General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


Mt. Gox Claims to Have Found 200,000 Bitcoins in Old Wallet

Posted: 23 Mar 2014 05:54 PM PDT

Mt. Gox

Missing bitcoins apparently found in an 'old-format' wallet previously thought to be empty

The defunct Bitcoin exchange, which last month filed for bankruptcy in Japan after losing close to 850,000 bitcoins (including 100,000 of its own) to a "bug in the Bitcoin system," now says it recently found 200,000 bitcoins in an "old-format" wallet previously believed to be empty.

"MtGox Co., Ltd. had certain old-format wallets which were used in the past and which, MtGox thought, no longer held any bitcoins. Following the application for commencement of a civil rehabilitation proceeding, these wallets were rescanned and their balance researched. On March 7,2014, MtGox Co., Ltd. confirmed that an old-format wallet which was used prior to June 2011 held a balance of approximately 200,000 BTC (199,999.99 BTC)," CEO Mark Karpeles announced in a statement (PDF) on Thursday.

"MtGox Co., Ltd. investigated the presence of these 200,000 BTC, immediately reported it to its counsels in the application for commencement of a civil rehabilitation proceedings ("counsels")," he further wrote, adding that the counsels duly notified the court about the development on March 10.

The court, according to the statement, has also been made aware of the fact that, for "security reasons," the erstwhile largest bitcoin exchange first moved the 200,000 BTC to an online wallet the very day they were discovered and then, between the 14th and the 15th, to offline wallets.

Not everyone is convinced, least of all the law firm handling a class action lawsuit against the defunct exchange in the States.

"Today in court we got relief ... specifically to track the 180,000 bitcoins, which we've been monitoring. Hours later, Mt. Gox claimed it 'found' these bitcoins ... it appears Mt. Gox realized we were close and decided to acknowledge that it owned these 180,000-200,000 bitcoins," Steven L. Woodrow, a partner at law firm Edelson, told Reuters.

"The idea that there were 200,000 or 180,000 bitcoins in a single wallet that they just discovered which had been dormant for years that contained 180,000 bitcoins is undercut by plain evidence on the blockchain."

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Firefox 29 Enters Beta with Chrome-esque ‘Australis’ Redesign

Posted: 23 Mar 2014 04:21 PM PDT

Firefox 29 Beta Australis Interface

New clutter-free interface comes three years after last major design change

Mozilla on Thursday released a new beta build of its flagship product. Not only does the Firefox 29 beta with its minimalist 'Australis' interface bear a striking resemblance to Chrome, it also packs a much-improved Chrome-like approach to browser syncing.

"We redesigned the overall look and feel of Firefox to help you access your Web content quickly. We've changed the tab structure and functionality in Firefox to enable you to focus on your Web content," Mozilla said in a blog post Thursday. "Tabs have a more fluid and streamlined shape,  sit higher up in the browser and tabs that are not in use have been visually de-emphasized. We've also moved the bookmark manager next to the bookmark star in your Firefox toolbar to make it easy to save your favorite sites for one click access."

Mozilla is also ditching its code-based-pairing approach to browser syncing in favor of a server-based one not unlike that currently employed by Chrome. Under the new scheme, users will have to register for a Firefox account and use those credentials to sync their bookmarks, tabs, and settings across devices.

"You can test the new Firefox Sync on Windows, Mac, Linux and Android by creating an account as a safe and easy way for you to take your Firefox with you anywhere. The new Firefox Sync makes it even easier to setup and add multiple devices while delivering end-to-end encryption."

Another significant addition is the new customization mode which makes its possible for users to "manually drag and drop your favorite feature, add-on or tool anywhere in the browser based on your preferences."

Image Credit: Mozilla

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Turkey Cracks Down on Twitter, Blocks Site at IP Level

Posted: 23 Mar 2014 04:10 PM PDT

Turkey Bans Twitter

Perennial EU membership aspirant unlikely to relent anytime soon

Not all that long ago, Turkey was this increasingly progressive EU membership hopeful that Internet censorship watchdogs around the world weren't overly concerned about; despite Internet censorship being very tangible, the general outlook, if not exactly positive, wasn't alarmingly negative, either. All that has changed dramatically in the past couple of months, first with the enactment of a new Internet censorship law and then with premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan's open vow to "eradicate Twitter."

Almost immediately after the the prime minister's open threat, the country on Thursday began blocking the popular microblogging platform Twitter, with the site's visitors being redirected to a statement by the country's telecommunications regulator, TIB, citing a number of court orders as the basis for the ban.

The ban, as later confirmed in a statement from Erdogan's office, came after Twitter was widely used to share a series of incriminating audio tapes containing allegedly wiretapped conversations in which Erdogan and his son Bilal can be heard discussing ways to smuggle ill-begotten cash out of the country. The prime minister contends that the audio tapes are fake.

"Twitter has been used as a means to carry out systematic character assassinations by circulating illegally acquired recordings, fake and fabricated records of wiretapping," the prime minister's office said in a statement on Saturday.

As is usually the case with such actions, the ban seems to be producing almost the opposite of its intended effect, with Twitter usage witnessing a sharp spike in that country. However, the Turkish government is unlikely to relent anytime soon and is now blocking the microblogging site at the IP level in order to make it even harder for the country's netizens to defy the ban.

Even though Erdogan made it amply clear on Thursday that he didn't care what the international community thought, the ban has drawn criticism from around the globe, including the U.S. State Department: "Every day, governments around the world devote precious resources to Internet censorship.  It is 21st Century book-burning - and it doesn't make anyone stronger."

Image Credit: EliteDaily

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Google Continues to Push WebP Image Format

Posted: 23 Mar 2014 03:51 PM PDT

Google WebP

Sees WebP as worthy replacement for JPEG, PNG and GIF formats

Undeterred by resistance from some of its rivals in the browser world, the Mountain View, California-based Internet giant blithely continues to push its WebP image format as a possible replacement for existing file formats like JPEG, PNG and GIF. The company is currently busy rolling out the format across its many web properties and claims to have already "raised our aggregate data transfer savings tally to tens of terabytes every day" in the process.

Developed in 2010, the WebP image format supports both lossless and lossy compression and is, per Google, "the first unified format that can address the key use cases of JPEG, PNG and GIF files." Last year, the company transitioned the web-based version of the Play Store and the Chrome Web Store away from the PNG format to lossless WebP images. Now, it's the turn of the world's most popular video streaming site.

"Another major WebP rollout is currently in progress: YouTube video thumbnails are starting to be served in WebP with initial results indicating up to a 10% reduction in page load time,"  Husain Bengali, Product Manager and WebP Optimizer, announced in a blog post Friday.

"For users, this translates into faster page load times and fewer bytes counted against metered data plans. To speed up browsing on sites that don't serve WebP yet, Chrome for Android and iOS can use Chrome's Data Compression Proxy, which transcodes images to WebP on the fly in order to deliver image compression of over 60%."

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MMO Updates

MMO Updates


Dark Age of Camelot eyes mail system

Posted: 23 Mar 2014 10:00 AM PDT

Filed under: , , , ,

DAoC
Grab bag Q&As are special, because you never know what you'll get. Dark Age of Camelot has a new one up on the site with seven pressing questions from the community.

One big revelation is that the team is strongly considering adding a mail system to the game: "It's (high) on our list of priorities! Mail opens up the possibilities for many many other things so we definitely want it in the game sooner rather than later."

The topics covered include the devs' speculation on how upcoming changes to RvR conflict will play out, gear with specific bonuses, improvements to the server list screen, and titles for crafters.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot eyes mail system originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: To the rescue!

Posted: 23 Mar 2014 08:00 AM PDT

Filed under: , , , , , ,

spiral knights
There's nothing quite like the feeling of coming to the rescue of a friend, virtual or not. I've tried rescuing people in real life, but I've found that not every granny wants to be given a piggy-back ride across streets and not every depressed teen is waiting for a well-choreographed dance routine to turn his or her life around. I guess I'll take a cue from reader Mary, who found her inner hero in Spiral Knights.

"In McVillain to the Rescue, my buddy Astro has been hemmed in by baddies by our friend's freezy bomb during a particularly rough arena," Mary explained. "Toward the top right corner, I'm coming to save him, weapon charged and at the ready."

What other thrilling rescues lie ahead in this column? If nothing else, it'll be a rescue from boredom, so let us give you that emotional piggy-back ride you desperately need!

Continue reading One Shots: To the rescue!

MassivelyOne Shots: To the rescue! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Mar 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    The Daily Grind: Which MMO has the best story?

    Posted: 23 Mar 2014 06:00 AM PDT

    Filed under: , , , ,

    The former Massively yacht
    The other morning I asked if you cared more about story or game mechanics in your MMOs and more than a couple of you stuck up for the former.

    My next question, then, has to do with execution as opposed to design. Which MMO do feel has the best story?

    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: Which MMO has the best story? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      Guild Wars 2's Tournament of Legends begins April 26th

      Posted: 22 Mar 2014 04:00 PM PDT

      Filed under: , , , , , ,

      GW2
      Yesterday evening, ArenaNet community coordinator Allie Murdock announced Guild Wars 2's first-ever Tournament of Legends, debuting on April 26-27 in Europe and May 3-4 in North America. The tournament format is a best-of-three single-elimination style for the prelims and best-of-five for the finals. Prizes include legendary weapons, legendary components, Black Lion weapon tickets, and gems; participants and stream viewers alike have a chance at walking away with some sweet goodies.

      Registration begins April 4th. Sixteen teams per region will be selected.

      MassivelyGuild Wars 2's Tournament of Legends begins April 26th originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Mar 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      The best of Massively's Field Journal and MMO Mechanics columns

      Posted: 22 Mar 2014 02:00 PM PDT

      Filed under: , , , , , ,

      MMO MechanicsDuring their tenure at Massively, Tina Lauro and Matthew Gollschewski were responsible for two generalist columns on the site: MMO Mechanics and Field Journal, respectively. The Field Journal was dedicated to covering interesting elements of mid-tier games, the sorts of MMOs that are popular but not quite popular enough to merit their own dedicated columns, whereas MMO Mechanics represented a deep-dive into the game mechanics and systems that influence the entire industry. Though the columns had short runs on the site, they both still represent some of our most compelling and interesting work. Enjoy this roundup of their material!

      Continue reading The best of Massively's Field Journal and MMO Mechanics columns

      MassivelyThe best of Massively's Field Journal and MMO Mechanics columns originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        MMORPG News

        MMORPG News


        League of Angels: NGames Reveals Four Guardian Angels

        Posted: 21 Mar 2014 07:24 PM PDT

        NGames Reveals Four Guardian Angels

        NGames this week revealed four of the Angels players can call upon during their quest to liberate the Seal of Light. Nocturna, Angel of Night, Lunaria Angel of the Moon, Sylvia Angel of Nature, and Prospera Angel of Prosperity will offer players powerful protection, support and other assistance.

        Dragon Nest: New Update Adds Dungeons, Level 70 Cap, Advanced Skills

        Posted: 21 Mar 2014 07:41 PM PDT

        New Update Adds Dungeons, Level 70 Cap, Advanced Skills

        Dragon Nest players will enjoy a variety of new advanced character skills, a new level 70 cap and a new area called Arendel. The game will also continue to help players reach level 60 by hosting events during the month of March.

        ArcheAge: Live Stream Video Posted for Those Who Missed It

        Posted: 22 Mar 2014 12:25 PM PDT

        Live Stream Video Posted for Those Who Missed It

        In case you missed yesterday's Trion Worlds live stream of the westernized version of ArcheAge, the video has been posted and features a whopping 48-minutes of the game in action. Leave us your thoughts after checking it out!

        Rift: There's Never Been A Better Time to Dive Back In

        Posted: 20 Mar 2014 07:59 PM PDT

        There

        I got a chance to sit down with Trion Worlds at GDC 2014 to look at the upcoming changes to Rift, and I'm happy to report that their flagship MMORPG is looking better than ever. With new souls coming out shortly and another expansion expected soon, the future for Rift is very promising.

        WildStar: Game On Podcast | WildStar NDA Lifted and WoW Pre-Orders

        Posted: 22 Mar 2014 09:56 AM PDT

        Game On Podcast | WildStar NDA Lifted and WoW Pre-Orders

        This week Jessica sits down with Syl of the MMO Gypsy blog and Battle Bards podcast. In the news for this episode are WildStar's pre-order and launch date announcement (and our first opinions of the game), LotRO's surprising news that a new class is on the way, WoW's pre-order offer for Warlords of Draenor and possible plans for flying mounts in the expansion, and Everquest's big 15th birthday bash. And congratulations to usual co-host Chris on his new baby boy!

        General: MY.com Expanding Games Division With Four New MMOs

        Posted: 21 Mar 2014 03:45 PM PDT

        MY.com Expanding Games Division With Four New MMOs

        This week at San Francisco's Game Developer Conference, My.com announced four new MMOs with the intent of broadening its entertainment footprint. Tank combat game Armored Warfare, sci-fi RPG Evolution, street racer World of Speed and fantasy RPG Skyforge are part of Mail.Ru's "communitainment" initiative, a communication/entertainment hybrid.

        Grand Chase: Free-to-Play Publisher Kog Games Launching Action Brawler

        Posted: 21 Mar 2014 04:18 PM PDT

        Free-to-Play Publisher Kog Games Launching Action Brawler

        Korean free-to-play publisher Kog Games announced this week that April 3rd marks its launch day for action-brawler MMO Grand Chase. Hoping to entice new and existing players, the company's offering free goodies and a free level 70 upgrade for one character. Current players must transfer their accounts by March 27, 2014. The game's official forums opened March 20th.

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