General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


Cancel Steam Pre-orders On Your Own

Posted: 26 Jan 2014 04:45 PM PST

No more buyer's remorse for hasty buyers

How many times have you pulled the trigger on a Steam pre-order, only to decide a few days before release that suddenly, you're just no longer into it? Buying in advance just isn't a good idea sometimes, as any seasoned gamer will tell you, and now Valve has implemented a way to protect you from at least some of the impulse buying its digital distribution platform inspires. 

According to PCGamer by way of the Steam forums, it now appears that you can cancel pre-orders opened up in a moment of temporarily insanity without a ticket. What was once before a grueling support ticketing process has now dissipated into a painless few steps. 

Simply click on the "refund an item" link listed by the item in your library and you can get the process underway all on your own. It may not be a perfect process as of yet since all the details haven't been ironed out thus far, but it's certainly a better idea than just plunking down the cash and hoping you actually like the game you preordered.

Google Pwnium 4 Event Invites Hackers to Crack Chrome OS

Posted: 26 Jan 2014 04:16 PM PST

May the best hacker win

Google will once again play host to the Pwnium hacking contest to draw star hackers and crackers out of the woodwork. Prizes up to $2.7 million total will go to anyone who can hack Chrome OS so Google can better patch specific exploits and issues. If you're up to the task, there are several cash prizes at stake, which you could take home as an individual or a member of a team. 

Pwnium 4, as the challenge is affectionately known, will allow contestants to choose to hack Intel or ARM-powered laptops as they attempt to hack Chrome OS. Those who make the grade will be rewarded with $110,000 and $150,000 with big money going to those who can maintain control of the hacked systems even after rebooting and other fixes. 

To qualify, winners must be able to provide the code they used to get the job done as well as point out the vulnerabilities they found while working. Seeing as last year Google planned on paying out a whopping total of $3.14159 million and only had to pay out $40,000 it's not likely much of this prize money is actually going to go out. 

Still, if you're down to try then Pwnium 4 will take place on March 12 at CanSecWest in Vancouver, British Columbia. Official rules are listed here. Do you think you're up to the task? Give it a try! You've nothing to lose and a whole lot of prize money to gain. 

Navigate Word Web App with New "Tell Me" Feature

Posted: 25 Jan 2014 06:28 PM PST

"Tell me" offers suggestions rather than asking you to be specific

Microsoft is making a move to aid users when it comes to finding important features and options they may want to use when it comes to the Word Web App. A brand new "Tell Me" feature has been implemented that aims to act as a kind of virtual assistant for those needing a little extra help when it comes to Word.

Tell Me, via PC World, allows you to search for ideas and concepts for what you want to do, so even if you're not sure exactly what it is you're trying to accomplish, there's a way to find it. You can give Tell Me a vague idea of what you want to do, like "enlarge text" and it'll offer you sufficient options with which you can do this. It's handy, especially for users with a little less experience navigating the tools and options of Word.

This feature is nowhere near as garish and annoying as the paper clip that haunted our collective dreams back in the day, and it looks to be pretty useful. Have you given it a try yet?

MMO Updates

MMO Updates


Final Fantasy XIV PS4 launch coming April 14th, details on patch 2.2 revealed

Posted: 26 Jan 2014 09:00 AM PST

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Final Fantasy XIV -- Letter to the Producer Live banner
Yesterday, Final Fantasy XIV players had a field day with the 12th installment of the Letter to the Producer Live stream, during which they launched a bevy of questions at the game's producer and director, Naoki Yoshida, and received a slew of answers in return. For starters, the game will launch on the PS4 on April 14th and include a collector's edition. The beta will begin on February 22nd as previously reported.

Patch 2.2, aka Through the Maelstrom, which Yoshida revealed will go live sometime in March, will bring with it an array of new content such as the Ruins of Amdapor dungeon, an expansion to the Binding Coil of Bahamut instance, and last but certainly not least, a new Primal to fight: the aquatic Leviathan.

While the most die-hard of fans likely saw the livestream when it was... well, live, those who missed out need not despair because the entirety of the question-and-answer session has been transcribed in its own thread on the game's official forums.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV PS4 launch coming April 14th, details on patch 2.2 revealed originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Jan 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Sweaty navels

Posted: 26 Jan 2014 07:00 AM PST

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TERA
As we all well know, the navel -- or "belly button" in layman's parlance -- is the sweatiest organ of the body. So much so, in fact, that the navel must either be exposed to air at all time or be equipped with a specialized "tummy diaper." Here we see reader ThorHal getting it right with his character in TERA.

"I was one to complain when One Shots vanished a while back, now here to contribute!" ThorHal exclaimed. "I was traveling along the roads, exploring and helping the local populace. Transitioning into this beautiful place called Heartwood left me stunned. This game keeps impressing me with its art, be it dry deserts, lush forests, or this magical place."

Despite what you might assume, this week's collection of player-submitted screenshots isn't just about our "tickle dimples." It's a treat for the eyes and a balm for the soul, all after the jump!

Continue reading One Shots: Sweaty navels

MassivelyOne Shots: Sweaty navels originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Jan 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    The Daily Grind: What art style resonates the most with you?

    Posted: 26 Jan 2014 05:00 AM PST

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    WildStar
    The first time I saw the art style of both World of Warcraft and WildStar, I found myself enchanted. Bright colors, bold strokes, and exaggerated designs have always appealed to me, from movies like Beetlejuice to games like MediEvil to places like Disney World. So when I encounter similar styles in MMOs, I'm drawn to it like a toddler to power tools.

    That's not to say that I don't appreciate more realistic art. Guild Wars 2's "painterly aesthetic" was a treat for my eyes, and I'll never get tired of Lord of the Rings Online's world.

    I really want to hear about what you prefer in a game's art today. What game or art style resonates with you the most? What visuals draw you into these fantastic world and make you look around in wide-eyed wonder?

    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 art style resonates the most with you? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Jan 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      Make My MMO: Crowdfunding January 12 - 25, 2014

      Posted: 25 Jan 2014 05:00 PM PST

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      Make My MMO: Crowdfunding January 12 - 25, 2014
      After a sleepy holiday season, the crowdfunding crowd has woken up and gotten down to business. And amidst that new bustle of activity, Make My MMO's ranks are altering a bit. Two games leave our listing, but each for different reasons; the cross-platform space sim Space Unfolding folded after missing its goal, and Face of Mankind moved along to Betawatch to join the ranks of the games in testing. And now that War of Omens' campaign has wrapped up, it moves into the fully funded category.

      Some campaigns have really kicked into high gear. Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen joined the crowdfunding race and has delivered a slew of nearly daily news. Novus AEterno has nearly tripled its goal and is closing in on yet another stretch goal these final days of its campaign, while The Repopulation has also blown away its initial goal and is aiming for its eigth stretch goal (not to mention revealed plenty of juicy new bits). A smaller title, Tales From The Strange Universe, is more than halfway to its modest goal with a week left. And newcomer Star Rider also jumps on the Kickstarter bandwagon. Unfortunately, others aren't faring as well. Things aren't looking promising for Antilia or Universe Rush, whose campaigns end soon and are still over $85K and $98K short of their respective goals.

      Want more details on these stories or an update on all the already-funded projects? We've got the round-up right here.

      Continue reading Make My MMO: Crowdfunding January 12 - 25, 2014

      MassivelyMake My MMO: Crowdfunding January 12 - 25, 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Jan 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        Norrathian Notebook: Saying goodbye to EQ 2.5 aka Vanguard

        Posted: 25 Jan 2014 03:00 PM PST

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        Norrathian Notebook:  Saying goodbye to EQ 2.5 aka Vanguard
        No, your eyes are not deceiving you: The title and picture do both say Vanguard. Although I had other thoughts poised on the end of my pen for today, they've all been scattered to the winds by the unexpected announcement of the closing of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. In fact, I really can't seem to think of anything else right now, so I am giving up trying and giving in to my Telon thoughts. Besides, ruminating on this topic in Norrathian Notebook is not as far-fetched as you might think. Vanguard's world may be Telon instead of Norrath, but there is a special connection between the realms; there are those who have called Vanguard the true successor to the original EverQuest game. And it is from that vantage that I take this time to look back on what was, enjoy what is (while I can), and mourn for what could have been.

        Continue reading Norrathian Notebook: Saying goodbye to EQ 2.5 aka Vanguard

        MassivelyNorrathian Notebook: Saying goodbye to EQ 2.5 aka Vanguard originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Jan 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          The Mog Log: Making nice with beastmen in Final Fantasy XIV

          Posted: 25 Jan 2014 01:00 PM PST

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          Finally, a chance for me to talk about drug references and the intensely creepy use of the 'tsundere' ideal in a single article.
          I'm going to type a couple of words at the end of this paragraph, and I really need everyone reading to keep it together. I know these two words are frightening, believe me. But if you can just take a deep breath, I promise you it's all right. Ready? Here they are: daily quests.

          No, I -- sir, please put down the torch. Ma'am, stop eating your chair. That's not the exit; that's the window, and we're two stories up, and -- well, that went about as well as I had expected. Most of you are just shaking and silently screaming.

          While I'm definitely in the minority in terms of liking daily quests, that's mostly insofar as I don't find them vile anti-hope toxins. (I also was not around for the launch of Mists of Pandaria.) The addition of beast tribe dailies in Final Fantasy XIV might not set some people on fire. But the way these quests are handled not only is pretty darn good but might actually appeal even if you're one of the people fleeing in horror at the very mention of dailies.

          Continue reading The Mog Log: Making nice with beastmen in Final Fantasy XIV

          MassivelyThe Mog Log: Making nice with beastmen in Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Jan 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            The Repopulation delivers third alpha trailer, conquers another stretch goal

            Posted: 25 Jan 2014 12:00 PM PST

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            One great thing about The Repopulation's latest Kickstarter campaign (besides the chance to support an upcoming sandbox) is that it delivering regular doses of data to the public. And the latest tidbit to come through the pipeline is a third alpha trailer showing off a bit of the game. Experience a minute and a half of the in-game environments, mounts, and various battles with wildlife and other players in the clip below. Then, if you want to get in on supporting the game and helping it reach another stretch goal (it just secured the unique naming of items), you've got until Monday to do so.

            [Source: Above & Beyond Technologies press release]

            Continue reading The Repopulation delivers third alpha trailer, conquers another stretch goal

            MassivelyThe Repopulation delivers third alpha trailer, conquers another stretch goal originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Jan 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Albion Online trading levels for the Destiny Board

              Posted: 25 Jan 2014 11:00 AM PST

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              Albion Online
              Cross-platform sandbox MMO Albion Online is getting something called a Destiny Board in place of traditional level dings. "Players instead earn small perks and bonuses over a period of time by performing actions based on what their character is learning," according to Sandbox Interactive.

              We've included the full press release after the cut.

              Continue reading Albion Online trading levels for the Destiny Board

              MassivelyAlbion Online trading levels for the Destiny Board originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                The Stream Team: It's random hero time in Dota 2

                Posted: 25 Jan 2014 10:00 AM PST

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                Dota 2
                One of the core requirements of any MOBA is a deep understanding all of that game's heroes. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each character is critical for setting up a winning strategy and for picking the perfect counter-hero during draft time. In Dota 2, as in other MOBAs, the best way to learn a new hero is to spend some time in that hero's shoes. So today Massively's Mike Foster is leaving hero selection to the "random" button. It might go well and it might go terribly, but either way Mike will come away with a better knowledge of the game.

                Tune in at 1:00 p.m. EST to find out what luck has in store for Mike. Viewers are welcome to party up.

                Game: Dota 2
                Host: Mike Foster
                Date: Saturday, January 25th, 2014
                Time: 1:00 p.m. EST

                Enjoy our Steam Team video below.

                Continue reading The Stream Team: It's random hero time in Dota 2

                MassivelyThe Stream Team: It's random hero time in Dota 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Jan 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  MMORPG News

                  MMORPG News


                  The Repopulation: New Alpha Trailer & Game Play Footage Released

                  Posted: 25 Jan 2014 03:13 PM PST

                  New Alpha Trailer & Game Play Footage Released

                  Fans of The Repopulation will definitely want to check out the brand new game trailer and alpha game play footage just released by the team. In addition, the KickStarter campaign continues to gain momentum allowing the developers to release more stretch goals and provide more information about the game.

                  Star Wars Galaxies: Our Next Game is Dedicated to You

                  Posted: 25 Jan 2014 03:06 PM PST

                  Our Next Game is Dedicated to You

                  During yesterday's AMA with SOE President John Smedley with specific regard to the recent game closures, Smed let loose that a new 'as yet unannounced' title is in the works and is dedicated to Star Wars Galaxies fans and former players.

                  EverQuest Next: Smed's AMA Information

                  Posted: 25 Jan 2014 02:58 PM PST

                  Smed

                  EQNextFans.com has posted a nice digest of Smed's recent AMA with regard to both EverQuest Next and EverQuest Next: Landmark. Users were able to ask questions about the two forthcoming games, divided into several sections.

                  Marvel Heroes: Developers Answer a Ton of Questions

                  Posted: 25 Jan 2014 11:34 AM PST

                  Developers Answer a Ton of Questions

                  On 24-January, Gazillion brought down the Marvel Heroes game in order to apply content update 2.14. The downtime for the patch was extended for several hours, during which time Doomsaw, Ryolnir, and a number of Gazillion developers participated in a marathon "Ask Gazillion Anything" session. Several hours, eighty-plus pages of posts, and hundreds of questions later, we learned a lot of interesting things regarding the present and near future for Marvel Heroes.

                  General: MMO Super Women

                  Posted: 23 Jan 2014 05:48 PM PST

                  MMO Super Women

                  Batman, Superman, and Spiderman are the most popular answers for the famous, who's your favorite super hero? question. But what if you were asked to name your favorite female super hero? Icons such as Wonder Woman or Lara Croft may come to mind. What attributes make these super women feel truly real, but also truly memorable? For video games specifically it can be difficult to mention just one or two favorites. And it can be even more difficult to narrow down wonder-women characters from an MMO.

                  WildStar: Chief Sarcan's Everything You Need to Know Class Guide

                  Posted: 23 Jan 2014 05:24 PM PST

                  Chief Sarcan

                  Before you begin your journey, you need to have a basic understanding of each class. Chief Sarcan hasput together this guide to help you on your way. For each class, he will cover the basic elements, class roles, innate abilities and class techniques. Check out the guide and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

                  Firefall: Red 5 Secures $23M in Series B Funding

                  Posted: 24 Jan 2014 03:30 PM PST

                  Red 5 Secures $23M in Series B Funding

                  Red 5 has announced that it has secured $23 million in series B funding. The influx of funds will give Red 5 the opportunity to complete testing on Firefall and officially launch the game later in 2014.

                  General: Warframe PS4 Updated with Cicero Crisis Event

                  Posted: 24 Jan 2014 03:24 PM PST

                  Warframe PS4 Updated with Cicero Crisis Event

                  The latest update has been applied to Warframe that brings a new event called "Cicero Crisis" into the game. In addition, several new tilesets have been brought online.

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