General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


Facebook Improving Efficiency of Data Servers With Potatoes

Posted: 22 Sep 2013 11:44 AM PDT

RecyclingFrench-fried server lids?

We talk a lot about Facebook lately, implementing video ads and other bizarre new features, but this time around we're going to talk about potatoes. While other companies are implementing more widely-accepted strategies to stay green, Facebook has toyed with using potatoes in its servers to keep things cool.

Yes, potatoes. As just one part of the Open Compute Project, PCWorld reports, Facebook aims to improve efficiency of its various servers and data centers. When they attempted taking the top lids of their servers away in a bid to remove anything that wasn't useful, they attempted fashioning lids out of the same material used in creating Spudware kitchen tools. They're 80 percent starch and 20 percent soy oil, and while it smelled delicious in the office, the thermal lid created from Spudware ended up failing the efficiency test.

The social networking juggernaut is exploring other venues and options, such as running their data centers devoid of air conditioning, and building their centers from scratch. Even though it wasn't exactly efficient, we're still partial to the potatoes.

Internet Explorer Security Flaw Impacting Business Users

Posted: 22 Sep 2013 10:52 AM PDT

IEZero-day exploit targeting businesses utilizing IE 8 and 9

If your business happens to use Internet Explorer exclusively, you may want to keep an eye out for a recent zero day flaw in the browser that impacts all versions. Though Microsoft has promised a patch is in the works, the exploit may be in the wild for quite some time considering the next security patches aren't due to be released until October 8th.

While the exploits seem to target mainly IE versions 8 and 9, researchers at Websense, according to PCWorld, have revealed that almost 70 percent of Windows business users may be affected by the zero-day flaw.

Until a patch is released, Microsoft is encouraging users to install the FixIt patch to minimize any possible damage. Are your IE installations at risk?

Ready Your Whips, La-Mulana 2 Announced

Posted: 21 Sep 2013 10:00 PM PDT

La-Mulana 2A new challenger appears!

Challenge junkies of Steam, come forth and show yourselves! We know you're out there, every single one of you looking for platformers that test your patience. La-Mulana, the cult favorite re-released via Steam, is finally receiving a sequel.

The trap-laden ancient ruins of the original game are going to be polished up for a brand new journey that should put a smile on your face as you bash your head into your monitor. Fun times! And this time around, it looks to be much more welcoming to players who are just now jumping aboard. USGamer recently had a chat with developers Nigoro about that very subject:

"The difficult gameplay in retro games, I want to keep that," Takumi Naramura mused during the interview. I want to keep that feeling. I'm not going to get rid of that. But we're thinking about how to evolve other parts of the game."

La-Mulana 2 will see the daughter of the original game's hero doing some serious spelunking, but that's about all we know now. Who's ready for some more whip-wielding wackiness?

State of Decay Available Via Steam Early Access Program Today

Posted: 21 Sep 2013 09:01 PM PDT

State of DecaySend more brains.

Hankering for some more zombie goodness? Happen to do most of your gaming on PC? Of course you do! That means you probably haven't played State of Decay. Good news -- as of today, the Undead Labs open-world zombie massacre-fest is available via Steam's Early Access program.

For $20, the same price as the Xbox 360 version, you'll receive the Early Access version of State of Decay, then the final version upon its release for free. It's a wide world of zombie carnage just waiting for you to dig in, especially if you've got friends wanting to get in on the fun. However, if you've got reservations about bugs or unfinished builds, Undead Labs cautions you to wait until the final release.

State of Decay 2

"This process is not for everyone. Casual players, the easily frustrated, and the short of time should NOT get the Early Access version," they warned. Makes sense, especially since keyboard and mouse support is not available at this time. If you've got an Xbox controller or third-party gamepad, however, have at it!

Are you going to be wreaking havoc in State of Decay? 

MMO Updates

MMO Updates


Fallen Earth celebrates its 4th birthday

Posted: 22 Sep 2013 10:00 AM PDT

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Fallen Earth celebrates its 4th birthday
Fallen Earth is turning four years old today, and you know what that means, right? No, it doesn't mean another CHOTA-in-a-cake gag; we're still cleaning the carpets from last time. But it does mean that we're here to show you what the game's been up to for the last year!

While year three was bittersweet for the post-apocalyptic MMO with a move to free-to-play and a significant staff cut, year four was fairy uneventful. Whether this is a good or bad thing has yet to be seen, but the content keeps trickling in regardless.

This year we saw an introduction to farming and the Dome arena, with game updates showing off new Deathtoll weapons, coresuit armor, and the Vandal vehicle.

But what's in store for Fallen Earth's next year? Recent staff shuffling doesn't seem a concern for the game, according to a recent interview, and this month's birthday bash will introduce the AP augmented weapons, new cosmetic items, and more.

Read on past the jump for a round-up of news and features from Fallen Earth's third year.

Continue reading Fallen Earth celebrates its 4th birthday

MassivelyFallen Earth celebrates its 4th birthday originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Sep 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    One Shots: Darkness Falls

    Posted: 22 Sep 2013 08:00 AM PDT

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    One Shots Darkness Falls
    Going through the One Shots email account is a little like peeking into strangers' photo albums, complete with their private stories and embarrassing toilet shots. Seriously, folks, what is it with you people sending in toilet pictures? OK, it's a little funny, so keep 'em coming.

    I was particularly drawn to Callie's photo from Dark Age of Camelot circa 2003 this past week: "My fiance and I loved going into the dungeon of Darkness Falls so much that we would frequently go down and fight the Prince, just the two of us, on our Warrior duo. I know newer games have come and gone, but nothing beats dungeon exploring and fighting a difficult boss with the one you love. Still one of my favorite MMO memories."

    One can only assume that your characters discovered the lavatory behind the boss room and took many, many pictures as well. Speaking of tawdry screenshots, we've got a few more for you behind the break!

    Continue reading One Shots: Darkness Falls

    MassivelyOne Shots: Darkness Falls originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Sep 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      The Daily Grind: What in-game project have you had hanging over your head?

      Posted: 22 Sep 2013 06:00 AM PDT

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      The Daily Grind What ingame project have you had hanging over your head
      For just the longest time, my personal story was uncompleted in Guild Wars 2. I'd hit the final mission which required a group run of Arah, and I never was able to find a group to run it. So the game continued to inform me that I had this step to go, that Trahearne was quite disappointed in me, and that I was a loser for ignoring it. I might've been reading into it a little. But anyway, the other night my guild did an Arah run for those of us who needed it and my personal story was finally finished.

      Having those in-game projects hanging over your head can be frustrating if you're unable to make progress. Do you have any of those going on right now? What in-game project do you wish you could finish up -- but can't seem to, for whatever reason?

      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: What in-game project have you had hanging over your head? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Sep 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Final Fantasy XIV tops 1 million unique logins, previews first patch

        Posted: 21 Sep 2013 06:00 PM PDT

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        You will live here.
        It might seem as if everyone is playing Final Fantasy XIV these days. In the most recent live Producer's Letter, Naoki Yoshida made it clear that while it's not everyone, the game has certainly attracted sizable numbers. Over one million unique logins have taken place since the launch, with an average of 617,000 unique daily logins and a concurrency peak of 344,000 users, which is pretty good when you take into account the game's troubled launch history.

        But the development team isn't focusing just on the past. The game's first patch is in the works; it's due to hit the live servers this year, and it contains a lot of extra content. Housing will be included, as will the game's first PvP arena and new extreme difficulty fights for each of the Primals. The patch will also include a new Primal fight against Good King Moogle Mog, hard modes for two dungeons, a new dungeon, daily quests, random matching rewards, a treasure hunting system... a lot of stuff, in other words. So maybe those million unique players are on to something.

        [Thanks to Scott for the tip]

        MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV tops 1 million unique logins, previews first patch originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Sep 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Guild Wars 2's Twilight Assault trailer announces October 1st launch

        Posted: 21 Sep 2013 04:00 PM PDT

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        Guild Wars 2's Twilight Assault trailer announces October 1 launch
        You may not be finished putting down the undead dragon Tequatl yet (again), but that won't stop the Guild Wars 2 story train from rolling on! No, ArenaNet is moving forward full steam ahead. Starting October 1st, a new threat will need the attention of Tyria's adventurers; Twilight Arbor is home to another evil whose power and malevolence is growing.

        Want a sneak peek at the trouble that lies ahead? Get a glimpse in the teaser trailer after the break.

        [Thanks to Pete for the tip!]

        Continue reading Guild Wars 2's Twilight Assault trailer announces October 1st launch

        MassivelyGuild Wars 2's Twilight Assault trailer announces October 1st launch originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Sep 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Make My MMO: Crowdfunding September 8 - 21, 2013

        Posted: 21 Sep 2013 02:00 PM PDT

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        Make My MMO Crowdfunding September 8  21, 2013
        In the oft changing world of crowdfunding hopefuls, faces come and faces go... and sometimes they come back again. If one of the newcomers to this edition of Make My MMO looks familiar, that's because the game ran a shorter, unsuccessful Kickstarter campaign last July. With a longer run this time around, perhaps Story Quest Online will fare better.

        On the flip side, one campaign flipped sections: We congratulate StarCraft Universe on meeting its goal and joining the ranks of the fully funded. Plenty of other news came from the funded ranks as well, from the crowdfunding king hit more funding goals (again) to progress reports and new feature reveals. You can catch all the details right here.

        Continue reading Make My MMO: Crowdfunding September 8 - 21, 2013

        MassivelyMake My MMO: Crowdfunding September 8 - 21, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Sep 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV breaks the narrative rules (and still works)

          Posted: 21 Sep 2013 12:00 PM PDT

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          At the end, yes, Magitek Armor.
          Monday was the end of the line for me in Final Fantasy XIV, if you consider clearing the last story-based instance in the game the end. (I don't.) The final rush of dungeons ends with at least five different grudge matches that had been built up over the course of the game, villains who were put in their place, and all of the plot revelations you could ask for. None of which I really want to talk about in detail here, because there are a lot of people who have not yet cleared the story.

          What I can talk about is how the game presents its story, which is straight out of the huge book of mistakes that games are advised not to make. It sends you all over the map, back and forth for fetch quests and to convey simple messages. It gleefully mixes in forced group content along with forced solo content, meaning that you can't even rush the whole thing with a good group. The story only changes in the initial levels based on what nation you start with; beyond that it's the same every time through.

          And yet it works wonderfully.

          Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV breaks the narrative rules (and still works)

          MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV breaks the narrative rules (and still works) originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Sep 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            MMOGaming News

            MMOGaming News


            [TGS 2013] Final Fantasy XIV Has Over a Million Players

            Posted:

            [TGS 2013] Final Fantasy XIV Has Over a Million Players


            Over the Tokyo Game Show 2013, Square Enix has unveiled lots of detail information about Final Fantsy XIV: A Realm Reborn. As the hottest MMORPG in recent days, producer Naoki Yoshida has released the first letter at TGS on some interesting information about the state of the game and its future.

            Star Wars: The Old Republic 'Best of PvP' Trailer

            Posted:

            Star Wars: The Old Republic 'Best of PvP' Trailer


            SWTOR's patch 2.4 is on the way to hit live servers which will bring new additions and changes to PvP. Before we get it, we might take a look at the latest 'Best of PvP' trailer. It shows the factional warzones, as you can see that several members of both factions beating the stuffing out of one another.

            New Popular Mobile Games: Sep. 13 to Sep. 19

            Posted:

            New Popular Mobile Games: Sep. 13 to Sep. 19


            It's time for our weekly roundup of the new popular mobile games for iOS and Android from the last seven days. Here is this week's selection, hope you enjoy

            XAOC Japan Publisher Announced, To Release in Japan This Year

            Posted:

            XAOC Japan Publisher Announced, To Release in Japan This Year


            USERJOY JAPAN recently announced that they will publish Winking Entertainment's latest MMORPG, XAOC, in Japan. It's planned to release in Japan by the end of 2013. Currently XAOC is during Open Beta in Taiwan. The video below is JP version's trailer.

            Anonymous World of Warcraft Armory Profiles

            Posted:

            Anonymous World of Warcraft Armory Profiles


            Sometimes there's a need to keep your WoW armory info private. OVERPOWER3D just finds EpicWOWAmory.com for that. Basically it works with the WoW API to grab much of the info you'd find in the real armory, except it doesn't display the username, server or guild info.

            MMOsite League of Legends Season3 World Championship Features

            Posted:

            MMOsite League of Legends Season3 World Championship Features


            S3 is still ongoing, with many teams beingeliminated, the champion is budding. This is the competition for the LOL regaltitle! And those who enjoy the game will be the real winner.

            Angry Birds Star Wars II Hints & Tips

            Posted:

            Angry Birds Star Wars II Hints & Tips


            Angry Birds Star Wars II finally arrived on both the App Store and Google Play. Need tips to get through the new stages? Here below have got you covered.

            World of Tanks To Add New Japanese Tech Tree

            Posted:

            World of Tanks To Add New Japanese Tech Tree


            A new Japanese tech tree has been announced to add to World of Tanks next. The seventh national line will feature two branches: five light and nine medium tanks. Models will a Chi-Ri prototype, the first Japanese post-war design Type 61, the light Type 95 Ha-Go and the medium variants of the Chi-Ha. Additionally, the Type 64 (STB-1) tank will be moved to Tier X and be reclassified as a medium model.

            Daily Recommendation: Angry Birds Star Wars II

            Posted:

            Daily Recommendation: Angry Birds Star Wars II


            The Force is strong with this one. Get ready for Angry Birds Star Wars II – the epic follow-up to the #1 smash hit game! Based on the Star Wars movie prequels, use the Force for good against the greedy Pork Federation or choose a much darker path.

            Blade and Soul KR Massively New Costumes Spoilers

            Posted:

            Blade and Soul KR Massively New Costumes Spoilers


            Since the latest update in Blade and Soul Korean server, a lot of new costumes have been added into the client. Thanks Minkis very much for sharing the great preview videos of new costumes! Awesome! I guess some are for cash shop, and some for NPC only.

            DuckTales: Scrooge's Loot Cheats & Tips

            Posted:

            DuckTales: Scrooge's Loot Cheats & Tips


            DuckTales: Scrooge's Loot is Disney's attempt to offer an alternative to the usual third-person action game. Here are some tips to keep in mind when collecting gold

            4 Pics 1 Song Cheats, Answers & Solutions: Level 56 to 61

            Posted:

            4 Pics 1 Song Cheats, Answers & Solutions: Level 56 to 61


            4 Pics 1 Song gives you the pictures, you guess the song! This post will show you how to pass the all level in the game: Level 1 to 61

            Get to Level 58 for Free in TERA Level Up Event

            Posted:

            Get to Level 58 for Free in TERA Level Up Event


            Now Tera is offering a free, permanent level 58 character for all new and existing accounts. This event is for a limited time only. So hurry up and take part in it if you haven't noticed this event. For how to get to level 58, please check out this article.

            Rumor: LoL 116th Champion to Be Vi's Sister Called Jinx

            Posted:

            Rumor: LoL 116th Champion to Be Vi's Sister Called Jinx


            Vi's champion page has been vandalized. Evidences show that next champion after Lucian will be Vi's sister called Jinx.

            DotA 2: The First Blood Update Coming Soon

            Posted:

            DotA 2: The First Blood Update Coming Soon


            Valve has announced the latest First Blood update preview for Dota 2, which is coming on September 23rd. The update will introduce local play, captain's draft and the improved armory. Dota 2 store will also add portal pack and unlock new treasures.

            MOBILE: What is Fantasica exactly?

            Posted:

            MOBILE: What is Fantasica exactly?


            Some people probably heard of this game, but a large majority of you probably just glanced over it and continued to browse the pages among pages of apps. After playing it for a long time, I can raise some points that may persuade you into playing it or make you stray from it even more.

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