Mature Gaming » online

Dungeons and Dragons Online get new update, add ons included

gazzara — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:21:48 +0000

Turbine and the Dungeons & Dragons Online team have put out the first information about Update 13: Web of Chaos. Web of Chaos is the prequel to the forthcoming expansion,Menace of the Underdark.
The patch will bring three free quests into the game. Players will be able to earn or purchase the ability to start a character at level seven for a head start. Omnispell Dust and Omnispell Stone come into the game as a replacement for the material component of magic spells. New items will be added to the DDO store.

Free To Play games played by half the online population

gazzara — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:55:56 +0000

Online gaming is continuing its remarkable success, with new statistics showing almost 50 per cent of the online community across the globe playing online games (comScore, December 2011), with Spil Games the number one destination.
Key gaming habits are revealed in the annual State of Gaming review conducted by Spil Games, which operates three social gaming platforms – GirlsGoGames.co.uk, AGame.com and Games.co.uk.

The popularity of online gaming was also evident on Spil Games’ platforms. The amount of people playing in 2011 soared to 170 million, up by 40 million year-on-year. These impressive numbers scored Spil Games the number one slot as the most-visited online gaming property in the world*.

Online gamers have increased their online playing time from 38 to 85 minutes per month. In the UK, the most popular game last year was Family Barn, whereas globally Bubble Shooter takes the top spot.

“What we’ve noticed over the past year is that more people are playing more online games – and for longer,” said Peter Driessen, CEO of Spil Games. “The benefit of social gaming platforms like ours is that they encourage players to create, connect and share. 2011 marked the year online games came of age, and we expect the number of players to continue to grow, cementing their position as the most dominant way we’re playing.”

Highlights from the State of Gaming Review:

By the end of 2011, four of the top five games for women were social or had a social element
Teens prefer racing games, particularly those in which they can show off their achievements to their friends. They submitted more than 33,610,844 high scores in 2011
Social games are especially popular with girls, with Pet Party being played the most
Overall, gamers around the world notched up 11 billion gameplays in 2011 – that’s 350 games every second
The busiest day of the year was 17^th December and people are most likely to play on a Saturday
The city with the most online gamers was Cambridge
Source: comScore Dec 2011

Prototype 2 becomes Activision’s first Online Pass title

gazzara — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:39:16 +0000

Radical Entertainment once again ramps up the studio’s signature over-the-top mayhem with the announcement of PROTOTYPE 2’s RADNET Edition content.

Planned to launch on 24^th April, 2012 from Activision Publishing, a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. a limited number of the launch quantities of PROTOTYPE 2 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, will contain free access to RADNET via a one-time use code that gives fans 55 free pieces of additional content delivered for seven weeks following the game’s launch. This weekly scheduled content will include in-game Events, Challenges, Avatar Items, Dynamic Themes and Behind-the-Scenes videos, as well as bonus Mutations for PROTOTYPE2′s main campaign. Fans that participate in ALL of RADNET’s weekly challenges and events will unlock the ultimate shape-shifting reward…to be revealed in March 2012. PROTOTYPE 2’s RADNET Edition content will only be available for free while supplies last. For more information on RADNET, please visit www.radical.ca/radnet and check out the trailer below

“Radical Entertainment has always focused on bringing long lasting fun to its fans, and PROTOTYPE 2’s RADNET content is our way of rewarding the game’s most loyal supporters – the early adopters, the one’s who will replay it over and over again,” said Ken Rosman, Studio Head, Radical Entertainment. “We think this is great because we’re giving our fans hours of additional gameplay outside PROTOTYPE 2’s main narrative, and cool rewards – all delivered weekly following the game’s launch!”

The sequel to Radical Entertainment’s best-selling open-world action game of 2009, PROTOTYPE 2 takes the unsurpassed carnage of the original PROTOTYPE and continues the experience of becoming the ultimate shape-shifting weapon. As the game’s all-new infected protagonist, Sgt. James Heller, players will cut a bloody swathe through the wastelands of post-viral New York Zero with unparalleled locomotion, building up a vast genetic arsenal of deadly, biological weapons and abilities as they hunt, kill and consume their way toward the ultimate goal – to kill…Alex…Mercer!

F1 Online: The Game beta registration begins

gazzara — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:46:18 +0000

Today Codemasters announced that gamers can be amongst the first in the world to play F1 Online: The Game by registering to join a closed beta programme at www.F1OnlineTheGame.com.

F1 Online: The Game is a new free-to-play racing and management game in production at Codemasters Studios under exclusive worldwide agreement with Formula One World Championship Limited and will feature all the cars, stars and circuits.

Codemasters has also launched F1 Online: The Game’s first gameplay video, now showing at www.F1OnlineTheGame.com. Showcasing work-in-progress in-game footage, the trailer features wheel-to-wheel multiplayer racing around the iconic Monaco street circuit and reveals how fans can create and develop their very own team.

By registering for F1 Online: The Game’s closed beta, players will have the opportunity to give their feedback and shape game features prior to the game’s worldwide launch in Q1 2012. Fans who are accepted into the closed beta also have the opportunity to earn in-game rewards when F1 Online: The Game goes live. Players can register now and see the latest screens and videos from the game at www.F1OnlineTheGame.com. ;

F1 Online: The Game will give players the chance to be the driver and the team boss in a game that combines intuitive top-down racing gameplay with a rewarding management game as players create and manage their own team. Fans will compete in online multiplayer races across a range of game modes, including Grand Prix events and a range of quick-fire challenges and Time Trials. Gamers will be able to track and share their progress via a range of leaderboard and social network features.

Players will have the opportunity to create their own racing team and become immersed in a world of Formula One on a grand scale; choosing their team name, designing a livery and leading the development of a personal franchise. As racer and team boss, they will manage the commercial, research, production and race crew functions required for success on track.

F1 Online: The Game is being developed in house at Codemasters using the Unity game engine to deliver stunning performance in a web browser. Iconic tracks including Silverstone and Spa will be authentically brought to life by using track data and assets taken from the critically acclaimed F1 2011 for high definition consoles and PC Games for Windows Live.

F1 Online: The Game is set to launch in Q1 2012. To register interest, gamers can visit www.F1OnlineTheGame.com.

DC Universe Online is now free to play

gazzara — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:42:18 +0000

Sony Online Entertainment today announced that players can now download and play its popular massively multiplayer online (MMO) action game DC Universe Online for free.

Starting today, all PC and PS3 players can create their own legendary superhero – or villain – and join forces with their favorite DC Comics characters, including Superman, Batman and the Joker to either save – or destroy – the planet.

“We are confident that going free-to-play will expand the action combat experience of DC Universe Online by making the game more accessible to every type of player so they can choose to play the game their way,” said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. “With a portfolio that includes three successful free-to-play games – EverQuest II: Extended, Free Realms and Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures – we have extensive knowledge and experience to apply to DCUOand are thrilled to be taking the game free-to-play today.”

There are three access levels in DCUO: Free, Premium and Legendary. All three levels will provide access to the game and include all game updates and fixes to the game, with each level offering differing game options and features. DLC content and features will also be included for Legendary players, and can be purchased by Free and Premium players. The levels include:

Free Access: New players now have access to the base game content in DC Universe Online, including Gotham City, Metropolis, and all current raids and alerts outside of DLC packs. Free Access provides players with the ability to create two characters, join a League and many other benefits. Free level players can also purchase DLC packs, additional character slots, and more in-game.
Premium Access: Any player who has spent at least $5 USD (including former paid subscribers and new players who have purchased $5 of in-game items) qualifies for the Premium Access level. Premium level players have more benefits available to them than the Free level player, including additional character slots, additional inventory slots, and higher cash limits. DLC packs, additional character slots, and more can be purchased in-game. All previous subscribers are granted Premium Access automatically.
Legendary Access: Legendary Access provides the most content, features and benefits of the three access levels. Loaded with enhanced features, Legendary Access is available for a $14.99 USD monthly fee (multi-month discounts are available) and includes access to all DLC packs at no cost, more than 16 character slots, over 60 inventory slots, the ability to form Leagues, and many other benefits.

DC Universe Online combines the ability to explore legendary DC Comics environments pulled from the pages of the comic books, popular movies and animated series and fascinating story arcs with fast-paced, physics-based combat, allowing players to pick up buses and other objects in the environment, fly into the air and throw them at enemies; run up the sides of buildings to engage in melee brawls while shooting flames of fire from their hands; or cling to the side of buildings while using a grappling hook to pull flying opponents out of the sky – all while fighting alongside or against the legendary characters of DC Comics and building their own legacy as they embark on their own path to legendary.

DC Universe Online is licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on behalf of DC Entertainment. For more information about DC Universe Online, visit www.DCUniverseOnline.com.

More information on the DCUO free-to-play access levels can be found here: dcuniverseonline.com/free.

DC Universe Online goes free to play on October

gazzara — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:00:52 +0000

Sony Online Entertainment today announced a new free-to-play business model for its popular massively multiplayer online (MMO) game DC Universe Online (DCUO).

Players have the freedom to become legendary fighting alongside DC Comics icons like Superman, Batman and The Joker in an ever-evolving online action adventure that has already logged more than 42 million hours of super-powered gameplay action by players since its launch earlier this year.

Beginning late October, players will be able to download and access DCUO for free on both the PlayStation 3 and PC. As part of this transition, SOE is introducing three new access levels to the game: Free, Premium and Legendary. All three levels will provide access to open world gameplay and missions, general game updates and fixes to the game, with each level offering different game options and benefits.

“When we launched DC Universe Online, we introduced a very different brand of massive online game driven by fast action combat to PC and PS3 gamers and with that, we discovered a new type of online gamer,” said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. “We’ve listened to our community, and we’ve determined that the free-to-play model is the best fit for DC Universe Online.”

Smedley added, “Our philosophy embraces learning from our experience and as a pioneer in the free-to-play space with proven successful games like Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures, we believe this new model will expand the DCUO experience and offer more options that cater to every type of player so they can play the game in a way that fits them.”

All three levels provide access to the current game, but allow differing tiers of convenience and flexibility. The levels are:

· Free: New players will now have access to the current gameplay in DC Universe Online (including Gotham City, Metropolis, and all current raids and alerts), with the ability to create two characters, join a league and many other benefits. Free level players will be able to purchase downloadable game packs/updates, additional character slots, powers and more through microtransactions.

· Premium: Any player who has spent at least $5 USD (including former paid subscribers and new players who have purchased $5 of in-game items) will qualify for the Premium access level. Premium level players will have more benefits available to them than the Free level player, including additional character slots, additional inventory slots, and higher cash limits. Downloadable adventure packs, additional character slots, and more can be purchased in-game.

· Legendary: Maximum features and benefits are included at this level. Loaded with enhanced additional features, Legendary access will be available for a $14.99 USD (*) monthly fee and includes all DLC packs at no cost, more than 15 character slots, more than 80 inventory slots, the ability to form unrestricted-sized leagues, and many other benefits.

More information on the DCUO free-to-play access levels can be found here: dcuniverseonline.com/free.

DC Universe Online combines immersive environments and fascinating story arcs with fast-paced, physics-based combat, allowing players to pick up buses and other objects in the environment, fly into the air and throw them at enemies; run up the sides of buildings to engage in melee brawls while shooting flames of fire from their hands; or cling to the side of buildings while using a grappling hook to pull flying opponents out of the sky – all while fighting alongside or against the legendary characters of DC Comics and charting their own path to legendary.

DC Universe Online is licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on behalf of DC Entertainment. For more information about DC Universe Online, visit www.DCUniverseOnline.com.

Codemasters set to launch free to play F1 online game

gazzara — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:15:32 +0000

Codemasters, the developers of the multimillion+ selling, BAFTA winning F1 2010, announced that F1 Online: The Game, a free-to-play browser game, is in production at Codemasters Studios and set to launch in Q1 2012 at www.F1OnlineTheGame.com. F1 Online: The Game will give players the chance to be the driver and the team boss in a game that combines intuitive top-down racing gameplay with a rewarding management game as players create and manage their own team. Gamers can see the first F1 Online: The Game screenshots and register their interest to receive updates about the game by logging into www.F1OnlineTheGame.com. “FORMULA ONE is a proven major games brand that resonates with players on a global level and is recognised as one the biggest sports licenses in videogames. As the worldwide gaming market evolves, 2012 is the perfect time to extend this series to the free-to-play market,” said David Solari, VP, Codemasters Online. “Building on the commercial and critical success of our high-definition FORMULA ONE games, this is an exciting opportunity to bring our passion for the sport and our expertise in racing to a new audience. With a bespoke design for accessible browser play, F1 Online: The Game is a perfect complimentary experience to the HD series and will appeal to a broad spectrum of FORMULA ONE’s millions of fans worldwide.” Developed under Codemasters’ exclusive worldwide agreement with Formula One World Championship Limited, F1 Online: The Game will feature all the official drivers, teams and circuits from the 2011 FIA FORMULA ONE World Championship. F1 Online: The Game will deliver a persistent world of FORMULA ONE to players through their internet browser, perfect for anytime racing. Fans will be able to race with their favourite team in online multiplayer races across a range of game modes, from entering the full 2011 FIA FORMULA ONE World Championship to Grand Prix events complete with practice and qualifiers and a range of challenges and time trials. Gamers will be able to track and share their progress via a range of leaderboard and social network features. Players will have the opportunity to create their very own team and become immersed in a world of FORMULA ONE on a grand scale; choosing their team name, designing a livery and leading the development of a personal franchise. As racer and team boss, they will manage the commercial, research, production and race crew functions required for success on track. F1 Online: The Game is being developed in house at Codemasters using the Unity game engine, to deliver stunning performance in a web browser. Iconic tracks including Monaco, Silverstone and Spa will be authentically brought to life by using track data and assets taken from the forthcoming F1 2011 for high definition consoles and PC Games for Windows. F1 Online: The Game is set to launch in Q1 2012.

Activision announce Call Of Duty: Elite as online subscriptions confirmed

gazzara — Tue, 31 May 2011 13:42:13 +0000

The world’s most passionate online gaming community can now connect, compete and improve their Call of Duty multiplayer experience through Activision’s innovative new online service, Call of Duty Elite.

Developed from the ground up by Activision’s new Beachhead studio, Call of Duty Elite offers cutting-edge features that significantly enhance the franchises’ multiplayer experience and deliver a new level of social engagement that will unite more than 30 million players worldwide. Additionally, the service will offer exclusive, high-production value, original entertainment programming designed exclusively for the Call of Duty community.

“The average Call of Duty player spends 58 minutes per day playing multiplayer. That is more than the average Facebook user spends per day on Facebook. And yet, right now, there are very few tools to unite and super charge that social community,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “Whether it’s allowing you to connect with your friends, or people of a similar skill level, people who live in your city, people who share your favourite passions, join competitive clans or social groups, or upload, view and comment on the incredible mass of player-generated content, or watch and comment on exclusive created content, Call of Duty Elite will give people more ways to connect with fellow players than ever before. Elite will also allow players of every level to improve their game with an intuitive suite of tools, and compete in tournaments for both real and virtual prizes.”

Call of Duty Elite will include several industry-first innovations, and is a key differentiator for this year’s most anticipated game, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Elite will offer two-way communication between the service and the game, so that the choices and decisions that players make in Elite through the mobile and web interfaces will affect their in-game experience. The service will be fully integrated into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and will launch alongside the game on 8^th November, 2011.

Call of Duty Elite’s features and services engage the community in three key ways:

· Connect: Call of Duty Elite gives players unprecedented control over their multiplayer experience, transforming it into a true social network. Players can compete against friends, players of similar skill levels and players with similar interests, join groups, join clans, and play in organised tournaments. They can also track the performance, progress and activity of their entire network, both in the game itself, as well as through mobile and web interfaces. Elite will be an “always on” way for players to connect with the Call of Duty community.
· Compete: Call of Duty Elite establishes the most exciting, competitive environment in a multiplayer game. Players will have available a constant stream of events and competitions, tiered to group them with those with similar abilities. Both in-game and real-world prizes will be rewarded to all skill levels.
· Improve: Call of Duty Elite is like having a personal online coach. It provides players with a dynamic strategy guide that tracks their statistics and performances down to the most minute details. It can show gamers how they stack up against their friends or others in the community. Tools and information are provided so players can learn and up their game.

Carrying forward to future Call of Duty games, Elite will chronicle a player’s gameplay history in a cohesive career record, keeping track of every kill, every game and progress.

“Call of Duty Elite has been tailored for Call of Duty’s diverse base of players – hardcore gamers, casual weekend warriors and even beginners,” added Hirshberg. “Over 7 million gamers play Call of Duty online each day logging hundreds of hours of multiplayer per player per year. Of course, the out of the box Call of Duty multiplayer experience that gamers have come to love and expect will continue as is. However, for those players looking for more, Call of Duty Elite will supercharge their experience.”

Many key features of Call of Duty Elite will be available to Call of Duty players free of charge. Additionally, for players who want to up their game, Call of Duty Elite will offer a premium membership with a wide range of state-of-the-art services, exclusive entertainment programming and all-inclusive game content for less than the cost of any comparable online entertainment service currently in the market.

The service will be accessible on a number of platforms — via web browsers, mobile devices, through game consoles and within the game interface itself — so that players can connect with Call of Duty Elite whenever and wherever they want.

Call of Duty Elite will launch this autumn with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. However, to test the scale of the service, Activision will hold a public beta this summer for Elite with Call of Duty: Black Ops. For more information, go to www.callofduty.com.

Ghost Recon Online announced

gazzara — Thu, 26 May 2011 07:37:46 +0000

Ubisoft have announced the development of Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Online, a new multi-player, third-person, cover-based tactical shooter that will be offered free-to-play online.

Ghost Recon Online is developed by Ubisoft Singapore, and offers all the best qualities of the Ghost Recon franchise in a downloadable, dynamic, PC-based online game. Ghost Recon Online launches in closed beta beginning this summer.

With Ghost Recon Online, Ubisoft is delivering the most social, connected and customizable Ghost Recon experience yet. The game offers players the ability to choose between three different classes of Ghost, customize their weapons, deploy cutting-edge military technology, and share intel with their team. Ghost Recon Online also features a rich lobby platform for hosting social and persistent progression features. Ubisoft also will back the game with a full set of services, including regular events and game content updates, customized content based on community feedback, and live support.

The online features complement Ghost Recon Online’s rich graphical environments and maps, which rival the quality of those traditionally seen only in retail games. And while the game is free for anyone to play, players also can purchase premium items and fully personalize their experience.

“Ghost Recon Online takes the best attributes of the Ghost Recon game franchise and brings them online, making the experience of being a Ghost accessible to millions of new players and fans,” said Hugues Ricour, senior producer at Ubisoft. “This game was designed from the start to be a free-to-play experience. Our development teams are dedicated to making Ghost Recon Online a truly unique, top-quality online title.”

Ghost Recon Online is Ubisoft’s latest entrant in the online gaming market and its first shooter to be offered in a free-to-play format. “For Ubisoft, delivering games as a service means offering fans the opportunity to stay connected to their favorite gaming worlds, to participate in fan-based communities and play with millions of peers from around the world.”

“The online market is an exciting new frontier for video games and for gamers,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft. “With Ghost Recon Online, and other major upcoming projects, Ubisoft is creating online experiences that allow our fans to stay connected to their favorite brands and to continually receive new content and gameplay. This direct link with our fans will allow us to create new and ever better experiences for them.”

Players can sign up for the closed beta and find more information on the game at www.GhostReconOnline.com

Sony Online Ent. offer 12 months online protection to EU customers

gazzara — Thu, 19 May 2011 09:18:29 +0000

Sony Online Entertainment has announced it will be providing a complimentary 12 month identity protection program through Affinion International Limited for its eligible Station Account holders in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain and Germany. Customers will have the option of enrolling in the program for 60 days after SOE’s services come back online by contacting Affinion, one of the world’s largest and longest-tenured providers of identity protection services. Offered through Affinion, the identity protection program will provide eligible customers whose accounts were involved in the criminal cyber-attack on SOE’s network with monitoring, surveillance, reporting and insurance. The service offered by Affinion will provide access to the following components: Personal Information Protection

Monitoring and alerting service
Personal information protection software

Help, Assistance and Guidance

Dedicated helpline
Victim of fraud support

Financial Protection

Insurance coverage for incurred expenses of identity restoration following identity fraud
Card monitoring and alerting service

Further details on how to contact Affinion to sign-up for the program will be made available soon. Please visit http://www.soe.com/securityupdate frequently for updates.