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Archived News:

Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008

New ET:QW Demo Glitch
 [9:30 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment

An updated edition of the Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars demo was released a short time ago, and quickly pulled after a glitch was discovered. Apparently there are problems installing the demo, among other things, so if you have found it online somewhere, it's probably best to hold off trying it until the promised fixed version is released.

Cryptic on Star Trek Online?
 [9:30 pm ET] – Share – 6 Comments

Perpetual Looking To Transfer Development of Star Trek Online on TrekMovie.com (thanks Shacknews) agrees with the rumor that surfaced yesterday saying Perpetual Entertainment/P2 is no long working on Star Trek Online (story). The story disagrees, however, with the assertion that the STO license has already been transferred to another Bay-area developer, saying their source indicates no such deal is in place. They go on to say that Cryptic Studios (City of Heroes/Villains) is interviewing folks from Perpetual, implying that they will be picking up this project, though they stress that Cryptic would not confirm this for them.

Spore to Macs
 [9:29 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment

Coming to the Mac in 2008: 'Spore' on News.com has word that Spore, Will Wright's epic life simulator, will be released for the Macintosh simultaneously with the PC edition. The Mac edition will be enabled by wrapper software from TransGaming Technologies, and they note that EA is refining its relationship with the Toronto-based developer since all of last year's Mac releases experienced delays. Speaking of delays, the oft-delayed Spore was last said to be roughly six months off in October (story), so if that still stands, the game is just a few months away.

On Mac Gaming
 [9:29 pm ET] – Share – 6 Comments

Analysts Take a Bite out of Apple's Gaming Plans is an article based on MacWorld discussion of Mac gaming plans. In spite of announcements like the story above, the analysts they spoke with express confusion about Mac gaming plans. Skepticism about iPod gaming is offered, and more than one analyst says they do not understand what Apple's strategy is regarding games, one saying "despite it having a new found cool factor, I think they have decided to concede the hard-core gamer to Microsoft." The article concludes on a more optimistic note, saying: "given the ongoing strong market growth it's difficult to imagine that [Apple] can remain on the sidelines for long."

Inside Introversion
 [9:29 pm ET] – Share – 2 Comments

Inside Introversion: A VideoGamer.com documentary is a movie shot last summer at Introversion's London offices, offering insights into how an independent developer operates. As they quote Kieron Gillen on that topic: "you don't have to slave away in an EA sweat factory." On a related note, the Multiwinia Q&A on Computer and Video Games talks with Introversion's Chris Delay about the upcoming multiplayer edition of Darwinia.

Legend: Hand of God German Patch
 [9:29 pm ET] – Share – 2 Comments

The Legend: Hand of God Website is serving up a new patch to update Master Creating's German action/RPG to version 1.02. The download is mirrored on AtomicGamer, FileFront, Gamer's Hell, and The Patches Scrolls.

New Fallout Restoration
 [9:29 pm ET] – Share – 3 Comments

No Mutants Allowed offers a new version 1.1 of the Fallout Restoration Project, an update of this unofficial Fallout 2 expansion. Word is: "Hopefully most, if not all, of the issues found in 1.0 are fixed. Starting a new game is not required, but many of the fixes will not take effect unless you enter the area for the first time." The download is mirrored on Gamer's Hell.

Evening Q&As
 [9:29 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment

Evening Previews
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Evening Screenshots
 [9:28 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment

Gatherings & Competitions
 [9:28 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment

Op Ed
 [9:28 pm ET] – Share – 5 Comments

Evening Consolidation
 [9:28 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment

Thanks Mike Martinez.

Evening Tech Bits
 [9:28 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment

Evening Safety Dance
 [9:28 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment

Evening Mobilization
 [9:28 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment

Thanks Mike Martinez.

Evening Metaverse
 [9:27 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment

etc., etc.
 [9:27 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment

Into the Black
 [9:27 pm ET] – Share – 7 Comments

Primary Links! Thanks Ant and Mike Martinez.
Play: Commander.
Stories: 'Google Man' Recalls Nearly Everything. Get your ass to Mars!
Dead man's wallet stolen at his own funeral.
Refund May Be Due For Diamond Owners.
Science: Messenger spacecraft zips by Mercury.
Study suggests osteoporosis drugs trigger bone necrosis.

Gold - AGEOD's American Civil War: 1861-1865
 [2:54 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment

CDV announces that AGEOD's American Civil War: 1861-1865 is gold, and due to ship by the end of the month:
Cary, NC, January 15, 2008 – cdv Software Entertainment USA is pleased to announce that their American Civil War-themed game, AGEOD's American Civil War: 1861-1865 -- The Blue and The Gray, has gone gold and is on track to begin shipping to retail outlets on January 28. The game, created by acclaimed designer Philippe Thibaut, focuses on key battles of one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history, and puts players in the combined role of diplomat, logistician and strategist. For more information about the game, please visit http://civilwar.cdvus.com.

Call of Duty 4 Mac
 [2:05 pm ET] – Share – 4 Comments

Aspyr announces a Macintosh edition of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is in the works, and is expected to be available in May:
AUSTIN, TX ­ January 15, 2008 ­ Aspyr Media, Inc. announced today they will publish Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare for Mac, a gripping modern-day action-thriller that deploys players into heart-stopping battles across the world¹s most treacherous hotspots. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare delivers unprecedented high-definition graphics, piercing 5.1 surround sound and a dynamic community-oriented multiplayer experience. Developed by Infinity Ward and licensed by Activision, the game is expected to be available for Mac in May 2008.

Featuring a tense storyline, filled with plot twists, the title thrusts players into battle like never before. With amazing special effects, including rim-lighting, depth of field, texture streaming and character self-shadowing, players are enlisted into one of the most photo-realistic gaming experiences imaginable.

The community-oriented Call of Duty 4 multiplayer gameplay features a robust leveling system, variety of unlockable perks, hot-join and matchmaking, as well as create a class and party capabilities to ensure that players of all skill levels can join in the fun. Additionally over 100 challenges and a host of new game environments and modes deliver unlimited possibilities. Infinity Ward has also included Kill-Cam, a fan favorite feature that they created in Call of Duty 2 which allows for spectator instant replays.

Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare will soon be available for preorder through Aspyr's website for only $49.99. For more information, fans can also visit the official Website, http://www.callofduty.com/.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB for Intense Violence, Strong Language and Blood and Gore.

Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars Patch
 [1:39 pm ET] – Share – 10 Comments

The Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars Website now offers a new patch to update Splash Damage's teamplay shooter to version 1.4. The new version is available automatically from within the game, and they also have a list of download locations for a manual client patches for Windows and Linux as well as updated standalone servers for Windows and Linux. The update includes a number of fixes and changes, including a reworked front-end and a new tutorial mode with pre-set bot skill levels.

THQ gets Big Huge Games
 [11:59 am ET] – Share – 7 Comments

THQ to Acquire Leading Developer Big Huge Games announces THQ is buying Big Huge Games, the development studio formed in February 2000 by Brian Reynolds and other Firaxis expatriates (story). The announcement calls BHG as "a leading development studio focused on the Role-Playing-Game (RPG) genre," which seems a mischaracterization of a studio focused on the world of real-time strategy like their Rise of Nations series, perhaps influenced by the fact that BHG is currently working on an RPG for PCs and consoles. Word is:
AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI - News) today announced plans to acquire Big Huge Games, a leading development studio focused on the Role-Playing-Game (RPG) genre, a multi-billion dollar market segment.

Big Huge Games was founded in 2000 by four veteran game developers, Brian Reynolds, Jason Coleman, Dave Inscore and Tim Train, who together have brought strategy gamers such classic hits as Rise of Nations®, Alpha Centauri®, and Civilization II®. Key studio members also include Ken Rolston, a 25-year RPG design veteran whose most recent design accolades include Elder Scrolls IV: OblivionTM and Elder Scrolls III; MorrowindTM.

“The acquisition of Big Huge Games is a big win for THQ as we continue to expand both our internal development capabilities and our portfolio of owned intellectual properties,” said Jack Sorensen, executive vice president of worldwide studios, THQ. “The talent at Big Huge Games has an outstanding history of developing top-selling quality games and we look forward to their creation of many exciting new owned franchises for THQ.”

“We are extremely excited to become a part of THQ,” said Tim Train, president and COO of Big Huge Games. “We believe their passion for games, developer support, and understanding of the creative process is without parallel in the industry. THQ provides an ideal environment to help us develop new, innovative games for both core gamers and mass market.”

The studio is currently in development on a previously announced new RPG title for THQ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC, as well as additional console projects based on their proprietary technology.

The acquisition is expected to close shortly, subject to certain conditions. Under the terms of the agreement, Big Huge Games will become a wholly owned subsidiary of THQ and the studio’s management and employees will continue with the company. The 100 person studio is located in Timonium, Maryland. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Crysis versus Cheaters
 [11:58 am ET] – Share – 26 Comments

inCrysis has word from Crytek on plans to partner up with PunkBuster Online Countermeasures and PunksBusted to impair cheating in Crysis. PunksBusted operates a global ban list based on PunkBuster technology, word is:
Crysis has been out for quite some time already and we constantly focus on getting the Multiplayer part more balanced and the servers less filled with cheaters. The last point is a topic we want to address today. The following is only the beginning of our initiative against Hacks, Cheats and Trainers. We know this is going to be tough, but we think it is rudimental and absolutely necessary.
[…]
"PunksBusted (PsB) was founded back in the year 2002. They are currently providing several games with the latest Md5 checks and a global master ban list. Most common hacks out there can be detected with the right Punkbuster configuration, and thus we decided to work together with these guys."

Sin City Next Year
 [11:58 am ET] – Share – 2 Comments

MCV reports that Red Mile's game based on Sin City is due next year, saying "early 2009" is the target window. No other details are offered at this time.

Ice Age Online
 [11:58 am ET] – Share – 10 Comments

This SEC Document outlines an agreement between FOX and Korean developer GRAVITY to create an online game based on the animated Ice Age movies (thanks Gamer's Hell), which center on animals struggling with climate change. Here's word on the project, which is due Q3 2009:
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — January 14, 2008 — Gravity, Co., Ltd. (NasdaqGM: GRVY, the “Company”) announced today that it has entered into a licensing agreement with 20th Century FOX Licensing & Merchandising for an exclusive seven-year worldwide right to develop and publish “Ice Age Online”, an online game based on FOX’s “Ice Age” motion picture franchise. The game will include elements from both blockbuster films — “Ice Age” and “Ice Age: The Meltdown”.

“We are thrilled to be embarking on this Ice Age project,” commented Mr. Il-Young Ryu, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gravity. “FOX is one of the world’s most renowned entertainment companies and we’re excited to develop an online game based on one of its leading intellectual properties. It is our aim to produce a great online game that will meet the expectations of all game users and “Ice Age” fans throughout the world. In addition, Gravity has been pursuing detailed discussions with FOX to publish additional online game titles in the future.”

Elie Dekel, Executive Vice President of Licensing and Merchandising for 20th Century FOX Licensing & Merchandising added, “It’s important for us to have a committed online presence for the Ice Age brand. This agreement will ensure that a top-notch Ice Age gaming experience will be available to fans online for years to come.”

“Ice Age Online” is expected to be released in the third quarter of 2009.

Grand Chase in US
 [11:58 am ET] – Share – 2 Comments

Ntreev USA announces plans to bring Grand Chase, a Korean MMORPG, to the United States, with beta testing to start very soon:
Ntreev USA, the North American publisher for the English version of Trickster Online Revolution, is pleased to announce their latest release in North America, Grand Chase. Grand Chase is an original Massive Multiplayer Online Action RPG developed by KOG. Along with the official Grand Chase website, closed beta testing will begin around mid-to-late January.

Grand Chase follows the lives of different heroes from the Bermesiah continent in their fight against the evil Queen of Darkness. Characters will be able to fight dynamically alongside each other in several different game modes to defeat the evil queen of darkness.

Grand Chase Features:

1. Real Time Online Action RPG Grand Chase is a multiplayer Action RPG with a refined, in-depth fighting system

2. Characters/Jobs Ranging from archer to spearman, choose from 5 different unique characters and 14 different jobs, each with their own set of skills and unique fighting style

3. Arcade-Style Controls Simple, keyboard based controls that characters can easily use to combine skills and perform unique combo/juggle attacks

4. Eye-Blasting Special Skills Special 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade abilities with breathtaking graphical effects

5. Character Customization Customize characters through a wide selection of powerful weapons, armors, and accessories,

6. Modes Experience the innovative and exciting multiplayer modes that immerse the player in non-stop action such as: Quest mode, Player versus Player, Monster Battle, Monster Expedition mode and a lot more!

Grand Chase is unique in that it will, for the first time ever, allow players to have a refined and competitive real-time multiplayer brawl. An in-depth combo system allows players to link up combos, skills, and items for devastating effects. Players will also be able to advance their characters through traditional RPG elements including leveling, jobs, and equipment.

Team Fortress 2 & Source Patches
 [11:58 am ET] – Share – 17 Comments

Steam announces the automatic availability of an updated Steam client as well as a new Team Fortress 2 Update. The TF2 update adds some useful new options and variables as well as some bug fixes.

Hornet Leader Patch
 [11:58 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment

As noted here, a new patch for Hornet Leader updates this aerial combat game to version 1.2. The download is available on AtomicGamer, FileFront, Gamer's Hell, and Strategy Informer.

Morning Screenshots
 [11:57 am ET] – Share – 2 Comments

Thanks Gamer's Hell.

Op Ed
 [11:57 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment

Gatherings & Competitions
 [11:57 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment

Thanks Ant.

Morning Consolidation
 [11:57 am ET] – Share – 2 Comments

Thanks Mike Martinez.

Morning Tech Bits
 [11:57 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment

Morning Mobilization
 [11:57 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment

Morning Metaverse
 [11:57 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment

Morning Safety Dance
 [11:56 am ET] – Share – 2 Comments

Thanks Mike Martinez.

Morning Legal Briefs
 [11:56 am ET] – Share – 5 Comments

Thanks Mike Martinez.

Tuesday Game Reviews
 [11:56 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment

Tuesday Hardware Reviews
 [11:56 am ET] – Share – 1 Comment

etc.
 [11:56 am ET] – Share – 2 Comments

Thanks Mike Martinez.

Out of the Blue
 [11:56 am ET] – Share – 24 Comments

There were some interesting comments about the photos of my office I linked to last night. A few folks mentioned it not looking like an attic, I thought I was clear in saying it is a finished attic, so while it can be hot, it is quite livable. There were also comments on the cleanliness, I can honestly say I did not clean for the photos (as the layer of dust under my chair demonstrates). I recently got a new desk and with about five times the surface area to work with, and I just haven't been able to get it too messy yet, but where there's a will there's a way. The angle of the shot also doesn't show the pile of boxes in one corner, but that's the magic of art direction (just like the Escher-esque monitor image).

Escher-esque Links! Thanks Ant and Mike Martinez.
Stories: Texans report seeing UFO.
Man goes out window with Christmas tree.
New study blames Columbus for syphilis spread.
Science: Monkey’s Thoughts Propel Robot, a Step That May Help Humans.
Dino sex: Mrs. T. rex you've got a lovely daughter.
Media: Inside the Portal. In Italiano.
Who's Really Using MySpace - SNL.
The Downfall of HD-DVD. Thanks Digg. Explained by Adolph Hitler.
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