Valve: Steam user database hacked, no evidence of personal info taken

November 11th, 2011, 01:03 Posted By: wraggster

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Miniclip: Browser games approaching 'console quality'

November 11th, 2011, 00:52 Posted By: wraggster

Miniclip’s senior producer Jamie Cason says online browser games are nearing the level of quality associated with console titles.
The online games portal spoke highly of its Dogfight Squadron game.
Cason told attendees at the 2011 London Games Conference: “These browser games – like Dogfight Squadron – are approaching console quality.
“Not only that, but we work with a range of developers and refresh our content regularly. Two new games [go live on the site] every week which keeps people coming back for more. And we’re all about multiplatform. If we have a hit game, we’ll bring it to mobile and more."
Miniclip’s advertising partners include Disney and Warner Bros, and 30 per cent of its players are under 14 years old.
Cason revealed Miniclip has 65m players per month, 18m registered users and 600 free-to-play games.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/minic...quality/087279

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OnLive challenges studios to 'blow our minds'

November 11th, 2011, 00:43 Posted By: wraggster

OnLive wants developers to ‘blow their minds’ and create content built specifically for cloud gaming.
At London Games Conference today, OnLive CTO Tom Paquin used his experience at Netscape as an example. He said Netscape asked consumers what they wanted and that they all asked for news, sport and weather.
None of them asked for Amazon, eBay or Facebook.
So he has called on content creators to use their creativity to create something unique using its cloud gaming platform.
“Most of our games are ports of PC games. At the moment,” said Paquin.
“The coolest things to happen on Onlive won’t come from OnLive. It won’t come from us or people like us. I would like the best minds in this space to think in this way. To blow our minds with something new.”

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/onliv...r-minds/087283

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Bethesda admits PC development is a "headache"

November 11th, 2011, 00:36 Posted By: wraggster

Bethesda Softworks has admitted that developing for the PC is a "headache" compared to consoles due to differing user hardware configurations and the threat of piracy hampering sales.
The PC version of the recently released Rage, developed by Id Software and published by Bethesda, was beset with issues on release, requiring a post-launch patch to fix driver-related bugs and add advanced graphics options. At the time, Id co-founder John Carmack admitted: "Half our PC customers got a product that basically didn't work."
Speaking to Joystiq, VP of marketing Pete Hines said: "From a technical standpoint, yes, the PC is a headache. A million different possibilities of hardware, drivers, etc. As you saw with Rage, all it takes is some bad video card drivers and years of hard work comes off as 'buggy' when in fact it's a really solid, stable game."
Hines also acknowledges that dealing with the threat of piracy without alienating your paying customers is another concern unique to the platform. "Unless you decide not to make your games available for PC, it's a problem and you have to deal with it," he said. "So we do the best we can to protect it without resorting to [DRM], and we continue to enthusiastically support our PC fans with things like the creation kit and the ability to add unlimited amounts of mods and content to your existing PC game."
Despite the problems with Rage's launch, Hines said that PC players will be "very pleased" with the performance of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which launches for PC and consoles tomorrow.

http://www.next-gen.biz/news/bethesd...pment-headache

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Dead Rising 2 demo hits Gaikai

November 11th, 2011, 00:34 Posted By: wraggster

Capcom has launched a 30 minute Gaikai demo of Dead Rising 2, allowing players to try out the game in their browser.
The developer and publisher announced that it had signed up to the cloud gaming service back in July.
"This is a new venture for Capcom, so we’re seeking lots of user feedback," a post on the company's Unity blog reads. "Let us know how the experience goes for you by commenting here or in theDead Rising 2 Gaikai thread. If things go well, you’ll start seeing this kind of thing for more Capcom titles in the future."
You can play the game now by following the source link below.
Source: Dead Rising 2 Gaikai

http://www.next-gen.biz/news/dead-ri...mo-hits-gaikai

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Solaris 11 Released

November 11th, 2011, 00:21 Posted By: wraggster

Oracle has updated its Unix-based operating system Solaris, adding some features that would make the OS more suitable for running cloud deployments, as well as integrating it more tightly with other Oracle products. While not as widely known for its cloud software, Oracle has been marketing Solaris as a cloud-friendly OS. In Oracle's architecture, users can set up different partitions, called Zones, inside a Solaris implementation, which would allow different workloads to run simultaneously, each within their own environment, on a single machine.

http://developers.slashdot.org/story...is-11-released

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Epic refutes Gears of War 3 PC evidence

November 10th, 2011, 01:01 Posted By: wraggster

Gears of War 3 will not be released on PC, Epic Games has told Eurogamer."Gears of War 3 is an Xbox 360-exclusive game, period," a company spokesperson told us.
Epic Games was responding to a rumour created by a screenshot on the Xbox community blog. This depicted the new Xbox 360 dashboard update and showed Gears of War 3 on "multiple platforms".The other games shown, Batman: Arkham City and Battlefield 3, were listed on Xbox 360 only.Speculation ensued.Gears of War 3 was released in September. Eurogamer's Gears of War 3 review awarded 8/10."In its multiplayer, all you could have reasonably asked for; in its visuals, new heights reached, while cracks of old age are papered over; in its story, a fitting conclusion; and in its campaign, though short of the consistent brilliance of its predecessor, a mostly rousing and memorable spectacle," wrote reviewer Simon Parkin.

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Atlus to publish Game Of Thrones RPG

November 9th, 2011, 23:53 Posted By: wraggster

Atlus has picked up the US publishing rights to the upcoming RPG based on George R R Martin's A Game Of Thrones.
USA Today reports that the RPG, under development at Cyanide for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, is due next year. Last month studio director Yves Bordeleau said that Cyanide had struck a licensing deal with HBO that would allow it to use some assets and character designs from the hit TV series, with some of the show's actors signed up for voice work.
Cyanide's PC strategy title A Game Of Thrones: Genesis was released in September. German developer Bigpoint is also at work on a browser-based MMOG based on the IP, and a social game is also apparently in development. All three games will be released next year.
http://www.next-gen.biz/news/atlus-p...me-thrones-rpg

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Warcraft subscriptions fall by 800,000

November 9th, 2011, 23:43 Posted By: wraggster

Subscriptions to the popular fantasy RPG World of Warcraft have dropped by 800,000, from 11.1 million three months ago to 10.3 million.
In a conference call to discuss Activision's third quarter sales figures, Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime suggested that the biggest losses were being seen in China.
He then added that World Of Warcraft is "one of the most popular online games in China, and remains by far the most popular subscription-based MMO in the world."
He also admitted that the company was aware that improvements could be made to the MMO, and spoke about a new update that was due in coming weeks, which would feature new content and raids.
"It's really not intended to go out and drive new user acquisition, that's a whole other strategy," he explained.
"But it does drive engagement with the game, and so that will impact churn if we do it successfully, and will eventually drive winback, as players tell each other about the content they're enjoying."
The game is used to highs and lows when it comes to subscribers, with numbers falling as players complete new content, and rising again on the release of a new expansion. The latest update, Mists Of Pandaria, was recently announced at Blizzcon.
The plan to include Diablo III access with World Of Warcraft annual passes should also act as a stimulus. The release date for Diablo III was not confirmed in the call beyond 2012.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...all-by-800-000

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Nvidia launches Tegra 3 processor

November 9th, 2011, 23:40 Posted By: wraggster

Nvidia has officially launched its Tegra 3 processor, which is designed to maximise gaming performance on mobile devices.
The new chip-set will yield numerous benefits for mobile devices and tablets, including a 61 per cent reduction in power consumption and 3x the graphics performance of the Tegra 2. Nvidia claims the Tegra 3 allows 12-hours of battery life for HD video playback.
The chip features a patent-pending technology called Variable Symmetric Multiprocessing, which Nvidia describes as a "fifth CPU companion" that allows the device's four main cores to remain idle for processes that require less power - playing music, video, and updating data.
The "companion" is disabled for high-performance tasks like gaming, web browsing, and completing multiple tasks.
Nvidia believes that the Tegra 3 processor offers comparable performance to a console, including controller support and the option to link to a HD television.
To support this, Nvidia is offering compatible games through the Tegra Zone of its free Android Market app - 40 games will be available by the end of 2011, and a further 15 are in development.
The launch of the Tegra 3 complies with the widespread belief that mobile technology will overtake consoles in the near future, with id Software's John Carmack predicting that the shift will take place within two years.
Developers can order the Tegra 3 Developer Kit now.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ra-3-processor

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Zuckerberg: "Google trying to build their own Facebook"

November 9th, 2011, 23:38 Posted By: wraggster

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO, believes Google are trying to build their own version of the popular networking site.
He revealed his thoughts in an interview on American TV show Charlie Rose, while speaking about Facebook's relationships with other large online companies.
"Google, I think, in some ways, is more competitive and certainly is trying to build their own little version of Facebook," he said.
"But you know, when I look at Amazon and Apple and I see companies who are extremely aligned with us, right. And we have a lot of conversations with people at both companies just trying to figure out ways that we can do more together, and there is just a lot of reception there."
In the extensive interview he also reiterated the company's commitment to social networking.
"Our goal is not to build a platform; it's to be across all of them," he added, as the discussion turned to the growing tablet market, and Facebook's plans for the future.
"I mean, because our mission is to help people connect and stay connected with people no matter what devices they're on, we want to be in all these places."
Gareth Davis, platform manager for games at Facebook will give the opening keynote at Evolve London on December 1.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...r-own-facebook

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Talk mounts that version 5 could be Silverlight's last, might only work with Internet

November 9th, 2011, 23:25 Posted By: wraggster

Could Microsoft's Silverlight soon be following in the footsteps of Adobe's Flash Player for mobile devices? That's still unconfirmed by Microsoft, but ZDNet's Mary-Jo Foley is reporting that she's heard from several sources who say that Silverlight 5 will be the last version of the rich media platform, and that it's not clear how long it will be supported after it's released later this month. What's more, another source tells Foley that the final version of Silverlight 5 itself might only work with Internet Explorer on Windows, as opposed to earlier versions that have also supported Chrome and Safari on both OS X and Windows. As ZDNet notes, however, the end of Silverlight wouldn't necessarily mean an end to all of the work Microsoft has done on Silverlight -- we've already heard about a Silverlight-like app framework that's coming in a future Xbox update, and many of the same principles can also be found in the Metro-style apps for Windows 8.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/t...last-might-on/

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Total Recall MMO announced

November 9th, 2011, 00:22 Posted By: wraggster

An MMO based on Sony Pictures' forthcoming remake of 1990 sci-fi classic Total Recall is on its way to browsers.Currently in the works at Chinese studio ZQGame with SEE Games on publisher duties, it'll be a free-to-play title boasting a hybrid of features from traditional MMOs and social games, such as PVP and PVE play and a collaborative "memory quest" system.It's being built on a specially designed engine that's apparently capable of managing a large scale 3D MMO within a browser platform."Total Recall is an international phenomenon; we know this well-known property will make a great 3D browser based game," commented Sony Pictures exec Mark Caplan."With SEE Games and ZQGame's expertise, Total Recall will offer fans of the franchise and gamers alike an engaging and authentic experience - one that will deliver everything that the fans expect and will dovetail perfectly with the upcoming film."No release date has been announced but the movie, directed by Live Free or Die Hard shot-caller Len Wiseman and starring Colin Farrell in Arnie's lead role, is due in cinemas in August 2012.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...-mmo-announced

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XCOM delayed beyond Q1 2012

November 9th, 2011, 00:11 Posted By: wraggster

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Metareview: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

November 9th, 2011, 00:10 Posted By: wraggster

We said that "Modern Warfare 3 is a great Call of Duty game, just as every other entry in the franchise is a great Call of Duty game." It's not perfect, but it's the best at what it does... and what it does best is make a whole ton of money. Here's what others had to say:

• OXM (95/100): "Sure, we can come up with a list of things we'd love to see from the series - whether it's a revamped campaign approach or a revitalized game engine and aesthetic - but when everything here is this well-executed and offers so many enduring thrills, it's hard to knock it too much. MW3 absolutely delivers."
• Game Trailers (93/100): "As attention spans dissipate, games like this strike the sweet spot of time spent versus reward gained. Yet there's also an extremely deep multiplayer experience where the changes seem minimal but pack a big punch. If you're expecting a huge departure from what's come before you'll be disappointed, but fans will get exactly what they're looking for. World War III shouldn't be this fun."
• Gamespot (85/100): "Whatever diversions or innovations may lie inModern Warfare 3's future, the competitive multiplayer still offers the same sweet satisfaction you've come to expect from the series. This is some of the best online shooter action around, and with the daunting challenges of Spec Ops and the exciting, globe-trotting campaign,Modern Warfare 3 stands tall as another great descendant of the game that changed a generation. "
• Eurogamer (80/100): "Whatever next year's entry brings, some measure of reinvention will be essential. For now, its exuberant blend of testicular bravado and blockbuster gloss ensures that Call of Duty retains its crown as the shooter genre's biggest, boldest rollercoaster ride for at least one more year."
• http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/me...ern-warfare-3/

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PC Batman: Arkham City delayed again

November 8th, 2011, 23:39 Posted By: wraggster

The PC version of Batman: Arkham City has again been delayed, and will miss its revised release date by a week, publisher Warner Bros has confirmed.
According to Rock Paper Shotgun, Arkham City will now be released on November 25, not November 18 as previously hoped.

http://www.next-gen.biz/news/pc-batm...-delayed-again

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1000 per cent increase in concurrent users for DCU Online

November 8th, 2011, 23:32 Posted By: wraggster

Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley has reported huge growth for DC Universe Online since its move to free-to-play.
Smedley announced the increase in concurrent users via hisTwitter feed, saying "We are over 1000% of our pre-F2P concurrent numbers."
He also acknowledged a series of technical problems - "long queues and other issues" - brought about by the surge in demand.
"We apologise for the login queues. We're working on adding more hardware and working on our servers so we don't have them."
DC Universe Online transitioned to a free-to-play business model at the end of October, adding 120,000 new players within a week.
In an exclusive column for GamesIndustry.biz, Smedley stated that DC Universe Online should have been a free-to-play game from its inception. He also predicted that BioWare's Star Wars: The Old Republic would be the last "large scale MMO" to use a subscription model.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...for-dcu-online

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Twitter-enhanced Firefox 8 officially available for download, Android version updated

November 8th, 2011, 23:19 Posted By: wraggster

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Game: Modern Warfare 3 our most pre-ordered game ever

November 7th, 2011, 22:26 Posted By: wraggster

Will Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 be the best-selling video game ever?Pre-order levels at Game and Gamestation point to yes."Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is the most popular game for pre-orders that Game and Gamestation have ever seen," Game spokesperson Anne-Marie Mason told Eurogamer."Beating records set by last year's number one game, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is now Game Group's largest pre-order title in the company's history."In the UK, Call of Duty: Black Ops became the fastest ever selling video game by shifting 1.4 million copies in one day. Black Ops went on to overtake Modern Warfare 2 as the UK's best ever selling video game, with 3,722,411 sales.In March this year, number-cruncher NPD said Call of Duty: Black Ops had become best ever selling video game in the US.But HMV revealed to Eurogamer less convincing evidence that Modern Warfare 3 will rewrite the record books."We've seen pretty decent pre-order levels," said an HMV spokesperson, "but we feel most of the interest will be driven by over the counter purchasing, particularly now that we're into the early stages of Christmas shopping."Amazon pointed Eurogamer towards the pre-order and bestseller charts, which were both dominated by Modern Warfare 3. But when contacted at the end of last week, Modern Warfare 3 wasn't the shop's most pre-ordered game ever. We were told those numbers would increase as the 8th November release date for MW3 approached. And how they stand now, we haven't been able to find out.GameStop UK couldn't comment on Modern Warfare 3 pre-order levels.Since record breaker Call of Duty: World at War, each subsequent Call of Duty game - Modern Warfare 2, Black Ops - has set a new worldwide sales record. And with a larger console installed base to sell to each year, it's tempting to believe Modern Warfare 3 will continue that trend.There is, however, competition this year, from EA and Battlefield 3. But what effect this will have, if any, on Call of Duty-mania we're yet to see. Expect Modern Warfare 3 sales figures this week from Activision, if they're extraordinary enough.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...ered-game-ever

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Get access to Star Wars: The Old Republic five days early

November 7th, 2011, 21:58 Posted By: wraggster

Some lucky gamers are going to be given the chance to play Star Wars: The Old Republic as early as five days before its official release on December 20^th.
Those who have pre-ordered the PC title will shortly receive an Early Game Access code. Once redeemed it gives the customer a chance to access the game ahead of release.
However, it will be a staggered process with only a lucky few getting the chance to play from December 15^th.
“Early Game Access is staggered over five days to ensure a quality experience for players at launch,” the developer explained. “Staggering access aids server stability and a gradual increase in player population through the game.
“Early Game Access will be granted according to when your pre-order code is redeemed at the Code Redemption Center. If you have not yet pre-ordered Star Wars: The Old Republic, there’s still time!”

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/get-a...s-early/087194

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