Archived News:
The BioWare Store has a listing for a four pack of Mass Effect characters, "complete with updated Mass Effect 3 branded packaging" (thanks Eurogamer via NeoGAF). The twist is the $75.00 set also includes in-game content. Here's word: These products contain codes that can be redeemed for a downloadable content pack for Mass Effect 3 multi-player. They are slightly randomized during the registration and could include powerful new weapons and new characters. The pack could also include character boosters, weapon modifications, and weapon upgrades to make your multi-player squad stronger. (Only supported on XBox360 and PC.)
The Bethesda Blog has news that the promised beta version 1.4 patch for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is now available on Steam. They outline how to back up your saved games and opt in to the beta test, offering warnings along the way that a beta patch is to be used at your own risk. They also outline how to revert back to version 1.3 if the beta is not to your liking.
Matrix Games announces Command Ops: Highway to the Reich, saying this expansion for Command Ops: Battles from the Bulge will be released via digital distribution later this month. Here's the outline of what to expect: As the first official expansion pack for the award winning Command Ops series, Command Ops: Highway to the Reich from acclaimed developer Panther Games brings us to the setting of one of the most epic and controversial battles of World War II: Operation Market-Garden. The Highway to the Reich expansion pack is a set of 13 scenarios covering all of the major actions that took place during the Market Garden Campaign in Holland during September 1944.
Defender's Quest is a new blend of the Tower Defense strategy and tactical RPG genres for Windows, Linux, and OS X. Word is: "In the midst of a devastating epidemic, a young woman finds herself unceremoniously dumped into a plague colony full of monsters. Discovering a strange 'half-way world' between life and death, she proceeds to gather a small army of disaffected survivors and sets off in hope of escape!" A playable demo is available, and for those interested in a purchase, the game is offered for a limited time for $6.99 before going up to its regular price of $9.99, and you can get an additional $1.00 off with by using the tasteful coupon code "BLUE" upon checkout. The original soundtrack is also available for $0.99 with purchase of the game.
A Blizzard Entertainment Job Listing for a "Franchise Development Producer" for their next-gen MMOG offers a possible insight into plans for the game, presumably the mysterious game codenamed Titan. This responsibility listed for the position suggests plans for some branding: "Work with major consumer brands to facilitate product placement and licensing within the world of Blizzard Entertainment's next-gen MMO that enhances the gameplay experience." Thanks IGN.
A Visceral Games Job Posing seems to reveal a new project in the works at EA's studio behind the Dead Space series. The opening is for a Lead Multiplayer Designer, and here's part of the description: "EA is looking for a lead multiplayer designer to help create a thrilling online action shooter game. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a bold new franchise which is a cornerstone for a new EA Games Studio." Thanks Official Xbox Magazine via VG247.
Link of the Day: How Not To Be Seen. Thanks Ant.
The ArenaNet Blog marks the Year of the Dragon with details on plans to expand the beta testing of Guild Wars 2, ArenaNet's upcoming MMORPG sequel, saying: "this all leads to the release of Guild Wars 2 later this year." They announce plans to hold progressively larger events following the conclusion of the game's recentl closed beta, and that more and more players will be invited to check out the game in March and April: This year, you’ll finally be able to immerse yourself in the vast, diverse world of Tyria.
We recently finished our first closed beta test, and we’re now ready to hold progressively larger events. In February we’ll invite select press to participate in beta testing, and in March and April we’ll aggressively ramp up the size of our beta test events so that many of you will have a chance to participate. And of course, this all leads to the release of Guild Wars 2 later this year.
So stay tuned to our official Guild Wars 2 website, our Facebook page, and this blog for more information about how to participate in an upcoming beta event.
This trailer created by Blizzard for Korean gamers from a few days ago features Jay Wilson offering an optimistic outlook on when to expect Diablo III, their action/RPG sequel, saying "the release date is nearing." This was posted the same day they announced plans to change how many of the game's systems work, and the day before the game's senior producer left the company, so it's not clear how these different factors play into each other, if they do at all. Here's a fuller quote for context: "2012 will be a great year because the Diablo series will finally make its long-awaited return. We are currently working hard to deliver Diablo III and ensure it lives up to your expectations. We plan to deliver nothing less than an epic gaming experience. The release date is nearing, and we eagerly await your return as the heroes of sanctuary." Thanks Blizzplanet.
GfK Chart-Track has their list of the 20 bestselling full-price PC Entertainment titles in the U.K. for the week ending January 21st. Football Manager 2012 retains the top spot on a largely stable list. The all-platforms chart is also pretty static, with FIFA 12 remaining number one in a reshuffled top five. On a related note, MCV has news that UKIE has sold its 20% stake in GfK Chart-Track, though the U.K. trade body still has a deal for exclusive access to its data.
Happy Chinese New Year! Today begins the Year of the Dragon, or more specifically, the Year of the Water Dragon. It will probably be a while before I remember to stop writing Year of the Rabbit on my checks.
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