Monthly Archives: August 2014

DOTA 2: Largest tourney event being held in New York

ESL, the world’s largest, independent eSports brand, is proud to announce their next groundbreaking Dota 2 tournament will be held in The Theater at Madison Square Garden October 9-10, serving as the crown jewel of interactive entertainment for ReedPOP’s inaugural New York Super Week. As the largest in-person competitive gaming event ever held on the East Coast, thousands of video game enthusiasts will watch the top eSports teams in the world compete in the finals of a global Dota 2 tournament. In partnership with Twitch, the world’s leading online video platform and community for gamers, the event will be live broadcast on ESL’s Twitch channel. In addition, joinDOTA will once again join the team as ESL’s coverage partner, providing on-air talent for the show.

Combining the world’s most passionate fans with the innovators of the eSports industry, ESL, Twitch and ReedPOP will present the largest eSports event ever in New York City – and a cornerstone of New York Super Week, a 10 day long festival with over 60 nerdy, geeky, cool pop culture events across all five boroughs of NYC in the lead up to this year’s New York Comic Con! This prestigious event will feature eight of the top Dota 2 teams in a battle for $100,000. Details about the roster and information about invitees and qualification will be released in the coming weeks.

“By staging this event at the iconic Madison Square Garden, we’re going to see history in the making,” said James Lampkin, Product Manager for ESL One. “ReedPOP, Twitch and ESL are coming together to create something special that New York City has never seen before.”

Lance Fensterman, Global Senior Vice President of ReedPOP added, “ESL and Twitch are helping to make the first ever New York Super Week the ultimate celebration of pop culture in New York City and bring the fan experience to the next level. This is a keystone event in a week filled with amazing programming and will set the bar for future events.”

The event comes off the back of ESL One Frankfurt, which took place on June 28th-29th this year. Competition saw eight teams take to the stage in a World Cup Football stadium (Commerzbank-Arena, Germany) for an event that broke viewership and attendance numbers worldwide. Over 12,500 visitors attended the stadium each day to watch the action unfold live on a 412m2 screen, with an additional peak of over 500,000 concurrent viewers watching the show online.

Twitch has worked with ESL since 2011. Since that time, enthusiasts from over 180 countries have tuned in to watch ESL’s content on Twitch. Twitch recorded a peak of over 280,000 concurrent viewers on a single stream during IEM Cologne in 2013. This was broken only a few months later during the IEM Katowice 2014, when the concurrent viewership in the Western world peaked at 643,000 across all games at the event.

“eSports are not only rivaling traditional sporting events, they’re eclipsing them, especially when it comes to the live online viewership numbers on Twitch,” said Kevin Lin, COO, Twitch. “In partnership with ReedPOP and ESL, we’re bringing to the US more of what the audience wants – big events at historical venues. This ESL One milestone-setting Madison Square Garden event is testament to the future of the eSports industry.”

For more info, visit http://www.esl-one.com

La Tale GSP – Available on Gamengame (Southeast Asia)

La Tale

Actoz Soft (CEO, Chien Tung Hai, www.actoz.com) has opened one of its games, La Tale (GSP), worldwide on a global platform through the game portal Gamengame site for Southeast Asia. La Tale has been providing its service in Korea since 2006 July 21st and it has had many big updates since. It is also serviced in Japan, North America, China and Taiwan, and in May 29th 2014, it has opened its service through the GSP platform, allowing users to interact all around the world (the service is open to all countries except those that are already in service). Due to its successful services in different countries and user supports, La Tale GSP has been able to reach out to global users.

La Tale

La Tale is a 2d side-scrolling casual MMORPG which brings users to the exciting world of La tale filled with contents such as stories, battles, fantasy, love, and art. La Tale’s immense contents, quests, detailed skill system, anime-style graphics, vast maps, simple key controls, long service experience and most importantly, its fashion shop and character customization which users are free to modify their avatars according to their own style are the key elements of fun in La Tale.

Completely separate from the US version to La Tale hosted by OGPlanet, the GnG version will require a separate account created in order to play.

For more info, visit http://www.gamengame.com/games/online-game-join.asp?online-game-no=106&mc=90

Guild Wars 2: Tournament and Feature Pack Announced

Guild Wars 2

ArenaNet, developer of the acclaimed Guild Wars franchise, today made a series of announcements at gamescom 2014 to showcase how it’s embracing the fast growing popularity of competitive game modes in Guild Wars 2®. The studio partnered with Twitch to run the International All-Stars Tournament on the show floor, a round robin PvP competition with live sessions taking place at the Twitch booth located at Hall 9 A053g. ArenaNet also unveiled the upcoming September 2014 Feature Pack, which in addition to a range of enhancements to the game will bring significant upgrades to Player vs. Player (PvP) and World vs. World (WvW), competitive modes that have seen a growing fan base since the game launched

As a sign of how fast competitive game modes are growing, ArenaNet used gamescom to announce the World Tournament Series, the first ever global competition for Guild Wars 2 with cash prizes at stake. The studio is organizing the series in conjunction with KongZhong, the game’s publisher in China. The series will have invitational events in North America, Europe and China where players will compete for a $150,000 prize pool. All players who meet basic requirements such as being 18 years or older and having the ability to travel are eligible, meaning the future stars of Guild Wars 2 competitions lurk anywhere in the millions of fans who play the game on a regular basis.

Guild Wars 2 has set a new standard for delivering new content for a MMO through its TV-like Living World seasons, where players are the heroes in an ever-expanding storyline. At the same time, the game’s head-to-head PvP and WvW modes continue to attract a growing player base drawn to its fast and furious competitive combat. PvP provides players with arena-based combat rooted in action game mechanics. WvW elevates Guild Wars 2 into an entirely different realm, delivering massive strategy-based battles spanning across multiple maps, an experience resembling ancient warfare.

ArenaNet’s World Tournament Series represents the first worldwide event-based competition for the game. The first championship is set for late fall of 2014 in Beijing. Competitors will be chosen from top qualifying players in the upcoming Tournament of Glory launching on August 20. More information on the World Tournament Series structure and the Beijing event will be released in the coming weeks.

Outside of sanctioned battle arenas, fans of PvP and WvW are about to get serious upgrades in the September 2014 Feature Pack, which will be available to all players free of charge on September 9. While ArenaNet is unveiling competitive upgrades at gamescom, the Feature Pack contains much more than just new competitive features.

For more info, visit www.guildwars2.com

Skara: The Blade Remains: Launch Date Revealed

Skara

8-Bit, the indie development studio based in Barcelona, Spain and London, UK, today announced that a Steam Early Access build of its revolutionary F2P multiplayer online versus (MOV) hack em up, ‘SKARA: The Blade Remains’, will launch on 9th October, 2014. The studio has confirmed that the Early Access build will cost £11/$19/€14 and the proceeds will go directly to help finish development of the game.

“Our Steam Early Access launch will help completely finish off the initial phase of development on Skara” commented Pablo Rodriguez, Creative Director at 8-Bit. “With a launch date of early 2015 in mind, we’re excited to get the first proper version of our game changing f2p in front of a whole new audience. We can’t wait to find out what they think!”

‘Skara: The Blade Remains’ is available to play at Gamescom 2014 at Hall 4.2, booth D050-E051. The team will be on hand to demo the game, give interviews and chat about everything Skara. If you still need to book an appointment, please get in touch with the press team through sam.brace@decibel-pr.com.

Skara was Greenlit by Steam’s community in just 8 days of the campaign launch and also recently completed a successful Kickstarter earlier in 2014. With Epic’s ‘Unreal4 Engine’ beating at the heart of this title, Skara is ready to challenge the way we think about and play games forever.

For more info, visit http://skarathebladeremains.com/

Onigiri Launch Review – Dynasty Warriors Meets MMO

By Remko Molenaar (Proxzor)

OnigiriLaunchReview1

Recently I took the chance to try out a new MMORPG that’s been taking over the site skins of just about every anime site for the past month, Onigiri. This game with a double meaning for a name takes you into a world distinctly set in the realm of Japanese fantasy and folklore. The seal has broken that initially brought peace and safety to ancient Japan, and it is up to you and a ragtag group of anime tropes you meet on your way to rid the land of evil monsters and spirits, and ultimately force out Kamigui to restore peace once again. The game went into full launch just after I tested it out, and now has an ever growing population in its public launch state.

OnigiriLaunchReview2

Considering how long Onigiri was in beta, the fact that some key features were still missing at the time of launch was a bit concerning. And no I’m not talking about content but rather the ability to change the graphical settings. The only options you can adjust at all are the resolution and sound. On the plus side, controller support is offered in the options. Though it doesn’t take much game time to understand why the controller support is needed.

Onigiri immediately reminded me of another major hit from Japan. It’s resemblance to Dynasty Warrior in both setting and style are unmistakable. Following in its footsteps, Onigiri even has found its way into the console market in Japan (Playstation 4), and hopefully the English version will make it stateside soon as well.

OnigiriLaunchReview3

I must admit that the last time I played Dynasty Warriors it must’ve been on the Playstation 2 and there have been plenty of new releases since, but as a result it took no less than 10 minutes to get a solid feel for the controls of Onigiri. The movement, fighting pace, and especially the graphics remind me a lot of this successful fighting game. But Onigiri is a little different, wearing its hat backwards so to speak. In Onigiri you will face monsters and other evil spirits instead of hordes of men. The challenge is more about dodging attacks of enemies that can stand and take a beating rather than wiping out dozens of opponents with a single sweep of your sword. And another key difference is that you won’t be fighting alone, but rather with companions at your back!

Onigiri tries to be a MMORPG that heavily focuses itself on its story; straight away you will meet a companion that you befriend. She helps you out with finding your way around, and teaching you what to do with the weapons and pieces of weapons you find. You see, when you make a character you aren’t necessarily bound to one weapon. Throughout your journey you will find weapons and fragments that can be identified to become a useable weapon. When making your character however you do choose a defining fighting style to use. And seeing as there are plenty of weapons for dealing damage up close or at range, there’s some serious fun to be had with experimenting on how each weapon type best utilizes your skills and style.

OnigiriLaunchReview4

Moving your character around is done fairly easily. You run around with WASD and aim your attacks via a mouse controlled crosshair. Left click is for basic attacks, and right click is for the currently selected skill. The way skills are set up is quite nice. Each weapon features a different set of skills, as well as varying reaches even amongst the melee weapons. Choosing a weapon doesn’t bind you to one style for the duration of a mission either, as you can equip four weapons total at a time. With the F key you can easily rotate between your weapons on the fly to adjust to ever changing challenges. Just visualize a girl’s handbag with bottomless storage space hanging on your belt, and you’ve got the jist of the situation.

OnigiriLaunchReview5

Despite the seemingly casual friendly art style and outward appearance of Onigiri, the learning curve is brutal. The first few monsters you face will either teach you the importance of utilizing all of your skills through the school of hard knocks, or outright kill you before you can figure it out. Rather than just dealing damage, they offer the utility needed to dodge power attacks in this action oriented MMO. Most of the time I played I spent glaring at my energy bar hoping I could hold out long enough for one more strike. When using basic attacks, you will regain the energy required to cast these skills and spells, but remember to aim your skills well because if you miss, you might just cost you the fight, and send you back to one of the many respawning options. Most places you will visit are instanced gauntlet zones. The further you progress, the more challenging enemies become, culminating in an inevitable and predictable boss battle like an old school arcade fighter. As I said, the learning curve is intense in this game, so expect to lose a few times to even the earliest of bosses. Onigiri is not a game for those looking to play something with an easy win button.

 

OnigiriLaunchReview6

Conclusion: Good

Onigiri is a challenging and refreshing action MMO set in a style that will bring a hefty dose of nostalgia to any Dynasty Warriors fans. While many of its features are borrowed from console titles, experiencing them in a free to play MMORPG experience that you can share with players from other regions makes for an enjoyable romp. That said, the gameplay visuals are quite lacking, almost being comparable to a high end Playstation 1 title. Still if graphics aren’t a key part of your game valuation, the remainder of the package is solid enough to keep you entranced. The arcade feeling fighting style and brutal difficulty will keep you hooked for quite some time.

AbleGamers Invited to SOE Live for the Charity’s 10th Anniversary

SOE AbleGamers

AbleGamers Charity is getting ready to celebrate 10 years of fighting for the rights of gamers with disabilities to enjoy the same content as everyone else.

 

“Some people still don’t know AbleGamers actually started as an EverQuest blog,” said Mark Barlet, Founder and Executive Director of the AbleGamers Charity. “It wasn’t until my best friend, Stephanie Walker, lost her ability to play EQ, which caused me to search for ways to play video games despite a disability, and subsequently not finding anything, that AbleGamers was born.”

 

Sony Online Entertainment invited AbleGamers to participate in SOE Live as a “Coming Home” party to mark the 10th year anniversary of where it all began.

 

“We’re always thrilled to be working with SOE,” said Steven Spohn, Chief Operations Officer of the AbleGamers Charity. “Without SOE’s early support for this newfangled thing called ‘game accessibility,’ AbleGamers might not have become the international charity, fighting for millions of gamers with disabilities, which it is today.”

 

“In many ways, it’s not just a homecoming for AbleGamers,” added Barlet. “Sony companies have been stepping up their game again recently, supporting us from multiple studios. We’re honored for the support and to be coming home.”

 

You can catch AbleGamers celebrating 10 years in game accessibility at SOE Live, August 15-17, 2014, in Las Vegas.

KOG Games Offers New Home for Grand Chase Latin America Players

Grand Chase LA

Leading game developer and publisher of popular free-to-play MMORPGs, KOG Games announced today that Latin American Grand Chase players will have a new home with KOG Games!

Starting now, current Axeso5 Grand Chase players can apply for the transfer of their account, all characters (including current EXP and Levels) and character gear to the KOG Games Grand Chase service.  All current Axeso5 Grand Chase players will notice that the game login has changed slightly and some new information is required for successful game login. Along with the Account Name and Password, an Email field entry will be required to validate and secure your Grand Chase account transfer. This application for transfer will only be allowed until the current Axeso5.com game service ends. Once the current service closes, the transfer application will no longer be offered. So, hurry and login to the game to complete your transfer application now!

Then, on September 4th, 2014, the KOG Games Migration page will open for all migrating players. All players who follow and complete the direction for Migration on that page will receive a coupon code. This coupon code can be redeemed for some awesome prizes! Every player that completes the application process and account migration to KOG Games will receive $20 bonus cash!

Keep your eyes on the KOG Games website as Grand Chase announcements will be posted regularly! Please remember your Axeo5 account name and password! You cannot transfer your account without it.

“We’re thrilled to bring Latin American Grand Chase players home to KOG Games. We warmly welcome players from Mexico, Central and Spanish speaking South America as part of the growing global Grand Chase community; currently home to players from around the world.” said Eugene Kim CEO of KOG Games.