Love Potion Scam
The Love Potion News Feed scam is back to make FarmVille players' lives miserable, but don't call it a comeback. We're gonna' nip this right in the bud. FarmVille Freak reports that this new and improved scam includes text that appears to be from the user posting the request directly. This is not in any way legitimate--it is a scam. To prove it, just look at where the offer takes you after clicking on the link. It's most definitely not anything Zynga created. Look, this whole scam thing has gotten out of hand, so check behind the break for some tips for how to put a stop to it.
Love Potion Scam Link
Thankfully, Zynga has compiled a list of tips to help you avoid and thwart attempts to scam you or your friends:
Feeds containing art never seen in game are most likely not from FarmVille.
Feeds containing offers that are never mentioned in game are most likely not from FarmVille.
Feeds that offer Farm Cash for clicking are never from FarmVille.
If the icon in the lower left corner of the feed isn't our corn husk icon, the feed is never from FarmVille.
If a link is posted by an entity other than FarmVille, and supposedly contains FarmVille content or a redirect to the game, we do not advise clicking on it as we cannot control URL's that are in anyway removed from our game flows.
While Zynga hit it right on the nose, it's come to a point where scammers are adapting to these criteria. You must be more than careful when clicking on News Feed posts and check for any inconsistencies. Spread the word of this and all other scams to prevent their spread. Now, go on and find those Love Potions safely.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you seen this scam circulating News Feeds once again? What efforts have you made to prevent you and your friends from being affected by scams?
Thứ Sáu, 30 tháng 12, 2011
Playdom escapes Facebook; games available through new portal
Despite releasing two impressive Facebook games in the past month, Deep Realms and Gardens of Time, Playdom seems to want to escape Facebook. The Disney-owned developer has opened its very own games portal on the Playdom website through which fans can play their favorite Playdom games outside of Facebook, Gamezebo reports.
Why the change? Well, Playdom isn't the first developer to mention freedom from Facebook as a goal. It could be the reduced viral channels on Facebook. However, the 30 percent cut that Facebook is about to take from all games on the platform this July is a far more likely motivator. Unfortunately, playing on the site does not even use Facebook Connect, meaning you'll have to start all over.
Forget about continuing that thriving empire in City of Wonder here, you'll be back at square one through the Playdom portal. How Playdom will convince its existing player base to migrate over at the expense of their well-invested Facebook accounts is yet to be seen. At the moment, only City of Wonder and Wild Ones are available for play through the portal, but expect more to come if this experiment blows over well.
[Image Credit: Playdom]
Would you abandon your Playdom games on Facebook to play them directly through Playdom? How successful do you think this Facebook escape attempt will be?
Why the change? Well, Playdom isn't the first developer to mention freedom from Facebook as a goal. It could be the reduced viral channels on Facebook. However, the 30 percent cut that Facebook is about to take from all games on the platform this July is a far more likely motivator. Unfortunately, playing on the site does not even use Facebook Connect, meaning you'll have to start all over.
Forget about continuing that thriving empire in City of Wonder here, you'll be back at square one through the Playdom portal. How Playdom will convince its existing player base to migrate over at the expense of their well-invested Facebook accounts is yet to be seen. At the moment, only City of Wonder and Wild Ones are available for play through the portal, but expect more to come if this experiment blows over well.
[Image Credit: Playdom]
Would you abandon your Playdom games on Facebook to play them directly through Playdom? How successful do you think this Facebook escape attempt will be?
FarmVille Scam Alert: Helping Blu reward is another fake
Yet another scam has breached FarmVille News Feeds, so you have to imagine folks are somehow making a living off of this. FarmVille Freak has found a post circulating Facebook that reads, "Has claimed their reward gift for helping Blu learn to fly on the China Pagoda." We know, it already sounds ridiculous. The link claims to lead to a free China Pagoda, and old FarmVille item, but redirects you to what appears to be a 7-11 Facebook page offering free Farm Cash for "Likes." Whatever you do, please don't click on that "Like" button and spread this potential malware further. In fact, warn your friends and protect their data, especially the one who inadvertently posted the link on your News Feed.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you seen this scam floating around Facebook lately? How have you handled it personally and what tips do you have for controlling the effects of scams?
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you seen this scam floating around Facebook lately? How have you handled it personally and what tips do you have for controlling the effects of scams?
Social games will monetize people in the future: Parody or inevitability?
Wait, isn't this just gamification? A clever Gamasutra blogger predicts in a scathing parody that the next step for social game developers like Zynga is to monetize non-players' responses to their social gaming friends. Have a deep hatred for your friend's endless FarmVille posts? "Now picture a world where Zynga sells digital toxic goo! You log onto Zynga's digital store, purchase a couple barrels of the stuff for a few bucks and pour it on your annoying friend's farm," Gamasutra blogger Robert Boyd writes. "Satisfaction gained and Zynga has made money off of someone who doesn't even play their games."
Boyd goes on to flesh out a world where the arms races moves to Facebook, in which players compete against non-players in thwarting each others' Facebook experience (and defending theirs from attack)--game or not. But wait, there's more. "And let's not stop there! After this cycle has occurred a few times, we'll send you a message about our new game, FactoryVille!" Boyd writes. "By managing your factory wisely, you can create a never-ending stream of toxic goo to pour on the farms of friends and foes alike! Of course, to have the best factory, you'll want to purchase a few of our virtual goods..."
According to Boyd, you can easily replace "toxic goo" with whatever is relevant to the game at hand and bring in a whole new demographic of money-makers who want revenge on their farmer friends. It's too bad that News Feeds don't interfere with those who don't play games anymore, or this satire would be more applicable. (Though, nothing is ever out of the realm of possibility.) Regardless, it's a chuckle-worthy outside perspective of the social gaming industry that you can find in full right here.
Would be game if Zynga introduced a feature like this? What are thoughts on the monetization methods of popular social game creators?
Boyd goes on to flesh out a world where the arms races moves to Facebook, in which players compete against non-players in thwarting each others' Facebook experience (and defending theirs from attack)--game or not. But wait, there's more. "And let's not stop there! After this cycle has occurred a few times, we'll send you a message about our new game, FactoryVille!" Boyd writes. "By managing your factory wisely, you can create a never-ending stream of toxic goo to pour on the farms of friends and foes alike! Of course, to have the best factory, you'll want to purchase a few of our virtual goods..."
According to Boyd, you can easily replace "toxic goo" with whatever is relevant to the game at hand and bring in a whole new demographic of money-makers who want revenge on their farmer friends. It's too bad that News Feeds don't interfere with those who don't play games anymore, or this satire would be more applicable. (Though, nothing is ever out of the realm of possibility.) Regardless, it's a chuckle-worthy outside perspective of the social gaming industry that you can find in full right here.
Would be game if Zynga introduced a feature like this? What are thoughts on the monetization methods of popular social game creators?
FrontierVille: Oregon Trail trailer drops; all aboard the hype wagon
Today's two content leaks were hints, but now it's official: Zynga will soon release the first ever FrontierVille expansion, The Oregon Trail. According to the video, the Oregon Trail will be a weekly competition where players gather together on Conestoga Wagons and race to Fort Courage in Oregon for the highest score. Along the way, players will have to hunt in the wild, survive the elements and help their friends in their expeditions. The most exciting feature looks to be the social mission, where it appears that players will team up in real time to tackle obstacles like putting out a fire in the 100 Bucket Brigade. While this all sounds a little too much like Blue Fang's recent rerelease of the original The Oregon Trail, it's too early to tell how this will play out. Alright, we'll just say it: We're psyched!
[Video Credit: Zynga]
Are you as psyched as we are after watching the trailer? Which features are you most excited about?
[Video Credit: Zynga]
Are you as psyched as we are after watching the trailer? Which features are you most excited about?
Thứ Hai, 26 tháng 12, 2011
Zynga acquires founders of open source iPhone game project Cocos2d
That's right, like we said before when the company hired EA chief operating officer John Schappert, Zynga is downright acquiring people. (It's kind of like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, only Zynga is paying these stolen people a wage and not using their bodies for experiments.) The company announced today that it has hired Richard Quesada and Rolando Abarca, the co-founders of cocos2d. The open source iOS and Mac OS game development platform will still be run by Quesada and Abarca, but they are now officially Zynga employees.
Not to mention that the company has acquired something in the traditional sense: assets of Sapus Media, a company ran by the duo. VentureBeat reports Zynga said that it is a large supporter of the open source community and that the two hires will help in their mobile gaming efforts. In the company's crusade to dominate mobile, it seems that no rock will be left unturned in its quest for new talent. If we're now counting people as acquisitions, this marks Zynga's fourteenth buyout in a year. Come on, Zynga, you only have 22 days left to make it 15!
[Image Credit: Cocos2d]
How do you think this hire (ahem, acquisition) will affect Zynga's mobile game development? If Zynga is in support of the open source community, what do you think are the chances of the company releasing its own open source game engine?
Not to mention that the company has acquired something in the traditional sense: assets of Sapus Media, a company ran by the duo. VentureBeat reports Zynga said that it is a large supporter of the open source community and that the two hires will help in their mobile gaming efforts. In the company's crusade to dominate mobile, it seems that no rock will be left unturned in its quest for new talent. If we're now counting people as acquisitions, this marks Zynga's fourteenth buyout in a year. Come on, Zynga, you only have 22 days left to make it 15!
[Image Credit: Cocos2d]
How do you think this hire (ahem, acquisition) will affect Zynga's mobile game development? If Zynga is in support of the open source community, what do you think are the chances of the company releasing its own open source game engine?
EA Mobile Player's Choice: Which game do you want to play most? [Poll]
Public service announcement!
Games.com is working with EA Mobile on its new Player's Choice promotion, which starts today and will run through May 15. (PLEASE NOTE, THIS POLL IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNING GAME AND INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY)
We've hand selected five EA iPhone and iPad games that best fit our demographic (ya know, fun, casual games that almost anyone would recognize and anybody can play), and all you need to do is to vote on which game you'd like to play most.
If you're wondering why we want you to pick the one you'd like to play most (instead of, say, choosing your favorite game on the list) -- that's because once the poll closes on May 15, and soon after, you will be able to purchase the winning game for a big fat discount of 50% or more. So -- what are you waiting for -- start voting already!
Vote: Which game do you want to play most?
Scrabble (iPhone)Monopoly (iPad)Life (iPad)Tetris (iPhone)Sims 3 Ambition (iPhone)None of 'em
VoteView ResultsShare ThisPolldaddy.com
For more information on the games in our poll, click on the links below:
Scrabble iPhone
Monopoly iPad
Life iPad
Tetris iPhone
Sims 3 Ambitions iPhone
Games.com is working with EA Mobile on its new Player's Choice promotion, which starts today and will run through May 15. (PLEASE NOTE, THIS POLL IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNING GAME AND INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY)
We've hand selected five EA iPhone and iPad games that best fit our demographic (ya know, fun, casual games that almost anyone would recognize and anybody can play), and all you need to do is to vote on which game you'd like to play most.
If you're wondering why we want you to pick the one you'd like to play most (instead of, say, choosing your favorite game on the list) -- that's because once the poll closes on May 15, and soon after, you will be able to purchase the winning game for a big fat discount of 50% or more. So -- what are you waiting for -- start voting already!
Vote: Which game do you want to play most?
Scrabble (iPhone)Monopoly (iPad)Life (iPad)Tetris (iPhone)Sims 3 Ambition (iPhone)None of 'em
VoteView ResultsShare ThisPolldaddy.com
For more information on the games in our poll, click on the links below:
Scrabble iPhone
Monopoly iPad
Life iPad
Tetris iPhone
Sims 3 Ambitions iPhone
Sony PSN misses restoration deadline, SOE games still down due to a third attack? [Updated]
PlayStation Network is down
Update: Sony spokesman Patrick Seybold told VentureBeat that the news circulating that PSN and SOE might not return until May 31 is falsely informed. He said that such reports stem from an inaccurate Bloomberg report posted over the weekend. "There is no accuracy to that report," Seybold told VentureBeat. "We're focused on ensuring the security of the network before bringing the services back online."
And yes, SOE massively multiplayer games and Facebook games are still down, too. Mashable reports that Sony's PlayStation Network missed its promised restoration deadline, within a week of an announcement made eight days ago. Sony shut down both its PSN network in response to an intrusion made on about April 20, and later SOE followed as a result of another intrusion. During the invasion, over 100 million players' account information has been reported stolen along with possibly 2.2 million credit card numbers. However, Gamesindustry.biz reports that the network might not come back until May 31, and the extended shut down time could be thanks to a third attack made over the weekend.
Could it honestly get worse? According to a 10-year-old Sony-affiliated sweepstakes website found and exploited by hackers on May 7, yes, it just might, Reuters reports. Hackers have posted 2,500 contestants' names and addresses from this websites archives, but Sony assured Reuters that no credit card numbers, passwords or social security numbers were stolen. And shortly after Sony indirectly blamed the hacktivist group Anonymous for the PSN intrusion, two members of the group came forward and suggested that the group was likely involved.
"If you say you are Anonymous, and do something as Anonymous, then Anonymous did it," said 'Kayla' to the Financial Times. "Just because the rest of Anonymous might not agree with it, doesn't mean Anonymous didn't do it." However, Anonymous has officially denied involvement in a press release. Sony has already offered a "Welcome Back" program to US customers, and the details surrounding its European counterpart have just released. Until both services come back by hopefully no later than the end of this month, I guess we'll have to dream about enjoying these reunion gifts online.
[Image Credit: WCG News]
How have you coped with being without PSN or SOE games for the past few weeks? How do you think Sony will recover from this?
Update: Sony spokesman Patrick Seybold told VentureBeat that the news circulating that PSN and SOE might not return until May 31 is falsely informed. He said that such reports stem from an inaccurate Bloomberg report posted over the weekend. "There is no accuracy to that report," Seybold told VentureBeat. "We're focused on ensuring the security of the network before bringing the services back online."
And yes, SOE massively multiplayer games and Facebook games are still down, too. Mashable reports that Sony's PlayStation Network missed its promised restoration deadline, within a week of an announcement made eight days ago. Sony shut down both its PSN network in response to an intrusion made on about April 20, and later SOE followed as a result of another intrusion. During the invasion, over 100 million players' account information has been reported stolen along with possibly 2.2 million credit card numbers. However, Gamesindustry.biz reports that the network might not come back until May 31, and the extended shut down time could be thanks to a third attack made over the weekend.
Could it honestly get worse? According to a 10-year-old Sony-affiliated sweepstakes website found and exploited by hackers on May 7, yes, it just might, Reuters reports. Hackers have posted 2,500 contestants' names and addresses from this websites archives, but Sony assured Reuters that no credit card numbers, passwords or social security numbers were stolen. And shortly after Sony indirectly blamed the hacktivist group Anonymous for the PSN intrusion, two members of the group came forward and suggested that the group was likely involved.
"If you say you are Anonymous, and do something as Anonymous, then Anonymous did it," said 'Kayla' to the Financial Times. "Just because the rest of Anonymous might not agree with it, doesn't mean Anonymous didn't do it." However, Anonymous has officially denied involvement in a press release. Sony has already offered a "Welcome Back" program to US customers, and the details surrounding its European counterpart have just released. Until both services come back by hopefully no later than the end of this month, I guess we'll have to dream about enjoying these reunion gifts online.
[Image Credit: WCG News]
How have you coped with being without PSN or SOE games for the past few weeks? How do you think Sony will recover from this?
Destructoid and Playhem launch Fight, get game news while you game
Destructoid Fight
Gamification is the new 'it' thing to do for everything from coffee shops to chic boutiques. But what would happen when a video game news site like Destructoid launched its own gamification platform? Could legit gaming options from a gaming news site be too much for gamers to game? Who knows, but we're about to find out as Destructoid and Playhem have teamed up to bring the publication's readers Fight, a new social (in the actual sense) gaming service. Now social games haven't inspired just marketers and advertisers, but gaming news communities--how meta.
Once Destructoid readers sign up for Fight, they can connect with fellow fans through games they already own like Street Fighter 4 and Call of Duty in custom-built tournaments for cash and loyalty rewards points. Players can chat with their friends using the platform, and prizes are available to those who have earned enough loyalty rewards points through participating in and betting on tournaments in several other games including StarCraft 2, Marvel vs. Capcom and the roster of EA Sports games.
"The Destructoid community is the best video game community on the web and we're happy to offer them another great and enjoyable service," said Niero Gonzalez, CEO of Destructoid, in a press release. "We're extremely excited to work with Playhem since they have a proven track record when it comes to rewards-based gaming." This could very well be the first time a gaming news publication introduced a social community like Fight. If successful, it could change the way entertainment news outlets engage their readers drastically.
[Image Credit: Destructoid]
If you're a Destructoid reader, would you join the Fight community? What do you think of social gaming's effect on not just marketing and advertising, but now community engagement for news organizations?
Gamification is the new 'it' thing to do for everything from coffee shops to chic boutiques. But what would happen when a video game news site like Destructoid launched its own gamification platform? Could legit gaming options from a gaming news site be too much for gamers to game? Who knows, but we're about to find out as Destructoid and Playhem have teamed up to bring the publication's readers Fight, a new social (in the actual sense) gaming service. Now social games haven't inspired just marketers and advertisers, but gaming news communities--how meta.
Once Destructoid readers sign up for Fight, they can connect with fellow fans through games they already own like Street Fighter 4 and Call of Duty in custom-built tournaments for cash and loyalty rewards points. Players can chat with their friends using the platform, and prizes are available to those who have earned enough loyalty rewards points through participating in and betting on tournaments in several other games including StarCraft 2, Marvel vs. Capcom and the roster of EA Sports games.
"The Destructoid community is the best video game community on the web and we're happy to offer them another great and enjoyable service," said Niero Gonzalez, CEO of Destructoid, in a press release. "We're extremely excited to work with Playhem since they have a proven track record when it comes to rewards-based gaming." This could very well be the first time a gaming news publication introduced a social community like Fight. If successful, it could change the way entertainment news outlets engage their readers drastically.
[Image Credit: Destructoid]
If you're a Destructoid reader, would you join the Fight community? What do you think of social gaming's effect on not just marketing and advertising, but now community engagement for news organizations?
CBS show Let's Make a Deal haggles its way to Facebook this fall
While a good portion of you whippersnappers might not even know what this is all about, be excited nonetheless. GameHouse, the social game development studio for RealNetworks, will launch Let's Make a Deal on Facebook this fall, USA Today reports. The adaptation of the nearly 50-year-old game show was made possible through a licensing deal with FreeMantleMedia Enterprises, and joins the ranks of Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and Family Feud as game shows-turned-social games.
RealNetworks Senior Vice President Matt Hulett said that the game fits on Facebook "because the show's format already has all of the elements necessary to make a great social game. Let's Make a Deal has phenomenal consumer recognition and strong appeal. The show is a classic with a well-understood game premise ... (and) embodies personality and has a great sense of humor with its costumes and 'zonks.' Plus the mini-games format is sure to add variety, and there are terrific opportunities to personalize, customize and engage friends."
Unfortunately, no other details have been released. However, we can only hope that the game will play in real time. If you ask me, making a deal only to wait for the friend to accept or deny would be pretty boring. GameHouse, you have the power to make this Facebook game live another 50 years on Facebook. OK, maybe not that long, but the game could enjoy a long life of zonks and prizes, if done right.
[Image Credit: Let's Make a Deal]
Were you a fan of this game show as a kid, or watch it today on CBS? Would you play it if successfully revived the spirit of the original?
RealNetworks Senior Vice President Matt Hulett said that the game fits on Facebook "because the show's format already has all of the elements necessary to make a great social game. Let's Make a Deal has phenomenal consumer recognition and strong appeal. The show is a classic with a well-understood game premise ... (and) embodies personality and has a great sense of humor with its costumes and 'zonks.' Plus the mini-games format is sure to add variety, and there are terrific opportunities to personalize, customize and engage friends."
Unfortunately, no other details have been released. However, we can only hope that the game will play in real time. If you ask me, making a deal only to wait for the friend to accept or deny would be pretty boring. GameHouse, you have the power to make this Facebook game live another 50 years on Facebook. OK, maybe not that long, but the game could enjoy a long life of zonks and prizes, if done right.
[Image Credit: Let's Make a Deal]
Were you a fan of this game show as a kid, or watch it today on CBS? Would you play it if successfully revived the spirit of the original?
Chủ Nhật, 25 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille Birthday Items: Clown Costume, Birthday Hat, Party Chicken and more
A small afternoon update has launched in FarmVille today, with four new items being released in the current second birthday theme. There's a single animal here, along with a new decoration and two avatar costume items. The animal is the Party Chicken, priced at 20 Farm Cash. Don't let this simple-looking chicken deceive you - you'll be able to receive brand new Party Mystery Eggs when harvesting a Chicken Coop with these inside.
Meanwhile, the newest decoration is the Party Table, which is priced at the bargain price of 50,000 coins. I honestly expected an item that was this complex (in terms of its decorations) to cost Farm Cash, so I'll gladly be proven wrong with this one. If neither of these two items do it for you though, or you just want to spread the birthday party fun to your avatar, you can do so by purchasing the Clown Costume for 5 Farm Cash or the Birthday Hat for 30,000 coins. Keep in mind that the Clown Costume comes with a hat, so you won't technically need to purchase both if you don't want to.
All of these items look to be available in the game's store for the next two weeks, even though the Birthday Hat currently doesn't have an expiration date. These two items in particular have vanished and reappeared with different names over the last few minutes, so don't be surprised if you don't see them in your store right away, or if the names have changed (again).
Meanwhile, the newest decoration is the Party Table, which is priced at the bargain price of 50,000 coins. I honestly expected an item that was this complex (in terms of its decorations) to cost Farm Cash, so I'll gladly be proven wrong with this one. If neither of these two items do it for you though, or you just want to spread the birthday party fun to your avatar, you can do so by purchasing the Clown Costume for 5 Farm Cash or the Birthday Hat for 30,000 coins. Keep in mind that the Clown Costume comes with a hat, so you won't technically need to purchase both if you don't want to.
All of these items look to be available in the game's store for the next two weeks, even though the Birthday Hat currently doesn't have an expiration date. These two items in particular have vanished and reappeared with different names over the last few minutes, so don't be surprised if you don't see them in your store right away, or if the names have changed (again).
FarmVille Party Egg Mystery Eggs: What's inside?
If you've come purchased a Party Chicken from the FarmVille marketplace, or have just come across a Party Egg Mystery Egg claimed from a friend's wall post, you might be wondering what you can expect to find inside. Well, thanks to FVNation, we know a list of items currently confirmed to be inside. Please note that this list might not be complete, as more items will likely be discovered over time. So far, this is what you can expect to find:
Golden Gnome
Chicken Gnome
20 Fuel Refills
Silkie Chicken
Rainbow Chicken
Old English Hen
Dorking Chicken
Sebright Chicken
Party Chicken
That's right folks - yet again, you don't have to actually purchase the Party Chicken from the store to have a Party Chicken on your farm(s), so long as you're lucky enough to have friends post these eggs for your to claim on their walls (and, of course, be lucky enough to actually open an egg containing one inside). Still, the Party Chicken costs 20 Farm Cash, which would be much better spent on other items, so I'll happily save them this time around in hopes I can get lucky sometime down the road. Will you do the same?
Golden Gnome
Chicken Gnome
20 Fuel Refills
Silkie Chicken
Rainbow Chicken
Old English Hen
Dorking Chicken
Sebright Chicken
Party Chicken
That's right folks - yet again, you don't have to actually purchase the Party Chicken from the store to have a Party Chicken on your farm(s), so long as you're lucky enough to have friends post these eggs for your to claim on their walls (and, of course, be lucky enough to actually open an egg containing one inside). Still, the Party Chicken costs 20 Farm Cash, which would be much better spent on other items, so I'll happily save them this time around in hopes I can get lucky sometime down the road. Will you do the same?
FarmVille Birthday Mystery Crate: Gnomes available for one day only
Don't say I didn't warn you. If you didn't have a chance to pick up the pony-tastic FarmVille Mystery Animal Crate, I'm sorry to inform you that your opportunity is now gone. But don't fret, dear farmer! Another Mystery Crate has been released in the store for one-day only, with this one giving you a chance to add to (or even start) a Gnome collection on your farm.
First, let's just take a look at how cute this box is! It's a Birthday Party Hat, and I'd almost feel bad opening it after purchasing it (almost). It costs just 12 Farm Cash, which is 3-4 Farm Cash cheaper than the normal price for a single Gnome, but we can only expect that's because of the mystery. Here's what you'll have a chance of finding inside:
Bride Gnome
Chrome Gnome
Cowgirl Gnome
Elf Girl Gnome
Platinum Gnome
Vampire Gnome
Personally, I think the Halloween-themed Vampire Gnome is the cutest of the bunch, but I'm a bit afraid of splurging here, since there's always a possibility for duplicates. Do I dare risk it? If you're going through the same conundrum, you've only got 23 hours to figure it out, as this crate will expire, only to be replaced by another tomorrow evening.
First, let's just take a look at how cute this box is! It's a Birthday Party Hat, and I'd almost feel bad opening it after purchasing it (almost). It costs just 12 Farm Cash, which is 3-4 Farm Cash cheaper than the normal price for a single Gnome, but we can only expect that's because of the mystery. Here's what you'll have a chance of finding inside:
Bride Gnome
Chrome Gnome
Cowgirl Gnome
Elf Girl Gnome
Platinum Gnome
Vampire Gnome
Personally, I think the Halloween-themed Vampire Gnome is the cutest of the bunch, but I'm a bit afraid of splurging here, since there's always a possibility for duplicates. Do I dare risk it? If you're going through the same conundrum, you've only got 23 hours to figure it out, as this crate will expire, only to be replaced by another tomorrow evening.
Celebrate FarmVille's Birthday with an Unwither Ring for you or a friend
If you've been saving Farm Cash for the eventual re-release of the Unwither Ring in FarmVille, the time for splurging is now! To help make FarmVille's Second Birthday bash the best thing, well, ever, Zynga is giving users another chance at purchasing an Unwither RIng, either for their own account, or for a friend's.
Of course, the Unwither Ring is one of the most expensive purchases you can make in the game (save for purchasing a large Farm Cash bundle outright), costing 250 Farm Cash. Still, for that price, you can rest easy knowing that you'll never have to worry about your crops withering ever again. Go on a week long vacation and forget to plow your land? Don't worry - your strawberries, watermelons, or any other crop will be safe and sound, waiting for you when you return.
Remember, if you're not a consistent farmer anyway, and would rather spend your Farm Cash on someone who is, you can click on the "Send" button in the game's store to make someone's day just a bit (ok, a lot) brighter. I know I would probably do a happy dance if one of these showed up in my account (hint, hint). Either way, the Unwither Ring will only be available for a full week, so make sure to shop fast so as to not miss your chance at the Ring while it's once again available.
Of course, the Unwither Ring is one of the most expensive purchases you can make in the game (save for purchasing a large Farm Cash bundle outright), costing 250 Farm Cash. Still, for that price, you can rest easy knowing that you'll never have to worry about your crops withering ever again. Go on a week long vacation and forget to plow your land? Don't worry - your strawberries, watermelons, or any other crop will be safe and sound, waiting for you when you return.
Remember, if you're not a consistent farmer anyway, and would rather spend your Farm Cash on someone who is, you can click on the "Send" button in the game's store to make someone's day just a bit (ok, a lot) brighter. I know I would probably do a happy dance if one of these showed up in my account (hint, hint). Either way, the Unwither Ring will only be available for a full week, so make sure to shop fast so as to not miss your chance at the Ring while it's once again available.
FarmVille: New England items released as one day only Birthday Classics
FarmVille's set of Birthday Classics has just transitioned from the previously released Swiss theme to New England. For the next 24 hours, you'll be able to choose from a multitude of new and re-released items, all in the New England theme. This theme was first available back in late July of last year, so if you're new to the game, make sure to give all of them a once or twice over to see if there's anything you wouldn't mind adding to your farm(s).
Meet us behind the break for a complete look at the re-released and new items in the New England Birthday Classics release.
Here's a complete rundown of the New England Birthday Classics theme:
Trees:
Honey Locust Tree - 5 Farm Cash
Black Locust Tree - 10 Farm Cash
The Black Locust Tree comes from a Honey Locust Mystery Seedling. Both trees are mastered after 75/150/225 harvests for each star, respectively.
Animals:
Black Bear Cub - 22 Farm Cash
Gray Fox Kit - 20 Farm Cash
Miniature Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Morgan Horse - 24 Farm Cash
Buildings:
Coastal Home - 36 Farm Cash
Crab Shack - 350,000 coins
Delicate Cottage - 38 Farm Cash
Decorations:
Cliff - 70,000 coins
Cliff II - 60,000 coins
Coastal Beach - 16 Farm Cash
Flower Bridge - 42 Farm Cash
Goldfinch Birds - 14 Farm Cash
Hydrangea - 10,000 coins
Nelly Moser (decorative tree) - 50,000 coins
New Carousel - 38 Farm Cash
Trawler Gnome - 18 Farm Cash
White Lawn Chairs - 20,000 coins
Again, all of these items will only be available in the game's store for 24 hours, including the trees, which means you'll need to shop fast to make sure you don't lock yourself out of these two Tree Mastery signs (or, at least that of the Honey Locust Tree). We'll make sure to let you know which limited edition theme is re-released tomorrow evening, so keep checking back.
Meet us behind the break for a complete look at the re-released and new items in the New England Birthday Classics release.
Here's a complete rundown of the New England Birthday Classics theme:
Trees:
Honey Locust Tree - 5 Farm Cash
Black Locust Tree - 10 Farm Cash
The Black Locust Tree comes from a Honey Locust Mystery Seedling. Both trees are mastered after 75/150/225 harvests for each star, respectively.
Animals:
Black Bear Cub - 22 Farm Cash
Gray Fox Kit - 20 Farm Cash
Miniature Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Morgan Horse - 24 Farm Cash
Buildings:
Coastal Home - 36 Farm Cash
Crab Shack - 350,000 coins
Delicate Cottage - 38 Farm Cash
Decorations:
Cliff - 70,000 coins
Cliff II - 60,000 coins
Coastal Beach - 16 Farm Cash
Flower Bridge - 42 Farm Cash
Goldfinch Birds - 14 Farm Cash
Hydrangea - 10,000 coins
Nelly Moser (decorative tree) - 50,000 coins
New Carousel - 38 Farm Cash
Trawler Gnome - 18 Farm Cash
White Lawn Chairs - 20,000 coins
Again, all of these items will only be available in the game's store for 24 hours, including the trees, which means you'll need to shop fast to make sure you don't lock yourself out of these two Tree Mastery signs (or, at least that of the Honey Locust Tree). We'll make sure to let you know which limited edition theme is re-released tomorrow evening, so keep checking back.
Thứ Năm, 22 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille: Convert Farm Cash to coins in the store
In what can only be described as a "backwards" release, Zynga has released the ability to convert your Farm Cash to coins in FarmVille's store. You'll find this new ability in the "Farm Aides" tab, and will see that currently, three options are available to turn anywhere from two to 100 Farm Cash into coins. Here are the packages that are available:
2 Farm Cash --> 1,000 coins
15 Farm Cash --> 10,000 coins
100 Farm Cash --> 100,000 coins
Am I the only one that thinks this system should be in the reverse? Are there really that many farmers that will choose to "waste" Farm Cash on coins, when there are plenty of different ways to earn coins on our own, for free? Shouldn't we be allowed to turn our coins into Farm Cash instead? Now that's a system I'd get behind.
If we're holding out hope, it could be that Zynga is first releasing this method, and will then release the reverse sometime in the future, but then again, that isn't very practical from a business standpoint. If anything, the coins to Farm Cash system would likely see us receiving so little Farm Cash for so many coins as to make it not even worth it. Is that cynical? Perhaps, but Zynga's track record has proven that we shouldn't hold our breath for a positive outcome here.
Will you turn your Farm Cash into coins in the game's store, or will you keep farming to earn coins the old fashioned way, saving your Farm Cash for other things?
2 Farm Cash --> 1,000 coins
15 Farm Cash --> 10,000 coins
100 Farm Cash --> 100,000 coins
Am I the only one that thinks this system should be in the reverse? Are there really that many farmers that will choose to "waste" Farm Cash on coins, when there are plenty of different ways to earn coins on our own, for free? Shouldn't we be allowed to turn our coins into Farm Cash instead? Now that's a system I'd get behind.
If we're holding out hope, it could be that Zynga is first releasing this method, and will then release the reverse sometime in the future, but then again, that isn't very practical from a business standpoint. If anything, the coins to Farm Cash system would likely see us receiving so little Farm Cash for so many coins as to make it not even worth it. Is that cynical? Perhaps, but Zynga's track record has proven that we shouldn't hold our breath for a positive outcome here.
Will you turn your Farm Cash into coins in the game's store, or will you keep farming to earn coins the old fashioned way, saving your Farm Cash for other things?
CityVille: Oddities Museum and Lemonade Stand continue our fun in the sun
Looking for something cool to do inside on this blisteringly hot weekend? Why not add a few new decorations to your town in CityVille? Conveniently, Zynga has released two such decorations in the game just this morning, but they'll only be around for a limited time.
The Oddities Museum is a new business that costs 25 City Cash, and requires 140 Goods to operate once you purchase it. It produces 784 coins by default, unless you add some nearby decorations to boost this number - perhaps the Girl Flying Kite decoration which is also now available for 1,000 coins. If 25 City Cash is too high of a price, what about 15 City Cash? That's the price of the new Lemonade Stand, which is unfortunately just a decoration, rather than a business. As is stands, it gives off a 6% bonus to the payout of nearby buildings, but it is (admittedly) rather expensive, considering its function.
Both the Oddities Museum and Lemonade Stand will only be available in the game for four days, so shop fast if you want them.
With all of the summer-themed items released in CityVille over the past few weeks, have you taken advantage and created a large summer boardwalk, park, or beachfront area in your town?
The Oddities Museum is a new business that costs 25 City Cash, and requires 140 Goods to operate once you purchase it. It produces 784 coins by default, unless you add some nearby decorations to boost this number - perhaps the Girl Flying Kite decoration which is also now available for 1,000 coins. If 25 City Cash is too high of a price, what about 15 City Cash? That's the price of the new Lemonade Stand, which is unfortunately just a decoration, rather than a business. As is stands, it gives off a 6% bonus to the payout of nearby buildings, but it is (admittedly) rather expensive, considering its function.
Both the Oddities Museum and Lemonade Stand will only be available in the game for four days, so shop fast if you want them.
With all of the summer-themed items released in CityVille over the past few weeks, have you taken advantage and created a large summer boardwalk, park, or beachfront area in your town?
Six Gun Galaxy brings a violent, dreary wild west to Facebook
Six Gun Galaxy from KlickNation sees you creating a character in a post-apocalyptic world on Facebook, where you're left to rebuild a town and help other survivors in various towns by completing quests. The storyline is filled with the expected elements from the theme. A war has devastated the planet, leaving military men feeling responsible and outlaws to feel they can ravage what's left. The average citizen needs your help with hunting for food from the wild animals that roam even the cities' streets, and while cash is still a factor, objects like tobacco have been given just as much value in society.
While Six Gun Galaxy contains a theme that's not overly common for Facebook games, the gameplay itself doesn't really revolutionize the city-building or quest-based adventure genres. You'll have your own town to build, starting with nothing but a home and Blacksmith's shop. You can add new items like Laundry Facilities or Gun Shops, and also add decorations and roads to customize the look of your town even more. Buildings payout profits over time, including cash and experience points, along with Iron, which is another form of "currency" used for building additional buildings.
Apart from the game's city-building aspect, an even larger portion of the game is dedicated to traveling from town to town (more locations unlock as you level up) and completing quests for the locals. You'll have to gather and trade supplies at the Market, help chase off wild animals, deliver items to different locations, and so on. Combat comes into play fairly early on, as you'll fight bandits in term-based battles by simply clicking on their avatars on the map. Unfortunately, there doesn't look to be a way to tell exactly how strong an enemy is before entering combat, so you very well may end up on the losing end before you can even pull out your weapon. Luckily, you can turn the tides of battle by having teammates join you along the way (teammates can be purchased with cash), or by upgrading your character with new equipment and weapons.
As you might expect, most every action in the game requires energy, which therefore runs out far more quickly than you might like. You can collect food from wild animals and then spend that food on energy refills, or spend Platinum, the game's premium currency.
Gallery: Six Gun Galaxy Facebook
While each location in the game has a specific amount of quests available to complete, you can play the game with relative freedom, only undertaking quests when you really feel like it. The rest of the time can be spent tracking down wild animals, goods to trade, building up your own city, and so on, completely outside of pushing the story forward. Of course, that can only last you for so long, so we hope that more quests will continually be added to Six Gun Galaxy in the future to keep us coming back for more.
Play Six Gun Galaxy on Facebook -->
Have you tried Six Gun Galaxy on Facebook? What do you think of frontier-based games on Facebook? Does the fact that this game is actually post-apocalyptic, rather than simply "old" influence your likelihood to play it?
While Six Gun Galaxy contains a theme that's not overly common for Facebook games, the gameplay itself doesn't really revolutionize the city-building or quest-based adventure genres. You'll have your own town to build, starting with nothing but a home and Blacksmith's shop. You can add new items like Laundry Facilities or Gun Shops, and also add decorations and roads to customize the look of your town even more. Buildings payout profits over time, including cash and experience points, along with Iron, which is another form of "currency" used for building additional buildings.
Apart from the game's city-building aspect, an even larger portion of the game is dedicated to traveling from town to town (more locations unlock as you level up) and completing quests for the locals. You'll have to gather and trade supplies at the Market, help chase off wild animals, deliver items to different locations, and so on. Combat comes into play fairly early on, as you'll fight bandits in term-based battles by simply clicking on their avatars on the map. Unfortunately, there doesn't look to be a way to tell exactly how strong an enemy is before entering combat, so you very well may end up on the losing end before you can even pull out your weapon. Luckily, you can turn the tides of battle by having teammates join you along the way (teammates can be purchased with cash), or by upgrading your character with new equipment and weapons.
As you might expect, most every action in the game requires energy, which therefore runs out far more quickly than you might like. You can collect food from wild animals and then spend that food on energy refills, or spend Platinum, the game's premium currency.
Gallery: Six Gun Galaxy Facebook
While each location in the game has a specific amount of quests available to complete, you can play the game with relative freedom, only undertaking quests when you really feel like it. The rest of the time can be spent tracking down wild animals, goods to trade, building up your own city, and so on, completely outside of pushing the story forward. Of course, that can only last you for so long, so we hope that more quests will continually be added to Six Gun Galaxy in the future to keep us coming back for more.
Play Six Gun Galaxy on Facebook -->
Have you tried Six Gun Galaxy on Facebook? What do you think of frontier-based games on Facebook? Does the fact that this game is actually post-apocalyptic, rather than simply "old" influence your likelihood to play it?
FarmVille White Mustang Lonely Animal: Everything you need to know
A new feature has launched in FarmVille this evening in the form of a lonely, lost White Mustang that will appear on your farm the next time you login. You'll see a pop-up at the bottom of your screen, and can click on the "Check it Out" button to see the White Mustang, which has actually been placed outside of your farm's limits (where billboards would show up otherwise).
From the time the Mustang arrives, you'll have a period of three days to ask five friends to help you "coax" the Mustang onto you farm, so that you can keep it forever. Asking your friends is achieved through individual friend requests, rather than a wall post. If you aren't able to complete this task in time, you can pay Farm Cash to keep the Mustang instead, or, you can simply pay 20 Farm Cash at any time if you'd rather not ask your friends for help.
Either way, once you've unlocked the White Mustang it will be yours without any further work, and can be found in your Gift Box. It can be placed inside your Horse Stable, and can be bred.
What's even more exciting about this feature is what can potentially happen in the future. Zynga has told us that after 14 days, we'll apparently be given the ability to find another lonely animal on our farm, meaning that this might be the start of an on-going feature. Hopefully, each of these lonely animals is completely new to the game, as it would definitely keep us asking friends for help for a long time to come.
What do you think? Would you continue to use this kind of feature, even if it relied almost entirely on your friends (that is, unless you want to pay Farm Cash), just to earn exclusive animals?
From the time the Mustang arrives, you'll have a period of three days to ask five friends to help you "coax" the Mustang onto you farm, so that you can keep it forever. Asking your friends is achieved through individual friend requests, rather than a wall post. If you aren't able to complete this task in time, you can pay Farm Cash to keep the Mustang instead, or, you can simply pay 20 Farm Cash at any time if you'd rather not ask your friends for help.
Either way, once you've unlocked the White Mustang it will be yours without any further work, and can be found in your Gift Box. It can be placed inside your Horse Stable, and can be bred.
What's even more exciting about this feature is what can potentially happen in the future. Zynga has told us that after 14 days, we'll apparently be given the ability to find another lonely animal on our farm, meaning that this might be the start of an on-going feature. Hopefully, each of these lonely animals is completely new to the game, as it would definitely keep us asking friends for help for a long time to come.
What do you think? Would you continue to use this kind of feature, even if it relied almost entirely on your friends (that is, unless you want to pay Farm Cash), just to earn exclusive animals?
FarmVille Marans Chicken Mystery Egg: What's inside?
Late last week, Zynga launched the Marans Chicken as part of the current Parisian limited edition item theme in FarmVille. At a price of 20 Farm Cash, the chicken definitely isn't cheap, so you might be interested in learning what you could potentially find from opening one of its eggs (that is, what you could give away to friends, or what they could give back to you if they had purchased one as well). Well, FVNation has figured out the prize list for the Marans Chicken, but unfortunately, it's nothing to get excited about.
Here's what's inside:
Old English Hen
Dorking Chicken
Silkie Chicken
Clover chicken
Scots Grey Chicken
Cornish Chicken
Butler Gnome
Town Fountain
English Bench
Fuel
Does that list seem familiar? It should, as the contents are those found in many other eggs, and specifically the English Mystery Egg. The biggest problem here isn't so much that there aren't tons of new items here (or any), but the simple fact that you apparently can't earn more Marans Chickens from a Marans Chicken Mystery Egg (as of this writing) is disappointing at best, and a deal breaker at worst. Is the chicken worth a purchase, at 20 Farm Cash, if you can only earn these old items by opening its eggs?
Hopefully additional items will be added to the egg, and if we find out that's the case, we'll make sure to let you know.
Are you disappointed in this Mystery Egg's contents? What other items would you rather see given out in eggs instead?
Here's what's inside:
Old English Hen
Dorking Chicken
Silkie Chicken
Clover chicken
Scots Grey Chicken
Cornish Chicken
Butler Gnome
Town Fountain
English Bench
Fuel
Does that list seem familiar? It should, as the contents are those found in many other eggs, and specifically the English Mystery Egg. The biggest problem here isn't so much that there aren't tons of new items here (or any), but the simple fact that you apparently can't earn more Marans Chickens from a Marans Chicken Mystery Egg (as of this writing) is disappointing at best, and a deal breaker at worst. Is the chicken worth a purchase, at 20 Farm Cash, if you can only earn these old items by opening its eggs?
Hopefully additional items will be added to the egg, and if we find out that's the case, we'll make sure to let you know.
Are you disappointed in this Mystery Egg's contents? What other items would you rather see given out in eggs instead?
FarmVille Vineyard Animals: Add a Vineyard Sheep to your collection
A new limited edition item theme has launched in FarmVille this evening, giving farmers the opportunity to purchase a single animal (so far) in this theme. The Vineyard Sheep is available for 20 Farm Cash, and will be available in the game's store for the next two weeks. If you're keeping track, this Vineyard Sheep would make a great partner for your Gumball Sheep, if you picked one up during this year's Valentine's Day event, as their bodies are basically identical, save for the coloring of the "grapes."
Unfortunately, for all of this particular sheep's cuteness, you can't breed this pattern into Lambs as this is simply a Sheep and not specifically labeled as a Ram. Still, if this Sheep goes over well enough, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a Vineyard Ram released in the future - perhaps one with a vine pattern running down its side/back?
Either way, if you'd still like to add this Vineyard Sheep to your collection, you'll be rewarded handsomely with 2000 experience points, but again, it will only be around for a limited time. Too bad this isn't an item that's immediately "on sale" upon release, huh?
What do you think of this Vineyard Sheep? Will you purchase one for your collection?
Unfortunately, for all of this particular sheep's cuteness, you can't breed this pattern into Lambs as this is simply a Sheep and not specifically labeled as a Ram. Still, if this Sheep goes over well enough, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a Vineyard Ram released in the future - perhaps one with a vine pattern running down its side/back?
Either way, if you'd still like to add this Vineyard Sheep to your collection, you'll be rewarded handsomely with 2000 experience points, but again, it will only be around for a limited time. Too bad this isn't an item that's immediately "on sale" upon release, huh?
What do you think of this Vineyard Sheep? Will you purchase one for your collection?
Thứ Sáu, 16 tháng 12, 2011
CityVille Mexican theme expands with Statue of Independence, Cantina and more
As promised, here we are again with news of more Mexican Independence items that have been added to CityVille's store. You know, I honestly thought that this would be a one-time release, but leave it to Zynga to release more items even after the holiday in question has passed (this holiday being the Mexican Independence celebration). There aren't as many items here as in the original release we told you about earlier this week, but there is a new crop here, if you happen to be into that sort of thing.
Statue of Independence (Decoration)
Costs: 36,000 coins
Payout Bonus: 12% to surrounding businesses and residences; bonus 12% to Mexican themed items
Cantina (Business)
Costs: 3,800 coins
Requires: 95 Goods
Supplies: 640 coins
Quince Anos Party (Decoration)
Costs: 12 City Cash
Payout Bonus: 12%; bonus 12% to Mexican themed items
Fine Arts Theater (Community Building)
Costs: 80 City Cash
Allows: 7500 citizens added to maximum population cap
Agave Crop
Costs: 5 City Cash per square
Harvest Time: Instant
Supplies: 450 Goods per square planted
First Star of Mastery: 3 Harvests
See? There aren't as many items in this release, but luckily, we're given plenty of time to purchase them either way. You'll have 12 days to do your shopping for these new items (the original section of this theme is down to a 10-day time limit), so just make sure to go shopping eventually before these items do actually expire.
What do you think of these newest CityVille Mexican-themed items? What sort of cultural or geographical theme would you like to see released next?
Statue of Independence (Decoration)
Costs: 36,000 coins
Payout Bonus: 12% to surrounding businesses and residences; bonus 12% to Mexican themed items
Cantina (Business)
Costs: 3,800 coins
Requires: 95 Goods
Supplies: 640 coins
Quince Anos Party (Decoration)
Costs: 12 City Cash
Payout Bonus: 12%; bonus 12% to Mexican themed items
Fine Arts Theater (Community Building)
Costs: 80 City Cash
Allows: 7500 citizens added to maximum population cap
Agave Crop
Costs: 5 City Cash per square
Harvest Time: Instant
Supplies: 450 Goods per square planted
First Star of Mastery: 3 Harvests
See? There aren't as many items in this release, but luckily, we're given plenty of time to purchase them either way. You'll have 12 days to do your shopping for these new items (the original section of this theme is down to a 10-day time limit), so just make sure to go shopping eventually before these items do actually expire.
What do you think of these newest CityVille Mexican-themed items? What sort of cultural or geographical theme would you like to see released next?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Thứ Tư, 14 tháng 12, 2011
Black Friday proves that gamers still love their Mario, Zelda--er, Link
Super Mario 3D Land is the fastest-selling portable Mario game in history on a device that's supposedly in hot water. If that doesn't demonstrate the power of the portly, platforming plumber, nothing will. Nintendo revealed recent sales figures of its most recently-released games, both of which are the fastest-selling in their respective franchises.
Nintendo sold over 500,000 copies of Super Mario 3D Land since its Nov. 11 release and 535,000 discs packing The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword since it landed on Nov. 20. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime said to USA Today that these two games alone drove sales of both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii consoles. For instance, 3DS sales tripled last week ( a 325 percent increase), compared to sales the week before the game's release. The Wii also enjoyed record Black Friday sales with more than 500,000 consoles sold.
"We know that Black Friday and that entire week is a key selling week, and it is important for products like ours to have a jump in momentum, and we were fortunate to see that," Fils-Aime told USA Today. "For us, it really was driven by unique and powerful software and what gives us confidence is that we still have more software to launch in the balance of this holiday period."
The Mario maker still has yet another Mario game set to hit the 3DS--Mario Kart 7 hits Dec. 4--which could help sustain the enormous 3DS sales. Fils-Aime did say to us that content is what will make the 3DS a success, and it looks like the 3DS has found its system-seller. The question is, will Mario be enough pull the 3DS from out of the kettle?
Nintendo sold over 500,000 copies of Super Mario 3D Land since its Nov. 11 release and 535,000 discs packing The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword since it landed on Nov. 20. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime said to USA Today that these two games alone drove sales of both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii consoles. For instance, 3DS sales tripled last week ( a 325 percent increase), compared to sales the week before the game's release. The Wii also enjoyed record Black Friday sales with more than 500,000 consoles sold.
"We know that Black Friday and that entire week is a key selling week, and it is important for products like ours to have a jump in momentum, and we were fortunate to see that," Fils-Aime told USA Today. "For us, it really was driven by unique and powerful software and what gives us confidence is that we still have more software to launch in the balance of this holiday period."
The Mario maker still has yet another Mario game set to hit the 3DS--Mario Kart 7 hits Dec. 4--which could help sustain the enormous 3DS sales. Fils-Aime did say to us that content is what will make the 3DS a success, and it looks like the 3DS has found its system-seller. The question is, will Mario be enough pull the 3DS from out of the kettle?
Finally, all future Facebook privacy changes will be opt-in, not opt-out
Facebook games and privacy have been something of, well, we'll just say it: a pain in the ass more times than not. Even as recently as this summer, changes to the games platform had players scrambling to protect their privacy. And while we almost always find workarounds, it simply shouldn't have to be that way. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg finally (if reluctantly) agrees with that.
From this day forward, all changes to Facebook that might affect users' privacy will be opt-in, meaning users will have to agree to the change before it can take place within their profile or an app. According to a statement made by the US Federal Trade Commission, Facebook is "required to obtain consumers' affirmative express consent before enacting changes that override their privacy preferences."
This settlement is the result of charges issued against Facebook by the FTC that the company "deceived consumers by telling them they could keep their information on Facebook private, and then repeatedly allowing it to be shared and made public." Now, the company must be audited by third-party privacy firms every two years to ensure that Facebook holds a privacy program that meets the FTC's order.
Of course, this means that it will be much more difficult for Facebook to push changes like, say, the Facebook Games Ticker, which blasts in-game activities without the player so much as clicking a "Share" button. Sure, this likely means that no future Facebook change will ever reach 100 percent of its users. But we also don't like it when everyone and their mother knows exactly when we log into CastleVille every day.
From this day forward, all changes to Facebook that might affect users' privacy will be opt-in, meaning users will have to agree to the change before it can take place within their profile or an app. According to a statement made by the US Federal Trade Commission, Facebook is "required to obtain consumers' affirmative express consent before enacting changes that override their privacy preferences."
This settlement is the result of charges issued against Facebook by the FTC that the company "deceived consumers by telling them they could keep their information on Facebook private, and then repeatedly allowing it to be shared and made public." Now, the company must be audited by third-party privacy firms every two years to ensure that Facebook holds a privacy program that meets the FTC's order.
Of course, this means that it will be much more difficult for Facebook to push changes like, say, the Facebook Games Ticker, which blasts in-game activities without the player so much as clicking a "Share" button. Sure, this likely means that no future Facebook change will ever reach 100 percent of its users. But we also don't like it when everyone and their mother knows exactly when we log into CastleVille every day.
Zynga may soon name its price, as its IPO road show starts Monday
Interested in buying up a chunk of Zynga, eh? Well, the FarmVille maker just may name its price very shortly, as Fortune reports that the company will begin to pony around to investors next Monday. And with that, Zynga will likely make another amendment to its S-1 filing with the Security and Exchanges Commission (SEC) that would reveal its asking price for public shares along with how many shares will be made available.
Zynga filed for its initial public offering (IPO) way back in June of this year, and it finally looks like it's time to pull back the curtain and start taking offers. According to Fortune, company CEO Mark Pincus will join COO John Schappert (of EA fame) and CFO David Wehner in the dog and pony show to get investors excited about diving into Zynga, or ZNGA as it will appear on the Nasdaq.
The creator of top social games like CityVille seeks to raise $1 billion as a result of its IPO. Some expect a valuation, or projected worth of a company based on several factors, between $15 and $20 billion. That would make Zynga not only the most valuable social games company in the world, but the most valuable game company. Period. Well, that is if investors can look past Zynga employees driven to tears under company pressure.
Zynga filed for its initial public offering (IPO) way back in June of this year, and it finally looks like it's time to pull back the curtain and start taking offers. According to Fortune, company CEO Mark Pincus will join COO John Schappert (of EA fame) and CFO David Wehner in the dog and pony show to get investors excited about diving into Zynga, or ZNGA as it will appear on the Nasdaq.
The creator of top social games like CityVille seeks to raise $1 billion as a result of its IPO. Some expect a valuation, or projected worth of a company based on several factors, between $15 and $20 billion. That would make Zynga not only the most valuable social games company in the world, but the most valuable game company. Period. Well, that is if investors can look past Zynga employees driven to tears under company pressure.
Zynga is the new four-letter word
Zynga's big debut on the stock market seems to be on everyone's mind this week -- and not necessarily in a good way -- as industry watchers come out of the woodwork to talk about the not-so-perfect state of the company behind games such as FarmVille, CityVille and Words with Friends.
First, there are several reports on how Zynga's games are not doing so hot. Cowen and Company analysts say that Zynga's new Facebook game CastleVille might be attracting lots of players, but at the expense of its other big Facebook games. The report says CastleVille has tied with FarmVille as the second most popular game on Facebook, with 6.9 million daily users each, but that November is still an overall "disappointment" for Zynga, because the company's other big Facebook games saw a collective loss of 3.8 million daily players in the past month. Another article in Businessweek talks about how the recently launched Mafia Wars 2 is failing to meet expectations, losing 900K daily active users in roughly a month.
In addition to a flagging player population, it seems like Zynga and its CEO aren't exactly winning friends. Venture Beat points out that Zynga CEO's Mark Pincus' approval rating is a low 46% and another story in the New York Times says long hours and grueling deadlines has grumbling employees counting down the days until they can cash out their stock and then jump ship. The same Times article talks about how Zynga's not-so-friendly culture could be a reason that Angry Birds creator Rovio turned down Zynga's offer of $2.5 billion in cash and stock this summer.
With a possible IPO in December, it sounds like Zynga's going to have to be on its best behavior to get onto Santa's (and investors') nice list this year.
First, there are several reports on how Zynga's games are not doing so hot. Cowen and Company analysts say that Zynga's new Facebook game CastleVille might be attracting lots of players, but at the expense of its other big Facebook games. The report says CastleVille has tied with FarmVille as the second most popular game on Facebook, with 6.9 million daily users each, but that November is still an overall "disappointment" for Zynga, because the company's other big Facebook games saw a collective loss of 3.8 million daily players in the past month. Another article in Businessweek talks about how the recently launched Mafia Wars 2 is failing to meet expectations, losing 900K daily active users in roughly a month.
In addition to a flagging player population, it seems like Zynga and its CEO aren't exactly winning friends. Venture Beat points out that Zynga CEO's Mark Pincus' approval rating is a low 46% and another story in the New York Times says long hours and grueling deadlines has grumbling employees counting down the days until they can cash out their stock and then jump ship. The same Times article talks about how Zynga's not-so-friendly culture could be a reason that Angry Birds creator Rovio turned down Zynga's offer of $2.5 billion in cash and stock this summer.
With a possible IPO in December, it sounds like Zynga's going to have to be on its best behavior to get onto Santa's (and investors') nice list this year.
Vostu goes for (another) Goooaaal with GolMania on Google+
Alright, so we just really like saying "Goooaaal!" At any rate, Brazilian social game maker Vostu has released its impressive soccer/football game GolMania on Google+. According to the developer, over 35 million matches have been played since GolMania's release on Facebook and Orkut in September. We're gonna' guess that's thanks to the game's real-time multiplayer.
Well, that and the game's smooth animations, skilled-based play mechanics and flashy visuals. GolMania was developed by MP Studio, a recent addition to Vostu responsible for several themed web games for brands like Nickelodeon and Coca-Cola. We generally don't recommend gamers play Google+ ports of Facebook games in the interest of, well, having friends. But since GolMania runs on the Vostu Game Network, players can compete across social networks.
Since the game launched earlier this fall, Vostu has introduced interpretations of real-life football clubs, like Boca Juniors and River Plate Buenos Aires, the two most famous clubs in Argentina, according to the developer. While the game is currently only available in Portugese, Spanish and English, Vostu didn't pass up the chance for some friendly trash talk: "So far, when the legendary match-up occurs between players from Brazil and players from Italy, Brazil wins 56 percent of the time."
Of course, GolMania doesn't forget that its a cartoon soccer world. Players can duke it out in real time on the moon, bounce the ball off stadium walls and--perhaps the most fanciful--tackle players without fear of a red card. In other words, prepare to take your hand off the mouse in a social game for once.
Click here to play GolMania on Google+ Now >
Have you tried GolMania yet on Facebook or Orkut? Do real-time, 3D multiplayer games have a chance on social networks?
Well, that and the game's smooth animations, skilled-based play mechanics and flashy visuals. GolMania was developed by MP Studio, a recent addition to Vostu responsible for several themed web games for brands like Nickelodeon and Coca-Cola. We generally don't recommend gamers play Google+ ports of Facebook games in the interest of, well, having friends. But since GolMania runs on the Vostu Game Network, players can compete across social networks.
Since the game launched earlier this fall, Vostu has introduced interpretations of real-life football clubs, like Boca Juniors and River Plate Buenos Aires, the two most famous clubs in Argentina, according to the developer. While the game is currently only available in Portugese, Spanish and English, Vostu didn't pass up the chance for some friendly trash talk: "So far, when the legendary match-up occurs between players from Brazil and players from Italy, Brazil wins 56 percent of the time."
Of course, GolMania doesn't forget that its a cartoon soccer world. Players can duke it out in real time on the moon, bounce the ball off stadium walls and--perhaps the most fanciful--tackle players without fear of a red card. In other words, prepare to take your hand off the mouse in a social game for once.
Click here to play GolMania on Google+ Now >
Have you tried GolMania yet on Facebook or Orkut? Do real-time, 3D multiplayer games have a chance on social networks?
Has EA somehow made the timeless puzzler Tetris ... better?
We all know Tetris. We've even come to know the 27-year-old puzzler on Facebook, iPhone and Android devices. Why even bother attempting to improve a game that, really, was rock solid from the start? Who knows, but according to impressions by VentureBeat (VB), the brand new Tetris for iPhone and Android developed by EA could have done just that.
It's called One-Touch Mode, and it allows players to control games of Tetris with one hand. (Well, from the looks of this screen, it looks like EA fills in for your other hand, if you catch our drift.) As each iconic tetrimino falls, up to six suggested locations are presented on-screen, and tapping any of them will automatically place that piece in that exact location. Swiping the screen sideways will reveal a few more possible locations.
According to VB, this dances around the common inaccuracies of touch-based gameplay. (Another VB writer sounded off in the article's comments section, praising One-Touch as "the single biggest innovation in the history of the franchise.") Those still married to the game's roots will be glad to hear that Marathon Mode returns, but a Galaxy Mode featuring power-ups to crush through barriers is another fresh take on the classic.
This new, trendy-looking approach to Tetris, seen at an EA preview event in San Francisco, is expected to replace the existing Tetris games on iOS and Android this week. (Let's just hope it doesn't cost $7.99.) Other games shown at the event included the Kindle Fire version of Plants Vs Zombies, a mobile edition of shooter Battlefield 3, The Sims FreePlay and more.
It's called One-Touch Mode, and it allows players to control games of Tetris with one hand. (Well, from the looks of this screen, it looks like EA fills in for your other hand, if you catch our drift.) As each iconic tetrimino falls, up to six suggested locations are presented on-screen, and tapping any of them will automatically place that piece in that exact location. Swiping the screen sideways will reveal a few more possible locations.
According to VB, this dances around the common inaccuracies of touch-based gameplay. (Another VB writer sounded off in the article's comments section, praising One-Touch as "the single biggest innovation in the history of the franchise.") Those still married to the game's roots will be glad to hear that Marathon Mode returns, but a Galaxy Mode featuring power-ups to crush through barriers is another fresh take on the classic.
This new, trendy-looking approach to Tetris, seen at an EA preview event in San Francisco, is expected to replace the existing Tetris games on iOS and Android this week. (Let's just hope it doesn't cost $7.99.) Other games shown at the event included the Kindle Fire version of Plants Vs Zombies, a mobile edition of shooter Battlefield 3, The Sims FreePlay and more.
Webcams + Facebook games = what looks like fun, thanks to Rounds
Rounds Bubblins
Some social gamers have long awaited real-time gaming on Facebook. And while some game makers have met that challenge well, perhaps you had something different in mind. Rounds, the self-proclaimed first "communitainment platform" on Facebook, is banking on that with a brand new selection of nine real-time social games for friends to play with as they chat over webcam.
The Israeli company, founded in 2008, made the new games for its nearly 1 million monthly users thanks to $3 million in funding. "Rounds users can expect to get hooked to these new activities like they have with our activities and games already on the site--and probably more so," Rounds CEO and co-founder Dany Fishel said in a release. "As Rounds continues to grow, the offerings are only going to get better and more addicting than they already are."
Gallery: Rounds on Facebook
The new games are designed to simulate a real-world game room, but we wouldn't go that far. However, based on these first screens, they sure do look to make webcam chat a helluva lot more fun. Here's Round's take on all nine games:
Bubblins: A solo or multi-player game in which you match Bubblins to decrease your opponent's life while increasing your own.
Charades: The online version of the classic game lets you act out a word or phrase as your opponent tries to guess who or what you are depicting.
Faces iMake: Create your own crazy face using everyday objects in new and innovative ways.
Gluey: Combine blobs of the same color and use special items to rack up points and best your opponent's score.
Mad Pet: Race your skateboarding dog, do tricks and avoid holes along the way to accumulate more points than your friend's skateboarding canine.
Space Purge: Save Planet Earth by destroying incoming asteroids and rogue satellites, and gain special power ups to score the most points before your three lives are up.
Super Drift 3D: Pick your favorite car and favorite course and race against friends in a one of a kind 3D speed-racing game.
Whack-a-Friend: Whack your friend while you Video Chat Rounds before they whack you.
Wonder Putt: Mini-golf on steroids adventure throws cows, torpedoes, ski slopes and alien abductions your way as you try to shoot par.
Many of the games in this suite are available to play now through Rounds, including Space Purge, Bubblins, Super Drift 3D and MadPet. The rest of the games are said to hit Rounds by early 2012. Now, good luck with coordinating some play time with your friends, because who wants to show their ugly mug to a bunch a strangers?
Some social gamers have long awaited real-time gaming on Facebook. And while some game makers have met that challenge well, perhaps you had something different in mind. Rounds, the self-proclaimed first "communitainment platform" on Facebook, is banking on that with a brand new selection of nine real-time social games for friends to play with as they chat over webcam.
The Israeli company, founded in 2008, made the new games for its nearly 1 million monthly users thanks to $3 million in funding. "Rounds users can expect to get hooked to these new activities like they have with our activities and games already on the site--and probably more so," Rounds CEO and co-founder Dany Fishel said in a release. "As Rounds continues to grow, the offerings are only going to get better and more addicting than they already are."
Gallery: Rounds on Facebook
The new games are designed to simulate a real-world game room, but we wouldn't go that far. However, based on these first screens, they sure do look to make webcam chat a helluva lot more fun. Here's Round's take on all nine games:
Bubblins: A solo or multi-player game in which you match Bubblins to decrease your opponent's life while increasing your own.
Charades: The online version of the classic game lets you act out a word or phrase as your opponent tries to guess who or what you are depicting.
Faces iMake: Create your own crazy face using everyday objects in new and innovative ways.
Gluey: Combine blobs of the same color and use special items to rack up points and best your opponent's score.
Mad Pet: Race your skateboarding dog, do tricks and avoid holes along the way to accumulate more points than your friend's skateboarding canine.
Space Purge: Save Planet Earth by destroying incoming asteroids and rogue satellites, and gain special power ups to score the most points before your three lives are up.
Super Drift 3D: Pick your favorite car and favorite course and race against friends in a one of a kind 3D speed-racing game.
Whack-a-Friend: Whack your friend while you Video Chat Rounds before they whack you.
Wonder Putt: Mini-golf on steroids adventure throws cows, torpedoes, ski slopes and alien abductions your way as you try to shoot par.
Many of the games in this suite are available to play now through Rounds, including Space Purge, Bubblins, Super Drift 3D and MadPet. The rest of the games are said to hit Rounds by early 2012. Now, good luck with coordinating some play time with your friends, because who wants to show their ugly mug to a bunch a strangers?
Take-Two CEO sips on the haterade, says Zynga's 'metrics are sketchy'
You'd think gunning for a sweet $1 billion and the top spot among video games' largest publishers would be fun. Well, not for FarmVille maker Zynga: Not only is the media after the 4-year-old company, but so is everyone else. The next big timer to "be hype"--as the cool kids say-- is Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Grand Theft Auto publisher Take-Two Interactive. During the Reuters Media Summit in New York, Zelnick openly questioned Zynga's business model, casting doubt over whether it can make good on investor expectations as it quickly approaches an initial public offering (IPO).
"I would argue being the No. 1 player in (social gaming) is complicated, which is why Zynga hasn't gone public yet because their metrics are sketchy," Zelnick said to Reuters during a talk. "I think they have disclosure issues, I think you are seeing their acquisition costs go up, marketing costs go up and they have very high churn."
Zelnick was likely referring to the company's frequent amendments to its S-1 filing with the US Security and Exchanges Commission since it filed for IPO early this summer. His words also seem to allude to the 14 some companies Zynga purchased in a single year, which helped it amass nearly 3,000 employees worldwide. Finally, Zelnick could have been talking about how quickly the CityVille creator has lost daily players recently. (What a loaded statement, huh?) We can't wait to see who else gets "jelly"--that's cool now too, right?
"I would argue being the No. 1 player in (social gaming) is complicated, which is why Zynga hasn't gone public yet because their metrics are sketchy," Zelnick said to Reuters during a talk. "I think they have disclosure issues, I think you are seeing their acquisition costs go up, marketing costs go up and they have very high churn."
Zelnick was likely referring to the company's frequent amendments to its S-1 filing with the US Security and Exchanges Commission since it filed for IPO early this summer. His words also seem to allude to the 14 some companies Zynga purchased in a single year, which helped it amass nearly 3,000 employees worldwide. Finally, Zelnick could have been talking about how quickly the CityVille creator has lost daily players recently. (What a loaded statement, huh?) We can't wait to see who else gets "jelly"--that's cool now too, right?
UK Facebook users could soon gamble their earnings away (for real)
As in, gamble their real cash away with the chance of actually winning money in return. According to eGaming Review (eGR) [paywall link], Facebook is talking with a number of UK operators to possibly open up its platform to real-money gambling. And the change could happen as soon as the first quarter in 2012. We can almost hear the sobs of British men in the gutter already from bad Zynga Poker matches.
eGR reports, citing anonymous sources (of course), that Facebook is considering providing eight licenses to UK operators looking to get into a market that developers are already trying to crack. According to the website, Facebook is already staffing up in preparation for the initiative. This type of thing is likely years away from happening in the US, where online gambling is, for all intents and purposes, illegal.
The UK-based online gambling companies in question reportedly include Gamesys and 888 Holdings. However, more details on how age gates, payment solutions or revenue splits between Facebook and the companies would work aren't available. The website speculates that Facebook could be using the UK as a testbed for similar efforts in other countries.
The news comes as particularly striking considering the number of mock-casino and betting games that have hit Facebook in recent months from DoubleDown Casino to Yazino's games and Bet Tycoon, to name a few. In fact, Yazino CEO Hussein Chahine thinks that the social gaming market would be vastly different today if not for how the US handled online gambling prior to the rise of the genre. Well, it looks like those floodgates are about to open--at least elsewhere in the world.
eGR reports, citing anonymous sources (of course), that Facebook is considering providing eight licenses to UK operators looking to get into a market that developers are already trying to crack. According to the website, Facebook is already staffing up in preparation for the initiative. This type of thing is likely years away from happening in the US, where online gambling is, for all intents and purposes, illegal.
The UK-based online gambling companies in question reportedly include Gamesys and 888 Holdings. However, more details on how age gates, payment solutions or revenue splits between Facebook and the companies would work aren't available. The website speculates that Facebook could be using the UK as a testbed for similar efforts in other countries.
The news comes as particularly striking considering the number of mock-casino and betting games that have hit Facebook in recent months from DoubleDown Casino to Yazino's games and Bet Tycoon, to name a few. In fact, Yazino CEO Hussein Chahine thinks that the social gaming market would be vastly different today if not for how the US handled online gambling prior to the rise of the genre. Well, it looks like those floodgates are about to open--at least elsewhere in the world.
Everybody, start your engines: Zynga will go public on Dec. 16 [Report]
Did you remember your enormous salt shaker? Good, because Reuters reports that Zynga, everybody's favorite social game maker, will make its stock market debut on Dec. 16. According to Reuters, the CityVille creator will look to raise $900 million, a hair down from the almost unanimously-reported $1 billion that will bring its valuation to $14 billion.
But hey, that's still right on par with the most valuable games company in the West, Activision Blizzard. (Of course, Reuters cites "a source involved in the process.") Zynga will reportedly ask between $8 and $10 a share on the Nasdaq under the ticker ZNGA--a fairly noticeable one, no? However, Reuters does confirm that Zynga will start its roadshow next week to spur investor interest.
That is, if investors can look past the recent torrent of reports and quips that don't paint the prettiest picture of the company behind FarmVille. The New York Times allegedly revealed that Angry Birds maker Rovio turned down a $2.25 billion offer from the company, while a recent Wall Street Journal report seems to have exposed quite the stock scandal within Zynga. Worse yet, players are apparently leaving in droves. It's time for Zynga to shift into third gear: That $900 million is atop one giant hill.
Would you ever invest in Zynga at such a price? Do you think the company could at least become the second most valuable games company in the US?
But hey, that's still right on par with the most valuable games company in the West, Activision Blizzard. (Of course, Reuters cites "a source involved in the process.") Zynga will reportedly ask between $8 and $10 a share on the Nasdaq under the ticker ZNGA--a fairly noticeable one, no? However, Reuters does confirm that Zynga will start its roadshow next week to spur investor interest.
That is, if investors can look past the recent torrent of reports and quips that don't paint the prettiest picture of the company behind FarmVille. The New York Times allegedly revealed that Angry Birds maker Rovio turned down a $2.25 billion offer from the company, while a recent Wall Street Journal report seems to have exposed quite the stock scandal within Zynga. Worse yet, players are apparently leaving in droves. It's time for Zynga to shift into third gear: That $900 million is atop one giant hill.
Would you ever invest in Zynga at such a price? Do you think the company could at least become the second most valuable games company in the US?
Yazino hopes to 'reinvent gambling' with in-sync social casino games
We'll be the first to admit it: Casino games have become a dime a dozen on Facebook recently. From Zynga's own Zynga Poker to Poker Rivals by Playfish and DoubleDown Casino, the sub genre is quickly becoming crowded. (Even PopCap appears keen on the genre.) That said, it's going to take a unique approach for a chance to attract a healthy chunk of that player base.
Yazino, a UK-based social gaming start-up founded in 2008, looks to bring exactly that with what CEO Hussein Chahine calls "in-sync" gaming. Chahine's vision is to have players compete and chat in real time across the web, iOS and Android devices--and Yazino is already doing just that. The seven games Yazino has today all started with a simple idea.
"The idea that we came by is, 'How do we take poker--a very engaging, a lot of emotions, there's a bit of skill when you play--and build an engine that builds completely synchronous games,'" Chahine tells us. "It's dedicated to games that are multiplayer by nature, and people want to play together. In all of the gambling industry, poker was the most powerful."
With that, Chahine and crew opted to create several classic casino games with the real-time competition that poker provides. And it's because of this direct competition that the Yazino chief believes his team works toward games that are truly social. "We have games on social networks, rather than social games," Chahine says. "If we put Solitaire on Facebook, would Solitaire be a social game?"
Blackjack by Yazino
While only two of Yazino's games--Blackjack and Slots Wheel Deal--are available on iOS, all of its games are on Facebook. Well, sort of. The company's seven games appear to be Facebook applications, but when launched redirect to Yazino's own website, which hosts the games complete with your list of Facebook friends and even random matchmaking. So, why take this route? According to Chahine, Facebook simply can't handle synchronous, multiplatform gaming at the moment.
"Synchronous play has a much deeper and more competitive advantage over asynchronous games. Because of the immersive nature of synchronous games, [the Facebook Ticker] is really a distraction, and actually quite annoying," Chahine admits. "It's like you're [watching] a horse race--you only want to know about what the horse is doing. Do I really care about 'Fred is listening to music?' The synchronous nature and intensity of these games require a different ambiance and a different environment."
Hussein ChahineYazino also looks to give players the option to create personal communities within the larger player base. Chahine (pictured right) uses the English football club Manchester United as an example: A group of friends who play in Manchester United together will soon have the option to create their own sub group, complete with its own leader boards. Because of this, along with the prospects of live chat and real-time gameplay across platforms, Chahine tells us that using Facebook directly isn't an option. (However, it's important to take note that this strategy appears to leave Yazino free from the grips of Facebook Credits too.)
Of course (well, at least in the U.S.), players can't cash in on their virtual winnings, as online gambling was effectively outlawed years ago. And apparently, players are actually happy to accept this reality, according to Chahine. The Yazino head also chalks that up to the fact that players can enjoy its games for free through offers and chips provided daily. Giving players the opportunity to play for free is "a big area of focus" for Yazino, Chahine tells us. And according to him, the entire social gaming scene would be different if online gambling hadn't suffered its run-ins with the law before the turn of the decade. Zynga Poker was one of Zynga's first games, after all.
"Zynga is the only player that's not a gambling site that could throw that game. Poker Stars didn't have the opportunity," Chahine tells us. "They were banned from Facebook, so if PokerStars and the other big sites were allowed even from a virtual perspective. So, if they were allowed to enter that market, there's no way Zynga would have had that success with Zynga Poker."
Slots Wheel Deal by Yazin0
In other words, Facebook could have very well been dominated by casino and gambling games if not for Internet gambling's dashed history with the law before and during Facebook's rise. But Yazino isn't interested in real money gambling. Period. (But is it any less real when players can pay for chips, but not see a return?) Regardless, what Chahine says is that Yazino is interested in is to "reinvent gambling in a much more sophisticated way."
"When you play together, our emotions are heightened," Chahine gushes. "It's more amplified, it's more real and we become more competitive. We do believe at Yazino, what we're trying to become is the pioneer of friendly competition."
Yazino, a UK-based social gaming start-up founded in 2008, looks to bring exactly that with what CEO Hussein Chahine calls "in-sync" gaming. Chahine's vision is to have players compete and chat in real time across the web, iOS and Android devices--and Yazino is already doing just that. The seven games Yazino has today all started with a simple idea.
"The idea that we came by is, 'How do we take poker--a very engaging, a lot of emotions, there's a bit of skill when you play--and build an engine that builds completely synchronous games,'" Chahine tells us. "It's dedicated to games that are multiplayer by nature, and people want to play together. In all of the gambling industry, poker was the most powerful."
With that, Chahine and crew opted to create several classic casino games with the real-time competition that poker provides. And it's because of this direct competition that the Yazino chief believes his team works toward games that are truly social. "We have games on social networks, rather than social games," Chahine says. "If we put Solitaire on Facebook, would Solitaire be a social game?"
Blackjack by Yazino
While only two of Yazino's games--Blackjack and Slots Wheel Deal--are available on iOS, all of its games are on Facebook. Well, sort of. The company's seven games appear to be Facebook applications, but when launched redirect to Yazino's own website, which hosts the games complete with your list of Facebook friends and even random matchmaking. So, why take this route? According to Chahine, Facebook simply can't handle synchronous, multiplatform gaming at the moment.
"Synchronous play has a much deeper and more competitive advantage over asynchronous games. Because of the immersive nature of synchronous games, [the Facebook Ticker] is really a distraction, and actually quite annoying," Chahine admits. "It's like you're [watching] a horse race--you only want to know about what the horse is doing. Do I really care about 'Fred is listening to music?' The synchronous nature and intensity of these games require a different ambiance and a different environment."
Hussein ChahineYazino also looks to give players the option to create personal communities within the larger player base. Chahine (pictured right) uses the English football club Manchester United as an example: A group of friends who play in Manchester United together will soon have the option to create their own sub group, complete with its own leader boards. Because of this, along with the prospects of live chat and real-time gameplay across platforms, Chahine tells us that using Facebook directly isn't an option. (However, it's important to take note that this strategy appears to leave Yazino free from the grips of Facebook Credits too.)
Of course (well, at least in the U.S.), players can't cash in on their virtual winnings, as online gambling was effectively outlawed years ago. And apparently, players are actually happy to accept this reality, according to Chahine. The Yazino head also chalks that up to the fact that players can enjoy its games for free through offers and chips provided daily. Giving players the opportunity to play for free is "a big area of focus" for Yazino, Chahine tells us. And according to him, the entire social gaming scene would be different if online gambling hadn't suffered its run-ins with the law before the turn of the decade. Zynga Poker was one of Zynga's first games, after all.
"Zynga is the only player that's not a gambling site that could throw that game. Poker Stars didn't have the opportunity," Chahine tells us. "They were banned from Facebook, so if PokerStars and the other big sites were allowed even from a virtual perspective. So, if they were allowed to enter that market, there's no way Zynga would have had that success with Zynga Poker."
Slots Wheel Deal by Yazin0
In other words, Facebook could have very well been dominated by casino and gambling games if not for Internet gambling's dashed history with the law before and during Facebook's rise. But Yazino isn't interested in real money gambling. Period. (But is it any less real when players can pay for chips, but not see a return?) Regardless, what Chahine says is that Yazino is interested in is to "reinvent gambling in a much more sophisticated way."
"When you play together, our emotions are heightened," Chahine gushes. "It's more amplified, it's more real and we become more competitive. We do believe at Yazino, what we're trying to become is the pioneer of friendly competition."
Thứ Hai, 12 tháng 12, 2011
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.
Disney XD Games
Disney Friends for Change Games
To support the “Disney Friends for Change Games” on Disney Channel and Disney XD, Disneychannelgames.biz has launched an online destination at Disneyxd.biz, where kids and families can take part in the Games from home and help the planet — by making personal pledges of their own, playing online versions of the Games, and making art that matters! When kids play online versions of the Games at Disneyxd.biz, they can donate the points they earn to one of the four charities involved. At the end of the Games, the charity with the most points given by the Disney.com online community will receive $100K.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
In addition to playing online games for charity, kids can view exclusive video content and participate in a number of funonline activities. Kids can create online art on the Friends for Change Group Wall at Disneyxd.biz, where they can see the transformative power of friends everywhere pitching in to make a difference. The Disneyxd.biz site will also feature exclusive videos from the “Disney Friends for Change Games,” including a special wrap-up show hosted by Tiffany Thorntonand Jason Earles. Kids can also download the official 2011 Friends for Change anthem “We Can Change the World” featuring Bridgit Mendler on Disneyxd.biz
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
Over 30 Disney Channel Games and Disney XD Games stars from around the globe will compete in “Disney Friends for Change Games.” Four teams will play on behalf of a global charity — Fauna and Flora International, World Wildlife Fund, Ocean Conservancy and UNICEF. For five weeks beginning Friday, June 24, Disney Channelwill present “Disney Friends for Change Games” in interstitials during its Friday, Saturday and Sunday primetime original series programming, and Disney XD will present a special episode from the games Monday nights beginning June 27 (9:30 p.m., ET/PT). The Games will culminate with a special half-hour episode Sunday, July 31 on Disney Channel.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
About Disney’s Friends for Change
Disney’s Friends for Change is a multi-platform initiative that helps inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world (and the people and animals that live there). Through PSAs on-air and online tool-kits, the program aims to provide useful information to help kids make small changes that add up to big differences. As part of the program, Disney donates $1 million dollars annually to fund projects all around the globe and has funded over 41 projects that help the planet ranging from educational & community programs to species & habitat protection. Friends for Change currently has over 4 million actions taking place from kids in 33 countries throughoutthe United States, Europe, Latin America, Japan, India and China. For more information, please visit Disneyxd.biz.
- Disney XD gets its game on
Astral-owned Disney XD Canada is delving deeper into the gaming space in a month-long promotion that will see the multi-platform brand take viewers behind the scenes of June’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), offer up two new games on DisneyXD.biz every week and give away five video game consoles to Disney XD viewers.
The Level Up contest runs through the month of September and is set to feature the star of What’s, Up Warthogs!, Eduard Witzke, reporting from this year’s E3 in eight short interstitial reports entitled Ed’s E3. New episodes of Ed’s E3 will premiere every Tuesday and Thursday from September 1 and will air throughout the Disney XD schedule. Additionally, a weekly entry word will appear in each episode, which can be used to enter the Level Up contest online to win one of five game consoles.
On top of entering the Level Up contest on DisneyXD.ca, viewers can explore a dedicated minisite to re-watch episodes of Ed’s E3 as well as test their skills on brand-new Disney XD games. Two new games will be unveiled each week with a bonus game available for those who can work out the special DisneyXD.biz game code.
To support the “Disney Friends for Change Games” on Disney Channel and Disney XD, Disneychannelgames.biz has launched an online destination at Disneyxd.biz, where kids and families can take part in the Games from home and help the planet — by making personal pledges of their own, playing online versions of the Games, and making art that matters! When kids play online versions of the Games at Disneyxd.biz, they can donate the points they earn to one of the four charities involved. At the end of the Games, the charity with the most points given by the Disney.com online community will receive $100K.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
In addition to playing online games for charity, kids can view exclusive video content and participate in a number of funonline activities. Kids can create online art on the Friends for Change Group Wall at Disneyxd.biz, where they can see the transformative power of friends everywhere pitching in to make a difference. The Disneyxd.biz site will also feature exclusive videos from the “Disney Friends for Change Games,” including a special wrap-up show hosted by Tiffany Thorntonand Jason Earles. Kids can also download the official 2011 Friends for Change anthem “We Can Change the World” featuring Bridgit Mendler on Disneyxd.biz
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
Over 30 Disney Channel Games and Disney XD Games stars from around the globe will compete in “Disney Friends for Change Games.” Four teams will play on behalf of a global charity — Fauna and Flora International, World Wildlife Fund, Ocean Conservancy and UNICEF. For five weeks beginning Friday, June 24, Disney Channelwill present “Disney Friends for Change Games” in interstitials during its Friday, Saturday and Sunday primetime original series programming, and Disney XD will present a special episode from the games Monday nights beginning June 27 (9:30 p.m., ET/PT). The Games will culminate with a special half-hour episode Sunday, July 31 on Disney Channel.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
About Disney’s Friends for Change
Disney’s Friends for Change is a multi-platform initiative that helps inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world (and the people and animals that live there). Through PSAs on-air and online tool-kits, the program aims to provide useful information to help kids make small changes that add up to big differences. As part of the program, Disney donates $1 million dollars annually to fund projects all around the globe and has funded over 41 projects that help the planet ranging from educational & community programs to species & habitat protection. Friends for Change currently has over 4 million actions taking place from kids in 33 countries throughoutthe United States, Europe, Latin America, Japan, India and China. For more information, please visit Disneyxd.biz.
- Disney XD gets its game on
Astral-owned Disney XD Canada is delving deeper into the gaming space in a month-long promotion that will see the multi-platform brand take viewers behind the scenes of June’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), offer up two new games on DisneyXD.biz every week and give away five video game consoles to Disney XD viewers.
The Level Up contest runs through the month of September and is set to feature the star of What’s, Up Warthogs!, Eduard Witzke, reporting from this year’s E3 in eight short interstitial reports entitled Ed’s E3. New episodes of Ed’s E3 will premiere every Tuesday and Thursday from September 1 and will air throughout the Disney XD schedule. Additionally, a weekly entry word will appear in each episode, which can be used to enter the Level Up contest online to win one of five game consoles.
On top of entering the Level Up contest on DisneyXD.ca, viewers can explore a dedicated minisite to re-watch episodes of Ed’s E3 as well as test their skills on brand-new Disney XD games. Two new games will be unveiled each week with a bonus game available for those who can work out the special DisneyXD.biz game code.
Disney XD News
DISNEY XD TO PREMIERE “FORT BOYARD – ULTIMATE CHALLENGE,” A REALITY ADVENTURE SERIES ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 17
Geno Segers (Disney XD’s “Pair of Kings”) and popular British television presenter Laura Hamilton (“Dancing On Ice”) host an exciting competition requiring brainpower, courage and teamwork, “Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge,” a 10-part series premiering MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT), with a thrilling finale MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. Based on the international game show phenomenon “Fort Boyard,” the series is set in a 19th century sea fort off the coast of France. It introduces six teams — 24 teens from the United States and the United Kingdom — who team up for a tournament where only one team will ultimately get the key to unlock the historic fort’s hidden treasures and win the honor of calling themselves “the conquerors of Fort Boyard.”
The reality adventure series marks the first kids’ version of the popular game show which premiered more than 20 years ago and has since been produced in over 38 countries worldwide.
In the premiere episode, team members from the Red Vipers and Yellow Scorpions compete in the first round of challenges to find out which team has what it takes to move on to become the conquerors of the fort.
“Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge” is produced by Zodiak Media Group’s production companies The Foundation and Adventure Line Productions, who created the concept for the original “Fort Boyard” and have been producing the series for 22 years.
The executive producers are Nigel Pickard and Ged Allen for The Foundation, Pierre Godde for Adventure Line Productions and Jamila Metran for CiTV. The producer is Steve Pinhay.
The series will be televised on Disney XD cable and satellite channels around the world (excluding France and the Nordics) and CiTV in the UK.
About “Fort Boyard”
“Fort Boyard” is the most successful adventure game show in the world, having sold to over 30 territories, while dominating France 2′s primetime summer schedule every year since 1990. The action takes place in an imposing fortress built in the middle of the ocean. This provides the perfect backdrop for strenuous, against-the-clock physical challenges and mind-boggling riddles, featuring strange characters and fearsome animals. All this and more awaits those attempting to reach the Treasure Room! Only the fittest and most intelligent contestants can hope to conquer Fort Boyard.
About Disney XD:
Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., disney channel XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. There are 22 other Disney XD Games channels around the world.
Geno Segers (Disney XD’s “Pair of Kings”) and popular British television presenter Laura Hamilton (“Dancing On Ice”) host an exciting competition requiring brainpower, courage and teamwork, “Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge,” a 10-part series premiering MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT), with a thrilling finale MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. Based on the international game show phenomenon “Fort Boyard,” the series is set in a 19th century sea fort off the coast of France. It introduces six teams — 24 teens from the United States and the United Kingdom — who team up for a tournament where only one team will ultimately get the key to unlock the historic fort’s hidden treasures and win the honor of calling themselves “the conquerors of Fort Boyard.”
The reality adventure series marks the first kids’ version of the popular game show which premiered more than 20 years ago and has since been produced in over 38 countries worldwide.
In the premiere episode, team members from the Red Vipers and Yellow Scorpions compete in the first round of challenges to find out which team has what it takes to move on to become the conquerors of the fort.
“Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge” is produced by Zodiak Media Group’s production companies The Foundation and Adventure Line Productions, who created the concept for the original “Fort Boyard” and have been producing the series for 22 years.
The executive producers are Nigel Pickard and Ged Allen for The Foundation, Pierre Godde for Adventure Line Productions and Jamila Metran for CiTV. The producer is Steve Pinhay.
The series will be televised on Disney XD cable and satellite channels around the world (excluding France and the Nordics) and CiTV in the UK.
About “Fort Boyard”
“Fort Boyard” is the most successful adventure game show in the world, having sold to over 30 territories, while dominating France 2′s primetime summer schedule every year since 1990. The action takes place in an imposing fortress built in the middle of the ocean. This provides the perfect backdrop for strenuous, against-the-clock physical challenges and mind-boggling riddles, featuring strange characters and fearsome animals. All this and more awaits those attempting to reach the Treasure Room! Only the fittest and most intelligent contestants can hope to conquer Fort Boyard.
About Disney XD:
Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., disney channel XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. There are 22 other Disney XD Games channels around the world.
Thứ Sáu, 9 tháng 12, 2011
EA wants to get into hardcore gaming ... on Facebook [Update]
Update: Inside Social Games has confirmed that EA has purchased KlickNation. The outlet reports that the studio will be integrated into BioWare's social game development arm, most likely referring to BioWare San Francisco. Check out the full report here.
No, you probably won't see Battlefield 3 on Facebook anytime soon. But EA could make another social gaming buy by the end of the week, according to Inside Social Games's nameless sources. The Playfish and PopCap owner is reportedly looking to pick up Age of Champions creator KlickNation in a bid to enter the emerging hardcore social games scene on Facebook.
The 70 person-strong studio would add to the publisher's stable of social game developers that could bring its traditional game franchises to life on social networks, like EA2D (now BioWare San Francisco) has done with Dragon Age Legends. It's been said that there are nearly 80 million gamers enjoying more "core" game experiences on Facebook, so it's understandable why EA would be bullish on this audience.
However, as it does with your run-of-the-mill social games, EA faces stiff competition in the strategy games space on Facebook. Developers like Kixeye, Kabam and even Digital Chocolate have staked their claim when it comes to hardcore games on the platform. EA will likely test the waters with its upcoming Risk: Factions on Facebook, but that games appears more cartoon-like than most strategy games on the network.
The second place publisher has struck gold with The Sims Social, though it's in decline. Regardless, EA will be better off sticking with its more recognizable franchises if it's to use the KlickNation team to make new games. That said, maybe Battlefield will make it to Facebook after all--and there's always Command & Conquer.
No, you probably won't see Battlefield 3 on Facebook anytime soon. But EA could make another social gaming buy by the end of the week, according to Inside Social Games's nameless sources. The Playfish and PopCap owner is reportedly looking to pick up Age of Champions creator KlickNation in a bid to enter the emerging hardcore social games scene on Facebook.
The 70 person-strong studio would add to the publisher's stable of social game developers that could bring its traditional game franchises to life on social networks, like EA2D (now BioWare San Francisco) has done with Dragon Age Legends. It's been said that there are nearly 80 million gamers enjoying more "core" game experiences on Facebook, so it's understandable why EA would be bullish on this audience.
However, as it does with your run-of-the-mill social games, EA faces stiff competition in the strategy games space on Facebook. Developers like Kixeye, Kabam and even Digital Chocolate have staked their claim when it comes to hardcore games on the platform. EA will likely test the waters with its upcoming Risk: Factions on Facebook, but that games appears more cartoon-like than most strategy games on the network.
The second place publisher has struck gold with The Sims Social, though it's in decline. Regardless, EA will be better off sticking with its more recognizable franchises if it's to use the KlickNation team to make new games. That said, maybe Battlefield will make it to Facebook after all--and there's always Command & Conquer.
Dev calls Zynga games "slightly gamified websites"
Many, maybe too many, conversations about social games lead back to the same topic: Zynga games, they're big, but are they any good?
One of the more measured answers to that question comes from Cerebral Fix CEO Ben Dellaca, who is currently on a Stateside tour to promote his and a few other New Zealand game companies who specialize in social, mobile and augmented reality games. He says Zynga started out creating, well, non-games, but have evolved since then. Here's a snippit of our conversation:
"I kind of argue that the original Zynga products on Facebook were actually slightly gamified websites. And that was as simple as it was. So the likes of the Mafia Wars products or the 'X' Wars products -- they just ripped themselves off like 20-something ridiculous times, Vampire Wars... Vomit Wars. They introduced a whole RPG (role-playing game) concept to it. It was one click, and then it was like, come back here [to click again].
Do you think Zynga games are the same now?
I don't think they're the same at all. This new flight of products coming out from Zynga actually are "games," in my unhumble opinion. I have to tip my hat off to them. Games like Empires & Allies have real fighting elements in them ... I don't think the PvP element is going well at all ... but I think that took their audience to the stage where they're starting, starting, to create some cool little game content. And there's a whole new wave of them... their Indiana Jones rip-offs and their Castle-things are kind of interesting, although that CastleVille does look a little like FrontierVille to me -- so that's a little bit of a worry. But it will be interesting to see where they go in the future because the whole space is maturing. And, if you see a company like Zynga changing... then we're all going to be.
Is Zynga dominating social games on Facebook so much, that it's, in a way, killing it?
I go to all of the conferences and I'm forever seeing developers who are actually looking at the likes of Zynga and going, "Let's do that!" Which I think is crazy... Pick something you're really great at, start there and really polish that up. A lot of game companies moving into, and getting their butts kicked, in the social space are better off, in my opinion, doing something that's a little more core. We've just figured this out recently and have a new buzzword called 'Mid-core' gaming.
What about "core" games on Facebook? Is that really going to draw console games to play a game on a social network?
A great example of how not to do that is Sony and product that they've put with that dungeony thing [aka, Dungeon Overlord] they've put in there. It was a really great game but it wasn't connected to the audience properly. It was almost as if they made this great little game and wanted to sell it to Zynga customers. It wasn't a product that a 55-year-old US 'home executive' was going to play. So you really have to think it through strategically and have got that wider level of thinking as opposed to getting a little too excited about what we're doing and just going out there and making a product. Which does happen from time to time."
Cerebral Fix recently churned out a Facebook game called Crystal Link, a simple, but compelling gem matching game with power-ups (think Bejeweled Blitz). The company also released a Pokemon-style game called Terrapets for Android in November, which Dellaca says will be scampering onto Facebook in the not-too-distant future.
One of the more measured answers to that question comes from Cerebral Fix CEO Ben Dellaca, who is currently on a Stateside tour to promote his and a few other New Zealand game companies who specialize in social, mobile and augmented reality games. He says Zynga started out creating, well, non-games, but have evolved since then. Here's a snippit of our conversation:
"I kind of argue that the original Zynga products on Facebook were actually slightly gamified websites. And that was as simple as it was. So the likes of the Mafia Wars products or the 'X' Wars products -- they just ripped themselves off like 20-something ridiculous times, Vampire Wars... Vomit Wars. They introduced a whole RPG (role-playing game) concept to it. It was one click, and then it was like, come back here [to click again].
Do you think Zynga games are the same now?
I don't think they're the same at all. This new flight of products coming out from Zynga actually are "games," in my unhumble opinion. I have to tip my hat off to them. Games like Empires & Allies have real fighting elements in them ... I don't think the PvP element is going well at all ... but I think that took their audience to the stage where they're starting, starting, to create some cool little game content. And there's a whole new wave of them... their Indiana Jones rip-offs and their Castle-things are kind of interesting, although that CastleVille does look a little like FrontierVille to me -- so that's a little bit of a worry. But it will be interesting to see where they go in the future because the whole space is maturing. And, if you see a company like Zynga changing... then we're all going to be.
Is Zynga dominating social games on Facebook so much, that it's, in a way, killing it?
I go to all of the conferences and I'm forever seeing developers who are actually looking at the likes of Zynga and going, "Let's do that!" Which I think is crazy... Pick something you're really great at, start there and really polish that up. A lot of game companies moving into, and getting their butts kicked, in the social space are better off, in my opinion, doing something that's a little more core. We've just figured this out recently and have a new buzzword called 'Mid-core' gaming.
What about "core" games on Facebook? Is that really going to draw console games to play a game on a social network?
A great example of how not to do that is Sony and product that they've put with that dungeony thing [aka, Dungeon Overlord] they've put in there. It was a really great game but it wasn't connected to the audience properly. It was almost as if they made this great little game and wanted to sell it to Zynga customers. It wasn't a product that a 55-year-old US 'home executive' was going to play. So you really have to think it through strategically and have got that wider level of thinking as opposed to getting a little too excited about what we're doing and just going out there and making a product. Which does happen from time to time."
Cerebral Fix recently churned out a Facebook game called Crystal Link, a simple, but compelling gem matching game with power-ups (think Bejeweled Blitz). The company also released a Pokemon-style game called Terrapets for Android in November, which Dellaca says will be scampering onto Facebook in the not-too-distant future.
Wait, so farming's cool again? The Sims Social falls to third place
Whelp, that was fun while it lasted. EA and Playfish's mega hit The Sims Social is now the third most popular game on Facebook, as the game dipped beneath Zynga's FarmVille, according to AppData. The Facebook app tracking service chalks this up to a loss of 500,000 monthly players in December along with 1.8 million daily players gone in the past week alone.
This leaves The Sims Social with 5.9 million daily players and 30.4 million monthly players, while Zynga's farming simulator gained 200,000 daily players within the last week leaving it with 7 million daily players. However, the game is just a hair above the game all about Littlehaven with 30.9 million monthly players. If you ask us, there are two reasons for this unfortunate switcheroo.
For one, the Winter Wonderland expansion just hit FarmVille for those willing to pay up the Farm Cash to get in, hence the 200,000 more daily players. (That sounds like an accurate number for those willing to fork up the $10.) Zynga is taking the holidays seriously this year in FarmVille, as Winter Wonderland is an entirely new farm for fans to play around in. And that's in addition to the torrent of holiday crops, animals and decorations that has already hit the game and will likely continue into Dec. 25 and beyond.
The Sims Social, on the other hand, hasn't seen a major content update on the scale of FarmVille's Winter Wonderland since its release this summer. Sure, the game has been updated with numerous tweaks, themes and contests, but perhaps those aren't enough to keep players' attention. A hefty chunk of The Sims Social players are Zynga fans, after all, and they can be a fickle bunch. If The Sims Social wants to see second place again, it's going to take more than themes and gameplay refinements.
Are you still digging The Sims Social since its launch? Can the game be restored to its former glory, and if so, how?
This leaves The Sims Social with 5.9 million daily players and 30.4 million monthly players, while Zynga's farming simulator gained 200,000 daily players within the last week leaving it with 7 million daily players. However, the game is just a hair above the game all about Littlehaven with 30.9 million monthly players. If you ask us, there are two reasons for this unfortunate switcheroo.
For one, the Winter Wonderland expansion just hit FarmVille for those willing to pay up the Farm Cash to get in, hence the 200,000 more daily players. (That sounds like an accurate number for those willing to fork up the $10.) Zynga is taking the holidays seriously this year in FarmVille, as Winter Wonderland is an entirely new farm for fans to play around in. And that's in addition to the torrent of holiday crops, animals and decorations that has already hit the game and will likely continue into Dec. 25 and beyond.
The Sims Social, on the other hand, hasn't seen a major content update on the scale of FarmVille's Winter Wonderland since its release this summer. Sure, the game has been updated with numerous tweaks, themes and contests, but perhaps those aren't enough to keep players' attention. A hefty chunk of The Sims Social players are Zynga fans, after all, and they can be a fickle bunch. If The Sims Social wants to see second place again, it's going to take more than themes and gameplay refinements.
Are you still digging The Sims Social since its launch? Can the game be restored to its former glory, and if so, how?
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Mimidursley's Jingle Bells in Winter Wonderland
Shortly after Thanksgiving, fifty FarmVille players discovered that they won early access to the new Winter Wonderland farm through Zynga's Winter Wonderland Escape Caption Contest. Winners are listed here. Out of the 1,469 entries, there were no shortage of spiked eggnog jokes. Despite the fact that the contest rules said to keep things "Rated G", three winners -- GameOnGary, bigdog2847, and Dorisima Brown -- won by cracking quips of the chicken being drunk. Needless to say, many fans were miffed.
For me though, the best entry was one that never made it to the contest page. Mimidursley posted an animated picture of the Winter Wonderland animals (shown above) singing a parody of "Jingle Bells", while on a thread about FarmVille glitches. Mimidursley did enter the caption contest though, and it's another case of caroling critters, but her entry didn't win.
Anyway, aside from being cute, this animation brought a smile to our faces. So laugh, sing-along, and feel free to email it to your FarmVille-loving friends.
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2011 coverage right here.
Would you like to see more FarmVille Pic of the Day like this one? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille image that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email it to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your creation and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
For me though, the best entry was one that never made it to the contest page. Mimidursley posted an animated picture of the Winter Wonderland animals (shown above) singing a parody of "Jingle Bells", while on a thread about FarmVille glitches. Mimidursley did enter the caption contest though, and it's another case of caroling critters, but her entry didn't win.
Anyway, aside from being cute, this animation brought a smile to our faces. So laugh, sing-along, and feel free to email it to your FarmVille-loving friends.
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2011 coverage right here.
Would you like to see more FarmVille Pic of the Day like this one? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille image that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email it to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your creation and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
FarmVille: Win a Christmas Plush and 75 Farm Cash from Zynga
Have you already entered our giveaway for a free FarmVille Christmas Ornament Plush, complete with 10 Farm Cash and a virtual version of that animal for your farm? There's still time to enter our contest for one of ten animals, but if you want to increase your chances of walking away with one of these adorable plushies, why not also enter a contest being held by Zynga itself on the game's official forums?
There, you'll have the opportunity to simply fill in the blank on a themed sentence for a chance to randomly be named the winner. To be specific, your entry needs to complete this sentence: "I want a FV plushy for the holidays because..." On December 10, entries will be closed, and 50 random players (that followed the rules, that is) will walk away with a free FarmVille Christmas Ornament Plush, the 10 Farm Cash and virtual animal that come with it, plus an additional 75 Farm Cash for being a winner of the contest. A pretty neat deal, right?
Unfortunately, you won't be able to choose which of the eight animals you'll receive from the big Z if you are chosen as a winner, but if you end up with a duplicate of an animal you've already purchased in the real world, why not try to trade it to a friend for something you don't have? My guess is there are plenty of eager farmers that would be more than willing to help you out, even if it's only to trade the virtual codes for those animals within your farm(s). Good luck!
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2011 coverage right here.
Will you enter FarmVille's Christmas Plush Giveaway? Which animal are you hoping to win in this contest?
There, you'll have the opportunity to simply fill in the blank on a themed sentence for a chance to randomly be named the winner. To be specific, your entry needs to complete this sentence: "I want a FV plushy for the holidays because..." On December 10, entries will be closed, and 50 random players (that followed the rules, that is) will walk away with a free FarmVille Christmas Ornament Plush, the 10 Farm Cash and virtual animal that come with it, plus an additional 75 Farm Cash for being a winner of the contest. A pretty neat deal, right?
Unfortunately, you won't be able to choose which of the eight animals you'll receive from the big Z if you are chosen as a winner, but if you end up with a duplicate of an animal you've already purchased in the real world, why not try to trade it to a friend for something you don't have? My guess is there are plenty of eager farmers that would be more than willing to help you out, even if it's only to trade the virtual codes for those animals within your farm(s). Good luck!
Check out the rest of our Holiday 2011 coverage right here.
Will you enter FarmVille's Christmas Plush Giveaway? Which animal are you hoping to win in this contest?
FarmVille Santa's Sleigh: Everything you need to know
Just yesterday, we brought you a sneak peek that Santa himself would be joining the Christmas festivities in FarmVille, and it has only taken him 24 hours to arrive! That's right, the big man in red has taken a break from his Christmas planning at the North Pole to make a visit to your farm via Santa's Sleigh... well, sort of. This is a new building project that's rolling out to users as we speak, and is available to build for free using parts from friends. Or, if you want to skip the technicalities, you can also purchase a complete Sleigh from the store for Farm Cash.
If you choose to go the free route, you'll be given a chance to place the frame for your Sleigh on the farm of your choosing for free. If you happen to load the game on a farm that you don't want the Sleigh to be on, just click on the Arrow tool in the bottom right corner of the screen before placing it. This places the Sleigh into your inventory so that you can freely switch farms and place Santa's Sleigh when and where you want.
As for finishing it, this Sleigh is comparable to the Polar Train Station within Winter Wonderland, as it comes with seven different levels, and can be upgraded by collecting more and more building materials. The first level requires the following:
8 GPS
8 Silver Bells
8 Holiday Lights
These items can either be purchased for a single Farm Cash each, or you can ask your friends to send them to you via individual requests. As you start to build your Sleigh, you'll be frequently prompted to share ingredients with friends, so make sure to click on similar posts made by your friends for truly free parts.
Once you reach Level 4, you'll need to collect some different items, starting with 18 each of Milk and Cookie, Reindeer Treats and Holiday Cheer. These items are earned in the same way as the others.
As you continue to upgrade Santa's Sleigh, eventually reaching Level 7, you're not just making this item look prettier, but are also ensuring that you'll be able to harvest more Gifts from it when this year's Holiday Tree launches in the game. This is the first official mention we've seen of a Christmas Holiday Tree for FarmVille this year, so we'll make sure to stay on top of things and will let you know when that Tree launches. It could be any day, so start building Santa's Sleigh today!
If you choose to go the free route, you'll be given a chance to place the frame for your Sleigh on the farm of your choosing for free. If you happen to load the game on a farm that you don't want the Sleigh to be on, just click on the Arrow tool in the bottom right corner of the screen before placing it. This places the Sleigh into your inventory so that you can freely switch farms and place Santa's Sleigh when and where you want.
As for finishing it, this Sleigh is comparable to the Polar Train Station within Winter Wonderland, as it comes with seven different levels, and can be upgraded by collecting more and more building materials. The first level requires the following:
8 GPS
8 Silver Bells
8 Holiday Lights
These items can either be purchased for a single Farm Cash each, or you can ask your friends to send them to you via individual requests. As you start to build your Sleigh, you'll be frequently prompted to share ingredients with friends, so make sure to click on similar posts made by your friends for truly free parts.
Once you reach Level 4, you'll need to collect some different items, starting with 18 each of Milk and Cookie, Reindeer Treats and Holiday Cheer. These items are earned in the same way as the others.
As you continue to upgrade Santa's Sleigh, eventually reaching Level 7, you're not just making this item look prettier, but are also ensuring that you'll be able to harvest more Gifts from it when this year's Holiday Tree launches in the game. This is the first official mention we've seen of a Christmas Holiday Tree for FarmVille this year, so we'll make sure to stay on top of things and will let you know when that Tree launches. It could be any day, so start building Santa's Sleigh today!
Thứ Tư, 26 tháng 10, 2011
This Is New York Comic Con’s Ghillie Suit Cosplayer
I followed this guy around for a little bit trying to capture a video. He’d go somewhere sort of fold into himself and just lay there long enough to draw a crowd and maybe scare one person.
Madden Makers Come Back to Make A New Game
It’s awesome to work on a sports game, and it was great to work on Madden, and to meet athletes and celebrites, ” says Cummings (pictured above, right), whom hardcore sports gamers recognise as that series’ former creative director, leaving that job in April. “But at some point, you realise that you’re still working on the same game every year.”
High Resolution Texture Pack For PC Rage Unlikely
While id Software never promised such a pack, its potential existence became substantially more blurred after the following piece of unpromising news was delivered by id’s programming maestro John Carmack via Twitter.
Then, in an instant, he’s dead.
Xbox
How Gears Of War 3 Alienated Me
By Logan Booker on October 16, 2011 at 1:30 PM
You should know, before you continue, that I’ll be engaging in spoiler-like activities. So, that’s out there now, in the world for you to absorb and contemplate. Read on if you’ve finished Gears Of War 3, don’t care about the story, or just like a good-old fashioned spoiling to get you riled up on a Sunday, just before you go and kick down sandcastles at the beach.
A Thing Warning You About Spoilers After This Point
It’s bad.
We’re surrounded by Lambent humans, their cadavorous, fluoro forms lumbering towards us, uncaring of bullet or Lancer chainsaw. I imagine this is what a zombie rave might feel like, if I were the main course.
Chris and I, after hours of play, have finally reached the dilapidated city of Mercy. More accurately, we’re pretty much done with it. We sit beside each other, engaged in split-screen co-op, exactly how we’ve done with Gears Of War 2 and, surprisingly, the original Gears Of War.
Say what you will about clichéd characters and the now-formulaic gameplay, but grabbing the latest game in the series had become a small ritual for my brother and I, a sacred bonding session between two siblings whose ages round closer to 30 than they do 20.
As bearded deuteragonist Dominic Santiago, I unload my Gnasher Shotgun dispassionately into a horde of Lambent undead and watch as their bodies dissipate into unsatisfying clouds of ash. Chris, as the eternally-scowling Marcus Fenix, carves powdery chunks off his mindless, glowing assailants with his Lancer’s chainsaw. I swear it’s the only gun he ever uses, his second-favourite, ammo-less game weapon, just behind the phaser from Star Trek: Elite Force.
I can sense the checkpoint coming. Yes, our time in Mercy is at an end. It certainly feels like our number of Lambent kills, combined with the time we’ve spent accumulating them, has crossed the requisite computational threshold. Just like every other near-death situation our bulging characters have encountered, we’ll get through this one, ready to take on the next. But only after irrationally discarding our carefully groomed selection of weapons for the default arsenal, as is want to happen between levels.
Except, that’s not what happened.
Cue a cut-scene, which we can instantly tell is not rendered in-game. No, this is a hand-crafted movie with a very special message to deliver. Chris and I watch as the hordes close in on Fenix and Dom. We watch as the fighting intensifies and all looks lost. We watch as Dom reaches the same conclusion and, sensing the invulnerability that served him so well over the past two games has magically expired, leaps into a monstrous nearby vehicle.
We watch as he drives off, leaving his friends to their fate. Or so, it would seem. We watch as Dom accelerates back, determination, fear and a sense of peace crossing his features as he does so.
Then, in an instant, he’s dead.
An explosion of suitably massive proportions punctuates Dom’s selfless act, and we’re left to contemplate the last 30 seconds of emotional activity to an instrumental version of Tears for Fears’s Mad World.
Chris and I are stunned, me more so than him. Surprisingly, my first question is “Well, who am I supposed to play now?”
Jace, that’s who. Unceremoniously, I’m thrown behind the eyes of a character I barely know, introduced in the briefest of manners at the start of the game. I helped this guy get a chocolate bar. That’s as far as the relationship goes and, to be honest, as far as I want it to.
Having played Dom for two-and-a-half-games, I feel no connection with this new, almost alien entity. It’s not like the minor segues with Cole and Baird, because you know it’s temporary. A pacing mechanic to break up the game. This is an ever-lasting transition of my gaming soul from one player-character to another.
How Gears Of War 3 Alienated Me
By Logan Booker on October 16, 2011 at 1:30 PM
You should know, before you continue, that I’ll be engaging in spoiler-like activities. So, that’s out there now, in the world for you to absorb and contemplate. Read on if you’ve finished Gears Of War 3, don’t care about the story, or just like a good-old fashioned spoiling to get you riled up on a Sunday, just before you go and kick down sandcastles at the beach.
A Thing Warning You About Spoilers After This Point
It’s bad.
We’re surrounded by Lambent humans, their cadavorous, fluoro forms lumbering towards us, uncaring of bullet or Lancer chainsaw. I imagine this is what a zombie rave might feel like, if I were the main course.
Chris and I, after hours of play, have finally reached the dilapidated city of Mercy. More accurately, we’re pretty much done with it. We sit beside each other, engaged in split-screen co-op, exactly how we’ve done with Gears Of War 2 and, surprisingly, the original Gears Of War.
Say what you will about clichéd characters and the now-formulaic gameplay, but grabbing the latest game in the series had become a small ritual for my brother and I, a sacred bonding session between two siblings whose ages round closer to 30 than they do 20.
As bearded deuteragonist Dominic Santiago, I unload my Gnasher Shotgun dispassionately into a horde of Lambent undead and watch as their bodies dissipate into unsatisfying clouds of ash. Chris, as the eternally-scowling Marcus Fenix, carves powdery chunks off his mindless, glowing assailants with his Lancer’s chainsaw. I swear it’s the only gun he ever uses, his second-favourite, ammo-less game weapon, just behind the phaser from Star Trek: Elite Force.
I can sense the checkpoint coming. Yes, our time in Mercy is at an end. It certainly feels like our number of Lambent kills, combined with the time we’ve spent accumulating them, has crossed the requisite computational threshold. Just like every other near-death situation our bulging characters have encountered, we’ll get through this one, ready to take on the next. But only after irrationally discarding our carefully groomed selection of weapons for the default arsenal, as is want to happen between levels.
Except, that’s not what happened.
Cue a cut-scene, which we can instantly tell is not rendered in-game. No, this is a hand-crafted movie with a very special message to deliver. Chris and I watch as the hordes close in on Fenix and Dom. We watch as the fighting intensifies and all looks lost. We watch as Dom reaches the same conclusion and, sensing the invulnerability that served him so well over the past two games has magically expired, leaps into a monstrous nearby vehicle.
We watch as he drives off, leaving his friends to their fate. Or so, it would seem. We watch as Dom accelerates back, determination, fear and a sense of peace crossing his features as he does so.
Then, in an instant, he’s dead.
An explosion of suitably massive proportions punctuates Dom’s selfless act, and we’re left to contemplate the last 30 seconds of emotional activity to an instrumental version of Tears for Fears’s Mad World.
Chris and I are stunned, me more so than him. Surprisingly, my first question is “Well, who am I supposed to play now?”
Jace, that’s who. Unceremoniously, I’m thrown behind the eyes of a character I barely know, introduced in the briefest of manners at the start of the game. I helped this guy get a chocolate bar. That’s as far as the relationship goes and, to be honest, as far as I want it to.
Having played Dom for two-and-a-half-games, I feel no connection with this new, almost alien entity. It’s not like the minor segues with Cole and Baird, because you know it’s temporary. A pacing mechanic to break up the game. This is an ever-lasting transition of my gaming soul from one player-character to another.
How Gears Of War 3 Alienated Me
You should know, before you continue, that I’ll be engaging in spoiler-like activities. So, that’s out there now, in the world for you to absorb and contemplate. Read on if you’ve finished Gears Of War 3, don’t care about the story, or just like a good-old fashioned spoiling to get you riled up on a Sunday, just before you go and kick down sandcastles at the beach.
Angry Birds Join The Fight Against Wall Street’s Pigs
The Occupy Wall Street movement has gone global, and Taiwan is as upset about the division of power and wealth as the demonstrators in New York. To underline their anger, well, what better universal symbol than the Angry Birds, seen in posters throughout this Taiwanese news broadcast.
Just watch where you wave the blackbird sign. In some quarters, that might be construed as a bomb threat.
Just watch where you wave the blackbird sign. In some quarters, that might be construed as a bomb threat.
Thứ Ba, 25 tháng 10, 2011
Which Game Is The Best Match For This Steampunk Xbox 360 Controller?
As a trend, steampunk may be yesterday’s fad. And, while this custom controller–created by the folks at MorbidStix — apparently been around for a while, it just popped up into view again. I love the combination of a real-life mechanical act — unlocking the controller with the key-to open up digital worlds. It’s a nice metaphor, almost like a Narnia-esque fairytale thing,
Looking at the controller’s unlockable beauty make me wonder what would be the best pairing, game-wise, for it. Two games that come to mind are Bastion and the upcoming BioShock Infinite. Supergiant’s Xbox Live hit had a bit of a roughhewn, rustic look in its design and Irrational’s flying-city saga evokes an early 20th century aesthetic, what with its skyhook and dirigibles. The steampunk controller looks like it’d fit in both worlds, as if it’s what the Kid or Booker DeWitt would use while playing an analogous projected entertainment device.
The controller doesn’t appear to be available on the MorbidStix site, but I’m sure a uptick in demand would make them pump out some more. And, while not present in mass quantities, it’s likely available on request.
Looking at the controller’s unlockable beauty make me wonder what would be the best pairing, game-wise, for it. Two games that come to mind are Bastion and the upcoming BioShock Infinite. Supergiant’s Xbox Live hit had a bit of a roughhewn, rustic look in its design and Irrational’s flying-city saga evokes an early 20th century aesthetic, what with its skyhook and dirigibles. The steampunk controller looks like it’d fit in both worlds, as if it’s what the Kid or Booker DeWitt would use while playing an analogous projected entertainment device.
The controller doesn’t appear to be available on the MorbidStix site, but I’m sure a uptick in demand would make them pump out some more. And, while not present in mass quantities, it’s likely available on request.
Prime Example Of An Exciting New Massively Multiple Sci-Fi Epic
Three races vie for control over the one planet in the universe that contains an abundant supply of the element necessary to further technological advancement in Prime: Battle for Dominusm an upcoming science fiction MMO I really should have told you about sooner.
What we’re looking at here is actual beta footage of Prime, a science fiction MMO in development for the PC at Phoenix, Arizona’s PitchBlack Games, a company made up of refugees from games like Warhammer: Age of Reckoning, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Guild Wars. The premise is that three factions — Human, Salent and Rodon — are each attempting to gain the upper hand in an ongoing war over the planet Dominus, where the tech-building flavour is. Players choose a faction, one of six character classes, and then start building up skill points so they aren’t a liability to their friends and allies. They’ll build bases and fashion equipment to help aid their cause, and when they’re done with that they’ll charge into battle like real men, Salent and Rodon, which will look a lot like what’s going on in the video above.
There’ll be plenty of player-versus-environment content as well, with plenty of missions, massive world encounters, and dynamic events driven by real people instead of being scripted.
There’s a lot more to learn about Prime: Battle for Dominus, and with release aimed at the second quarter of 2012, there’s plenty of time to learn it. This is just an introduction. Prime, meet readers; readers, meet Prime.
What we’re looking at here is actual beta footage of Prime, a science fiction MMO in development for the PC at Phoenix, Arizona’s PitchBlack Games, a company made up of refugees from games like Warhammer: Age of Reckoning, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Guild Wars. The premise is that three factions — Human, Salent and Rodon — are each attempting to gain the upper hand in an ongoing war over the planet Dominus, where the tech-building flavour is. Players choose a faction, one of six character classes, and then start building up skill points so they aren’t a liability to their friends and allies. They’ll build bases and fashion equipment to help aid their cause, and when they’re done with that they’ll charge into battle like real men, Salent and Rodon, which will look a lot like what’s going on in the video above.
There’ll be plenty of player-versus-environment content as well, with plenty of missions, massive world encounters, and dynamic events driven by real people instead of being scripted.
There’s a lot more to learn about Prime: Battle for Dominus, and with release aimed at the second quarter of 2012, there’s plenty of time to learn it. This is just an introduction. Prime, meet readers; readers, meet Prime.
Playing With Fire Wants To Crowdsource A Video Game Movie
Even though many directors clearly play video games-Zack Snyder, Guillermo Del Toro and Christopher Nolan come to mind — and acknowledge them as a creative enterprise, there still hasn’t been a film that compellingly channels the appeal of the medium.
Author/critic Harold Goldberg, animator Bill Plympton and artist Dave Lowery thinks it’s because gamers themselves are missing form the equation. The creative minds have huddled together and launched Playing with Fire, a website where people can collaborate with a horror screenplay that deals with a group of teens playing a “strange, seemingly anthropomorphic fighting video game”. The site will reveal five scenes a day and users can submit their own drawings, trailer and script notes. If your ideas get incorporated into the Playing with Fire process you’ll be eligible for prizes. And glory. Don’t forget the glory.
Goldberg knows the industry from an insider’s point of view having written the cultural history All Your Base Are Belong to Us and worked at Sony Online Entertainment before that. Plympton’s an indie filmmaker whose brilliant, skewed shorts have appeared on MTV and Lowery’s a storyboard artist who’s worked on films like Iron Man and Cowboys & Aliens. So, there’s a chance this thing might actually happen. You probably want to be a part of that, right?
Author/critic Harold Goldberg, animator Bill Plympton and artist Dave Lowery thinks it’s because gamers themselves are missing form the equation. The creative minds have huddled together and launched Playing with Fire, a website where people can collaborate with a horror screenplay that deals with a group of teens playing a “strange, seemingly anthropomorphic fighting video game”. The site will reveal five scenes a day and users can submit their own drawings, trailer and script notes. If your ideas get incorporated into the Playing with Fire process you’ll be eligible for prizes. And glory. Don’t forget the glory.
Goldberg knows the industry from an insider’s point of view having written the cultural history All Your Base Are Belong to Us and worked at Sony Online Entertainment before that. Plympton’s an indie filmmaker whose brilliant, skewed shorts have appeared on MTV and Lowery’s a storyboard artist who’s worked on films like Iron Man and Cowboys & Aliens. So, there’s a chance this thing might actually happen. You probably want to be a part of that, right?
Thứ Hai, 24 tháng 10, 2011
Sony’s Two-Player 3D Display Drops November 13
Shaped like a PSP Go and featuring the innovative SimulView feature that gives two players each their own picture, Sony’s 3D display hits retailers on November 13 for $US499.99. Check out the PlayStation Blog for all the details. [PlayStation Blog]
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Launch Trailer Launches Early
Though the third chapter in the Uncharted saga isn’t due out until November 1, Naughty Dog just couldn’t wait to show us the full trailer for Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. After watching it yourself you’ll see why.
This is movie quality stuff right here, ladies and gentlemen. After watching this two-and-a-half minute masterpiece I’m fully prepared to drop $US12 just to watch two hours of someone else playing the game. The only thing that could possibly make this trailer any better would be an undead kid smashing through a window in reverse slow motion
This is movie quality stuff right here, ladies and gentlemen. After watching this two-and-a-half minute masterpiece I’m fully prepared to drop $US12 just to watch two hours of someone else playing the game. The only thing that could possibly make this trailer any better would be an undead kid smashing through a window in reverse slow motion
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