Author - Jerry Paxton

Bioshock Infinite Pushed Back

2012/05/10
Jerry Paxton
News

Here is a letter we received the other day from Irrational Games’ Ken Levine, regarding their upcoming Bioshock Infinite.

A MESSAGE FROM KEN LEVINE

When we announced the release date of BioShock Infinite in March, we felt pretty good about the timing.

Since then, we’ve come to realize that some specific tweaks and improvements will make Infinite into something even more extraordinary. Therefore, to give our talented team the time they need, we’ve decided to move the game’s release to February 26, 2013. We wanted to let our loyal (and very patient!) fans know this as soon as possible.

I won’t kid you: BioShock Infinite is a very big game, and we’re doing things that no one has ever done in a first-person shooter. We had a similar experience with the original BioShock, which was delayed several months as our original ship date drew near. Why? Because the Big Daddies weren’t the Big Daddies you’ve since come to know and love. Because Andrew Ryan’s golf club didn’t have exactly the right swing. Because Rapture needed one more coat of grimy Art Deco.

The same principle now applies to BioShock Infinite.

What does this mean for you? It means a bit more waiting, but more importantly, it means an even better BioShock Infinite. The great can be made greater, and we owe it to both ourselves and to you, our fans, to take this opportunity. Irrational Games is one of those rare developers lucky enough to ask the people who sign the checks: “Hey, can we have a few more of those checks?”

We are also going to hold off on showing BioShock Infinite at the big events of the summer, like E3 and Gamescom. That way, the next time you see our game, it will be essentially the product we intend to put in the box. Preparing for these events takes time away from development, time we’re going to use instead to get the best version of Infinite into your hands in February.

Primal Carnage Alpha Gameplay

2012/05/09
Jerry Paxton
News

Lukewarm Media and publisher Reverb Publishing have released a new gameplay trailer for Primal Carnage, which sets players in a man versus pre-historic beast online deathmatch as savvy survivalists collide with foes of brute force, allowing players to choose a side. A new video of alpha footage showcasing the FPS/third-person blend has been unveiled, and it packs a ton of primitive fury and human finesse.

Trailer

DCUO The Last Laugh DLC Pack Details

2012/05/09
Jerry Paxton
News

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – May 8, 2012 – The battle between heroes and villains in DC Universe™ Online (DCUO) continues as Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced that The Last Laugh, the fourth downloadable content (DLC) pack for DCUO, will be available in June for download on the PC and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The Last Laugh will pit players against each other in high-intensity multiplayer brawls, feature an all-new weapon, and introduce new Light-Powered Legends PvP characters.

“We created this DLC purely for the players that like to take the fight to each other in DCUO’s amazing PvP combat,” said Jens Andersen, creative director on DC Universe Online. “Our community has continuously asked for more multiplayer action in DCUO, and we wanted to deliver content that fully meets their expectations and pushes PvP to another level. The Last Laugh is the first DLC that we’ve created that focuses almost entirely on player versus player battles, and it adds an exciting new element as some of DC’s greatest heroes and villains join to fight alongside you. Players will have even more opportunities to prove to the world whether heroes or villains will be triumphant.”

The Last Laugh will include an all-new weapon, hours of multiplayer gameplay in the Safe Houses and Headquarters, and new Legends PvP characters:

  • The Shield – Players can unleash this vicious new weapon to bash their opponents, or hurl it to take them down from a distance.
  • Safe House Battles – No one is safe now that heroes and villains can invade each other’s Safe Houses in these four on four battles:
    • Graviton Technology Recovery – Players will be tasked with unscrambling teleporter codes that The Joker has mixed into fragments. Located at the Watchtower or Hall of Doom, players must retrieve eight code fragments to successfully rebuild useable teleporter codes.
    • The Rescue – Heroes must rescue hostages, while Villains will be freeing arrested criminals from opposing Safe Houses.
    • Bomb Disposal – Thanks to The Joker, the encryption on the Email terminals has changed and can only be bypassed by the robot he provided. Players must gain control of the robot and either upload the data to their HQ or add new encryption to keep their enemies and The Joker away from it.
  • Headquarter Battles – In this two-part crusade, 16 players — eight heroes and eight villains — will face off for the ultimate player reward. At the request of Superman, heroes must take over the Hall of Doom, while villains, egged on by The Joker, will breach the Watchtower in order to create chaos.
  • Legends Characters – Combat illuminates with the introduction of the first light-powered Legends for multiplayer combat. Players will soon have access to Kilowog, a Green Lantern, and Amon Sur, a member of the Sinestro Corps.

DCUO’s The Last Laugh DLC pack will be accessible for free for the game’s Legendary members and available for purchase for Free and Premium players via the PlayStation®Network in-game Marketplace, and on the PC via the DCUniverseOnline.com website.

DCUO is licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on behalf of DC Entertainment. For more information about DCUO, visit  www.DCUniverseOnline.com.

Razer Updates Naga MMO Gaming Mouse

2012/05/09
Jerry Paxton
News

CARLSBAD, Calif. – 8th May, 2012 – Razer, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, today announced the return of the award-winning Razer Naga MMO gaming mouse.  It has been updated for a new generation of win with an anti-slip, anti-fingerprint matte finish and three interchangeable side panels for a more ergonomic gaming experience.  It still retains its most important feature, a 12-button thumb grid built to deliver cataclysmic destruction on all enemies when you bind spells, items, and macros to the buttons for quick access.

“When we released the Razer Naga three years ago, we knew its twelve-button thumb grid was an amazing, revolutionary interface that was going to change the way gamers enjoy MMO action,” said Robert ‘RazerGuy’ Krakoff, President, Razer USA.  “Three years on and the number of gamers armed with the Razer Naga continues to grow.  We want to keep updating the Razer Naga with the best features, and keep arming gamers with the best MMO gaming mouse in the world.”

The Razer Naga has been enhanced to provide a more comfortable and ergonomic gaming experience.  Its anti-slip, anti-fingerprint matte finish ensures you have the best grip over your very special gaming weapon no matter how intensively you swipe.  The buttons over the top of the gaming mouse have also been repositioned for much easier actuation. Three interchangeable side panels have been provided to let you personally customize the shape of the Razer Naga to fit your hand and play-style. Whether you’re a claw- or palm-grip, the Razer Naga has got you covered and gaming just the way you want to.

For more information on the new Razer Naga, please visit www.razerzone.com/getimba

Spec Ops: The Line Demo Released

2012/05/08
Jerry Paxton
News

New York, NY – May 8, 2012 – 2K Games today announced that a free playable* demo of the highly anticipated third-person military shooter, Spec Ops®: The Line, is now available for gamers who are Gold members on the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network and on the PlayStation®Network for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The demo will become available for all Xbox LIVE members on May 15, 2012.

Players that download the demo will be introduced to the brutal action and combat of Spec Ops: The Line. The single-player narrative unfolds within Dubai after a series of cataclysmic sandstorms cut the city off from the rest of the world. Playing as Captain Martin Walker, gamers add to the city’s destruction by engaging in action-packed firefights as they search for Colonel John Konrad and his missing battalion, The Damned 33rd. In search of answers and survivors, players who experience the demo will tear through portions of two early chapters of Spec Ops: The Line.

The squad-based action in Spec Ops: The Line is highlighted by an intelligent squad command system that allows players to tactfully take out insurgents as they advance into the heart of Dubai. Gamers will blast their way through sandstorms with a variety of weapons and explosives, even using sand as a weapon to strategically bury enemies in their path. Combining intense action with a riveting narrative and the unique setting of a sandstorm ravaged Dubai, Spec Ops: The Line is unlike any other military shooter.

In addition to the single-player campaign, Spec Ops: The Line features an expansive, class-based multiplayer experience that is fun for both casual and hard core gamers. The multiplayer mode features squad-based games in visually stunning and unique environments where players are encouraged to use their sand-filled surroundings to thwart their enemies; however, the environment can quickly turn from advantageous to treacherous with the onset of sandstorms – which impact visibility, team communication and weapon handling.

Developed by YAGER, Spec Ops: The Line will be available in North America for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PS3™ and PC on June 26, 2012, and internationally on June 29, 2012.

Spec Ops: The Line is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. For a complete Spec Ops: The Line experience, including the latest news, downloads, information and more please visit www.specopstheline.com. Check out Spec Ops: The Line on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/specops.

*Xbox LIVE or PlayStation Network and Internet connection required to access demo.

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

World of Tanks Releases Update 7.3

2012/05/08
Jerry Paxton
News

8th May, 2012 — Wargaming.net, the award-winning videogame developer and publisher, announced today that update 7.3 is now available for its highly acclaimed armored warfare MMO World of Tanks.

Update 7.3 brings substitutions and additions to the line of Soviet heavy tanks, splitting the line into two branches. Leading the way through the redesigned tech tree, the update moves the IS-4 tank into tier 10 of its own heavyweight line with KV-4 and ST-I. The KV-3 has moved from tier 6 to tier 7, and freed the slot for another newcomer, T-150.

New gameplay elements introduced in the 7.3 include the addition of a new battle arena, the South Coast, and the first map set in Asia, the Dragon’s Ridge.

“These new machines should give players a taste for big and powerful heavies,” said World of Tanks Producer Mike Jivets. “With the help of the upcoming battle arenas, the game will get a fresh look from both a visual and tactical point of view.”

Screenshots

World of Warplanes Heavy Fighters Revealed

2012/05/08
Jerry Paxton
News

8th May 2012 — Wargaming.net, the award-winning videogame developer and publisher, introduced today Heavy Fighters, the second of several rock-paper-scissors warplane classes that will take over the skies in the company’s highly anticipated flight combat MMO, World of Warplanes.

Featuring such names as the Fw.57, Bf.110, Me.410 and Me.P.1102, heavy fighters are currently represented in the German line of warbirds, and will be gradually added to other national rosters.

Their size, power and armament allow heavy fighters to fulfill a great variety of objectives including interception, head-on attacks and bombing, making them one of the most versatile classes of air forces.

“If you want speed and adrenaline, you will probably go for lighter fighters, whereas heavies provide greater firepower,” said World of Warplanes Project Manager, Alex Zezulin. “Knowing the strengths of your heavy fighter will give you the feel of devastating power under your total control.”

Screenshots

Trailer

The Old Republic Loses 400k Subscribers

2012/05/07
Jerry Paxton
News

According to today’s quarterly earnings report from Electronic Arts, Star Wars: The Old Republic has dropped from 1.7 million players to 1.3 million – a whopping 400k user subtraction!

Gibeau (EA Labels President) also stressed that “core MMO users” are sticking with the game in good numbers, and suggested that the subscriber drop comes mainly from the expanded audience of non-MMO-obsessed Star Wars fans attracted by a title like The Old Republic. “As the service evolves, some of those initial casual customers have gone through a billing cycle and decided not to subscribe,” Gibeau said.

Thanks to Ars Technica for this!

Path of Exile Announces A Second Public Stress Test

2012/05/07
Jerry Paxton
News

After a successful first Public Stress Test Weekend a month ago, The Path of Exile Beta servers will be once again open to the public for the weekend of May 11-13. Below is a list of answers to frequently asked questions, explaining the details of how it works.
1. What’s the public stress test weekend for?

Primarily, testing to see how the Path of Exile servers run under heavy player load. Our Closed Beta is around the size we need for gameplay feedback, but we need to test to see if we can handle larger number of players in the lead-up to Open Beta. The first weekend was a great success. We want to push it harder this time 🙂
2. What are the specific times that I can play?

We will make the servers public at 5pm on Friday (May 11), Pacific Daylight Time. This is noon Saturday (May 12) in New Zealand. This link will help you convert to other timezones

The public weekend ends at 11:59pm on Sunday (April May 13), Pacific Daylight Time. This is 7pm on Monday (May 14) in New Zealand. This link will help you convert to other timezones.
3. Can I download the game client in advance?

Yes. We’ll have a link up before the event.
4. I have never signed up for an account at pathofexile.com. Can I still play?

Definitely! An account is required to play but you can create one at any time, even while the event is running. These accounts can be upgraded to Closed Beta accounts after the event if a Beta key is added to them (and of course, they become full game accounts once we enter Open Beta).
5. How do I start playing?

Just create an account, download the client, then start playing when the public weekend is live! If you have problems, please post in the forums and we’ll try to help.
6. What content is available during the weekend?

All of the current Closed Beta content. This includes two acts repeated over four difficulties (about 60 levels worth of content), the Maelstrom of Chaos, Default and Hardcore leagues, six character classes, approximately 70 active skills, 45 support gems and hundreds of types of items. The Shadow, our sixth character class, will be enabled this weekend for public play!
7. Will there be any special events during the public weekend?

For the last few months, we’ve been running weekly special events in Path of Exile. For example, a three hour event that rewards the people that reach the highest level or the first people to accomplish certain tasks (completing quests, clearing an area of monsters, etc). We’re going to try to run several of these events during the public stress test weekend. The exact schedule of times as well as more detailed information about rules and prizes will be posted before the weekend starts.

These events take place in temporary leagues that we create on the server specifically for the event. Players must create new characters to participate in these events and they do not have the benefit of any stashed items. Following the event, the league is closed and characters are moved to the appropriate permanent league.
8. What is a league?

A league is a self-contained separate economy within a server. Characters created within a league are unable to interact with characters from other leagues. Read more about leagues here
9. If this is a stress test, are the servers going to be laggy/unstable?

Possibly. It went really well last time, but we’re going to continue to gather data about server performance and stability under load.

Our intention is to allow users to log on freely until we encounter stability issues. At that point, we’ll place a player limit at a stability threshold and attempt to resolve any issues. Once we’re confident our servers can handle more players, we’ll incrementally raise the limit until we run into more issues. This process should help us find and resolve stability issues while also allowing people to play the game without overloading the servers. As a result, there may be a queue to log in while problems are being resolved.
10. Can I interact with Closed Beta testers during the weekend?

Yes, Closed Beta testers will have access to the same leagues that public players will. Since the public Default and Hardcore leagues are being enabled specifically for this weekend, the existing Closed Beta testers must create new characters if they choose to play in them.
11. What happens to my access after the weekend?

Unless you’re already a Closed Beta tester, your access will cease when the weekend ends. Of course, now that you have a Path of Exile account, you’ll be eligible for selection into the Closed Beta. We’re planning to ramp up invitations to the Closed Beta in preparation for the Open Beta. You may find that you get permanent access soon. If you support Path of Exile by pre-purchasing microtransaction credit, you will receive Beta access.
12. What happens to all my characters and items from this weekend?

The public weekend takes place in the leagues that regular Beta testers play in. If you gain access to the Closed Beta later, you’ll be able to pick up and play your characters right where you left off. For current Closed Beta testers, you will of course have continued access to items you have found in the public weekend during the Closed Beta. Remember, characters and items may be wiped at any time while we’re in the Closed Beta phase.
13. Are there future public stress test weekends planned?

Based on the data that we receive from this public weekend we will decide if we need to hold additional stress test weekends. We’ll post details about a week in advance if we have any planned.