General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


TigerDirect Accepting BitCoin as Payment

Posted: 24 Jan 2014 05:06 PM PST

bitcoinVirtual currency for physical goodies

TigerDirect is now accepting BitCoin as payment on its website. The retailer revealed that BitCoin adopters can use the virtual currency to purchase anything excluding gift cards.

The value of BitCoins will be based on US Dollars with the exchange rate provided by a TigerDirect partner, BitPay, and be valid for up to 15 minutes at the time of purchase. BitCoin, as of now, will only be accepted on the US version of TigerDirect.com and not at any of its retail stores or call centers. However, the website will accept worldwide orders from customers living outside of the US. 

TigerDirect has warned consumers that all transactions paid with the virtual currency will be final and that its acceptance of this particular form of payment can be changed at any time at its discretion without any advanced notice.

BitCoin has continued to increase in value and popularity since its launch in 2009.  Recently Xidax, a custom PC company, became one of the latest businesses, and the first system builder, to accept BitCoin as payment. And while the crypto-currency hasn't been recognized in the US as a legitimate form of legal tender, it hasn't stopped BitCoin miners from purchasing AMD's Radeon R9 290X, causing a shortage of supply, and other GPUs to mine for the virtual gold.

The value of BitCoin is currently around $800 as of the publishing of this article.

HP Explains Decision Bring Back Windows 7 PCs

Posted: 24 Jan 2014 09:26 AM PST

HP Laptop and DesktopSelling Windows 7 in a Windows 8 world

In case you missed it, Hewlett-Packard (HP) last week began advertising the return of Windows 7 desktops. The OEM said its decision to sell Windows 7 systems in a Windows 8 world was influenced by "popular demand," but what we found interesting is how aggressively the world's second largest PC maker promoted its Windows 7 machines. Was there more than meets the eye? HP today posted a blog further explaining its reasoning for bringing back Windows 7.

"The answer is dead simple: Choice. We like giving our customers the option to get the computer that's right for them," HP explains. "For some folks, that's Android. We've got everything from 2-in-1 detachables like the SlateBook x2 to the giant-sized Slate 21 All-in-One."

HP reiterated that it still offers Windows 8.1 systems and emphatically stated in all caps that it has no plans whatsoever of dropping the touch-friendly OS from its lineup. However, "some people still want to run Windows 7 on their computers," hence why the last generation OS is still an option.

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Zotac Upgrades Zbox Nano Series with Haswell

Posted: 24 Jan 2014 09:01 AM PST

Zotac Zbox ID69Tiny PCs receive a big upgrade

Zotac's been making miniature sized PCs since before they became vogue, and with technology advancing at a rapid clip, the company's latest boxes pack an impressive amount of power. That includes the latest Zbox Nano systems -- ID68 and ID69 -- which feature 4th Generation Intel Core processors (Haswell). These aren't gaming systems or Steam Machine candidates, but for daily computing chores, they look like serviceable solutions.

The ID68 sports an Intel Core i5 4200U dual-core processor clocked at 1.6GHz (2.6GHz Turbo) with 3MB of L2 cache and the ID69 features a Core i7 4500U dual-core chip clocked at 1.8GHz (3GHz Turbo) and 4MB of L2 cache. Both boxes come with a single DDR3L SO-DIMM slot, 2.5-inch drive bay, HDMI and DisplayPort output, 7-in-1 memory card reader, GbE LAN, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 2.0 ports, and four USB 3.0 ports.

Also available are Plus models, which come pre-populated with 4GB of DDR3 memory and a 500GB hard drive (5400 RPM). One thing to keep in mind with these devices is they don't come with an operating system or an optical drive.

Zbox Nano ID69 Plus Ports

"The new ZBOX nano ID68 and ID69 series are our most powerful palm-sized mini-PCs yet. The addition of Intel Turbo Boost technology enables the two Zbox nano ID68 and ID69 series to deliver performance comparable to much larger systems while consuming much less energy," said Carsten Berger, senior director, Zotac international.

No word yet on price or availability.

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Microsoft Finds Solid Footing on Surface, Posts Record Revenue

Posted: 24 Jan 2014 08:14 AM PST

Surface 2Holiday quarter was kind to Microsoft

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That's the motto Microsoft followed with its Surface strategy, which initially failed to win over customers and led to a $900 million charge on unsold inventory. Oh, but what a difference a couple of quarters can make. Microsoft's Surface revenue more than doubled sequentially to $893 million en route to the Redmond giant posting record revenue of $24.52 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2013.

Microsoft also benefited from its Xbox One console launch. The company sold 3.9 million Xbox One consoles during the quarter, or 900 million more than it previously announced, along with 3.5 million Xbox 360 consoles.

"Our Commercial segment continues to outpace the overall market, and our Devices and Consumer segment had a great holiday quarter," said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer at Microsoft. "The investments we are making in devices and services that deliver high-value experiences to our customers, and the work we are doing with our partners, are driving strong results and positioning us well for long-term growth."

Microsoft's record revenue came despite what it called "softness in the consumer PC market," which resulted in declining Windows sales. Windows OEM revenue dipped 3 percent. However, Microsoft grew its Bing search 18.2 percent and saw a 34 percent increase in search advertising revenue.

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Revisit David Gerrold's Maximum PC Columns in Low Cost Kindle Edition

Posted: 24 Jan 2014 07:21 AM PST

Maximum GerroldDavid Gerrold's perception and vision of the past, present, and future of technology

Sci-Fi author and former Maximum PC contributor David Gerrold needs no introduction, though if you've been cryogenically frozen for the past 50 years and find yourself just now getting up to speed on what's happened during your conscious absence, Gerrold is quite the accomplished writer. He's written episodes for the original Star Trek series, worked as a story editor on Star Trek: The Next Generation, penned the Star Wolf trilogy, and much, much more. Gerrold also used to contribute technology columns to Maximum PC magazine, and if you missed them (or want to revist), he's made them available on Amazon in Kindle form.

The Kindle edition of Maximum Gerrold: Thoughts on Technology and the Future runs $2.99, and if you're a subscriber to Amazon's Prime service, you can borrow it for free.

Inside you'll find 63 columns running the gamut from spam and the history of floppies, to super phones and Windows 8, plus everything in between and sideways. Several of the columns included in the e-book haven't been posted online.

In any event, if you'd like to show Gerrold some love, head over to Amazon and grab a copy.

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Newegg Daily Deals: Cooler Master Hyper T4 CPU Cooler, Intel Core i5 3350P, and More!

Posted: 24 Jan 2014 06:33 AM PST

Cooler Master Hyper T4newegg logo

Top Deal:

Protip: Exotic cooling isn't necessary to maintain acceptable temps and a stable PC. Air cooling has been around since the Paleozoic era (or thereabouts) and today it does an effective job on CPUs, often at a reasonable price. Take for example today's top deal for a Cooler Master Hyper T4 CPU Cooler for $25 with free shipping (normally $30 -- use coupon code: [EMCPWHG36]). This air cooler has four direct contact heatpipes and is capable of pushing 24-70 CFM (give or take 10 percent).

Other Deals:

G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2x4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1600 Desktop Memory for $72 with free shipping (normally $80 - use coupon code: [EMCPWHG22])

Seagate Barracuda 2TB 7200 RPM 3.5-inch Internal Hard Drive for $85 with free shipping (normally $88 - use coupon code: [EMCPWHG227])

Intel Core i5-3350P Ivy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 69W Quad-Core Desktop Processor for $170 with free shipping (normally $180 - use coupon code: [EMCPWHG34])

AZZA Solano 1000 Black Computer Case for $100 with free shipping (normally $110 - use coupon code: [EMCPWHG27]; additional $20 Mail-in rebate)

MMO Updates

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Massively Rewind: New DCUO DLC, Aion gets mech suits, and WildStar's news frenzy

Posted: 24 Jan 2014 09:00 AM PST

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Massively Rewind
It's time once again for the Massively Rewind, where we round up this week's top MMO stories and deliver them to you in bite-sized chunks. It's kind of like a mother bird regurgitating a meal into its chick's mouth... except a lot less gross.

For those of you who prefer the written word, don't fret; we conveniently provide links to all of the stories mentioned in the show. For example, did you know DC Universe Online has a new DLC? What about the new patch for Aion coming out next week? Or perhaps you'd just like to know all things large and small happening with WildStar right now?

Continue reading Massively Rewind: New DCUO DLC, Aion gets mech suits, and WildStar's news frenzy

MassivelyMassively Rewind: New DCUO DLC, Aion gets mech suits, and WildStar's news frenzy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    Looking for Guild: WildStar

    Posted: 24 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

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    Wildstar
    In this week's Looking for Guild column, we have a WildStar beta player looking for a home. The game may not be officially launched yet, but the videos and guides from other beta players are getting many fans excited for what's to come.

    Are you looking for a guild in a new game? Even if you're just looking to try a different guild in an old game, the Looking for Guild column can help. Follow along after the jump to read more on how to get listed.

    Continue reading Looking for Guild: WildStar

    MassivelyLooking for Guild: WildStar originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jan 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      The Stream Team: Leveling the Stalker in the WildStar beta

      Posted: 24 Jan 2014 07:00 AM PST

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      WildStar screenshot
      Are you thinking of playing a stealthy assassin when WildStar releases? Do you prefer engaging the enemy from the shadows over an obvious frontal assault? If so, get ready to check out this livestream show to see the prowling Stalker class in action. Join Massively's Richie live at 10:00 a.m. EST as he slinks, creeps, and pounces around the savannah of Deradune.

      Game: WildStar
      Host: Richie Procopio
      Date: Friday, January 24th, 2013
      Time: 10:00 a.m. EST

      Enjoy our Steam Team video below.

      Continue reading The Stream Team: Leveling the Stalker in the WildStar beta

      MassivelyThe Stream Team: Leveling the Stalker in the WildStar beta originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Videos produce EQN Landmark crafting details

        Posted: 24 Jan 2014 06:30 AM PST

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        SOE has finally dished out more details about EverQuest Next Landmark's crafting system with two new videos. In the first, Lead System Designer Michael Mann spends over four minutes telling (and showing) players where they can craft, what they can craft, and how to craft. The second video gives a quick demo of the saw table crafting station.

        While we already knew that crafting would take place at communal crafting stations in hubs throughout the world, Mann revealed a new type that is randomly spawned in the world: altars. Altars, which create better and even unique items, are only found by exploring and will disappear after use.

        All players start with a small list of recipes covering beginning tools and decorations, but the bulk of recipes will need to be discovered or crafted. The crafting process has three variations: items that activate and have no variation (like potions), cosmetic items that have different appearances (like props and clothing), and items with stats (tools and such). Items with stats will utilize a relic system to increase the stats. Check out all the juicy details in the clips below.

        Continue reading Videos produce EQN Landmark crafting details

        MassivelyVideos produce EQN Landmark crafting details originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jan 2014 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        RIFT's Dream Weaver is a homeowner's best friend

        Posted: 24 Jan 2014 06:00 AM PST

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        RIFT
        Dream Weaving is not just one of many reasons to be excited about RIFT's 2.6 update, but perhaps the most exciting reason of all. Trion Worlds has a new post up about what this crafting profession entails and how it will benefit homeowners across Telara.

        Dream Weavers are primarily focused on creating items and effects for player dimensions, literally dreaming them into existence. To fuel their craft, Dream Weavers will need to collect and break down artifacts to draw out dream ribbons, the new crafting material that's coming with the patch.

        Trion says that these crafters will be able to whip up visual effects, including elements, lighting, and partical effects. Dream Weavers can also create keys to brand-new dimensions and craft Dream Orb armor enhancements that stack with runes.

        For more on the Dream Weaver, check out our 2.6 preview!

        MassivelyRIFT's Dream Weaver is a homeowner's best friend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jan 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        The Daily Grind: Are single-server MMOs uncomfortably big?

        Posted: 24 Jan 2014 05:00 AM PST

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        EVE Online
        If I had my way and technology were easy, every MMO would be a single-server experience akin to EVE Online's or Champions Online's. You might never come in contact with the majority of players or ever encounter a scenario when hundreds of players gathered together, but the unified economy would be a trader's paradise, and it'd be a boon for developers, too, being easier to balance and avoiding the late-game server-merge nightmares that most MMOs eventually suffer. Best of all, you'd never have to find out your new co-worker plays your favorite game too... on another server.

        But there is a considerable contingent of MMO players who still balk at the idea of an MMO melting pot and tools intended to bridge servers like LFG systems or World of Warcraft's connected realms and battlegroups. Sharded server structures create tight communities, the argument goes. People don't want to deal with folks from around the world who don't speak their language, and they don't want to fade into the background of a massive server with what they perceive as no personality and no community ties or loyalty.

        Do you agree with that sentiment -- are single-server MMOs just uncomfortably big? Do you prefer a classic, sharded experience?

        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: Are single-server MMOs uncomfortably big? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jan 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          The Stream Team: Going wild in WildStar

          Posted: 23 Jan 2014 06:00 PM PST

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          Just because a game is in beta is no reason not to sneak in and take a look-see. You asked Massively's MJ to get in there and show off some WildStar, and she's doing just that. Just for you! Sadly, she can't join Justin to show off his humble abode because she doesn't have one of her own. But you can come help her create a new Exile character. Join us live at 9:00 p.m. to get this new adventure started.

          Game: WildStar
          Host: MJ Guthrie
          Date: Thursday, January 23rd, 2013
          Time: 9:00 p.m. EST

          Enjoy our Steam Team video below.

          Continue reading The Stream Team: Going wild in WildStar

          MassivelyThe Stream Team: Going wild in WildStar originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Here's an EVE dev diary video on Rubicon 1.1

            Posted: 23 Jan 2014 05:30 PM PST

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            EVE's overly dramatic Rubicon key art
            CCP released a dev diary video focused on EVE Online's Rubicon 1.1 patch today. CCP Guard is your host for a sneak peek of the content drop that will include renovated station exteriors, the Nestor class battleship, new mobile structures, capital ship wrecks, a redesigned Amarr Crucifier, and Encounter Surveillance Systems.

            See for yourself after the cut.

            Continue reading Here's an EVE dev diary video on Rubicon 1.1

            MassivelyHere's an EVE dev diary video on Rubicon 1.1 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            The Guild Counsel: Seeking a guild? Watch for these red flags

            Posted: 23 Jan 2014 05:00 PM PST

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            Vanguard
            Each week in this column, we explore common issues in guild management, with a focus on tips to be a successful guild leader. But this week, let's turn the tables a bit and look at things from the perspective of an unguilded player. With the rise of free-to-play in many MMOs, there's a larger pool of players from which guilds recruit. But before you take that guild invite, there are a few red flags to be wary of when joining a guild. For every good guild, there's a guild out there that makes you regret clicking that "join" button and leaves you wishing you had those misspent hours back after you leave.

            In this week's Guild Counsel, let's look at what to avoid when you're considering joining a guild.

            Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Seeking a guild? Watch for these red flags

            MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Seeking a guild? Watch for these red flags originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Star Trek Online event system to feature more rewards, less frequency

              Posted: 23 Jan 2014 04:30 PM PST

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              Star Trek Online something or other
              Star Trek Online lead content designer Charles Gray says that Cryptic is revamping the sci-fi MMO's events system. "Very few of the hourly events are being played regularly," Gray explains, and Cryptic's solution is to "increase the rewards dramatically" and run the events less frequently.

              The announced changes are "the first step in a new system that we hope to add to," Gray says. "We will be taking a close look at how each of these events performs and community feedback -- we'll take both into account when making new events or updating existing ones."

              MassivelyStar Trek Online event system to feature more rewards, less frequency originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              The Repopulation will feature both standard and PvP servers

              Posted: 23 Jan 2014 04:00 PM PST

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              The Repopulation PvP
              The Repopulation's going to have two distinct server rulesets when it eventually launches. Option one will be a standard PvE-focused environment with optional PvP and associated flagging mechanics. "The standard ruleset should be suitable for most types of players. You have a full compliment of resources and PvE tiers available in protected areas," explains the latest Repopulation dev diary.

              If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, Above & Beyond Technologies is also hosting an open PvP ruleset with corpse looting, friendly fire, and EVE-like security sector mechanics. Some of the details are still being ironed out, but you should definitely read the lengthy new dev diary that lays out the particulars for each rule set.

              MassivelyThe Repopulation will feature both standard and PvP servers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              The Summoner's Guidebook: Supports are ruling League of Legends

              Posted: 23 Jan 2014 03:00 PM PST

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              I think Season 4 of League of Legends has been dominated by support play. Some of this is because there have been a number of really inspiring star support players at the pro level, and their brilliance is shining down a bit on us plebians. Although I think that the Season 4 jungle is still really messed up, the support role has really solidified in a good way.

              What do I mean by "good"? Supports still get less gold than other roles and don't generally rock huge K/D ratios. They're still the team's ward machines, as we talked a bit about last week. However, the support's overall game impact has increased dramatically. Supports get more gold than before; they are making plays, initiating fights, and making way more of an impact in those fights than they ever were before. There's no more need for a support who is an ult and ward bot; you can now tank, deal damage, or whatever mix of support you want.

              Continue reading The Summoner's Guidebook: Supports are ruling League of Legends

              MassivelyThe Summoner's Guidebook: Supports are ruling League of Legends originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                Field Journal: Neverwinter gonna let you down

                Posted: 23 Jan 2014 02:00 PM PST

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                We're no strangers to bad storytelling.
                My original plan to talk about some of the better quests in Neverwinter's Foundry has been replaced with the burning need to rant about some of the common pitfalls in the less stellar entries. I'm not going to mention anything by name because I'm not here to shame anyone. I just need to explore some of the stupid design decisions that keep cropping up.

                I make no claim to great skill with the Foundry myself. I still haven't gotten around to much map decorating in my first adventure, though I did pull the trigger on publishing. (You can find it with the ID: NW-DNGJU57ID.) What I can claim is a critical eye and an understanding of what makes a good story with the tools Neverwinter gives you to tell them. There are plenty of good stories, so picking something from the featured pile will usually work out great, but when you go digging in the new and unrated adventures for hidden gems, you'll find far more rough than diamonds.

                Continue reading Field Journal: Neverwinter gonna let you down

                MassivelyField Journal: Neverwinter gonna let you down originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  Guild Wars 2 announces PvP tournament schedule

                  Posted: 23 Jan 2014 01:30 PM PST

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                  GW2
                  Guild Wars 2 has a full PvP dance card for the next few months, which is why ArenaNet posted a schedule today of the many tournaments and events coming up for the community.

                  First up is the Electronic Sports League best-of-three tournament on Thursdays for EU players and an even bigger European Gw2match.net Champion of the Mist Tournament that's planned for January 24th.

                  Both NA and EU can engage in the Good Fights Invitational on January 25th or the upcoming vVv Gaming Kings of the Mists 2 tournament on February 1st. Finally, there's a month-long open invitational in February hosted by Mistpedia.net that will have weekly events.

                  MassivelyGuild Wars 2 announces PvP tournament schedule originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  Defiance previews 7th Legion DLC

                  Posted: 23 Jan 2014 01:00 PM PST

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                  Defiance
                  Are you ready to join an elite group of bad people-stoppers? If so, then step up to your nearest 7th Legion recruiting center, or barring that, get ready to drop some money for Defiance's third DLC that's coming soon to the game.

                  Trion Worlds has a brief overview of the features in this DLC up on its site. The 7th Legion is an E-Rep force that's making its way to the Bay Area, and by purchasing the DLC, players will be enlisted into its ranks.

                  The DLC includes a 7th Legion uniform, a title, additional weapons, more synergies, hybrid shields, and a brand-new type of dynamic content called incursions. The 7th Legion update will also include an overhaul to the game's chat system and should arrive sometime next month.

                  MassivelyDefiance previews 7th Legion DLC originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  EverQuest Next releases new lore ebook, Prison of Fire

                  Posted: 23 Jan 2014 12:30 PM PST

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                  EverQuest Next novella -- Prison of Fire
                  EverQuest Next has taken a novel approach to providing fans with lore by publishing a series of ebook novellas, each focusing on a different facet of the EQN incarnation of the world of Norrath. The latest installment in this series, titled Prison of Fire, released today, and it centers on Neria Naldiir, captain of an organization known as the Ebon Dagger.

                  As the name might not-so-subtly imply, the Ebon Dagger is the sort of organization that "handles delicate matters requiring the utmost discretion within the Takish Empire." In the novella, Dalen Naldiir -- the Empire's Minister of Security and Neria's father -- receives news that trouble may be brewing at Tagnik Vukar prison in Lavastorm, where the Empire's most dastardly criminals have been incarcerated. Sensing that something may be amiss, Dalen sends Neria and her companions to investigate, and we all know it can only go downhill from there. To read Prison of Fire -- or any of the other EQN novellas -- just click on through the link below to the game's official site.

                  MassivelyEverQuest Next releases new lore ebook, Prison of Fire originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  The Stream Team: Instant Stonefield adventures in RIFT

                  Posted: 23 Jan 2014 12:00 PM PST

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                  Sure you could go through all of Stonefield's quests one by one or if you're short for time you can queue up for one of RIFT's instant adventures! Join Massively's Jasmine at 3:00 p.m. EST and experience everything Stonefield has to offer, only more, you know, instantaneously.

                  Game: RIFT
                  Host: Jasmine Hruschak
                  Date: Thursday, January 23th, 2014
                  Time: 3:00 p.m. EST

                  Enjoy our Steam Team video below.

                  Continue reading The Stream Team: Instant Stonefield adventures in RIFT

                  MassivelyThe Stream Team: Instant Stonefield adventures in RIFT originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                    World of Warcraft dev blog details character model revamps

                    Posted: 23 Jan 2014 11:30 AM PST

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                    World of Warcraft character model revamps
                    World of Warcraft players have long been clamoring for updated character models, as many of the Vanilla races lacked the level of detail (and wrists, in the case of Humans and Orcs) seen in more recent races such as the Pandaren. In light of that, World of Warcraft's senior art director, Chris Robinson, has posted a new dev blog on the game's official site that gives players an inside look at the process behind the model redesigns, which are planned to hit the game alongside Warlords of Draenor or sometime thereafter.

                    Robinson notes that the team is looking at the model revamps as "a sort of 'spiritual update' to the art content that currently exists in-game." So while the team is rebuilding everything from scratch, the goal is "to do so while retaining the core look and feel that has always made them your character." To give an idea of the scale of these updates, Robinson states that the team is increasing polygon count (sometimes going from "less than 1,000 to over 5,000"), "more than doubling" texture resolution, "increasing bone count significantly to support updated animation and facial expression," and even "retouching nearly every animation for all of the characters." If you want every last detail about the process (and some preview shots of the finished product), just click on over to the official post below.

                    MassivelyWorld of Warcraft dev blog details character model revamps originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                    Shroud of the Avatar enters Release 2 of early access

                    Posted: 23 Jan 2014 11:00 AM PST

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                    Screenshot -- Shroud of the Avatar
                    Last month, Portalarium's upcoming crowd-funded title, Shroud of the Avatar, entered the first phase of early access for backers of the game. Now the game is winding up for Release 2 of its early access program, and players will find that a number of new features have been added since Release 1 launched in December. Included among these features are the new municipality of Kingsport, which players can explore as they please, and a bevy of quality-of-life features like a "list inventory," improved character customization, and jumping.

                    But perhaps the most-anticipated feature of Release 2 is the introduction of crafting. The press release notes that this release includes only "the very first stages" of the game's crafting system, focusing on "refining and production for smithing, tailoring, and carpentry." Players will be able to find "more than 100 recipes" alongside chests full of crafting resources scattered throughout the game world. Other facets of the crafting system, such as resource gathering, item repair, and equipment enhancement, will be rolled out in subsequent releases. For now, though, Shroud of the Avatar backers can jump into New Britannia to check it all out for themselves while the rest of us watch and wait.

                    [Source: Portalarium press release]

                    MassivelyShroud of the Avatar enters Release 2 of early access originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                      Captain's Log Supplemental: STO's Stephen D'Angelo speaks

                      Posted: 23 Jan 2014 10:00 AM PST

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                      STO Defiant Bridge
                      Last week we reported on the announcement that Star Trek Online has a new Executive Producer. Daniel Stahl, who held the position for the past several years, has moved on to another "secret" project at Cryptic Studios. The game's new (and returning) EP, Stephen D'Angelo, has taken the chair once again and has already posted his first blog outlining a few of his desires for the future of Star Trek Online. We had the opportunity to interview D'Angelo and ask him a few more questions about the game and what direction he sees the ship heading.

                      Massively: Congratulations on your new position as Executive Producer of Star Trek Online! Of course, this isn't your first time in the command chair. What's the first challenge you were faced with when you finally took the seat, and how is it different from the challenges you faced the last time you were at the helm?

                      Stephen D'Angelo: Any time there is a change in leadership, there's a period of learning how the team operates. This time it was a pretty smooth transition, with no significant challenges. I've got a great working relationship with the team, and because there was nothing eminently shipping, I was able to ramp up at a reasonable pace. The last time was much more challenging. I was given the team without warning, and it was only weeks before converting the game to free-to-play. That was a pretty mad scramble.

                      Continue reading Captain's Log Supplemental: STO's Stephen D'Angelo speaks

                      MassivelyCaptain's Log Supplemental: STO's Stephen D'Angelo speaks originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                        New racing MMO looks to Kickstart its engines

                        Posted: 23 Jan 2014 09:30 AM PST

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                        A new racing MMO has taken to Kickstarter this week. Inspired by Motor City Online and anime film Akira meets Street Rod, Hot Rod Hustle is part racing sim and part RPG set in a blended 2-D/3-D persistent world that will be accessible across multiple platforms.

                        In HRH, players will build and race their vehicles on combined single-player and multiplayer experiences. Features include the ability to race for cash or BitCoins (iOS/Android/PC/Mac), retro mini-games, and leaderboards with worldwide rankings. Gangs (clans) and an open market are two of the project's stretch goals.

                        For a better look under the hood, watch the introduction below. If this game sounds like a sweet ride to you, check out the official Kickstarter to help get the the project off the blocks and onto the road.

                        Continue reading New racing MMO looks to Kickstart its engines

                        MassivelyNew racing MMO looks to Kickstart its engines originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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