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Sunday, October 05, 2008

Warhammer ban gold selling 'bottom feeders'

Warhammer Online developer Mythic Entertainment has been quick to ban gold sellers and spammers from the recently launched title.

Studio boss Mark Jacobs hasn't held back in his latest blog post, where he revealed his thoughts on gold sellers in no uncertain terms.

"I hate gold sellers with every fiber of my being," wrote Jacobs.

"Since WAR launched we have been banning these jerks like crazy. As of Saturday night, we had banned about 400 of them.

"My CSRs have a zero tolerance policy. We don’t wait and let them stay in the game and ban them en-masse, my guys ban their useless, time-consuming butts right away. We have a strike team whose sole job it is to get these guys off our servers as quickly as possible," he revealed.

"We are in for a real fight against these bottom feeders and it will be a long and costly battle but it’s one we are going to take to them and this is only the first step," added Jacobs.

He also said that in the past companies have tried to buy him off by offering him a stake in the gold selling business, despite the opportunity to make a "tidy sum" on the side.

"For those who might be tempted to think that we are doing this so we could offer our own service or because we do make money off their boxes (traditionally, gold sellers will quickly shift to buddy disks and free trials though to lower their costs), let me tell you this. I’ve been offered 'a piece of the action' both personally and corporately in the past if I will either turn a blind eye or help them in their actions. This would have netted me and/or Mythic a very, very tidy sum, far more than we would see from box sales.

"My answer was and always will remain the same: Go to hell."

Source: GamesIndustry

Google Wants Lively To Be a True Gaming Platform

Image representing Google as depicted in Crunc...

Image via CrunchBaseFollowing confirmation that Google intends to open its virtual world Lively to games developers, creative director Kevin Hanna has revealed the long-term goal is for the service to become an online games platform.

At GDC Austin earlier this month, Hanna said that initially the company will release an application programming interface (API), allowing users to create simple arcade or 3D games.

"There is a longer term goal of opening up the API so the architecture of Lively could be used as an online games platform," detailed Hanna, speaking exclusively to GamesIndustry.biz.

The veteran of Microsoft – who now works at Google partner X-Ray Kid with a team that includes former employees of Sony, Disney, Electronic Arts, Warner Bros. and Marvel Entertainment – hopes that Lively can be an entry point for developers who can easily get to grips with the Google technology.

"I'd like for it to be invisible, where when it makes sense to have 3D aspects of the web, that everyone will have already downloaded the plug-in, it's one of the first things you do when you install your machine, and you're able to just jump around and play in a creative space," he said.

"I feel like a big chunk of the games industry out there has a corporate mentality where you're first to be second, and I've been there, where they say, "'Make sure you include this aspect, and this aspect, and this aspect, to ensure that we have an 80 per cent market share.'"

This copycat attitude is dampening the creativity of the games medium, according to Hanna, who believes Lively can can be an inspiration to developers.

"It's sucking the life out of what should be the most creative and innovative medium out there, and I hope that this inspires those same 'passionate start-ups' and kids in college to actually go and produce games where they don't have to worry about the visual bar or the accessibility, because those things are already pre-established."

PC game predicts the US presidential election result 2008 - The Political Machine

The Political Machine

On the road to the White House

The irony of the realism

The Political Machine is a PC game. It is designed to be fun. But underneath the covers it is one of the most advanced political simulations that exists. For example, in 2004, The Political Machine 2004 edition accurately predicted the election in June. Stardock's Brad Wardell was asked live on CNBC in June 2004 how the game predicted the outcome.

The game correctly predicted that Ohio - not Florida - would be the state to watch and whoever won that state would win the election. It also correctly predicted the winner of 48 of the 50 states. Moreover, political junkies will appreciate many of the political consultants and strategies employed in the game such as the use of smear merchants, spin doctors, intimidators, cheer leaders, movie stars, etc.

Strategy gamers will appreciate the balanced game mechanics which allows players to research new campaign tactics. The Political Machine isn't just a fun game to play; it's a game that lets players see how the political process works in all its gory detail. Simple to play, difficult to master.

Kalypso Media and Stardock bring you the humorous and irreverent game The Political Machine, a PC strategy game in which players run for President of the United States. Players can choose an existing candidate or can design their own from scratch, then choose a map/scenario to campaign in. From there, players must tackle the issues and battle against their ideological opponent for victory on election day.

The Political Machine will be released on PC 17.10.08 at £19.99

Warhammer Online tops American PC video games chart

Warhammer Online - Age of Reckoning has topped American PC video game sales chart for the September 20 week.

SPORE took second place (No1 last week) in the MMO video games race for top slot with Warhammer Online Collectors Edition thaking third.

Crysis - Warhead entered the chart at No 4 folled by The Sims 2 Apartment Life at No 5.

No 6 placed World of Warcraft - Battle Chest with Spore Galactic Edition came in seventh and The Sims 2 Double Deluxe 8th.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky took in 9th place and finally World of Warcraft was at No 10.

America PC games chart:

1. Warhammer Online - Age Of Reckoning

2. SPORE

3. Warhammer Online - Age Of Reckoning Collectors Edition

4. Crysis - Warhead

5. The Sims 2 Apartment Life

6. World Of Warcraft - Battle Chest

7. SPORE Galactic Edition

8. The Sims 2 Double Deluxe

9. Stalker - Clear Sky

10. World Of Warcraft

Nintendo re-work Pikmin, Metroid Prime and Mario Tennis Gamecube games for the Nintendo Wii

Next year Nintendo will release GameCube games Pikmin 1 and Pikmin 2 with Wii control systems.

Metroid Prime 1, Metroid Prime 2 and Mario Tennis will also get the update to Nintendo Wii treatment.

In December Nintendo will release Jungle Beat and Pikmin in Japan.

It is also expected Nintendo will remake Donkey Kong - Jungle Beat and Chibi Robo for the Nintendo Wii.

Resistance 2 Video Game Public Beta sign up now

The fate of mankind rests in your hands once again. Before the highly anticipated Resistance 2 makes its debut, we need some brave souls to try out the multiplayer features like the 8-player class-based online co-op plus up to 60 player competitive multi-player games.

Your courage and expert fighting skills make you a perfect recruit.

To apply simply visit the landing page here...

NOTE: you require a PlayStation Network account.

Get in quick as they are only accepting applications for a limited time.

If you get picked then they'll let you know by email.

Good Luck!

Close to 100,000 players in Runes of Magic free download

Runes of Magic achieves the first milestone

The success of Fantasy Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games is unbroken. Now Frogster is proud to present the first success message regarding the highly anticipated Runes of Magic (http://www.runesofmagic.com). Within the first three month since release of the website and the start of the game's closed beta registration, more than 95,000 players have registered for Runes of Magic. The Berlin publisher takes this event as an opportunity to announce the start of the closed beta test II (CBT II) for Oct. 9th and the start of the open beta for Dec. 9th. For the CBT II stage, there will only be a small number of new invitations. In the upcoming beta phases an additional 30,000 players will be invited to take a look at the world of Taborea and its inhabitants.

Furthermore, by reaching the 100,000 player mark at such an early date, all expectations of the publisher were exceeded. The combination of high quality and Free2play without monthly subscription is received very well by the players and is considered a key factor of the title's success.

Until the launch of the game in December 2008 Frogster aims for 250,000 registrations as the next milestone. For this reason, Runes of Magic has evolved into one of the most promising titles on the MMOG market in such a short time.

All information about Runes of Magic, comprehensive picture and video material and the closed and open beta registration can be found on the official website: www.runesofmagic.com.

Runes of Magic – a world full of wizardry and adventure
With an extensive range of features Runes of Magic prepares to redefine the standard of free-to-play MMO games. Right from the launch Runes of Magic will convey its absorbing story in over 600 quests embedded in an atmospheric world. Players can choose from six main classes. Combined with a secondary class they dispose of 36 individual character classes over all. All characters possess unique skills with impressive combo attacks and can use mounts in the later stages of game play. A particularly attractive feature for guilds and players is the possibility to arrange their own virtual homes with individual furnishing. Thanks to an extensive crafting and reputation system, thrilling PVP as well as demanding dungeons and boss-monsters, no wishes remain unsatisfied. The Taiwanese developer Runewaker has developed Runes of Magic according to western MMO standards within a time frame of three years. The studio will provide new challenges for players every three to four months with free add-ons and updates. MMO fans can find more information, pictures and videos on the official website www.runesofmagic.com.

Runes of Magic features

• Free2play, no monthly fees, free download

• Dual class system with switchable primary and secondary classes

• Enthralling background story

• Already over 600 quests and level comprehensive quest series on launch

• Instanced and persistent dungeons

• Individually developed skills and spells

• Armor sets with special bonuses

• Dynamic item system: Upgrades with hundreds of runes

• Activatable PvP system (Player vs. Player duels)

• Epic crafting system with the possibility to improve existing items

• Individual coloring of clothes and armor

• Housing: personalization with individual furniture for players and guilds

• Special zones for guild houses

• Reputation system

• Scalable user interface based on the users preference (development of your own add-ons possible)

• In-game map and radar system to find dealers, resources and quests easily

• Auction house: auction and purchase items

• Teleporting possibilities via runes, different and unique mounts

• Controlling with mouse (point & click) and keyboard (WASD or arrow keys) possible

More Runes of Magic posts on gamezplay.org here...

Euro Truck Simulator PC video game - Free Download

Euro Truck Simulator is a European first - A truck simulation game in a European setting, with European long haulage trucks! Drive cargos from Rome to Berlin to Madrid to Prague - and many more cities - in realistic vehicles. Euro Truck Simulator is a faithful reproduction of driving trucks on the European road.

Drive across a realistic depiction of Europe, visit its beautiful cities, pick up a variety of cargos, and deliver them on time!

Download a Free demo version here...

The road network in Euro Truck Simulator is based on genuine European roads, and cities in the game bring the essence of their real-world counterparts to the game.

As the game is set in Europe, European truck-designs feature exclusively - all trucks use highly realistic, meticulously detailed models based on real trucks. The truck interiors of Euro Truck Simulator are as equally impressive as the exteriors. With actual working instruments such as flashing indicators, temperature and low fuel warning lights, wipers, and naturally - a full set of gauges including speedometer - all built into the interior 3D model, Euro Truck Simulator offers a truly immersive simulation environment. The player can pan around the cabin, just as if they were actually sitting at the wheel.

Other Euro Truck simulator posts (including video) on gamezplay.org here...

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Animal Crossing - Let's go to the city out for Nintendo Wii in December - screenshots

Animal Crossing - Let's go to the city out for Nintendo Wii in December

Pack your bags and take a trip to the city as Animal Crossing comes to Wii! In a new installment to the hugely popular series, Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City not only allows players to create their own perfect life in the country, but also introduces an exciting new city area to explore! With many new features such as the new Nintendo Wii Speak accessory which enables you to chat to other players in the game, pack up your fishing rod and get ready to create your ideal Animal Crossing world as Animal Crossing: Lets Go to the City launches across Europe in December 2008.

The new city environment introduces a thrilling new area with exciting shops and entertainment opportunities to experience. Simply jump on the bus from your town and take a trip to visit the theatre to watch a show or even visit Gracie Grace, the large and exclusive department store that sells special items and furniture to customise your home. You can even customise your own character at the hair salon with your favourite Mii from your Nintendo Wii console and compete with other players selling and bidding for items at the auction house.

Animal Crossing: Lets Go to the City is a fun and engaging life simulation, where you can take control and shape the world around you from decorating your house to creating constellations in the heavens. Start the game in your own quiet town and meet many enriching animal characters along the way as you collect new furniture, wallpaper and carpets to make your house a home. Alternatively, simply while away the hours with a spot of fishing or gardening - there are no pressures in the world of Animal Crossing, you can live the life you wish to lead.

For players who have already enjoyed creating their own character in Animal Crossing: Wild World on the Nintendo DS, this new title will allow the transfer of some character data to Nintendo Wii. The Nintendo DS can also be used as a ‘suitcase’ allowing players to take their character to and from a friend’s Nintendo Wii console to explore their Animal Crossing world.

Adding to the fun, Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City operates in real time, which means if twenty-four hours has passed in the real world, the same amount of time will also have passed in your town. Allowing you to experience seasons and special days as they happen, celebrate events like Halloween, and national holidays as they happen in real life.

Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City is a title the whole family can enjoy together as it introduces a number of great ways for all to share their Animal Crossing lives with friends and family around the globe. Using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, send friends letters and items from the post office located in each town. Why not even visit them yourself? Travel to a friend’s town to explore their unique Animal Crossing environment or invite them to visit you, regardless of where they live in the world!

For the first time on Nintendo Wii, get ready to actually chat with friends as Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City introduces the new Wii Speak accessory , which allows players to communicate with each other directly in the game. This exciting new accessory sits above the Nintendo Wii sensor bar on your television set and enables anyone in the room to speak with friends in another location. Use Wii Speak when visiting a friend’s town, or being visited, to explore, chat and enjoy Animal Crossing together via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

X-Blades' Ayumi getting new sets of armored clothing and weapons - From Sexy Sweetie to Battling Babe

From Sexy Sweetie to Battling Babe

X-Blades' Ayumi getting new sets of armored clothing and weapons

X-Blades developers, Gaijin Entertainment, are bringing some options to Ayumi's wardrobe, along with a bunch of new gunblades. At the beginning of the game Ayumi is limited to her sexy outfit when she's hunting treasure and monsters, but soon things begin to open up and new combat suits and bonus weapons will be made available - and they don't just look good, they have special properties too!

For example, the player can choose between regenerative and protective outfits. Depending on what's selected, the life energy can build up faster, or damage points by enemy attacks won't be so severe. Equipped like that Ayumi is perfectly prepared for the challenging boss fights!

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Sunday, October 05, 2008

Saturday, October 04, 2008