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Archived News:
The
BioWare blog announces that Casey Hudson has departed BioWare after nearly
16 years with the developer, during which time he led development of the Mass
Effect trilogy among other accomplishments. He most recently was developing a new IP, and the blog quotes Hudson as saying: "The foundation of
our new IP in Edmonton is complete, and the team is ready to move forward into
pre-production on a title that I think will redefine interactive entertainment."
The article also includes a message of appreciation for BioWare fans: "Long
before I worked in games, I was fascinated by their ability to transport me to
places where amazing and memorable experiences awaited. When I made my very
first asset that I knew would actually make it into a game (the laser bolt in
MDK2!) I couldn’t believe how fortunate I was to contribute in some small way to
the process of creating interactive entertainment.
Now, having led the development of four major titles, I’m profoundly
appreciative of the role I’ve been able to play in creating these games. The
very idea that so many of you have enjoyed spending time in the worlds we’ve
created is the defining achievement of my career, and it’s your support over the
years that made it all possible."
The Battlefield Blog details some changes coming to some core mechanics of
the military shooter sequel, saying the patch to implement these is expected
next month. Here are the major planned changes: Game Mode Improvements
General improvements and tweaks have been made to the following game modes:
Rush, Obliteration, Obliteration Competitive, Capture the Flag and Carrier
Assault.
Visual Recoil
Close and medium range optic reticules do not move with the gun any longer,
however both bullet spread and bullet drop are still present.
Soldier Movement
Changes have been made to soldier movement so that it closely matches the one in
Battlefield 3, but without compromising the visual fidelity. This change also
makes it easier to get away from undesirable firefights.
Additionally, we’ve dampened third person hit reactions where the soldier
previously moved his head around a lot when getting shot at.
HUD Triage
Focusing on clarity, and de-cluttering the HUD/UI to only show what is important
– we have added several options and functionality to make your screen much less
cluttered (and give you a lot of choice in making it the way you want).
Revive Mechanic Improvements
A special effort went into making revives easier to use, more robust and easier
to understand. Additions include a “fully charged” paddle sound, UI indication
on revive time and better networked ragdolls.
“Netcode” Improvements
Making ping differences, trade kills and kills behind cover less of an issue by
lowering the time allowed to damage on the client side.
Continue here to read the full story.
Steam News announces an
opportunity to get your
Nosgoth on while keeping your wallet in your pocket, saying you can play
the game for free between now and Sunday at 1:00 pm EDT, and that
Nosgoth Starter Packs
are also currently on sale for half off.
A new trailer for
Crimes & Punishments offers a half-minute look at the next Sherlock
Holmes game along with a release date, saying it will come to Windows,
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 on September 30th. Here's word:
Previously, you've seen 23 minutes of gameplay, as we chartered unknown
waters in the Case of Black Peter. As mentioned, there are up to 9 different
conclusions to each case, and we promised we wouldn't spoil the ending. That
means the murderer of Peter Carey is still on the loose, and come September 30,
we can't wait for you to compare your conclusions to ours on our Facebook or
Twitter accounts.
Continue here to read the full story.
Cloud Chamber is now available, offering a chance to investigate this
multiplayer mystery game from Investigate North. The Windows version is now
available through various digital distributors, and they say the version for OS
X will follow, though a date for this is not specified. You can find details on
the Cloud Chamber website, and
this recent trailer
shows off the game. Here's a description: Cloud Chamber is a new
multiplayer game where players work collaboratively to unravel a mystery of
murder, music and astrophysics. Starring Gethin Anthony (Game of Thrones) and
Jesper Christensen (Quantum of Solace), it's a story exploration game along the
lines of Dear Esther or Gone Home, but where thousands of players join forces to
solve the puzzle together.
Navigating through a series of 3D datascapes, players collect nodes of
information and discuss them with other players. As they progress, players piece
together what actually happened from fragments of found film footage, science
journals, video diary entries, actual space footage and astrophotography. Only
by working together with other players can the truth about Kathleen's parents
and the universe be uncovered.
Gearbox Software offers
this video titled "From
Pandora to the Moon," a second episode of The Making of Borderlands:
The Pre-Sequel, exploring the origins of this origin story. Word is: "Episode
two of the The Making of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel docu-series takes a look at
why the developers at 2K Australia and Gearbox decided to take players to
Pandora's moon, Elpis, and how that decision opened up some awesome new gameplay
opportunities that will change the way you approach combat and exploration in
Borderlands." Continue here to read the full story.
Link of the Day:
How not to impress a lady while riding a jet ski. At least they remembered
the "always move the victim" rule of first aid.
Crytek announces plans to launch a Windows edition of Ryse: Son of Rome
this fall, offering a PC gamers a crack at their action game that was an Xbox
One launch title. The troubled German
developer/publisher is improving upon the original release by including all the
console DLC and upgrading the game's visuals with that 4K support that all the
kids are talking about. Here's the deal: “We are bringing the Ryse
experience to PC, with 4K resolution support,” says Carl Jones, Director of
Business Development at Crytek. “4K gaming is another leap in graphics quality
for PC gamers and Ryse is the perfect showcase for what’s now possible in
high-end PC games. We’ve given our team the opportunity to show what CRYENGINE
can really achieve, without compromising quality, thanks to the incredible
hardware available now to PC gamers. Ryse will be a benchmark PC graphics
showcase this year and probably for a long time in future. Our community asked
for a Ryse PC version, and we have the means and technology to deliver this
title with the highest quality possible."
The PC version of Ryse will come with bonus material originally released as
downloadable content, including: The Colosseum Pack containing two character
skins and two Arena maps; the Mars’ Chosen Pack containing one new character
skin, four Arena maps, and the new Survival mode; the Duel of Fates Pack
containing two character skins, two Arena maps, and one additional Survival map;
and the Morituri Pack, with three new Arena maps, two Survival maps, and five
solo Arena maps. Finally, PC players will also have instant access to the Ruins
multiplayer map and the “Legionnaire’s Trust” sword initially released as part
of a special edition of the game.
Nexon Europe announces Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies, a free-to-play
online shooter that's expected in the third quarter of this year. The title
probably explains this completely, though they optimistically note that: "The
zombies in the game are quick, aggressive, and dangerous, which makes for a
completely new experience." Here's word: Now, the CS world is about to be
infected with the introduction of the ultimate game-changer: zombies.
Fast-paced, frenetic action awaits, as a wide variety of new weapons are added
to the fray, with diverse game modes available, featuring countless undead. The
zombies in the game are quick, aggressive, and dangerous, which makes for a
completely new experience.
In addition to the new zombie based experience, players can also have the
original Counter-Strike experience, through modes like Hostage Rescue and Bomb
Diffusion, which makes strategic intelligence more important than ever. All
modes of play feature the now legendary, adrenaline-pumping CS action.
“It is our pleasure to launch a free-to-play online version of the all-time
favourite FPS via Steam. Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies is a thrilling and
easy-to-play game that reaches out to all players. Both players who are new to
the game, as well as those that have been logging onto classic FPS games for
years will be surprised with the new action it offers” said Kenny Chang, CEO of
Nexon Europe.
“Today we are announcing the latest creation from Nexon in the Counter-Strike
world, one that builds upon years of success in developing CS Online for Asia,”
said Doug Lombardi of Valve. “This title showcases that work in new, zombie, and
classic form.”
Kalypso Media announces Dungeons 2 is in development at Realmforge Studios as a
sequel to Dungeons, their Dungeon Keeper-inspired management/simulation.
The Dungeons website
has screenshots and this
announcement teaser
trailer with a first look at what to expect when this is released next
year for Windows, OS X, and Linux. Here's word: If terrifying dungeons
filled with hordes of loyal minions and underworld domination are your thing,
then look no further! Leave your fear at the door and once again dare to enter
the lair of the Dungeon Lord, as Kalypso Media announces that Dungeons 2 is
currently in development by Realmforge Studios and scheduled for a 2015 release.
Sequel to the 2011 bestseller Dungeons, Dungeons 2 aims to take inspiration from
the very best titles in the dungeon management/simulation genre and blend in its
own trademark dark humour to deliver the most complete dungeon experience fans
have been waiting for.
Continue here to read the full story.
The Dota 2 blog
announces the release of alpha workshop tools for Dota 2,Valve's MOBA
game. The detailed
Steam Community listing calls this "a completely new set of tools" which
require a 64-bit version of Windows, and there
is speculation that this represents a soft launch of mod tools for the
Source Engine 2. Here's a bit: Some of the features in this release
include major changes to how content is created, delivered, and experienced for
Dota 2:
- Completely New Tools - The new suite of tools support creating and
importing content for custom games. This set of tools requires a 64-bit
version of Windows, Direct3D 11 compatible GPU, and opting into the Steam
Client Beta.
- Steam Workshop Submissions - This early version includes the ability to
upload and distribute custom game modes through the Workshop. This new
automated process allows players to subscribe to an author's custom game
mode to automatically keep current as updates are released by the author.
- Testing Custom Game Modes - This alpha release is focused on getting the
tools to developers first. Currently playing custom games requires a 64-bit
version of Windows and a Direct3D 11 compatible GPU. In upcoming future
releases we will extend support to more systems (including 32-bit and
Direct3D 9) and make it easier for players to download, find matches for,
and play user created game modes.
Battle.net announces plans for in-game celebrations for the upcoming 10th
anniversary of World of Warcraft. They don't say exactly when the anniversary
celebration gets underway for the MMORPG that first launched in November 2004.
Here are first details on some rewards to be handed out as part of all this: Tarren
Mill vs. Southshore: The Rematch
If you engaged in PvP early on in WoW, you might have fond memories of—and
perhaps a few scars from—the endless tug-of-war between Horde and Alliance
players at Tarren Mill and Southshore. To recapture that feeling, we’ll be
opening a Team Deathmatch–style Battleground based on that timeless struggle.
However, unlike the old days of Tarren Mill vs. Southshore, there will be a
clearly defined victor, so you’ll need to work as a team or face crushing
defeat.
Molten Core Gets Boosted
Molten Core provided many WoW players with their first taste of WoW raiding. For
the anniversary celebration, max-level players will be able to participate in a
special 40-player Raid Finder version to relive the experience of hunting down
Ragnaros and his minions within his fiery lair. Downing the Firelord will earn
you an Achievement and a special Core Hound mount reward (fireproof leg armor
not included).
Corgi-licious
Anyone who logs in during the 10-year anniversary event will also be able to
claim a feisty, fiery new pet: the Molten Corgi! Just think of the corgi-parade
potential when you and your friends summon these wee waddling balls of fire for
a walk.
These events and rewards will only be available for a limited time, so make sure
to check back with us later for more information on when you can expect to see
all of these events and goodies in-game. ‘Til then, we’re looking forward to
celebrating 10 epic years with you!
The
Roberts Space Industries website announces that access to the Arena
Commander multiplayer module for Star Citizen is now available to all
backers of this crowd-sourced space combat game with alpha access or an Arena
Commander Pass, adding: "Multiplayer will also be available to anyone who picks
up an Arena Commander pass going forward." There is an update at the end of the
post noting there have been some issues rolling this out that they are working
on. Here's word on the change and the state of the game: Thank you to
every backer who has helped get us to this point. Your feedback has been
absolutely essential in improving Arena Commander and the multiplayer
experience. Thank you for your forum posts, your Twitch streams, your bug
reports and your patience with the process. The knowledge we’ve gained from this
tiered rollout goes well beyond just this release: it’s going to benefit how we
launch every single future module and ultimately the Star Citizen Persistent
Universe.
Remember: this is still a pre-alpha module! That means we still have plenty of
work to do. The team is now working hard to add many planned features (like
keybindings, scoreboards and additional ships) and also to improve what we’ve
already created. In the coming weeks, expect to see a lot of work on game
balance and Arena Commander’s game rules (where players spawn, how a kill is
calculated, how the matchmaking server decides to connect users and the like.)
Your continued thoughts on how the game plays will be invaluable in this
process!
Ragequit Corporation announces a free weekend for Strike Vector gets
underway today on Steam,
offering the chance to check out this sci-fi aerial shooter that they call "the
most hardcore FPS of the decade." They note that the amount of content in the
game has doubled since its release, making this a good opportunity to check it
out. You can take a look at the game through the previously released
launch trailer. Continue here to read the full story.
Surprise Attack Games announces the release of OTTTD
on the Humble
Store and on Steam
for Windows, OS X, and Linux. The game's full title sums it up well, as OTTTD
stands for Over the Top Tower Defense.
This launch trailer
offers a look, and here's a description: Like explosions? Love giant,
flying, undead sharks? Then OTTTD is the game for you for you! Alternatively, if
you’d like a strategy game that cleverly blends tower defence & RTS genres for a
tactical challenge across an action-packed campaign then OTTTD will scratch that
itch.
We describe the game as “Spaceballs meets Starship Troopers”. But anyone under
30 has no idea what Spaceballs is (their loss) so we fall back on “It’s an
anything-goes TD game that doesn’t take itself seriously.”
Back to Bed is now available
on Steam for Windows, OS X, and Linux, offering a 3D puzzle game with an
offbeat sleepwalking mechanic. This put's the player in the role of the
protagonist's subconscious, attempting to save him from himself and his
somnambulance. Here's a
recent trailer, and here's word: Back to Bed is an artistic 3D puzzle
game with a surreal twist. It tells the story of Bob, an unlucky narcoleptic who
has a tendency of falling asleep in his boring office and then proceeding to
sleepwalk into the dangers of the big city. Luckily, Bob has a subconscious
guardian named Subob, whom spawns from the mind of Bob and whose job it is to
protect the sleepwalker from any danger and guide him back to the safety of his
bed.
The ever vigilant Subob must guide the constantly sleepwalking Bob on a journey
through a series of surreal painting-like cityscapes where the boundary between
Bob's dreams and reality have vanished, as Subob is part of Bob's
subconsciousness. The result is an artistic dream world that is recognizable,
yet totally different from the real world, where many things are not what they
seem and dangers to the sleepwalker lurks deeper in.
Continue here to read the full story.
I had a fine old time with my childhood friends yesterday, a few of whom I have
not seen in way longer than I care to admit. I ended up heading home last night,
which eased any fears that this update would be derailed by my network rewiring
this afternoon, and sure enough, here we are. Thanks very much for your patience
with this, I appreciate it.
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