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$45,000 Embezzled in Latest Eve Online Scam & HD Video

Brian F. — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 05:34:17 +0000

We have written many times about EVE Online Embezzlement Scams. In the latest installment a player embezzled $45,000 worth of ISK through an investment scam. Bad Bobby stole company assets from the Titans4U investment fund.

Bobby was well trusted and secretly built up shares in a corporation eventually obtaining over 50% allowing him to eject all the other directors from the corporation and steal all of the company's assets which is over 850 billion ISK.

Bad Bobby said in a forum post:

"How will my workmates and customers feel about the fact that I've hurt other players in a competitive PvP focused computer game in which I play a pirate? At the moment they are trying their best to stop rolling around with laughter. Maybe in time they will decide that I am evil and must be hunted down and made an example of... I doubt it somehow."

The below high definition trailer seems to glorify corporate theft. The video below is about 3 minutes long. Check it out below..................

Dragonica Online Players Still Shut Out – Bankrupt THQ*ICE

Brian F. — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:09:58 +0000

We have written many times about THQ*ICE and the Dragonica Online massively multiplayer online role playing game.

Some bad news as publisher THQ*ICE is now bankrupt and has closed it's doors. Another publisher WarpPortal was trying to quickly take over the game but things are taking longer than expected.

Game developer Barunson Interactive is attempting to assist in the transition to a new publisher. Registrations, forums, and payments have been frozen until further notice.

The below gameplay video is about 9 minutes long. Check it out below......................................

Realtime World Lays Off 60 Employees – APB Up For Sale

Brian F. — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 22:31:19 +0000

We sensed this was coming. The All Points Bulletin massively multiplayer first person shooter game from Realtime Worlds fell victim to declining interest, lackluster reviews (58 out of 100 and 6.1 out of 10 user score at Metacritic), and poor business decisions.

Realtime Worlds has just undergone massive layoffs including the entire MyWorld Team (social gaming set to launch in 2011), and reducing the APB team to admin and skeleton crew size. As many as 60 employees have been cut so far.

It looks like this guy in the below high definition video Fucked Himself Up for no reason (creating a human APB avatar). The video is about 3 minutes long. Check it out below.......................................

Disney To Buy Playdom

Brian F. — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:57:30 +0000

We have written frequently about social game developer Playdom.

Very shortly we expect an announcement that Disney will acquire Playdom. Disney is already a large investor in Playdom ($33 million out of total $76 million raised) and multiple sources have reported that the deal is in the final stages.

The estimated value of Playdom is about $340 million. Disney also recently acquired iPhone and Android mobile game developer Tapulous for about $35 million.

It looks like Disney is making big moves into the social and mobile gaming arena..........................

SOE Delays Some Layoffs – Moving Forward with as Many as 35

Brian F. — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:06:38 +0000

Sony Online Entertainment is no stranger to layoffs. A bit of good news however that SOE has delayed laying off some of the additional 35 employees. Other prominent developers have already been let go and EverQuest II, Vanguard, and The Agency seem to be the hardest hit.

There is no official word yet on the layoffs or the delays. So really it is mainly bad news.........................

ShitStorm of Rage Causes Blizzard to Reverse Decision on Real ID in Battle.net Forums

Brian F. — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:40:37 +0000

Last week hundreds of thousands of World of Warcraft fans were in an uproar over the Blizzard Entertainment decision to show the real names of players in the official Battle.net Forums. This is an attempt to clean up some of the flame wars and trolling in the forums and give more accountability.

The issue of anonymous posting, internet usage, and gaming has burst into the limelight with outrage all around. Now throw in concerns about privacy, identity theft concerns, and losing a job over a WoW rant years ago that contains your real name.

Read the initial post here.

A shit-storm of rage ensued with claims that this was the stupidest thing that Blizzard has ever done and goodbyes as thousands promised they would never again use the forums.

Check out the below high definition video discussing the issue. The video is about 16 minutes long. Check it out below..............................................

MetaPlace Purchased by Playdom

Brian F. — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:59:50 +0000

When we last wrote about Metaplace, it was closing forever on January 1, 2010 after laying off the entire staff.

This was a dismal end for the virtual world startup. Social Gaming company Playdom has announced that they have purchased Metaplace taking over Facebook games Island Life with 457,000 monthly users and My Vineyard with 822,000 monthly users.

Playdom Chief Executive Officer John Pleasants said: "Playdom is very excited to add the Metaplace game design group to its growing family of game studios".

Playdom has recently been on a buying spree purchasing Social Games Studio Acclaim Games, Hive 7................................

Global Agenda Eliminates Subscription Fee & Decreases Price 33%

Brian F. — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 04:14:28 +0000

As we predicted the Global Agenda massively multiplayer online role playing game has dropped it's subscription due to declining interest and lackluster reviews.

A restricted free trial did not the struggling Global Agenda MMORPG so more drastic measured had to be taken. Hi-Rez Studios recently posted the announcement stating that the game client and expansions will still need to be purchased but the monthly subscription fee will be eliminated. The first major update Sandstorm will however be delivered for free.

The price has also been decreased by 1/3 to.............................................................

Monte Cristo Developer Bankrupt – Cities XL Shutting Down & HD Gameplay Video

Brian F. — Sat, 29 May 2010 23:40:40 +0000

In January we wrote that the CitiesXL game was cancelling the multiplayer aspect of the game. Predictably the Monte Cristo Developer is now bankrupt and has announced the shut down of CitiesXL.

This statement was released: "This is with deep regrets that we officially announce today the closure of our studio. As such Monte Cristo will close its door this week. We leave behind us a couple regrets but also, more important, a lot of good memories…".

Check out the below high definition gameplay video. The video is about 5 minutes long............................................

Nexon Acquires Controlling Interest in GameHi for $60.8 Million

Brian F. — Fri, 28 May 2010 23:04:36 +0000

Nexon seems to be making the news left and right. Nexon recently announced revenues up 56% which they are quickly spending by first purchasing Ndoors Corporation for $154 million and now have announced obtaining a contrilling interest in GameHi. GameHi owns free-to-play massively multiplayer online role playing game Dekaron, Sudden Attack, Metal Rage, and others. The deal was reportedly for.............................................

Nexon Revenues Up 56% With Nexon America Up 31%

Brian F. — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:51:37 +0000

We have written frequently about Nexon most recently their $154 Million Aquisition of Ndoors Corporation. And it is no surprise since Nexon reported that their revenue is up 56%. The free-to-play massively multiplayer online role playing game market has been good to Nexon with revenus increasing from $359.7 million in 2008 to $561.4 million in 2009. Nexon America saw a 31% increase in revenues in 2009 with 2010 expected to be even better.

Nexon Chief Executive Officer Daniel Kim said...........................................................

WoW Cataclysm Delayed & New Mount Hyjal Videos

Brian F. — Wed, 26 May 2010 16:59:07 +0000

We have written frequently about the World of Warcraft Cataclysm expansion.

There is some rumor that the WoW Cataclysm release date will be delayed again. Frank Pearce Blizzard Executive Vice President of product development said regarding the 2010 release of the expansion: "Hopefully. If it's ready. If not, then we'll hold onto it.".

The below videos include footage of Mount Hyjal. Mount Hyjal is a zone open to levels 78-82. The zone is currently under siege by Ragnaros in his quest to destroy the World Tree. The Guardians of Hyjal will be commanded by Malfurion Stormrage.

The videos are about 10 minutes long each. Check it out below...........................................

Aion 2.0: Assault on Balaurea HD Gameplay Trailer Video

Brian F. — Wed, 26 May 2010 16:18:55 +0000

NCSoft has announced the expansion Aion 2.0: Assault on Balaurea. Aion Online Version 2.0 is currently on the Korean test servers. This expansion includes 8 new instances, new pets and functions, the lands of Balaurea, increse to level 55, twitter integration, three new regions, the Dragon Lord Tiamat, and much more. Make sure to check out the Top 10 Features of the AION 2.0 Patch. Aion 2.0 is scheduled to release in the fall.

Below is a new high definition trailer. The video is about 5 minutes long. Check it out below.......................................

Playdom Buys Social Games Studio Acclaim Games

Brian F. — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:32:25 +0000

Playdom has purchased social game publisher Acclaim Games. Acclaim is well known for Facebook game RockFree, 2 Moons, Age of Lore, and more. Playdom recently acquired developers Offbeat Creations, Merscom, Three Melons, and MetroGames for $5 million.

Playdom is now the biggest social game publisher on MySpace and has over 38 million monthly active users on Facebook. Chief Executive Officer of Playdom John Pleasants said "Bringing Howard and Neil into Playdom strengthens our leadership and bolsters our position as an innovative games developer for the future...."

Details of the deal were not released but it was rumored to be around.....................

Star Trek Online Trying Desperately to Retain Subscribers & Attract New Ones

Brian F. — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:52:13 +0000

Star Trek Online continues to struggle and Cryptic Studios has announced some new plans to try and keep players happy while attracting new subscribers. The Veteran Rewards program give a reward for every 100 days subscribed to the program. Rewards include character slots, boosts, costumes, ships, free full respecs, ship slots, new titles, and more.

A new referral program gives current players rewards for recruiting new subscribers. These rewards include a unique Tribble, a unique holographic bridge officer, and 400 Cryptic points.

Starting tomorrow at 10:00 AM Pacific Standard Time, Cryptic will be running a Winback Weekend allowing former players with an inactive subscription to play for the weekend until Monday.

A new free Demo program will also be rolling out with restrictions...............................................

EVE Online is 7 Years Old & New Tyrannis Trailer

Brian F. — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:25:39 +0000

We have written frequently about the EVE Online massively multiplayer online role playing game. Today the EVE Online MMORPG turns 7 years old. On May 6, 2003 the space themed game from Icelandic game studio CCP Games launched.

Eve Online has almost 350,000 active subscriptions and is set to release a new expansion in Tyrannis in two weeks on May 18, 2010.

To Celebrate CCP games will be giving away 25 billion ISK to the first prize winner of the BIG lottery, with second place getting 10 billion ISK.

Check out the below new high definition trailer for the Tyrannis Expansion. It is about 2 minutes long. ......................

Nexon Buys Ndoors Corporation for $154 Million

Brian F. — Wed, 05 May 2010 23:43:16 +0000

Nexon has announced that they have aquired Ndoors Corporation creators of the Atlantica Online massively multiplayer online role playing game. The Atlantica Online MMORPG recently made headlines when it announced it's new My Home System.

Nexon is well known for the Mabinogi: Heroes Online MMORPG and MapleStory MMORPG.

Details have not been released but the purchase price is rumored to be $153.9 million. Included in the deal were................................

Fallen Earth is Dying: Icarus Studios Cuts 75 of 110 Employees

Brian F. — Tue, 04 May 2010 22:37:22 +0000

We have written frequently about the Fallen Earth massively multiplayer online role playing game from Icarus Studios.

Fallen Earth is in big trouble. Icarus Studios Chief Executive Officer James Hettinger announced a restructuring which will have far reaching effects. There were some major layoffs of staff. Initial information puts it at 75 of the 110 employees. Marketing Manager Jessica Orr was quoted as saying "We had 110 employees, and we are currently at 35". Icarus Studios is insisting that patches will be on time but it really makes you wonder. It looks like the lead developer Lee Hammock is gone.

It appears that the Fallen Earth MMORPG is dying much like the post apocalyptic world it is based in................................

Free Realms Confirms PS3 Console Version to Demo at E3

Brian F. — Tue, 04 May 2010 04:26:17 +0000

We have written many times about the Free Realms massively multiplayer online role playing game. The Free Realms MMORPG was long rumored to be expanding to the Sony Playstation 3. Today Sony Online announced that they are proceeding with the console version of Free Realms and it will be demoed at this year's E3.

Check out the below high definition gameplay video. It is about 3 minutes long...........................

Quest Online Re-Lauches Alganon MMORPG & HD Gameplay Video

Brian F. — Mon, 03 May 2010 00:38:03 +0000

We have written frequently about Quest Online redesigning the Alganon MMORPG and all of the drama going on over there. The Alganon massively multiplayer online role playing game is now available for purchase for $19.95 (should be free) and requires no subscription to play. The game re-launched on April 28, 2010.

I must say however that their new web site design sucks.

It is being styled Alganon 2.0. Check out the below high definition gameplay video. It is about 5 minutes long.............................

Age of Conan Offline Leveling System Is a Terrible Idea

Brian F. — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:12:36 +0000

Age of Conan has announced an offline leveling system with the release of the 1.07.02 patch. This system will allow players to level their characters if they are above level 30 and below level 80. Each active account will have four levels to distribute with one new level in the pool every 4 days. These must be assigned to characters in the character selection screen. Your account must have an active running subscription. Once you have assigned a level to a character it cannot be reverted.

This is a terrible idea. Why? Because so many.....................

First Dungeons and Dragons Online TV Ad Video

Brian F. — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:39:01 +0000

Turbine will be airing Dungeons and Dragons Online commercials. The first of these videos is shown below. This is not surprising considering DDO Was recently purchased for $160 million by Warner Bros..

The commercials will run in April and May on Comedy Central, BBC, G4, and SyFy. You can see them during specific shoes: Heroes, LOST, Family Guy, Mythbusters, Ghost Hunters, and Ninja Warrior.

The below commercial is a short one at 30 seconds but it looks pretty cool. Check it out below................

NCsoft and Worlds.com Lawsuit Settled

Brian F. — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:31:32 +0000

Over a year ago Worlds.com sued NCsoft over patent infringement of their chat system in virtual worlds. This morning it was announced that a settlement has been reached and that the lawsuit has been dismissed. The terms of the settlement are confidential but most likely include a licensing deal. The terms were probably favorable to [...]

Fallen Earth: Blood Sports Patch May 7th Release Date & Wasteland Mutt Gameplay Video

Brian F. — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 04:31:34 +0000

We wrote recently about the Fallen Earth MMORPG adding pets to the game. But Icarus Studios and Global Netoptex, Inc. are not stopping there. The Fallen Earth massively multiplayer online role playing game will be releasing a Blood Sports 1.4 content patch on May 7, 2010. This patch will include four new player vs player areas, a clan war system, a new Deadfall region, and over 500 achievements.

The update includes Survival, Deathmatch, Assualt, and Capture the Flag PvP matches. The new Deadfall region will feature over one hundred and thirty new missions, mutant mounts, and more.

Below is some gameplay video which features the new wasteland mutt. The video is about 1 minute long. Check it out below.....................................

Atlantica Online: My Home System – Similar to Sims 3 Adds Virtual Player Housing with Crafting

Brian F. — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:54:05 +0000

The Atlantica Online massively multiplayer onlien role playing game from NDOORS and Hangame has just released a new My Home system on April 22, 2010 (will roll out in Korea first). This is a major expansion for the Atlantica Online MMORPG which launched October 30, 2008.

The system draws obvious comparisons to the Sims 3. This virtual space outside of the main continent allows players to create a modern virtual home. A free home will be created for each player which allows visiting from other players. Furnishings can be purchased and invitations can be sent and accepted. Spending dinner with others in the My Home system can increase experience or fighting ability. Players can craft, grow plants, mine, and more.

Check out the below trailer video. It is about 2 minutes long.........................................

Age of Conan: Rise of the Godslayer May 11th Release Date

Brian F. — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:24:32 +0000

We have written many times about the upcoming Age of Conan Rise of the Godlayer expanson from Funcom. The AOC: Rise of the Godslayer expansion is scheduled for release on May 11, 2010 in digital download and in the stores. The retail version includes a new pet and other special virtual items.

Check out the below high definition video trailer. It is about 1 minute long........................................

Runes of Magic Chapter 3: The Elder Kingdoms Now Live

Brian F. — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:32:10 +0000

It is finally here! Runes of Magic Chapter 3: The Elder Kingdoms is now live. The 3.0 patch phase I launched today opening up the new continent of Zandorya.

Get ready for a really long download and patch process however. But it is worth it.

I expect phases 2 and 3 to be even better.....................................

Blizzard Bans Over 320,000 Warcraft 3 & Diablo 2 Accounts

Brian F. — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:22:20 +0000

Blizzard Entertainment has announced that they recently banned over three hundred and twenty thousand Warcraft III and Diablo II accounts for violating the Battle.net Terms of Use. Repeat offenders will be banned permanently while first time offenders will see only a thirty day suspension. All decisions are final.

The primary cause were use of third party programs or hacks and other botting/cheating activities..............................

AION Online Releases Another LAME PSA

Brian F. — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:16:51 +0000

We wrote earlier that Aion Doesn't want you buying Kina (gold) or botting.

The first video was pretty campy and almost funny. But this one is just LAME and results to a bunch of yelling and scolding (oh yeah and snitching!). Of course recently 30,000 protesters crashed AION Online because they were not doing enough to fight bots.

The video uses much of the same footage and storyline of the first commercial. How about some original ideas? How about this........USE SOME INGAME FOOTAGE!!!! And of course the end "The More You MMO".

Check out the high definition video below. It is about 4 minutes long..............................

Warner Bros. Acquires Turbine – DDO & LOTRO For $160 Million

Brian F. — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:30:24 +0000

We have written before how popular Turbine owned Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited has become with over 1 million players. The success of the largest privately held online gaming studio in North America has not gone unnoticed and today Warner Brothers Home Entertainment has announced the purchase of Turbine Inc. With the acquisition also comes Lord of the Rings Online and Asheron's Call.

President of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group Kevin Tsujihara said "Turbine is a leader in online entertainment and a strong strategic fit for Warner Bros. as we continue to broaden our games portfolio and development capabilities....Turbine's renowned online game development and publishing expertise will help us develop additional online product offerings, while also providing us with new and innovative ways to market and communicate with our consumers.........................