Archived News:
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS)
announces Bruce Shelley will be
inducted into the Academy's Hall of Fame, the 12th game developer so honored.
Shelley, an avid board game collector who began designing board games for Avalon
Hill, has been a designer with three highly regarded franchises, having worked
with Sid Meier on Civilization and Railroad Tycoon and on Ensemble's Age of
Empires series. He also served on the board of the AIAS for several years.
Shelley's Hall of Fame Award will be presented by Ensemble Studios founder Tony
Goodman on February 19, 2009 in Las Vegas at the 12th Annual Interactive
Achievement Awards during the 2009 D.I.C.E. Summit.
Steam is now serving automatic updates for
Sacred 2 and
Left 4 Dead. The Left
4 Dead update addresses some bugs and exploits, speeds the process of
finding a dedicated server, and locks Versus mode at Normal difficulty. The
Sacred 2 update adds new bosses, eight new portals, balance changes, bug
fixes, and more.
GameCyte has an examination of another class action suit over SecuROM, as
the controversial DRM system is proving to be a boon to the legal profession.
They follow-up on a recent report on 1Up on EA/ Spore-related
lawsuits, learning some fascinating details about the suit filed by California
resident Alex McQuown. The lawsuit alleges that SecuROM actually caused physical
damage to computer components, that it can be demonstrated that SecuROM has not
prevented piracy, and that this suit is expanding its scope, looking to include
anyone who has "purchased an Electronic Arts computer game with SecuROM" in the
class action.
Ten Ton Hammer has a statement
from Stargate Worlds developer/publisher Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment about
the rumor that employees there have not been paid in three weeks, prompted by a site dedicated to the situation called
Days
Since Cheyenne Mountain Employees Have Been Paid.com. Cheyenne's Kevin
Balentine does not directly speak to whether they've been missing payroll, but
he does admit they are a start-up in a cash-crunch: "We have maintained a core
of dedicated investors, but the new economic realities are forcing us to seek
out additional sources of funding and that's what we're doing." He also offers a
status report on the Stargate MMOG: "We continue to move forward on the Stargate
Worlds project. We recently completed a successful phase of closed beta testing
and we will start a second phase early in 2009. We invite all of your readers to
come to our site, check out our
fantastic community and sign up for our beta."
Inside
Game Piracy, Part 2- The Countermeasures on Gamasutra follows up on
yesterday's part one talking with the ESA and the PC Gaming
Alliance about game piracy, focusing, as the article title suggests, on methods
for combating it. Christian Svensson of Capcom (and the PCGA) admits that some
of this is a grey area, saying of the balance between the needs of consumers and
the industry: "I don't think that anyone has the right answer today." The topic
of standards for DRM is also fuzzy, as Svensson uses the example of
Stardock's Gamer's Bill Of Rights to illustrate: "Brad [Wardell]'s
approach is very hands-off. I think that if the PCGA as an organization is going
to be all-embracing, if Stardock were to become a member and EA were to become a
member, I think there are very obvious differences in their strategy as pertains
to DRM. As a PC gaming organization, we probably need to be able to embrace both
approaches, and still be able to make recommendations."
This press release officially announces Legends of Daemonica: Farepoynt's
Purgatory, though a Product Section (since removed) for the game went live
almost nine months ago. This sequel to the original Daemonica,
which was released in 2006, is described as a "full 3D
psychological thriller containing unique features, elaborate characters, and a
truly non-linear storyline." The game is set in the 14th century, putting the
player in the role of "Nicholas Farepoynt, an obscure character with a troubled
past who, along with twelve others, arrives on a mysterious island" (medieval
Agatha Christie, perhaps?). The goal of the game will be to escape the island.
The Game's Website is online,
offering new screenshots and wallpapers.
1UP reports that
Japan-based Namco Bandai is opening a new game development and publishing studio
called Surge, which is specifically intended to appeal to Western sensibilities.
The first Surge release will be Afro Samurai on January 27, 2009, and Namco
Bandai says other IPs will be switched to the Surge label.
- The Chronicles of Spellborn on
FileFront.
- Demigod on
RPG Vault.
Concept Art.
- Divinity 2: Ego Draconis on
Blue's News.
- Hearts of Iron 3 on
FileFront.
- Sins of a Solar Empire: Entrenchment on
the Official
Website. LOL: "Witness the awesome firepower of this fully operational
battlestation!"
- Things On Wheels on
FileFront. This game seems to have missed its summer release window.
Thanks Mike Martinez and Ant.
Thanks Mike Martinez and Ant.
What do you get for the driving game enthusiast who has everything? Why the
Octane 120 Driving Arcade,
of course. A driving cockpit with a high-powered PC, console support, a DLP
projector, and yes, a beer tap. Breathalyzer not included.
Red Alert Website now offers a new patch for Command & Conquer: Red Alert
3 that updates the alternate-reality real-time strategy sequel to version
1.05, as well as version 1.0 of the Worldbuilder editor for the game. The patch
includes balance tweaks and bug fixes, as well as the promised
de-authorization tool that will help manage the game's Digital Rights
Management. As for Worldbuilder, they say this map-making tool "gives players
full creative control and all the tools they will need to make the ultimate Red
Alert 3 skirmish or multiplayer map." The site offers downloads of both the
Worldbuilder and the various language editions of the version 1.05 patch, but as
for patching, they strongly advise using the in-game update function rather than
a downloaded patch.
VideoGamer.com
reports that Activision has informed them that yesterday's report
on
MTV Multiplayer revealing plans for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, a
new James Bond game, Guitar Hero 5, and a new Tony Hawk game are
"speculative." MTV's Stephen Totilo has proven a reliable source for items like
this, and they point out that the equally credible N'Gai Croal
Twittered about these games as well.
Combining that with the use of the word "speculative" as opposed to, say,
inaccurate, suggests Activision is just trying to put the genie back in the
bottle on announcements they were not yet ready to make. Time will tell.
DICE announces
plans for Mirror's Edge downloadable content that will be released in "late
January" for the Windows, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 editions of the
parkour-happy action game. Of course the Windows version of Mirror's Edge
isn't actually available yet, but the announcement also confirms the
previously announced January release date for the PC edition,
saying it will ship in North America on January 13 and in other territories on
January 16. As for the DLC, that will offer seven "all-new and totally
redesigned" Time Trial maps for $10.00 or 800 MS points. They also say PS3
owners will be able to download an additional bonus map at that time for free.
There is a trailer for the Time Trial DLC on
ActionTrip,
AtomicGamer,
FileFront, Gamer's Hell,
and
MyGameTrailers.
The EGOSOFT Website is
now distributing a new patch for X3: Terran Conflict, updating the space
combat sequel to version 1.3. They say: "The Update fixes many issues which have
been bothering you as well as adding new features. We also listened to you and
rebalanced the game accordingly. A big thank you to everyone who aided us in
investigating some of these issues." The update includes new commands for
controlling Freight Drones, an improved Shipyard trade menu, rebalanced mission
enemies and rewards, bug fixes, and more. The patch is for the boxed version of
the game, when the update for Steam is released, owners of that edition will
receive it automatically upon login. The patch is available in the
EGOSOFT Downloads
Section and it is mirrored on
AtomicGamer,
FanGaming,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell.
It's Thursday, and we all know what that means. Meatloaf! But it also means that
GameTap is
offering another episode of American McGee's Grimm, which, as usual, is
free for 24 hours. The new installment in the episodic, fairy tale-inspired
adventure series is called Iron John, which is described thusly: "An
iron-clad forest-dweller with strange powers by the name of Iron John takes a
young boy under his wing, in exchange for the kind act of freeing him from
imprisonment. With Iron John's help, the boy wins the heart of the princess and
lives happily ever after - unless Grimm has anything to say about it." Other new
additions for subscribers are Gothic 3 and Kingpin, while for us
cheapskates, they are offering Metal Slug X for free for a week.
D2C Games announces the release of PBR Out of the Chute, their
professional bull riding game, which is now available via digital distribution
for Windows and PSP. The game allows the player to assume the role of a pro bull
rider, and in a variation we always appreciate in this sort of game, you can
also, no bull, play as the bull: "Challenge the best or play as top riders
including Guilherme Marchi, Justin McBride, and Chris Shivers. Even compete as
one of the tour's rankest bulls, complete with signature moves! Intuitive
controls and three difficulty levels allow everyone to pick up and play, have
fun, and be challenged for hours. Multiplayer Mode allows players to compete
against each other as rider vs. bull in 8 seconds or unlimited time modes.
Season Mode features un-lockable riders, bulls, and videos as players compete to
become the best rider or bull through the PBR season and win the World Finals in
Las Vegas. Become part of the Millionaire's Club by beating some of the meanest,
rankest bulls in the history of the PBR. Realistic sounds, pre-ride commentary,
official rules, and heart-pounding music capture the essence of the PBR
experience." The Windows version is on sale at
Direct2Drive, though we can't find the PSP edition where it belongs on
PlayStation.com (though they do
have the
PlayStation 2 version).
Freeverse announces they
are nearing completion on the MacOS edition of Jack Keane, 10tacle
Studios comedic point-and-click adventure game released earlier this
year for Windows. They say the game will ship soon, so they are now accepting
preorders. Here's a bit of the lowdown: "Players assume the role of our hapless,
swashbuckling adventurer and accompany him in his travels across 15 locations
throughout London, Capetown, and Tooth Island. Spectacular graphics, including
dynamic lighting, realistic water, and particle effects, highlight your
adventures."
A new update for Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor is now
available, updating the space strategy expansion to version 2.02. The game can
be patched automatically via Impulse,
and if you have the impulse to get it you can view the patch notes
in this forum post, though the
indication there is that not all localities will be updated just yet: "I'm sorry
that we don't have the update for EU users up yet, but we had to make additional
fixes for the translation. We're still waiting on some of the localized files,
but we gave the translators the 2.02 files so the update will include the 2.02
changes." The new version consists of some balance tweaks and bug fixes. Thanks
Bill.
The
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Website announces the Public Test Server
(PTS) for Mythic's MMORPG will go live soon, allowing players to help put new
patches through their paces before they go live. They offer instructions on how
to get into the Warhammer Online PTS when it launches, and outline plans
for the upcoming version 1.1.0 that will be the first update tested there.
Highlights of what's planned for version 1.1.0 include the full launch of the
Knight of the Blazing Sun and Black Guard careers, the Open RvR Influence
System, easy public quests, armor set improvements, UI improvements, new
content, and more.
MCV adds a couple of wrinkles to the latest rumors of attempts
to acquire Eidos ( née SCi Entertainment). Those recent reports
named usual suspects Electronic Arts and Ubisoft as prime candidates to pick up
the struggling UK company, but MCV now says Warner Bros and Square Enix are also
eyeing Eidos. They say "nose-tappers" ( Henry
Gondorff and Johnny
Hooker?) think Warner will end up the victor here, noting they already own a
20% share and that Eidos recently lifted a restriction that prohibited Warner
Bros. from increasing its stake. They offer a quote from an industry analysts
indicating that Square Enix is a dark horse here: "I think Warners [sic] will
still win, but it’s very interesting that Square have expressed this late
interest. They are clearly looking for Western talent." They also mention the
possibility that Eidos could be parted out, suggesting Square Enix may end up
picking up individual franchises, offering the example of IO Interactive and the
Hitman brand. Update: This story originally contained an inaccurate
reference to EA having a stake in Eidos, apologies for the sloppiness and any
confusion this caused.
Battlefront.com announces Strategic Command WWII Pacific Theater is
gold, though the accompanying explanation makes it clear they are using a
different definition of "gold" than the rest of the industry. From their
description, it seems that their use of that term in this case covers what is
generally considered having created a release candidate: "What does 'gone gold'
mean? It means that the game code has been 'frozen' and a final release
candidate has been created. It does NOT mean that the game is ready for release
yet. We now need to finalize testing, proof all the print materials, create and
test the installers, and prepare our online delivery system for the downloads. A
firm release date as well as info about pre-orders will be announced Sunday,
December 7th (yes, that's a historic date). The game is a stand-alone third part
of the series, does not require any previous games to play, and will cost $45."
Normally a game is "gold" when it has been tested, approved, and released to
manufacturing (RTM) for duplication.
There are problems being reported on the
Steam
Users' Forums by users trying to run the just-released Windows edition of
Grand Theft Auto IV, leading to a couple of sticky threads on a
Missing Textures Issue and simply
How To Get GTAIV Running. Also,
Kotaku notes a considerable outcry over problems with the game on the
GTAForums and
GTAGaming.
There's a statement from Rockstar on
GTAGaming
saying: "We are aware that a small number of fans are having problems running
GTA IV on their PC’s and we would like to assure them we are working to help
solve these as quickly as possible." In the meantime they recommend contacting
technical support through phone numbers in the user manual and consulting
rockstargames.com/support/
for helpful information. This support information includes
a graphics settings explanation and details on
all of the game's error codes.
The Champions Online Official
Site has word that scheduled maintenance will occur later this morning. Word
is: "On Thursday, December 4th from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. PST, we will be
performing scheduled maintenance on the Cryptic Account System. During this
time, the Champions Online official web site and forums will be offline. We
apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your patience!" Likewise the
Star Trek Online Official
Website has word of maintenance during the same period.
A new Vendetta Online
update outlines what Guild Software is up to in supporting their MMO space
combat game. There is a story involved here, "as our development plans take
unexpected twists and turns," and the resulting post is quite lengthy. Included
somewhere in there is an outline of plans for Vendetta Online version 2.0:
"Vendetta Online 2.0 is basically going to be the "Sequel" to original VO, in
terms of features and polish. Although, strictly speaking, it will really be
much closer to what we originally intended VO to be, from the very beginning,
but never had the time or funding to complete. This is where all my blathering
about Kourier/Erlang and massive NPC AI and other lengthy back-end development
will really show its worth. You'll see bits in pieces of this in the much nearer
future, as we start to expand Dynamic Warfare and so on, but there's a much
'bigger picture' that is coming down the road."
A Post-TSO interview with EQ2's
Bruce Ferguson and Noel Walling on Ten Ton Hammer chats up these folks from
Sony Online Entertainment following the launch of the new The Shadow Odyssey
expansion for EverQuest II. The article-format conversation also talks
about plans for the future: "One of the things that has been a challenge for us
is shoring up our multi-core support. It’s not exactly an expansion feature.
When we first launched the game, there were no duo-cores or multi-cores. That’s
been an ongoing challenge for us, and one that we’ve started to address just
this past year. We’ve got a new graphics programmer that’s working on shoring up
our GPU support as well - making stuff run faster and better as well. It’s
definitely a challenge dividing tasks code among cores."
I mentioned yesterday that the new search function for the forums is far more
feature-rich than the search function for the rest of the site. No longer, as
Frans continues to beat Blammo into a properly submissive state, and now the
same helpful Boolean search is live for the news articles here. Huzzah and
kudos!
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