General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


Apple’s New Mac Ads Are a Complete Embarrassment

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 10:23 AM PDT

Mac AdLinux offers some interesting advantages, but let's face it, the only consumer alternative to Windows is Mac OSX. Around here we've made our preference for Windows perfectly clear, however we are also excited to welcome the plethora of new users to our preferred platform after these new Mac ads start hitting the TV's of millions of Olympic viewers around the world. 

The ads feature a single Apple Genius Bar employee, and his never ending quest to correct the utter stupidly of his customers. The young genius is shown working day and night to explain to completely inept Mac users how a computer works, and how to pull off basic everyday tasks. If Apple is trying to position its products as the perfect companion for the clueless masses, they've succeeded flawlessly.

You might feel differently of course, and feel free to let us know what you think in the comments below. 

Video #1 - Mayday

Video #2 - Labor Day

Video #3 - Basically

Google Failed To Delete All Streetview Data Due to “Human Error”

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 09:50 AM PDT

Google StreetviewGoogle put itself in political hot water by "accidentally" collecting un-encrypted Wi-Fi data alongside roadside images, but offered to make amends by immediately deleting it with the co-operation of local governments. It's hard to understand how such a human error could occur, however most people were willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. It turns out however, another human error prevented them from carrying through on their promise, and an undisclosed amount of data remains on Google servers.

Google continues to insist that it has never been used for any commercial purpose, and will work with the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office" to make sure it is properly addressed.  Given how transparent Google has been on the issue, its difficult to fault them, however two user errors in a row doesn't instil confidence. Of course the argument could be made that unencrypted information being transmitted in the clear is fair game, but world governments seem to disagree.

Google will hopefully put this issue to rest as soon as possible, as further human error will likely not be tolerated. 

Blizzard Agrees With Valve About the Impact of Windows 8 For PC Gamers

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 09:24 AM PDT

BlizzardIn a recent interview with Valve CEO Gabe Newell, the outspoken unofficial head of PC Gaming leveled some pretty damning criticism on Windows 8. Using words such as "catastrophe", the internet instantly lit up with story's and comments that for the most part, were largely supportive of his radical stance. It could easily be argued that his comments are largely self-serving since Microsoft is setting itself up in direct competition with Valve's Steam store, but people will have to decide for themselves. Why bring up old wounds you ask? Valve has a new supporter.

Rob Pardo, Executive Vice President of Game Design at Blizzard took to Twitter to rally behind Newell, adding simply "not awesome for Blizzard either". "Not Awesome" and "Catastrophe" are most certainly not the same thing, but it does point out a growing ground swell of rebellion by some of PC Gaming's top developers. 

Love or hate the new Windows 8 UI, we have to admit we are slightly confused as to why they feel so threatened. Microsoft has proven time and again with Games for Windows Live they are completely incapable for executing in this space, and a Metro version of Steam and the Blizzard launcher might actually make for an interesting portal. Windows RT for ARM is a much more closed down ecosystem, however developers shouldn't have much to fear from Windows 8 for traditional desktops. It if will run on Windows 7, chances are it will run on Windows 8.

It is possible Valve and Blizzard are fearing users will flock to Mac OSX en-mass as a result of the changes, though Microsoft will likely respond with a Windows XP style extension for Windows 7 if the wind of change turn into a hurricane, and they need to make a rapid about face.  

Is all the hate justified? Let us know in the comments below.

Slipup at HP’s Chinese Manufacturing Facility Gives a Rare Glimpse Into Life on the Assembly Line

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 08:21 AM PDT

HP Slip UpWhen it comes to manufacturing in North America we make food, cars, and import just about everything else. Our hunger for high tech has gone into hyper active mode over the last decade, and the thousands of new products pouring into our local Best Buy are usually made in China, Taiwan, or just about anywhere inexpensive labour can be found. The repetitive tasks and long hours have led to a PR nightmare for companies such as Apple, who in earnest, have offered up several guided tours to help highlight the positive aspects of life at these city sized plants responsible for making our gadgets. These tours have been guided, carefully staged events however, and many have wondered what a candid un-staged video might look like. If that's you, wonder no longer. A manufacturing slipup by Quanta has given us a rare glimpse at one of the HP manufacturing lines, and it's pretty darn dull.

We chose to highlight this video not because its particularly action packed, but because of how rare a candid look into these facilities actually are. HP doesn't have much to do on this one in terms of damage control, as life at this Chongqing manufacturing facility seems pretty mundane. The workers depicted here seem to be part of the quality process, and are testing the various hardware components as the machines move down the line. At one point the worker glances up to make eye contact with the web camera he is presumably testing, but that's about it.

If these workers are lucky, they are making about $2 an hour. Does the video change your opinion on "Made in China"?

Check out the video here.

MMO and SEO News from Gameforumer.com

MMO and SEO News from Gameforumer.com


Google Failed To Delete All Streetview Data Due to “Human Error”

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 05:01 AM PDT

Google StreetviewGoogle put itself in political hot water by "accidentally" collecting un-encrypted Wi-Fi data alongside roadside images, but offered to make amends by immediately deleting it with the co-operation of local governments. It's hard to understand how such a human error could occur, however most people were willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. It turns out however, another human error prevented them from carrying through on their promise, and an undisclosed amount of data remains on Google servers.

Google continues to insist that it has never been used for any commercial purpose, and will work with the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office" to make sure it is properly addressed.  Given how transparent Google has been on the issue, its difficult to fault them, however two user errors in a row doesn't instil confidence. Of course the argument could be made that unencrypted information being transmitted in the clear is fair game, but world governments seem to disagree.

Google will hopefully put this issue to rest as soon as possible, as further human error will likely not be tolerated. 

Blizzard Agrees With Valve About the Impact of Windows 8 For PC Gamers

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 05:01 AM PDT

BlizzardIn a recent interview with Valve CEO Gabe Newell, the outspoken unofficial head of PC Gaming leveled some pretty damning criticism on Windows 8. Using words such as "catastrophe", the internet instantly lit up with story's and comments that for the most part, were largely supportive of his radical stance. It could easily be argued that his comments are largely self-serving since Microsoft is setting itself up in direct competition with Valve's Steam store, but people will have to decide for themselves. Why bring up old wounds you ask? Valve has a new supporter.

Rob Pardo, Executive Vice President of Game Design at Blizzard took to Twitter to rally behind Newell, adding simply "not awesome for Blizzard either". "Not Awesome" and "Catastrophe" are most certainly not the same thing, but it does point out a growing ground swell of rebellion by some of PC Gaming's top developers. 

Love or hate the new Windows 8 UI, we have to admit we are slightly confused as to why they feel so threatened. Microsoft has proven time and again with Games for Windows Live they are completely incapable for executing in this space, and a Metro version of Steam and the Blizzard launcher might actually make for an interesting portal. Windows RT for ARM is a much more closed down ecosystem, however developers shouldn't have much to fear from Windows 8 for traditional desktops. It if will run on Windows 7, chances are it will run on Windows 8.

It is possible Valve and Blizzard are fearing users will flock to Mac OSX en-mass as a result of the changes, though Microsoft will likely respond with a Windows XP style extension for Windows 7 if the wind of change turn into a hurricane, and they need to make a rapid about face.  

Is all the hate justified? Let us know in the comments below.

Slipup at HP’s Chinese Manufacturing Facility Gives a Rare Glimpse Into Life on the Assembly Line

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 05:01 AM PDT

HP Slip UpWhen it comes to manufacturing in North America we make food, cars, and import just about everything else. Our hunger for high tech has gone into hyper active mode over the last decade, and the thousands of new products pouring into our local Best Buy are usually made in China, Taiwan, or just about anywhere inexpensive labour can be found. The repetitive tasks and long hours have led to a PR nightmare for companies such as Apple, who in earnest, have offered up several guided tours to help highlight the positive aspects of life at these city sized plants responsible for making our gadgets. These tours have been guided, carefully staged events however, and many have wondered what a candid un-staged video might look like. If that's you, wonder no longer. A manufacturing slipup by Quanta has given us a rare glimpse at one of the HP manufacturing lines, and it's pretty darn dull.

We chose to highlight this video not because its particularly action packed, but because of how rare a candid look into these facilities actually are. HP doesn't have much to do on this one in terms of damage control, as life at this Chongqing manufacturing facility seems pretty mundane. The workers depicted here seem to be part of the quality process, and are testing the various hardware components as the machines move down the line. At one point the worker glances up to make eye contact with the web camera he is presumably testing, but that's about it.

If these workers are lucky, they are making about $2 an hour. Does the video change your opinion on "Made in China"?

Check out the video here.

[ChinaJoy 2012] Saint Seiya Online – Full game trailer caught on camera

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 05:01 AM PDT

While the game’s official CG trailer was posted previously, everyone on the internet was left scratching their heads on where how the in-game… more »

Apple’s New Mac Ads Are a Complete Embarrassment

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 05:01 AM PDT

Mac AdLinux offers some interesting advantages, but let's face it, the only consumer alternative to Windows is Mac OSX. Around here we've made our preference for Windows perfectly clear, however we are also excited to welcome the plethora of new users to our preferred platform after these new Mac ads start hitting the TV's of millions of Olympic viewers around the world. 

The ads feature a single Apple Genius Bar employee, and his never ending quest to correct the utter stupidly of his customers. The young genius is shown working day and night to explain to completely inept Mac users how a computer works, and how to pull off basic everyday tasks. If Apple is trying to position its products as the perfect companion for the clueless masses, they've succeeded flawlessly.

You might feel differently of course, and feel free to let us know what you think in the comments below. 

Video #1 - Mayday

Video #2 - Labor Day

Video #3 - Basically

ChinaJoy 2012 – Booth babes Part 1

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 05:01 AM PDT

Some folks go to game shows such as ChinaJoy for the latest gaming news or to try the latest games. For others, they… more »

ChinaJoy 2012 – A true cultural melting pot

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 05:01 AM PDT

Personally, I started getting serious into China online games sometime in 2008/ 2009. 1 of my earliest game was NetEase’s TianXia 2. Before… more »

[ChinaJoy 2012] Black Gold Online – More game details

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 11:01 PM PDT

In my previous post, I talked about Black Gold Online having action combat. However, there is still the big red target circle around… more »

ChinaJoy 2012 – Booth babes Part 2

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 11:01 PM PDT

And here we are, Part 2 of the ChinaJoy 2012 booth babes. Do note that these are some of the ones I deem… more »

MMO Updates

MMO Updates


Rise and Shiny: Family Guy Online

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 10:00 AM PDT

Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Family Guy Online screenshot
Let me just say this, right off the bat: I cannot stand the Family Guy television series. I know, I know, it's full of shocking, edgy humor and wacky character like the elderly child molester and the sex-crazed neighbor, so why shouldn't I love it? But I've seen the style of humor many times, and it's always, well, non-funny. I've said this before and I still mean it: Seth MacFarlane is this generation's Adam Sandler. They both do one voice and have made millions of dollars from it.

So when I decided to see whether Family Guy Online is a real MMO or just a vehicle for the new movie The Watch, (it's plastered throughout much of the game), I was ready for plenty of potty humor, jokes that tried to offend me, and essentially a horrible time. Oh, I found the horrible time easily enough (and forgave much of it because of the game's beta state), but I also found some pretty cool gameplay.

Some, I said.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Family Guy Online

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Family Guy Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    League of Legends nerfs Rumble, buffs Urgot and Cho'Gath

    Posted: 29 Jul 2012 09:00 AM PDT

    Filed under: , , , , , , ,

    League of Legends title image
    In addition to getting a new champion every few weeks, League of Legends is continually updated with balance changes and gameplay tweaks based on player feedback. Yesterday Riot Games released its early August patch preview, detailing incoming champion nerfs and buffs in addition to big changes for the player-mediated banning tribunal. Players who are punished by the tribunal will now be emailed a reform card showing the case made against them and highlighting the exact behaviours they need to improve to avoid further bans.

    Following a bugfix to Rumble's Flamespitter ability in the Jayce patch, his damage suddenly increased. Rumble's Danger Zone passive and Flamespitter abilities will have their damage reduced to compensate for the increase. The previous patch also gave Urgot some heavy nerfs that went a little bit too far, and in the next patch, some of those nerfs are being reverted. Classic champion Cho'Gath will also get a number of tweaks to remove random cast time delays and make him more fun to play.

    Skip past the cut to watch the full patch preview video in HD.

    Continue reading League of Legends nerfs Rumble, buffs Urgot and Cho'Gath

    MassivelyLeague of Legends nerfs Rumble, buffs Urgot and Cho'Gath originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    Previously on MV TV: The week of July 21st

    Posted: 29 Jul 2012 08:00 AM PDT

    Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    Previously On banner
    It's been another fun week of livestreaming, full of witty comments and exciting gameplay! If you're reading this right now, you probably missed a few and need me to recap several of the best streams. That's a fine deal, and after all, I must do it. No, seriously, I have to. They have me tied to my desk.

    So what did you miss? Before I show you, you have have to promise to bookmark our livestream guide and to check on that guide every Monday. That way you'll always know who is streaming what and when. Deal? OK, let me break it down for you. First you'll find some The Secret World being streamed by our very own Piggy, followed by Richie (and his father) playing SMITE. Next, MJ takes the reins and plays some EverQuest II, The Secret World and City of Heroes. I rounded things out by getting myself arrested in Face of Mankind. What a week!

    See you past the cut! Oh, and grab the salt would you? I need it for the popcorn.

    Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of July 21st

    MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of July 21st originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      The Daily Grind: Should games offer a midpoint between pre-made builds and completely free builds?

      Posted: 29 Jul 2012 06:00 AM PDT

      Filed under: , , , ,

      Quick, pick a number!  No time to explain what any of the numbers mean yet!
      There are a lot of different ways you can put together a character in certain games. The Secret World offers players a huge number of different options by virtue of its skill wheel, RIFT gives players several souls to choose between, and Champions Online lets you cherry-pick from a huge pool of powers. Most of these games also offer you some pre-made builds to give you a sense of how the game is supposed to work, something to start you down the path of making your own build.

      Unfortunately, as soon as you decide to step off the pre-made train, these games throw up their hands and declare that you're entirely on your own. There are no suggestions based on what you've picked thus far, it's either fully pre-made or fully freeform. Should these games offer something in the middle so that you can have some extra guidance if you want it? Or should they let you live or die by your decisions if you decide you want to go off the rails anyway?

      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!

      MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Should games offer a midpoint between pre-made builds and completely free builds? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        The Mog Log: The zone design of Final Fantasy XIV

        Posted: 28 Jul 2012 02:00 PM PDT

        Filed under: , , , ,

        The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
        I love Final Fantasy XIV, something that comes as no surprise to regular readers of this column. But the game's zone design is not its highlight. This is one of those design aspects that really bothered everyone in the world when the game launched, and it was for good cause, but I think there's more to it than simply condemning the whole thing out of hand. There are several places where the zone design isn't actually bad and in fact is downright brilliant.

        You could say that it's a variation on Final Fantasy XIV's theme right there: brilliance mixed in with average and awfulness.

        Obviously, zone design will be changing in a big way when version 2.0 launches, something that gets closer with each passing day. Still, it's worth examining where we are now if for no other reason than to hopefully identify what a good revision would look like. This is not a horrible mess; this is a few great elements mixed in with several elements that just aren't well thought out.

        Continue reading The Mog Log: The zone design of Final Fantasy XIV

        MassivelyThe Mog Log: The zone design of Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          The Tattered Notebook: The EQII face that launched a thousand ships

          Posted: 28 Jul 2012 12:00 PM PDT

          Filed under: , , , , , ,

          The Tattered Notebook  The face that launched a thousand ships or is it
          The tale of Helen and Paris is a classic one. Paris of Troy, blinded by Helen's beauty, was willing to risk full-scale naval invasion and the destruction of his home city in order to be with her. But what if the Paris and Helen love story had been more like the movie Shallow Hal, in which the women that Hal's attracted to are not very attractive on the outside to say the least? That pretty much sums up EverQuest II's character models for the past several years, and it creates a tricky situation on a number of levels.

          Gamers spend hours getting every nose wrinkle and hair curl just right, but what if that didn't matter? What if your carefully tailored character looked completely different to others than it does to you? And is it worth it to preserve two distinct sets of character models if it causes a mountain of work every time a new armor set is created? This past week, the EQII team responded to a discussion about this very topic, and in this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll take a look at whether the current system needs to go!

          Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: The EQII face that launched a thousand ships

          MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: The EQII face that launched a thousand ships originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            MMORPG News

            MMORPG News


            General: Enjin.com Guild Hosting Sweepstakes!

            Posted: 29 Jul 2012 12:03 AM PDT

            Enjin.com Guild Hosting Sweepstakes!

            MMORPG.com is very pleased to present this exclusive sweepstakes event! We are giving away 110 prizes consisting of cool guild hosting packages from Enjin.com! The total value of all these prizes is over $3000.00!

            TERA: Get Ready to 'Suit Up for Summer'

            Posted: 27 Jul 2012 06:40 PM PDT

            Get Ready to

            En Masse Entertainment has laid out the details about the TERA "Suit Up for Summer" event that will commence on August 3rd and run end August 13th. During specified times of day, players can take part in events that will yield in-game rewards including a 30-day bathing suit!

            APB: Reloaded: v1.9 Goes Live

            Posted: 27 Jul 2012 06:33 PM PDT

            v1.9 Goes Live

            APB Reloaded has been updated with the latest patch that brings lots of new features and fun into the game. According to the official blog, players are all being gifted a day's Premium plus four hundred Joker tickets to spend in the Social Zone.

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