Archived News:
The Company of Heroes Online Website announces the promised open beta testing of the online version of Relic's World War II real-time strategy game is now live. Here's word: "Today is just the beginning as far as we’re concerned. We’re relying on the existing fan-base to help us understand what’s important to help build the community and make COHO a success. Please encourage all of your friends to play (it is FREE after all!) and keep the feedback coming! It’s not falling on deaf ears, I promise you. The team is extremely driven and passionate and is working hard to provide regular game and lobby updates, new items, heroes, map, balance/bug fixes and feature updates and in general, making COHO an amazing game experience for everyone."
Take-Two Third Quarter Fiscal 2010 Financial Results are now online, reporting: "Net revenue for the third fiscal quarter was $354.1 million, a sharp increase compared to $94.9 million reported for the same quarter of fiscal 2009." You can lose a lot of money on that kind of revenue, but the results go on to say: "Income from continuing operations for the third quarter was $12.4 million or $0.14 per diluted share, compared to a loss from continuing operations of $58.3 million or $0.76 per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Excluding certain non-cash and non-operational gains and losses identified on the attached reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP measures, non-GAAP net income was $26.0 million or $0.28 per diluted share in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to a non-GAAP net loss of $52.3 million or $0.68 per share in the third quarter of 2009." They cite strong sales of Red Dead Redemption as the main reason for the better-than-expected results. They also announce console noire-thriller L.A. Noire is delayed until the first half of next year.
The upcoming Medal of Honor reboot will not be sold in GameStop stores located in US military bases, nor will Electronic Arts' military shooter be sold in US PXs around the world, reports Kotaku, saying this is based on the controversial ability to play as the Taliban forces in the game. "GameStop has agreed out of respect for our past and present men and women in uniform we will not carry Medal of Honor in any of our AAFES based stores," is an excerpt from a GameStop email to employees on the decision. "As such, GameStop agreed to have all marketing material pulled by noon today and to stop taking reservations. Customers who enter our AAFES stores and wish to reserve Medal of Honor can and should be directed to the nearest GameStop location off base."
Steam News has word that those who have pre-purchased R.U.S.E. can now preload the game to be prepared for the launch of the real-time strategy game on September 7. They take this opportunity to encourage more pre-purchases, saying: "For customers that have not yet bought their copy of R.U.S.E., this week is the last chance to get the 2 bonus maps that come with that pre-purchase option."
A new Mythos Europe Website is online as a home to this upcoming online hack-and-slash adventure game. This page discusses the site opening, and links to their media section where there's a new trailer, and this page is where to sign up for the game's upcoming closed beta test. Though the site is European, the United States is one of the many countries listed in the space where you specify your location.
The Official Ubisoft Online Store now offers digital sales of the second DLC pack for The Settlers 7 Paths to a Kingdom. The pack offers three new multiplayer maps and new challenges for the strategy/management sequel for the price of $3.99 USD. If you are interested in the first DLC for the game, the Ubisoft Store also offers a bundle of both DLC collections. The DLC 2 maps are Whitewater Falls, Twin Peaks, and Grassland Mesa, while the DLC 1 maps are Tempest Taiga, Battle of Tanholm, and Fiery Chasm. Also, Steam News announces the release of a new automatic patch to update the game to version 1.09, which also includes new content. The change list follows. Continue here to read the full story.
A new automatic patch is now available for Team Fortress 2, announces Steam News. There's a fix for TF2, Counter-Strike: Source and Day of Defeat: Source that fixes a server crash caused by spamming the server with invalid rcon passwords, and a fix for an internal bug in TF2 stats reporting.
A new "passing the torch" trailer from F.E.A.R. 3 is now available, showing off more of the upcoming horror-themed first-person shooter sequel. The clip includes gameplay footage along with developer commentary shot in an odd house of mirrors style discussing the project and the collaboration between Day One Studios and original F.E.A.R. developer Monolith. The embedded version of the clip follows. Continue here to read the full story.
Josh Olin is interviewed on IncGamers where the Treyarch community manager answers questions about Call Of Duty: Black Ops, the next installment in the Call of Duty series of military shooters. Topics include Activision's lavish marketing budget for the game, a summary of what the game is about, the gritty turn the series seems to be taking, the length of the campaign, technological advances, and more.
Damon Slye is interviewed on Gamasutra where they discuss his new studio Mad Otter Games, as well as Dynamix, the beloved studio he co-founded back in the day to produce some classic computer games. They discuss the success of Dynamix, coding games in assembly language, the lack of risk-aversion in the old days, the increased emphasis on graphics as years passed, being acquired by Sierra, his departure from Dynamix, and his ambitions for his new studio.
Direct2Drive's Summer Ends Event has two new games on sale every day. Also, between now and the end of September, receive a $5.00 discount from Direct2Drive on all purchases over $15.00 by using the code "PAX" at checkout.
Also, the Impulse Sale Page has approximately twice as many titles on sale than are listed here.
- Air Aces Pacific on GamersGate. Save 40%.
- Avencast: Rise of the Mage on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Battle of Britain on GamersGate. Save 50%.
- Battlestations Midway on GamersGate. Save 50%.
- Battlestations Pacific on GamersGate. Save 50%.
- Biology Battle on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Broken Sword: Director's Cut on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Call of Juarez on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Company of Heroes Complete Pack on Steam. Save 75%.
- Darkstar One on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Disciples III - Renaissance on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Don't Get Angry! 3 on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Dragon Age Origins Bundle on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Echelon Wind Warriors on GamersGate. Save 50%.
- F1 2010 on Steam. Save 10% on pre-purchases.
- Football Manager 2010 on GamersGate. Save 50%.
- Fortis on GamersGate. Save 50%.
- Future Wars on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Gear Grinder on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Gothic II Gold on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Gothic 3: Forsaken Gods on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Gothic 3 Game of the Year Edition on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Gratuitous Space Battles Complete on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Greed - Black Border on Impulse Driven. Save 50%.
- Hearts of Iron III - Semper Fi on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Ikaro on GamersGate. Save 75%.
- KaromatiX on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Konung III - Ties of the Dynasty on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Making History II : The War of the World on Impulse. Save 50%.
- NecroVisioN - Lost Company on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Pacific Liberation Force on GamersGate. Save 50%.
- Painkiller Black Edition on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Painkiller: Overdose on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Painkiller: Resurrection on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Penumbra Black Plague Mac on GamersGate. Save 70%.
- Penumbra Collection on GamersGate. Save 70%.
- Penumbra Collection Mac on GamersGate. Save 70%.
- Penumbra Overture on GamersGate. Save 70%.
- Penumbra Overture Mac on GamersGate. Save 70%.
- Penumbra Requiem Mac on GamersGate. Save 70%.
- Pole Position 2010 on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Puzzle Bots on the Wadjet Eye Games Website. Save 50%.
- Real Warfare - 1242 on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Reign: Conflict of Nations on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Rig'n'Roll on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Space Siege on GamersGate. Save 66%.
- Spellforce Platinum on Impulse. Save 50%.
- SpellForce 2: Dragon Storm on Impulse. Save 50%.
- SpellForce 2 Shadow Wars on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Star Wolves 3 - Civil War on Impulse. Save 50%.
- The Guild 2 on Impulse. Save 50%.
- The Guild 2: Pirates of the European Seas on Impulse. Save 50%.
- The Guild 2: Venice on Impulse. Save 50%.
- The Sims 3 on Impulse. Save 50%.
- The Sims 3 - Ambitions on Impulse. Save 50%.
- The Sims 3: World Adventures on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Tropico 3 on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Tropico 3 - Absolute Power on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Wings of Honour on GamersGate. Save 50%.
- Wings of Honour: Battles of the Red Baron on GamersGate. Save 50%.
- Wings of Prey on GamersGate. Save 50%.
- WWI Aces of the Sky on GamersGate. Save 60%.
Still on sale. Continue here to read the full story.
- The Lord of the Rings: War in the North on Blue's News.
Link of the Day: Human Toilet Celebration. Thanks Ant. Now I've seen everything.
A job listing on the Valve Website for a Senior Software Engineer has an interesting item listed among the responsibilities for the position suggesting Valve is looking to support Linux gaming, even if they recently denied they were working on a Linux Steam port. The listing includes the following: "Port Windows-based games to the Linux platform." Thanks Ant via Tech Drive-in/ Linux Today.
Kalypso Media and Haemimont Games are now accepting applications for upcoming closed beta testing of the Windows edition of The First Templar, the upcoming co-operative action/RPG. Here's word on the game: "The First Templar follows the story of two main characters – a French Templar, and his companion, a noble lady who has been proclaimed a heretic. Taking control over these two unlikely allies, the player must uncover the mysteries behind the Templar Order, play a role in a grand conspiracy, and discover the secret of the Holy Grail. The heroes face powerful opponents at every turn, in the face of the Saracen, King Philip IV of France and the Inquisition."
Ubisoft announces Bloody Good Time, a Source-engine multiplayer shooter in development at Outerlight based on a new IP for release on Steam and Xbox 360 this fall. Here are some Bloody Good Time screenshots, and a Bloody Good Time Website is available, but this is just a holding page for now, though they are accepting newsletter signups. Here's word: Bloody Good Time takes a new and irreverent approach to multiplayer shooters and will run on Valve’s Source engine, a well-known specialized 3D game engine for classic multiplayer shooters. Bloody Good Time puts players on a Hollywood set, where they get to choose their thrill. From a spring-break beach house, to a horrifying Vegas hotel, players will discover the merciless world of movie studios where anyone can star in a scary Hollywood blockbuster film. There is an option link up to eight players online in this first-person shooter and to have a multiplayer experience like no other.
In Bloody Good Time, players can be as devious as possible by killing other competitors in nasty and unexpected ways. Players can use an arsenal of wacky weapons including guns, a frying pan and even an exploding remote-controlled rat to transform the movie set into real mayhem. In addition, players will be able to choose from a variety of stereotypical B-movie characters, such as the bikini beach babe, the creepy clown and the super jock.
The LEGO Group announces that development is complete on LEGO Universe, so the PC and Mac editions of the LEGO MMORPG are now officially gold and on track for release this fall; specifically October 26 in North America. The announcement oddly states the game "has surpassed quality standards," though the closed beta test is apparently continuing for now. They also announce the game is being shown off this weekend at PAX 2010 at the Gazillion booth, inviting attendees to try it firsthand, chat with the developers, and snag some special-edition giveaways. Here are some new LEGO Universe screenshots from PAX, and here's more of the gold announcement: In the upcoming MMOG, the chaotic Maelstrom threatens to destroy all Imagination in the Universe! Only a courageous team of heroes, the Nexus Force, stands in its way, but they desperately need your help. Brand-new screenshots released this week at PAX take you even further into the game’s backstory – the Maelstrom’s darkness is spreading across LEGO Universe as enemy Stromlings battle the Nexus Force in the deepest corners of Forbidden Valley and beyond.
Paradox Interactive announces Dreamlords Resurrection, a free-to-play MMORTS game in development at Lockpick Entertainment which will be the first release under their newly formed Paradox Connect brand. They do not yet offer a release date for the game, but they have details and some screenshots. Here's a bit: "Through a combination of both long term strategic planning as well as intense real-time battles, the Dreamlord must inspire and unite a small group of followers into a battle-ready army ready to conquer land, defend the populace against the Nightmares that roam the world, and band together with other newly awakened Dreamlords." For a resurrection lasting more than four hours, please call your doctor.
Eskil Steenberg tweets about free Love. Not the hippie kind, but rather a free-to-play weekend for Love, the offbeat indie MMOG. There's discussion of this in the Love Forums, where word is the free weekend will kick off tomorrow at 6:00 pm GMT (1:00 pm EDT) and will conclude Monday at noon (7:00 am EDT). Thanks Rick.
3D Realms' George Broussard tweets a link to this image with no further explanation. KaiserSoze points out this could be a visual indication that development of Duke Nukem Forever is complete after all these years, recalling a 2006 George Broussard Interview on 1UP where George said the following in response to the question of when to expect DNF: "I think it'll be out when pigs fly." The future of this 12-years-in-the-making shooter sequel was cast into doubt after 3D Realms fired all its developers, but they steadfastly maintained they were not closing and development of the game was ongoing. It was recently rumored that Gearbox Software had taken over development of the game.
The Total Gaming Network Twitter Feed has details on PC multiplayer support in Call of Duty: Black Ops, saying the upcoming military shooter will use Steamworks and Valve Anti-Cheat for DRM, while Josh Peckler's Twitter Feed talks about how game servers will hosted, and this press release from Gameservers.com confirms they will be the exclusive dedicated server provider for the game. Word is: "GameServers.com has expanded its global locations to 18 major cities around the globe outfitted with the latest in server and network technology specifically for the Black Ops title." Thanks joao. On the topic of Black Ops multiplayer, a new "Wagermatch" trailer reveals four new multiplayer modes that fall under the umbrella of the Wagermatch concept, which allows players to gamble the in-game currency they've earned in a few different ways. Here's the embedded clip. Continue here to read the full story.
Telltale Games announces new details about their planned Back to the Future game, which will be released in five monthly installments beginning this winter. They also reveal that the stars of the movie series will also star in the game series: "Telltale today announced that the highly anticipated Back to the Future games will feature the likenesses of the original stars that made the characters of Marty McFly and Doc Brown legendary: Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. Lloyd is voicing Doc Brown for the full game series, which Telltale will deliver in five monthly episodes. The first images showing the game depictions of Marty and Doc are now available at: www.backtothefuturegame.com. The game series is developed through a licensing agreement with Universal Partnerships & Licensing."
There's an interview with Tripwire Interactive on Rock, Paper, Shotgun discussing the vehicles in Red Orchestra: Heroes of Stalingrad, Tripwire's upcoming world War II shooter sequel. They discuss the types of vehicles planned, balance issues, and their recently expressed goal of setting the standard for tank combat in first-person shooters. Also, GameTrailers.com now offers the PAX 2010 trailer from the game. Thanks joao.
Focus Home Interactive sends along a few screenshots from The Next BIG Thing, an adventure game in development at Pendulo Studios for release for Windows PCs in Q1 of next year, and there's also a trailer on Strategy Informer with a teeny snippet from the game. The game was actually announced in March, but since it wasn't mentioned here at the time, here's word: After having put the adventure game genre back into the spotlight with the Runaway trilogy, which had captivated more than a million players during the last decade, Pendulo Studios is back with an original, great adventure game. The Next BIG Thing revisits with class and humor the fantastic movie genre with a modern, funny adventure packed with hints and references made to popular movies and TV shows.
The story introduces the couple of charismatic heroes Dan Murray and Liz Allaire involved in an incredible and crazy adventure, full of twists and packed with moments of pure comedy! With "The Next BIG Thing", Pendulo Studios stay faithful to their unique graphic style that puts their games close to actual animated movies. The Next BIG Thing also maintains Runaway’s popular and beloved ingredients: an intricate story, funny and charismatic characters, wacky mysteries and puzzles, and a definite adult and modern tone.
The problem with our Twitter feed I mentioned yesterday turns out to be because they have changed authentication protocols on their end. Thanks MxxCon for pointing out a Wired article on the topic, and thanks (as well as sympathies) to Frans, who is working on implementing changes, which are apparently headache inducing. In the meantime, the feed is still not being updated; apologies for that. Also hats off to Twitter for sending along a timely announcement about this, which arrived this morning, a mere two days after their changes kicked in.
Today is 09/02/10 in US date notation, which is apparently an opportunity to celebrate Beverly Hills, 90210, and presumably some other superficial stuff. Enjoy!
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