Archived News:

Wednesday, Nov 27, 2024 Turtle Adoption Day

Get Dark Sector for Free

Dark Sector is currently free on Steam, and this third-person shooter from Digital Extremes is yours to keep as long as you lay your claim by Saturday. It's been a while since the game's 2009 launch, so here's a refresher:
Dark Sector thrusts players into the role of Hayden Tenno, a covert operative sent on a dangerous mission into Lasria, an Eastern European city on the brink of ruin that hides a deadly Cold War secret.

In the midst of this mission, Hayden is attacked by an unknown enemy and infected by the Technocyte Virus, a brutal bio-weapon that twists its victims into mindless killing machines. Surviving this attack, Hayden finds that the Technocyte virus has granted him powerful, inhuman abilities unlike anything he has ever seen. Now, he must evolve with his powers, survive and become a hero.

Elon Musk Wants to "Make Games Great Again"

Elon Musk announces he is going start an AI game studio to "make games great again." The richest man in the world and self-professed number one Diablo IV player plans to fix the hobby by taking development back from massive corporations and returning it to plucky startups like his $50 billion xAI. But he had us at AI, right?. Here's word:
Too many game studios that are owned by massive corporations.

@xAI is going to start an AI game studio to make games great again!

Steam Autumn Sale and Steam Award Nominations

The annual Autumn Sale is now underway on Steam, offering deep discounts on loads of games between now and December 4th. There are also discounts on some Steam Deck LCD while supplies last. This also kicks off everyone's opportunity to nominate games for The Steam Awards. Voting will take place during the winter sale, and the winners will be announced on New Year's Eve. Last but not least, there's the chance to earn new stickers by going through your Steam Discovery Queue.

Total War: WARHAMMER III: Omens of Destruction Announced

SEGA and The Creative Assembly announce Omens of Destruction, new DLC for Total War: WARHAMMER III coming on December 12th to the fantasy strategy game for Windows, macOS, and Linux. This is said to mark "100 Legendary Lords across the expansive WARHAMMER series and welcomes new content for the armies of Khorne, Ogre Kingdoms and Orcs & Goblins including Legendary Lords, battle units, campaign features, and free content for all owners of the game." The plan is a little complicated, as there are three separate listings on Steam (here, here, and here), none of which show a price. This blog post explains lords will sold individually, or as part of a bundle, which is how a game gets to 26 DLC packs in a couple of years. The announcement has details and the Announce Trailer. Here's more:
It's the moment you've been waiting for! Omens of Destruction, a showdown of daemons, delinquents, and detestables, featuring Khorne, Ogre Kingdoms, and Orcs & Goblins arrives in Total War: WARHAMMER III on December 12! 💥

Over the next few weeks we'll be talking more about the Legendary Lords, battle units and campaign features in our blogs and gameplay showcases, as well as the awesome free content that you can look forward to with this upcoming DLC and game update.
Continue here to read the full story.

Neon Blood Spills Out

Neon Blood is now available for Windows and consoles, with the PC edition on GOG.com* and Steam with a 10% launch discount. This sets off a detective-themed action/RPG from ChaoticBrain Studios, Meridiem Games, and Astrolabe Games. The Launch Trailer shows off throwback cartoon-inspired cinematics, and even more retro-looking gameplay in the game's "neo-noir cyberpunk dystopian" setting." This post has details on the launch, and this description sets up the story:
Year 2053, the world as we know it came to an end in a war lost in time. Now, only inequality remains, in the form of Viridis, the great city that encompasses the dangerous Blind City and the luxurious Bright City.

Axel McCoin, once a police detective, will become the key piece to unmask a whole plot of corruption and power that plagues the unstable peace of Viridis.

Experience the stories of the city and its inhabitants, accompanying Axel in his mission to overthrow the established order and demolish the foundations of this corrupt society.
*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item. Continue here to read the full story.

Archer Maclean's DropZone 40th Anniversary Announced

Hashcode Digital Limited and System 3 Software Limited announce Archer Maclean's DropZone 40th Anniversary, an upcoming revival of the original Dropzone released for 8-bit systems in 1984, as the title suggests. This is not to be confused with Dropzone, a free-to-play strategy game from Sparkypants Studios that's been in Early Access for over seven years now. The original DropZone is a defender-style horizontal shooter which was the first game from late British designer Archer Maclean, who gets proper credit in the new title. It's coming "soon" to Steam, and this trailer is here to fill you with nostalgia and anticipation. Read on for details on what will change and what will stay the same:
This special edition combines classic gameplay with modernen hancements, offering something for both veteran fans and newcomers:

  • Upgraded Graphics: Dive into DropZone’s high-definition visuals that retain the nostalgic charm of its pixel-art roots. Switch seamlessly between the original 8-bit graphics and updated visuals in real-time during gameplay—a groundbreaking feature for retro remakes.
  • Enhanced Controls: Experience optimized precision on today’s controllers, including Xbox, PS5, and PS4. For the truly nostalgic, keyboard input is still supported (but not recommended!).
  • Original Retro Mode: For purists, relive the classic with authentic graphics and sound, accessible at the press of a button.

Continue here to read the full story.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Banhammer Update

A post from TeamRICHOCHET has the latest on the battle against cheaters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The headline is that over 19,000 account bans have come down since the launch of Ranked Mode last week. Word is hourly sweeps are underway to add more cheaters to that list of bans:
#TeamRICOCHET with an update on the ongoing work to combat cheating in Ranked Play:

  • AI systems continue to ramp up with code optimizations to accelerate enforcements
  • Over 19,000 Ranked Play bans since the mode launched
  • Hourly sweeps to remove cheaters from the Ranked Play mode and leaderboard

Thanks for your patience as our team continues to fight against cheaters.

Out of the Blue

I'm going to head over in a bit to visit Sandra and Adler, our neighbors' yellow labs, as she needs me to walk them while she's out and about. Well, walk them is a relative term. As I've mentioned before they're seniors, and Sandra in particular is pretty lazy, so she will give me a hard time about walking too much, and I will relent, because I'm a softie. But they will at least get a potty break and a snack, not to mention a lot of attention since they seem to adore me as much as I do them. Good times.

Loved-up Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

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Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024

CD PROJEKT Financials Reveal The Witcher 4 in Production

CD PROJEKT Group's Q3 2024 Earnings are here to detail the latest financial ups and downs of the Polish video game developer and publisher. Along with the P&L, this includes word that Project Polaris, AKA The Witcher 4, has entered the production phase, and 400 developers are on the project as of the end of October. Other headlines include news that Cyberpunk 2077 has surpassed 30 million sales, its Phantom Liberty expansion has sold over eight million copies, and a Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Editions will come to macOS next year. The numbers are all presented in graphics and our CFO has already left for the day, so we'll crib a bit on the actual financials from Game Developer:
CDP made 227.5 million PLN (or $55.2 million) in sales revenue for the third quarter, down 49 percent from the 442.6 million PLN during 2023-2024's third quarter. Net profit also fell to 78.1 million PLN this quarter, a drop of 61.4 percent from the same timeframe last year.

Revenue for the first three quarters of 2024-2025 (January 1, 2024-September 30, 2024) was 652.3 million PLN, a 15 percent decline compared to last year's three-quarter figure (767.6 million PLN).

New Arc Line Early Access

Early Access to New Arc Line is now underway on the Epic Games Store, GOG.com,* and Steam, sparking a revolution between the forces of arcane magic and steampunk in this sorcerers versus cosplayers(?) RPG from Ukrainian developer Dreamate. This post has details on the game and Early Access along with the Early Access Launch Trailer showing off what to expect. Grab your magic wand and your fanciest goggles and read on for more:
Set in a world teetering on the precipice of change, New Arc Line is a story-rich RPG that invites players to explore the abundant yet troubled realm where magic and technology collide.

The New World awaits, and with it, the last beacon of hope for a potential cure for a global plague that threatens your loved ones as well. But all is not as it seems - tensions simmer beneath the gilded surface of New Arc. Arcane magic clashes with steampunk ingenuity, the wealthy exploit the impoverished, and prejudice festers between humans and other races. As a stranger in this volatile land, you are thrust into the heart of the conflict. Your choices will not only shape your own fate but also the future of this fractured world.
*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item. Continue here to read the full story.

Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances Steam Plans

Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances now has a Steam Listing saying the RTS game is making the leap from the browser to its own standalone game (thanks CNCNZ.com). The game launched in 2012, so this comeback (don't call it a comeback!) is pretty unexpected. Here's word:
The beloved browser-originated C&C title has arrived on Steam! Invite your friends to join the battle! Enter the legendary Command & Conquer universe, where the epic conflict between the formidable Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the mysterious Brotherhood of Nod (NOD) continues. Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances introduces an innovative twist on classic gameplay, immersing you in a dynamic, ever-evolving world of endless strategic possibilities. This captivating free-to-play browser game offers a rich experience within the cherished Command & Conquer universe. Choose between two iconic factions—GDI and NOD—each with unique buildings, offensive units, and defensive units. Forge powerful alliances, strategize with friends, and dominate the battlefield in a game that rewards tactical skill and cooperation. Enjoy months of gameplay as you expand your base, enhance your units, and rise through the ranks in this dynamic, resource-driven war.

Star Wars: Hunters PC Plans

Speaking of unexpected PC releases, Zynga announces plans to bring Star Wars: Hunters to Windows, offering a licensed arena shooter that's already available for Switch, iOS, and Android. The Steam Listing is live, and the Early Access launch is expected on January 28th, and signups are underway for playtesting that begins next month. Here's a PC Announcement Trailer and word on the game:
Engage in thrilling free-to-play battles in dynamic 4v4 arenas. Join forces with your Squad and strategize to dominate your enemies in action-packed Star Wars combat.

Play as an incredible cast of characters - from an elite stormtrooper to a ruthless bounty hunter, a cunning dark side assassins, and even a droid who thinks it's a Jedi. Choose the Hunter that matches your playstyle and lead your team to victory.
Continue here to read the full story.

Vivat Slovakia Early Access

Team Vivat announces Early Access is underway for Vivat Slovakia, an open-world action game set in Slovakia during the turbulent 1990s. This is available on Steam, where it shows an April 18th release date. But this wasn't announced at the time, so here we are. Here's an International Trailer (NSFW) showing off gameplay that could be called Grand Theft Auto: Bratislava. We're not just pulling that from where things are pulled, it's explicitly referenced in the description:
Based on documented events that shocked a nation, this game delivers an open-world crime epic that would make Tommy Vercetti think twice about setting foot in Bratislava.

Set in a meticulously recreated 10 km² of 1990s Bratislava, players take on the role of a secret police officer working deep undercover as a taxi driver. You’ll infiltrate the city’s dangerous underworld, where government officials make backroom deals with crime bosses and business tycoons trade briefcases in dark alleys. As you navigate through layers of corruption and betrayal, each mission reveals another piece of a true story that Western media never dared to cover - until now.
Continue here to read the full story.

Arma 3: Expeditionary Forces Released

Bohemia Interactive announces the release of Expeditionary Forces on Steam, offering new "Creator DLC" for Arma 3, the military first-person shooter sequel. As the "creator" label implies, this is a third-party pack created by Tiny Gecko Studios. Word is: "The Arma 3 Creator DLC program enables selected outside developers to publish original new content for Arma 3 as commercial DLC on Steam. The proceeds of Arma 3 Creator DLC: Expeditionary Forces are shared between Tiny Gecko Studios (developer), Bohemia Interactive (publisher), and Valve (digital distributor)." Here's a Launch Trailer and here's word:
Explore new warfare capabilities with Arma 3 Creator DLC: Expeditionary Forces! Prepare your Marines for action on the Amphibious Warfare Ship, assault enemy shores with AAV-9 Mack IFVs and Combat Boats, bring supplies ashore with the LCC-1 Landing Craft, perform raids behind enemy lines with new Hunter reconnaissance vehicles, and take part in the invasion of Altis from a new perspective.
Continue here to read the full story.

Renaissance Kingdom Wars Leaves Early Access

Renaissance Kingdom Wars has established its permanent kingdom on Steam, as this Windows RTS game from Reverie World Studios and indie.io has left Early Access. Version 1.0 comes with a 20% launch discount and this Gameplay Overview 1.0 Launch Trailer. Here's word on the retro experience this offers:
Renaissance Kingdom Wars brings back the golden days of strategy games, reinvented with modern standards and complete with retro 2000s graphics.

Renaissance was an era of science, arts, philosophy—and the art of war. Split between warring kingdoms, merchants, and religions, the Renaissance saw the rise of mercenary armies, waging war across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East for the highest bidder. As the captain of these forces, you hold the power to forge or shatter nations.
Continue here to read the full story.

Hunting Simulator 3 Announced

Nacon announces Hunting Simulator 3 is in development at Nacon Studio Ghent, which is the new name for the Belgian developer formerly known as Neopica. It's said to be coming "soon" to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, offering the chance to sport hunt in Colorado and Texas alone or in a group. Grab your rifle and your urine bath, take a look at the Announcement Trailer, and read on for more:
With almost 10 years' expertise in hunting games, the studio intends to offer fans of the genre an authentic hunting experience with this third opus. Thanks to feedback from the community, which numbered over 1 million players on the two previous titles, NACON Studio Ghent has retained the foundations that have made the series such a success, while introducing a number of new features and gameplay improvements. Among these, Hunting Simulator 3 introduces an all-new dynamic system, “SimFauna”, which faithfully reproduces animal behavior, allowing players' actions to have a real impact on animals and the environment.

In addition to improved hunting dog behavior and sound design, and the addition of vehicles, the game features realistic, natural open-world environments thanks to Unreal® Engine 5. Players can hunt over 40 species of animal, using hunting equipment from renowned brands such as Beretta®, Winchester®, Browning® and many others.
Continue here to read the full story.

Cosmic Royale Next Month

Eden Games announces a December 12th release date for Cosmic Royale, a free-to-play party kart racing game for PC. Its Steam Listing is live, and it's coming to the Epic Games Store as well, though it's not live there yet. That launch will be the "preseason" and early adopters are promised "exclusive content." As the title and the description notes, this is described as a battle royale game, that will result in a sole winner, which is coincidentally now non-battle royale races work as well. Here's a Launch Trailer and more:
Line your kart on the starting grid of the most exciting multiplayer race of all time! Cosmic Royale features exhilarating 40-player matches with multiple rounds of racing and obstacle navigation and culminates in a survival finale. The core gameplay revolves around the Cosmic Tournament, an electrifying head-to-head multiplayer event infusing kart racing with a "party royale" style objective of emerging as the sole winner among all contestants. To win the Cosmic Tournament, players will have to race through several rounds, qualifying for successive races until only one contestant remains.
Continue here to read the full story.

Miscellaneous Releases

  • Save 10% on Critter Café on Steam (Windows). "Welcome to your Critter Café! Rescue and bond with adorable, fantasy critters in need of your help and build a new home together. Design and run your own café, care for your critters, uncover the secrets of mysterious portals, and create a wholesome café for all to enjoy!" There's a playable demo and here's the Launch Trailer.

On Sale

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Out of the Blue

The additional rain predicted for this week arrived overnight, and it's still a little messy out there. As I've mentioned, we sure do need the rain in this area. But we're upon the point where folks start traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, so if you have plans, here's hoping things go smoothly and safely for you.

Obituary: World's oldest man dead at 112 - Boing Boing. Formerly world's oldest man.

Rainy Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

Breakfast Link

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