News::Grand Theft Auto V's Michael Looks Hideous in San Andreas

News::“I’ve remembered who I am”: Peter Molyneux on going indie, crowdfunding and Curiosity

Curiosity was, for a few weeks, a sensation. At its peak, Peter Molyneux tells us there were 800,000 people logged into 22cans’ comically overloaded servers, tap-tap-tapping away cubelets to uncover the next layer. Tumblrs were created in its honour and the games press were captivated – it arrived right in the middle of blockbuster console game season and felt new. It barely even registers as a videogame, but Curiosity is a neat bundling together of all of the disprate elements turning the game industry on its head right now – a mobile, social, free, accessible plaything released digitally from an independent studio. The mystery at its core was Molyneux’s extra, headline-grabbing flourish.

Then, interest faded. Without any discernable end in sight, removing layer after layer after layer began to feel a little futile. “It’s dropped off quite dramatically,” says Molyneux. “We’re down to, you know, the low hundred thousands now.” That it still attracts that healthy number is still more than Molyneux ever expected, he says.

This week, 22cans set an endpoint. On May 1, it was announced that there were 50 layers remaining on the Curiosity cube. “The reason we’re doing it now is because I felt that this had gone on long enough,” explains Molyneux. “Understandably and justifiably some people were saying ‘well… we’ll never get to the centre of the cube, we’re never going to find out what it was – another one of those hollow promises from Peter Molyneux’”.

That central mystery is “even more fascinating and life-changing than it was when we first started,” says Molyneux. Of course, he wouldn’t reveal what it was, but he could elaborate on what his studio has learned from the experiment – besides some harsh lessons around launching a piece of software without sufficient server support. “What we learned was that some people will do unbelievable things with a tiny amount of tools, and this is incredibly useful for us [to know] for Godus,” he says. “You know, there were five marriage proposals on the cube, and there was this realtime drawing that went on – someone drew the twin towers… someone else drew an aeroplane crashing into the twin towers… someone else tried to draw people parachuting out of the twin towers and there was this sort of ongoing user narrative.”

22cans has been collecting data through the Curiosity experiment, feeding that knowledge into its next game, Godus. It’s a project that has generated a little controversy by way of its Kickstarter; why should anyone give their money to a wealthy gentleman like Peter Molyneux to make a game at his well-funded studio? Molyneux can understand the backlash to some extent, but feels that concentrating on the finances involved is missing the point.

“We’ve got this crowd-funding model which allows us to refine and polish it using thousands of people who you know are going to be fascinated enough to care that you are doing that, and that is a huge advantage to us,” he says. “I think that is where crowdfunding’s massive strength is. How much money we’ve all got in our bank accounts, I think, is less significant. I don’t see crowd-sourcing as a way of begging for money, I see it as a way of involving people in the development process.”

In Godus, Molyneux insists that he is developing more than a Populous update. “It’s about creativity, it’s about discovery, it’s about things we’ve kind of forgotten about in gaming a little bit,” he says. “That’s what Godus is: it’s a game about pure discovery and the joy of discovery, experimentation, creativity and the joy of, you know, “if I did this, I wonder what would happen?” All of those things it nails completely.”

Molyneux is always an enthusiastic interviewee. More than ever, there seems to be a renewed vigour to his proclamations. It’s been over a year since he left Microsoft and the company he co-founded in 1997, Lionhead. “I’ve remembered who I am,” he tells us. “I know that sounds a bit airy-fairy but I really have. I’ve remembered who I am, and I think I’d engineered or been pushed or whatever it is into a place where I’d forgotten who I really was. And who I am is someone who is passionate about innovation and ideas and trying to make something which the best it can possibly be. I wouldn’t trade it for all the tea in China or all the new… Xboxes in the Xbox cupboard.”

The post “I’ve remembered who I am”: Peter Molyneux on going indie, crowdfunding and Curiosity appeared first on Edge Online.

via Edge Online http://www.edge-online.com/features/ive-remembered-who-i-am-peter-molyneux-on-going-indie-crowdfunding-and-curiosity/

News::The not-quite-daily Steam spotlight 03/05

May already, where has the time gone?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245583/the-not-quite-daily-steam-spotlight-03-05

News::Magrunner, First Contact Trailer

In the near future, in 2050, a handful of young and brilliant citizens have been chosen by Gruckezber Corporation to join the Magtech training program for space exploration. Equipped with a special glove using Gruckezberg's technology, the candidates have to solve their way through a huge maze of challenge rooms, by magnetically charging objects that will attract or repel each other. But when an earthquake disrupts the training program, what seemed to be the chance of a lifetime for the candidates will soon become a descent into folly and cosmic horror. In this video, plunge with Dax, the hero of the game, into a future where Technology confronts the Cthulhu Mythos.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245618/magrunner-first-contact-trailer

News::Video Games as Art: Why Successful Art Doesnt Equal Good Art

GB - "An interesting statement was circulating the interwebs recently as Quantic Dreams boss Guillaume de Fondaumiere spoke in a keynote speech at Digital Dragons recently about how art games could be successful. He stated that, Heavy Rain took $22 million to produce."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1244983/video-games-as-art-why-successful-art-doesnt-equal-good-art

News::New GTA 5 gameplay details: eight things you need to know

OXM UK: "The eagle has landed, ladies and gentlemen. We have now lain eyes on working builds of Grand Theft Auto 5, and can confirm that it is a game of considerable promise."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245031/new-gta-5-gameplay-details-eight-things-you-need-to-know

News::Critical Consensus: Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

GI - Ubisoft nailed the marketing, but Blood Dragon's posturing has divided the critics.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245378/critical-consensus-far-cry-3-blood-dragon

News::PlanetSide 2's latest update introduces new assault buggy

Game Update 08 is now live in PlanetSide 2 . The update introduces a brand new vehicle called the Harasser Assault Buggy which lets up to three players cruise around on the map. There's a 360 degree turret mounted to the top, and any infantry class can hitch a ride in the rumble seat.

Players can also expect new features like empire specific MAX AV weapons, MAX cert balance pass, and MAX cosmetic items like helmets and armor as part of this update. Additionally, there's new sci-fi inspired infantry helmets that works on all non-MAX classes for each empire thanks to overwhelming player demand.

The PlanetSide 2 forum has all the details of the new features you can expect with game update 08.

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/planetside-2-s-latest-update-introduces-new-assault-buggy-252974.phtml

News::PSA: Tank! Tank! Tank! nets you free Club Nintendo coins

I downloaded Tank! Tank! Tank! yesterday for free on the Wii U eShop, and I have to say, despite the fact that it may not be worth a full retail asking price, it's a great time-wasting free download. But it seems as if that's not the only thing it's good for, as an astute reader pointed out this morning that the game also counts towards your Club Nintendo membership.

If you simply connect your Club Nintendo account to your Wii U (a one-time requirement) and download Tank! Tank! Tank! from the eShop, you'll score 60 coins right off the bat, and 10 coins for a post-game survey. Whether this is a mistake on Nintendo's end or intended (the listing does note "download version" after all), one thing's for sure -- go download the game now even if you have no intention of playing it!

[Thanks Michael!]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/psa-tank-tank-tank-nets-you-free-club-nintendo-coins-252984.phtml

News::WoW! Thoughts On (the lack of) A New Warchief

MTB: With spoilers for patch 5.3 circulating, speculation is still rampant over who will replace Garrosh as the next Warchief. Given that his actions are becoming increasingly heinous, it seems unlikely that he will retain any sort of power once Orgrimmar is sacked. Lorthemar and Voljin appear to be the front runners for claiming his title, but the way events are unfolding it seems there may be yet another unconsidered option: no warchief at all.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245305/wow-thoughts-on-the-lack-of-a-new-warchief

News::Super Time Force has werewolf mermaids

Super Time Force will feature an enemy type that's half werewolf, half mermaid. Otherwise known as weremaids. Awesome.

(Via Capygames Tumblr)

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/super-time-force-has-werewolf-mermaids-252971.phtml

News::Defiance servers come down for emergency maintenance

Pursuits consistently resetting have forced Trion Worlds to take down all North American Defiance servers.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245285/defiance-servers-come-down-for-emergency-maintenance

News::Are We Entering A New Golden Age For Survival-Horror?

With countless indie chillers heading our way this year and growing signs that mainstream gaming may be following suit, Mark Butler asks whether were about to enter a new golden age for the criminally-neglected survival-horror genre.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245274/are-we-entering-a-new-golden-age-for-survival-horror

News::Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon Review | Elder Geek

Elder Geek: "Blood Dragon is a great shooter, despite some noticeable but forgivable visual flaws on the 360 version that we tested. It is brimming with personality and feels like a breath of fresh air compared to most of the cookie cutter military shooters that weve been seeing over the past few years. Shooter fans old and new, children of the 80s, and anyone who has a hankering for some stealthy, open world, neon bow and arrow action should give Blood Dragon a try."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245267/far-cry-3-blood-dragon-review-elder-geek

News::A Grand Theft Auto Too Many

"Rockstar just released the new Grand Theft Auto on April 29, the fifth installment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Everyone is raving about the new game with its action-packed heists and smooth animation taken from games like Max Payne 3. " | Explosion



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245264/a-grand-theft-auto-too-many

News::New Guncraft Video In-Game Building 1080p (HD)

Exato Game Studios and Reverb Publishing are blocked and loaded with a new video for Guncraft, showing how players can build in the heat of battle to gain the upper hand. Unlike similar games, Guncraft enables players to build during multiplayer matches, crafting structures and walls block-by-block to use as immediate cover.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245205/new-guncraft-video-in-game-building-1080p-hd

News::Preview: Hands On with Sanctum 2 | LevelSave

Raven writes, "There has been some news of Sanctum 2 being released to both PC and console platforms, and Ive gotten my hands on a preview build of the game."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245192/preview-hands-on-with-sanctum-2-levelsave

News::Fantastic Neighborhood 63: Tap, Tap, Swipe, Catwoman

This week the guys decide to forgo the normal format and start a college radio station. Or just talk about games, comics, and the next console generation. Games played include Injustice, Pokemon Conquest, Rayman Legends, and Poker Night 2. Game club this week is Starseed Pilgrim. Next week is well next week is epic. Youll have to listen to find out.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245159/fantastic-neighborhood-63-tap-tap-swipe-catwoman

News::'Minecraft' 1.5.2 released along with new snapshot previewing more horse changes

XMNR: Mojang release a pair of updates Thursday to the PC version of Minecraft. The first is the new 1.5.2 patch meant to support the upcoming Minecraft Realms while the second is a snapshot update that previews some additional changes to horses along with another new block.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245170/minecraft-1-5-2-released-along-with-new-snapshot-previewing-more-horse-changes

News::The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Witty, Engaging and Exciting | Hardcore Gamer

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing is a game with its tongue firmly in cheek that promises fun and adventure with the same gameplay style of the classic Baldurs Gate series.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245181/the-incredible-adventures-of-van-helsing-witty-engaging-and-exciting-hardcore-gamer

News::Fez, Phil Fish, and judging a game by its creator

VGW's Stu Strock: "Fish has gained a certain notoriety in the gaming community for being a contentious guy, particularly after he was featured in the documentary Indie Game: The Movie, which outlines his difficulties in getting Fez to the development finish line. If youve seen the documentary, then you know that Phil Fish isnt afraid to speak his mind, especially when it comes to responding to his critics."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245169/fez-phil-fish-and-judging-a-game-by-its-creator

News::To Experience Soda Drinker Pro is to Know True Horror

Hardcore Gamer: The stranger, the better. But Soda Drinker Pro isn't weird; it's just bad.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245137/to-experience-soda-drinker-pro-is-to-know-true-horror

News::Dogfight Elite Gearing Up For The Next Few Days

Fund This Game finds out more about Dogfight Elite in last few days of its Kickstarter campaign by talking to CEO of Echoboom Apps, Joaquin Grech.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245123/dogfight-elite-gearing-up-for-the-next-few-days

News::Forsaken Studios is recruiting

"Hi everyone! Today we're starting a push to boost the number of people in our team. We're very grateful to all those who are or have been part of the team but, as in all projects, there is a certain amount of staff turnover. We're looking to replace those who have moved on to other things, and boost our development to an even higher pace then before. Please help us spread the word and feel free to share this job ad across the web. Thanks!"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245092/forsaken-studios-is-recruiting

News::Stonehearth Preview | Greenlit Gaming

Greenlit Gaming's Stephen writes: "I love Lego. I can say that most of who I am today can be derived from my interaction with Lego bricks as a child. Tom and Tony Cannon can attest to this as well, and it definitely shows in their highly customizable, modular town building/RTS epic, Stonehearth."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245069/stonehearth-preview-greenlit-gaming

News::Indie Spotlight for Frozen Hearth notes Greenlight as just "another hurdle" for indie devs

Gaming Nexus chats with Samuel Jensen of Epiphany Game about their current project (Frozen Hearth)and how Valve's Steamlight is as much of a hindrance as it is help to indie devs.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245035/indie-spotlight-for-frozen-hearth-notes-greenlight-as-just-another-hurdle-for-indie-devs

News::Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon Review - Gaming Nexus

From the review: "War, like the 1980s, is hell, and if robots suffered from nightmares, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is the dreamscape where they take place. However, if said robots are anything like Rex Powers Colt, theyll never want to leave - and you wont either."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245023/far-cry-3-blood-dragon-review-gaming-nexus

News::Rayman Legends - Mariachi Madness Trailer

It's a walkthrough trailer of the Mariachi Madness level and shows off just how creative the guys at Ubisoft Montpellier by linking in the music (in this case Eye of the Tiger) to the on-screen action, just like the brilliant Castle Rock level shown a while back.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1244991/rayman-legends-mariachi-madness-trailer

News::Scams In MMO Games - Ingenuity Or Stupidity

A morally gray area in online gaming is the action of scamming or ripping off other players, but should this ingenuity be rewarded and the stupidity punished or vice versa? My first experience with scamming was during my younger MMO days as a Runescape player. My memory falters in parts but I can recall an individual offering to show me a great spot to gather loot in The Wilderness. At the time The wilderness was a free-for-all PvP area which removed all items from your inventory bar the most expensive 3.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1244708/scams-in-mmo-games-ingenuity-or-stupidity

News::Critically Acclaimed Turn-Based MMO Now Live

GamesCampus today celebrate the official launch of their critically acclaimed turn-based MMO game, Ecol Tactics Online. Although the game has received criticism due to its approach to micro-transactions, some critics have called it "the most exciting MMO launch this year".



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1244707/critically-acclaimed-turn-based-mmo-now-live

News::EverQuest II Scars Of The Awakened Officially Released

Sony Online Entertainment today announced the official launch of the highly anticipated update for the massively popular EverQuest II, Scars of the Awakened. EverQuest II considers to remain one of the most popular MMO games around today and despite its aging graphics and mechanics, the loyal fan base is big enough to warrant regular and high-quality updates from the developers, Sony Online Entertainment.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1244698/everquest-ii-scars-of-the-awakened-officially-released

News::Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon's retro sex scene

A retro romantic moment for the hero of Ubisoft's Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon. May contain spoilers for some people.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1244173/far-cry-3-blood-dragons-retro-sex-scene

News::Everything We Know About GTA V. Print + Audio Versions

Excerpt: "Individual protagonists will sport customized abilities, including lung capacity, flying, driving, and more common strength, stamina and stealth the last of which implies that run-and-gun may not be the only available approach to some missions. Special abilities are relevant to the characters; Michael can enjoy a form of bullet time, hyped-up drug dealer Trevor can go into a kind of berserker rage to gain double damage and 50% damage resistance, whilst Franklin can slow time whilst driving. Customization will include hairstyles, tatoos, and clothing. Vehicles will also be customizable, with performance upgrades and cosmetic changes available. Weapons will also be upgradeable. Along with houses and garages, businesses and marinas will be buyable, and it is possible to make a profit as a business owner."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245532/everything-we-know-about-gta-v-print-audio-versions

News::EA reveals FIFA 14's Teammate Intelligence system

EA Sports has revealed new details for FIFA 14, including information on a new Teammate Intelligence system.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1244974/ea-reveals-fifa-14s-teammate-intelligence-system

News::Pennyarcade- Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon Review

PA:Captain Power does cocaine in the bathroom, overdoses, and Blood Dragon is what he sees as he dies.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245045/pennyarcade-far-cry-3-blood-dragon-review

News::Dont Starve Review survival hunger | Metro

Metro: "An interesting stew of ideas and great presentation cant make up for a game that goes out of its way to frustrate and discourage its players."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245435/dont-starve-review-survival-hunger-metro

News::Poker Night 2 Review: On the table | Polygon

Polygon: "The appeal of Poker Night 2 is obvious: you get to play poker with a well-realized crew of goofy characters. The drive to collect everything adds some replay value with basic, almost Pavlovian game design you simply keep playing until you earn your prizes. I wasn't happy until I had all the Portal gear to outfit my table with. That drive is short-lived, thanks to repetitive dialogue and familiar gameplay that doesn't push video game poker anywhere especially new. But a card table with friends isn't a bad place to spend a little time."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245434/poker-night-2-review-on-the-table-polygon

News::F.E.A.R. dev working on cross-gen open-world title

F.E.A.R. developer Monolith is working on an open-world action-adventure title targeted at both current and next-gen consoles, a job ad for the studio has revealed.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1244915/f-e-a-r-dev-working-on-cross-gen-open-world-title

News::Dead Island Riptide Blue Quest Items Guide

A video showcasing the locations of all blue quest items. Split into 2 parts.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245491/dead-island-riptide-blue-quest-items-guide

News::MMGN.com - Dead Island: Riptide Review

MMGN.com: "Dead Island: Riptide is not worth your time. Despite a promising prologue, everything turns to crap quickly. Missions are almost universally tedious and repetitive, characters are horribly unconvincing, and co-op multiplayer is apparently missing altogether. If for some reason you still wish to purchase and play this game, simply set your waypoint for each mission and run. Youll thank me later for saving you from the boring gameplay."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245492/mmgn-com-dead-island-riptide-review

News::Fire Everything Ep. 65: Where those summer releases at?

Join the Fire Everything crew as we discuss Call of Duty now with 100% more masks!, More Xbox event details (oh boy)and why developers don't releases more games during the summer game drought.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1244694/fire-everything-ep-65-where-those-summer-releases-at

News::Assassin's Creed 4: Ubisoft talks next gen versions, DLC and new combat tactics

This franchise "has a long way to go", says creative director. [OXM]



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1244874/assassins-creed-4-ubisoft-talks-next-gen-versions-dlc-and-new-combat-tactics

News::Obsidian is Making the Next Generation of Role-Playing Games on Their Own Next Gen Game Engine

Theres been a double dose of Obsidian (Fallout: New Vegas) news surfacing today, with the first one involving Ubisoft confirming that South Park: The Stick of Truth is still scheduled for release in calendar 2013. After Ubisofts acquisition of THQ Montreal and the publishing rights to South Park: The Stick of Truth back in January, President Yannis Mallat also said that it was planned for calendar 2013, so it looks like development is on track for the title. - PSLS



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245022/obsidian-is-making-the-next-generation-of-role-playing-games-on-their-own-next-gen-game-engine

News::AusGamers Reviews Dead Island: Riptide

AusGamers has reviewed Dead Island: Riptide and writes: Riptide brings absolutely nothing new to the experience of the first game. If anything, it just piles on new frustrations. It may look deadly beautiful but it is not worth your time. This is practically the exact same experience as the first game.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245481/ausgamers-reviews-dead-island-riptide

News::Groupees Offers 2 Bundles, $4 Each, Up To 12 Games

Gamesta.com has a two-for-one deal with the latest promotions. Groupees launches two separate bundles, for $4 each. One of those offers as many as 12 games for that price, with 11 Steam redeemable titles!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245281/groupees-offers-2-bundles-4-each-up-to-12-games

News::10 Characters We Want To See As DLC For Injustice: Gods Among Us

From AnalogHype.com: "Lobo is the first of four downloadable characters set to hit the world of Injustice: Gods Among Us, and for his selection, NetherRealm hit it out of the park. Lobo has always been DCs Wolverine: the badass of the group, if you will. There have been rumors that the other three characters included as part of the Season Pass will be Batgirl, Zod and Scorpion from Mortal Kombat. I couldnt think of a more uninspired, boring group of characters if I tried."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245486/10-characters-we-want-to-see-as-dlc-for-injustice-gods-among-us

News::RadarPlays - League of Legends (Patch 3.6)

GamesRadar - So here's the thing. Ryan, Brian, and Tom have recently developed an unhealthy obsession with League of Legends, so for this week's shuffle, we decided to hop in. Why? Because of the new patch, 3.6, which introduced the new Howling Abyss All Random All Mid (ARAM) map and a brand new champion. Seeing as Lucas is our local LoL pro, he manned the controls and dominated the solo lane. Awww yeah.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245398/radarplays-league-of-legends-patch-3-6

News::Rumor Alleged Battlefield 4 Survey Asks About DLC, Dinosaurs, Naval Combat, Map Remakes, and More

MP1st - An alleged Battlefield 4 survey circling the internet asks questions about DLC, dinosaurs, map remakes, dynamic environments, naval combat, new weapon classes, and Battlelog 2.0.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245342/rumor-alleged-battlefield-4-survey-asks-about-dlc-dinosaurs-naval-combat-map-remakes-and-more

News::FleshEatingZipper | StarDrive (PC) Review

N writes: No one should have to be the guy that has to say that if you dig down deep enough into StarDrive, youll find some flawed gold. There shouldnt be a time to spreadsheet in these games. Ive read so much about how overcoming the games idiosyncracies is a major portion of its fun. No, it sucks. Im not an advocate of copying games outright, but seriously, just copy Master of Orion at this point. That game was fun, this isnt. I shouldnt have to keep beating myself up about StarDrive before it becomes a good game.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1245415/flesheatingzipper-stardrive-pc-review

News::The Internet Reacts Stupidly/Hilariously To GTAV's New Trailers