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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

World of Warcraft legal battle over WOW bot with automated actions


The makers of World of Warcraft are locked in a legal battle with a firm that has produced a tool to automate many actions in the virtual world.

Blizzard is suing Michael Donnelly, the creator of the MMO Glider program, which performs key tasks in the game automatically, such as fighting.
Both sides have submitted legal summaries to a court in Arizona.

Blizzard says Glide is a software bot which infringes the company's copyright and potentially damages the game.
In its legal submission to the court last week, the firm said: "Blizzard's designs expectations are frustrated, and resources are allocated unevenly, when bots are introduced into the WoW universe, because bots spend far more time in-game than an ordinary player would and consume resources the entire time."

More from the BBC site

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Crisis Core - Final fantasy VII on Sony PlayStation 3 and PSP

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, announced that CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-, the much awaited prequel to one of the most influential titles in video-gaming history, has shipped to North American.

Before Cloud and Sephiroth’s now legendary confrontation and the ensuing battle that captivated millions of gamers worldwide, there was Zack Fair and his simple yet whole-hearted ambition to become a SOLDIER 1st Class. Players will now discover what was hitherto left untold, as they journey through the exciting and intriguing world of CRISIS CORE - FINAL FANTASY VII -, developed exclusively for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system. Offering a compelling narrative coupled with breathtaking graphics and an action-packed battle system, this latest entry in the COMPILATION OF FINAL FANTASY VII series is sure to captivate both fans of the original FINAL FANTASY VII and newcomers alike.

Seven years prior to the events of FINAL FANTASY VII

The Shinra Company is rapidly increasing its influence through its monopoly on mako energy and military might. With the burgeoning city of Midgar as its base and symbol of prosperity, Shinra is on the verge of establishing absolute dominance over the world. SOLDIER is a group of skilled combat operatives within Shinra. The elite within the group—those strong enough to be deemed SOLDIER 1st Class—are respected and idolized by the citizenry.

Zack is a young SOLDIER 2nd Class who aspires to become a 1st. He spends his days carrying out assignments under the guidance of his 1st Class mentor, Angeal. During an operation in Wutai, a large number of SOLDIER members, led by 1st Class operative Genesis, go missing. The severity of the situation prompts Shinra executives to deploy even more SOLDIER operatives in hopes of bringing an end to the war with Wutai—and conducting an investigation into the mass desertion. The ones assigned to the mission are Zack, Angeal, and the 1st Class hero who is known the world over as Sephiroth...

What truths lie behind Genesis's disappearance? What secrets bind the three SOLDIER 1st Class operatives? For Zack, a cruel and fateful struggle awaits...

FEATURES

  • Complete the FINAL FANTASY VII experience and reunite with the most recognized RPG characters created by world-renowned character designer Tetsuya Nomura
  • Witness stunning graphics and gorgeous CG cutscenes coupled with top-notch voice acting in a 16:9 widescreen presentation, made possible by the PSP system
  • Innovative DMW (Digital Mind Wave) system enhances the action-packed real-time battle system, allowing players to unleash special attacks or call upon iconic FINAL FANTASY summons
  • Take on challenges with the all-new “Hard Mode” developed exclusively for the North American audiences
  • Acquire unique accessories made available through 300 side missions to further enrich the gameplay experience

Supreme Commander coming to Microsoft XBox 360


Supreme Commander, the multi-award winning strategy game from Chris Taylor and Gas Powered Games, will be hitting the Xbox 360 in Europe later this year. The game follows three human factions in the distant future as they battle to win the Infinite War once and for all.

Adding to the expansive Supreme Commander universe, the Xbox 360 edition will feature exclusive new units, updated maps and two new multiplayer modes. Furthermore, gamers will be able to take the fight online against up to three other players from around the world via Xbox LIVE. In addition, a revised, console-specific control interface and HUD will give gamers unprecedented strategic power over their armies.

Supreme Commander allows gamers to take control of one of three factions—the Cybran Nation, Aeon Illuminate or United Earth Federation—and help their chosen faction win the Infinite War once and for all. You control each faction’s Armoured Command Unit, a giant mech that excels in construction and combat but whose protection is mission-critical.


Each faction has its own goals, experimental units and back-story that leads them to the game’s thrilling climax. Battles rage over land, sea and air, and the command and control system puts the gamer in charge of every aspect of the fight, engaging in titanic land, air and naval battles.

The revolutionary Strategic Zoom not only gives the player the flexibility to control the entire theatre of war from an overhead map view, but also enables them to zoom right down to ground level, where they can issue orders to single units. The game can handle a vast number of units on screen, and players will need every single one to take down enormous experimental units that can change the tide of battle. The same units, ranging from miniscule to mammoth, will be available in the ranked multiplayer battles.

Xbox 360 gamers will experience the Infinite War with full support for HD and surround sound later this year.

Key Features:

- Four technology tiers, ranging from diminutive drones to mountain-straddling titans.
- Three unique factions to play.
- Four-player multiplayer over Xbox LIVE.
- 18 levels and three campaigns.
- From Chris Taylor, multi-award winning developer of Total Annihilation and Demigod.
- All new-interface, HUD and controls for Xbox 360.

Draft Day Sports - Pro Football in development


Draft Day Sports - Pro Football is now in development.

Gary Gorski, developer of Draft Day Sports: College Basketball, Draft Day Sports: Pro Basketball and Total Pro Golf 2 will serve as lead developer with Tim Plum taking on the role of Associate Developer for this exciting new title.

Draft Day Sports: Pro Football
will give you the opportunity to play one or multiple roles within a professional football organization as you scout and draft players, make roster decisions and coach your way to championship glory. Draft Day Sports: Pro Football will feature a 2D game display, play editor, interactive and entertaining draft experience, robust almanac for rich historical stat tracking, dynamic player and team personalities and interactions, customization options such as multiple league sizes, multiplayer league capabilities and much more.

Sho Online closed beta test update


The closed beta testing of Sho Online ended on March 25, 2008.

Sho Online is a free MMORPG game based on the war between the Yin and the Zhou in 11th century BC and the struggle between good and evil.

In the Closed Beta Testing, players started out as villagers of either the Yin or the Zhou dynasty. They explored their surroundings, hunted monsters, collected items and started quests as in other games. However, this peaceful atmosphere was quickly broken when one Yin player was attacked by a group of Zhou players. The Yin player managed to get back to their village and this was the beginning of long lasting brutal war. As the game progressed, battles quickly escalated into wars and sieges on 11 castles and 36 territories. In the game, more territory means more resources for your side.

Most of the players knew that the game was based on a great war which took place in ancient China between the Yin and the Zhou dynasties.


During the 7 day test of ‘Sho Online’, the siege war system, rank promotion system, faction system, item enhancement system were introduced to the testers with much success.

CEO Sang-Wook Lee said “This is just the peak of the floating ICEBURG. There is much more to come.”


The ‘Sho Online’ Team reported that the CBT ended without any major problems and they will start Open Beta Testing by late April which is earlier than scheduled.

For further information on Sho Online, a globally played game, please visit www.shoonline.net.

Warner Bros - READY TO FEAR ALMA AGAIN? PC video game


Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announce the launch of the official Project Origin community website.

Monolith Productions’ sequel to the critically-acclaimed supernatural first-person shooter, F.E.A.R., rips players from their seats and throws them back into the tension as they combat enemy forces and the supernatural in a struggle to stop Alma, a girl with immense power and a thirst for revenge, and uncover the mysterious forces arrayed against them before it’s too late.

Immerse yourself in the world of Project Origin - including fresh content here www.projectorigingame.com

About Project Origin

Featuring enhanced enemy AI and weapons, as well as new locations and powers, Project Origin resumes the gripping tale of suspense, action and horror that begun in F.E.A.R. Beginning shortly before the ending of the first game, a Special Forces squad is on a routine mission when the city of Auburn is rocked by a supernatural explosion. Alma has unleashed her wrath upon the city.

Harpoon 3 – PC video game Advanced Naval Warfare Updated!


Harpoon 3 – Advanced Naval Warfare Is Updated!

All hands on deck! A major new update is headed this way!

Matrix Games and Advanced Gaming Systems are pleased to announce the release of a new update for Harpoon 3 – Advanced Naval Warfare. The new update brings scores of improvements and new features in addition to a few major changes to the Harpoon 3 system. Major improvements to the game include an augmented and more realistic land damage model, a revamped electronic counter-measures system, and new rules for ship to ship fuel transfer.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “Harpoon 3 – Advanced Naval Warfare is one of those games that with near-infinite replayability. Our thanks are due to Advanced Gaming Systems team who continually work to improve the realism and playability of Harpoon 3 and continue to support the growing Harpoon community.”


Don Gilman of Advanced Gaming Systems added “Each new update for Harpoon 3 – Advanced Naval Warfare gives gamers more reasons to come aboard and play this uniquely realistic naval warfare simulation. Our team is thrilled to continue to work with our community and volunteers on this amazing gaming system. We will continue to do our best to give gamers the ultimate naval warfare experience.”

Harpoon 3 – Advanced Naval Warfare is the culmination of decades of development and fan support, resulting in the most comprehensive, realistic, and accurate simulation of modern combined air and naval operations available to the gaming public. Harpoon 3 gives the player an opportunity to manage some of the most advanced air and naval assets available in the world, putting them in the middle of many historical and ‘what if’ scenarios. Players will have the chance to battle it out against a variety of enemies using technology from all of the premier naval powers of the day: Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the Persian Gulf, re-live Operation El Dorado Canyon, strike at the heart of Libya, guard the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap to stop a Soviet naval invasion of the Atlantic, or stalk unwary U.S. shipping in a Soviet Akula-class submarine.

This update is comprehensive and will bring the version of the game up to 3.90.

Premium Items Added to free-to-play Silkroad Online


New features for Silkroad Online players, available now in the item mall.

The new selections include Premium Gold Time Plus, Fur Clothing (for a limited time), and a one-day Clock of Reincarnation for certain pets. The new Premium Gold Time Plus provides players the opportunity to earn additional experience points for five hours, along with many other perks such as increased attack and damage absorption. Fashionable fur hats and coats, affordable and cruelty-free, grant gamers an aura of affluence and warmth during chilly spring evenings. The one-day Clock of Reincarnation will extend the life of a summoned pet for one day, adding an alternative to the four week item.

More information on these new accessories can be found in-game by visiting the item mall.

Silkroad Online is a massively multiplayer online RPG that puts the player deep into ancient Chinese, Islamic, and European civilizations. Traveling the historic Silk Road between Asia and Europe, players can make their fortunes as merchants, prey on the rich as thieves, or be protection-for-hire as hunters. Silkroad Online is free to play, and offers the unique chance to play a character free of restrictions or fixed paths. For more information and a free download, please visit www.silkroadonline.net.

Beta Addition of - Z.A.P. - Classic Arcade Action Meets Cutting Edge Multiplayer Gaming


InstantAction Expands Beta Offering with the Addition of "Z.A.P."

Classic Arcade Action Meets Cutting Edge Multiplayer Gaming

InstantAction.com, the web browser based action gaming platform that's revolutionizing how people play, today announced the addition of “Z.A.P.” to its open beta program. The game, which is exclusively on InstantAction, is available now at www.instantaction.com.

In Z.A.P. each player pilots a spaceship through a vibrant top-down maze in a variety of rapid fire team games. Modes include Capture the Flag, Hunters, Zone Control, Retrieve, and the "every man for himself" annihilation of Z.A.P. Match. The game demands lightning reflexes and strategic team play.

“Z.A.P. is a stylish combination of fast-paced shooter action and collaborative play that any hardcore gamer will love,”
said Josh Williams, CEO of GarageGames.
"The team building Z.A.P. is bunch of passionate, experienced developers who have finally been set free to create the kind of games they want to play."


Z.A.P., also known as Zero All Productivity, was developed in collaboration between GarageGames and Bad Habit Software, a newly formed game studio comprised of games industry veterans who have worked on smash-hit console and PC titles including Syphon Filter, Warhawk, Ratchet & Clank, and Tribes.
"InstantAction strikes a perfect blend between the accessibility of the web and next generation gaming horsepower,”
says Mark Frohnmayer, Bad Habit Software’s Executive Producer and Z.A.P.’s original developer. "As a developer it gives us a solid community foundation and lets us focus all our efforts on making an exciting and visually compelling gameplay experience."

Z.A.P. includes over twenty maps, and eight game modes. Z.A.P.’s weapons include:
  • Phaser: Fires a single projectile with high rates of fire and damage.
  • Triple Shot: Fires three projectiles simultaneously spreading damage over multiple targets.
  • Bouncer: Fires projectiles which bounce off walls, used for strategic defense and attack.
  • Burster: Fires an exploding projectile, causing area of effect damage.
  • Mine dropper: Lays mines which explode for high damage on contact.

Players can also configure their ship with several modules, including:
  • Turbo: Boosts players’ rate of movement in any direction for a short period of time.
  • Shield generator: Protects player from damage while in use.
  • Repair module: Repairs self, teammates or strategic team assets such as turrets.
  • Enhanced sensor: Allows the player to spot invisible ships and enemy land mines, as well as see farther.
  • Cloak field modulator: Makes the ship invisible for a short time.

With the launch of InstantAction’s public beta last week, four games – MarbleBlast Online, Screw Jumper, Think Tanks and Wideload Shorts' Cyclomite – are already playable. More games will be added in the coming weeks, including the much anticipated FPS, Fallen Empire: Legions.

"It's refreshing to leave the grind of mainstream game development behind and to be able to focus on small, innovative titles,”
said John Folliard, Bad Habit Software's Lead Programmer.
"Games are supposed to be fun to make as well as to play!”