Archived News:
A post to the Neverwinter Nights
Forums (thanks Matt) by BioWare's Tom Ohle has the short and sweet response
to the rumor reported in the story below that Microsoft was in the process of
acquiring them: "Microsoft is not buying BioWare."
Computer and Video Games
says they've seen "compelling evidence" from "internal sources
operating at the highest levels" that Microsoft is in the process of
acquiring Canadian developer BioWare. According to their story, the deal has
been in place since before last Christmas, and will probably be announced at E3.
When asked for comment, Microsoft called this rumor a rumor.
A new demo for Harbinger is now available, offering a sampling of Silverback
Entertainment's recently released science fiction RPG. The demo offers two
entirely new levels and a dozen types of enemy and a pre-equipped level six
character to play with. The 65 MB demo can be downloaded from FileShack
(registration required), Gamehelper.com, Gamer's
Hell, Tiscali Games,
and Worthplaying.
On the heels of the new version 1.31 patch for Battlefield 1942 comes the
corresponding updated version 1.31 dedicated server for DICE's WW2 shooter. The
69 MB file can be found on 3D Gamers,
FileShack (registration required), FilePlanet
(registration required), Gamer's Hell, and Worthplaying.
A new version 1.31 patch is now available for the retail version of Battlefield
1942, Digital Illusions' World War II shooter. The update
fixes a crashing problem with co-op mode, removes the default remote admin
password to prevent exploits, fixes wall hack exploits as well as an exploit
that allowed players to hide within objects, and more. It is noted that
SoundBlaster Audigy owners will need to turn on hardware sound acceleration due
to an issue that remains in the patch. The 47 MB file can be found on EA
Europe's FTP server (direct link), and there are mirrors on 3D Downloads, 3D Gamers,
FilePlanet
(registration required), FileShack (registration required), Gamer's
Hell, and Worthplaying.
The Rockstar Classics Free
Downloads Page (thanks GTA center)
now offers downloads of the original version of Grand Theft Auto for no charge.
The game is a 328 MB download, and while the code has been updated to operate on
modern systems under Windows, they cannot guarantee the results on any individual
set-up, and the installation and use of this program is at your own risk.
TechWeb: Flash Player poses threat
(thanks Mike Martinez) has word of a potential security flaw in the Flash multimedia
playback code. The issue raised is with the "sandbox" that's supposed
to provide a security layer between the user's system and the Flash player,
which is estimated to be installed on 75% of the world's computers. A fix is now
available on the Macromedia Website
that all users are encouraged to install.
A follow-up on reports that sales of Command & Conquer Generals in Germany
have been curtailed due to the game being temporarily placed on that country's
"index" ( story) can be found on Gamesmarkt.de
(thanks YiYas). Babel Fish
can translate the German site, which has word that Generals has been indexed,
along with GTA: Vice City, Resident Evil: Code Veronica X, and Red Faction. The
index restricts how media can be sold and marketed in Germany to minors.
The EverQuest for Macintosh Beta Site
is where Mac users interested in testing SOE's addictive MMORPG can sign-up.
Though the sign-ups have just been posted, word is they are looking to start
testing "in the start of 2003," so it's not clear when this will
actually kick off (if it hasn't already).
Reservoir
Dogs to become SCi computer game (thanks Boomtown)
is the press release announcing plans for a game based on Quentin Tarantino's
breakthrough movie for the PS2 and Xbox. "SCi
promises that gamers will be able to play all the film's key characters,
including Mr Blonde..." I just don't want to be Mr. Pink. No planned
release date has been announced.
The first public beta of the UnrealSpeed racing modification for Unreal
Tournament 2003 is now available. In addition to being able to outrace your
opponents, you can also outgun them, as the mod includes the option to arm its
vehicles with weapons.
The ongoing Galactic
Civilizations Game Giveaway on UGO is winding down, but there's still time
to enter for the chance to win an advance copy of the now-gold space strategy
game signed by its developers at Stardock Software. You can participate on
UGO and locally
here as well as on Caster's Realm,
Gamer's Pulse,
and PC Gameworld.
Since five copies being given away on each site, signing-up at each will
increase your chances of winning. This contest is open to U.S. residents only.
The Inside Crytek jobs
page (thanks YiYas) has details on a few
openings they are looking to fill. They have help wanteds up for a technical
director, an art director, a lead animator, and a PS2 programmer. Crytek is
located in Coburg, Bavaria.
- Take-Two Interactive sends word that Mike Wilson has returned to their
company, where he previously served following their acquisition of Gathering
of Developers. Mike will serve as VP in charge of Artists & Repertoire,
"and will focus on signing a new lineup of titles from the world's
premier PC game developers."...
- Vivendi Loses $25.6 Billion; May Sell U.S. Assets
(NY Times free registration required). Thanks Aidan Low...
- Cable firms look to gaming.
Thanks Mike Martinez....
As a clever interim alternative to acquiring a late-season snow-blower, I am
contemplating the alternative approach to snow removal represented by denial.
I'm taking the clue from some of my smarter neighbors, who have figured out that
if you shovel, you end up with thin layers of ice upon which folks can slip (as
I did in my friend's driveway last week), but if you leave your walk unshoveled,
it gets avoided altogether. This plan was actually prompted by the fact
that my shovel now seems to be broken from this winter's festivities... when you
scoop up a pile of snow, the blade of the shovel swivels and immediately
re-dumps the pile. Sort of the snow equivalent of a dribble glass (maybe after I
get a snow blower I can sell it as a novelty).
|
Twitter 
