Yearly Archives: 2013

Riot Games Suffers Security Breach

Earlier today Riot Games, publishers of the world’s largest MOBA, League of Legends, heads announced a breach of account information across their North American servers including approximately 120,000 transaction records that occurred between the game’s launch and July 2011. Appropriate measures are being made to prevent future incidents and a mandatory password update is being sent out within the next 24 hours to prevent further damage.

Riot Games Security Breach

Full information can be found on the official post here.

Guild Wars 2 Celebrates the Queen’s Speech Update

What surprises and excitement await you among Queen Jennah’s most esteemed guests at the Crown Pavilion today in Guild Wars 2? The Krytan Queen is preparing to address the celebrants and emissaries attending her royal jubilee, but someone else has plans for the Queen’s speech!

Here’s some of what to expect in today’s The Queen’s Speech update:

 

Guild Wars 2

 

New Events

Developer Livestream Take an inside look at the features in the release – 20th August

The Queen’s Speech Don’t miss history in the making – Begins 20th August

Guild Wars 2 Anniversary Bash First ever Anniversary Bash and Invitational Tournament – 31st August

 

New Rewards

Birthday Gifts all characters created at the launch of Guild Wars 2 will receive gifts

 

New Features

World vs. World XP and Point adjustments the World XP rate is increasing

World vs. World Trebuchet Mastery

The End of Culling in PvE the limit on the number of characters players can see on screen is being removed

My Lands

My Lands: Black Gem Hunting is an international browser-based strategy game. With strong similarities to Heroes of Might and Magic, My Lands features two server types: military for PvP play, or mining for PvE play. Players may choose to play as a Demon, Dark Elf, Elf, or Human, and then gather resources to build up their cities and armies. Finally, players can earn Black Gems, which can be cashed out for real world money straight to PayPal.

Features:

Classic Strategy RPG Style: Styled after Heroes of Might and Magic, My Lands offers a classic resource, city, and army management system.

Choice of PvE or PvP Play: No forced PvP in MyLands – you can choose to play with other competitive players, or stay in a friendly world without worrying about your defenses.

Multiple Mission Types: Go on both military and non-military missions to expand your kingdom and gain valuable resources.

Earn Real Money: Find and earn Black Gems, which can then be converted into cash through a PayPal transaction (if you have a subscription).

War Thunder PS4 Gamescom Announcement

War Thunder City View

Developer and Publisher Gaijin Entertainment announced that their hit franchise and military MMO game War Thunder will be a PlayStation 4 launch title. War Thunder is a state-of-the-art next generation MMO combat game that combines unparalleled online gameplay experiences that places PS4™ fans into action filled, highly explosive World War II aerial battles or mobilized over terrain using ground forces.
Every visitor of Gamescom 2013 expo can try the demo-version of War Thunder for PS4 in Hall 7, Booth C10 in the Entertainment area of the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany, from August 21-25th.

War Thunder for PS4 provides gamers with exclusive content, rich gameplay with cutting-edge next-gen graphics and dramatic realism, stunning lifelike dynamics of real-time flight, breathtaking precision in details, intelligent personalization and deeply integrated robust social capabilities. And Gaijin Entertainment is especially proud to announce that there will be cross-platform multiplayer battles between PS4 and PC users.
“The age old battle between who rocks more, console or computer gamers, now has arena for it to take place. War Thunder for the PlayStation 4 is cross-platform compatible allowing for computer and console fans to battle it out for gaming supremacy. Just think of it, more than hundred planes, tanks and ships – all fighting on the same map. We look forward to seeing our 3 million plus online community take to the skies, or prowl on the ground to do battle in War Thunder accompanied by PS4 users,” said Anton Yudintsev, CEO, Gaijin Entertainment.
War Thunder for PS4 will have more than 300 historically accurate WWII military vehicles available at launch and fans can expect hundreds more to join fierce battles as updates are made to the game simultaneously with PC version. A plethora of different game modes includes co-op, single and massive multiplayer battles playable in scalable realism settings. The power of PS4 also allows Gaijin to include such features as improved head-tracking system made possible by PlayStation®Eye camera and smart and easy options to record, stream and share homemade gameplay videos.
Anyone will be able to download War Thunder from PlayStation®Store for free and play it without any restrictions. In addition, owners of PlayStation®Plus subscription will get some bonus content, and some exclusive content will be provided for all PS4 owners. War Thunder for the PS4 is the exciting continuation of the brand. Each iteration of War Thunder is unique and takes full technical advantage of its platform. Over 3 million players already know the enjoyment of raining down aerial destruction via the PC-version of War Thunder and this fan base continues exponential growth with the recent release on Steam digital distribution platform.
War Thunder is currently in open beta for PC, going into beta for Mac OS, and in development for Oculus Rift virtual reality system. Download War Thunder for free from the official website and join in a heated battle to dominate the skies at http://warthunder.com.

TERA: Rising – Alliance Update Interview (plus community asked questions!)

By Michael Sagoe (Mikedot)

Answers by Patrick (Treeshark), TERA NA Producer

 

Just a few days ago, En Masse Entertainment has released their biggest update for TERA: Rising yet. Known as the “Alliance” update, TERA players can now participate in faction-based PvPvE scenarios in order to gain power, fame and a new mysterious crystal energy known as “noctenium”. The new alliance system also introduces new PvP gear, new jewelry and plenty more.

While the update has been met with much praise, it has also been met with many concerns from the community. With that in mind, I felt it would be best to get some of their questions answered regarding this new update.

TERA Alliance Interview 1

Mikedot: Hello there, my name is Michael Sagoe (or you can just call me Mikedot). For all of our readers, would you care to introduce yourself?

 

Hello! My name is Patrick, aka Treeshark on the forums and in the game.  I’m the producer on Tera.

 

 

Mikedot: While most of the Alliance content is available for LV60 players, players can join an alliance with a guild at any time. How exactly does the alliance system benefit low level players?

 

In each of the three Alliances, there will be an exarch to rule each one.  This exarch can dole out three buffs to players. They revolve around XP, PVP and PVE boosts.  The strength of these boosts will vary inversely to how big your Alliance is.  These XP and PVE boosts are most beneficial to lower level players still advancing through the game.  Additionally, players going through the normal leveling process are granted a lot of Alliance contribution points, so guilds should definitely be keen on recruiting players that are on their way up as well.

TERA Alliance PvP Interview

Mikedot: How come Alliance PvP is only available during certain times of the day? Why not make it available 24/7?

 

Players on PvP and PvE servers have different desires and viewpoints regarding PvP.  While it is instanced, it is still content that should be available to players regardless of their preference.  We also want to make time for players to experience the other content in the game and not have them feel like they are forced to defend at all times.  With new dungeons arriving very shortly, having dedicated PvP windows will give players a more concentrated experience. In our first week, we want players to feel out the system and see how they play.  24/7 PvP is not out of the picture for PvP servers, but it is unlikely.

 

 

Mikedot: What is your favorite feature within the alliance system?

 

My favorite feature is the fact that there are many ways in which you as an individual can achieve the various Alliance objectives without involving a zerg.  Sure, it is easier to just follow the herd, but we’ve heard stories from numerous players of how they managed to do X or Y and overcome the odds of being in a smaller Alliance.  As to what they did, I’ll keep a secret so as to not spoil it for them J.

 

TERA Alliance Balance Interview

Mikedot: These next few questions are coming directly from your active playerbase: Many have already expressed their concerns regarding player balance among the three factions during Alliance PvP Times, and their concerns seem to be just about the same on every single server including Mount Tyrannas, Tempest Reach and Ascension Valley. Also some voice concerns on the balance of the perks offered by each. Would you care to comment?

 

I think players will go to where they think they’ll have the best time.  Alliance has only been out for roughly a week so players are still testing the perks of each faction and may decide to switch as they continue to experiment. This is natural and expected, but I don’t expect it to last very long.  Other territories have experienced similar movements during launch and have then seen things balance out over time. It may not happen within a week like some folks may expect, but it will eventually.

None of the Alliances are intrinsically weaker or stronger and their unique perks aren’t going to make or break their success in the long run.  Rather than force players to pick a faction based on perks alone, we feel that it’s most important for players to run with the guilds and players they like to play with.  Alliance is really a way to bring guilds together as a more cohesive team and make the overall social gameplay more intense and rewarding.

 

 

Mikedot: Some players have expressed concerns regarding how opposing faction members can interact with each other during non-PvP times, such as being able to grief players with bombs while they’re attempting to turn in extractor keys. Is this working as intended or will this be changed in the future?

 

Drop-bombs are specifically designed to defend your extractors during non-PvP windows.  There was a typo in the tooltip that said otherwise, but we’re getting that fixed soon.  So yes, it is working as intended.

 

TERA Alliance Interview 2

Mikedot: With all the new alliance schedules, the Nexus and Vault times, there’s a lot that players will have to keep track of if they want to progress. Some players have suggested the inclusion of an in-game alarm clock or calendar for players to keep track of updates. Can this be considered?

 

The vaults currently do have an in-game schedule in the Alliance UI, and we’re looking at the best ways to inform players of all the other events going on in the game too.  Nothing is out of the question!

 

 

Mikedot: Some players are rather confused regarding how vault times work. Would you care to explain how they work in very simple detail?

 

Sure!  At the end of each noctenium extractor competition, the winner will have the higher chance of access into the vault.  This is to prevent a complete imbalance in Alliance access, so that each Alliance will always have a shot at a vault time, not just the winners exclusively.

 

TERA Alliance Rising and Beyond Interview

Mikedot: So with everything said, where does TERA: Rising go from here?

 

Alliance is just the start!  Very soon we’ll be adding four brand new dungeons into the game, which also brings in some more gear sets that will supersede the current Visionmaker set J.  There’s also some end-of-summer festivities that will let you obtain a new achievement mount as well.  After that… well I have to keep some secrets.

 

 

Mikedot: Any other comments you’d like to make?

 

Thanks to all our players for continuing to make TERA a great game!

 

 

Mikedot: Thank you for your time!

 

Also: Special thanks to the TERA community for their questions.

WildStar Introduces Business Model and C.R.E.D.D

NCSOFT® and Carbine Studios today revealed initial details on the business model for WildStar, the much anticipated sci-fi MMO, outlining the different ways players can embark on their planetary adventure when it’s released in spring of 2014.

Upon purchasing WildStar through a retail outlet or digital download, players will receive 30 days free game time, plus three guest passes to give to friends for a week of galactic adventure. Players can then either opt to pay a standard monthly subscription, purchase a Game Time card, or use gold earned in-game to purchase C.R.E.D.D. from other players and avoid paying a subscription fee altogether.

WildStar Credd

C.R.E.D.D. (also known as a Certificate of Research, Exploration, Destruction and Development) is an in-game item that can be redeemed for game time. Players can sell C.R.E.D.D. to each other for gold in-game through each server’s Commodities Exchange at a rate established by the player community. C.R.E.D.D. can also be purchased for real money online at www.WildStar-Online.com. This model provides players multiple options for access to play – through a traditional MMO subscription or a ’play to pay’ approach.

“Gamers have strong opinions when it comes to business models and monetisation in MMO games”, said Jeremy Gaffney, executive producer at Carbine Studios. ”In combining a classic subscription model with C.R.E.D.D. we think we’ve struck a good balance. We definitely want to support players who appreciate the value of high-quality subscription-style game. Meanwhile, C.R.E.D.D. gives gamers who don’t like monthly subs the option to just play to pay and enjoy the same content”.

WildStar will be playable on the show floor at gamescom in Cologne, Germany, 21st -25th August and at PAX Prime in Seattle, USA, 29th August – 2nd September.

Forge Online Goes F2P on Steam

Dark Vale Games has announced that they will be turning Forge into Forge Free to Play on Steam today at 10am PDT! Forge melds MMO PvP Arena Style battles with FPS style combat, class based tactics and incredibly deep gameplay to create the ultimate competitive experience. By going free-to-play, Dark Vale Games is opening up the gates of Forge to all players, encouraging them to join in the epic PvP action they have been waiting for!

 

Forge

 

WHY GO F2P?

It’s important for successful multiplayer games to have thriving communities, so going free-to-play is a very effective way of making that happen.

“We always had intentions of releasing Forge as a free to play title, but couldn’t early on due to resource constraints,” said David Domm, CEO of Dark Vale Games. “The game design of Forge sets up perfectly for a f2p title and we’re extremely excited to finally deliver the game our community has been asking for.”

 

Forge

 

One of Forge’s many new features is an armor store allowing for more customization and self expression. Players can spend Ore on the latest and greatest armor sets by Dark Vale Games to show off their dedication to Forge. Ore, the virtual currency, is now earned through gameplay, while armor can be directly purchased using the Steam Wallet.

THE FUTURE OF FORGE!

“F2P brings exciting customization to Forge without breaking our vow to never be Pay-To-Win,” explains Ian Natzmer, Vice President of Development at Dark Vale Games. The new armor doesn’t give players any inherent advantages, so players are only paying for aesthetic changes that won’t necessarily give them a leg up on competition.

 

Forge

 

“We’ve only just touched the tip of what Forge has to offer and F2P allows us to continue our grand vision of Forge,” continues Natzmer. With Forge’s history of continual updates, the F2P model presents Dark Vale Games with boundless options for what they can do with Forge next.

Ubisoft Brings out the Big Guns with Panzer General Online

Today, Ubisoft announced development of Panzer General Online, a turn-based strategy game playable in Web browsers. Panzer General Online is based on the well-known Panzer General franchise and is the latest addition to Ubisoft’s free-to-play line-up.

Panzer General Online is being developed by Ubisoft’s Blue Byte studio, in close collaboration with Funatics Software. As the studio’s fifth free-to-play browser-based game, Panzer General Online provides comprehensive control of all the elements involved in the theater of war, including airplanes, infantry, tanks and more. The game allows players to command units based on historically-inspired battles.

 

 

Focusing on intense strategic battles, players are able to play in both single-player and multiplayer modes. The single-player campaign functions as an advanced tutorial and lets the player take part in battles such as Omaha Beach and Monte Cassino. Meanwhile, the multiplayer mode offers the toughest challenge for every player to discover which generals best know how to control their units. Panzer General Online also incorporates elements of trading card-based games: players can collect and trade virtual miniatures of tanks, infantry and artillery to create their own personalized army.

“We are happy to celebrate our 25th studio anniversary with the announcement of a new entry in the beloved Panzer General franchise” said Odile Limpach, Managing Director of Blue Byte. “Panzer General Online is a game where tactical skill beats the luck of the cards, and will appeal to new and old strategy fans alike.”