General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


Acer Introduces K137 Portable Projector to the U.S. Market

Posted: 06 Feb 2014 12:37 PM PST

Acer K137A home theater that fits in the palm of your hand

Bigger isn't always better, especially when you're talking about mobility. For example, have you ever wanted to take your home theater with you? That's a tough task, though Acer's new palm-sized K137 projector makes it easy to bring a big screen experience to a friend's house. It weighs just 1.1 pounds and measures 7.4 inches (W) by 4.6 inches (D) by 1.6 inches (H).

"It's easily moved to the den for a gaming match with friends or toted in a backpack for taking to the family cabin for movie night," Acer says.

The tiny projector puts out 700 ANSI lumens in standard mode (560 lumens in Eco mode) and has a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. It has a native 1280x800 HD WXGA resolution and maximum UXGA 1080p Full HD resolution. According to Acer, the K137 can beam a 62-inch image from less than 6.5 feet away while maintaining up to 95 percent NTSC color gamut.

Other features include a pair of built-in 3W speakers with SRS Wow HD stereo enhancement, a microSD slot, USB port, HDMI port input (for connecting to PCs, game consoles, and Blu-ray/DVD players), and a bulb that lasts up to 20,000 hours in standard mode and 30,000 hours in ExtremeEco mode. It's also Microsoft Office compatible, Acer says.

The Acer K137 LED portable projector will be available this month for $599.

Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

Amazon Reportedly Buys Double Helix Games, Makers of Killer Instinct

Posted: 06 Feb 2014 12:09 PM PST

Double Helix GamesMega e-tailer went and scooped up a gaming studio

Details are a little sparse at the moment, but Amazon has reportedly acquired Double Helix Games, the gaming studio that developed Killer Instinct (which was published by Microsoft Studios). The acquisition is said to include the whole shebang -- talent and intellectual property (IP). One of the things that isn't known at this time is how much Amazon paid for the development.

That's because there hasn't been an official announcement, though TechCrunch claims to have confirmed the report with the e-tailer.

"Amazon has acquired Double Helix as part of our ongoing commitment to build innovative games for customers," TechCrunch quotes Amazon as saying.

The acquisition adds fuel to rumors that Amazon is planning to launch its own gaming console. It's been an ongoing rumor, and more recently gaming site VG247.com said Amazon was working on a Android-powered console priced below $300 designed to compete with Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo.

It should be noted that Amazon has its own game studio, which has been focused on mobile games like Air Patriots and Airport Mania HD Free. As for the future of Killer Instinct, a Microsoft spokesperson told Polygon that Microsoft Studios will continue work with a "new development partner" on Killer Instinct for the Xbox One, adding that "the franchise will remain with Microsoft Studios."

Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

DisplaySearch Predicts Tablet PC Shipments to Reach 455 Million by 2017

Posted: 06 Feb 2014 11:30 AM PST

Nexus 7The tablet PC craze is in full swing

If you thought the tablet market was on the verge of being saturated, think again. According to DisplaySearch, tablet PC shipments will reach 455 million units by 2017, at which time slates will account for nearly 75 percent of the mobile PC market as a whole. DisplaySearch says falling prices and continued advances in display technology will be key in the upcoming growth of tablets.

"Momentum for the tablet PC market is in full swing as it has become the dominant mobile PC form factor," said Richard Shim, senior analyst at NPD DisplaySearch. "Competition is expected to increase as traditional notebook PC brands, including Lenovo, HP, and Dell update their product portfolios to emphasize tablet PCs. Increased competition will mean more attention on, and development of, various segments of the market, which will ultimately lead to greater choice and devices that better fit the needs of consumers."

The rise in tablet sales will come at the expense of notebooks, the research firm says. Coming off weaker than expected back-to-school and holiday sales, notebook PC makers have reduced their estimates for 2014 and collectively are bracing themselves for a 7 percent year-on-year decline. Touch panel integration hasn't helped the way OEMs hoped, resulting in notebook PC shipments dropping from 155 million units in 2013 to 105 million units in 2017.

A silver lining in the notebook segment is the ultra-think category. While standard notebooks sales are expected to decline, DisplaySearch expects ultra-slim PCs to rise from 26 million shipments in 2013 to 57 million units in 2017.

Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

Frustratingly Addictive Flappy Bird Game Makes $50,000 Per Day

Posted: 06 Feb 2014 09:44 AM PST

Flappy BirdFlappy Bird developer profits handsomely from your frustration

The current craze in mobile gaming isn't Candy Crush or anything else you've been invited to play a few dozen times on Facebook. It's Flappy Bird, a simple game that will drive you absolutely bonkers almost from the get-go. Those of you who have played it know what I'm talking about, and if you haven't downloaded it yet, well, just remember that everything's going to be all right. While you're cursing how something so simple can be so difficult yet maddeningly addicting, Flappy Bird developer Dong Nguyen is laughing all the way to the bank as his game averages $50,000 in ad revenue per day.

Nguyen revealed the obscene figure during an interview with The Verge. I say "obscene" because the app is so incredibly basic. For those of you who haven't played it yet, your task is to tap the screen to keep a pixelated bird airborne while avoiding pipes that look borrowed from Super Mario Bros. That's it. Tap, tap, tap -- curse like a sailor. Rinse and repeat. I spent the better part of last evening ignoring the basketball game I meant to watch and intead trying to earn a respectible score in Flappy Bird -- I ended up with a high of 20 points.

Over time, you'll get better at it and perhaps navigate your way to a double digit score (you get 1 point for ever set of pipes you successfully navigate through). Here's the catch -- you might post a high score, but the next time you play, you're more likely to score 1 point than you are to match or beat your score. It's absolutely maddening. And addictive. That's all it is, and probably all it will ever be, assuming humanity survives.

"Flappy Bird has reached a state where anything added to the game will ruin it somehow, so I'd like to leave it as is," Nguyen says. "I will think about a sequel but I"m not sure about the timeline."

Fortune didn't come immediately, however. Flappy Birds actually launched back in May 2013 and is available on iOS, Android, and PC (via Facebook), though only recently became popular.

Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

Sony Waves Goodbye to VAIO PC, Will Now Focus on Mobile

Posted: 06 Feb 2014 08:55 AM PST

Sony Vaio LaptopVAIO PCs didn't fit in with Sony's reform strategy

There's a good chance you may never see a new Vaio PC sold in the United States ever again. We're not necessarily jumping to that conclusion, though it's a strong possibility since Sony just agreed to sell its Vaio PC business to Japan Industrial Partners Inc., a Japanese investment firm. By getting rid of its Vaio division, Sony frees itself up to focus on mobile, and specifically smartphones and tablets.

Terms and conditions of the deal are still being worked out with both sides aiming to have all the paperwork filled out next month. Once the Vaio name officially changes hands, Sony says it expects the new owners to concentrate on sales of consumer and corporate PCs in the Japanese market "while evaluating possible further geographic expansion."

Saying goodbye to its Vaio PC business is just one part of Sony's aggressive "reform strategy," which extends across all of its electronic businesses. There will be some layoffs associated with the transfer, along with Sony's TV business being turned into a wholly owned subsidiary by July 2014.

Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook

Newegg Daily Deals: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB DDR3-1600, Intel Core i5 3470, and More!

Posted: 06 Feb 2014 07:17 AM PST

Crucial Ballistixnewegg logo

Top Deal:

Perhaps by this time next year, systems running DDR4 memory will be commonplace. Until then, DDR3 is still where it's at, and if you're in need of an upgrade, there's no sense in waiting -- prices are likely to go up this year. Luckily there are still some good buys out there, such as today's top deal for a Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1600 Desktop Memory for $68 with free shipping (normally $85 -- use coupon code: [EMCPHPF32]). This kit features aggressive looking heatsinks, XMP profiles for easy setup, and a CAS latency of 9.

Other Deals:

Intel Core i5-3470 Ivy Bridge 3.2GHz LGA 1155 Desktop Processor for $180 with free shipping (normally $190 - use coupon code: [EMCPHPF28])

WD Green 4TB IntelliPower 3.5-inch Internal Hard Drive for $160 with free shipping (normally $170 - use coupon code: [EMCPHPF26])

WD Blue 320GB 5400 RPM 8MB Cache 2.5-inch Internal Notebook Hard Drive for $49 with free shipping (normally $55 - use coupon code: [EMCPHPF25])

Hanns-G HE245DPB Black 23.6-inch 5ms Widescreen LED Backlight LCD Monitor w/ Speakers for $120 with free shipping (normally $130 - use coupon code: [EMCPHPF46])

MMO Updates

MMO Updates


Star Wars: The Old Republic highlights the strengths of strike fighters

Posted: 06 Feb 2014 09:30 AM PST

Filed under: , , , , , ,

You know, despite the name, you don't fight many stars.
With all of the other ship classes in Star Wars: The Old Republic's latest addition, you can be forgiven for thinking that Galactic Starfighter kind of gives the eponymous fighters short shrift. After all, gunships can snipe with railguns, scouts are darting and disabling beasts, and bombers are tanks with wings. What can the strike fighter do that all of its contemporaries can't?

Oh, right. It can eat other ships alive by blowing past shields and ripping enemy hulls apart.

The new development blog highlighting the strike fighter discusses how strike fighters are generally the targets of all the other defensive mechanisms -- sure, a gunship can snipe things, but if it gets caught within weapons range of a strike fighter, it's in big trouble. The strike fighter might not have the speed of the scout or the armor of gunships and bombers, but it's maneuverable, nimble, and built for dogfighting. Check out the full development blog for more details on the lynchpin of the fighter squadrons.

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic highlights the strengths of strike fighters originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Feb 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Bless Online offers first closed beta February 20th

Posted: 06 Feb 2014 09:00 AM PST

Filed under: , , , , , ,

If you want to check out Bless Online (and you can get your hands on a Pmang Korean account), you can apply for the new fantasy game's first closed beta phase that goes from February 20 to the 23rd. Steparu reports that besides trying to secure a beta spot through numerous events occurring on the official website, players 19 years of age and older can also sign up for the beta lottery until February 16th. If you lack the credentials to apply for the beta like the lion's share of the Western fan base, you can still get a taste of it in the official gameplay trailer below.

Continue reading Bless Online offers first closed beta February 20th

MassivelyBless Online offers first closed beta February 20th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Feb 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dragon's Prophet EU creating player council

Posted: 06 Feb 2014 08:30 AM PST

Filed under: , , , , ,

Dragon's Prophet players in Europe will soon have a new way to influence their game: the Osiran Council. This player-elected body will give the community more influence over Dragon's Prophet EU's future development. Those who want a seat on this council in order to weigh in on game-relevant decisions, assist in the development and publishing process, and submit suggestions and criticisms directly need to send an email to community@dragonspropheteurope.com with the following information:
  • Character name and server
  • Forum name
  • Spoken languages (English skills should be present)
  • Level of the highest character,
  • Previous MMO experience
  • Values and expertise
  • Reasons why you want the candidacy
In additional Dragon's Prophet news, today's patch introduced the Dragon Compendium for the European community. This feature contains valuable information on all dragons that can be captured as well as resources to upgrade your dragon with other elite skills.

[Source: Infernum Productions press release]

MassivelyDragon's Prophet EU creating player council originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Feb 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

    Dev blog offers snapshot of Pathfinder's finances, new screenshots

    Posted: 06 Feb 2014 08:00 AM PST

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

    Dev blog offers snapshot of Pathfinder's finances
    While most dev blogs focus on game systems, features, and the like, Pathfinder Online's newest one gives the public a look at Goblinworks' financial performance. And for those who backed the project on Kickstarter, the proffered pie chart gives a clear view of where their money went in 2013. The majority of funds, $1.3 million, went to employee overhead, and office overhead ate up the next largest chunk. In all, the company feels it came close to its overall budget plan for the year, with the biggest variance due to hiring more staff.

    The blog continues by introducing new devs working on Pathfinder, announcing a new funding feature for those who still want to back but missed the Kickstarters, and offering new screenshots. Check out the images in the gallery below and head to the official site to meet the new staff.

    [Thanks to Chrysillis for the tip!]

    MassivelyDev blog offers snapshot of Pathfinder's finances, new screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Feb 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink | Email this | Comments

    The Think Tank: What's your favorite game genre (other than MMOs)?

    Posted: 06 Feb 2014 07:00 AM PST

    Filed under: , , ,

    Call of Duty: Ghosts
    You'd think that a bunch of MMO bloggers would pick the MMO genre as their favorite, but that's not necessarily true. But that's precisely why we have such a great team here!

    So many game genres come together to form the MMO genre, so it only makes sense that we like other games too. So I picked the brains of our staff members to see what other types of games they enjoy when they'e not playing the latest MMO. Read along after the jump for their picks.

    Continue reading The Think Tank: What's your favorite game genre (other than MMOs)?

    MassivelyThe Think Tank: What's your favorite game genre (other than MMOs)? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Feb 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink | Email this | Comments

      Darkfall runs one-week promotion

      Posted: 06 Feb 2014 06:30 AM PST

      Filed under: , , , ,

      Darkfall
      Darkfall really wants you to be playing it and is willing to make a few major concessions to pave the way for both new and returning players to join the fold.

      The subscription PvP MMO is running a February promotion aimed at, well, everyone. Lapsed players will find that Aventurine has reactivated their accounts for a week, new players can pick up the game for 75% off, and current players can pick up a six-month subscription for 45% off. This promotion will go through February 13th.

      Aventurine also posted a note saying that lapsed accounts three months or older will require a support ticket to dig those characters out of storage.

      [Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]

      MassivelyDarkfall runs one-week promotion originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Feb 2014 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

      Permalink | Email this | Comments

      A look at WildStar's crafting mechanics

      Posted: 06 Feb 2014 06:00 AM PST

      Filed under: , , , , , , ,

      You're a master of explosives and firearms for everyone!
      As WildStar nears its ambiguous-but-soon release date, questions have to be asked, aside from "when is this game releasing, anyway?" Like crafting-related questions. Why haven't we heard more about crafting yet? What are the mechanics? Is this another example of a game wherein crafting is just a matter of assembling a pile of materials and clicking a button?

      The answer to that last one is a pretty firm no. As it happens, there's a lot going on under the hood of WildStar's crafting mechanics, enough to intrigue dedicated crafters of many styles.

      We had a chance recently to sit down with system designer Phillip Chan to talk in-depth about the game's crafting mechanics and how the team is working to keep crafting relevant through the whole game, from start to finish. The goals were to create crafting mechanics that rewarded players for taking part, gave room for custom creations and specialized crafters, and to make the whole thing feel fun. The net result? Not just clicking a button and going off to make a sandwich.

      Continue reading A look at WildStar's crafting mechanics

      MassivelyA look at WildStar's crafting mechanics originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Feb 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

      Permalink | Email this | Comments

        The Daily Grind: Are you missing out if you skip an MMO launch?

        Posted: 06 Feb 2014 05:00 AM PST

        Filed under: , , , , , ,

        TESO
        I'm a huge fan of the Elder Scrolls franchise. I started with Morrowind over a decade ago and I'm almost ashamed to admit how many hours I put into it as well as its two successors. Therefore it pains me to realize that I'm not such a huge Elder Scrolls Online fan.

        I'll play it at some point due solely to my fondness for the IP, but as of now I probably won't be paying full price for it at launch. And I'm kinda bummed out by that.

        What about you, Massively readers? Do you feel like you're missing out if you skip an MMO's launch window?

        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 you missing out if you skip an MMO launch? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Feb 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

        Permalink | Email this | Comments

          The Stream Team: SWTOR masters of dread

          Posted: 05 Feb 2014 06:00 PM PST

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

          The Stream Team: SWTOR masters of dread
          There it sits, like a beacon of evil. The Dread Fortress and home to some of the most powerful Sith, the Dread Masters, towers over the moon of Oricon. They must be defeated for the good of the galaxy! Join Massively's Larry Everett and the guild Nefarious Intent at 9:00 p.m. EST as they tackle some of the hardest endgame content in Star Wars: The Old Republic.

          Game: Star Wars: The Old Republic
          Host: Larry Everett
          Date: Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
          Time: 9:00 p.m. EST

          Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

          Continue reading The Stream Team: SWTOR masters of dread

          MassivelyThe Stream Team: SWTOR masters of dread originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

          Permalink | Email this | Comments

            Why I Play: Neverwinter

            Posted: 05 Feb 2014 05:00 PM PST

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

            Neverwinter screenshot
            I have to say that for all of my yapping about needing to play MMOs that allow me to freely roam and to explore a virtual world and live a virtual life, I sure am a fan of linear themeparks. Who isn't? In fact, show me someone who now claims to be the enemy of all things themed, and I'll show you someone who at some point enjoyed the benefits of a good themepark, most likely World of Warcraft. I'm not sure why there's any shame in admitting that one enjoys a good romp through a virtual storybook, but I sure do. In fact, I often depend on it in order to get me over lazy sandbox slumps.

            Neverwinter is one of my favorite themeparks out there. There are quite a few reasons it works so well, many of them obvious. I'd like also to point out some of the reasons Neverwinter might work so well for certain types of players.

            Continue reading Why I Play: Neverwinter

            MassivelyWhy I Play: Neverwinter originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

            Permalink | Email this | Comments

              The Stream Team: Questing in the cold in WildStar

              Posted: 05 Feb 2014 04:00 PM PST

              Filed under: , , , , , , ,

              Last time, while Massively's MJ was innocently going about her business trying to get to Nexus and help the Exiles out in WildStar, the Dominion crashed her ship. On top of that, they seemingly planted light bombs to blind her! But she's not about to give up that easily, so she's going to continue to trudge through the snow and glitches to help out her fellows with whatever tasks they have for her. Besides, that gives her a chance to really blast any of those foul Dominion with her growing Esper skills if she comes across them. Join us live at 7:00 p.m. for more chilly questing adventures.

              Game: WildStar
              Host: MJ Guthrie
              Date: Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
              Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

              Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

              Continue reading The Stream Team: Questing in the cold in WildStar

              MassivelyThe Stream Team: Questing in the cold in WildStar originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

              Permalink | Email this | Comments

                Choose My Adventure: Through the starting gates of EverQuest

                Posted: 05 Feb 2014 03:30 PM PST

                Filed under: , , , , , ,

                And we're off! The gates of EverQuest have opened, and thanks to the advice of my very own pit crew (that means you!), I am planted firmly in my saddle as ready to take on this wild Choose My Adventure ride. So let's get this show started, shall we?

                Figuring out where in EQ I was going to go was pretty cut and dried; Firiona Vie was the server winner by a landslide. Either you know me well enough and placed me accordingly, or you're just saying that's an awesome place to be. Of course, it could be both, which is a double bonus.

                The racial fight was more of a nail-biter. Tier"Dal, Iksar, and Froglok battled it out, but in the end, good won. Well, actually let's not be too hasty tossing that "good" label around: As for classes, only two choices were running pretty much neck in neck, and both were decidedly evil! Ultimately the caster lost and tin can won. So instead of summoning and commanding my own hordes of undead (for which I thank you profusely), I dub myself Sir MJ, the Shadowknight. As much as I have rarely played plate or tank classes, I do appreciate this; necromancy is definitely not a favorite pastime of mine. Add in your final decision to start me off in my racial lands and we are all set to go.

                Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Through the starting gates of EverQuest

                MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Through the starting gates of EverQuest originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

                Permalink | Email this | Comments

                  Transformers Universe now a 'MOTA,' set for summer release

                  Posted: 05 Feb 2014 03:00 PM PST

                  Filed under: , , , , ,

                  Transformers Universe promotional art
                  The last we heard about Jagex's development of Transformers Universe was in July of 2013 when it was announced that 13 employees had been laid off from the game's development team. Today, however, Jagex CEO and CTO Mark Gerhard announced some big news regarding the would-be Transformers MMO. Specifically, he announced that... it's not exactly an MMO anymore.

                  Transformers Universe is now being called a "massively online, tactical action game, or MOTA," and Gerhard states that it offers "fast-paced, battle centric, tactical action with a selection of game modes for core gamers, casual gamers, and Transformers enthusiasts alike." All the nitty-gritty gameplay details can be found in the official post, but Gerhard specifically addresses the studio's long radio silence, stating that "from today onwards [fans] can expect regular updates, and soon all start participating first-hand" in the game's ongoing development. He mentions that the studio is "100% set to launch Transformers Universe this summer" and that they will be progressively inviting registered players into the game's beta testing. To get all the full details on this new "MOTA" or to sign up for beta, head over to the Transformers Universe official site.

                  MassivelyTransformers Universe now a 'MOTA,' set for summer release originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

                  Permalink | Email this | Comments

                  TUG gets the greenlight on Steam

                  Posted: 05 Feb 2014 02:30 PM PST

                  Filed under: , , ,

                  TUG
                  TUG might not have a real name (or does it?) but it's definitely going places in the world: The title was one of 50 games that got greenlit on Steam today.

                  Fans voted that TUG should be offered on Steam's digital distribution platform and apparently Valve agreed. Of course, TUG had some help getting there: The creators had offered supporters several types of virtual goodies if they helped TUG pass the greenlight threshold.

                  TUG is still in early alpha with an eye to release sometime next year. Steam said that it will work with the studio to offer the title as a release on the platform.

                  MassivelyTUG gets the greenlight on Steam originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

                  Permalink | Email this | Comments

                  RIFT announces Dream Weaver patch date, introduces new Budgie mounts

                  Posted: 05 Feb 2014 02:00 PM PST

                  Filed under: , , , ,

                  Screenshot -- RIFT
                  Telarans anxiously awaiting the next RIFT update won't have to wait much longer because Trion Worlds has announced that patch 2.6, Dream Weaver, will go live on February 12th. The update brings with it a slew of new features, perhaps the most notable of which is an entirely new crafting class: the titular Dream Weaver. The Dream Weaver tradeskill allows players to craft keys for 15 new dimensions and create a number of lighting and particle effects that can be used to add a little pizzaz to your dimension. The update will also kick off a new Air Saga storyline that takes players back in time to relive the story of Crucia, the dragon goddess of air, and will see the addition of the new bounty system, new combat pet skins, and unstable artifact sets.

                  But if you just can't wait one week to get your RIFT fix, perhaps you could pass the time trying to acquire an adorable new mount, the Frosty Budgie. Until February 11th, players can compete in daily Budgie races in Silverwood (for Guardians), Freemarch (for Defiant), Pelladane, and Cape Jule. Completing all three races will earn an achievement and a Budgie Trove, which has a chance to contain the rare Frosty Budgie. Players can also complete new daily quests in the aforementioned zones to earn bird seed, which can be used to purchase the new Ashen Budgie mount. For players who absolutely must have these new mounts can purchase additional bird seed and Budgie Troves via the in-game cash shop.

                  MassivelyRIFT announces Dream Weaver patch date, introduces new Budgie mounts originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

                  Permalink | Email this | Comments

                  MMO Mechanics: Comparing vertical and horizontal progression

                  Posted: 05 Feb 2014 01:00 PM PST

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

                  MMO Mechanics title image
                  MMO players strive to obtain some kind of tangible progression each play session, but the method by which that progression is delivered varies greatly across the genre. Archetypal themepark titles frequently rely on level-based progression that culminates in climbing through gear tiers at endgame, but the freeform nature of sandbox MMOs lends itself to a more open progression system that focuses on the holistic development of characters. These two progression systems are described as vertical and horizontal progression: Traditional gearing or leveling is commonly described as a vertical climb, while wider choice-based progression is more often expressed as a non-linear journey.

                  The relative merits of these two diverging approaches to progression are commonly debated by modern MMO players. Many players wish to see a blended hybrid approach to progression that emphasises the horizontal, multi-faceted growth of their characters over rattling through yet another gear tier. Despite this, players still favour a goal-oriented attainment system and perhaps progressive gear that doesn't require a long run on the grinding treadmill. This balance can be very hard to achieve, so titles such as Guild Wars 2 have taken some knocks on the path towards perfect horizontal and vertical progression balance.

                  In this week's MMO Mechanics, I will look at what is meant by both vertical and horizontal progression, how they are mechanically implemented in MMOs, and what each type of progression means for the playerbase.

                  Continue reading MMO Mechanics: Comparing vertical and horizontal progression

                  MassivelyMMO Mechanics: Comparing vertical and horizontal progression originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

                  Permalink | Email this | Comments

                    SOE opens 2014 G.I.R.L. scholarship submissions

                    Posted: 05 Feb 2014 12:30 PM PST

                    Filed under: , , ,

                    SOE
                    SOE has begun its 7th Gamers in Real Life Game Design Competition, inviting aspiring game developers to apply for a possible $10,000 college scholarship and a 10-week job as a paid intern at the studio.

                    To apply, you'll need to be enrolled in an undergraduate program that has something to do with video games, have a 3.00 GPA or higher, be 18 or older, and be a legal resident of one of the 50 United States or District of Columbia. The application includes concept artwork, captions, and an essay. Interested participants need to submit their application by March 19th.

                    We interviewed the 2013 winner, Esther Wu, last October about her experience with the competition, which is worth a read if you're interested in participating.

                    MassivelySOE opens 2014 G.I.R.L. scholarship submissions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

                    Permalink | Email this | Comments

                    Elite: Dangerous moves into multiplayer alpha

                    Posted: 05 Feb 2014 12:00 PM PST

                    Filed under: , , , ,

                    Elite Dangerous
                    Elite: Dangerous has jumped into the second stage of its alpha, adding in multiplayer elements for the first time.

                    With Alpha Phase 2.0, Elite: Dangerous players can try out four multiplayer scenarios, including free-for-all, two-team melee, co-op defense, and an advanced pirates and bounty hunters mode with "fluid choices and roles." Players who engage in these scenarios can earn credits for better ship loadouts.

                    But don't just read about Alpha Phase 2.0 here; watch the dev video with all of the stunning highlights after the break!

                    [Thanks to Peteris for the tip!]

                    Continue reading Elite: Dangerous moves into multiplayer alpha

                    MassivelyElite: Dangerous moves into multiplayer alpha originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

                    Permalink | Email this | Comments

                    Star Wars: The Old Republic takes you to the gun(ship) show

                    Posted: 05 Feb 2014 11:00 AM PST

                    Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

                    Space?  I didn't sign up for this!
                    Space is not the final frontier in Star Wars: The Old Republic. Frankly, space is pretty mundane. There's plenty of it, and both the Republic and the Empire have spent a lot of time flying around in it with machines meant to blow the snot out of other machines. The Gunship is the target of the latest development blog, and it's not just designed to blow up other space machines (or "starfighters," if you will) -- it's designed to do so from long range and with extreme prejudice.

                    Gunships all possess a Railgun of some kind, characterized as a long-range sniping weapon with an emphasis on charge time and careful aim. They also feature engines that allow pilots to close distance with a target quickly and others that allow gunships to dart away whilst crippling enemy thrusters. Take a look at the development blog for more details, and if you missed it yesterday, check out the the trailer for Galactic Starfighter just past the cut.

                    Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic takes you to the gun(ship) show

                    MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic takes you to the gun(ship) show originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

                    Permalink | Email this | Comments

                    EVE: Valkyrie to be co-published by Oculus

                    Posted: 05 Feb 2014 10:30 AM PST

                    Filed under: , ,

                    For true verisimilitude, have a friend smack you in the back of the head as you're playing.
                    It's fairly obvious to interested observers that EVE: Valkyrie is intimately tied to the Oculus Rift. Its biggest selling point is creating that feel of really piloting a nimble little starfighter yourself, after all. And it looks like that's obvious to the team at Oculus as well, as the studio behind the VR headset has announced it will be co-publishing EVE: Valkyrie along with CCP Games.

                    The net result is that Valkyrie will be an exclusive launch title for the Oculus Rift, making it one of the first AAA titles developed specifically for the device. Oculus is also reaching out to other development studios interested in potentially introducing more titles designed with the VR experience in mind. While there are still no firm details regarding launch dates for the title, expect to see more information about it as the headset moves toward completion.

                    MassivelyEVE: Valkyrie to be co-published by Oculus originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

                    Permalink | Email this | Comments

                    World of Warcraftless: What would the world look like without World of Warcraft?

                    Posted: 05 Feb 2014 10:00 AM PST

                    Filed under: , , , ,

                    Well, we'd hear fewer people whining that World of Warcraft killed the genre because their favorite sort of MMO isn't the top dog, obviously.
                    This year is a big one for World of Warcraft. It's the 10-year anniversary of the game's launch, meaning players have been able to enjoy themselves in Azeroth for quite a while. The franchise itself is turning 20, meaning it's almost old enough to legally drink. And whether you like the game or not, you can't deny that it's had a huge impact on games in general -- not just on MMORPGs but on the very landscape of what games are and how we think about them.

                    So it's kind of natural that we'd start asking if we'd all be better off without it. You live with the same title dominating the industry for a decade, so it's only natural to think about what it'd be like if it weren't there.

                    Personally, I think that's a kind of loaded question that also overlooks a far niftier option. Asking whether we'd be better off first requires one to figure out what the world would look like without World of Warcraft, and for my money that's much more interesting. So let's look at just that. What sort of scenarios might have unfolded if World of Warcraft had never come to pass at all?

                    Continue reading World of Warcraftless: What would the world look like without World of Warcraft?

                    MassivelyWorld of Warcraftless: What would the world look like without World of Warcraft? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

                    Permalink | Email this | Comments

                      Mythic devs form new studio, take over DAoC and Ultima Online

                      Posted: 05 Feb 2014 09:00 AM PST

                      Filed under: , , ,

                      Broadsword
                      Dark Age of Camelot and Ultima Online are moving out from under Mythic Entertainment's management and into a new studio: Broadsword Online Games.

                      Today Mythic announced that 14 members of its team, including co-founder Rob Denton, have left to form Broadsword in order to take over daily operations and development of Mythic's two remaining MMOs.

                      Broadsword will continue to work with EA for the games' billing and account services. The new studio said that it will be releasing more information about plans for UO and DAoC shortly.

                      MassivelyMythic devs form new studio, take over DAoC and Ultima Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

                      Permalink | Email this | Comments

                      Total Pageviews

                      statcounter

                      View My Stats