Author - Jerry Paxton

RuneScape: The Evolution of Combat Details

2012/05/18

Friday 18th May 2012, Cambridge, UK – Jagex, makers of RuneScape, the World’s most popular and multi-award winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online adventure game, today unveiled the first details of the upcoming RuneScape combat update: The Evolution of Combat.

The Evolution of Combat project will see the biggest change in any system in RuneScape’s history. By bringing this eagerly anticipated update to life, Jagex will be completely redesigning RuneScape’s combat system to offer players an even more immersive and involving experience. On release, the Evolution of Combat update will completely revolutionise the way players fight and interact in game.

“It’s impossible to downplay the significance of this update,” stated Mark Ogilvie, RuneScape’s lead designer. “A rework of the combat system has been the most requested update from our community, and thousands of man hours have gone into developing a more fluid, interactive and tactical combat system. The Evolution of Combat update will fundamentally change the way people play and view RuneScape forever.”

Due to the game-changing nature of the release, RuneScape members will have the opportunity to be among the first to trial the new system with a limited access closed beta; the first in the game’s history. Beta registration will open to all RuneScape members on 1st June in preparation for the first beta entry on 26th June. The beta will run from 26th June until September and will allow testers the exclusive chance to preview the expansion before the rest of the world.

Speaking about the beta, Mark Ogilvie continued, “We have always valued the views and feedback our community which is why we are so excited to be launching this game-changing update with a members’ beta. By introducing this update with a limited-access beta, we are able to interact with our community in a completely new way and offer our members the chance to try the new features first, helping to shape the future of one of the most important elements of the game. I know players won’t want to miss out on the chance to take part in this exclusive opportunity, so be sure to register your interest when registration opens on 1st June.”

Further details of The Evolution of Combat update will be unveiled in due course, and those wishing to keep up to date with the latest announcements are encouraged to visit www.RuneScape.com. Players wanting to take part in the exclusive access beta will need to be an existing member or sign up to RuneScape membership by the 1st June, and continue to be a member through the beta period.

With The Evolution of Combat update on the horizon, there has never been a better time to start your RuneScape adventure. Visit www.RuneScape.com to create your free account today.

The assets (and logo) for this release can be downloaded from: http://bit.ly/EvolutionOfCombat.

DUST 514 Accepting Beta Applications

2012/05/18

Jerry Paxton

News

Reykjavik, Iceland – 17 May 2012 – Today CCP Games is proud to announce that players can register for beta access to its upcoming free-to-play first person shooter, DUST 514, set to launch later this year exclusively on PlayStation®3. The registration page is now live and players can register at www.dust514.com/beta

DUST 514 is one of the most anticipated titles of 2012, and CCP is ready to accept sign ups from fans and gamers eagerly awaiting their chance to try out the revolutionary shooter. If accepted, beta registrants will be notified with an email invitation and instructions on how to access the beta. Thousands of players have already been able to experience DUST 514 during its closed beta, and CCP is beginning to let limited numbers of players join the action. Select players from CCP’s MMO EVE Online will gain entry into the DUST 514 beta this week, as well as all those who attended the EVE Fanfest convention in Iceland this past March. The beta will continue to expand throughout the summer, and CCP will discuss more details at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).

DUST 514 brings intense infantry combat, large scale warfare and rich character advancement to the PlayStation®3 in a system-exclusive free-to-play persistent shooter set in, and integrated with, the massive universe of EVE Online. Wage war in the next generation of first person shooters, where your next victory could prove the crushing blow to a galactic empire of thousands of online gamers.

DUST 514 is set to launch in 2012, exclusively on PlayStation®3. For more information visit www.dust514.com and follow DUST 514 on Facebook and Twitter (@dust514).

E3 attendees can experience DUST 514 in Sony’s booth in the West Hall!

Carrier Command: Gaea Mission Gets Release Date

2012/05/17

Jerry Paxton

News

Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday May 17, 2012 — Console Command – Bohemia Interactive and publisher Mastertronic have revealed the release date and launch platforms for the upcoming Carrier Command: Gaea Mission. The game will see a galaxy-wide release for Windows PC and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on 27 September 2012.

Set in a massive archipelago, Carrier Command: Gaea Mission floats a refreshing gameplay combination of 1^st/3^rd person action with a hint of real-time strategy. The studio has been developing the game for Windows PC and Xbox 360 simultaneously, to ensure an optimal experience across the two platforms. The content in both versions will be the same.

Bohemia Interactive’s founder and CEO, Marek Spanel, adds:

“I and my brother Ondrej were addicted to playing Carrier Command on our Atari ST. In fact, it was what inspired us to develop games ourselves. Now, almost 25 years after the original was released, it’s exciting to see our re-imagination, Carrier Command: Gaea Mission, finding its way to the massively expanded PC and immense console gaming audience.”

Bohemia Interactive is also proud to announce their partnership with Mastertronic, who will oversee the European distribution of both the Windows PC and Xbox 360 physical retail copies.

Andy Payne, Managing Director of Mastertronic, concludes:

“We are really honoured to be working with such a talented and successful games developer as Bohemia Interactive. They have a fantastic track record of producing great games. Indeed it is a real co-incidence that one of the first games I worked on way back in the 80’s was the original Carrier Command and my company, The Producers, now part of Mastertronic, helped Rainbird get that game in the hands of real fans. With that heritage in mind, Mastertronic will shout loud and proud about Carrier Command and we will ensure we help bring legions of new fans enjoy this great game.”

Carrier Command: Gaea Mission – Play & Contribute Beta for PC

Enthusiasts can already get a taste of the unique command-and-battle gameplay by participating in the Carrier Command: Gaea Mission Play & Contribute Beta. For more information, please go to www.carriercommand.com, check out the Play & Contribute video invitation, or visit store.bistudio.com/play-and-contribute to sign up directly.

For all the latest information, please visit www.carriercommand.com or track us via our social channels:

Facebook.com/CarrierCommand
Twitter.com/CarrierCommand
YouTube.com/CarrierCommand

Xbox®, Xbox 360® and Xbox LIVE® are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

NASCAR The Game: Inside Line Announced

2012/05/17

Jerry Paxton

News

Santa Monica, CA – May 17, 2012 – Hop in the driver’s seat, buckle up and start your engines because Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and leading independent racing game developer Eutechnyx are pleased to announce NASCAR^® The Game™: Inside Line. Bringing the true NASCAR experience to consoles, the game will allow players to race with the top NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers, teams and cars, as well as feature all 23 officially licensed racetracks. NASCAR The Game: Inside Line is planned to launch Fall 2012 for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system and the Wii™ system from Nintendo.

“We set out to reinvent NASCAR gaming last year with NASCAR^® The Game™ 2011 – and we’re very proud of it. With our continued enhancements to that game, and our very passionate fans helping guide us, we have an amazing platform to go to the next level with NASCAR The Game: Inside Line,” said Dave Thompson, Executive Producer at Eutechnyx. “We’ve added a new in-depth career mode and robust online features that include realistic race weekends, and now aspiring drivers can rise up through the ranks, attract sponsors, and upgrade their car’s components in the quest to be the Sprint Cup Series Champion.”

“The collaboration between Activision and Eutechnyx produced last year’s hugely successful NASCAR game experience,” said David Oxford, Executive Vice President, Activision Publishing. “NASCAR The Game: Inside Line builds on that platform and adds a number of innovative, cutting edge features that will give fans and gamers alike the chance to participate in the sport like never before.”

Blake Davidson, Vice President of Licensing & Consumer Products at NASCAR and board member of NASCAR Team Properties, said, “The way Eutechnyx has integrated themselves into the sport has been amazing. From the fans to the teams, to NASCAR itself and now with our broadcast partners, they have been channeling that into something that evolves our NASCAR games into revolutionary interactive entertainment. We think the fans will really enjoy all of the new features Eutechnyx has incorporated into the latest game.”

For more info on NASCAR The Game: Inside Line, visit the game’s Web site at www.NASCARthegame.com, or follow along on Twitter (@NASCARTheGame) and Facebook (facebook.com/NASCARthegame). This game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

First Screenshots

Omerta Also Heading to Consoles

2012/05/17

Jerry Paxton

News

Ridgewood, NJ, May 17. 2012– Kalypso Media is pleased to announce that their highly anticipated criminal empire building game, Omerta – City of Gangsters, will be coming to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in autumn 2012. The game, previously announced for Windows PC, is in development by Haemimont Games, creators of classic strategy titles including the most recent Tropico titles — Tropico 3, Tropico 4 and Tropico 4: Modern Times.

Omerta – City of Gangsters for both Xbox 360 and Windows PC will place players in 1920’s Atlantic City, where they’ll spend their time building a criminal empire in an attempt to dominate the city. Players will construct, buy or take over buildings to turn them into speakeasies, distilleries, illegal boxing rings and much more, as they work to generate income. With dirty money come dirty jobs – and the game switches to a turn-based tactical RPG during blazing gunfights and elaborately planned and executed heists. Unique playable and non-playable characters will perform jobs for you, including spying on, fighting with and even fire-bombing the buildings of enemy gangs.

For more information about Omerta – City of Gangsters, please visit http://www.kalypsomedia.com or https://www.facebook.com/OmertaCityOfGangsters

GUNNAR and Ubisoft Announce Ghost Recon Bundle

2012/05/17

Jerry Paxton

News

SAN DIEGO – May, 17, 2012 – GUNNAR Optiks, the world’s leading manufacturer of computer and gaming eyewear, together with Ubisoft announce the Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier and GUNNAR Optiks limited edition bundle, available at Best Buy from May 22 to June 5. For a limited time, instantly save $40 when purchasing Ghost Recon: Future Soldier together with a pair of GUNNAR Optiks MLG Phantom Onyx, Vayper Onyx, or RPG Gunmetal styles from BestBuy.com or Best Buy retail stores. With the help of GUNNAR Optiks, Ghost Recon fans can now display their passion for the series while reducing eye strain and fatigue resulting from marathon gaming sessions.

To further promote the game and their partnership, GUNNAR and Ubisoft have also created limited edition Ghost Recon: Future Solider branded eyewear accessories. The accessories feature “socket sets,” interchangeable temples for select GUNNAR gaming eyewear styles, and a Ghost Recon: Future Solider branded case.

“The launch of Ghost Recon: Future Solider is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year and an alignment with Ubisoft just made perfect sense,” explains Jennifer Michelsen, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at GUNNAR Optiks. “In the game, Ghosts rely on superior training with the latest technology and weaponry to achieve their objectives. For gamers, GUNNAR is providing the latest technology in visual performance in an effort to reduce eye strain while taking out enemies with precision, accuracy, and focus for hours on end. Combined, gamers can save a little cash with the bundle and experience Ghost Recon: Future Soldier with the highest visual quality possible.”

To learn more about GUNNAR Optiks, how to purchase or win the limited edition accessories, and to find a Best Buy location with GUNNAR’s eyewear collection, please visit: www.gunnars.com /grfs

Key features of GUNNAR Optiks gaming eyewear:

Tint: GUNNAR’s patented amber tint filters out harsh artificial light, reducing eye irritation while enhancing contrast for a more vivid picture quality when gaming in hi-def.
Wrap/Shape: The frames feature highly wrapped, curved lens shape limiting air flow and maintaining moisture near the eyes, while providing a slight magnification effect optimized for viewing digital screens and helping the eye muscles to relax.
Material: GUNNAR’s proprietary lens material is optically pure, insuring the clearest image by eliminating distortion, impurities and haze.
Coatings: Reduces distractions caused by glare and reflections to help minimize eye fatigue and strain.
Design: Large lens surface area for wider viewing angles and flat temples that allow for comfortable wearing of headsets.
20/20 or Rx: Out of the box ready for 20/20 vision or used with corrective contact lenses, and also prescription compatible in partnership with Carl Zeiss Vision with optional coverage by VSP Insurance.
Versatile: Don’t just use them for gaming, they also help reduce eyestrain during any activity that requires looking at a digital screen for extended periods of time. Work, writing, studying, etc.

Borderlands 2 Special Editions Announced

2012/05/17

Jerry Paxton

News

New York, NY, May 17,2012 – 2K Games and Gearbox Software today announced two tiers of special limited editions for the highly anticipated Borderlands^®2 –the Deluxe Vault Hunter’s Collector’s Edition and Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition. Currently in development by Gearbox Software, Borderlands 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed four-player cooperative shooter-looter that combined intense first-person mayhem with role-playing gameplay. Both editions will reward fans with a number of collectible and in-game bonus items that will enhance the action-packed experience of Borderlands 2.

The Deluxe Vault Hunter’s Collector’s Edition (MSRP $99.99) includes a copy of Borderlands 2; authentic Marcus Kincaid bobblehead; Inside the Vault: The Art & Design of Borderlands 2 hardbound book; collectable sticker set; map of Pandora; digital comic download code; and bonus downloadable in-game digital content. The Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition (MSRP $149.99) includes all of those items, plus a collectable scaled replica of the red loot chests found throughout Pandora in Borderlands 2; steel book case; Creatures of Pandora wide-format ID chart; lithograph postcard set; field notes from Sir Hammerlock; cloth map of Pandora; and a numbered certificate of authenticity. Both of the special editions will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows-based PC.

Gamers who pre-order the Deluxe Vault Hunter’s Collector’s Edition, Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition or the standard edition of Borderlands 2 from participating retailers will also gain access to the Borderlands 2 Premiere Club, allowing them to download the Gearbox Gun Pack, a Golden Key, the Vault Hunter’s Relic and an all-new fifth character class – the Mechromancer. The Gearbox Gun Pack is a collection of unique guns to help players begin their journey on Pandora. The Golden Key is used to unlock a rare in-game item in the mysterious Golden Sanctuary Loot Chest found in Borderlands 2. The Vault Hunter’s Relic is an in-game item that boosts players’ gear-hunting fortune while playing solo or teaming up with friends. The Mechromancer character class will be available following launch when development of the character is complete and is free to those who pre-order Borderlands 2, and will be available for purchase for those who do not. To pre-order all editions of Borderlands 2, please visit www.borderlands2.com/preorder.

Borderlands 2 features all-new characters; skills; imaginative, diverse new environments with unique missions and enemies; and more exciting and fun weapons, equipment and loot than ever before. All of these features come together in a story that takes players to the world of Pandora to take down the notorious Handsome Jack and his corrupt Hyperion Corporation as a solo campaign or with up to four cooperative players.

Borderlands 2 will be available in North America on September 18, 2012, and internationally on September 21, 2012. Borderlands 2 is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information please visit www.borderlands2.com.

2K Gamesis a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Images

Blizzard Apologizes for Diablo III Issues

2012/05/17

Jerry Paxton

News

Blizzard Entertainment has sent out a letter of apology on the forums for its newly-released Diablo III – which has been plagued with connection problems since launch.

Official Letter to the Gamers

Diablo Players:

We’d like to extend a very sincere thank you to everyone who joined the global Diablo III launch celebrations this week, as well as to everyone who was ready to jump into Sanctuary the moment the game went live.

To that end, we’d also like to say that we’ve been humbled by your enthusiasm — and we sincerely regret that your crusade to bring down the Lord of Terror was thwarted not by mobs of demons, but by mortal infrastructure. As many of you are aware, technical issues occurring within hours after the game’s launch led to players experiencing error messages and difficulty logging in. These issues cropped up again last night for the Americas and Europe servers. Despite very aggressive projections, our preparations for the launch of the game did not go far enough.

We’ve been monitoring the game 24/7 and have applied several optimizations to help our systems better weather the global rush. As of late last night, specifically 11:50 PM PDT on May 15, all systems have been online and running relatively smoothly. We’re continuing to monitor performance globally and will be taking further measures as needed to ensure a positive experience for everyone. This includes some maintenance to implement additional improvements for each region.

In order to make sure everything is continuing to run as it should, we’ve decided to move out our target launch for the real-money auction house beyond our original estimated date of May 22. We’ll post further updates on that in the near future.

Aside from the tremendous number of players simultaneously logging in to the game, one of the launch-day service issues was linked to the achievement system. Some players began to notice early on that achievements were either not being earned properly, or not being saved between multiple logins. We’re investigating this issue and will provide a specific update as soon as possible.

We greatly appreciate everyone’s support, and we want to sincerely apologize for the difficulties many of you encountered on day one. Please visit the Battle.net Support site or Support forums for the latest service-related updates or for help in troubleshooting any technical issues you may be having downloading, installing, or while playing the game.

Thank you again for your patience while we reinforce the gates of Sanctuary and further strengthen it for your onslaught.

Respectfully,
Blizzard Entertainment

World of Warplanes Introduces Attack Aircraft

2012/05/17

Jerry Paxton

News

17^th May 2012 — Wargaming.net, the award-winning videogame developer and publisher, introduced ground-attack planes today into its flight combat MMO World of Warplanes, currently in its alpha testing stage. These heavily armed warbirds are a massively threatening class designed to wipe out ground targets.

Several legendary names stand out in the class of ground-attack planes, including the classic Il-2, Il-10, and the highly progressive jet-powered Il-40 “sturmoviks”, which is presented in the Soviet tech tree, and will expand into models from other nations as World of Warplanes gets close to launch later this year.

Ground-attack aircraft are most famous for deadly strafing runs, dive bombing and destructive missile attacks, while their armor provides high survivability and combat effectiveness.

“This is the best example of what a flying tank would be like,” said World of Warplanes Project Manager, Alex Zezulin. “Ground-attack planes are heavy, slow-paced, close to invulnerable machines that might have the most important objective in combat: to eliminate any ground-based resistance and ensure the safety of their lighter allies.”

Screenshots

DiRT Showdown Gets Pushed Back in North America

2012/05/16

Jerry Paxton

News

Los Angeles – May 16, 2012 – Codemasters has revised the ship date of DiRT Showdown for North America to June 12, 2012 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, after discussions with its distribution partner Warner Bros.

Both Codemasters and Warner Bros believe the move to June, from its original May 29 date, will provide the game with a clearer release window and create a greater opportunity for success at North American retail outlets.

The PC edition is unaffected and holds its global digital release date of next Thursday, May 24, and will be available from Steam.