General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


Netflix Price Hike A Result Of Our Refusal To Give Up Physical Media

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 05:33 PM PDT

NetflixNetflix has been facing has been facing a ton of consumer backlash over its recently announced price hikes, and while the company has been fairly tight lipped when it comes to explaining why it was necessary, the Associated Press claims to have the answer. According to sources close to Netflix, the company simply underestimated how long it would take to convert customers over to a streaming only future, and was stuck with a business model that simply couldn't keep up with their long term goals.

This starts to make sense when you consider that Netflix dropped over $406 million into streaming rights for its online library last year, and these fees are expect to climb to over $1.4 billion next year. With such a massive investment required to continue building up its online catalogue, you can start to appreciate why it might want to split off the two business units when the cost of handling physical media continues to rise as well.

"Netflix is under enormous pressures from the content owners to write bigger and bigger checks," claims Arash Amel, research director for digital media at HIS Screen Digest. "It had to find the money from somewhere." 

Given how reasonable these business realities appear to be, it makes us wonder if people would have been just as upset if Netflix had laid the blame on content rights holders, rather than simply spinning the price hike as a positive. 

Let us know what you think in the comments below. 

Microsoft Registers Microsoft-Sony.com

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 01:02 PM PDT

MS SonyCompanies purchase a ton of domain names defensively each year, but a recent Microsoft acquisition has the rumor mill working overtime. While one might expect the Redmond based software giant to grab hold of something like windowssucks.com (which they did), you probably wouldn't expect them to also buy up microsoft-sony.com and sony-microsoft.com

Speculation around the significance of the purchases sparked a follow up by Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of Communications, Frank Shaw, who wanted to put the issue to bed as quickly as possible.

"RE: sony/ms domain names: Sony = great MS partner. No scoop here, this was just a defensive domain hold. Let's move on to weekend, kay? :)"

While we have to assume Frank is giving us the straight goods, the timing of the registrations are somewhat interesting considering that rumors have been circling surrounding a possible partnership between the two companies on the next generation of console hardware. Of course this could also be something as mundane as a Sony Ericsson Windows Phone 7, or as Frank Shaw Claims, nothing at all.

What do you make of it?

Internet Explorer 9’s New Malware Blocking Features Leave Competition in the Dust

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 08:33 AM PDT

IE9If like most Maximum PC readers you're the first person friends and family call when looking for tech advice, you might want to think twice before suggesting they move away from Internet Explorer. According to a recent report from NSS Labs, Internet Explorer 9's dual-pronged approach to blocking malicious URLs wasn't just slightly better than the rest; it's pretty much night and day. 

According to the study Internet Explorer 9 blocked 92 percent of all malware using its URL-based filters, and 100 percent with its application filtering. Internet Explorer 8 took second place by blocking 90 percent, while Chrome, Safari 5, and Firefox 4 all tied for third with a dismal 13 percent success rate.  Google, Apple, and Mozilla's three way tie can be explained by their joint use of Google's Safe Browsing system, while Opera was the only major browser to score lower on the test.

Opera currently uses a URL blocking service maintained by anti-virus maker AVG, and using this list they only managed to block 5 percent of the study's tested sites. Internet Explorer 9's application reputation feature is a great way to help less savvy users spot potentially malicious files, however even it isn't without a few quirks. False positives, even among Microsoft's own add-in's have been known to occur, but better safe than sorry.

It's worth noting that the study doesn't take every malware prevention factor into consideration such as Chrome's sandboxing feature, but it does highlight Microsoft's continued commitment to improving the security of Internet Explorer. With Chrome and Firefox duking it out in the rapid release war for consumers, Microsoft's improved security image among businesses could well cement IE's foothold in the corporate world for decades to come. 

gScreen's Dual-Screen SpaceBook Laptop Finally Up for Pre-Order

Posted: 16 Jul 2011 11:55 PM PDT

While not quite in the Duke Nukem Forever league, gScreen's SpaceBook has truly earned its stripes as "delayware." The product in question is a dual-screen notebook that was first announced in 2009 but never released. It now seems that the dual-screen notebook is finally ready for market action. gScreen, the Alaska-based startup behind the SpaceBook, is now taking pre-orders for its flagship product.

Originally conceived as a 15.4-inch notebook powered by Intel's C2D processors, it now sports two 17.4-inch displays and is powered by last-gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. Here are the specs of the two variants currently up for pre-order:

Given its history, it's eerie that gSpace hasn't revealed when it will begin shipping the SpaceBook.  Also, what's with the first-generation Intel Core iX processors?

MMO News

MMO News


Colony of War Gameplay – First Look HD

Posted: 16 Jul 2011 01:09 PM PDT

To Learn More About the Game, Check out our Colony of War Page.

Colony of War is a 2D browser based strategy MMO published by Netgame – the same company behind Cloud Nine, Hero Online, Scions of Fate, and Operation 7. Like Ministry of War, OGame, and other strategy titles – players start off with a single base in Colony of War and must build up their economy and eventually conquer other players. The game is very similar to other browser based strategy games. To learn more about Colony of War check out the official MMOHut Colony of War page which includes a detailed review, tons of screenshots, and additional videos.

Vindictus launches first part of Episode 8

Posted: 15 Jul 2011 06:06 PM PDT

Vindictus has brought new content with it this week with the first part of its Episode 8, “Not Even If You Kill Us All,” update.

Among the changes in the update are:

- Red Ruins, Remnants, Depths of Ainle, and Burnt Pumpkin Field: four new stories and battle quests.

- UI improvements: Advanced sorting for inventory and custom labels for inventory tabs.

- Blessing Stones: Available from the Supply Depot, which can grant parties bonus experience, AP, or luck.

Vindictus will also offer double experience to all players logged in between 5 and 7 pm Pacific, from now until July 26. In addition, free Blessing Stones will be given out until July 19 for those who complete the new dungeons.

Vindictus is published by Nexon, which also publishes Combat Arms and Mabinogi.

Vindictus Episode 8 Screenshots:

Source:

Vindictus Episode 8 Pt. 1: "Not Even If You Kill Us All" Now Live

New perils and challenges in the land of Vindictus are now available with this week's Episode 8, part 1 content update, which ushers in two new raid bosses, several new dungeons, in game events and more. Last month, the mighty Karok joined the ranks of the brave and noble mercenaries battling the forces of evil in the land, helping make Vindictus more exciting than ever. Mercenaries of all fighting styles will now need to band together to face the latest threats in the world.

Presently, rumors are brewing of a rebellion at Ortel Castle. It is up to the bravest mercenaries to investigate and find out the truth. Elsewhere in the land, four new stories and battle quests have been added. These dungeons were designed to assist mercenaries through difficult leveling areas, and include: Red Ruins, Remnants, Depths of Ainle and Burnt Pumpkin Field.

UI improvements

Today's content update includes several UI improvements, specifically to the inventory window. Advanced sorting options are now available: "Sort" and "Sort All" buttons can be found at the bottom of the Inventory UI. Mercenaries can now create a custom label for their inventory tabs, as well as set the desired item type for sorting (Normal, Equipment, Consumables, Material, Story, and Miscellaneous items), making keeping track of your gear easier than ever.

Double Expertise Events

As an added incentive to explore the influx of new content this summer, every day from today through July 26th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  PT, all players will benefit from a double expertise and experience rate gain.

Blessing Stones

Mercenaries looking to give their dungeon runs a boost can now purchase powerful bonuses in the form of Blessing Stones from the Supply Depot. A variety of Blessing Stones will grant an entire party bonus Exp, AP, Luck or even all three. Before mercenaries launch a boat, party members will have the option to use a Blessing Stone, which last for the duration of the dungeon. Starting today through July 19, mercenaries can receive free Blessing Stones simply by completing the quests related to the new dungeons.

For more details and to learn more about the latest events in Vindictus visit: www.vindictus.com.

MMO Updates

MMO Updates


The Anvil of Crom: Once more unto the Breach, dear friends

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 10:00 AM PDT

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Ah yes, where else but Massively can you get a lesson in both Shakespeare and Age of Conan (in the same article, no less)? Nowhere else, I tell you, and before we get to the Conan part, let's get ye olde English out of the way. Many of you have no doubt uttered today's titular phrase on your way into a particularly nasty game dungeon. A few of you may have even uttered it correctly.

Here's your gold star.

The rest of you, pay attention: It's unto the breach. Unto, not into. So said Shakespeare and later Olivier in his 1944 film adaptation of Henry V. And yeah, I used to say it wrong too. Anyway, on to the AoC. The Breach in question is one of two new solo dungeons added with the Unchained update, and thanks to Blood and Glory, this particular dungeon is the only one of the pair that your humble columnist has found time to sample.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Once more unto the Breach, dear friends

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Once more unto the Breach, dear friends originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fantasy XI outlines the road ahead for classes

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 09:00 AM PDT

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Final Fantasy XI has a pretty expansive list of classes, and while that gives players plenty of freedom, it can pose a headache for design trying to keep each job distinct. But the development team has managed thus far, and the latest update previewing the future philosophy for job adjustments shows that there are still more elements to be brought into play. Each of the game's 20 jobs has a unique vision and role, with several potential new abilities discussed.

While none of the directions design is taking jobs will be of huge surprise to veteran players, there are some interesting promises of future abilities and goals. For example, the team wants to give Beastmasters the tools to be useful and desirable in a party, while Dragoons are potentially getting more enmity management and more synergy with the wyvern. Final Fantasy XI players should look at the full rundown to see where their favorite class sits in terms of design -- as well as hints of what might be coming down the line.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI outlines the road ahead for classes originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Chat: Pressed for time edition

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 08:00 AM PDT

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Welcome to this week's Global Chat! We love hearing what you have to say at Massively, and we love it even more when we can share the best comments with all of our readers. Massively staffers will be contributing some of their favorite comments every week, so keep an eye out every Sunday for more Global Chat!

This week's edition of Global Chat is all about that precious commodity: Time. While there are still plenty of gamers out there who have time for hours-long play sessions, there are more and more players who are seeking a relatively brief and relaxing break from a busy lifestyle. Follow along after the jump and let's talk about those players!

Continue reading Global Chat: Pressed for time edition

MassivelyGlobal Chat: Pressed for time edition originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: Who's on your dev dream team?

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 06:00 AM PDT

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Most of us are armchair developers in one respect or another, and a lot of what occurs in the comments section of an MMO blog relates to decisions devs have made on our favorite (or least favorite) games.

Certain devs have also attained celebrity status, and of course, companies like Blizzard, BioWare, and Sony are household names outside of MMO circles. It's also fun to speculate on what might result from the addition of dev A to team B or the merging of company C with publisher D. For today's Daily Grind, imagine you had an unlimited budget, as well as every MMO dev in the industry knocking on your door and offering to make the game you've always wanted to play.

Who's on your dev dream team, and what kind of game would they make?

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: Who's on your dev dream team? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prime: Battle for Dominus shows off new gameplay videos

Posted: 16 Jul 2011 06:00 PM PDT

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Fresh from yesterday's Pitchblack Games dev chat, we have some new gameplay videos from the studio's upcoming sci-fi MMO Prime: Battle for Dominus. The two five-minute-long videos feature pure, delicious gameplay to tease fans as they await the release of the PvP-oriented title.

The first video walks players through Prime's character creation and gives a sneak peek at what can be expected from character customization. The second of the two videos focuses on actual gameplay as the devs take a new character out into the world of Prime. Any Prime fan should definitely take a look at the full videos past the cut, though we can't say it'll make the wait any easier -- we just ended up wanting even more.

Continue reading Prime: Battle for Dominus shows off new gameplay videos

MassivelyPrime: Battle for Dominus shows off new gameplay videos originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Agenda 1.5 video teaser hints at Sonoran Desert content

Posted: 16 Jul 2011 04:00 PM PDT

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Global Agenda's 1.5 update is just around the corner, and Hi-Rez has released a teaser video to whet your appetite. The clip is pretty brief (under a minute's worth of footage to be precise) but it nonetheless sets an eerie stage for what looks to be some fun additions to the third-person shooter's Sonoran Desert PvE content.

As the teaser web page states, "Robotics agents are using drones to stream video to the domes. Is it safe for agents to enter this area of the desert?" You'll have to wait for 1.5 to find out, but in the meantime, fly your jetpack past the cut to get a look at the surveillance footage (and listen in on its creepy audio track) before heading to the official Global Agenda website for more details.

Continue reading Global Agenda 1.5 video teaser hints at Sonoran Desert content

MassivelyGlobal Agenda 1.5 video teaser hints at Sonoran Desert content originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Remembering when

Posted: 16 Jul 2011 02:00 PM PDT

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As we close in on the end of main character week here on One Shots, one Massively reader shares a Dark Age of Camelot blast from his past:
Here is my first-ever MMO character. Nightsong, shadowblade from the Kay Server on DAOC. She is standing in front of my first in-game house, with our guild colors of Fury flying. Such great memories. I think it holds up to a lot of current-gen games as far as graphics and armor style goes.
We're coming to the close of main character week, and gearing up for the Massively team to take the spotlight. Each day next week will feature one Massively writer taking a One Shots guest spot. What will they come up with? Keep your eye on One Shots to find out!

MassivelyOne Shots: Remembering when originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Congratulations to the winner of Massively's Twitter contest!

Posted: 16 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT

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Massively's contest celebrating our 10,000th Twitter follower turned out to be a big hit! We watched the number of followers reach -- and surpass -- our goal, and finally got the pleasure of choosing a winner!

Several game development studios pitched in prizes, and Massively reader Arbitrary Genius is the recipient of an exciting MMO prize package: Congratulations to our winner, thank you to all of our readers who entered, and a special thank you to those developers who contributed prizes. Keep your eye on Massively's Twitter feed for more contests and all the latest news!

MassivelyCongratulations to the winner of Massively's Twitter contest! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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