General Gaming Article

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• Updated Dell XPS 15 Packs Ivy Bridge, Gorilla Glass Display
• Aussie E-tailer Begins Taxing IE7 Holdouts
• TSMC Plans New 450mm Wafer Facility As 28nm Production Woes Continue
• AMD Reveals Trinity Desktop APU Specs, Confirms Release Is "On Schedule"
• Innovative Rockstar Punishment Forces Max Payne 3 Cheaters To Fight Infinite Fire With Infinite Fire
• Opera 12 with "Sexier Security" and Themes Galore Now Available to Download
• Western Digital Drives Hard into Router Market with My Net Series
• Nokia Readies 10,000 Pink Slips in Major Cost Reduction Effort, Lowers Outlook
• Acer Announces Aspire S5, "World's Thinnest" Ultrabook, First to Feature Thunderbolt

Updated Dell XPS 15 Packs Ivy Bridge, Gorilla Glass Display Posted: 14 Jun 2012 08:45 PM PDT Back in March, Dutch site Tweakers.net claimed that Dell was working on a new, improved version of its XPS 15 notebook. The report did not stop there though, going on to list some of the upcoming Ivy Bridge-powered notebook's important features. It turns out the site was right. All XPS 15-related developments seem to be taking place in Europe, with the latest bit of XPS 15 news also coming from there. Dell recently flaunted the new Ivy Bridge-powered XPS 15 at a special event marking the fourth anniversary of its partnership with Romanian company Asesoft Distribution. According to Romanian site B1.ro, the new XPS 15 sports a 15.6-inch Gorilla Glass display (full HD), Core i5-3210M (2.5-GHz )/ i7-3612QM (2.10 GHz), Nvidia GT GeForce 630m/ 640m GT graphics with up to 2GB VRAM, up to 16GB of RAM, and an option of either a 1TB HDD or up to 512GB SSD. The notebook will reportedly begin shipping during the ongoing quarter. However, there has been no official word from Dell. Image Credit: B1.ro

Aussie E-tailer Begins Taxing IE7 Holdouts Posted: 14 Jun 2012 08:15 PM PDT When browsers overstay their welcome they not only become a security concern, but they also make cross-browser compatibility a tall order for web developers. In recent times, silent updates have emerged as an effective means of tackling this problem. Recently, Microsoft too jumped on the silent update bandwagon. While the move seems to be yielding the desired result where IE8 is concerned—IE9 is gaining market share at the expense of IE8—it has had little or no effect on IE6 and IE7. An Australian online retailer is so frustrated with all this that it has decided to take things in its own hands. In an unprecedented move, Australian online retailer Kogan has announced a 6.8-percent tax on all products purchased using the "antique browser." Avoiding taxes is usually very tough (and often criminal), but as Kogan pointed out in its announcement, the "Internet Explorer 7 Tax" can be avoided simply by updating away from IE7, which is estimated to command anywhere between 1.5-5% share of the browser market despite being released in 2006. "The way we've been able to keep our prices so low is by using technology to make our business efficient and streamlined. One of the things stopping that is our web team having to spend a lot of time making our new website look normal on IE7," Kogan said in a blog post. "This is an extremely old browser, so from today, anyone buying from the site who uses IE7 will be lumped with a 6.8% surcharge - that's 0.1% for each month IE7 has been on the market."

TSMC Plans New 450mm Wafer Facility As 28nm Production Woes Continue Posted: 14 Jun 2012 11:39 AM PDT For processors, smaller is super, but bigger is better for the wafers the processors are made from. Earlier this week, the Taiwan government gave TSMC -- which manufactures chips for virtually everybody -- permission to build a new $10 billion facility dedicated to creating 450mm-wide wafers, up from the 300mm-wide wafers being developed today. Intel also has plans to move to 450mm wafers. Larger diameter wafers yield more processors, which lowers production costs and makes everybody happy. Just don't expect them to come easy. TSMC Chairman Morris Chang told reporters that "18-inch (450mm) is something we have to do, but the technology is not ready yet," Reuters reports. "If we can overcome it, it'll be a big breakthrough." He went on to say that the technical difficulties in creating 450mm wafers could last up to five years. Technical difficulties are nothing new for TSMC; the company has had a notoriously difficult time with its 28nm manufacturing process, which has resulted in lower than expected yields. The poor yields have reportedly contributed to the low levels of availability for Nvidia's GTX 600-series GPUs and Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 SoCs. Neither company is said to be pleased with the problems, and both Nvidia and Qualcomm have been rumored to be looking for alternative wafer suppliers. Despite the OK for the new facility for larger wafers, the 28nm woes aren't expected to end anytime soon. Yesterday, Chang said that TSMC already expects to fail to meet customer demands in both the third and fourth quarter of the year, with 2013 being the earliest that the 28nm kinks are worked out. Then again, TSMC's competitors (like Samsung and Globalfoundries) haven't exactly had the best 28nm yields either, so the grass isn't exactly greener anywhere else, either. Image credit: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

AMD Reveals Trinity Desktop APU Specs, Confirms Release Is "On Schedule" Posted: 14 Jun 2012 10:47 AM PDT Intel and AMD took two completely different approaches when it came to launching their latest and greatest chips: Intel kicked off Ivy Bridge by launching its most powerful desktop units first, while AMD's Trinity APUs first popped up on notebooks. In fact, you still can't find a desktop Trinity chip -- but the company recently confirmed with HardwareCanucks that Trinity is on schedule to ship to component channels some time later this year and a full listing of the desktop APUs are up on the AMD website. AMD has also recently confirmed reports that major OEMs such as Acer, Asus and HP are already receiving Trinity desktop chips, and in fact, the company told TechReport yesterday that Trinity desktop APUs are slated to start appearing in all-in-ones by the end of June. However, it looks like only the big name players are currently invited to the party; smaller mobo manufacturers say they aren't yet in on the hot Piledriver action. We could try to sum things up with witty speech, but since we're talking hard data, here are screen grabs of the Trinity spec table over on the AMD website. You'll notice that some of the 15 processors listed are unlocked "K" versions, while all are made for the FM2 socket. So, any thoughts as you're looking over the Trinity specs?

Innovative Rockstar Punishment Forces Max Payne 3 Cheaters To Fight Infinite Fire With Infinite Fire Posted: 14 Jun 2012 10:10 AM PDT FEAR THE BANHAMMER! That's always been the response to cheaters, modders and exploiters in online games. Screw around and you'll get the boot. Unfortunately, that means that someone who plopped down their hard earned cash to play the game no longer can (even if that person is a jerkface cheater). That's part of the reason why Rockstar's approach to cheating in Max Payne 3 is so awesome; rather than swinging the banhammer, the company will let cheaters keep on playing and cheating -- but only with each other. "Anyone found to have used hacked saves, modded games, or other exploits to gain an unfair advantage in Max Payne 3 Multiplayer, or to circumvent the leaderboards will be quarantined from all other players into a "Cheaters Pool", where they'll only be able to compete in multiplayer matches with other confirmed miscreants," Rockstar explained in a recent blog post. We'd love to see a feed of some of those matches! In any case, spoilsports will also be scrubbed from the game's leaderboards. There's a chance that Rockstar could let reformed exploit-lovers back into the general pool, but if they flub their second chance at civilized play, the Eternal Banhammer will drop with impunity. If you see someone mucking around in the game, Rockstar encourages you to vote the transgressors onto the island by contacting maxpayne3.banhammer@rockstargames.com with the platform you were playing on, the cheater's gamer ID and a description of the exploit. Bonus points if you include a screenshot or video. So whaddaya think about the Max Payne 3 Cheater Pool? If it works, we think it's kinda elegant, in amusing sort of way. Now, Rockstar just needs to extend the Jackass Island concept to GTA IV. Hat tip to Nate Supplee for pointing this out! Image credit: Rockstar

Opera 12 with "Sexier Security" and Themes Galore Now Available to Download Posted: 14 Jun 2012 07:34 AM PDT The Norwegian browser team over at Opera Software just finished putting the final touches on Opera 12, which sheds its beta digs and is now available to download as a stable release. Opera 12 features "sexier security" with an overhauled badge that makes it easier to see what websites are up to, such as trying to use your location information or flip on your webcam. Browser themes are new to Opera 12, and there are hundreds to choose from, ranging from Cookie Monster and Halo, to nature scenes and anime, and everything in between. The neat thing about Opera 12's themes is that you can apply different ones without having to restart the browser. Plug-ins now run as a separate process in Opera 12, there's experimental full hardware acceleration, and a host of other changes and additions, which you can glance in the Changelog. If you decide to give Opera 12 a spin, you can download and install the browser by going here (including a 64-bit version), and you can find themes for it here. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

Western Digital Drives Hard into Router Market with My Net Series Posted: 14 Jun 2012 07:09 AM PDT Hard drive maker Western Digital is branching out into the realm of wireless home networking products with the launch of its My Net family of dual-band routers. It's a logical extension for WD, which makes and sells a series of WD TV media player devices capable of tapping into home networks, though the router market is perhaps an even more crowded segment. WD's focus is on ease-of-use, and the company is also debuting its FasTrack technology that instantly sniffs out and detects entertainment traffic, which it then fast forwards to game consoles, media players, smart TVs, and other Internet connected devices. WD's flagship router is the My Net 900 Central. It boasts a 900Mbps 'combined' transfer speed (450Mbps + 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, which can't actually be combined, mind you), integrated 1TB or 2TB hard drive for automatic wireless backups, 4-port switch, a USB port, printer and media sharing, range amplifier antennas, and DLNA certification. There's also the My Net N900, essentially the same router sans integrated storage, and with a 7-port switch instead 4. Below that is the My Net 750 (300Mbps + 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands), My Net N600 (300Mbps + 300Mbps), and the My Net Switch with eight GbE ports. WD's My Net series is available today with MSRPs of $70 (My Net Switch), $80 (My Net 600), $120 (My Net N750), $180 (My Net N900), $300 (My Net N900 Central 1TB), and $350 (My Net N900 Central 2TB). Image Credit: Western Digital Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

Nokia Readies 10,000 Pink Slips in Major Cost Reduction Effort, Lowers Outlook Posted: 14 Jun 2012 06:41 AM PDT Big changes are in store for Nokia, the struggling handset maker that's decided to take some drastic steps in an attempt to return the Finnish company to profitable growth. Nokia is focused on "significantly" reducing its operating expenses, and it starts with the elimination of 10,000 jobs around the globe by 2013, a process that's already begun in earnest by engaging with employee representatives. "These planned reductions are a difficult consequence of the intended actions we believe we must take to ensure Nokia's long-term competitive strength," said Stephen Elop, Nokia president and CEO. "We do not make plans that may impact our employees lightly, and as a company we will work tirelessly to ensure that those at risk are offered the support, options and advice necessary to find new opportunities." It's not just employees getting the axe. Nokia plans to reduce its factory footprint by closing facilities in Ulm, Germany and Burnaby, Canada, scale down certain research and development projects, and make reductions to non-core assets, including possible divestments. While changes abound on the horizon, Nokia lowered its second quarter outlook, the third time it's down so in barely more than a year. News of the shakeup and revised outlook sent Nokia's stock into a landslide, which is down by around 13 percent. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

Acer Announces Aspire S5, "World's Thinnest" Ultrabook, First to Feature Thunderbolt Posted: 14 Jun 2012 06:11 AM PDT Acer is laying claim to the "world's thinnest Ultrabook" with the launch of its Aspire S5, available soon in the U.S. The Aspire S5 measures a scant 0.44 inches at this slimmest point, and only 0.59 inches where it's the chunkiest, if you can call it that. Wrapped in an "Onyx Black" magnesium-alloy and brushed aluminum metal chassis, the Aspire S5 barely budges the scale at a mere 2.65 pounds. Not only is the Aspire S5 purportedly the world's thinnest, it's also the first Ultrabook to feature a Thunderbolt port, which sits behind a MagicFlip I/O panel just beneath the hinge that also hides other connectivity options, such as USB 3.0 and HDMI. A press of the MagicFlip key pops open the panel. Despite its thin and light stature, Acer managed to cram some hard hitting components inside. A 3rd Generation Intel Core i7 3517U handles the CPU chores, while storage duties are relegated to a 256GB solid state drive. It also has a 13.3-inch widescreen LED backlit display with a 1366x768 resolution, 1.3MP HD webcam, and Dolby Home Theater v4 sound technology. It will be available in the last week of June starting at $1,400. On a related note, Acer said it refreshed and expanded its Aspire S3 Series to include Core i3 and Core i7 Ivy Bridge processors, along with certain models configured solely with a 256GB SSD. These will land in the U.S. next week ranging in price from $648 to $1,000. Image Credit: Acer Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

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MMO News

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• World of Warplanes E3 Hands-On Commentary
• Aeria Games Announces Shaiya Phoenix
• Brawl Busters Offers Lethal Weapons
• Maestia Begins Closed Beta
• New Infographic And Community Rewards For Spirit Tales

World of Warplanes E3 Hands-On Commentary Posted: 14 Jun 2012 02:54 PM PDT World of Tanks exploded on the scene a little more then a year ago. Because of this, Wargaming.net the company behind WoT didnt waste any time beginning the development of World of Warplanes. At this year’s E3 the press was able to release the first footage of WoWP (not sure how to abbreviate that..) and we got to get our very own hands-on gameplay recorded! Check it out below!

Aeria Games Announces Shaiya Phoenix Posted: 14 Jun 2012 02:07 PM PDT Shaiya Phoenix is a new Shaiya experience, just announced by Aeria Games. The game has been redesigned to offer “rebalanced game systems and a fresh economy structure.” Featuring new servers separate from the original Shaiya, the game will let players enjoy the adventures of the original game without gold inflation or market imbalance. The game also strives to improve the new player experience and simplify the item mall and aim for PvP balance. Meanwhile, other Shaiya servers will be merged as Aeria Games waits for more developer content. The first 25,000 players to log in will also earn a special welcome package that includes a mount and other powerful items. Shaiya Phoenix Gameplay Screenshot Source: Rise from the Ashes in Aeria Games' Shaiya Phoenix Classic MMORPG Blazes Back into the Spotlight with a Host of New Features   SANTA CLARA, Calif. – June 14, 2012 – Take flight anew with the spectacular Shaiya Phoenix from Aeria Games, a leading global publisher of free-to-play online games. Shaiya Phoenix is the newest addition to the Aeria Games catalog, offering the core features and amazing gameplay that made Shaiya a rousing success in 2008, but reimagined with rebalanced game systems and a fresh economy structure. "Our effort to revitalize a truly beloved IP is one that we're confident our fans will appreciate," said Executive Producer Spencer Tucker. "In Shaiya Phoenix, players will engage with a plethora of familiar characters and environments that are seamlessly integrated with a host of new elements. This new epic experience truly carries the legacy set by the original game." The fresh, unconquered territories in Shaiya Phoenix give players the ability to start from the ground up and play at their own pace. Both old and new players alike will be able to make their mark on even footing in a new Shaiya world brimming with endless possibilities. Key features of the exciting new world in Shaiya Phoenix: · Relive the Glory Days: Experience the world of Shaiya from the beginning alongside your peers · Newly Rebalanced: Exciting gameplay and thrilling PvP on equal terms · Fresh Economy: No gold inflation or market imbalance · Play at Your Own Pace: Battle casually, or grind for real power As an added bonus, the first 25,000 players to enter the game will receive a special exclusive welcome package that includes a free mount and powerful items to assist players early on. Like all titles published by Aeria Games, Shaiya Phoenix is free to download and play. For more information on Shaiya Phoenix, please visit http://shaiyaphoenix.aeriagames.com .

Brawl Busters Offers Lethal Weapons Posted: 14 Jun 2012 12:57 PM PDT Lethal Weapons is the latest update to hit Brawl Busters, starting today. The update introduces new weapons and weapon perks: Boxers gain the Devil’s Skull metal gloves, while Firefighters gain the Steam Gun. Weapons will now also be found with bonuses like extra damage and defense, and all classes gain new advanced stats. The Match Room will also let players see what all their characters are wearing. Meanwhile, the European Cup 2012 GameDay Challenge is still taking place and rewarding Buster Points for accurate game predictions. Brawl Busters is published by Rock Hippo Productions, which also publishes MicroVolts. Brawl Busters Gameplay Screenshot Source: BRAWL BUSTERS GETS LOCKED AND LOADED WITH LETHAL WEAPONS UPDATE Part One Of The New Update Promises Deadly New Weapons And More Markham, Canada – June 14, 2012 - Rock Hippo Productions announced today that Brawl Busters, the popular free-to-play multiplayer action-combat game, launched part one of its latest update: Lethal Weapons. The most recent update brings new weapons, weapon perks, and so much more. Players can join the online melee and play now at www.BrawlBusters.com/splash. Blast away the competition with all new weapons and weapon perks. Boxers can throw powerful punches and bounce opponents with Devil’s Skull metal gloves that are sure to get the job done. For Firefighters, a new Steam Gun acts as a dynamic flamethrower able to take down the most feared enemy. Additionally, starting today, weapons will have special perks that give players certain benefits like extra damage and defense. New advanced stats per class are now available in the game for the most curious players! You will also be able to check out what all your characters are wearing while in the Match Room. Players can also take part in the European Cup 2012 GameDay Challenge and predict the winners of every soccer match. By supporting their favorite national teams and predicting winners, players can earn valuable Buster Points!

Maestia Begins Closed Beta Posted: 14 Jun 2012 11:52 AM PDT Gravity Interactive has announced the launch of Maestia’s closed beta test. The closed beta test will run for the next week, and give players a chance to experience Maestia for the first time on WarpPortal. Players can test Instance dungeons, join guilds, and more. Several events and giveaways will be held during the closed beta, with prizes that include in-game prizes and gaming gear. Fans of Maestia’s Facebook Page will also be able to get first-look screenshots and participate in several contests with prizes including iPod Shuffles, iPod Touches, and an iPad. Gravity Interactive also publishes Ragnarok Online and Requiem. Maestia Gameplay Screenshot Source: MAESTIA:RISE OF KELEDUS CLOSED BETA TEST LAUNCHES TODAY   Sign Up Now For A Chance To Play For One Week Only!   Marina del Rey, California – June 14, 2012 – Gravity Interactive, a publisher of exciting massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), announced today the official launch of the closed beta testing for Maestia: Rise of Keledus. Players can get their first taste of Maestia on the new official website at http://www.playmaestia.com/, and Register here to be one of the lucky few who will get to play for the next week.   Maestia: Rise of Keledus is a fully fleshed fantasy MMORPG that is free to download and play. Follow a captivating storyline and launch head first into the eternal struggle for power and righteousness. Join fellow players in parties to challenge Instance Dungeons or band together in guilds for small and large scale faction battles. Adventure in an ever-growing world filled with quests, crafting, an advanced Mercenary system and more.   “There is a lot of anticipation and excitement for Maestia, and we are excited to finally open the doors and let players experience it for the first time,” said Jay Choi, Chief Operating Officer at Gravity Interactive. “We’ve chosen to do a short, personal closed beta so the most dedicated players can get a good grasp of the game, and we can use their feedback to improve Maestia before it takes its next steps towards launch.”   To commemorate the closed beta period, Maestia will host a slew of events offering players a chance to win in-game prizes as well as gaming gear; gaming headsets, mouse, ultimate game cards, and more! Players will have a chance to win daily, so the more they play the better their odds of winning! For more information on the events visit http://blog.gravityus.com/?p=2885.   To celebrate the kick-off of the beta testing period, fans following the official Maestia Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PlayMaestia will have the chance to see exclusive screen shots, art, and participate in contests. Simply “Liking” the page will give players a chance to win one of five iPod Shuffles each week with more opportunities to win entries from now through the end of the closed beta.   More news on Maestia, including the dates for Open Beta testing and additional game details, will be following throughout the month of June.   Ride epic mounts determined by your class, take on massive world bosses designed to challenge a full party of players, craft the strongest weapons and armor or tame magical pets to fight at your side. All will be brought to life in a fantastical world filled with a lush art style showing both the dark and light side of a world thrown into a deep conflict that must be survived before it can be resolved.

New Infographic And Community Rewards For Spirit Tales Posted: 14 Jun 2012 11:29 AM PDT KoramGame has released new information and rewards for players of its fantasy MMORPG, Spirit Tales. A new infographic, with data collected over a week’s time, reveals that the most popular tribe is the Lunar Fox, with the most popular class as the Assassin. You can see all the stats in the image below (including a total playtime of 730,433 hours during the tracked week). Spirit Tales is also introducing a new Community Unlocking Event, granting all players rewards for their playtime. The event will run from June 14 until July 18, and will offer rewards as follows: Community Milestones: 400,000 total community hours – Everyone will receive 5x HP Tonics 800,000 total community hours – Everyone will receive a 5x MP Tonics 1,200,000 total community hours – Everyone will receive 5x Telefeathers 1,600,000 total community hours – Everyone will receive 1x Protect Crystal 2,000,000 total community hours – Everyone will receive 2x Capsule Coins Plus: For every 10,000 dungeons cleared, a Spirit Tales t-shirt is given away to a random winner For every 25,000 quests completed, a Tt eSPORTS Saphira Gaming Mouse is given away to a random winner   Spirit Tales Infographic Source: KoramGame Reveals Spirit Tales Infographic Over 730K playtime hours, 134K Spirit Form transformations, and 263K quest completions achieved in a single week Sunnyvale, Calif. — (June 14, 2012) – KoramGame Ltd., a leading developer and publisher of free-to-play online games, released today some interesting gameplay statistics that give fans a deeper look into the success of the recently launched cute 3D fantasy MMORPG, Spirit Tales. In addition, an infographic was created to visually highlight the in-game accomplishments and player statistics such as the most popular tribe and character class created. Based on gameplay data tracked during a single week, here are some noteworthy statistics: Total playtime: 730,433 hours Spirit Form unleashed: 134,284 times Quests completed: 263,197 times Most popular tribe: Lunar Fox Most popular character class: Assassin For more Spirit Tales gameplay statistics, check out the infographic at: http://st.koramgame.com/2012/0614/article_88.html Starting today, players will have the opportunity to unlock special rewards for the entire Spirit Tales Community just by playing the game and achieving certain playtime milestones. For more information on the Spirit Tales Community Unlocking Event, please visit: http://st.koramgame.com/2012/0614/article_89.html Thousands of gamers across the globe have already embarked on this one of a kind journey across the magical world of Spirit Tales. Join the fun by registering for a free account at: http://st.koramgame.com Follow Spirit Tales on Facebook for the latest news and giveaways: http://facebook.com/spirit.tales

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MMO Updates

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• Ask Massively: Shopping for new computers edition
• The Guild Counsel: Important graduation advice for gamers
• Habbo chat disabled as another investor pulls out
• Origins of Malu shows off combat and house-building in video interview
• Trion CEO on console games, sequels, and the future
• Law enforcement issues subpoenas over 38 Studios deal
• Radiated Wasteland mutates into an MMO
• The Daily Grind: Do you try games that fall outside your comfort zone?
• EverQuest II shares planned updates and changes for June
• MMO Family: Roblox first impressions
• Ultima Online taps Armstrong for producer position
• Free for All: How MUDs can stay relevant in today's 3-D world
• Ryan Shwayder revives MMO lessons series
• Star Wars: The Old Republic unleashes second wave of server transfers
• WildStar shows off footage from friends and family testing
• EVE Online bringing changes to war with the first Inferno patch
• Why I Play: EverQuest II
• Universal Monsters Online is a thing
• TERA adds free seven-day trials
• Enter at Your Own Rift: How will Storm Legion change the face of RIFT?
• Red 5 unveils part one of Firefall manga
• Marvel Heroes whips up Avengers movie costumes
• Trion Worlds licenses CloakWorks cloth simulation tech
• Alleged 38 Studios spouse outlines family's financial struggles after company's closure
• Turbine takes you behind the scenes on LotRO's live-action trailer

Ask Massively: Shopping for new computers edition Posted: 14 Jun 2012 10:00 AM PDT Filed under: Culture, Opinion, Humor, Ask Massively, Miscellaneous I'm not having a great year for computers. Back in January, my much-loved netbook passed. I'd been having trouble with my desktop for quite some time after I bought it, and I'm pretty sure the processor is the root of the problems, but at this point it's just going to need a replacement. The plus side is that means that I have a large enough budget to afford a much better machine than I could when I bought this one, so it's almost a blessing in disguise. Of course, I'm writing this installment of Ask Massively on a computer, so clearly I'm capable of using such a device for important duties. Important duties like explaining why Final Fantasy XIV isn't offering players a free trial and why our comment system is experiencing a truly humbling bug. If you've got a question for a future installment, leave it in the comments below or mail it along to ask@massively.com. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity. Continue reading Ask Massively: Shopping for new computers edition Ask Massively: Shopping for new computers edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Guild Counsel: Important graduation advice for gamers Posted: 14 Jun 2012 09:00 AM PDT Filed under: Culture, Guilds, MMO industry, Opinion, The Guild Counsel, Miscellaneous Summer's almost here, but before we hit the beach and grab some sun, it's time for graduation. Everywhere I go, I see cars with "2012" colorfully written across windows and young adults sporting mortar boards. Graduation is a culminating point in a young person's education, and lately, I've felt as if I've received quite an education through the years playing MMOs and managing guilds. Interestingly enough, some of the advice that's given to graduates applies very well in our MMO experience. In this week's Guild Counsel, let's look back at a few famous graduation speeches to see how some sage advice on entering the "real world" offers valuable lessons for our time in the virtual ones. Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Important graduation advice for gamers The Guild Counsel: Important graduation advice for gamers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Habbo chat disabled as another investor pulls out Posted: 14 Jun 2012 08:30 AM PDT Filed under: MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Legal, Virtual worlds, Kids, Miscellaneous Habbo has lost another investment partner as an investigation into alleged user misconduct continues. Earlier this week, UK broadcaster Channel 4 went public with reports of "sexual, perverse, violent, and pornographic" chat in the children's virtual world formerly known as Habbo Hotel. Today, Gamasutra reports that 3i, a private equity group which owns 16 percent of Habbo parent firm Sulake, is pulling out. Previously, Sulake shareholder Balderton Capital returned its stake, while retailers Tesco and WH Smith removed Habbo gift cards from their websites. Sulake CEO Paul LaFontaine subsequently announced that all chat functionality on the Habbo website has been disabled pending the results of a potentially lengthy internal investigation. Habbo chat disabled as another investor pulls out originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Gamasutra

Origins of Malu shows off combat and house-building in video interview Posted: 14 Jun 2012 08:00 AM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, Game mechanics, New titles, News items, Dev Diaries, Sandbox, Crafting Seeing is believing, and folks want to see more of Origins of Malu, a promising upcoming sandbox MMORPG. In answer to this, Burning Dog Media has released an E3 video interview with Lead Developer Jason Mitchell interspersed with alpha footage highlighting a bit of combat as well as the house-building feature. Although some of the footage will look familiar from our exclusive E3 interview, there are added combat scenes and a brief demonstration of housing construction. Jason adds a few details about the twitch-based combat such as the ability to dodge and the charging feature for skills. At 3:28 viewers get their first glimpse of the beginnings of creating unique personal structures in game; creative types are going to have a hey-day with the open functionality of construction where you build literally from the ground up. Sounds promising, no? Go ahead and get a gander at the new footage after the break and be sure to read our interview for more details. [Source: Burning Dog Media press release] Continue reading Origins of Malu shows off combat and house-building in video interview Origins of Malu shows off combat and house-building in video interview originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trion CEO on console games, sequels, and the future Posted: 14 Jun 2012 07:30 AM PDT Filed under: Business models, Interviews, MMO industry, News items, Miscellaneous It's no secret that Trion has big plans for its future, and we don't just mean its impressive Storm Legion sequel for RIFT. Gamasutra talked to Trion CEO Lars Buttler at last week's E3, and what emerged from the discussion is a portrait of a firm "at the height of our art form, but doing new things." One of those new things is partnering with Crytek to publish its new Warface shooter. Another is its previously announced Red Door initiative. Interestingly, and despite developing Defiance for both PC and console platforms, Buttler perceives the console market as a sinking ship. The company "also see[s] that the console market is going down," he tells Gamasutra. "I think the writing is on the wall and the best developers will want to make the step sooner." Trion CEO on console games, sequels, and the future originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Gamasutra

Law enforcement issues subpoenas over 38 Studios deal Posted: 14 Jun 2012 07:00 AM PDT Filed under: MMO industry, Legal, Miscellaneous While the fallout from 38 Studios' collapse carries with it a human toll, it also has triggered a legal one as well. State and federal law enforcement agencies have issued subpoenas to both Bank Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation over the loans that enticed the game studio to the state. Currently, the RI state police, the state attorney general's office, the FBI, and the US attorney's office are jointly looking into the situation. Police are investigating the specifics of the deals in an attempt to figure out what exactly happened. The subpoenas requested records of the financial contracts and loans. Both the RIEDC's $75M in taxpayer bonds and Bank Rhode Island's $8.5M loan are unlikely to be repaid following the studio's bankruptcy. Law enforcement issues subpoenas over 38 Studios deal originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Develop, Boston.com

Radiated Wasteland mutates into an MMO Posted: 14 Jun 2012 06:30 AM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, New titles, Browser, Post-Apocalyptic The post-apocalyptic MMO genre is about to be one title richer, as Pixel Pandemic announced the creation of Radiated Wasteland. Radiated Wasteland will be a browser-based free-to-play title that is also being developed for Facebook. According to the game's backstory, the world has gone up in a cloud of nuclear smoke, and the only survivors have to fight mutants while struggling to survive through any means necessary. Movements, action, and combat will take place in a turn-based system, and players will be able to customize their character with gear, skills, and perks. Pixel Pandemic describes Radiated Wasteland's world as "an ever-evolving organic virtual world consisting of thousands of tiles." The studio says that the game will offer co-op play in such a way that Facebook has yet to attain. [Source: Pixel Pandemic press release] Radiated Wasteland mutates into an MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Daily Grind: Do you try games that fall outside your comfort zone? Posted: 14 Jun 2012 06:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Culture, MMO industry, Opinion, Guild Wars 2, Free-to-play, The Daily Grind, PlanetSide 2, Sandbox So the other day a friend asked me why I'm so enamored with PlanetSide 2. It's just another shooter, he said, and while this is true on some level, it's also about as accurate as saying that Guild Wars 2 is just another fantasy grinder. Without getting into what separates GW2 and PS2 from their respective baselines, the larger question here is what does it take for games to cross the threshold that separates "successful" from "mega-hit cultural phenomenon." There are a lot of great games out there, but only a tiny percentage manage to transcend their genre trappings and attract people who don't normally play in that particular sandbox. What say you, Massively readers? Do you try games that fall outside your comfort zone, and if so, what does it take to hook you? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind! The Daily Grind: Do you try games that fall outside your comfort zone? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

EverQuest II shares planned updates and changes for June Posted: 14 Jun 2012 05:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest II, Game mechanics, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, Dungeons Although news of late for SOE's flagship game EverQuest II has been focused on the soon-to-be-released SOEmote, the company spilled the beans about other plans in the works for the month of June, including a few changes players have been clamoring for. One bit of news that many players have been anticipating is the release of the ability to play your own character in the dungeon maker instead of slipping into the skin of other creatures; this feature will open on the test server in the next week or so. Another change already on the test server is the addition of icons to NPC names that flag them as quest updates. Some zones will also get some loving: The two starting zones of Darklight Woods and Halas will receive a new coat of polish, from improved ambiance to new armor sets. More details about the much anticipated Qeynos revamp were also offered; Unlike Freeport's revamp, Qeynos will split into two separate zones. To the disappointment of many players, the neighborhoods will disappear except as quest instances. There will also be improvements made to PvP and the battlegrounds and updates to the core technology. For further details, check out the official announcement. EverQuest II shares planned updates and changes for June originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Announcement

MMO Family: Roblox first impressions Posted: 13 Jun 2012 07:00 PM PDT Filed under: Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, Massively Hands-on, First Impressions, MMO Family, Family, Miscellaneous, Sandbox In last week's MMO Family, we had the chance to talk to Roblox CEO David Baszucki and hear how he took a physics-based simulation program and turned it into a successful game design tool that's enabled players of all ages to build and explore an endless variety of game worlds. But what exactly is Roblox? It's been compared to LEGO and Minecraft, but there's actually a lot more to it than that. In this week's MMO Family, we'll dive into the game for some first impressions and explore why everyone, both young and old, should check it out! Continue reading MMO Family: Roblox first impressions MMO Family: Roblox first impressions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ultima Online taps Armstrong for producer position Posted: 13 Jun 2012 06:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, News items, Ultima Online, Sandbox Another day, another Ultima Online producer. OK, maybe the changes at the top aren't that frequent, but it seems like the granddaddy of MMOs has served as something of a training ground for genre producers over the last several years. The newest commander and chief is Bonnie "Mesanna" Armstrong. The UO website says that her "drive, dedication and knowledge of UO, together with her motivation to kill players (in-game) are well known in the office and among players." Armstrong hasn't revealed her plans for the game just yet, but the post says to expect news on that front in the near future. Ultima Online taps Armstrong for producer position originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Announcement

Free for All: How MUDs can stay relevant in today's 3-D world Posted: 13 Jun 2012 06:00 PM PDT Filed under: Business models, Culture, Opinion, Free-to-play, Free for All, Miscellaneous My latest passion is MUDs, or multi-user-dungeons. Essentially, they are text-based MMOs. Imagine a choose-your-own-adventure book that is played with hundreds or thousands of other players. I have found more freedom in the text-based worlds of some titles, freedom to make the character I want to make. I've also found many of the common, underlying problems with MMOs in MUDs as well. These are issues that might have started with MUDs, being that they are some of the oldest multiplayer games in existence today. I wanted to take a look at how many of these MUDs could keep themselves in the game. It's not as though they need the help; many of them have been steadily chugging along for a decade or more. What I would like to see is many of them add more players, add to their developer teams, and actually stick around for 10 more years. Is it possible? I think so. Continue reading Free for All: How MUDs can stay relevant in today's 3-D world Free for All: How MUDs can stay relevant in today's 3-D world originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ryan Shwayder revives MMO lessons series Posted: 13 Jun 2012 05:30 PM PDT Filed under: Game mechanics, MMO industry, Miscellaneous Former 38 Studios designer Ryan Shwayder is using his time off to work on his personal blog and share his perspective as a developer. He's revived a series from years ago called MMO Lessons, adding the 37th and 38th entries over the past two days. His 37th lesson is to create memorable moments. "It is impossible to make every adventure in your game memorable, exciting, and unique," Shwayder writes. "But you can create incredible moments for your players and purposefully distribute them throughout the experience so players experience highs as they play the game." Shwayder also defends kill quests but says that they usually need context or a twist to keep them fresh and fun: "Kill quests get a bad rap, but there's nothing inherently wrong with them." Ryan Shwayder revives MMO lessons series originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Nerfbat

Star Wars: The Old Republic unleashes second wave of server transfers Posted: 13 Jun 2012 05:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, News items, Star Wars: The Old Republic Star Wars: The Old Republic's server merges are continuing at a steady pace, and today BioWare has sent another round of servers up to bat. If you've been waiting patiently for your chance to hop to a more populated server, now's your opportunity. The sheer number of origin servers now available to players is a bit staggering, so we won't dare try to list them all here, but if you're a SWTOR player, you should definitely check out the full list. If your server is eligible for transfer (and you haven't gotten your account banned), then you can take any characters from that server (that aren't guild leaders) and slap 'em on a transdimensional ship to a galaxy almost-but-not-entirely like your old one. For the full details, plus a handy and helpful transfer FAQ, check out the SWTOR official transfer page. Oh, and while you're at it, check out the newly released group finder guide, so you'll know what to do with all of these new people around. Star Wars: The Old Republic unleashes second wave of server transfers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Star Wars: The Old Republic official forums

WildStar shows off footage from friends and family testing Posted: 13 Jun 2012 04:30 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, Video, Game mechanics, Previews, News items, WildStar Has your enthusiasm wavered at all for WildStar? The game has been a no-show at the most recent conventions, and with not much new to see, it's easy to start wondering if anything's been happening with the game. Fear not; the newest installment of WildStar Wednesday produces quite a bit for fans to watch and speculate upon -- it's four minutes of a guided tour of the content and mechanics currently in friends and family testing. One of the bigger elements being shown off is the evolving action mechanics of the game. The video explains how the more freeform targeting system is working and how players can interact with the environment to change up the battlefield. The Scientist and Settler paths are also displayed in working order, adding on to the previously seen Soldier and Explorer paths. And there are new areas, new monsters, and hints of more footage to come. So by all means, jump on past the break and watch the game strut its stuff for a while. Continue reading WildStar shows off footage from friends and family testing WildStar shows off footage from friends and family testing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: WildStar Wednesday

EVE Online bringing changes to war with the first Inferno patch Posted: 13 Jun 2012 04:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Game mechanics, Patches, Previews, News items War is kind of a big deal in EVE Online. Obviously it's not the only thing that draws players to the game, but the huge player-run wars are a big part of what outsiders know of the game, and they're certainly engaging to be a part of. With the first patch to the Inferno expansion, CCP Games is making some changes to the war system, chiefly regarding allies and how they can be used in a war. The biggest change is that all ally contracts are set to a two-week timer with no option for automatic renewal. An ally can be re-signed immediately after the initial contract expires, but hiring a larger number of allies will also sport a cost, with that price getting higher and higher as you hire more allies. Allies will also be locked out of participation in mutual wars to help ensure fairness on both sides. Dedicated warmongers may wish to take a look at the full list of upcoming changes to plot out the next few moves in their private little wars. EVE Online bringing changes to war with the first Inferno patch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: 1.1 Wardec changes

Why I Play: EverQuest II Posted: 13 Jun 2012 03:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest II, Opinion, Free-to-play, Why I Play EverQuest II has always been a funny beast to me. I was not raised on a steady diet of SOE MMOs like some, and when EQII rolled around in November of 2004, I decided to go with some lesser-known title from Blizzard instead. I'd heard bad things about SOE in general, and EQII looked just as inaccessible as EverQuest did on the store shelves. Plus, to put a final nail in the not-interested coffin, I hated the graphics. I still do. Hate the graphics, that is. If someone was to award MMOs for Most Blandly Generic, Plasticy Models Straight from the Uncanny Valley, EverQuest II would be a shoo-in. Yet the years wore down my mostly semantic objections to giving EverQuest II a go, and after a few false starts, I spent a few wonderful months in the game last year after it went free-to-play. While I couldn't sustain interest in this on top of all of the other titles I was playing, I'd heartily recommend EQII to anyone complaining about tapped-out content in other MMOs. EQII is the Super Walmart of MMO features and content, far eclipsing most other competitors. Here is why I played and why you might want to, too. Continue reading Why I Play: EverQuest II Why I Play: EverQuest II originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Universal Monsters Online is a thing Posted: 13 Jun 2012 03:00 PM PDT Filed under: New titles, News items, Free-to-play, MOBA MOBAs seem to be the hot new thing, with games like the indie SmashMuck Champions following in the footsteps of heavy-hitters such as League of Legends and Dota 2. Now we can add another one to the list, as Bigpoint Games has announced an in-development MOBA centered around some unlikely champions: classic Universal Studios movie monsters. That's right: In the upcoming Universal Monsters Online, players will be able to go head-to-head with one another as iconic movie monsters, including Dracula, the Wolf-Man, Frankenstein's monster (and his bride), and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Gameplay details are scarce, but if you happen to be in the game's target demographic of classic-horror-movie-buff-slash-MOBA-gamer, head on over to the game's official site and have a gander. Universal Monsters Online is a thing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Rock, Paper, Shotgun

TERA adds free seven-day trials Posted: 13 Jun 2012 02:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, TERA, Promotions En Masse Vice President of Publishing Chris Lee wants to extend you -- yes, you -- a personal offer to play TERA. Don't you feel special? You totally should. "We want to open up to new players curious about the game with a free one-week TERA trial, as we're confident if you play, you will stay," Lee said in a press release (again, just to you). Starting today, TERA now has two types of free ways for potential players to experience the game. As we've already reported, the first is the instant-streaming demo with pre-set characters. This second one is a proper trial: Players will get seven days to create their own characters and enjoy the world as much as they want during that time. There is a limit of eight characters on a single server for the trial, and without a subscription, players will be limited to a level 23 cap. En Masse is confident that trial players will convert to a subscription if given that one-week hit of the sweet life. The studio says that players are currently averaging four-and-a-half hours of game time per day. [Source: En Masse press release] TERA adds free seven-day trials originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Enter at Your Own Rift: How will Storm Legion change the face of RIFT? Posted: 13 Jun 2012 02:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Expansions, RIFT, Enter at Your Own Rift Expansions are always a great time to get back into a game. Just ask me, Mr. Former-and-Now-Current RIFT Player. That's right -- I've leaped back into RIFT and have rejoined Karen to co-host this column. I know you're just a-shiver with excitement, but keep it together: We've got higher peaks to summit, my friend. Two weeks ago, RIFT muscled back into the spotlight with the announcement of its first-ever expansion, Storm Legion. I don't know if any of you felt like this when you heard it, but I was surprised, considering just how much work Trion Worlds spends on updates. When did they devs have time to squeeze in work on a full-blown expansion as well? But it's no myth. Storm Legion is coming this fall, and it's destined to change the face of RIFT as we know it. The world's about to triple in size, and the team is building on the lessons learned in the first year or so of this MMO's lifespan. Will it bolster RIFT against the current and coming competition? Do we need two more continents? And what, pray tell, are those four new souls? Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: How will Storm Legion change the face of RIFT? Enter at Your Own Rift: How will Storm Legion change the face of RIFT? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Red 5 unveils part one of Firefall manga Posted: 13 Jun 2012 01:30 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-fi, News items, MMOFPS, Firefall Firefall's beta test is moving steadily along toward the game's (hopefully) upcoming release, and fans are probably hungry for some more background on the MMOFPS title. To help satiate that appetite, Red 5 has released part one of the Firefall manga series penned by legendary sci-fi author Orson Scott Card and his daughter Emily Janice Card. The comic, entitled Trespasser, is penciled by renowned artist Joe Ng of UDON comic fame, and follows mohawk-sporting heroine Pilgrim as she kills gargantuan mutant bugs and has a bit of a run-in with the law. The manga's story begins prior to the crash of the Arclight, which heralds the beginning of the in-game timeline. Hopefully the narrative will serve to fill in some of the details regarding the events that lead up to Firefall itself. Red 5 will be unveiling two new pages every Tuesday, so head on over to the comic to get up-to-speed, then be sure to check in weekly for the rest of the story. Red 5 unveils part one of Firefall manga originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Firefall manga

Marvel Heroes whips up Avengers movie costumes Posted: 13 Jun 2012 01:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Super-hero, Marvel Heroes If you haven't seen this summer's Avengers movie, you totally should, and if you have, then you might be interested to hear that the upcoming Marvel Heroes is embracing the blockbuster's wardrobe. The superhero MMO will be including the film versions of Thor's, Iron Man's, Black Widow's, Hawkeye's, Hulk's, and Captain America's costumes. The game's devs assured players that the costumes won't just be for eye candy alone but "will also tie in key game systems in fun and unique ways." Marvel Heroes will offer many costume variants based on both the comics and the films, although the devs say that covering all of them might be a task that only a true superhero could accomplish. "Some of those experimental looks didn't exactly stand the test of time," the announcement explains. Marvel Heroes whips up Avengers movie costumes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Marvel Heroes

Trion Worlds licenses CloakWorks cloth simulation tech Posted: 13 Jun 2012 12:30 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, News items, RIFT RIFT players, have you been feeling like the game is missing a certain je ne sais quois? Perhaps the way your cloak flaps in the wind just isn't quite dramatic enough for you. Well, you may just be in luck, as Trion Worlds has just announced that it has licensed CloakWorks' "advanced cloth simulation technology" known as Shroud. RIFT executive producer Scott Hartsman claims that capes are one of the most-requested visual features and states that he's "very happy" with Shroud's results. The studio hasn't released any previews of the new technology in action, but we'll be sure to keep our eyes peeled for new details as they come. In the meantime, though, why don't you busy yourself by catching up on all the latest news about RIFT's upcoming Storm Legion expansion? [Source: Trion Worlds press release] Trion Worlds licenses CloakWorks cloth simulation tech originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments

Alleged 38 Studios spouse outlines family's financial struggles after company's closure Posted: 13 Jun 2012 12:00 PM PDT Filed under: Culture, MMO industry, News items, Miscellaneous 38 Studios stories continue to circulate through the gaming media this week, with the latest arriving courtesy of Gamasutra. The industry news site has published an anonymous letter from an alleged former employee's wife that details the challenges inherent in supporting a large family that is subject to the whims of the game industry. The letter outlines the family's financial struggles in great detail, and it serves as a cautionary tale to game industry hopefuls who are thinking of uprooting a family to follow a dream. Though the author is unnamed and could quite literally be anyone, Gamasutra says it has "verified her husband's name and former position at 38 Studios." Alleged 38 Studios spouse outlines family's financial struggles after company's closure originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: Gamasutra

Turbine takes you behind the scenes on LotRO's live-action trailer Posted: 13 Jun 2012 11:00 AM PDT Filed under: Historical, Trailers, Video, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play Lord of the Rings Online fans are still suffering a bit of sticker shock over Riders of Rohan's price point, but Turbine is gamely soldiering on with its publicity plans. LotRO's fourth expansion is coming in September, and the firm has just released a new behind-the-scenes featurette that looks at the making of the recent live-action Rohan trailer. The clip shows the considerable care that went into the trailer's production, and it bodes well for those Middle-earth fans who are anxiously looking forward to Turbine's take on Tolkien's horse-lords. Check it out after the break, and check out the structural concept art in our gallery below. Gallery: LotRO - Update 6: Shores of the Great River Continue reading Turbine takes you behind the scenes on LotRO's live-action trailer Turbine takes you behind the scenes on LotRO's live-action trailer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Source: YouTube

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