SteelSeries introduced the new StarCraft® II Limited Edition ZBoard™ Keyset. Designed specifically for the release of Blizzard Entertainment’s highly anticipated StarCraft II, the keyset will give gamers a customized experience; it features artwork from the game and an intuitive layout, and is a tool designed to help players develop their skills.

“As one of the most anticipated games currently in development, StarCraft II is expected to capture serious attention both from those who enjoyed the classic original and from new players,” said Brian Stech, SteelSeries President of the Americas. “This Limited Edition Keyset is a valuable tool for StarCraft II players looking to immerse themselves in the game and improve their performance.”

Featuring a unique single-player campaign that picks up where StarCraft: Brood War left off, StarCraft II will present a cast of new heroes and familiar faces in an edgy sci-fi story filled with adventure and intrigue. The custom designed ZBoard keyset will feature labeled commands, in-game shortcuts, and artwork from the game.

The StarCraft II Limited Edition Keyset for SteelSeries Zboard gives gamers:

– An intuitive layout for fast reactions

– Immersion in the StarCraft universe with official game graphics

– One-touch macros for frequent commands

– Full customization of each key

The StarCraft II Limited Edition Keyset retails for EUR 24.99 and will be available at game launch; the SteelSeries Zboard retails for EUR 49.99 and is available now at all major gaming retailers and etailers.

• [Product Page]

SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, today during the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, introduced the SteelSeries NP+ Mousepad. The new, large surface was designed for gamers and mouse users who prefer a thick and rough glide surface. The pressure compressed fibers allows for extreme durability making it water and most-stain resistant.

“We work with a number of professional gamers that have a wide assortment of preferences when it comes to the surface they’re playing on or the level of glide and friction they prefer, said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “The SteelSeries NP+ was designed for those that prefer a rough glide and large area surface. The water and stain resistant material makes this surface, our most unique textile mousepad.”

Unlike any other surface that SteelSeries offers, the SteelSeries NP+ is specifically targeted for gamers that prefer a medium to rough glide and higher level of mouse to surface friction. Regardless of their preference, users can effectively operate an optical or laser mouse on the 17.7 x 15.7 surface. Its non-slip rubber base provides a firm grip and prevents the pad from sliding no matter what surface the SteelSeries NP+ is placed on.

SteelSeries NP+ Mousepad will be available at leading online retailers with an MSRP of EUR 24,99 beginning in March 2010.

• [Product Page]
• [Pictures]

Daykiller steps down from his duties

One of ETF2L’s founders, dAyKiLLeR, is stepping down from his role as head admin to pursue real life interests and finish his degree. He has put two years and countless hours into the ETF2L project, so I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say thanks and good luck to Day, who has been an inspirational leader throughout his tenure.

D2M has been promoted to head admin in Day’s absence.

Ladder update

All of the new soldier and demoman weapons are permitted in ladder play if both teams agree on their use before the match begins. We’re also going to add Gorge and Doublecross to the map pool so you can test those in 6v6 too.

Koth cup reaches its final stage

Keep your eyes peeled for the grand final of our 4v4 King Of The Hill cup, which will be an all German affair as TFPortal summiteers take on Game Control.

Obscure 1 Night Cup Won by SHIFTPLAY

Another fun cup was won by a German team with SHIFTplay winning first place in our Obscure one night cup.

If you’d like to have your say about the map, head on over to the thread to add your thoughts about it. Do you think it should be in the map pool/fixed maps list for 2010?

Support lvl up TV

Our friends over at Level Up TV are in the running for some fantastic prizes from LiveStream. Help them out over the holiday period by visiting the competition website and vote for them. Hopefully we’ll get to see some ETF2L games cast in high quality next year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy new year

And finally, the staff at ETF2L would like to extend our best wishes to you, your family, and your teammates this Christmas and New Year. Thanks for a great 2009, and let’s work together to make 2010 an even better year for TF2.

ETF2L joins forces with ESH

ETF2L is thrilled to announce a joint venture with Esports Heaven.

Esports Heaven is a service provided by Heaven Media, offering high quality tournaments, cups and leagues, played at the highest level in games such as CS:S and Call of Duty. Their knowledge and experience in competitive e-sports, combined with ETF2L’s strong position in the TF2 community, will put Team Fortress 2 among the big names in e-gaming.

From Steven Leunens, Head of Esports Heaven:

“I’m extremely delighted that we are now able to fully support a fantastic game such as Team Fortress 2 on Esports Heaven. Apart from the One Night Wonders you will see starting very soon, I’m happy to announce that we are already planning for both hardware and cash tournaments for TF2 on Esports Heaven. With the guys of ETF2L behind us, I’m sure we’ve made the perfect pick in terms of admins for these tournaments and I’m looking forward to welcoming the TF2 community to Esports Heaven.”

Getting Started

Our first step is to announce the inaugural TF2 One Night Wonder!

This will be a 16-team cup, to be played on Monday, 21st December, and is open to all.

Due to the large update to TF2 earlier this week, ALL NEW UNLOCKS ARE ALLOWED.

For more details please go here. Please first read the section on signing up!

Every Season we hand out awards to recognise impressive accomplishments. Today we start our Nomination Phase where all registered users can nominate their favorites for various awards.

The Top 5 nominations in each thread will be included in a public poll which will decide the winner of each award.

Schedule

• Nomination Phase: From now till Thursday, 17th December, 23:59 CET
• Poll Phase: Sunday, 20th December till Wednesday, 23rd December, 23:59 CET

Nomination Rules

1. Only one nomination per thread allowed.
2. You are not allowed to nominate players/teams you played with/in.
3. Make a clear nomination with correct team/nickname.

Note: Rule breaks will be punished with a 30 days forum ban.

Team Awards

• Domination Award – teams who finished with a perfect streak
• Most Surprising Team – [Nomination Thread] – top 5 will be included in the public poll
• Fairplay Award – [Nomination Thread] – top 5 will be included in the public poll
• Division 3 team of the Season – all division 3 winners nominated
• Division 4 team of the Season – all division 4 winners nominated
• Division 5 team of the Season – all division 5 winners nominated
• Division 6 team of the Season – all division 6 winners nominated

Three other award ideas are still being discussed internally and may be be added by the start of the poll phase.

Player Awards

There will be nomination threads for all player awards. This season only the main classes will have their own award. Also you can nominate your Most Underrated Player from Division 3-6. The top 5 nominations in each thread will make it to the public poll.

• Most Underrated Player – [Nomination Thread] – only players from Div3-6 can be nominated
• Demoman of the Season – [Nomination Thread]
• Medic of the Season – [Nomination Thread]
• Scout of the Season – [Nomination Thread]
• Soldier of the Season – [Nomination Thread]

The winner of each player award will take part in the “Player of the Season” poll.

Domination Award

Three out of 330 teams managed to end their Season with a perfect streak. Congratulations for winning the Domination Award!

• Catching Bullets (Division 4e – stats 12-0-0)
• Electric Feel (Division 5g – stats 16-0-0)
• Guru Gaming (Division 6a – stats 16-0-0)