Be sure to drop by the Official Game Web site and the HaptX site for more information.

Are you going to try out Penumbra: Black Plague? Once you do, leave your thoughts below!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Novint Takes Over Times Square AGAIN!


Happy Monday everyone! As many of you know, we announced that several of EA's most popular franchises will now be enabled for the Falcon. Check out this awesome picture of the Reuter's sign in Times Square in New York City! Talk about making a BIG announcement!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Game Preview: The Feel of Steel

Hi everyone! As you all know, this week was a REALLY exciting week for us! Between the EA announcement, our company newsletter, and all of the fantastic press we've been receiving this has been an exciting week! But, our Games Group is still hard at work to bring a bunch of new games to our Online Game Store.

We've got a preview of the game, The Feel of Steel.

Awarded the 2007 Game of the Year award in the Innovation category by Game Tunnel, this is a multiplayer, 3rd-person sword-dueling game in which the movement of the Falcon corresponds directly to the movement of the sword.

Imagine being able to feel the clash of blades as you parry an attack, and the sensation of driving your sword into an opening in your enemy's defenses. Fight on the ground across diverse and exotic terrains, or launch into flight for epic aerial battles. Whether you choose to hack and slash wildly or to dice your opponent with precision strikes, this is as real as swordplay gets. Features include an intuitive sword-fighting system, single-player battles, head-to-head Duel Arena, and a feverish Free-For-All mode.

I was able to try this game out while we were at GDC and it was so much fun! It will challenge you! We expect The Feel of Steel to retail for $19.99. Keep checking back at the blog for details about the timing of the release! Happy Falcon gaming!

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Novint Update



Greetings Falcon Friends! Can't get enough Falcon info? Today's your lucky day! We're going to be sending out Newsletters with information about what's going on with Novint and lots of information on games, product updates, even special offers to our Falcon Friends. We just sent out the most recent edition of the newsletter but also have it posted on our Web site. Don't forget to sign up for future newsletters! Check it out!

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Novint in the News!

Hi everyone! We've had quite a bit of media coverage as a result of our big announcement with EA. Check it out!

Newsweek
IGN
G4
Ars Technica
Gizmodo
Engadget
Gamasutra
I4U

Novint's Deal With EA Featured on G4's XPlay

Hi everyone! It's been a busy day for us as we announced our partnership with EA. Check us out on G4's XPlay with Adam Sessler!



Keep checking back for updates on some other really exciting press that we've received!

Monday, April 07, 2008

Novint Falcon To Support Major EA Franchises

You read this correctly! Novint is thrilled to announce that we're teaming up with EA to enable some of their most popular franchises. We hinted about our BIG announcement and some of our friends were so excited that they leaked the story a bit early.

Here are the details... we're going to add several of EA's best-selling computer games to work the the Falcon. Titles will include franchises like Madden NFL, NBA Life, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, Need for Speed, and Battlefield. We expect to release these titles for the Falcon later this year. Using the Falcon will bring a brand new life to these games and you'll be able to feel realistic touch sensations like the weight of the ball as it's thrown, the sideways acceleration of a car as it drifts around a sharp turn, or the realistic recoil of a machine gun.

We're extremely excited by what this represents for us! It's always nice to have EA in your corner! Check out the press release on our Web site.

Exciting Novint News!

Greetings everyone! We've got some great news here at Novint! We'll be making an exciting announcement on Tuesday at 6 am EST. Check back at the Novint blog and on the Novint Web site for more information!

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Game Preview: WWII 76mm™

Greetings everyone and happy Thursday! We've got a ton of new games that are about to hit the Game Store so keep checking back!

Today we're going to give everyone a preview of WW11 76mm. In this arcade-style tank combat title, you are a commander of an M4 Sherman tank in the Fourth Armored Division, Patton's best and most elite squadron. From France to Germany, you will destroy opposition from the war's most fearsome tanks, including Panthers, Tigers and Hummels. Engage in nonstop military action with authentic weapons and navigation you can actually feel with the Novint Falcon. Multiple mission styles are included with objectives such as Assault, Escort, Defense, and Rescue. Features include more than 30 objectives over 10 missions, and detailed WWII-era environments.

This is sure to be a favorite of everyone's so check it out when you get a chance. Until then, happy Falcon gaming!

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Novint's Headquarters Taken Over (By Kindergarteners)

We recently hosted a very distinguished group of visitors at the brand new Novint Headquarters. Novint's CEO, Tom Anderson, invited his son's kindergarten class to come and visit the office and learn about haptic technology (it's never too early to start recruiting!). Everyone had a great time and it was a highlight for all of the Novint Employees.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Game Preview: Talon Special Ops

Happy Friday everyone! As I've mentioned before, our Game Group has been working hard to add even more games to the Online Game Store. One of the games that we're really excited about is Talon Special Ops.

We teamed up with a great company, Techland, to bring Talon Special Ops to you. This title, which was originally titled Chrome Specforce, is an exciting FPS game that is set in the not-too distant future, at a time when the rapid advancement of technology has allowed the dream of colonizing distant planets to become reality. However, this stunning rate of expansion into new galaxies has caused these colonies to become a safe haven for the worst kinds of criminal activity.

You are part of an elite strike force unit created to deal with these global hazards and crisis situations. With the Falcon, you will feel the effects of weapons, vehicles, and environmental events as you fight back against this criminal activity. Game features include an active camouflage system, neural booster, power shields, 13 modern weapon models, 5 vehicle types, extensive and diverse terrains, map editor, and advanced enemy AI. Play alone or in an up-to-32 player, 4 mode multiplayer match (Death Match, Team Death Match, Team Domination, and Capture The Flag).

Talon Special Ops will be availalbe via the Online Game Store for $29.99.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Check It Out: Chicago Tribune Features The Falcon


Hi there everyone! We've got more exciting news! The Novint Falcon is featured in the Chicago Tribune's article about how controllers are now making your body part of the game. Check it out and let us know what you think below!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Falcon User Creates Video

Hey there everyone! Check out this awesome video that Muzammil, a Falcon user from Brooklyn, created on his own. We're so impressed that we're going to send him a Novint care package with tons of goodies for him. You can win a Falcon care package too! Just send us your Falcon videos and we just might feature them on the blog and send you some goodies. Check out Muzammil's video below!


Thursday, March 20, 2008

Check It Out: Ars Technica Review of the Falcon!

Novint's in the news again! The folks at Ars Technica just posted this extended review of the Falcon! They even give some insight and recommendations for some of Novint's most exciting games! Check it out!

Game Preview: Feelin' It: XLR8

Hello everyone! As you know, Novint's Game Group is hard at work to bring even more titles to our Online Game Store. One of the titles that we expect to release shortly is Feelin' It: XLR8. We gave previews of this game at GDC this year and everyone really liked it a lot.

Feelin’ It: XLR8 is a breathtaking game that gives you the true-to-life experience of driving powerful rally cars in photorealistic environments. The game features highly detailed models of over 35 modern rally cars, as well as handling physics developed with the help of rally sport professionals, which create a foundation for an ultra-realistic driving experience. Add the Falcon, and you'll be able to feel all the bumps on the road, slides across the dirt, and impacts with opponents and environmental objects. Other features include complex car damage modeling, over 800 parts for customization, driver injury simulation, Arcade and Simulation driving modes, over 70 races in 5 diversified scenes, and multiplayer support. This game is so realistic and immersive, you may need a seat-belt!

We're working hard on this game! Keep checking back for an announcement when the game's ready.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Check It Out: More Video of the Falcon!

Greetings Falcon Friends! Our friends at Moosetv.net sent us a video of the Falcon in action at DigitalLife in NYC. Check it out!

Friday, March 14, 2008

We're Movin' On Up!

Hey there everyone! Novint recently moved into our brand new office in Albuquerque and it's great! Check out the pictures below!



<-- The outside of the building. Check out the Novint logo on the side of the building!













<-- The entrance. Come on in!











<-- The main working area. This is where the magic happens!









Make sure you stop by and say hello if you're ever in our neck of the woods! We're at:

4601 Paradise Blvd. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114

Enjoy your weekend!

Monday, March 10, 2008

Win a Novint Falcon!

Hello Falcon Friends! Do you want a Falcon but don't quite have the cash? Today's your lucky day! We've teamed up with PWNED.com for their latest giveaway. Head on over to their Web site and enter the drawing.

On another note, make sure to check out the April issue of Popular Mechanics (on newsstands now). Novint is featured in an article about the emerging trend of haptics for consumers. Happy Falcon gaming!

Friday, March 07, 2008

Game Preview: Tear Down

Hello to all of our Falcon Friends! I'm warning you all right now, the game I'm about to tell you about is VERY addictive! Tear Down is so much fun! This was one of our more popular games at GDC and if you read through our Message Boards, you'll find out that this game is wildly popular with other Falcon users.

The brick-busting fun doesn’t stop! Use your Novint Falcon to control the paddle and smash your environment to smithereens. As you hit one or more balls toward your target, you'll actually feel the effects of impacts, explosive blocks, enemy portals, power-up generators, and even be able to use your sense of touch to aim toward your target with precision. Featuring amazing levels built for jaw-dropping fun, Tear Down lets you destroy a fiery volcano, smash a Sopwith Camel into smithereens and even take on legendary sea creatures! From the Super Weapon that shakes the screen as it obliterates bricks to the B-52 Bomber that soars above the level dropping explosive ordnance, the new bonuses are as dazzling to watch as they are to feel. With over 200 levels to smash, I'm warning you now, Tear Down will keep you up all night!

The best part of all, Tear Down will only cost you $14.95 at our Online Game Store. Check it out!

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Check It Out: PC Gamer's Review of the Falcon


Hey there everyone! Be sure to pick up the April issue of PC Gamer because the Falcon is featured in the magazine! Find out why they say, "there’s no question that the Novint Falcon has an opportunity to become a must-have controller for hardcore PC gaming fans.”

Friday, February 29, 2008

Check It Out: CNN.com's Interview With Novint's CEO

Hello Falcon Friends! CNN.com has posted this great interview with Novint's CEO, Tom Anderson. He gives a preview of the Pistol Grip and some other upcoming projects. Enjoy!





And don't forget to check out IGN and BusinessWeek too!

Check It Out: GamePro's Video of the Falcon

Hi everyone! Our friends from GamePro stopped by our booth at GDC and posted this awesome video. Check it out!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Falcon Takes Over Times Square!


Greetings Falcon Friends! The Black Falcon has landed in New York's Times Square! The Falcon was featured on the Reuters Digital Sign in Times Square on February 20 and 22nd. The image of the Falcon was over two stories tall and the headline was over three stories tall! Check it out!

Monday, February 25, 2008

Novint Pistol Grip in Action!

Hi everyone! The folks at OhGizmo! put out a video of the pistol grip in action. Enjoy!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

GDC: Celebs Visits

We had several exciting guests stop by Novint's booth at GDC. Among those were Rupert Boneham from Survivor, Adam Sessler (and his parents) from G4, and Veronica Bellmont.



<-- Rupert gets a demo from Bill, our Games Director.
<-- I had to include the picture of Rupert and me since we're both from Indianapolis!

<-- Thumbs up from Adam Sessler!












<-- After seeing her video on the Web site and Swoop Tour, all of the Novint guys had to get a picture with Veronica Bellmont.

GDC: Falcon Winners

We hosted a competition at GDC and gave a Falcon to 4 lucky winners at the show. Check it out!

<-- Our first winner with Tom Anderson, Novint's CEO.
<-- Our second winner with Alex, Novint's Marketing Manager.











<-- Our third winner with me (Sabrina), Novint's Public Relations Manager.
<-- Our fourth winner with Larl, a Senior Artist at Novint.

GDC: More Photos of Novint's Booth

Hello everyone! We've got even more pictures of Novint's booth at GDC. The booth was packed during the show and we gave countless demos of the Falcon!