Archived News:
Team 17's upcoming Alien Breed Evolution will be released for Windows as
well as consoles, reports
Big Download. Word is the game will be an Xbox 360 exclusive for an
unspecified period of time, but the Aliens-inspired top-down shooter remake will
eventually make its way to the Windows and PS3 as well.
IndustryGamers reports Sony Online Entertainment has laid off 41 employees,
equaling 5% of its workforce. Word is: "In a move to increase operational
efficiency and reduce costs, Sony Online Entertainment has eliminated 5% of its
full-time workforce, equaling 41 people. SOE looks forward to continuing its
leadership role in the online games industry as it celebrates the highly
successful launch of Free Realms, the 10-year commemoration of its
ground-breaking EverQuest franchise, and the continued performance of the
company’s other games."
Steam offers 50% off any
Brothers in Arms game and 60% off the entire
Brothers in Arms Pack.
They are also having a
Family Games Sale if you're
the family guy. Also, as promised the
Penumbra Collection is
on sale for $5.00 on places like
GamersGate.
Also, the Impulse Store
offers sales on Operation
Matriarchy, Hard Truck
Apocalypse - Rise of Clans,
Hard Truck Apocalypse, Midnight
Nowhere, Droplitz,
The Entente: World War I
Battlefields, and more. Finally, their preorders of
Red Faction Guerrilla
includes free copies of the first two Red Faction games.
This press release
announces CSI: Deadly Intent, an adventure game from Telltale Games based
on the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation television franchise. The game is due this
fall for Windows, Xbox 360, and Wii, with a separate related handheld game
called CSI: Deadly Intent – The Hidden Cases coming to the DS. Here are
some
screenshots (from the Xbox 360 edition), and here's a bit: "In CSI: Crime
Scene Investigation(TM): Deadly Intent, players help solve Las Vegas' most
gruesome crimes with the brand new characters and cast from the latest season of
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The video game features five shocking cases
written with CSI: Crime Scene Investigation television writers and the game will
be available in Fall 2009 for the Wii(TM) system from Nintendo, Nintendo DS(TM)
system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and
PC."
Ken Levine on Studio Culture: From Looking Glass to 2K Boston on Gamasutra
converses with the 2K Boston creative director about studio culture.
They
highlight a quote saying BioShock 2 is "substantially more ambitious" than the original. The main conversation brings up how this relates to spinning off a
new studio to create BioShock 2: "The people who went to form the new
studio mostly have been with the company... for just BioShock, except for Carlos
[Cuello]. I think that to some degree the reason that worked very well for Marin
is they all had an entrepreneurial hunger in them to go start something new, and
build something new... But they had the experience of working with us on
BioShock, and then were like, 'Okay!' And they weren't so cemented in our
culture, and wanted to go form a culture of their own. And that's very
important. Because, look, if I'm not working on a project -- I'm not working on
BioShock 2. I make no claim to anything on BioShock 2,and I think it's important
that that's their product, and their culture. Because you can't just clone a
studio."
A job posting on the Braid Blog
reveals a bit about the nature of the follow-up to Braid, as it calls for
a concept artist for a "puzzle-exploration game" (thanks
Shacknews). More to
the point, the listing also reveals a bit about what the game will not be: "The
majority of the portfolio should consist of things absent from the following
list: Girls With Big Tits; Barbarians Wielding Axes, Covered in Blood; Aliens;
Space Ships; Gangsters Getting Shot in the Face; Orcs; Giant Robots; and, of
course, Postapocalyptic Wastelands."
IndustryGamers has a statement from Blizzard on indications
that the relaunch of World of Warcraft in China might be facing legal
hurdles. Blizzard says the transition to NetEase as their Chinese operator is
"very far along," saying: "We don't have an exact relaunch date quite yet, but
we're very far along in the transition process-our infrastructure is ready, we
just launched the new official community website in China, warcraftchina.com,
and opened up the Battle.net account system to players there, meaning players
are now able to convert their World of Warcraft accounts in preparation for the
relaunch. We'll have more information to share as we complete the transition."
A new movie from Mafia II offers the E3 walkthrough of some gameplay from the
organized crime sequel in the works at 2K Czech. The clip is available on
AtomicGamer,
FileFront, Gamer's Hell,
and
GameTrailers.
Another video diary from Batman: Arkham Asylum provides more background
on the upcoming superhero game. The theme of the new installment is instilling
the player with the feeling of the Batman's formidable skills. The movie can be
found on AtomicGamer,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell.
The Star Wars: The
Old Republic Website offers a third video diary from the Star Wars
MMORPG: "where we explore how voice-over conversations deliver a deeper level of
immersion and connection to the story and characters." Also,
as noted here, the
eleventh issue of
Threat of Peace continues the comic back story for the game.
The week three update to After the
Impact offers more hidden objects to find on this official website for
RAGE, the post-apocalyptic shooter in the works at id Software.
Link of the Day:
Shaq's balls spark China row. For the headline alone. Thanks Mike Martinez.
Call of Duty: World at War
Headquarters offers the release of the promised patch for
Call of Duty: World at War, updating the Windows edition of Treyarch's
first-person to version 1.5 while also adding the second map pack to the game.
The new version is accompanied by a corresponding updated Linux dedicated server
and a version 1.3 of the mod tools package that includes the assets from the new
maps. Linux server downloads can be found through
this forum post, the update mod tools can be found through the
Call of Duty: World at War Mod
Wiki, while downloads of the patch are listed on
this page, and here
are the patch notes: • 3 new MP maps: Banzai, Corrosion, Sup Pens!
• 1 new Zombie map with a new weapon (the Wunderwaffe DG-2), flaming Hell
Hounds, new traps, and more: Shi No Numa!
• CO-OP hosts can now kick players from their lobby
• Improved dog spawning in MP
• Addressed an issue with Zombie pathing• Fixed an instance of the player
model displaying incorrectly
• Some unhandled exception errors have been addressed
• Improved server browser’s refresh functionality when the Source is set to
‘Favorites’
• Added support for CODTV
• “cg_DrawFPS 1” now only displays FPS and cg ms/frame
• Added RCon command "teamstatus" to display players’ team information
• Mods: Added joinsquad script function
• Mods: Players can now join CO-OP lobbies that are hosting map names with
more than eighteen characters
• Mods: Users can now load custom maps when the usermaps folder contains fifty
or more custom maps
• Mods: Removed the loading of duplicate assets that contributed to the ‘2048
materials’ error
• Mods: Increased the amount of mods displayable in the Mods menu
• Mods: Fixed a crash related to the mod.arena file
A
Issue 16 Overview is now on the City of Heroes Website outlining Power
Spectrum, the content update planned for City of Heroes this fall. New
content this will add to NCsoft's superhero MMORPG includes a newly updated
Character Creator and customizable powersets, and issue 16 will also feature
wider powerset proliferation and enhanced difficulty options. The
overview outlines these changes, and says other features are TBA.
That VideoGame Blog chats with the folks at ACE Team about Zeno Clash 2,
the upcoming sequel to the debut offering from this Chilean
developer. The discussion covers plans for a more expansive game, which they say
will appear on consoles and will also be available at retail (the first Zeno
Clash was released via
Steam). "[It’s] what we
would have liked to do in Zeno Clash if we would have had the resources," says
ACE Team co-founder Andres Bordeu. "We really think that an open ended world is
fit for the world of Zenozoik. Many games offer you the possibility to roam
around freely, which is a great feature. But when you travel through those
worlds many have very familiar and recognizable environments. In Zeno Clash the
woods don’t look like a regular forest with green trees and bushes." Thanks
Kotaku/ VG247.
Codemasters announces August 7 as the official release date for Ashes Cricket
2009, the upcoming sporting simulation. The
Ashes Cricket 2009 Website now offers a new video showing off the game, and
here's a bit on what it will offer Windows, console, and mobile players:
"Delivering all the exciting, athletic, skilful and technical elements of the
sport, the game’s comprehensive ‘Ashes’ mode will feature all five Tests played
out at carefully detailed recreations of each authentic venue. In addition,
gamers will also be able to play Test matches, One Day Internationals, 20 over
games and a series of challenge modes. The high definition current generation
versions will feature full online multiplayer as well as support for local
multiplayer games."
Paradox
Interactive Launches “Pirate Bay” announces "Pirate Bay," a bonus for
preorders of East India Company, living up to the paradox concept by
naming it after actual pirates. Word is: The “Pirate Bay” bonus campaign
will be included in all pre-orders via GamersGate, Steam, Impulse and
Direct2Drive.
The “Pirate Bay” campaign starts in 1650 and gives players control over a
frigate and level 2 pirate captain (commander) with the skills “Feared” and
“Rout.” At the start of the game, the player fleet is located in the pirate port
in northern Madagascar.
“The Pirate Bay Campaign will allow gamers to play for a faction used to loot
what others have worked hard for, rather than creating anything of value
themselves,” explains Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox Interactive. “It will be an
interesting challenge for gamers to put themselves in the shoes of these
mischievous wrong-doers rather than the heralded heroes.”
Remedy's Oskari Hakkinen on Alan Wake on Joystiq discusses the upcoming
psychological thriller that may or may not be released for the PC.
Along the way he has some nice things to say about Rockstar's continuation of
the Max Payne series: "Ha ha, great question. Sam's looking just great
and is by no means on his way to looking like the new Max. We are really happy
to see it's coming out and we're very anxious to see the Rockstar
interpretation. We always knew it would be done, now we are excited to see it."
Codemasters announces release dates for Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising,
saying this military shooter is due in North America on October 6, in EPAC
territories on October 8, and in the UK on October 9. The news is accompanied by
a
batch of new screenshots, and the
game's official
website also features a new "Armory" video that doesn't include an armory,
but does have lots of gameplay. Word is: In the video, infantry move in
formation and engage in lethal fire-fights with weapons rendered with
unprecedented accuracy and featuring full firing and reloading animations,
including a Javelin anti-tank guided weapon which destroys its target with
stunning force.
Vehicles - which can all be commandeered by the player - are also featured
including an AAVP7A1 amphibious assault vehicle which suppresses enemy firing
positions, the powerful Abrams M1A2 battle tank and the AH1Z Super Cobra attack
helicopter. Finally, a JDAM airstrike on a village shows the epic effects of
explosions, with volumetric smoke modelling and dirt and debris thrown hundreds
of feet into the air.
The Slitherine Strategies
Downloads Page now offers a new patch for Conquest! Medieval Realms to
update Illustrious Software's turn-based puzzle/strategy game to version 1.4.
The new patch adds a multiplayer lobby, improves AI, and addresses a number of
bugs. There is also an updated demo, or "lite" version of the game, which is
available on this page.
The new demo includes the improvements from the new patch, and also adds in the
"advanced gameplay mode" missing from the first demo, of which they say: "This
gives a better feel for how a full game would play out." The demo includes two
random scenarios.
Matrix Games now offers online sales of WW2: Time of Wrath, as well
as a patch to make this a free upgrade for those who already own
World War II: Road to Victory. Here's a bit on this turn-based World War
II strategy/war game: From the front lines in France and Russia to the
deserts of North Africa and the airfields and convoys of Britain, the campaigns
of World War II are yours to command in WW2: Time of Wrath! This turn-based
grand strategy title, the highly improved and expanded sequel to WW2: Road to
Victory, puts the player in charge of the political, economic and military
decisions of one or more Axis or Allied nations, including minor nations. A
diplomacy system based on political points allows you to sway possible allies to
your side. An upgraded and expanded naval combat system includes fleet
engagements, combat patrols, massive aircraft carriers, elusive raiders and
U-Boats as well as a convoy system.
A
new Warhammer Herald Producer's Letter by new producer Jeff Skalski outlines
a number of changes planned for the upcoming Warhammer Online version
1.3.0b patch, and a sneak peek at version 1.3.1, saying the first patch is due
*cough*this month*cough*. He describes balance changes, bug fixes, RvR
improvements, and server merges. He also touches on "The Wild Hunt," the next
live event for the MMORPG that should go live in September around the game's
first anniversary, "along with the first phase of some of our social networking
tools and items to help in-game players stay connected." Thanks
IncGamers.
The QuakeCon Website
outlines the tournaments at QuakeCon 2009 (August 13-16), which will offer
$50,000 in prizes. The proceedings will be dominated by QUAKE LIVE, and word is
you'll be able view the competitions streaming live over the tubes:
"Broadcasting live from the tournament floor and over the Internet, shoutcasting
legends djWHEAT and TosspoT will go wire-to-wire, capturing all of the energy,
excitement and behind-the-scenes drama, with live match coverage, player
interviews and expert analysis. Totally free and open to the public, QuakeCon
offers an unparalleled opportunity to see the greatest and most famous players
in the world competing in the purest form of online competition at the coolest
fan-based gaming event on planet Earth. More than 6,000 people are expected to
visit the four-day LAN party, competition, exhibition and party."
Develop reports that over sixty employees at Midway’s Chicago-based HQ have
been given notice, and will leave the company by early September. Word
is: The situation at Midway’s Chicago HQ is different to that of the dev
offices in the same city. Warner has reportedly offered jobs to 100 staff
members at the Chicago-based developer.
HQ staff – which include CEO Matthew Booty – have been give two months’ notice.
The employees affected represent around 20 per cent of Midway’s remaining
workforce, an
SEC filing stated.
Warner’s buyout has allowed Midway to write off around $30 million in
development costs and about $76 million in debt. Studios not tied in to the
Warner buyout are facing similar outcomes.
Thanks Mike Martinez.
Crispy Gamer - The Simple Economics of Why Game Developers Should Shut Up
About Used Games.
The price of a game is, at the end of the day, exactly the balance point
between what someone is willing to pay and what someone is willing to sell.
Once you buy your Rock Band package, EA takes your money and you take home
your plastic. It's no longer worth $179. It's worth exactly the amount you
are willing to charge for it, and the amount someone is willing to pay for
it. And companies like GameStop are always willing to pay you something more
than zero if you are willing to sell.
IndustryGamers - Should Ultra Realism Be The Ultimate Goal?
While the advancements in technology are all well and good, and we
certainly love beautiful graphics in games, should the game industry really
view ultra realism as the ultimate goal? We're beginning to wonder if this
is truly the right direction for the industry. There are numerous problems
with the “make everything realistic” mindset. We take a look at several of
them on the following pages.
Bitmob - The Racial Slur That Changed Games Journalism.
The reveal-preview-review cycle of modern games journalism is one that is
strange and arbitrary when approached with an analytical lens. It appeals to
the short attention-span of most Internet users and adolescent gamers
[editor's note: it also appeals to the marketing departments of game
publishers]. In terms of criticism, seven lines of text or a three-minute
video seem to be the industry's mainstay. Those few which deviate beyond the
now-common "Tweet" format still employ a formulaic template wherein
gameplay, graphics, controls, sound, and story are independently reviewed.
These types of reviews often lead to the same two-three page efforts which
most readers avoid entirely.
Frans pointed out that the blammo database now contains more than 100,000 stories
posted over the 10 years that it has been in use here. That counts items that
were deleted along the way, so it will actually be a short while longer before
we can say there are 100,000 stories here. Of course that's a slow weekend
for some blogs, but what are you going to do?
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