The last fortnight has been an examination of the wheres and the whys that form the basis of professional gaming. Of course, every now and again, it doesn’t hurt to remind ourselves that what actually underpins the basis of eSports is the tournaments themselves.
It’s not the prize pool posted at Major League Gaming’s tournaments, or the winnings gamers take home from Electronic Sports World Cup or World Cyber Games events, but the mentality that players take on the bus, train, in their cars or the airplane on their way to their matches.
Put simply, eSports isn’t just professional gaming. It’s the attitude that flows among the hundreds of people sitting in bitterly uncomfortable seats, annoying their girlfriends who are growing callouses on their rear because their partner wants to watch IdrA or Roy dominate the competition. It’s the chill people get down their spine when the last man defending the bomb gets fragged through three walls on the back of de_train.
It’s also the vigour people get when they get out of bed and think about build orders, or the excitement a gamer feels when all he can think about on the train home is a long night of smashing people in FIFA.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Introversion Shelves Subversion – Prison Architect to Launch in 2012
British indie developer Introversion has put Subversion on the back-burner, and will be launching an entirely different new game early next year.
As Chris Delay explained in a recent interview with Eurogamer, even though years had been sunk into developing Subversion, the game wasn't actually any fun to play.
As Chris Delay explained in a recent interview with Eurogamer, even though years had been sunk into developing Subversion, the game wasn't actually any fun to play.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
News Rumour: Fresh Staff Cuts At 2K’s Canberra Studio
We’ve just received word from an anonymous source that 2K’s Canberra studio, which was renamed 2K Marin in a recent shuffle, has undergone redundancies, with up to 15 staff members losing their jobs.
At the moment that appears to be the extent of the damage, but in an increasingly hostile industry environment, which has seen multiple local studios close over the last couple of months, losing staff members is not a positive place to be.
We’ve been in contact with 2K locally and hope to get an official update soon.
If you were let go by 2K Marin, and you wish to get in contact with us, email us here.
At the moment that appears to be the extent of the damage, but in an increasingly hostile industry environment, which has seen multiple local studios close over the last couple of months, losing staff members is not a positive place to be.
We’ve been in contact with 2K locally and hope to get an official update soon.
If you were let go by 2K Marin, and you wish to get in contact with us, email us here.
Arkham City Is (Maybe) Mark Hamill’s Last Performance As The Joker
Arkham City is pretty damn special, so the fact it’s out this week is good news. That good news has been tempered with a little sadness, though, as it could be the last time we’ll ever hear Mark Hamill lend his voice to The Joker.
The star of General Hospital and The Big Red One (oh, and Star Wars) first played the part of the Dark Knight’s arch enemy in the 1992 Batman animated series, and has been popping up to reprise the role ever since. He, along with many of the cartoon’s other cast members, was involved in Batman: Arkham Asylum, leading to his wonderful performance in Arkham City as the very ill, very tired Joker.
While the above tweet reads very much like a farewell, Hamill played it coy a few months back when he seemingly retired from the role – again, over Twitter – only to later step back from the abyss.
Here’s hoping he’s just fucking with us. Again. A Joker without Mark Hamill is, to many fans under the age of 40, just a strange man in a fancy suit.
The star of General Hospital and The Big Red One (oh, and Star Wars) first played the part of the Dark Knight’s arch enemy in the 1992 Batman animated series, and has been popping up to reprise the role ever since. He, along with many of the cartoon’s other cast members, was involved in Batman: Arkham Asylum, leading to his wonderful performance in Arkham City as the very ill, very tired Joker.
While the above tweet reads very much like a farewell, Hamill played it coy a few months back when he seemingly retired from the role – again, over Twitter – only to later step back from the abyss.
Here’s hoping he’s just fucking with us. Again. A Joker without Mark Hamill is, to many fans under the age of 40, just a strange man in a fancy suit.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
N4G's PAX Swag Giveaway
You know that show What Not to Wear? Yeah, they'd probably tell you to throw away your gaming t-shirts and invest in a button-down and some slacks, and while that may be good for your next job interview it does nothing for your gamer credibility. No, we're not offering you a shopping spree, what we've got is much, much better…
A new gamer wardrobe. Well, practically.
This is the Grand Prize of PAX, a robust collection of swag gathered at PAX Prime 2010, which means it's a helluva lot of gaming t-shirts.
What do we want from you? A picture of you (yes, you!) in your worst, nastiest, oldest, grubbiest gaming shirt to prove that you most need this new wardrobe. Entrants deemed worthy by staff (read: you posted a pic of yourself in a worn out gaming shirt) will then be entered in a random drawing for the Grand Prize of Swag. First runner-up will receive a largely comparable haul, with some differences, and there's even prize bundles to be had for 3rd, 4th and 5th.
A new gamer wardrobe. Well, practically.
This is the Grand Prize of PAX, a robust collection of swag gathered at PAX Prime 2010, which means it's a helluva lot of gaming t-shirts.
What do we want from you? A picture of you (yes, you!) in your worst, nastiest, oldest, grubbiest gaming shirt to prove that you most need this new wardrobe. Entrants deemed worthy by staff (read: you posted a pic of yourself in a worn out gaming shirt) will then be entered in a random drawing for the Grand Prize of Swag. First runner-up will receive a largely comparable haul, with some differences, and there's even prize bundles to be had for 3rd, 4th and 5th.
I'm Starting a Mutiny Against EA Sports
After boycotting Electronic Arts' Madden franchise for what seems like half a decade, yesterday I made the decision to give the series one last chance to win back both my support and hard earned dollars. The verdict? It failed, and failed fucking hard.
For anyone unfamiliar with the series, here's a quick history lesson; a paragraph forged through the fusing of Wikipedia facts and a few thoughts of my own.
In 2004, EA signed an exclusive license with the NFL and the NFLPA to give them the exclusive rights to use the NFL's teams, stadiums, and players in a video game. This exclusive license has put an end to competition from other official NFL video games. This also gives EA less incentive to maintain quality and a greater opportunity to increase prices, as who wants to play a sporting simulation without accurate rosters and teams?
They have the monopoly of the market simply because they splashed money in the NFL's face, putting an abrupt halt to the rise of alternative NFL football franchises such as NFL 2K, and the Blitz series.
The last Madden title I owned was Madden 2007. Featuring Seattle RB Shaun Alexander on the cover, it was the first title in the series released for video gaming's seventh generation (PS3, 360 etc). Compared to previous installments on the PS2, and taking into account the advanced console technology EA had at their fingertips, the game, in my opinion, was horrifying, and thus began my boycotting of the series.
However, the other day, I decided to pick up Madden 2011 and give EA Sports one last chance to prove that they were worthy of owning exclusivity to the NFL and it's rosters. This was more of a spontaneous thing that a planned one, as I was feeling a bit peppy after eating one of the best ham sandwiches I've ever had the pleasure of consuming.
After being impressed by a touching opening video and some pretty snazzy looking menus, I decided to play a quick exhibition match to check out the gameplay. It looked and felt exactly the same as it did in 2007 - the animations were the same, the character models looked blocky at times, when controlling an RB or defender I didn't feel in control and the players still ran like upside down ducks.
Maybe if EA put a little bit more effort into making some actual gameplay improvements instead of worrying about the menu interface and cover art, they could deliver an NFL simulation worthy of exclusivity. Until then, they should climb out of their dollar bill filled kiddy pool and realize that by destroying the competition, they're doing both NFL and gaming fans in general a great injustice.
PS2 versions such as '05 and '06 gave the player a sense of control. Running back controls for example were slick and empowering. Spins, fends, jukes - when you beat a defender with one of the moves just mentioned, you really felt like it was because you had made it possible. Now, if you beat a defender, you get the impression it's the result of nothing more than luck.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is, Electronic Arts have annihilated the competition in the NFL video game market - not through the development of the best NFL video game, but by throwing copius amounts of money at the sport's governing body. Imagine if they did the same thing to the NBA, and laid waste to it's challengers such as 2K Sports, who produce by far the better basketballing experience?
For anyone unfamiliar with the series, here's a quick history lesson; a paragraph forged through the fusing of Wikipedia facts and a few thoughts of my own.
In 2004, EA signed an exclusive license with the NFL and the NFLPA to give them the exclusive rights to use the NFL's teams, stadiums, and players in a video game. This exclusive license has put an end to competition from other official NFL video games. This also gives EA less incentive to maintain quality and a greater opportunity to increase prices, as who wants to play a sporting simulation without accurate rosters and teams?
They have the monopoly of the market simply because they splashed money in the NFL's face, putting an abrupt halt to the rise of alternative NFL football franchises such as NFL 2K, and the Blitz series.
The last Madden title I owned was Madden 2007. Featuring Seattle RB Shaun Alexander on the cover, it was the first title in the series released for video gaming's seventh generation (PS3, 360 etc). Compared to previous installments on the PS2, and taking into account the advanced console technology EA had at their fingertips, the game, in my opinion, was horrifying, and thus began my boycotting of the series.
However, the other day, I decided to pick up Madden 2011 and give EA Sports one last chance to prove that they were worthy of owning exclusivity to the NFL and it's rosters. This was more of a spontaneous thing that a planned one, as I was feeling a bit peppy after eating one of the best ham sandwiches I've ever had the pleasure of consuming.
After being impressed by a touching opening video and some pretty snazzy looking menus, I decided to play a quick exhibition match to check out the gameplay. It looked and felt exactly the same as it did in 2007 - the animations were the same, the character models looked blocky at times, when controlling an RB or defender I didn't feel in control and the players still ran like upside down ducks.
Maybe if EA put a little bit more effort into making some actual gameplay improvements instead of worrying about the menu interface and cover art, they could deliver an NFL simulation worthy of exclusivity. Until then, they should climb out of their dollar bill filled kiddy pool and realize that by destroying the competition, they're doing both NFL and gaming fans in general a great injustice.
PS2 versions such as '05 and '06 gave the player a sense of control. Running back controls for example were slick and empowering. Spins, fends, jukes - when you beat a defender with one of the moves just mentioned, you really felt like it was because you had made it possible. Now, if you beat a defender, you get the impression it's the result of nothing more than luck.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is, Electronic Arts have annihilated the competition in the NFL video game market - not through the development of the best NFL video game, but by throwing copius amounts of money at the sport's governing body. Imagine if they did the same thing to the NBA, and laid waste to it's challengers such as 2K Sports, who produce by far the better basketballing experience?
Friday, October 21, 2011
Official Pokemon Game Coming To Smartphones
The Pokemon Company is set to bring an official Pokemon Online game to smartphone devices, marking the first time that an official Nintendo-copyrighted app will be available on the iOS and Android.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Popcap Games rocks!
Just wanted to share some thoughts with you guys.
We are bashing every games developers and editors because of the strange choices they made, you know, like asking us to pay to play online, or to get beta or demo, or to get a nice avatar, or a skin, or some overpriced map pack... and god knows what else we used to obtain for free, severals years ago...
So, several months ago, my notebook died. Fc*ng piece of crap. 3 years and it's dead. Lot of my job's stuff lost with it, but it's not the problem here. The main problem was the free Bejeweled edition Popcap Games offered me and probably some millions others customers, back in 2007. November 2007 to be precise.
And some days ago, my girlfriend and me wanted to reinstall and play with it.
But the serial did not work anymore. Why? Don't know. So i asked Popcap Games why, i asked them if they were able to do anything with this problem.
To be honest, i was not expecting anything in return. Only a "we're sorry but the game you asking for help was just a limited offer and we are not providing anymore support for this specific free version you don't even pay one cent. Why don't you just buy our new amazing Bejeweled 3 and stop whining, you greedy customer!?"... You know, the kind of answer you can expect from a lot of editors. Cause a lot of editors are not greedy in excuses to ask us to pay 2 or 3 times the same content for no real and honest reason...
But No, i was wrong. It looks like Popcap Games is a serious company, making its business seriously and treating every customer with respect.
Only four days after my request, i found an email, with a new working serial and a link where to download our old beloved game.
And that, that is something i wanted to share with all of you. Yes, i am not talking about a serious game for hardcore gamer, an AAA remake or anything that's getting 1000° in an hour on this website, i am just talking about a company that respects its customers, because, that attitude is now very rare and precious. Like a Jewel.
So Thanks Again Popcap Games. Continue to take your time to make great games and for god-sake, continue to treat us with respect. :)
We are bashing every games developers and editors because of the strange choices they made, you know, like asking us to pay to play online, or to get beta or demo, or to get a nice avatar, or a skin, or some overpriced map pack... and god knows what else we used to obtain for free, severals years ago...
So, several months ago, my notebook died. Fc*ng piece of crap. 3 years and it's dead. Lot of my job's stuff lost with it, but it's not the problem here. The main problem was the free Bejeweled edition Popcap Games offered me and probably some millions others customers, back in 2007. November 2007 to be precise.
And some days ago, my girlfriend and me wanted to reinstall and play with it.
But the serial did not work anymore. Why? Don't know. So i asked Popcap Games why, i asked them if they were able to do anything with this problem.
To be honest, i was not expecting anything in return. Only a "we're sorry but the game you asking for help was just a limited offer and we are not providing anymore support for this specific free version you don't even pay one cent. Why don't you just buy our new amazing Bejeweled 3 and stop whining, you greedy customer!?"... You know, the kind of answer you can expect from a lot of editors. Cause a lot of editors are not greedy in excuses to ask us to pay 2 or 3 times the same content for no real and honest reason...
But No, i was wrong. It looks like Popcap Games is a serious company, making its business seriously and treating every customer with respect.
Only four days after my request, i found an email, with a new working serial and a link where to download our old beloved game.
And that, that is something i wanted to share with all of you. Yes, i am not talking about a serious game for hardcore gamer, an AAA remake or anything that's getting 1000° in an hour on this website, i am just talking about a company that respects its customers, because, that attitude is now very rare and precious. Like a Jewel.
So Thanks Again Popcap Games. Continue to take your time to make great games and for god-sake, continue to treat us with respect. :)
Madden 12- Worth another 65$ payout this year?
I don't know if you have noticed but madden has been, (not considering the minimal graphical enhancements each year), almost the same exact game for the past 7 years. As a fan myself, I'm starting to grow tired of kissing the ring on EA SPORTS giant fingers, letting them take my money regardless of how good of a game they put out each year. They haven't only been doing this with Madden but with the Tiger Woods PGA tour series as well, to the point where I have yet to purchase a Tiger Woods game since 2008.
I was extremely disheartened with the loss of the NFL 2K series, and I felt that it was to be a bad omen for the things to come in the sports industry...with no-one left to compete with, EA SPORTS had lost the last thing that was going to keep their developers striving to make a better game each year. Look at NBA 2k11- Michael Jordan was the feature star of this game, and in all fairness to 2k sports, there is almost no way you can top that game next year. But I don't think they really care, from a biased standpoint you can see that they were more concerned about doing something special. And because of just how amazing that game turned out, EA SPORTS was pretty much forced to cancel the release of NBA ELITE 11. If 2k sports can do with football what they did this year with basketball, I would definitely shift my loyalty over to 2k football.
I have observed and compared each madden release from the years past. Other than adding some extra rating columns and making the dreadlocks on players heads look more realistic they have done nothing new whatsoever. Any new feature that they DO come out with never really appears on the next years game. That itself is a sign of slacking.
All this being said, madden 12 will be releasing this August. And after 8 years of buying this game on the release date, and 4 years of Pre-ordering it, I assure you that I am done doing so until EA can grow a pair. I'm sick of the same game and the lack of competition that has basically caused this. I would rather EA SPORTS come out with a MADDEN every 3 years, and the time in-between they just give us a firmware update and a roster update. Which come to think of it is basically what we all have been shelling out 65$ for each year.
I was extremely disheartened with the loss of the NFL 2K series, and I felt that it was to be a bad omen for the things to come in the sports industry...with no-one left to compete with, EA SPORTS had lost the last thing that was going to keep their developers striving to make a better game each year. Look at NBA 2k11- Michael Jordan was the feature star of this game, and in all fairness to 2k sports, there is almost no way you can top that game next year. But I don't think they really care, from a biased standpoint you can see that they were more concerned about doing something special. And because of just how amazing that game turned out, EA SPORTS was pretty much forced to cancel the release of NBA ELITE 11. If 2k sports can do with football what they did this year with basketball, I would definitely shift my loyalty over to 2k football.
I have observed and compared each madden release from the years past. Other than adding some extra rating columns and making the dreadlocks on players heads look more realistic they have done nothing new whatsoever. Any new feature that they DO come out with never really appears on the next years game. That itself is a sign of slacking.
All this being said, madden 12 will be releasing this August. And after 8 years of buying this game on the release date, and 4 years of Pre-ordering it, I assure you that I am done doing so until EA can grow a pair. I'm sick of the same game and the lack of competition that has basically caused this. I would rather EA SPORTS come out with a MADDEN every 3 years, and the time in-between they just give us a firmware update and a roster update. Which come to think of it is basically what we all have been shelling out 65$ for each year.
Gamefly vs. Blockbuster vs. Redbox vs. Gamestop?
As I'm sure many of us are well aware gaming is not cheap. With games costing $60 no one wants to waste their hard earned cash on a terrible game. There are some cheaper alternatives to getting to play the games you want without having to pay full price. I'm going to talk about some services and the pros and cons of each one.
GAMEFLY
This is probably the biggest of the renting services around. With no late fees and over 7,000 titles it sounds like a great deal. For the most part it is. I've been a gamefly member for a little over a year and never once thought it wasn’t worth the money. I play 10x the amount of games that I did when I was buying games and have saved roughly 1/3 of what I spent per year before it. The only real reason I can boast this is because I don't care what I play. I just enjoy playing the games. However Gamefly does have its problems. With such a large fan base it's difficult to get any new release games. The games are down to VERY LOW QUANTITY (<25%)almost as soon as they appear on the site for rent and some times you will be waiting up to 5-6 months or longer before you can get one. Up till about 2 months ago COD:MW2 was still at LOW Quantity (25%). It also seems like sometimes they just decide to leave out older games. FF6 (gba) for example never moves above Medium (50%) quantity and almost always stays at VERY LOW quantity. If you don't really care what you play that Gamefly is definitely a good idea.
Pros: Lot's of games to choose from. No late fees. Free shipping, and up to 10% off all games.
Cons: Lots of people=Low quantity of new games. Abandonment of older games.
BLOCKBUSTER
Blockbuster started their online rental service not to long ago. They priced it cheaper than Gamefly and offer movies as well. However they only have 3000 titles where Gamefly has 7000. With Blockbuster being focused mostly on movies gaming seems like a second thought, and it shows. Almost ever game has Low Quantity, with some games like Mass Effect 2 for ps3 not even being shipped to Blockbusters online service until October. Another thing about this service is the 5 in store switches. You can take the game you’re renting into any Blockbuster store 5 times a month and switch it with any game there. The problem with this (and this may just be where I live) is that Blockbuster has a relatively small selection games in stores. So again it seems like this service is aimed at movies with games tacked on. The best thing about this service is that you can keep any game you like 25% off. That's awesome. However with Blockbuster going out of business it's not clear how long this service will continue, or if it will improve much.
GAMEFLY
This is probably the biggest of the renting services around. With no late fees and over 7,000 titles it sounds like a great deal. For the most part it is. I've been a gamefly member for a little over a year and never once thought it wasn’t worth the money. I play 10x the amount of games that I did when I was buying games and have saved roughly 1/3 of what I spent per year before it. The only real reason I can boast this is because I don't care what I play. I just enjoy playing the games. However Gamefly does have its problems. With such a large fan base it's difficult to get any new release games. The games are down to VERY LOW QUANTITY (<25%)almost as soon as they appear on the site for rent and some times you will be waiting up to 5-6 months or longer before you can get one. Up till about 2 months ago COD:MW2 was still at LOW Quantity (25%). It also seems like sometimes they just decide to leave out older games. FF6 (gba) for example never moves above Medium (50%) quantity and almost always stays at VERY LOW quantity. If you don't really care what you play that Gamefly is definitely a good idea.
Pros: Lot's of games to choose from. No late fees. Free shipping, and up to 10% off all games.
Cons: Lots of people=Low quantity of new games. Abandonment of older games.
BLOCKBUSTER
Blockbuster started their online rental service not to long ago. They priced it cheaper than Gamefly and offer movies as well. However they only have 3000 titles where Gamefly has 7000. With Blockbuster being focused mostly on movies gaming seems like a second thought, and it shows. Almost ever game has Low Quantity, with some games like Mass Effect 2 for ps3 not even being shipped to Blockbusters online service until October. Another thing about this service is the 5 in store switches. You can take the game you’re renting into any Blockbuster store 5 times a month and switch it with any game there. The problem with this (and this may just be where I live) is that Blockbuster has a relatively small selection games in stores. So again it seems like this service is aimed at movies with games tacked on. The best thing about this service is that you can keep any game you like 25% off. That's awesome. However with Blockbuster going out of business it's not clear how long this service will continue, or if it will improve much.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Financial woes - Did 3rd party Devs create their own monster?
User blog
A monopoly is never a good thing in any industry.As Sony prepared to launch its PS3 many moons ago, many devlopers saw them as being on the verge of achieving just that. The PS2 is a resounding success, the full extent of which is yet to be tabulated. For sony to enter another cycle with the support they had for the ps2, would have left many developers having to depend on the policies of a single company. This was not an ideal situation for them.
When sony announced the launch of their $600 baby, they saw their opportunity to level the field. The Xbox 360 had a great launch in the US, and many saw this time as an opportunity to loosen the stranglehold that Sony had on the industry. Decisions were made that raised many eyebrows, which included the exclusive launch of JRPGs on the xbox...in Japan no less.
The intention was clear. Third party devs were intent on creating a power structure that suited them. Where each player in the console market held equal power and where they had more bargaining power
In addition to this, when titles were launched on both consoles, the xbox version was better, with devs claiming difficulties working with the PS3 hardware. Things looked quite bleak for the PS3.
Sensing the opportunity, Microsoft began courting developers like never before. It proved to be a successful strategy for them. Sony, slow to change, continued their practices without fully appreciating the new need to chase publishers, accustomed
instead to it being the other way around.
By the time they did realize this, they had fallen behind, and changes had to be made. They copied the Microsoft strategy of courting and pursuing developers, but they also did something completely different.
While Microsoft closed first party studios, Sony acquired them at an alarming rate. Anyone who has read Machiavelli will know of his distaste for mercenaries. The logic is simple. They have loyalty to only the highest bidder, and to themselves. They hence can abandon you quickly, with very little warning.
In their rise to power, sony depended heavily on 3rd parties, who had now left them in the lurch with 2 recently launched consoles (psp).The troops were rallied around the ps3, while the psp was left in temporary limbo. They clearly had to protect themselves from a repeat.
Sony has since acquired many studios with 2 apparent aims. The first is to wean themselves off the 3rd party dependency. The other was to create games that unequivocally demonstrated the superiority of their hardware and restore its battered reputation. Today, with the first party lineup of 2011 and titles like GOW3 and Uncharted under their belt, sony has achieved this.
Now, with the revitalized 1st party studios in motion, third party devs have lost both reputation and income on the PS3. Their nonchalant attitude in the past has left many ps3 gamers with a "first party first" attitude to their buying habits.
This is eerily similar to the attitudes on Nintendo platforms where 3rd party devs notoriously suffer.
In Short, they created a monster, that monster being Sony first party studios, which they must now compete with to survive. The languishing mutliplat sales on the PS3 for this year indicate that they may be a long way away from being able to do this.
A monopoly is never a good thing in any industry.As Sony prepared to launch its PS3 many moons ago, many devlopers saw them as being on the verge of achieving just that. The PS2 is a resounding success, the full extent of which is yet to be tabulated. For sony to enter another cycle with the support they had for the ps2, would have left many developers having to depend on the policies of a single company. This was not an ideal situation for them.
When sony announced the launch of their $600 baby, they saw their opportunity to level the field. The Xbox 360 had a great launch in the US, and many saw this time as an opportunity to loosen the stranglehold that Sony had on the industry. Decisions were made that raised many eyebrows, which included the exclusive launch of JRPGs on the xbox...in Japan no less.
The intention was clear. Third party devs were intent on creating a power structure that suited them. Where each player in the console market held equal power and where they had more bargaining power
In addition to this, when titles were launched on both consoles, the xbox version was better, with devs claiming difficulties working with the PS3 hardware. Things looked quite bleak for the PS3.
Sensing the opportunity, Microsoft began courting developers like never before. It proved to be a successful strategy for them. Sony, slow to change, continued their practices without fully appreciating the new need to chase publishers, accustomed
instead to it being the other way around.
By the time they did realize this, they had fallen behind, and changes had to be made. They copied the Microsoft strategy of courting and pursuing developers, but they also did something completely different.
While Microsoft closed first party studios, Sony acquired them at an alarming rate. Anyone who has read Machiavelli will know of his distaste for mercenaries. The logic is simple. They have loyalty to only the highest bidder, and to themselves. They hence can abandon you quickly, with very little warning.
In their rise to power, sony depended heavily on 3rd parties, who had now left them in the lurch with 2 recently launched consoles (psp).The troops were rallied around the ps3, while the psp was left in temporary limbo. They clearly had to protect themselves from a repeat.
Sony has since acquired many studios with 2 apparent aims. The first is to wean themselves off the 3rd party dependency. The other was to create games that unequivocally demonstrated the superiority of their hardware and restore its battered reputation. Today, with the first party lineup of 2011 and titles like GOW3 and Uncharted under their belt, sony has achieved this.
Now, with the revitalized 1st party studios in motion, third party devs have lost both reputation and income on the PS3. Their nonchalant attitude in the past has left many ps3 gamers with a "first party first" attitude to their buying habits.
This is eerily similar to the attitudes on Nintendo platforms where 3rd party devs notoriously suffer.
In Short, they created a monster, that monster being Sony first party studios, which they must now compete with to survive. The languishing mutliplat sales on the PS3 for this year indicate that they may be a long way away from being able to do this.
Chinese Couple Sells All Three Kids to Play Online Games
A young Chinese couple has sold all three of their children in exchange for money to play online Nick jr games at Internet cafes, reports a southern Chinese newspaper.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
Play the Scary Maze Game With Your Friends!
Have you ever played the Scary Maze Game 8 now? If not, brotha you haven’t lived!!! This maze game is the most awesome game on earth! But in order to play it you MUST have a partner in the room with you. So go find a friend, co-hort, or even an enemy – it doesn’t matter! Then match your wits and your mouse skills with the game and see if you’re awesome enough to win the BIG prize at the end!
Mobile Gaming. The way of the Future?
Many times when we think of video games we traditionally think of gaming consoles, but what if the future of gaming is to be decided by the handheld market?
Console games are great due to the engaging games, stylish graphics, and dedicated hardware, but are we seeing a shift towards the portable gaming console? I think so.
"Mobile gaming is projected to be a large market in the coming years and this has led to its identification as a “hot” VC segment. (The Video Game Industry, Nick Shah pg. 2)" http://www.tuck.dartmouth.e...
Mobile gaming is starting to gain ground due to a few reasons;
1st. The hardware is advancing significantly. This is evident with NGP and the 3DS. The NGP can put out some hefty graphics, at least from what we've seen from screenshots. The 3DS supports native 3D without the use of glasses, a feat not yet possible on larger gaming consoles. And now with the introduction of Tablets people have even more portable gaming sources. A survey done by Google shows that 84% of all Tablet owners use their Tablet for playing games. http://www.guardian.co.uk/t... And as tablet Hardware increases the games on these Tablets will increase. http://www.youtube.com/watc... or http://www.gizmocrunch.com/...
2nd. They're cheaper. This is a biggie for developers. It costs less money to develop and publish a game for a portable console than it costs to develop for a home console. http://www.1up.com/news/3ds... I 3DS game costs around 1.8 million to develop where a Wii game costs 5-7million. http://vgsales.wikia.com/wi... (See attached picture below). Because they are cheaper to develop it means they are cheaper to sell as well. The average price of a PSP game is 30-40 dollars. Somewhere around 20-30 dollars cheaper than a console game.
3rd. They're portable. Portability is key here. I'm a college student. I go to a school that is around 45 minutes away from where I live. My class schedule often has 2-3hour breaks in between classes. So what do I do? I'm not going to drive back to my house play video games for an hour and drive back to school. That would be a waste of gas. Instead I mostly write and rewrite these blogs, or play my PSP. This is where the portable generation really makes it move. Most of us are like me, maybe not the school situation but the not having time to go home. We have long bus rides to work, free time while on break, free time in between classes ext. During these times we can pull out or 3DS or our PSP and play some games. The Portable market is aiming towards us with limited time on our hands. It's much easier to pull out a PSP and play for 10-15 mins than it is to sit in front of a TV and play for 10-15 mins.
These are three reasons why the Gaming industry may become the future of gaming. But what does it need to do to get there?
1. More developers.
It only took how long, six years, for the PSP to get some people who really understood how it worked to make some really good games for it. That can't happen. If the portable generation wants to take over the developers NEED to know how to work with the hardware that is available.
2. Easy online.
The 3DS and the DS have this, kind of (friend codes, *cringe*). The have an easier online than the PSP does. For the life of me I cannot understand why you can't play online games using the PSP's online connection. Instead you have to use the adhoc connection in a PS3. But it's not that simple. In order for adhoc to work your PS3 must be connected with a LAN cable. My house is completely wireless. The only thing connected to a LAN cable is the Router that powers the Wireless. I don't have any more LAN cables and am not going to go buy any. Why must my PS3 be connected by a LAN cable to use adhoc? But more importantly why can't my PSP just connect to the Wi-Fi and play online? The 3DS can do it. This is something that needs to be remedied before the portable generation can succeed.
3. Internal Memory
The DS and the 3DS have a small amount of this allocated for download games but most of the games are still bought in physical media. Let me ask this question. If I can buy an iPod with 80 gigs in it, why can't I buy a PSP like that as well? Before you say "There was the PSP Go." I realize it had 16 gigs, but it lacked the ability to play physical media. The portable generation needs to have both internal memory and physical media.
If the portable developers can do these things with the portable market it could easily surpass the home market. Are you game for the portable market?
Console games are great due to the engaging games, stylish graphics, and dedicated hardware, but are we seeing a shift towards the portable gaming console? I think so.
"Mobile gaming is projected to be a large market in the coming years and this has led to its identification as a “hot” VC segment. (The Video Game Industry, Nick Shah pg. 2)" http://www.tuck.dartmouth.e...
Mobile gaming is starting to gain ground due to a few reasons;
1st. The hardware is advancing significantly. This is evident with NGP and the 3DS. The NGP can put out some hefty graphics, at least from what we've seen from screenshots. The 3DS supports native 3D without the use of glasses, a feat not yet possible on larger gaming consoles. And now with the introduction of Tablets people have even more portable gaming sources. A survey done by Google shows that 84% of all Tablet owners use their Tablet for playing games. http://www.guardian.co.uk/t... And as tablet Hardware increases the games on these Tablets will increase. http://www.youtube.com/watc... or http://www.gizmocrunch.com/...
2nd. They're cheaper. This is a biggie for developers. It costs less money to develop and publish a game for a portable console than it costs to develop for a home console. http://www.1up.com/news/3ds... I 3DS game costs around 1.8 million to develop where a Wii game costs 5-7million. http://vgsales.wikia.com/wi... (See attached picture below). Because they are cheaper to develop it means they are cheaper to sell as well. The average price of a PSP game is 30-40 dollars. Somewhere around 20-30 dollars cheaper than a console game.
3rd. They're portable. Portability is key here. I'm a college student. I go to a school that is around 45 minutes away from where I live. My class schedule often has 2-3hour breaks in between classes. So what do I do? I'm not going to drive back to my house play video games for an hour and drive back to school. That would be a waste of gas. Instead I mostly write and rewrite these blogs, or play my PSP. This is where the portable generation really makes it move. Most of us are like me, maybe not the school situation but the not having time to go home. We have long bus rides to work, free time while on break, free time in between classes ext. During these times we can pull out or 3DS or our PSP and play some games. The Portable market is aiming towards us with limited time on our hands. It's much easier to pull out a PSP and play for 10-15 mins than it is to sit in front of a TV and play for 10-15 mins.
These are three reasons why the Gaming industry may become the future of gaming. But what does it need to do to get there?
1. More developers.
It only took how long, six years, for the PSP to get some people who really understood how it worked to make some really good games for it. That can't happen. If the portable generation wants to take over the developers NEED to know how to work with the hardware that is available.
2. Easy online.
The 3DS and the DS have this, kind of (friend codes, *cringe*). The have an easier online than the PSP does. For the life of me I cannot understand why you can't play online games using the PSP's online connection. Instead you have to use the adhoc connection in a PS3. But it's not that simple. In order for adhoc to work your PS3 must be connected with a LAN cable. My house is completely wireless. The only thing connected to a LAN cable is the Router that powers the Wireless. I don't have any more LAN cables and am not going to go buy any. Why must my PS3 be connected by a LAN cable to use adhoc? But more importantly why can't my PSP just connect to the Wi-Fi and play online? The 3DS can do it. This is something that needs to be remedied before the portable generation can succeed.
3. Internal Memory
The DS and the 3DS have a small amount of this allocated for download games but most of the games are still bought in physical media. Let me ask this question. If I can buy an iPod with 80 gigs in it, why can't I buy a PSP like that as well? Before you say "There was the PSP Go." I realize it had 16 gigs, but it lacked the ability to play physical media. The portable generation needs to have both internal memory and physical media.
If the portable developers can do these things with the portable market it could easily surpass the home market. Are you game for the portable market?
Time travel in media: A good concept? Or just confusing as hell? [Spoilers]
Okay, I have a few things to get out of the way: No I haven't played all games involving time travel or watched all other pieces of media with time travel so feel free to pitch in in the comments with any evidence that supports a point but I just want to look a little bit at time travel in games and how it compares with time travel in other types of media such as films, tv etc etc. I, for one am all for time travel as long as it doesn't make my head spin.
Example 1 of 'good' time travel: Chrono trigger
This is 'good' because it isn't anything crazy, you're still in the same world, just a long time before and the reason you travelled in time is explained in due time.
Example 2 of 'good' time travel: Infamous
In this game the main character (from the future) goes back in time to prepare the player-controlled main character from the present for a danger that will come in the future. This is interesting because there are very small, subtle hints at it throughout the game.
Example 3 of 'good' time travel: Prince of persia Sands of time
Okay, this one may be a little debatable because at the end of the game you go back in time, rendering everything you did in the whole game pointless because it never happened. But it is very well thought out because from the start of the game, the prince has been using this power all along without considering that this was a solution to the mess he is in. It's not as though they ran out of ideas and just said "What we'll do is we'll throw in time travel, that explains anything" because it was there all along.
Okay, now on to 'bad' examples of time travel.
Example 1 of 'bad' time travel: Heroes
Anyone who watched this programme will know that the character, Hiro Nakamura was cool. He had the power to completely control time and space. But his future self chooses to use these powers to give everyone cryptic messages about how the world can be saved when he could just save it himself (Being theoretically the most powerful character in the show). It's frustrating and no wonder the show was cancelled because the time travel thing made it seem so surreal.
Example 2 of 'bad' time travel: Dragonball Z (anime)
Okay, you know Cell? The story they made up with him coming from the future either didn't fit or wasn't explained very well.
So, bulma builds trunks 1 time machine. 1. Emphasis on the 1.
Now, trunks goes back to warn the goku about androids. Cell also goes back in time (In another timeline, apparently) to kill trunks before he goes to the past and goes in his place.
Now, there's a bit of a problem with that. There existed only 1 time machine. So, if cell killed trunks then surely trunks would not have been able to go back in time and warn Goku. Trunks explained that that happened in another timeline, but for that timeline to exist, someone else from another timeline must have influenced cell to do that, otherwise either cell or trunks couldn't have gone back. Random anomalies don't happen across timelines. If time machines weren't invented, it's assumed that there is only one timeline. Therefore ther is a new timeline for every machine invented. But there is only one. So either trunks or Cell don't exist in the original timeline. Head-spinner, right?
Example 3 of 'bad' time travel: Star trek
Okay, so no need to go on about this one, vulcan gets destroyed in a new timeline and people are pissed because it sort of ruins everything that happens from then on and long term fans are like "Why did you make us watch it for all these years then if you're just going to do that?".
Okay so the good examples are all from games. The bad examples are from a tv show, an anime and a film (I made sure I did that) Now, my point is, has games got something right that other media seems to mess up on in multiple occasions? If so, game script writer should be looking for a raise and a pat in the back. So why can't everyone get it right? Well, I have an answer for that, too. They haven't the same imaginative mind that game developers have. Games are made to engage with the player on levels that non-gamers couldn't possibly understand.
When you finished dragon age you said "I defeated the arch demon!"
When you beat Call of Duty you say "I killed the terrorist!!"
When you beat final fantasy, it wasn't Cloud that owned Sephiroth, it was you.
So, in that sense time-travel is tailored in games to make you understand.
In films you don't get that feeling. "I destroyed the one ring"
"I beat the big bad". No one says that. (Big bang theory reference, anyone?)
So, it's not the point I meant to make when I sat down to write this blog, but it seems by and large, films and tv (there are exceptions) don't get time travel as right as games do.
So thanks if you read this all the way through. If you didn't like it, don't worry; you can always go back and un-read it!
Example 1 of 'good' time travel: Chrono trigger
This is 'good' because it isn't anything crazy, you're still in the same world, just a long time before and the reason you travelled in time is explained in due time.
Example 2 of 'good' time travel: Infamous
In this game the main character (from the future) goes back in time to prepare the player-controlled main character from the present for a danger that will come in the future. This is interesting because there are very small, subtle hints at it throughout the game.
Example 3 of 'good' time travel: Prince of persia Sands of time
Okay, this one may be a little debatable because at the end of the game you go back in time, rendering everything you did in the whole game pointless because it never happened. But it is very well thought out because from the start of the game, the prince has been using this power all along without considering that this was a solution to the mess he is in. It's not as though they ran out of ideas and just said "What we'll do is we'll throw in time travel, that explains anything" because it was there all along.
Okay, now on to 'bad' examples of time travel.
Example 1 of 'bad' time travel: Heroes
Anyone who watched this programme will know that the character, Hiro Nakamura was cool. He had the power to completely control time and space. But his future self chooses to use these powers to give everyone cryptic messages about how the world can be saved when he could just save it himself (Being theoretically the most powerful character in the show). It's frustrating and no wonder the show was cancelled because the time travel thing made it seem so surreal.
Example 2 of 'bad' time travel: Dragonball Z (anime)
Okay, you know Cell? The story they made up with him coming from the future either didn't fit or wasn't explained very well.
So, bulma builds trunks 1 time machine. 1. Emphasis on the 1.
Now, trunks goes back to warn the goku about androids. Cell also goes back in time (In another timeline, apparently) to kill trunks before he goes to the past and goes in his place.
Now, there's a bit of a problem with that. There existed only 1 time machine. So, if cell killed trunks then surely trunks would not have been able to go back in time and warn Goku. Trunks explained that that happened in another timeline, but for that timeline to exist, someone else from another timeline must have influenced cell to do that, otherwise either cell or trunks couldn't have gone back. Random anomalies don't happen across timelines. If time machines weren't invented, it's assumed that there is only one timeline. Therefore ther is a new timeline for every machine invented. But there is only one. So either trunks or Cell don't exist in the original timeline. Head-spinner, right?
Example 3 of 'bad' time travel: Star trek
Okay, so no need to go on about this one, vulcan gets destroyed in a new timeline and people are pissed because it sort of ruins everything that happens from then on and long term fans are like "Why did you make us watch it for all these years then if you're just going to do that?".
Okay so the good examples are all from games. The bad examples are from a tv show, an anime and a film (I made sure I did that) Now, my point is, has games got something right that other media seems to mess up on in multiple occasions? If so, game script writer should be looking for a raise and a pat in the back. So why can't everyone get it right? Well, I have an answer for that, too. They haven't the same imaginative mind that game developers have. Games are made to engage with the player on levels that non-gamers couldn't possibly understand.
When you finished dragon age you said "I defeated the arch demon!"
When you beat Call of Duty you say "I killed the terrorist!!"
When you beat final fantasy, it wasn't Cloud that owned Sephiroth, it was you.
So, in that sense time-travel is tailored in games to make you understand.
In films you don't get that feeling. "I destroyed the one ring"
"I beat the big bad". No one says that. (Big bang theory reference, anyone?)
So, it's not the point I meant to make when I sat down to write this blog, but it seems by and large, films and tv (there are exceptions) don't get time travel as right as games do.
So thanks if you read this all the way through. If you didn't like it, don't worry; you can always go back and un-read it!
How I think Sony should upgrade XMB and PSN
I love the XMB but many are complaining that it boring and just bare. I always ask if they want the 360 OS with "flashcards system" you know how it looks. Anyway theses are some things I think should be added or changed.
1.Upgrade the XMB sound
I think each category (the horizontal menus ie. setting, video)should make a sound as you scroll offer them that is not the usually click. When you press left to exit an item there should also be a different sound than the click. Triangle to bring up a menu should make a sound as well.
2. Upgrade PSN visually
I think that when ever you select a category it should highlight so if you go over music the entire music section should be highlighted. When you press triangle the menu should come rise up or come out from the side not just appear. Make the category bigger so they stick out.
3.Update PSN features
I am not one that wants X-game chat or party system but Sony did use those features in PS Home so they have it working already. Group chat and Groups should be Sony's X-game chat and party system. There are more features.
4. revamp the PSN store
I hate the current PS store lay out. just change it
5.Changed the in-game XMB
If we can't use the setting, video, or Internet category's we don't need them taking up ram slowing down the in-game XMB. I think the PS button should go straight to you message list or Friends list.
6.Make PSN feel more like a social network.
Make profiles more like actually profiles with more information, dress the profiles up.
7.
Get rid of the current friends list and make the profiles the friends list. right now you get this little thing that shows name,trophies level, and game playing and it feels bare so get rid of them and use the actually profiles card.
1.Upgrade the XMB sound
I think each category (the horizontal menus ie. setting, video)should make a sound as you scroll offer them that is not the usually click. When you press left to exit an item there should also be a different sound than the click. Triangle to bring up a menu should make a sound as well.
2. Upgrade PSN visually
I think that when ever you select a category it should highlight so if you go over music the entire music section should be highlighted. When you press triangle the menu should come rise up or come out from the side not just appear. Make the category bigger so they stick out.
3.Update PSN features
I am not one that wants X-game chat or party system but Sony did use those features in PS Home so they have it working already. Group chat and Groups should be Sony's X-game chat and party system. There are more features.
4. revamp the PSN store
I hate the current PS store lay out. just change it
5.Changed the in-game XMB
If we can't use the setting, video, or Internet category's we don't need them taking up ram slowing down the in-game XMB. I think the PS button should go straight to you message list or Friends list.
6.Make PSN feel more like a social network.
Make profiles more like actually profiles with more information, dress the profiles up.
7.
Get rid of the current friends list and make the profiles the friends list. right now you get this little thing that shows name,trophies level, and game playing and it feels bare so get rid of them and use the actually profiles card.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Phineas And Ferb 3D Game – Disney XD Games 63
New Disney Game – Phineas and Ferb
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Have Fun!
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Have Fun!
Disney-branded Facebook games coming in 2012, Playdom head says
Can we all just say, “finally?” During a panel named “The Rise of Social Games” at the f8 Facebook Developers Conference in San Francisco, Disney Interactive and Playdom head John Pleasants revealed that two to four Facebook games surrounding Disney xd brands will hit Facebook in 2012. The general topic of the panel was the fact that branded social games are taking off.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
BBCW launches CBeebies games app
Games based on popular CBeebies Games series Charlie & Lola, Teletubbies, 3rd & Bird and Numberjacks are available through a new app launched by BBC Worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Disney-branded Facebook games coming in 2012, Playdom head says
Can we all just say, “finally?” During a panel named “The Rise of Social Games” at the f8 Facebook Developers Conference in San Francisco, Disney Interactive and Playdom head John Pleasants revealed that two to four Facebook games surrounding Disney xd brands will hit Facebook in 2012. The general topic of the panel was the fact that branded social games are taking off.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Phineas And Ferb 3D Game – Disney XD Games 63
New Disney Game – Phineas and Ferb
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Have Fun!
Disney released a new game. Phineas and Ferb 3D online game. Klick here to read the complete review.
The new game is available at the Disney XD discovery channel. Get ahead of the game before its officially released next week!
Disney is introducing the brand new DisneyXD game. Phineas and Ferb in: The Transport inators of Doooom!
Doofenschmitz is up to his old tricks again, and who has gone missing? Phineas! Help Ferb find his brother and try to help Agent P thwarth Doofenschmitz evil plans!
Check out this new exciting Disney XD online game before all others do at the Disney Cartoon network games website!
Check out Disney’s cartoon network to find a lot of amazing games and news. Disney offers a lot of cartoon games on their site. So head over to the Disney XD site and play the new Phineas and Ferb – The Transport-inators of Doooom! game!
Have Fun!
Play the Scary Maze Game With Your Friends!
Have you ever played the Scary Maze Game 8 now? If not, brotha you haven’t lived!!! This maze game is the most awesome game on earth! But in order to play it you MUST have a partner in the room with you. So go find a friend, co-hort, or even an enemy – it doesn’t matter! Then match your wits and your mouse skills with the game and see if you’re awesome enough to win the BIG prize at the end!
Chinese Couple Sells All Three Kids to Play Online Games
A young Chinese couple has sold all three of their children in exchange for money to play online Nick jr games at Internet cafes, reports a southern Chinese newspaper.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
According to Sanxiang City News, the couple met in an Internet cafe back in 2007 and bonded over their obsession with online video games. A year later, the parents — who are both under 21 — welcomed their first child, a son. Days after his birth, they left him home alone while they went to play online agame at an Internet cafe 30 km away.
In 2009, Li Lin and Li Juan welcomed their second child, a baby girl, and came up with the idea to sell her for money to fund their online game obsession. They did so, receiving RMB 3,000 (less than $500), which they spent entirely shortly after. The couple then proceeded to sell their first child and got 10 times as much for him — RMB 30,000, or about $4600.
Upon having their third child — another boy — the parents followed in their previous footsteps and also got RMB 30,000 for him.
They were finally turned into authorities when Li Lin’s mother found out what her son and his girlfriend had done.
When asked if they missed their children, the parents answered, “We don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Sanxiang City Newsreports the couple didn’t know they were breaking the law.
Official Pokemon Game Coming To Smartphones
The Pokemon Company is set to bring an official Pokemon Online game to smartphone devices, marking the first time that an official Nintendo-copyrighted app will be available on the iOS and Android.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
A release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Called Pokemon Iie Tap (rougly Pokemon: Say Tap?), the app appears to be a rhythm game where players “tap on Pokemon indigo trading cards to the beat of a song from the anime,” according to a translation by consumer video game site GamesRadar.
According to the game’s official announcement, it will be available for most iOS devices, as well as Android devices running version 2.1 of the platform.
Though this is the first iOS or Android application to carry an official Nintendo copyright, it is not the first mobile app of any kind: a Pokemon mobile phone game called Pokemate was released in Japan in 2006.
Though it is a rarity, Nintendo does have a history of releasing official games on platforms that are not its own, including a promotional Flash game to promote its Tingle character.
A release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Nick Jr., MTVN expand in Asia
Rugrats and music fans in Singapore and Malaysia will be able to tune in to “Dora the Explorer” and 24-hour music videos, docus and concerts with the launch of Viacom’s Nick Jr. and MTVN HD in the territories in coming weeks.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Nick Jr Games. will bow on Singapore’s Starhub from May 18, while MTVN HD will air on Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s HyppTV in Malaysia from June 1.
Nick Jr. will be available on the StarHub TV’s Kids Basic Upsize Group, while MTVNHD will be available to existing StarHub TV’s Entertainment Basic Group customers who are subscribed to the Basic HD Upsize group.
TM will offer the two channels a la carte to its subscribers on HyppTV, Malaysia’s newest pay TV service.
The services will roll out to the rest of the region at a date to be announced.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Dragon Age: Legends dev becomes BioWare San Francisco; could a Mass Effect Facebook game be on the way?
EA2D may not be a readily familiar name in the social gaming space, but I bet many of you have heard of their popular Facebook game - a tie-in to the popular console game Dragon Age called Dragon Age: Legends. This past week, EA underwent some corporate changes, and a very big change has occurred with EA2D in the process: They've been absorbed into the BioWare developer group, and will be renamed BioWare San Francisco.
While no other details about the company's future games have been released, let's speculate a bit. Since Dragon Age: Legends on Facebook launched at around the same time as Dragon Age 2 on consoles, does this transition to a true BioWare development studio mean that we'll see other Facebook games based on BioWare's hugely successful console properties? With Mass Effect 3 launching next year, will we see a Facebook game tie-in that will allow users to earn rewards for the console game by playing (as was the case with Dragon Age: Legends)? As a huge Mass Effect fan, my brain is drooling at the thought of free, exclusive goodies for my console character, so if this does turn out to be the start of another tie-in (or 12) with BioWare's games on Facebook, we'll make sure to let you know.
[Via ShackNews]
Would you play a Mass Effect game on Facebook, or do you prefer to interact with the franchise's characters on your consoles only? Sound off in the comments.
While no other details about the company's future games have been released, let's speculate a bit. Since Dragon Age: Legends on Facebook launched at around the same time as Dragon Age 2 on consoles, does this transition to a true BioWare development studio mean that we'll see other Facebook games based on BioWare's hugely successful console properties? With Mass Effect 3 launching next year, will we see a Facebook game tie-in that will allow users to earn rewards for the console game by playing (as was the case with Dragon Age: Legends)? As a huge Mass Effect fan, my brain is drooling at the thought of free, exclusive goodies for my console character, so if this does turn out to be the start of another tie-in (or 12) with BioWare's games on Facebook, we'll make sure to let you know.
[Via ShackNews]
Would you play a Mass Effect game on Facebook, or do you prefer to interact with the franchise's characters on your consoles only? Sound off in the comments.
The Domino's Noid triumphantly returns in ... a Facebook advergame
I've been waiting years, people, years for the Noid to return in something more than a t-shirt. And now, the infamous Domino's Pizza mascot has made his re-entry into the minds of children of the '80s and '90s with ... a Facebook advergame? You know what, after this long since a real Noid video game, I'll take it. Titled "Noid's Super Pizza Shootout," the game looks and plays just like the arcade light gun games of the '90s, and was released to honor the weird bunny suit-wearing toon's 25th anniversary.
The game essentially amounts to a shooting gallery of pizza, tomatoes and Noid. Lots of Noid, and I love it. (I know, I know, it's an advergame. But it's a dang fun one.) Players must use the mouse to aim and shoot at as many pizza pies as possible while Noid throws tomatoes at you for extra points. Shooting a sign with Noid's face on it--or Noid himself as he is so wont to swoop in unannounced--will deduct points from your score.
Perhaps it's an uncontrollable nostalgia for all things retro, or maybe I'm just craving pizza at 10 a.m., but Noid's Super Pizza Shootout is a fun distraction for a few minutes. It's certainly not something you'll revisit over and over again--unless, of course, you really want one of those free pizza coupons at stake. Of course, you need to "Like" the Domino's Facebook page to play, but you could always remove that from your profile later if you're not to keen on associating yourself with it since ... you know.
Domino's Noid Facebook game
[Via Mashable]
Click here to play Noid's Super Pizza Shootout on Facebook >
Do you remember Noid way back in the day? Do you think he deserves a real comeback this time, or are you done with this goofy character? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
The game essentially amounts to a shooting gallery of pizza, tomatoes and Noid. Lots of Noid, and I love it. (I know, I know, it's an advergame. But it's a dang fun one.) Players must use the mouse to aim and shoot at as many pizza pies as possible while Noid throws tomatoes at you for extra points. Shooting a sign with Noid's face on it--or Noid himself as he is so wont to swoop in unannounced--will deduct points from your score.
Perhaps it's an uncontrollable nostalgia for all things retro, or maybe I'm just craving pizza at 10 a.m., but Noid's Super Pizza Shootout is a fun distraction for a few minutes. It's certainly not something you'll revisit over and over again--unless, of course, you really want one of those free pizza coupons at stake. Of course, you need to "Like" the Domino's Facebook page to play, but you could always remove that from your profile later if you're not to keen on associating yourself with it since ... you know.
Domino's Noid Facebook game
[Via Mashable]
Click here to play Noid's Super Pizza Shootout on Facebook >
Do you remember Noid way back in the day? Do you think he deserves a real comeback this time, or are you done with this goofy character? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Hone your karate chop in Fruit Ninja Kinect before it slices Facebook
Prepare for your arms to feel like jelly all week. As we patiently await the day when we can slice virtual fruit from the comfort of our Facebook, Halfbrick Studios has released the equally awesome Xbox version of its hit fruit-flaying mobile game, Fruit Ninja.
Titled simply "Fruit Ninja," the game is available now for the Xbox 360 Kinect for 800 Microsoft Points, or $10, in the Xbox Live Marketplace. The game features all the same modes of its mobile versions, meaning Classic, Arcade and Zen modes are all present and accounted for.
The latter two modes are timed affairs--the first of which has special fruit with super powers, while the other is a 90-second romp with no frills and no way to lose. Players can compare scores over Xbox Live, and whenever a friend bests one of your scores in either Classic or Arcade mode, you'll be sent a notification.
Fruit Ninja Kinect Frenzy
There are two new modes unique to Fruit Ninja for Kinect: a Challenge mode and a multiplayer component. We had an early look at Fruit Ninja Frenzy for Facebook at this year's E3, and are psyched to see how it takes advantage of the platform with its Bejeweled Blitz-like power-ups and competitive leaderboards. If anything, consider this a friendly reminder that you'll soon be able to slice fruit on screens that range from a mere four inches to those wider than you are tall. With all of this available training, you officially have no excuse to be anything less than a banana bushido blade.
[Source and Image Credit: Mashable]
Are you a Fruit Ninja fan ready to move on from strawberry slicing to coconut chopping (I could do this all day)? What other mobile or Facebook games do you think would translate well to motion gaming? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Titled simply "Fruit Ninja," the game is available now for the Xbox 360 Kinect for 800 Microsoft Points, or $10, in the Xbox Live Marketplace. The game features all the same modes of its mobile versions, meaning Classic, Arcade and Zen modes are all present and accounted for.
The latter two modes are timed affairs--the first of which has special fruit with super powers, while the other is a 90-second romp with no frills and no way to lose. Players can compare scores over Xbox Live, and whenever a friend bests one of your scores in either Classic or Arcade mode, you'll be sent a notification.
Fruit Ninja Kinect Frenzy
There are two new modes unique to Fruit Ninja for Kinect: a Challenge mode and a multiplayer component. We had an early look at Fruit Ninja Frenzy for Facebook at this year's E3, and are psyched to see how it takes advantage of the platform with its Bejeweled Blitz-like power-ups and competitive leaderboards. If anything, consider this a friendly reminder that you'll soon be able to slice fruit on screens that range from a mere four inches to those wider than you are tall. With all of this available training, you officially have no excuse to be anything less than a banana bushido blade.
[Source and Image Credit: Mashable]
Are you a Fruit Ninja fan ready to move on from strawberry slicing to coconut chopping (I could do this all day)? What other mobile or Facebook games do you think would translate well to motion gaming? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Facebook vs. Google+: Social game makers ready to hang hats on big G's network
Right now, Facebook is the place to be if you want to make social games for the Web. That's great if you're, say, a big fancy company like FarmVille-creator Zynga who has millions of dollars to spend on advertising and a cushy deal with the social network.
If you're a smaller game studio, Facebook has its severe limitations, which include making it next to impossible to getting the word out about a game (not to mention the hefty 30% cut that Facebook demands from all game developers.)
None of the other social gaming platforms -- MySpace, hi5 -- have managed to come close to mimicking Facebook's social gaming success, so many social game makers are looking to Google+ to, possibly, fill that void.
Pot Farm creator and East Side Games CEO Jason Bailey says in this Gamasutra article that that all social game makers are "crossing their fingers and bowing down to the almighty G and saying, 'Please, please let this work and give us a viable second platform where we can build our games.'"
A simple way that Google+ could become 'the' next hotspot for social gaming? Instead of requiring a 30% cut from game makers (like Facebook does), let companies host games on G+ for a lower fee (or the low, low price of free!). Facebook has also done a terrible job at surfacing new and interesting games to its users -- and recently made it more difficult by pulling its app directory from the service. If Google+ can support even the most bare bones recommendation system for games on the network, that could be a big win for people who make games and those of us who like to play them.
[Image credit: Infographicsblog]
If you're a smaller game studio, Facebook has its severe limitations, which include making it next to impossible to getting the word out about a game (not to mention the hefty 30% cut that Facebook demands from all game developers.)
None of the other social gaming platforms -- MySpace, hi5 -- have managed to come close to mimicking Facebook's social gaming success, so many social game makers are looking to Google+ to, possibly, fill that void.
Pot Farm creator and East Side Games CEO Jason Bailey says in this Gamasutra article that that all social game makers are "crossing their fingers and bowing down to the almighty G and saying, 'Please, please let this work and give us a viable second platform where we can build our games.'"
A simple way that Google+ could become 'the' next hotspot for social gaming? Instead of requiring a 30% cut from game makers (like Facebook does), let companies host games on G+ for a lower fee (or the low, low price of free!). Facebook has also done a terrible job at surfacing new and interesting games to its users -- and recently made it more difficult by pulling its app directory from the service. If Google+ can support even the most bare bones recommendation system for games on the network, that could be a big win for people who make games and those of us who like to play them.
[Image credit: Infographicsblog]
Facebook game aims to save gorillas, tigers and more through play
If Zynga's past donations to Haiti, Japan and other ailing nations have taught us anything, it's the enormous capacity for Facebook games to help others in need. But Good World Games has decided to extend that good will towards others in social gaming to animals, namely gorillas.
Its newest game is called My Conservation Park, and the developer has joined in partnerships with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, WildAid and three more organizations to donate 15 percent of the profits from all in-game purchases to helping those organizations save a wide variety of endangered wildlife.
Players connect to the game through Facebook, and must preserve and protect a series of parks for five different animal species: gorillas, tigers, whales, monkeys and sharks. Each park has its own native animals that players must care for in both its Protect and Erich modes.
In Protection Mode, players have to track down poachers and click them to rid the park of them. Once the nasty poachers are gone, you must clean up and preserve your parks by decorating them with items found in the shop in Enrich mode.
The game doesn't play much differently from standard social games other than the ability to turn the action on and off through Enrich mode and Protect modes. There are also a few mini games to play like Wildlife Tagging, which tasks you with tagging the animals you save, but not twice or you'll lose points. As you progress and successfully protect and preserve more animal habitats, you'll gain access to new parks, items and animals to save.
My Conservation Park gameplay
However, it's up to you to make donations through the game's primary currency, simply known as Gold. But we bet after one look at those adorable cartoon animals--or the extra information (and video courtesy of Sigourney Weaver) Good World Games provides--you'll start reaching for the old wallet. The only thing this game needs is a cameo from Alanis Morissette.
Click here to play My Conservation Park through Facebook Connect Now >
[Via Earth Techling]
What do you think of social games that aim to do good through donations and other methods? Have you ever donated to a cause through a Facebook game before? Share with us in the comments. 1 Comment
Its newest game is called My Conservation Park, and the developer has joined in partnerships with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, WildAid and three more organizations to donate 15 percent of the profits from all in-game purchases to helping those organizations save a wide variety of endangered wildlife.
Players connect to the game through Facebook, and must preserve and protect a series of parks for five different animal species: gorillas, tigers, whales, monkeys and sharks. Each park has its own native animals that players must care for in both its Protect and Erich modes.
In Protection Mode, players have to track down poachers and click them to rid the park of them. Once the nasty poachers are gone, you must clean up and preserve your parks by decorating them with items found in the shop in Enrich mode.
The game doesn't play much differently from standard social games other than the ability to turn the action on and off through Enrich mode and Protect modes. There are also a few mini games to play like Wildlife Tagging, which tasks you with tagging the animals you save, but not twice or you'll lose points. As you progress and successfully protect and preserve more animal habitats, you'll gain access to new parks, items and animals to save.
My Conservation Park gameplay
However, it's up to you to make donations through the game's primary currency, simply known as Gold. But we bet after one look at those adorable cartoon animals--or the extra information (and video courtesy of Sigourney Weaver) Good World Games provides--you'll start reaching for the old wallet. The only thing this game needs is a cameo from Alanis Morissette.
Click here to play My Conservation Park through Facebook Connect Now >
[Via Earth Techling]
What do you think of social games that aim to do good through donations and other methods? Have you ever donated to a cause through a Facebook game before? Share with us in the comments. 1 Comment
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Chuck star Yvonne Strahovski is awfully addicted to Angry Birds
Another falls to the power of casual games. Just as actress Emma Stone had to go cold turkey on FarmVille, Chuck star Yvonne Strahovski has admitted to Collider an acute Angry Birds addiction. The actress (and voice of Miranda Lawson in Bioware's Mass Effect series) told the website she's not just hopelessly addicted to the game, but has some serious bird-slinging game.
"I don't know if this classifies as a video game, but I have a terrible obsession with Angry Birds," Strahovski admitted to Collider. "I have 3 stared every single level that has ever come out ever except for this one in this moon thing that just came out." Well, she already has me beat, it seems, and likely many of you.
When asked whether she used YouTube or something else to cheat, the Australian starlet replied, "No. I am legitimate. The only thing I looked up is that I could't find the last two golden watermelons in the Rio version. I could't find them. I was like, 'Where are the watermelons?!' So I had to go online and find out where they were." Alright, we get it, so you know your stuff.
Her next mission? Clear every level in the game with 100 percent using the Mighty Eagle. Well, I guess that's about the only challenge she has left, considering she's obliterated every last level. After that, maybe she might consider voice over work for the upcoming Angry Birds movie when it goes into production in oh, I don't know, two years? And who knows, maybe you'll catch her in a Starbucks, flicking away to destroy your high score sometime soon.
[Via Kotaku]
[Image Credit: Collider]
Are you still addicted to Angry Birds after all this time? Have you accomplished more in the game than lovely Yvonne? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
"I don't know if this classifies as a video game, but I have a terrible obsession with Angry Birds," Strahovski admitted to Collider. "I have 3 stared every single level that has ever come out ever except for this one in this moon thing that just came out." Well, she already has me beat, it seems, and likely many of you.
When asked whether she used YouTube or something else to cheat, the Australian starlet replied, "No. I am legitimate. The only thing I looked up is that I could't find the last two golden watermelons in the Rio version. I could't find them. I was like, 'Where are the watermelons?!' So I had to go online and find out where they were." Alright, we get it, so you know your stuff.
Her next mission? Clear every level in the game with 100 percent using the Mighty Eagle. Well, I guess that's about the only challenge she has left, considering she's obliterated every last level. After that, maybe she might consider voice over work for the upcoming Angry Birds movie when it goes into production in oh, I don't know, two years? And who knows, maybe you'll catch her in a Starbucks, flicking away to destroy your high score sometime soon.
[Via Kotaku]
[Image Credit: Collider]
Are you still addicted to Angry Birds after all this time? Have you accomplished more in the game than lovely Yvonne? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
FarmVille Pic of the Day: AlexisSkrull's petting zoo
A few days ago, I featured a massive FarmVille zoo. However, plenty of folks complained that it was just too crowded and busy. While it was a super detailed zoo, the jumbled appearance diminished its aesthetic appeal. Today's featured zoo farm resolves many of the issues present in the old farm, by attempting a simpler approach to the FarmVille zoo.
Today's featured farm, created by AlexisSkrull, is in many ways quite humble. For instance, it doesn't even fill the whole farm plot and there are no fancy complex illusions to be found. However, the simplicity of the fenced in pens full of animals is charming. It reminds me of the early days of FarmVille and FrontierVille, when all I had was a few animals, crops, and some decorations that I was forced to buy in order to complete goals.
Of course, in reality this farm is far more detailed than my boring starter farm. There are unique habitats and exhibitions built for various animals. So make sure to look closely at the images below to get the full effect of AlexisSkrull's farm.
Click the images to make them larger.
farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm
farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm
What do you think of AlexisSkrull's zoo farm? Which zoo farm do you prefer?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
Today's featured farm, created by AlexisSkrull, is in many ways quite humble. For instance, it doesn't even fill the whole farm plot and there are no fancy complex illusions to be found. However, the simplicity of the fenced in pens full of animals is charming. It reminds me of the early days of FarmVille and FrontierVille, when all I had was a few animals, crops, and some decorations that I was forced to buy in order to complete goals.
Of course, in reality this farm is far more detailed than my boring starter farm. There are unique habitats and exhibitions built for various animals. So make sure to look closely at the images below to get the full effect of AlexisSkrull's farm.
Click the images to make them larger.
farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm
farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm farmville featured alexisskrull zoo farm
What do you think of AlexisSkrull's zoo farm? Which zoo farm do you prefer?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
Google+ opens its doors to all, but (hopefully) mostly social gamers
The proverbial veil has been lifted, everyone. Google+ is finally open to the public, meaning anyone can join Google's social network regardless of whether they've been invited through a friend. More importantly, this means the service, which soft-launched back in August to a controlled amount of users through invites, is open to even more social gamers than before.
Granted, there are only 16 games so far on Google+ Games. But surely the company hopes, that with an influx of potential players, that developers will become even more interested in Google as a social gaming destination. However, there are several arguably basic social features that aren't yet a part of the Google+ developer API, or application programming interface.
Namely, the posts that players can push through to the Games Stream from a Google+ game are not interactive. This means that the viral nature of social gaming is severely hindered on the network--players cannot directly help one another through the Games Stream like the can through the Facebook News Feed. This essentially thwarts what is popularly believed to give social games their name.
At the moment, players can only post general updates such as, "I scored 5 bajillion points in Bejeweled Blitz!" However, Rovio played somewhat of a smarter game with Angry Birds on Google+ Games, and introduced a friend gate to most of its content, meaning players have to add so many friends to access new levels. Luckily, Google has already stated that it's working to introduce more robust features over time.
Regardless, omissions like this serve as proof that Google+ Games, while impressive in its scope, ambition and support, is still a nascent gaming platform when put up against competitors like Facebook. With this news, perhaps the race Google+ is running has changed track to whether Google+ Games can keep up with the demands and needs of its players, rather than its competitors.
[Via Inside Social Games]
Have you tried out Google+ Games yet? Do you think, after what you experienced, that Google has a chance at competing in the social games world? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Granted, there are only 16 games so far on Google+ Games. But surely the company hopes, that with an influx of potential players, that developers will become even more interested in Google as a social gaming destination. However, there are several arguably basic social features that aren't yet a part of the Google+ developer API, or application programming interface.
Namely, the posts that players can push through to the Games Stream from a Google+ game are not interactive. This means that the viral nature of social gaming is severely hindered on the network--players cannot directly help one another through the Games Stream like the can through the Facebook News Feed. This essentially thwarts what is popularly believed to give social games their name.
At the moment, players can only post general updates such as, "I scored 5 bajillion points in Bejeweled Blitz!" However, Rovio played somewhat of a smarter game with Angry Birds on Google+ Games, and introduced a friend gate to most of its content, meaning players have to add so many friends to access new levels. Luckily, Google has already stated that it's working to introduce more robust features over time.
Regardless, omissions like this serve as proof that Google+ Games, while impressive in its scope, ambition and support, is still a nascent gaming platform when put up against competitors like Facebook. With this news, perhaps the race Google+ is running has changed track to whether Google+ Games can keep up with the demands and needs of its players, rather than its competitors.
[Via Inside Social Games]
Have you tried out Google+ Games yet? Do you think, after what you experienced, that Google has a chance at competing in the social games world? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Mobile social game taps into 700K player base for children's charity
Parallel Kingdom 700,000K players
What do you do when you're a well-respected mobile game with 700K players worldwide? You design a virtual soup can helmet and sell it to your players for charity! At least, that's what Per Blue's Parallel Kingdom is doing (with Playmob) for the SOS Children relief in North Kenya.
SOS Children's Villages is an independently operated, international organization that's been saving kids since 1949. Currently, funds are needed for emergency food and medical aid due to a severe drought in the area. Soup Can Helmets cost 550 Food each (the virtual currency of Parallel Kingdom), which is the equivalent of $5.50 USD and enough to feed three children. Since the helmet is priced with Food, it's possible for you to not spend any real money on the helmet for it to still count. (In fact, for those of you who haven't liked the game's Facebook page yet, there's a free 100 Food offer that you can use towards a helmet purchase.)
According to Per Blue, this charity drive is at its halfway point with only a week left to go. So far, 550 Soup Can Helmets have been sold, which means 1,650 children have been cared for. If you play the game, you can buy the Soup Can Helmet in the PK Swag section of your local Trade Post until September 29.
Parallel Kingdom Donate Food
If you're new to the game and feeling adventurous, then after the tutorial stage, click on the Food tab on the bottom of your game screen to reach the Get Food menu. You'll see the Donate Food option, but it's really just a notice for the charity drive. Instead, you need to go to Travel, click on a Trade Hub (the one in Madison, WI is one of the two biggest ones), and locate your Local Trade Post, which should be a white building with a red roof buried under a dozen other players who are represented as little heads. Finally, you need to be at Level 2 to be allowed to purchase the helmet. (If you get lost, fire up the in-game chat. Special thanks goes to MisMoon, MoldyBanana, and ZeroGr@vity for their help.)
Parallel Kingdom Trade Post
Parallel Kingdom is best described as FourSquare meets a MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role playing game). It surpassed a half million players in June, was voted 2009 Best Augmented Reality App Second Place (first place went to XMG Studio Inc.'s Pandemica) and 2009 Best MMO Game Third Place (beaten by ngmoco's Eliminate Pro, with Miraphonic's Epic Pet Wars in first place). Although Parallel Kingdom is not a true Facebook game (its Facebook game app simply links you to register on the website), it does possess Facebook Connect and can be played on your PC with a web browser.
Would you try out a game just to donate to charity? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
What do you do when you're a well-respected mobile game with 700K players worldwide? You design a virtual soup can helmet and sell it to your players for charity! At least, that's what Per Blue's Parallel Kingdom is doing (with Playmob) for the SOS Children relief in North Kenya.
SOS Children's Villages is an independently operated, international organization that's been saving kids since 1949. Currently, funds are needed for emergency food and medical aid due to a severe drought in the area. Soup Can Helmets cost 550 Food each (the virtual currency of Parallel Kingdom), which is the equivalent of $5.50 USD and enough to feed three children. Since the helmet is priced with Food, it's possible for you to not spend any real money on the helmet for it to still count. (In fact, for those of you who haven't liked the game's Facebook page yet, there's a free 100 Food offer that you can use towards a helmet purchase.)
According to Per Blue, this charity drive is at its halfway point with only a week left to go. So far, 550 Soup Can Helmets have been sold, which means 1,650 children have been cared for. If you play the game, you can buy the Soup Can Helmet in the PK Swag section of your local Trade Post until September 29.
Parallel Kingdom Donate Food
If you're new to the game and feeling adventurous, then after the tutorial stage, click on the Food tab on the bottom of your game screen to reach the Get Food menu. You'll see the Donate Food option, but it's really just a notice for the charity drive. Instead, you need to go to Travel, click on a Trade Hub (the one in Madison, WI is one of the two biggest ones), and locate your Local Trade Post, which should be a white building with a red roof buried under a dozen other players who are represented as little heads. Finally, you need to be at Level 2 to be allowed to purchase the helmet. (If you get lost, fire up the in-game chat. Special thanks goes to MisMoon, MoldyBanana, and ZeroGr@vity for their help.)
Parallel Kingdom Trade Post
Parallel Kingdom is best described as FourSquare meets a MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role playing game). It surpassed a half million players in June, was voted 2009 Best Augmented Reality App Second Place (first place went to XMG Studio Inc.'s Pandemica) and 2009 Best MMO Game Third Place (beaten by ngmoco's Eliminate Pro, with Miraphonic's Epic Pet Wars in first place). Although Parallel Kingdom is not a true Facebook game (its Facebook game app simply links you to register on the website), it does possess Facebook Connect and can be played on your PC with a web browser.
Would you try out a game just to donate to charity? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
MapleStory Adventures hits over 3M players, new classes coming soon
You'd think an astronomical divorce rate would scare players away, but nay. Nexon announced today that its first crack at Facebook games, MapleStory Adventures, has touched the chibi-loving hearts of over 3.2 million monthly players. While this number pales in comparison to the 100 million players that have jumped into the original game, it's impressive considering.
But not necessarily surprising. First of all, have you ever met a MapleStory fan ... or should I say fanatic? Second, the "click things and cute things happen" approach could certainly keep players hooked. Now that the Facebook version has roped in a few million, we imagine the Korean studio looks to bring its 414,000 daily players, according to AppData, up closer to six digits.
And what do you know, the company just announced that new classes are coming to MapleStory Adventures to give players more variety to work with than merely "Magician" and "Warrior." (Admittedly, classes are a bit lean at the moment.) While Nexon didn't reveal any specifics, we hope the new classes somehow involve adorable dragons ... somehow.
In addition to the recently-introduced Sky Scraper area, Nexon plans to add multi-character slots, personal spaces that players can customize and to localize MapleStory Adventures in Spanish, French, German, Chinese and more. In short, this is Nexon's way of saying: Stay tuned, because there is plenty more to come. We guess some 400,000 of you have no issue with that.
Have you been playing MapleStory Adventures on Facebook? What do you think of the game so far, and what classes do you hope Nexon adds to the game? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
But not necessarily surprising. First of all, have you ever met a MapleStory fan ... or should I say fanatic? Second, the "click things and cute things happen" approach could certainly keep players hooked. Now that the Facebook version has roped in a few million, we imagine the Korean studio looks to bring its 414,000 daily players, according to AppData, up closer to six digits.
And what do you know, the company just announced that new classes are coming to MapleStory Adventures to give players more variety to work with than merely "Magician" and "Warrior." (Admittedly, classes are a bit lean at the moment.) While Nexon didn't reveal any specifics, we hope the new classes somehow involve adorable dragons ... somehow.
In addition to the recently-introduced Sky Scraper area, Nexon plans to add multi-character slots, personal spaces that players can customize and to localize MapleStory Adventures in Spanish, French, German, Chinese and more. In short, this is Nexon's way of saying: Stay tuned, because there is plenty more to come. We guess some 400,000 of you have no issue with that.
Have you been playing MapleStory Adventures on Facebook? What do you think of the game so far, and what classes do you hope Nexon adds to the game? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
New study finds Facebook games might do the economy good
The Facebook Economy
The success of Facebook gaming goes beyond Facebook. Based on an economic impact study released today (courtesy of the University of Maryland), Facebook games, applications, and social plugins (e.g. "Like" buttons, fan pages, Facebook Connect, etc.) are responsible for adding somewhere from 182,744 to 235,644 full-time jobs, and $12.19 billion to $15.71 billion into the US economy.
Seeing that the Facebook platform has only been around since May 2007, the growth has been tremendous. The study cites Zynga as an example as the most successful venture on the Facebook platform, primarily thanks to hits like FarmVille, Mafia Wars, and Words With Friends. Zynga itself has 2,000 employees with the company valued at $15 to $20 billion. Whereas, Playfish was bought by EA for $300 million, and Playdom was bought by Disney for $763.2 million.
The study, created by professors of the Center for Digital Innovation, Technology, and Strategy at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, moves on from counting the numbers of direct employment to uncovering jobs indirectly created by Facebook apps. It then estimates the economic value of all those jobs, which means analyzing salaries and benefits. Still skeptical? They're calling it the "Facebook App Economy" and you can read all about it here.
[Image Credit: Visual Economics]
[Via SFGate]
Do you still think that Facebook games are a waste of money? Do you know anyone who's been able to make a living thanks to Facebook games? Add Comment
The success of Facebook gaming goes beyond Facebook. Based on an economic impact study released today (courtesy of the University of Maryland), Facebook games, applications, and social plugins (e.g. "Like" buttons, fan pages, Facebook Connect, etc.) are responsible for adding somewhere from 182,744 to 235,644 full-time jobs, and $12.19 billion to $15.71 billion into the US economy.
Seeing that the Facebook platform has only been around since May 2007, the growth has been tremendous. The study cites Zynga as an example as the most successful venture on the Facebook platform, primarily thanks to hits like FarmVille, Mafia Wars, and Words With Friends. Zynga itself has 2,000 employees with the company valued at $15 to $20 billion. Whereas, Playfish was bought by EA for $300 million, and Playdom was bought by Disney for $763.2 million.
The study, created by professors of the Center for Digital Innovation, Technology, and Strategy at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, moves on from counting the numbers of direct employment to uncovering jobs indirectly created by Facebook apps. It then estimates the economic value of all those jobs, which means analyzing salaries and benefits. Still skeptical? They're calling it the "Facebook App Economy" and you can read all about it here.
[Image Credit: Visual Economics]
[Via SFGate]
Do you still think that Facebook games are a waste of money? Do you know anyone who's been able to make a living thanks to Facebook games? Add Comment
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Take a bite out of Deanna2u's BLT burger farm
Is it farm art or food art? Is it a burger or a BLT sandwich? Either way, it looks delicious! Today, we put aside landscapes and abstract pieces to go for still-life with hay bales, because I can't remember a time where a FarmVille farm managed to induce as much drooling as Deanna2u's simple, perfect creation.
Deanna2u chose bold bright colors on a black outline and a blue field, layering the bun's insides with what looks like cheese, ham (or an ultra rare cooked patty), lettuce and tomatoes. Is it just me or do the tomatoes actually look like they're smiling?
What other objects would look delicious on a farm? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
Deanna2u chose bold bright colors on a black outline and a blue field, layering the bun's insides with what looks like cheese, ham (or an ultra rare cooked patty), lettuce and tomatoes. Is it just me or do the tomatoes actually look like they're smiling?
What other objects would look delicious on a farm? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
Adventure World Cheats and Tips: A Tool Upgrades Guide
There may not be another Zynga game in which Energy is more important than in Adventure World. Every switch thrown, every puzzle solved and beastie whacked costs you the Facebook game juice. Players often find themselves without Energy minutes into an Expedition. But this isn't the time for whining--it's time to show you the value of upgrading your Tools and how to do it.
Tools: The Game Changer
If you noticed, each piece of debris and monster has a life bar, and normally take multiple hits with your Whip or Machete to whittle down. This, of course, quickly becomes a waste in later Expeditions purely due to the amount of obstacles in your path. But increasing the amount of damage your various Tools inflict against said baddies could considerably reduce the Energy spend in-game.
For instance, say a Snake has three hit points and is Level 5. Since monsters can hit back in this game, it could take three to five Energy before an enemy goes down. Now, imagine if you had upgraded your Whip to Level 2. Offing that Snake would take just two to four Energy with a beefier Whip. The same situation applies to Tools like the Machete.
Adventure World Tool Shop inside
And Now For Your How-To
Adventure World Tool Shop outsideUpgrading your Tools in Adventure World is simple. All you need to do is head back to Base Camp from an Expedition, and look for a makeshift hut that should already be in place in your headquarters. When you click on the Tool Shop, a window will appear featuring all the Tools you've found thus far on your journeys. Click on the Tool you wish to upgrade.
Once you click on a Tool to upgrade, you'll notice that each Tool costs Coins to upgrade. That's it--no asking friends to help you out with materials or farming certain crops for special items. Just the goods you find during your travels in search of El Dorado. However, Coins are actually quite rare in this game, so you'll need to save and spend wisely.
When you have enough Coins for an upgrade, just click on the appropriate icon to pay up. Tool upgrades are also level-locked, meaning you must reach a certain level for most Tools before being able to upgrade them using Coins. If you're feeling impatient, you could always unlock access to those higher level Tools early using Adventure Cash.
Just One Small Catch...
However, some Tool upgrades do require an extra boost: your Tool Shop. Yes, the building itself can be upgraded, too. And this time, you will need items from your friends. (Just think of how things work in CityVille.) Luckily, you only have to do this about twice to unlock access to all of the game's Tools. Then, it's back onto leveling up to access new upgrades for Coins.
Adventure World Tool Shop Upgrade
Upgraded Tools are hands-down the way to go, if you want to save precious Energy for the good stuff, that is. You know, exploring ... uncovering the secrets of El Dorado? That kind of stuff. Your wallet might thank us later.
Click here to find all of our Adventure World Tips in one spot >
[Source: Zynga]
Have you upgraded your Tools in Adventure World yet? What other Energy-saving tips might you have for your fellow adventurers? Sound off in the comments. 4 Comments
Tools: The Game Changer
If you noticed, each piece of debris and monster has a life bar, and normally take multiple hits with your Whip or Machete to whittle down. This, of course, quickly becomes a waste in later Expeditions purely due to the amount of obstacles in your path. But increasing the amount of damage your various Tools inflict against said baddies could considerably reduce the Energy spend in-game.
For instance, say a Snake has three hit points and is Level 5. Since monsters can hit back in this game, it could take three to five Energy before an enemy goes down. Now, imagine if you had upgraded your Whip to Level 2. Offing that Snake would take just two to four Energy with a beefier Whip. The same situation applies to Tools like the Machete.
Adventure World Tool Shop inside
And Now For Your How-To
Adventure World Tool Shop outsideUpgrading your Tools in Adventure World is simple. All you need to do is head back to Base Camp from an Expedition, and look for a makeshift hut that should already be in place in your headquarters. When you click on the Tool Shop, a window will appear featuring all the Tools you've found thus far on your journeys. Click on the Tool you wish to upgrade.
Once you click on a Tool to upgrade, you'll notice that each Tool costs Coins to upgrade. That's it--no asking friends to help you out with materials or farming certain crops for special items. Just the goods you find during your travels in search of El Dorado. However, Coins are actually quite rare in this game, so you'll need to save and spend wisely.
When you have enough Coins for an upgrade, just click on the appropriate icon to pay up. Tool upgrades are also level-locked, meaning you must reach a certain level for most Tools before being able to upgrade them using Coins. If you're feeling impatient, you could always unlock access to those higher level Tools early using Adventure Cash.
Just One Small Catch...
However, some Tool upgrades do require an extra boost: your Tool Shop. Yes, the building itself can be upgraded, too. And this time, you will need items from your friends. (Just think of how things work in CityVille.) Luckily, you only have to do this about twice to unlock access to all of the game's Tools. Then, it's back onto leveling up to access new upgrades for Coins.
Adventure World Tool Shop Upgrade
Upgraded Tools are hands-down the way to go, if you want to save precious Energy for the good stuff, that is. You know, exploring ... uncovering the secrets of El Dorado? That kind of stuff. Your wallet might thank us later.
Click here to find all of our Adventure World Tips in one spot >
[Source: Zynga]
Have you upgraded your Tools in Adventure World yet? What other Energy-saving tips might you have for your fellow adventurers? Sound off in the comments. 4 Comments
Cafe World High Tea Party Catering Order: Everything you need to know
Last week, we brought you a rundown of the British section of festivities taking place in Cafe World as part of the game's two-year-anniversary event. At the time, something was always missing from that equation (the catering order), but now, the Catering Order has officially been launched. Are you ready for high tea?
The High Tea Party catering order has a three day time limit, and isn't exactly easy. You'll be required to serve Yorkshire Pudding 500 times, Shepherd's Pie 30 times and Bangers and Mash 120 times. Do those recipes look familiar? They should, as they're part of the prize list that can be earned by completing the Winston's Royals goals in the game. However, you'll need to complete these goals multiple times to unlock all of the prizes associated with this event, so I can only imagine just how few chefs actually have all three of these dishes available to cook/serve. Luckily, you can bring 18 of your friends in on this order with you, so hopefully a few of them can take care of most of (if not all of) the cooking for you. Just remember to say thank you with free gifts!
On top of all of this, you'll need to collect 12 Fancy Hats and 12 Food Trays by sending out individual request to friends. If you can complete all of these tasks in under three days' time, you'll receive the three-star rating, 12 Catering Points, 3,200 Cafe Points, 70,000 coins and the 2-Year Anniversary cake recipe.
Unfortunately, you must finish in under three days in order to walk away with this new recipe. If you can't manage to do that, but still finish within five days (I have to admit that still sounds like it would be hard), you'll receive two stars, 8 Catering Points, 2,300 Cafe Points and 50,000 coins. Finally, if you finish at any point after the fifth day, you'll receive just a single star, 4 Catering Points, 1,400 Cafe Points and 30,000 coins.
As an extra bonus (since this catering order goes along with the two-year-anniversary event), if you can finish with three stars, you'll also walk away with 10,000 free Travel Passes, which are used to enter yourself (automatically) into contests for in-game prizes like stoves, but also real world trips around the world! Good luck to all those who enter, along with all those who tackle this High Tea Party catering order itself.
What do you think of this High Tea Party order? Have you unlocked all three of these dishes in your own cookbook, or are you being forced to rely on your friends to finish this one in time? Sound off in the comments.
The High Tea Party catering order has a three day time limit, and isn't exactly easy. You'll be required to serve Yorkshire Pudding 500 times, Shepherd's Pie 30 times and Bangers and Mash 120 times. Do those recipes look familiar? They should, as they're part of the prize list that can be earned by completing the Winston's Royals goals in the game. However, you'll need to complete these goals multiple times to unlock all of the prizes associated with this event, so I can only imagine just how few chefs actually have all three of these dishes available to cook/serve. Luckily, you can bring 18 of your friends in on this order with you, so hopefully a few of them can take care of most of (if not all of) the cooking for you. Just remember to say thank you with free gifts!
On top of all of this, you'll need to collect 12 Fancy Hats and 12 Food Trays by sending out individual request to friends. If you can complete all of these tasks in under three days' time, you'll receive the three-star rating, 12 Catering Points, 3,200 Cafe Points, 70,000 coins and the 2-Year Anniversary cake recipe.
Unfortunately, you must finish in under three days in order to walk away with this new recipe. If you can't manage to do that, but still finish within five days (I have to admit that still sounds like it would be hard), you'll receive two stars, 8 Catering Points, 2,300 Cafe Points and 50,000 coins. Finally, if you finish at any point after the fifth day, you'll receive just a single star, 4 Catering Points, 1,400 Cafe Points and 30,000 coins.
As an extra bonus (since this catering order goes along with the two-year-anniversary event), if you can finish with three stars, you'll also walk away with 10,000 free Travel Passes, which are used to enter yourself (automatically) into contests for in-game prizes like stoves, but also real world trips around the world! Good luck to all those who enter, along with all those who tackle this High Tea Party catering order itself.
What do you think of this High Tea Party order? Have you unlocked all three of these dishes in your own cookbook, or are you being forced to rely on your friends to finish this one in time? Sound off in the comments.
The Sims Social: Country meets chic with Country Kitchen items
Is it just me, or is decorating our houses one of the best things to do in the Sims Social? I know I could personally spend plenty of time rearranging furniture in each room, only to ripe it all out and start over again, and to help us do that with even more themes is a new Country Kitchen theme that has launched in the game this week. These country kitchen items bring in all sorts of shades of brown and ivory, and it's one of the most complete themes we've seen released in the game yet. Here's a rundown of what to look out for in the store to make this theme complete in your own home.
Plate Collection
* Costs: 4 SimCash
* Value: $600
Perfecto Fruitbowl
* Costs: 4 SimCash
* Value $600
Vintage Wines
* Costs: 6 SimCash
* Value: $900
RuralU Deluxe C (Kitchen Counter Piece)
* Costs: 10 SimCash
* Value: $1500
RuralU Deluxe (Kitchen Counter Piece)
* Costs: 12 SimCash
* Value: $1750
Antiquitate Deco (Wall Sconce)
* Costs: 3 SimCash
* Value: $450
19th Century Lamp
* Costs: 10 SimCash
* Value: $1500
19th Century Pot (Flowers)
* Costs: 19 SimCash
* Value: $2800
Antiquitate Oil
* Costs: 325 Social Points
* Value: $700
Basinuate Marble (Sink)
* Costs: 12 SimCash
* Value: 1750
* Clean Stat: 5
FrancoFaux Chaise (Buildable item)
* Costs: 225 Social Points
* Value: $500
Cereal Shelf
* Costs: 250 Social Points
* Value: $550
19th Century Mat
* Costs: 19 SimCash
* Value: $2800
Clox Fruitful
* Costs: 350 Social Points
* Value: $800
RuralU Trove (Wall Cabinet Piece)
* Costs: 600 Social Points
* Value: $1450
RuralU Charm (Wall Cabinet Piece)
* Costs: 800 Social Points
* Value: $2050
FrancoFaux Tableau (Buildable item)
* Costs: 800 Social Points
* Value: $2050
RuralU Latch (Hutch - Buildable item)
* Costs: 1100 Social Points
* Value: $3100
G King Counter (Center Island - Buildable item)
* Costs: 15,000 Social Points
* Value: $21,250
* Happiness Stat: 3
Normanity Chair (Living Room Furniture - Buildable item)
* Costs: 450 Social Points
* Value: $1050
FrancoFaux Cafe (Living Room Furniture - Buildable item)
* Costs: 650 Social Points
* Value: $1600
Normanity Sofa (Living Room Furniture - Buildable item)
* Costs: 700 Social Points
* Value: $1750
* Sleep Stat: 3
In addition to all of these items, there's also a Cooking Skill vent hood called the SuxDelux that's available to users that have reached a Cooking Skill of 40 or higher. This item has a value of $3650.
In the Build Menu, you can also find a selection of new windows in the same matching dark wood color, ranging in price from 750 coins for the RealOak 2 Pane to 6,000 coins for the RealOak 5 Pane. If you want the window in the picture above, with the quaint ivory curtains, that will set you back a whopping 39 SimCash. Along with this, there are five new wallpapers and three new floor tiles to round out the theme.
There's no listed time limit on any of these items, so if you don't have enough Social Points or SimCash available to buy them now, you should be able to save up and purchase them well into the future. Still, if you want to get your hands on these items while they're fresh, I really couldn't blame you. I just hope your kitchen is big enough to hold them all!
[Final Image Credit: Playfish/EA]
What do you think of these Country Kitchen items? Are you more of a modern fan, or do you like country / southwestern items? Sound off in the comments.
Plate Collection
* Costs: 4 SimCash
* Value: $600
Perfecto Fruitbowl
* Costs: 4 SimCash
* Value $600
Vintage Wines
* Costs: 6 SimCash
* Value: $900
RuralU Deluxe C (Kitchen Counter Piece)
* Costs: 10 SimCash
* Value: $1500
RuralU Deluxe (Kitchen Counter Piece)
* Costs: 12 SimCash
* Value: $1750
Antiquitate Deco (Wall Sconce)
* Costs: 3 SimCash
* Value: $450
19th Century Lamp
* Costs: 10 SimCash
* Value: $1500
19th Century Pot (Flowers)
* Costs: 19 SimCash
* Value: $2800
Antiquitate Oil
* Costs: 325 Social Points
* Value: $700
Basinuate Marble (Sink)
* Costs: 12 SimCash
* Value: 1750
* Clean Stat: 5
FrancoFaux Chaise (Buildable item)
* Costs: 225 Social Points
* Value: $500
Cereal Shelf
* Costs: 250 Social Points
* Value: $550
19th Century Mat
* Costs: 19 SimCash
* Value: $2800
Clox Fruitful
* Costs: 350 Social Points
* Value: $800
RuralU Trove (Wall Cabinet Piece)
* Costs: 600 Social Points
* Value: $1450
RuralU Charm (Wall Cabinet Piece)
* Costs: 800 Social Points
* Value: $2050
FrancoFaux Tableau (Buildable item)
* Costs: 800 Social Points
* Value: $2050
RuralU Latch (Hutch - Buildable item)
* Costs: 1100 Social Points
* Value: $3100
G King Counter (Center Island - Buildable item)
* Costs: 15,000 Social Points
* Value: $21,250
* Happiness Stat: 3
Normanity Chair (Living Room Furniture - Buildable item)
* Costs: 450 Social Points
* Value: $1050
FrancoFaux Cafe (Living Room Furniture - Buildable item)
* Costs: 650 Social Points
* Value: $1600
Normanity Sofa (Living Room Furniture - Buildable item)
* Costs: 700 Social Points
* Value: $1750
* Sleep Stat: 3
In addition to all of these items, there's also a Cooking Skill vent hood called the SuxDelux that's available to users that have reached a Cooking Skill of 40 or higher. This item has a value of $3650.
In the Build Menu, you can also find a selection of new windows in the same matching dark wood color, ranging in price from 750 coins for the RealOak 2 Pane to 6,000 coins for the RealOak 5 Pane. If you want the window in the picture above, with the quaint ivory curtains, that will set you back a whopping 39 SimCash. Along with this, there are five new wallpapers and three new floor tiles to round out the theme.
There's no listed time limit on any of these items, so if you don't have enough Social Points or SimCash available to buy them now, you should be able to save up and purchase them well into the future. Still, if you want to get your hands on these items while they're fresh, I really couldn't blame you. I just hope your kitchen is big enough to hold them all!
[Final Image Credit: Playfish/EA]
What do you think of these Country Kitchen items? Are you more of a modern fan, or do you like country / southwestern items? Sound off in the comments.
The Sims Social: Claim your free Pogo Arcade Machine
While you may already be the proud owner of one or two Arcade Machines in the Sims Social, if you're like me, you'll always be ready for one more - especially if it's free. Such is the case with this new goodie, a Pogo branded Arcade Machine, spotted by BadgeHungry. The single link to claim your reward has apparently been going around for about a week, but hasn't been heavily advertised. It does, however, still work (as of this writing).
To claim your free Pogo Arcade Machine in the Sims Social just make sure you're logged into your Facebook account and click on this link right here. This will take you to Facebook, where you'll be told whether or not your claim attempt was successful. Once in your house, the Pogo Arcade Machine will go into your storage, where you can then freely place it anywhere in your house (or even outside).
As for interactivity, the machine allows you to do two things: Play Games (no energy required), and "Redeem Tokens at Pogo." This link will let you earn 25,000 free tokens on the site, but unfortunately, doesn't come with any free Simoleons back in the Sims Social. But hey, we've walked away with a free Arcade Machine; it's that all we could really ask for?
Have you already claimed your free Pogo Arcade Machine? What other sorts of goodies do you hope come to the Sims Social? Sound off in the comments.
To claim your free Pogo Arcade Machine in the Sims Social just make sure you're logged into your Facebook account and click on this link right here. This will take you to Facebook, where you'll be told whether or not your claim attempt was successful. Once in your house, the Pogo Arcade Machine will go into your storage, where you can then freely place it anywhere in your house (or even outside).
As for interactivity, the machine allows you to do two things: Play Games (no energy required), and "Redeem Tokens at Pogo." This link will let you earn 25,000 free tokens on the site, but unfortunately, doesn't come with any free Simoleons back in the Sims Social. But hey, we've walked away with a free Arcade Machine; it's that all we could really ask for?
Have you already claimed your free Pogo Arcade Machine? What other sorts of goodies do you hope come to the Sims Social? Sound off in the comments.
CityVille: Playa del Rey Apartments add plenty of population at a high price
As tends to be the case with limited edition item themes in CityVille, the current Mexican theme of items has received a new, limited edition residential building by the name of the Playa del Rey Apartments. These apartments cost a whopping 75 City Cash to add to your town, but are highly detailed, with tons of architectural interest, and even some palm trees (you know, if the way your town looks matters as much as the stats themselves).
Once you purchase the Playa del Rey Apartments, you'll have a house with a starting population of 2,350 residents, that can be expanded through random boosts all of the way up to 4,350 citizens. You'll earn 451 coins in rent every day, if you remember to collect from it, and you might even be able to place this one in your apartment-centric Neighborhood, if the folks at Zynga remembered to program that option in (we're working on discovering if that's the case).
Remember, as this one is limited edition, your opportunity to purchase one will only be around for the next 11 days. After that point, it's likely we'll see a new limited edition item theme launch in the store, with its own set of expensive housing units, and we may never see this one again. Shop now if you really want it.
Will you purchase a Playa del Rey Apartments for your town? How much is too much for a business or residence in CityVille? Sound off in the comments.
Once you purchase the Playa del Rey Apartments, you'll have a house with a starting population of 2,350 residents, that can be expanded through random boosts all of the way up to 4,350 citizens. You'll earn 451 coins in rent every day, if you remember to collect from it, and you might even be able to place this one in your apartment-centric Neighborhood, if the folks at Zynga remembered to program that option in (we're working on discovering if that's the case).
Remember, as this one is limited edition, your opportunity to purchase one will only be around for the next 11 days. After that point, it's likely we'll see a new limited edition item theme launch in the store, with its own set of expensive housing units, and we may never see this one again. Shop now if you really want it.
Will you purchase a Playa del Rey Apartments for your town? How much is too much for a business or residence in CityVille? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille Mystery Game (09/18/11): Livestock animals come to the farm
In tonight's FarmVille update, we see a new round of animals hit the Mystery Game, with this week's theme (understandably) revolving around the new Livestock Pen released just last week. That means that for the price of 20 Farm Cash per dart, you can play this week's game to walk away with six (potentially seven) animals that can be stored, and subsequently bred (if you're lucky) inside that very Livestock Pen.
Here's the rundown of this week's animals:
Arapawa Island Pig
Barbados Sheep
Berkshire Pig
Dutch Landrace Goat
Girgentana Goat
Valais Goat
While you're not guaranteed to receive all six of these animals in the first six darts you throw, keep in mind that if you can manage to "win" all six during this week's game (again, that will be an incredibly pricey endeavor, even if you're really lucky), you'll walk away with a seventh, free prize: the Clun Forest Sheep.
Remember, these animals will only be around a single week. Whether or not they'll ever be re-released is anyone's guess (although, I will admit the possibility is likely), so if you don't want to wait to see if that possibility comes true, make sure to try your hand at this week's Mystery Game while you can.
Which of these prizes would you most want to win by playing this week's Mystery Game? What animals did you actually win? Share with us in the comments!
Here's the rundown of this week's animals:
Arapawa Island Pig
Barbados Sheep
Berkshire Pig
Dutch Landrace Goat
Girgentana Goat
Valais Goat
While you're not guaranteed to receive all six of these animals in the first six darts you throw, keep in mind that if you can manage to "win" all six during this week's game (again, that will be an incredibly pricey endeavor, even if you're really lucky), you'll walk away with a seventh, free prize: the Clun Forest Sheep.
Remember, these animals will only be around a single week. Whether or not they'll ever be re-released is anyone's guess (although, I will admit the possibility is likely), so if you don't want to wait to see if that possibility comes true, make sure to try your hand at this week's Mystery Game while you can.
Which of these prizes would you most want to win by playing this week's Mystery Game? What animals did you actually win? Share with us in the comments!
FarmVille Raffle Booth (09/18/11): Black Corgi and Gazebo up for grabs
It's Sunday night again farmers, which means that it's time for the FarmVille Raffle Booth to update with new prizes. I hope you walked away with plenty of prizes from last week's drawing, but if not, you've got a chance for even more prizes this week. Sure, three of the most basic prizes are basic and expected, but the top two prizes are pretty nice and come with even better odds. Here's the lineup:
* 10 Special Delivery Boxes: 1:5
* 3 Farmhands: 1:20
* 5 Love Potions: 1:50
* Gazebo: 1:200
* Black Corgi: 1:500
While the Black Corgi is really cute, keep in mind that this dog isn't a "pet" in the game, that can be fed or trained; instead, it's a "normal" animal that can simply be kept and harvested from every few days. As usual, you'll at least one chance of winning all of these items, as you'll receive one Raffle Ticker for free. To earn extras, you'll either be able to purchase them with Farm Cash or receive them from friends as gifts. Once next Sunday rolls around, the drawing for these items will take place, and hopefully you'll walk away with the full set!
Have you ever won the top two prizes in any FarmVille Raffle Booth drawing? Which item are you most hoping to win in this week's drawing? Sound off in the comments.
* 10 Special Delivery Boxes: 1:5
* 3 Farmhands: 1:20
* 5 Love Potions: 1:50
* Gazebo: 1:200
* Black Corgi: 1:500
While the Black Corgi is really cute, keep in mind that this dog isn't a "pet" in the game, that can be fed or trained; instead, it's a "normal" animal that can simply be kept and harvested from every few days. As usual, you'll at least one chance of winning all of these items, as you'll receive one Raffle Ticker for free. To earn extras, you'll either be able to purchase them with Farm Cash or receive them from friends as gifts. Once next Sunday rolls around, the drawing for these items will take place, and hopefully you'll walk away with the full set!
Have you ever won the top two prizes in any FarmVille Raffle Booth drawing? Which item are you most hoping to win in this week's drawing? Sound off in the comments.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Adventure World Safari Showdown Expedition: Everything you need to know
By the time you reach Level 10 in Adventure World, you will have unlocked the first five Expeditions in the game, with this fifth Expedition being called Safari Showdown. This one comes with the tagline: "Face off with Queen Coral and move her nest to safety." While that may not do much to describe exactly what you'll be facing, you are told a few details about what to expect from the technical side of the things.
You'll need to have 450 Supplies to spare, along with two units each of Food, Fuel and Water. In terms of a time limit, you're limited to finishing this entire Expedition in a single 24 hour period. Your maximum rewards are 2,350 coins and 3 Food, on top of the XP and coins (among other items) you'll earn from simply completing the Quests therein. Here's a complete guide to finishing Safari Showdown from start to finish.
Stop Queen Coral!
Defeat the Queen Coral
Get Queen Coral's Eggs and Nest
Place Queen Coral's Eggs and Nest across the river
Apparently, a mama coral snake has formed a nest too close to a small village, and she's scaring the children. In this Expedition, your overall goal is to eliminate her from the area and move her next across the river where it can remain undisturbed and the children can go back to playing. Queen Coral's next is located in a fairly secure location, surrounded by shrubs and thorns. There are traps between you and she, and the snake itself has 12 hit points. Once you defeat the snake, you'll see the nest sitting nearby. It has three "points," so you'll need to eliminate those before you can pick it up. Finally, the bridge across the river is blocked by a boulder, requiring dynamite to remove. Dynamite costs 1,000 coins to purchase in the Tool Shop back in your Base Camp.
Find Them a New Home
Collect 5 Bundles of Grass
Plant 5 Bundles of Grass around the snake's new home
Since your ultimate goal is to remove the threat to the village by moving the nest across the river, you'll need to create a new home for the Queen Coral's nest by collecting and planting Bundles of Grass on this map. The bundles of grass can easily be mistaken for shrubs, so make sure to look for them at every corner. Meanwhile, the Bundles of Grass can be planted on the far side of the river, in the area clearly set aside as their new home.
Build Them a Sanctuary!
Collect 10 Cotton
Collect 4 Hardened Vines
Use 10 Soils Piles to build a fence around the snakes' new home
Of course, you're going to "remove" the snake and nest as harmlessly as possible, so you'll need to first make sure that the new home for these snakes is as comfortable as possible. After all, you wouldn't want the snakes to get bored and head back into the village, now would you? Vines themselves come from clearing out thorns (you tend to get around four hardened vines per thorn removed), while cotton is found in the far right side of the map, growing in a make-shift farm setup (apparently) by the villagers. I'm sure they won't mind you taking some of that cotton to build this new home, so long as it means they're free of the snakes. Finally, the Soil Piles are found around the outside edge of the marked area above. Here are some pictures of what you're looking for in this quest.
Once you finish these three tasks, you will have finished the fifth Expedition in Adventure World, and will be one step closer to fame and fortune within the Adventure Society. Good luck!
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
What did you think of this Expedition? Which of the game's Expeditions has been your favorite thus far? Sound off in the comments.
You'll need to have 450 Supplies to spare, along with two units each of Food, Fuel and Water. In terms of a time limit, you're limited to finishing this entire Expedition in a single 24 hour period. Your maximum rewards are 2,350 coins and 3 Food, on top of the XP and coins (among other items) you'll earn from simply completing the Quests therein. Here's a complete guide to finishing Safari Showdown from start to finish.
Stop Queen Coral!
Defeat the Queen Coral
Get Queen Coral's Eggs and Nest
Place Queen Coral's Eggs and Nest across the river
Apparently, a mama coral snake has formed a nest too close to a small village, and she's scaring the children. In this Expedition, your overall goal is to eliminate her from the area and move her next across the river where it can remain undisturbed and the children can go back to playing. Queen Coral's next is located in a fairly secure location, surrounded by shrubs and thorns. There are traps between you and she, and the snake itself has 12 hit points. Once you defeat the snake, you'll see the nest sitting nearby. It has three "points," so you'll need to eliminate those before you can pick it up. Finally, the bridge across the river is blocked by a boulder, requiring dynamite to remove. Dynamite costs 1,000 coins to purchase in the Tool Shop back in your Base Camp.
Find Them a New Home
Collect 5 Bundles of Grass
Plant 5 Bundles of Grass around the snake's new home
Since your ultimate goal is to remove the threat to the village by moving the nest across the river, you'll need to create a new home for the Queen Coral's nest by collecting and planting Bundles of Grass on this map. The bundles of grass can easily be mistaken for shrubs, so make sure to look for them at every corner. Meanwhile, the Bundles of Grass can be planted on the far side of the river, in the area clearly set aside as their new home.
Build Them a Sanctuary!
Collect 10 Cotton
Collect 4 Hardened Vines
Use 10 Soils Piles to build a fence around the snakes' new home
Of course, you're going to "remove" the snake and nest as harmlessly as possible, so you'll need to first make sure that the new home for these snakes is as comfortable as possible. After all, you wouldn't want the snakes to get bored and head back into the village, now would you? Vines themselves come from clearing out thorns (you tend to get around four hardened vines per thorn removed), while cotton is found in the far right side of the map, growing in a make-shift farm setup (apparently) by the villagers. I'm sure they won't mind you taking some of that cotton to build this new home, so long as it means they're free of the snakes. Finally, the Soil Piles are found around the outside edge of the marked area above. Here are some pictures of what you're looking for in this quest.
Once you finish these three tasks, you will have finished the fifth Expedition in Adventure World, and will be one step closer to fame and fortune within the Adventure Society. Good luck!
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
What did you think of this Expedition? Which of the game's Expeditions has been your favorite thus far? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille Animal Sanctuary & Lighthouse Cove Trees: Sugar Maple Tree, Painted Bamboo Tree and more
With tonight's update, we see a ton of new trees being released in FarmVille, in both the Animal Sanctuary theme, and in the new Lighthouse Cove limited edition themes. That's right - a Lighthouse Cove theme has launched in the store, full of items that can be purchased for other farms, or for your Lighthouse Cove if you so choose (that is, if you choose to pay to get in this early). Here's a full rundown of these trees.
Lighthouse Cove
Sugar Maple Tree - 7 Farm Cash
Japanese Maple Tree - 15 Farm Cash
Bur Oak Tree - 8 Farm Cash
Pin Oak Tree - 12 Farm Cash
Here's a case where I think some price testing might be taking place. The 8 and 12 Farm Cash prices seem incredibly out of place, so if they happen to be different in your own store, that would be why. As for Mystery Seedlings, you can purchase just the Bur Oak and Sugar Maple Trees, and will (hopefully) receive the other two through mystery seedlings.
Animal Sanctuary
Painted Bamboo - 5 Farm Cash
Umbrella Bamboo - 15 Farm Cash
Again, these prices seem incredibly strange, so don't be alarmed if they're different (even potentially costing less) in your own game when you happen to check. It's a (now) normal Zynga practice to see which prices uses respond to with purchases, and we unfortunately can't prevent it from happening. Of course, the Painted Bamboo is the Level 1 tree here, while you can receive the Umbrella Bamboo from Mystery Seedlings.
Overall, the Sugar Maple and Japanese Maple Trees will be in the game for the next 11 days, while the other four trees will be around for two weeks. Keep those time limits in mind if you don't have the Farm Cash on hand to shop just yet - they won't be around forever.
What do you think of these two themes of trees? Do you like colorful trees like these maples and oaks? Sound off in the comments.
Lighthouse Cove
Sugar Maple Tree - 7 Farm Cash
Japanese Maple Tree - 15 Farm Cash
Bur Oak Tree - 8 Farm Cash
Pin Oak Tree - 12 Farm Cash
Here's a case where I think some price testing might be taking place. The 8 and 12 Farm Cash prices seem incredibly out of place, so if they happen to be different in your own store, that would be why. As for Mystery Seedlings, you can purchase just the Bur Oak and Sugar Maple Trees, and will (hopefully) receive the other two through mystery seedlings.
Animal Sanctuary
Painted Bamboo - 5 Farm Cash
Umbrella Bamboo - 15 Farm Cash
Again, these prices seem incredibly strange, so don't be alarmed if they're different (even potentially costing less) in your own game when you happen to check. It's a (now) normal Zynga practice to see which prices uses respond to with purchases, and we unfortunately can't prevent it from happening. Of course, the Painted Bamboo is the Level 1 tree here, while you can receive the Umbrella Bamboo from Mystery Seedlings.
Overall, the Sugar Maple and Japanese Maple Trees will be in the game for the next 11 days, while the other four trees will be around for two weeks. Keep those time limits in mind if you don't have the Farm Cash on hand to shop just yet - they won't be around forever.
What do you think of these two themes of trees? Do you like colorful trees like these maples and oaks? Sound off in the comments.
armVille Add Comment FarmVille Animal Sanctuary & Lighthouse Cove Animals: Canada Lynx, Morgan Stallion and more
As was the case with trees this evening, tonight's FarmVille update has seen the launch of not only new Animal Sanctuary items, but also animals in the Lighthouse Cove limited edition theme. These Lighthouse Cove items can be purchased for other farms, not just your Lighthouse Cove farm, if you wish to carry the theme throughout your properties. This is also a great way for those who choose not to pay to get into Lighthouse Cove early to add to their animal collections while they wait.
Lighthouse Cove
Canada Lynx - 12 Farm Cash
Standardbred Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Bufflehead Duck - 18 Farm Cash
Morgan Stallion - 35 Farm Cash
With these animals, we see two horses for collectors that cost the expected high numbers, and reward appropriate XP in exchange: 2,600 for the Standardbred and 3,500 for the Morgan Stallion. The Canada Lynx and Standardbred Horse will only be in the game's store for the next 11 days, while the other two animals will be around for a full two weeks, to give you an idea of when you really need to shop.
Animal Sanctuary
Clouded Leopard - 15 Farm Cash
Unfortunately, that's the only animal released in the theme this evening, but at least it isn't so expensive that it's guaranteed to break the bank. For purchasing this little fella, you'll receive 1,500 experience points, and will be able to harvest him every two days. He'll be available in the game's store for the next two weeks.
Regardless of which animal you choose, remember that (again), these Lighthouse Cove animals can be placed in other farms, so if you'd like to place them inside your Horse Stables and the like (where applicable), go right ahead and do that. Just make sure to not let these guys expire from the store before you have a chance to shop.
Which of these animals is your favorite? What do you think of the Lighthouse Cove theme of items so far? Sound off in the comments.
Lighthouse Cove
Canada Lynx - 12 Farm Cash
Standardbred Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Bufflehead Duck - 18 Farm Cash
Morgan Stallion - 35 Farm Cash
With these animals, we see two horses for collectors that cost the expected high numbers, and reward appropriate XP in exchange: 2,600 for the Standardbred and 3,500 for the Morgan Stallion. The Canada Lynx and Standardbred Horse will only be in the game's store for the next 11 days, while the other two animals will be around for a full two weeks, to give you an idea of when you really need to shop.
Animal Sanctuary
Clouded Leopard - 15 Farm Cash
Unfortunately, that's the only animal released in the theme this evening, but at least it isn't so expensive that it's guaranteed to break the bank. For purchasing this little fella, you'll receive 1,500 experience points, and will be able to harvest him every two days. He'll be available in the game's store for the next two weeks.
Regardless of which animal you choose, remember that (again), these Lighthouse Cove animals can be placed in other farms, so if you'd like to place them inside your Horse Stables and the like (where applicable), go right ahead and do that. Just make sure to not let these guys expire from the store before you have a chance to shop.
Which of these animals is your favorite? What do you think of the Lighthouse Cove theme of items so far? Sound off in the comments.
FarmVille Animal Sanctuary & Lighthouse Cove Buildings: Asian Gazebo, Seaside Cottage and more
Continuing in the double-item update in FarmVille, tonight's release brought us new buildings not only in the previous Animal Sanctuary item theme, but also in the Lighthouse Cove theme. These Lighthouse Cove items are available to purchase in other farms, so keep an eye out for them in the store when hanging out at Home or in the English Countryside as well.
Lighthouse Cove
Seaside Cottage - 25 Farm Cash
Village Store - 25 Farm Cash
Coastal Farmhouse - 25 Farm Cash
Coastal Restaurant - 30 Farm Cash
As usual, buildings in FarmVille are some of the most expensive things you can purchase, and these are no exception to that rule. The Seaside Cottage and Village Store have shorter time limits at 11 days, while the Coastal Farmhouse and Coastal Restaurant (not to be confused with the Restaurant Crafting Cottage you can purchase on your new farm for coins) will be around for the next two week.
Animal Sanctuary
Asian Gazebo - 10 Farm Cash
This building is fairly small, looking more like a lawn ornament than a full sized building, but I suppose that helps explain the cheaper price tag. If you're interested in purchasing this one, you'll need to do so within the next two weeks, before it expires form the store.
Will we see these items again after they expire? It's likely, but in the off chance that they don't, make sure to purchase any you feel you just can't live without during this first release.
Which of these new buildings is your favorite? Are you more of a fan of the Lighthouse Cove theme or the pre-existing Animal Sanctuary theme? Sound off in the comments.
Lighthouse Cove
Seaside Cottage - 25 Farm Cash
Village Store - 25 Farm Cash
Coastal Farmhouse - 25 Farm Cash
Coastal Restaurant - 30 Farm Cash
As usual, buildings in FarmVille are some of the most expensive things you can purchase, and these are no exception to that rule. The Seaside Cottage and Village Store have shorter time limits at 11 days, while the Coastal Farmhouse and Coastal Restaurant (not to be confused with the Restaurant Crafting Cottage you can purchase on your new farm for coins) will be around for the next two week.
Animal Sanctuary
Asian Gazebo - 10 Farm Cash
This building is fairly small, looking more like a lawn ornament than a full sized building, but I suppose that helps explain the cheaper price tag. If you're interested in purchasing this one, you'll need to do so within the next two weeks, before it expires form the store.
Will we see these items again after they expire? It's likely, but in the off chance that they don't, make sure to purchase any you feel you just can't live without during this first release.
Which of these new buildings is your favorite? Are you more of a fan of the Lighthouse Cove theme or the pre-existing Animal Sanctuary theme? Sound off in the comments.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
CityVille Most Valuable Palace allows your citizens to live like MVPs
It looks like one final item has been added to the sports theme of items in CityVille, in the form of a new house that's only available for a very, very limited time (we're talking less than a day). The MVP - Most Valuable Palace home costs a whopping 80 City Cash to add to your town, but it adds an equally large figure of 2,500 citizens to your town.
If you're lucky enough to have that number upgraded through random boosts (remember, your friends "tending" to the home can trigger those same boosts), you can eventually raise that 2,500 number to 4,500 citizens! That's a huge group of MVPs (how will they all share that tiny basketball court?)! Once you've built this one (it takes up just a 5x5 square), it will generate 494 coins and can be collected from once each day.
Again, this is an incredibly limited time offer. In the time you're reading this, the house is slipping farther and farther out of your grasp, so what are you waiting for?! If you have any interest in this one whatsoever, head into the store before it expires (perhaps for good).
Is 80 City Cash too much to pay for a single home, even one with such impressive stats? Will you purchase the MVP - Most Valuable Palace for your city in CityVille? Sound off in the comments.
If you're lucky enough to have that number upgraded through random boosts (remember, your friends "tending" to the home can trigger those same boosts), you can eventually raise that 2,500 number to 4,500 citizens! That's a huge group of MVPs (how will they all share that tiny basketball court?)! Once you've built this one (it takes up just a 5x5 square), it will generate 494 coins and can be collected from once each day.
Again, this is an incredibly limited time offer. In the time you're reading this, the house is slipping farther and farther out of your grasp, so what are you waiting for?! If you have any interest in this one whatsoever, head into the store before it expires (perhaps for good).
Is 80 City Cash too much to pay for a single home, even one with such impressive stats? Will you purchase the MVP - Most Valuable Palace for your city in CityVille? Sound off in the comments.
Kixeye's War Commander blasts onto Facebook for all to conquer
Hardcore gamers have established a beachhead on Facebook, and now can make their next offensive in War Commander. The next social strategy game by San Francisco-based Kixeye has entered public beta is now live and available for all would-be commanders on Facebook to dominate with. The game isn't a far cry from the studio's previous efforts, except for one thing.
Players can finally control individual units on the battle field in real time as they slaughter enemy units and demolish buildings. Clearly inspired by traditional strategy staples like Command and Conquer on the PC, War Commander continues the developer's tradition of real time gameplay with asynchronous interaction between friends ... or enemies.
Based on our time trying out the game's closed beta test, our very own Brandy Shaul found attacking and defending bases to be a largely passive experience, regardless of whether you can now directly control units. Personally, I find the choice to decide which unit gets fired at first by enemy defense turrets a strategic boost, though a small one.
Regardless, this marks Kixeye's next step in its ultimate goal to bring a true RTS (real time strategy) experience to Facebook, Kixeye CEO Will Harbin told VentureBeat. "It's the most advanced strategy game ever created for Facebook," Harbin said. "We're getting closer and closer to real-time strategy titles that you've seen on the PC."
Gallery: War Commander on Facebook
Based on my brief experience with the game, War Commander suffers from brief lag issues at the moment, with intermittent pauses during gameplay. However, Kixeye appears to be hard at work on optimizing the game already. (It is in "open beta," after all.) "We're learning from the past and optimizing the code base more and more," Harbin told VentureBeat.
While Kixeye mentioned that it's "waiting for an onslaught of competition" that it has yet to see, the company does have one worthy opponent that it has already exchanged stern words with over its most recent release, Kabam and Edgeworld. We're sure this rivalry is far from over, so why not check the latest traded blow right now?
Click here to play War Commander on Facebook Now >
Are you a fan of hardcore strategy games on Facebook? Regardless, what do you think of the growing hardcore scene on the platform traditionally dominated by mothers and other casual players? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Players can finally control individual units on the battle field in real time as they slaughter enemy units and demolish buildings. Clearly inspired by traditional strategy staples like Command and Conquer on the PC, War Commander continues the developer's tradition of real time gameplay with asynchronous interaction between friends ... or enemies.
Based on our time trying out the game's closed beta test, our very own Brandy Shaul found attacking and defending bases to be a largely passive experience, regardless of whether you can now directly control units. Personally, I find the choice to decide which unit gets fired at first by enemy defense turrets a strategic boost, though a small one.
Regardless, this marks Kixeye's next step in its ultimate goal to bring a true RTS (real time strategy) experience to Facebook, Kixeye CEO Will Harbin told VentureBeat. "It's the most advanced strategy game ever created for Facebook," Harbin said. "We're getting closer and closer to real-time strategy titles that you've seen on the PC."
Gallery: War Commander on Facebook
Based on my brief experience with the game, War Commander suffers from brief lag issues at the moment, with intermittent pauses during gameplay. However, Kixeye appears to be hard at work on optimizing the game already. (It is in "open beta," after all.) "We're learning from the past and optimizing the code base more and more," Harbin told VentureBeat.
While Kixeye mentioned that it's "waiting for an onslaught of competition" that it has yet to see, the company does have one worthy opponent that it has already exchanged stern words with over its most recent release, Kabam and Edgeworld. We're sure this rivalry is far from over, so why not check the latest traded blow right now?
Click here to play War Commander on Facebook Now >
Are you a fan of hardcore strategy games on Facebook? Regardless, what do you think of the growing hardcore scene on the platform traditionally dominated by mothers and other casual players? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Empires & Allies Red Tide Rising Goals: Everything you need to know
It looks like our very own little Cold War is about to erupt in Empires & Allies, as Zynga has introduced new Goals to the game to coincide with the Red Tide Rising item event. This long, limited edition series of a whopping seven Goals will send you on a hunt for the mysterious Element Z that ... doesn't seem to go much of anywhere. Hey, at least you'll score a sweet Tank and other rewards for your hard work. Here's everything you need to know about the Red Tide Rising Goals in E&A:
Come Together
* Harvest from 8 Neighbor Farms
* Revive 6 Neighbor Farms
* Collect from 20 Neighbor Houses
This is all about visiting friends. In fact, considering each friend visit grants you five friendly actions, it will take at least six visitations to complete this Goal. And once you do, an EMP power-up awaits as your reward.
Come Together
Capture Evidence
* Collect 5 Defecting Scientists
In this simple Goal, all you need to do is ask your friends for this item, which we'd imagine you're all familiar with by now. Once you do, enjoy a free 1,000 Coins.
The More the Merrier
* Have 2 New Friends Play E&A
Alright, now this is just downright mean. Apparently, it's up to you to be an ambassador for Zynga's strategy game. You must invite two friends who have yet to play E&A, so have fun with that. Hey, you could always just make two mock accounts, have them befriend your real one, install the game via an invite from the real account and finally delete them. But you didn't hear that from us. Your reward for this Goal is a limited edition Sputnik Statue.
Red Tide Rising items
Tooling Up
* Have 10 Army Upgrades
* Build 8 Army Units
* Place 8 Army Units
To upgrade your Army or Land units, use the Army Research Lab (find out how in our guide right here). Then, the next two Goals are simple: Just build some throwaway units like Cadet Soldiers, which cost 100 Coins apiece, and place them. For completing these tasks, enjoy a free 100 Oil.
Release the Hounds
* Use Upgraded Army Units to Destroy 22 Enemy Units
* Use Upgrade Army Units to Inflict 1,000 Damage
This Goal doesn't dictate where exactly you have to destroy or damage said units, so try just entering a low-level Campaign battle and wreaking havoc on Captain Krunsch. You can also retreat from battles to avoid losing any of your precious upgraded Army units. This Goal, once completed, will reward you with 100 Wood.
Red Tide Rising items 2
Disposal!
* Collect 5 Bomb Disposal Robots
This simple Goal requires that you ask friends for the Robots, so ask away and be done with it. You'll score another 1,000 Coins for completing this Goal.
Shared Meal!
* Harvest 24 Red Onions
* Harvest 12 Neighbors' Farms
* Collect 250 Oil
To harvest 24 Red Onions, you will need a total of 9,216 Coins, and each crop takes 1 day and eight hours to complete. To harvest 12 Neighbor Farms, you will have to visit at least three friends. Your reward for completing this Goal is a limited edition Tank, the SU-122 with an impressive 200 Health.
[Source: Empires and Allies Base]
Have you started these new Russian-themed Goals yet? What do you think of the rewards at stake, and what tips might you have for completing these Goals even faster? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
Come Together
* Harvest from 8 Neighbor Farms
* Revive 6 Neighbor Farms
* Collect from 20 Neighbor Houses
This is all about visiting friends. In fact, considering each friend visit grants you five friendly actions, it will take at least six visitations to complete this Goal. And once you do, an EMP power-up awaits as your reward.
Come Together
Capture Evidence
* Collect 5 Defecting Scientists
In this simple Goal, all you need to do is ask your friends for this item, which we'd imagine you're all familiar with by now. Once you do, enjoy a free 1,000 Coins.
The More the Merrier
* Have 2 New Friends Play E&A
Alright, now this is just downright mean. Apparently, it's up to you to be an ambassador for Zynga's strategy game. You must invite two friends who have yet to play E&A, so have fun with that. Hey, you could always just make two mock accounts, have them befriend your real one, install the game via an invite from the real account and finally delete them. But you didn't hear that from us. Your reward for this Goal is a limited edition Sputnik Statue.
Red Tide Rising items
Tooling Up
* Have 10 Army Upgrades
* Build 8 Army Units
* Place 8 Army Units
To upgrade your Army or Land units, use the Army Research Lab (find out how in our guide right here). Then, the next two Goals are simple: Just build some throwaway units like Cadet Soldiers, which cost 100 Coins apiece, and place them. For completing these tasks, enjoy a free 100 Oil.
Release the Hounds
* Use Upgraded Army Units to Destroy 22 Enemy Units
* Use Upgrade Army Units to Inflict 1,000 Damage
This Goal doesn't dictate where exactly you have to destroy or damage said units, so try just entering a low-level Campaign battle and wreaking havoc on Captain Krunsch. You can also retreat from battles to avoid losing any of your precious upgraded Army units. This Goal, once completed, will reward you with 100 Wood.
Red Tide Rising items 2
Disposal!
* Collect 5 Bomb Disposal Robots
This simple Goal requires that you ask friends for the Robots, so ask away and be done with it. You'll score another 1,000 Coins for completing this Goal.
Shared Meal!
* Harvest 24 Red Onions
* Harvest 12 Neighbors' Farms
* Collect 250 Oil
To harvest 24 Red Onions, you will need a total of 9,216 Coins, and each crop takes 1 day and eight hours to complete. To harvest 12 Neighbor Farms, you will have to visit at least three friends. Your reward for completing this Goal is a limited edition Tank, the SU-122 with an impressive 200 Health.
[Source: Empires and Allies Base]
Have you started these new Russian-themed Goals yet? What do you think of the rewards at stake, and what tips might you have for completing these Goals even faster? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment
No More Heroes creator to spit out three more Mobage social games
And only one of which will actually involve grasshoppers. Grasshopper Manufacture, the Japanese developer responsible for stylish, gory hardcore games like No More Heroes, revealed just before the Tokyo Game Show that it will release three mobile social games through the now-global Mobage network, Kotaku reports.
The first game to be released internationally under this new deal between the developer and DeNA, which runs the Mobage network with recent acquisition ngmoco, is Frog Minutes. The game already released in Japan back in March, so this will likely just be a localized version for Mobage on Android phones in the U.S. and abroad.
In Frog Minutes, players disturb parts of a forest scene to stir up various insects and feed them to frogs. The more quickly players do this, the higher their score will climb, it seems. Ribbeting, isn't it? (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Not much was revealed about Grasshopper Manufacture's other two Mobage projects other than their titles: Humans vs Zombies and Alien Busters.
The developer plans to show more of those games at a later date, according to Kotaku. Grasshopper Manufacture is placing big bets on social games with a mobile social version of No More Heroes, which designer Suda 51 said he hopes it will be bloodiest social game around.
While it's interesting to see a Japanese developer known for taking risks with unique games major consoles that (unfortunately) sell poorly hop into the low-risk, high-profit world of social gaming, it wasn't hard to see this one coming. And considering the effect social games has had on traditional American developers, we doubt this is the last news like this we'll hear from Japan.
Are you excited to see Grasshopper Manufacture go full-bore into social gaming? What other Japanese developers do you expect to see enter the space? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
The first game to be released internationally under this new deal between the developer and DeNA, which runs the Mobage network with recent acquisition ngmoco, is Frog Minutes. The game already released in Japan back in March, so this will likely just be a localized version for Mobage on Android phones in the U.S. and abroad.
In Frog Minutes, players disturb parts of a forest scene to stir up various insects and feed them to frogs. The more quickly players do this, the higher their score will climb, it seems. Ribbeting, isn't it? (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Not much was revealed about Grasshopper Manufacture's other two Mobage projects other than their titles: Humans vs Zombies and Alien Busters.
The developer plans to show more of those games at a later date, according to Kotaku. Grasshopper Manufacture is placing big bets on social games with a mobile social version of No More Heroes, which designer Suda 51 said he hopes it will be bloodiest social game around.
While it's interesting to see a Japanese developer known for taking risks with unique games major consoles that (unfortunately) sell poorly hop into the low-risk, high-profit world of social gaming, it wasn't hard to see this one coming. And considering the effect social games has had on traditional American developers, we doubt this is the last news like this we'll hear from Japan.
Are you excited to see Grasshopper Manufacture go full-bore into social gaming? What other Japanese developers do you expect to see enter the space? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)