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Archived News:
Kotaku has what are purportedly internal Bethesda Softworks emails saying
Arkane Austin is working on a rebooted version of Prey 2, the shooter
sequel that was declared " delayed,"
" not cancelled"," and
" in limbo" over the course of last year. More
recently, there was a rumor in May that
Arkane was the new developer on the game followed by
word a few weeks later that
Human Head's version of the game was complete, but was not up to Bethesda's quality
standards. According to Kotaku's allegedly leaked emails, Arkane Austin is
working on a reboot of Prey 2 that they pitched as a "spiritual successor to
System Shock 3," which is weird, because there is no System Shock 3. They seem
quite upset that Bethesda might be unwilling to reveal their internal plans
ahead of schedule
in denying this rumor, puzzling "Why mislead the public like this?" They
still show willingness to trust again, though, reaching out to Bethesda for more
comment and receiving this reply: "We aren’t talking about what Arkane is
working on and we have no new information to share on Prey 2."
Danish developer Full Control announces the release of Space Hulk
on Steam for Windows and
OS X, offering the first video game in 17 years that's based on the Space Hulk
branch of the Warhammer 40K tree. The strategy game supports cross platform
play, which will also incorporate the upcoming iPad version upon its release.
Here's the announcement: August 15th, 2013, Copenhagen, Denmark -
Danish independent studio Full Control today announced the release of Space
Hulk, on both PC and Mac. Space Hulk is a digital turn based strategy video game
adaptation of the 3rd edition of Games Workshop’s epic board-game set in the
Warhammer 40,000 universe. Space Hulk features a single player campaign with 15
missions based on the "Sin of Damnation" space hulk and head-to-head
cross-platform multiplayer action. Available on digital download now on PC and
Mac, Space Hulk is scheduled for release on iPad through the App Store later in
2013.
“As a studio that specializes in turn based combat, securing and remaking the
Space Hulk franchise has been a dream come true, but one that has come with many
responsibilities,” said Thomas Hentschel Lund, CEO of Full Control. “Completely
faithful to the classic claustrophobic board game experience and players will
need to use their minds as well as their muscle to defeat the Genestealers and
progress through the dark labyrinth of the Space Hulk”.
Space Hulk Features
- The first Space Hulk video game in 17 years -
available on multiple platforms (PC, Mac and iPad)
- Set in the hugely popular Warhammer 40,000
universe - official license of the legendary boardgame from Games Workshop.
- Turn-based tactical strategy game based on the
popular and iconic board game mechanics.
- Blood Angel Terminators - Fight the ferocious
Genestealers with heroes of the mighty Blood Angels.
- Fearsome Genestealers with challenging AI - meet
unforgiving hordes of Genestealers • Thematic 3D environment - experience
the dark labyrinth of a Space Hulk as never before.
- Single player campaign based on the "Sin of
Damnation" space hulk - Take on the Sin of Damnation campaign, which
includes 3 brand new prequel missions and the 12 missions from the classic
board game.
- Multiplayer head-to-head recreating the board game
experience against a friend - get in the hot seat and battle it out with a
friend.
- Cross platform multiplayer between Windows PC, Mac
and iOS - play asynchronous against friends and foes on multiple platforms.
Xbox.com has word that the Xbox.com PC Marketplace, formerly the Games for
Windows Live marketplace, will shut down on August 22nd. They explain that games
and content purchased there will still be playable as before, but the sale of
Games for Windows Live games will cease as of that date, though some games will
continue to offer in-game purchases on a case-by-case basis. This change will
coincide with the switch from MS Points to cash money, and they explain the
implications of that. Probably most significant is the news that this means some
games will no longer be sold anywhere, as they explain: "Games for Windows Live
titles published by Microsoft are no longer available for purchase from any
marketplace." Thanks
Gamasutra.
Trion Worlds is closing their European office in Guildford England, reports
MCV, saying this is costing 10 employees their jobs. This is the second
office Trion has closed in a short span, as it was just
last week that we learned the company's San Diego office was closing, along
with news that former Rift producer Scott Hartsman had returned to the company
as CEO. "As part of its recent company realignment, Trion’s European publishing
office based in Guildford, UK, will be closing down," reads MCV's statement from
Trion. "European localized versions of Trion’s live and upcoming games will not
be affected as all regional game development and support continues from Redwood
City, CA."
- Dungeons and Dragons Gems on
GOG.com. Save up to 75%.
- PewDiePie on Humble
Weekly Sale. Pay what you want and help charity.
- Red Faction Collection on
Steam. Save 80%.
- Two Worlds Collection on
Steam. Save 80%.
Polygon - Plague of game dev harassment erodes industry, spurs support
groups.
Developers, both named and those who wish to remain anonymous, tell
Polygon that harassment by gamers is becoming an alarmingly regular expected
element of game development. Some developers say the problem was among the
reasons they left the industry, others tell Polygon that the problem is so
ubiquitous that it distracts them from making games or that they're
considering leaving the industry.
The problem has become so pronounced that International Game Developers
Association executive director Kate Edwards tells Polygon that the
organization is looking into starting support groups and that while the
harassment isn't yet having a major impact on game development, "we're at
the cusp of where it could."
Evening Previews
- Battlefield 4 on
The Battlefield Blog. The Road to Battlefield 4: Dialing Up The Team
Play.
- Grand Theft Auto Online on
GameSpot. Thanks nin.
In a
press release that mentions neither Tolkien nor The Lord of the Rings, WBIE
announces Guardians of Middle-earth for PC, an upcoming Windows edition
of Monolith's MOBA game that's already out for consoles, saying Zombie Studios
is handling the PC port. This will be released via digital distribution on
August 29th as a base version for USD $19.99 or as a $79.99 Mithril
Edition which includes all 36 playable Guardians and more. They also announce
that those who own one of the console editions are entitled to a free Steam
key for the base edition. Here's part of the announcement: Windows PC
players will soon be able to battle through Middle-earth via the wildly popular
multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre. Gamers will have access to
Guardians of Middle-earth’s 36 original playable Guardian characters, earnable
through gameplay and in-game currency. Players will have access to three modes
and six maps including The Shire, Goblin-town, Mirkwood and Survival gameplay
previously introduced as downloadable content (DLC). Exclusive to the PC version
of Guardians of Middle-earth, there will be 36 alternate Guardian skins
available for purchase through Steam. Guardians of Middle-earth for PC will
support Steamworks integration, Big Picture full controller compatibility and
Raptr integration for live streaming matches.
Continue here to read the full story.
Phospher Games announces Nether, a survival/horror MMORPG planned for
early access release for Windows PCs this autumn. The
Nether website is live, where players
interested in early access can register, and view the following illustrative
quote from the Book of Ephesians in the New Testament of the Bible: "For we
wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this world." Here are
some screenshots,
and here is word: CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The first details were
released today for Nether, the upcoming, online survival-horror game from
developer Phosphor Games and game production company Nether Productions. A
persistent-world, massively multiplayer online game based entirely in an urban
setting, Nether challenges players to survive day-to-day while trying to uncover
the truth behind the apocalyptic event that has changed mankind forever. Nether
is slated for release in the fall of 2013 for the Windows PC platform.
“Our focus is to veer away from some of the ‘traditional’ survival-horror
offerings in order to provide something new for the genre, with a great urban
setting, a different type of story and an experience that excites us as fans and
will be something definitely fresh and new for gamers.” “Our team has a strong
and varied background that includes the creation of post-apocalyptic titles, so
we’re really excited about Nether,” said Chip Sineni, Creative Director at
Phosphor Games. “Our focus is to veer away from some of the ‘traditional’
survival-horror offerings in order to provide something new for the genre, with
a great urban setting, a different type of story and an experience that excites
us as fans and will be something definitely fresh and new for gamers.”
In Nether, players are thrust into a decimated, post-apocalyptic city where the
remaining human population has degenerated into a chaotic state of lawlessness.
A pervasive sense of evil looms over the land as people struggle to survive and
rumors circulate of vile, demonic creatures that roam the cities to claim any
souls still living. As one of the few remaining survivors, players must decide
if they will Prey or Pray as they use skill and cunning to obtain food, weapons
and other supplies necessary for existence while trying to determine whether or
not to approach and trust other players or go at it solo.
Nether is currently in Alpha phase, with early-access planned for this fall.
Players can visit http://playnether.com to
be notified of updates and other information as well as sign up to be among the
first selected to access the game. More information on this title can also be
found at http://facebook.com/playnether
or on Twitter @PlayNether.
Rockstar Games now offers the
GTA Online Official
Gameplay Video from Grand Theft Auto V, showing co-op and competitive
multiplayer support in the open world sequel, and talks of additional official
post-release and user-created multiplayer content. Here's word: Watch the new
Official Gameplay Video for
Grand Theft Auto Online - which shows how we've taken the fundamental GTA
concepts of freedom, ambient activity and mission-based gameplay and made them
available to multiple players in an incredibly detailed and responsive online
world.
In Grand Theft Auto Online, you'll have the freedom to explore alone or with
friends, work cooperatively to complete missions, band together to participate
in activities and ambient events, or compete in traditional game modes with the
entire community, all with the personality and refined mechanics of
Grand Theft Auto V.
Access to Grand Theft Auto Online is free with every retail copy of Grand Theft
Auto V and launches on October 1st.
Continue here to read the full story.
Kalypso Media announces Tropico 5, a new installment in the island
dictator series, where players will once again take on the role of benevolent
dictator El Presidente. The sequel is in development at Haemimont Games for
release for Windows, OS X, Linux, and Xbox 360 next year, and the new twist here
will be the inclusion of multiplayer support for the first time in the series,
as up to four players will be able to play it together cooperatively. The
Tropico 5 website is already
live, offering a teaser
trailer in newsreel style showing El Presidente gloating about the success
of his floating city of Columbia island nation of Tropico.
Here's word: Packed with a whole host of new gameplay features and all new
artwork designed from scratch, Tropico 5 takes the series into a new and
exciting direction – dynasties!
You, as El Presidente, will first take control of the infamous island of Tropico
during early colonial times and then guide it through the centuries as the world
changes and moves ever forward. You must tackle the changing needs of your
people, as well as opposing governments and factions, and thus lay the
foundations for your own dynasty. As you move through your years in office you
can promote members of your extended family on the island to positions of power:
such as ambassador, commanding general or even Supreme Ruler, to ensure your
legacy thrives through the eras. As your influence and wealth grows, so do the
threats to your burgeoning island superpower. Can you survive both World Wars,
prosper through the Great Depression, rule as an iron-fisted dictator through
the Cold War and advance your country to modern times and beyond? From the 19th
to the 21st century, each era carries its own challenges and opportunities.
As well as a wealth of other new features, including advanced trading mechanics,
technology, scientific research trees and island exploration, Tropico 5 will add
cooperative and competitive multiplayer for up to four players for the first
time in the series' history! Viva El Presidente!
Features of Tropico 5
- The Eras - From the 19th century to the
21st, each era carries its own challenges and opportunities. Begin your
reign during colonial times and advance your nation through the modern era
and into the future!
- The Dynasty – Each member of El
Presidente’s extended family is present on the island and may be appointed
to key leadership positions, earning skills and experience in their assigned
roles.
- Research and Renovate - Advance your nation
by discovering new buildings, technologies and resources. Transform your old
buildings into modernized, hyper-efficient designs worthy of an economic
superpower!
- Advanced trade system and trade fleet -
Amass a global trade fleet and use your ships to secure import/export trade
routes to neighbouring islands and key nations.
- Explore your island - Discover what lies
beyond the fog of war. Send prospectors to look for new mineral and ore
deposits, but be wary of hostile animals and native tribes.
- All new art - All artwork is reworked to
provide Tropico 5 with a distinct historic visual identity. Choose from over
100 unique buildings from each of the individual eras.
- Cooperative and competitive multiplayer –
Up to four players can build up their own cities and economies on any given
island map. Players can share resources and citizens, or declare war on each
other.
Continue here to read the full story.
The Blaze Epic website now offers
Jump/Boxer, and independently developed side-scroller inspired by martial
arts and parkour. The game is a wallet-friendly USD $3.00, and there's a
playable demo to see if it's worth the risk (there is also a discount for
bundling this with one of their previous games.
This trailer shows the
game's throwback 8-bit style graphics, and here's a description: "The reason why
this retro indie-game matters is that it takes the 8-bit action-platformer
formula and brings into the modern-day, keeping the 8-bit aesthetic and feel
while using design choices seen in games of recent history. The mix of the
pixel-art using a limited color palette, choppy animations, and chiptune music
with unlimited lives, closer check points, and regenerating health allows for an
authentic 8-bit experience without the frustrations of those golden-era days."
Continue here to read the full story.
The
Concursion Kickstarter seeks to fund a five-genre mash-up of a
Platformer/Shmup/Hack-n-Slash/Evasive Aerial Exploration/Top Down Maze game.
That sounds impressively ambitious, as does the picture painted with this
description: "If Mario met Gradius, in beautiful Pac Land, while Strider grabbed
a jetpack and explored throughout the stars. All of this at once." Booyah!
Phoenix Online Studios announces that Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller
is now available for Max OS X. Each episode is listed separately, so here are
links to
Cognition Episode 1: The Hangman,
Cognition
Episode 2: The Wise Monkey, and
Cognition
Episode 3: The Oracle. On a related note, there are also now iPad versions
of
Cognition Episode 1 and
Cognition
Episode 2. Here's a refresher on the game: "Each Cognition episode is a
self-contained investigation that also advances Erica's story and brings her
closer to avenging Scott's murder. With traditional "point and click" gameplay,
a stylized graphic novel aesthetic, and a gritty story that grips you and won't
let go, this modern adventure is a must-play for fans of mystery games like
Gabriel Knight, interactive narratives like Heavy Rain or The Walking Dead: The
Game, supernatural serials like TV's Fringe, and CSI-style crime dramas."
This video is the
Gamescom trailer for Rise of Venice, the trading simulation Kalypso Media plans
on releasing this fall. Here's the deal: "The trailer showcases the political
machinations of the game world, where it's more than just about making money,
but also about "who you know"." In Rise of Venice, you will be challenged to
sail the seas of a lush 3D world, trading goods, while also working to earn the
votes of the "Council of 10", a group that can make or break your political
career." Continue here to read the full story.
I did some adventuring yesterday that got away from me and took too much time,
which was the bad news. The cool news is that one of my accomplishments was
visiting a welder and having him fix a bracket that holds a muffler in my
decrepit Corvette. The goal with this 100K+ miles car has always been to avoid
sinking money into it as it soldiers on in its second decade of service, so the fact the
mufflers have a built in bracket for this became a big problem when they
eventually broke off, as a proper replacement would involve replacing the entire
exhaust system, which would be a lengthy (expensive) installation of an expensive part. Instead my friend Devicer found me a welder who fixed my broken makeshift
bracket temporarily while he works on fashioning me a pair of new brackets. A
local muffler shop had already told me neither of these things could be done, so
the fact that he found both projects so manageable (if not trivial) was refreshing. And the fact
that he charged me $5.00 for welding the broken bracket was shocking in the best
possible way.
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