General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


Newegg Daily Deals: Rosewill Blackhawk Ultra Gaming Case, Intel Core i3 3240, and More!

Posted: 28 Nov 2013 07:31 PM PST

Rosewill Blackhawk Gaming Casenewegg logo

Top Deal:

Hopefully you've been taking advantage of all the deals out there during this holiday weekend. Now the question is, where do you put all those new parts? Well, one of your options is today's top deal for a Rosewill Blackhawk Ultra Gaming Super Tower Case for $160 (normally $220; additional $30 mail-in-rebate). This spacious chassis has 10 expansion slots, 8 cooling fans, and room for a second PSU.

Other Deals:

Intel Core i3-3240 Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz LGA 1155 55W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2500 BX80637i33240 for $100 with free shipping (normally $120)

Cooler Master V700 - 700W Power Supply with Fully Modular Cables and 80 PLUS Gold Certification for $125 with free shipping (normally $160 ; additional $35 Mail-in rebate)

PowerColor AX7790 1GBD5-DH/OC Radeon HD 7790 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 CrossFireX Support Video Card for $90 with free shipping (normally $100 ; additional $20 Mail-in rebate)

Corsair Hydro Series H100i Extreme Performance Water/Liquid CPU Cooler. 240mm for $110 with free shipping (normally $125 ; additional $20 Mail-in rebate)

Razer Targets Audiophiles with $300 Kraken Forged Edition

Posted: 28 Nov 2013 08:00 AM PST

These aren't your ordinary headphones

Razer isn't usually associated with audiophile-quality headphones. Most Razer products are clad in an array of gamer-friendly green and black. The California-based company is trying to break into the premium headphone space with its new top-of-the-line headphones: the Razer Kraken Forged Edition.

It looks like Razer isn't straying too far from its core philosophy of "For Gamers, By Gamers" with its new "ultra-premium" headphones. Steering clear of neutral, analytical sound, the headphones are packing 40mm "bass-heavy" drivers. Combine the huge drivers with closed ear cups and bass heads should be pleased. Top it all off with the relatively low 32 Ω impedance and the headphones shouldn't require a dedicated amplifier to sound good.

Razer Kraken Forged Edition

Hand-assembled and clad in an aircraft-grade aluminium, the Kraken Forged Edition headphones look as beefy and powerful as they probably sound. Leatherette pads line the ear cups with an adjustable headband and a foldable design that weighs 390 grams. The package also comes with a swappable cable with an in-line microphone for VOIP.

They'll be available in December for $300. Only time will tell whether the Kraken Forged Edition is worth the $240 premium over the $60 Kraken headphones.  

MMO Updates

MMO Updates


Stick and Rudder: The best bits of Star Citizen's Thanksgiving livestream

Posted: 28 Nov 2013 09:00 AM PST

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Star Citizen - Stick and Rudder cockpit
Cloud Imperium hosted another lengthy Star Citizen livestream this week, and if you missed it, well, so did nearly everyone else who has a nine-to-five job. This particular shindig was some 20 hours shorter than the last one, but there were nonetheless plenty of interesting details to digest.

If you want a blow-by-blow summary -- and you don't share my aversion to Reddit -- here you go. If you want my personal highlights, click past the cut.

Continue reading Stick and Rudder: The best bits of Star Citizen's Thanksgiving livestream

MassivelyStick and Rudder: The best bits of Star Citizen's Thanksgiving livestream originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Nov 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    The Thank Tank: What are you most thankful for in the MMO genre?

    Posted: 28 Nov 2013 07:00 AM PST

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    Today is Thanksgiving Day in the USA. so it's only natural that we ask a thanks-related question for this week's Think Tank. As much as we, as a fanbase, like to be critical of our favorite genre, it's important to take some time to be thankful for what it is to us.

    So I asked the Massively team members what they're thankful for in MMOs. Grab a turkey leg dipped in cranberry sauce and stuffing (go ahead and double-dip; Uncle Leon won't mind) and follow along after the cut for our thoughts.

    Continue reading The Thank Tank: What are you most thankful for in the MMO genre?

    MassivelyThe Thank Tank: What are you most thankful for in the MMO genre? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Nov 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      The Daily Grind: Does your Thanksgiving include any time for MMOs?

      Posted: 28 Nov 2013 05:00 AM PST

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      The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth by Jennie A. Brownscombe
      Today is Thanksgiving in the States. And I'm not here right now. As you read this post, I'm off work and very likely stuffing my face with turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and because of reasons, key lime pie.

      What about you, Massively readers? Are you celebrating Thanksgiving today, and if so, will you find a little time for MMOs or is it all about the food and the family?

      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: Does your Thanksgiving include any time for MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Nov 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        The Stream Team: In pursuit of SWTOR's Ultimate Comms

        Posted: 27 Nov 2013 06:00 PM PST

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        The Stream Team: In pursuit of SWTOR's Ultimate Comms
        When your raid team hits a brick wall, sometimes you have to take a step or two backward. In the next couple of hours, the Nefarious Intent raid team will show you how to quickly earn Ultimate Comms in Star Wars: The Old Republic. Join Massively's Larry Everett at 9:00 p.m. EST as his guild takes on multiple raids in just two hours.

        Game: Star Wars: The Old Republic
        Host: Larry Everett
        Date: Wednesday, November 27th, 2013
        Time: 9:00 p.m. EST

        Enjoy our Steam Team video below.

        Continue reading The Stream Team: In pursuit of SWTOR's Ultimate Comms

        MassivelyThe Stream Team: In pursuit of SWTOR's Ultimate Comms originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          WoW movie release date moved to March 2016

          Posted: 27 Nov 2013 05:00 PM PST

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          World of Warcraft orc cinematic
          The World of Warcraft movie has been delayed until 2016 according to a Blizzard tweet and a press release from Legendary Pictures. WoW Insider first reported on the tweet, which mentions the film's release day moving from December 18, 2015 to March 11, 2016.

          Filming is scheduled to start in January, 2014, with Moon and Source Code auteur Duncan Jones in the director's chair.

          MassivelyWoW movie release date moved to March 2016 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          Choose My Adventure: Neverwinter wonderland

          Posted: 27 Nov 2013 04:00 PM PST

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          Choose My Adventure: Neverwinter wonderland
          When I think about what separates a good Neverwinter Foundry mission from a great Foundry mission, I have to say that it's the ambiance. Ambiance ranges from sounds to lighting to special effects. I could create the best mission ever, write the best story, but if I don't create the best ambiance for the quest, my design could fall flat. What are some of the best ways to create ambiance? Which ones should I put into this Choose My Adventure?

          In my limited time in the Neverwinter Foundry, I have barely been able to scratch the surface of everything that the design tool has to offer. Of course, decorations such as a dining table in a dining room add to the atmosphere of the setting, but so does the sun shining through the window or the NPCs clapping in the next room. Today, I need your assistance in choosing the different types of ambiance for different parts of our adventure.

          Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Neverwinter wonderland

          MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Neverwinter wonderland originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            NCsoft adds content to Blade & Soul Korea, continues to ignore the West

            Posted: 27 Nov 2013 03:00 PM PST

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            Blade & Soul
            Blade & Soul Korea is getting some new content, and yes, we know it sucks that the game still hasn't shown up in the West. Maybe if we keep posting about it, and maybe if you keep commenting on it, it will. It's worth a shot, right?

            Anyhow, Steparu reports on a new endgame dungeon and some spiffy new black leather outfits. We've embedded a trailer after the break, but you should click through to the source link for all the details.

            Continue reading NCsoft adds content to Blade & Soul Korea, continues to ignore the West

            MassivelyNCsoft adds content to Blade & Soul Korea, continues to ignore the West originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Trion Worlds overhauls RIFT's Iron Pine Peak

            Posted: 27 Nov 2013 02:30 PM PST

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            Iron Pine Peak
            Mid-level RIFT players have a new place to adventure after the game's 2.5 update; Iron Pine Peak has been completely redesigned. According to Trion Worlds, the zone has been rebuilt from the ground up with the challenges inside being tweaked to accommodate players from levels 27-35 instead of 40-48.

            The questing content has been reworked, with main story arcs being marked more clearly and providing greater rewards. Additionally, kill quests have been converted to Carnage quests and paths through each set of quests have been streamlined to reduce repetition. Trion explained that the zone's level requirements were reduced so that RIFT players would encounter the Storm Legion storyline earlier in their RIFT careers, and so that give mid-level players more freedom in how and where they level.

            Trion originally planned to rework Iron Pine Peak before RIFT's initial launch but put the plan on the backburner due to the risk of changing so many things so close to release.

            MassivelyTrion Worlds overhauls RIFT's Iron Pine Peak originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            CIG releases Star Citizen livestream vids, tops $33 million

            Posted: 27 Nov 2013 02:00 PM PST

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            Star Citizen planetary concept
            If you missed yesterday's four-hour Star Citizen livestream, you missed several new behind-the-scenes videos that are definitely worth a look. We got to see footage of the Avenger with its new texturing and PBR effects, a peek inside SC's orchestral recording sessions with composer Pedro Camacho and audio director Martin Galway, and a look at the game's HUD and UI development hosted by all of the principle developers, including Iron Man 3 design veteran John Likens.

            Finally, we got a quick look at the new hangar-based weapons test rig that will be playable by the end of the year as well as a second look at the Foundry 42 video released last week.

            Oh yeah, and the game topped $33 million in crowdfunding, too, prompting yet another letter from the chairman. We've embedded all the videos for you after the cut.

            Continue reading CIG releases Star Citizen livestream vids, tops $33 million

            MassivelyCIG releases Star Citizen livestream vids, tops $33 million originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Elite: Dangerous dev diary takes you inside the cockpit (and the art department)

            Posted: 27 Nov 2013 01:30 PM PST

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            Elite: Dangerous cockpit mockup
            Got seven minutes to spare? Love internet spaceships? Then the latest Elite: Dangerous video dev diary is tailor-made for your viewing pleasure.

            Art director Chris Gregory does the voice-over honors, and he's got a lot to say about taking game assets from the concept stage to the building stage. He also explains how the dev team added animations to its static designs and came up with the previously released capital ship video, which helped both artists and game designers to get a clearer picture of their concepts in action.

            Gregory also shows off Elite's virtual cockpit functionality, complete with jostling cockpits and fluid, natural camera movements that suggest those of a real pilot. See for yourself after the cut.

            [Thanks tipsters!]

            Continue reading Elite: Dangerous dev diary takes you inside the cockpit (and the art department)

            MassivelyElite: Dangerous dev diary takes you inside the cockpit (and the art department) originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            Free for All: MMORPGs for your new console

            Posted: 27 Nov 2013 01:00 PM PST

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            PS4 and Xbox One picture
            Consoles and MMOs do not have the stand-offish relationship that they used to have. In fact, there are so many different MMOs to choose from on consoles that it's seriously tempting to pick up one of the new ones -- the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 -- even though I wasn't planning on it for a long, long time. I enjoy using a controller with MMOs so much that I plan on covering the subject more in the future.

            So let's get to the list of MMOs that are currently on consoles or that will be coming out on consoles in the near(ish) future. Massively's own Mike Foster put together a fantastic list last summer, but I thought I would update and pass it on. After all, the new consoles are officially here... so be sure to reference the list when you need a new MMO to play on your shiny new console!

            Continue reading Free for All: MMORPGs for your new console

            MassivelyFree for All: MMORPGs for your new console originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Neverwinter details its upcoming Collections System

              Posted: 27 Nov 2013 12:30 PM PST

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              Neverwinter Collection Interface screenshot
              So let's say you're one of those players who really, really enjoys keeping track of every single aspect of your adventuring from loot types to dungeons conquered. Well, in an upcoming Neverwinter patch called Module 2: Shadowmantle, you'll have the chance to complete all the things. The new system will not only keep track of the loot you have but also point out the loot that you are missing! It will tell you the zone rewards, companions and artifacts you need as well. Good luck finding sleep after this goes live.

              Don't worry, you won't have to have each of these items in your backpack in order for them to count. Once you obtain an item, it will unlock in the Collection, and completed armor sets will be rewarded with a title. It all comes together in a new interface that will actually tell you where to find all of the missing items.

              The patch will also contain Artifacts, the Dread Ring Campaign, new Paragon Paths, a new adventure zone and the new Hunter Ranger class (finally!).

              MassivelyNeverwinter details its upcoming Collections System originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Elder Scrolls Online shows off heavy armor styles

              Posted: 27 Nov 2013 12:00 PM PST

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              Elder Scrolls Online
              In The Elder Scrolls Online, the aesthetics of armor and weapons that you find are determined not only by the item's stats and materials but by the race that designed it. ZeniMax Online today showed off three variations on heavy armor design, each one built to highlight the aesthetic tastes of each designing race.

              On display are new concept designs for Argonian, Orcish, and Kajiit armors, respectively. These join the previously seen Redguard, Wood Elf, and Dark Elf armor designs, as well as the High Elf, Nord, and Breton designs. ZeniMax noted that players will be able to craft weapons and armor in each racial style. Check out the full image after the break.

              Continue reading Elder Scrolls Online shows off heavy armor styles

              MassivelyElder Scrolls Online shows off heavy armor styles originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Ghostcrawler says farewell to Blizzard [Updated]

              Posted: 27 Nov 2013 11:45 AM PST

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              World of Warcraft
              Greg "Ghostcrawler" Street, lead systems designer for World of Warcraft, has announced that he is leaving Blizzard Entertainment. Street, who has been with Blizzard for over six years, is one of the most visible World of Warcraft developers, participating often in forum threads and working to improve communications between WoW's players and its design team.

              Street didn't give details as to where he might be headed but did explain that he was pursuing a "great opportunity for something new and exciting."

              [Update: Street has now posted his formal farewell over on the official forums.]

              MassivelyGhostcrawler says farewell to Blizzard [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              Star Wars: The Old Republic explores the design of starfighting stages

              Posted: 27 Nov 2013 11:00 AM PST

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              And then you remember a third dimension exists, unlike half of the actual starfighting scenes in the movies.
              It might seem as if designing a stage for Star Wars: The Old Republic's upcoming expansion is pretty easy. After all, Galactic Starfighter doesn't ask for much -- just throw some stuff in a field and let ships shoot at each other, right? According to a new development blog by designer Chris Schmidt, it's not nearly that easy, starting with the rather obvious assertion that just flying around in a blank arena would be boring. Stages need to replicate the feel of a pitched battle, and that means careful design.

              Schmidt explains that each level starts off with brainstorming about the environment, followed by a 2-D mockup to give a rough estimation of where various points of interest will be located on the final map. From there it's up to the art and modeling teams to fill in a rough layout with interesting visual elements and things to fly around for interesting gameplay. Take a look at the full blog for a deeper picture at what it takes to design these elaborate dogfighting arenas.

              MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic explores the design of starfighting stages originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              MMO Family: Study shows no link between video games and mental health issues in children

              Posted: 27 Nov 2013 10:00 AM PST

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              We've long heard concerns that video games might be responsible for bringing about antisocial behavior and even violence. But there's some good news for gaming fans. Recently, researchers from the University of Glasgow released findings that video games had no effect on children's psychological development.

              The study included thousands of families over the past decade, tracking children's TV and video game playtime from nine months to seven years of age. Let's take a peek at some of the more notable results and what they mean for the young generation of gamers.

              Continue reading MMO Family: Study shows no link between video games and mental health issues in children

              MassivelyMMO Family: Study shows no link between video games and mental health issues in children originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                MMORPG News

                MMORPG News


                Elder Scrolls Online: Checking Out Heavy Armor

                Posted: 27 Nov 2013 01:24 PM PST

                Checking Out Heavy Armor

                In a small pre-Thanksgiving post, the Elder Scrolls Online site has been updated with a couple of images to show off heavy armor looks in the game.

                Neverwinter: For the Collector in All of Us

                Posted: 27 Nov 2013 01:21 PM PST

                For the Collector in All of Us

                Collections are something that have become the norm in most MMOs. For those who are completionists (or just avid collectors), the Neverwinter team has a new collection system coming with the arrival of Module 2 in December. A new developer diary has been posted on the official site to lay out more details about the feature.

                Star Wars: The Old Republic: Taking Galactic Starfighter for a Spin

                Posted: 26 Nov 2013 10:30 PM PST

                Taking Galactic Starfighter for a Spin

                We took Galactic Starfighter, the upcoming digital expansion to Star Wars: The Old Republic, for a spin on the game's public test server and today we're offering our thoughts.

                World of Warcraft: Greg "Ghostcrawler" Street to Leave Blizzard

                Posted: 27 Nov 2013 11:30 AM PST

                Greg "Ghostcrawler" Street to Leave Blizzard

                In a shocking announcement, Greg "Ghostcrawler" Street has announced that he will be leaving Blizzard Entertainment after six years with the company. According to the post written on the Battle.net forum, Street is leaving to pursue other options, as yet unnamed.

                Warhammer 40.000: Eternal Crusade: Futuristic Warfare

                Posted: 25 Nov 2013 05:27 PM PST

                Futuristic Warfare

                One of the hallmarks of Warhammer 40k: Eternal Crusade is combat. In our latest column, we offer ideas on ways that combat could be made more realistic. See what we propose before heading to the comments.

                Marvel Heroes: Gambit Deals Damage in New Trailer

                Posted: 27 Nov 2013 09:36 AM PST

                Gambit Deals Damage in New Trailer

                Gazillion Entertainment unleashed the Cajun hero, Gambit, on Marvel Heroes earlier in November. To celebrate his arrival in game, the team has produced a new trailer showing Gambit putting the hurt down on Dr. Doom.

                General: Former Bioware Dev Rich Vogel, a New Studio & Bethesda

                Posted: 27 Nov 2013 09:29 AM PST

                Former Bioware Dev Rich Vogel, a New Studio & Bethesda

                Former Bioware developer Rich Vogel has formed a new game studio that is hard at work on a new, as-yet-unnamed game. Called Battlecry Studios, it joins the Bethesda corps of development houses.

                Runescape: Join the Turkey Hunt

                Posted: 27 Nov 2013 07:05 AM PST

                Join the Turkey Hunt

                RuneScape players are being invited to join in on the annual Turkey Hunt from Thursday, November 28th through Monday, December 2nd. During the event, each player will be given a Pilgrim hat in order to make the hunt that much more celebratory.

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