Monday, 16 January 2012 14:33
It's an age old debate that sometimes PC gamers either get stiffed with certain gaming-related products or the short end of the stick and it seems it may be the same scenario yet again: BioWare have confirmed that both digital and physical versions of Mass Effect 3 will require users to first have Origin installed on their computers.
This news comes direct from a from a Q&A session as Chris Priestly stated: "Origin is required for all PC editions of Mass Effect 3, physical or digital," adding, "Mass Effect 3 will require a one time, single authorization for the single player game. There is no limit to the number of installs."
Priestly also reiterated the rationale behind Electronic Arts' fall out with Steam and as to why PC gamers must use Origin: "During initial release Mass Effect 3 will be available on Origin and a number of other third party digital retailers, but not on Steam at this time. Steam has adopted a set of restrictive terms of service which limit how developers interact with customers to deliver patches and other downloadable content. [...] We are intent on providing Mass Effect to players with the best possible experience no matter where they purchase or play their game, and are happy to partner with any download service that does not restrict our ability to connect directly with our consumers."
[ Source: VG 24/7 and BioWare ]
Monday, 16 January 2012 13:52
We have all heard the stories Xbox Live account thefts and it's all been a little worrying. Microsoft have come under major fire recently with claims that they are not undergoing enough procedures to protect Xbox Live users. Now many 'experts' believe an apparent loop-hole in the security system on the official Xbox.com website may be to blame.
In a statement issued to Metro (yes I know it's a free newspaper you read on a bus journey but sometimes it can be a great initial source for news on the gaming/tech industry before researching further), Microsoft responded to allegations in stating, "online fraud and identity theft are industry-wide problems, and as such people using any online services should set strong passwords, not share those passwords across multiple services and refrain from sharing any personal details that could leave them vulnerable." I could've told them that. The multinational corporation also addressed reports that there are insufficient security measures, or loop-holes, on the official Xbox.com website claiming, "the hacking technique outlined is an example of brute force attacks and is an industry-wide issue."
To conclude, Microsoft attempted to reassure those with Live accounts and that there has been no breach to the security: "We consistently take measures to protect Xbox Live against ever-changing threats. [...] Security in the technology industry is an ongoing process, and with each new form of technology designed to deter attacks, the attackers try to find new ways to subvert it. We continue to evolve our security features and processes to ensure Xbox Live customers information is secure".
[Source: Metro]
Monday, 16 January 2012 13:49
Star Wars: The Old Republic is set to recieve its first game update tomorrow which will include the following: level 50 bracketing for PvP warzones, the addition of anti-aliasing and changes to open world PvP on Ilum. If that wasn't enough, in an interview with CVG, James Ohlen revealed details on a planned second update due out in March. This second game update is said to include three major pieces of content, as well as "full" legacy game content.
When questioned further about the "full" legacy game update, Ohlen explained it is a system that will benefit plays who like to play "alts - instead of having characters who have no relation to each other you can create a family, and when you're playing any member of that family you earn experience points for your legacy tree." He added, "those then unlock abilities and perks that help improve all your characters. I think that's going to be popular. Characters can be related to your main character in all kinds of ways: siblings, father, son, friend, you could be married to them." So gamers will really have a connection with one another rather that just friends or online acquaintance. I bet it will be a major hit with those who are both fans of the Star Wars franchise and the TV programme Who do you think you are?
Ohlen went on to say ths update in March will have a much bigger scope "further out from launch, so we can have much more of the team focussed on it. There's part two of Rise of the Rakghouls, a brand new planet called Denova which has an 8-16 man operation and a new warzone.
Click the link below if you wish to read the full interview as Ohlen also talked about BioWare's desire to create a new space-based missions, a new single player experience, guild banks and the addition of PvP rankings for competitive players.
[Source: CVG]
Tuesday, 10 January 2012 12:29
Mortal Kombat Komplete, complete spelt with a K because it's so clever, is a re-release of the previous Mortal Kombat 9 or 2011, given your own personal preference, which will feature the game in full and all the downloadable content to date. This includes: warriors Skarlet, Kenshi and Rain, as well as the infamous Freddy Krueger, 15 classic skins and three classic fatalities for Scorpion, Sub-Zero and Reptile. The edition will be available from 2 March 2012 on PS3 and Xbox 360. If you wish you can read LorD's in-depth review of the game here
Tuesday, 10 January 2012 12:16
CVG reports that a settlement between Interplay and Bethesda's parent company ZeniMax regarding the right to a Fallout MMO have been reached, with the court ruling in favour of ZeniMax along with a $2million pay out. The legal battle began back in 2009 when Bethesda chose to revoke the Fallout MMO rights just as Interplay had entered into a development deal. Thus the two developers had a falling-out over Fallout and began the process of suing one another.
According to the settlement, Interplay can not under any terms use the Fallout brand or name, thus severing any previous or current ties with the Fallout intellectual property. The settlement also dictates that Bethesda are the only developers allowed to create a MMO centred around the Fallout universe. Robert Altman, ZeniMax CEO, said "Fallout is an important property of ZeniMax and we are now able to develop future Fallout titles for our fans without third party involvement or the overhang of others' legal claims," leaving a glimmer of hope for Fallout fans wanting to play an MMO set in the post-apocalyptic world.
Interplay have been granted until December 2013 the right to sell Fallout, Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics after which it reverts back to Bethesda whom will be allowed to sell the aforementioned games.
[Source: CVG]
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