Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
WarThunder got Greenlit
Here is the official press release:
Fifth Set of Titles Greenlit Today
February 26th, 2013 - Valve today revealed the fifth set of games and Software titles to advance through Steam Greenlight and be offered worldwide distribution via the popular platform for games and software.
Over 70 titles have advanced through Steam Greenlight and been offered Steam distribution agreements since Greenlight launched in August of last year.
The latest software titles:
- Black Ink
- Driver Fusion
- The latest games:
- Anodyne
- Distance
- Evoland
- Huntsman:The Orphanage
- Kingdom Rush
- Legends of Dawn
- Organ Trail: Director's Cut
- Receiver
- Surgeon Simulator 2013
- War Thunder
These titles will be released independently in the months ahead (as they are varying stages of completion).
Steam Greenlight is a new platform feature that enlists the community's help in selecting some of the next games to be released on Steam. Launched on August 30, 2012, Greenlight allows developers and publishers to post information and media about their game in an effort to convince Community members that their game should be released on Steam.
For more information, please visit http://steamcommunity.com/greenlight/
Congratulations are in order.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
WarThunder - short Q&A with devs no.2
GAMEPLAY
Q: Will it be possible to choose game mode between "Domination" and "Ground Strike" in upcoming patches?
A: We consider this option, yes.
Q: Where are US high-tier jet fighters?
A: One of the nearest updates will bring Grumman F9F Panther for the US tree. (as speculated in this thread)
Q: Why we can't use several aircrafts of the same model in our hangar and gaming deck?
A: This limitation is on to make the game more interesting and make players think tactically when gathering the set of aircrafts for combat.
Q: Why Japan fighters don't have bombs like other nations?
A: Every aircraft in the game is build by the historical prototype. Most of Japan fighters introduced in the War Thunder for the moment had not bombing armaments.
INTERFACE
Q: Any chance we could get artificial horizon option to display on screen in Arcade mode?
A: Artificial horizon in Arcade is not planned. (booo)
Q: Are you going to add something like a first person turret view for bombers?
A: Probably we will, but bombers cockpits are of the higher priority now.
Q: Will there be a displayed ammo counter for the gunners?
A: Yes, we are looking for convenient ways of displaying ammo info.
GAME MODELS, DAMAGE MODELS
Q: Is it allowed to modify the map (removing leaves from trees) to help increase FPS? My PC is slow, i don't know how to boost FPS.
A: Any modifications are not allowed and considered as cheats. Try our new Compatibility Mode (introduced in Update 1.27.25). This is a special feature for low-powered PCs and helps to increase FPS decently.
Q: Are you gonna change the premium planes mechanics? The aircrafts we buy for the real money are just variations of existing planes.
A: Premium planes won't be overpowered just because they cost real money. First of all, when you buy the premium plane - you buy an unique gaming experience, a chance to fly an aircraft that is not available for the majority of players.
Q: Will there be a feature implemented that will allow you to drop all your bombs at once, instead of having to tap the drop button for each bomb?
A: If any aircraft – presented now or planned in the Release Tree – had such ability in real life, the feauture will be transported to the game model. In War Thunder the bomb dropping mechanics matches the historical prototypes.
Q: Is anything being done to the damage model in Arcade Battle? I don't like the way planes take ridiculous amount of damage before going down.
A: No, damage model (DM) principles in the Arcade won't be changed in the nearest future. DM in Arcade Battle is equal to the DM in Historic Battles.
MISC
Q: Are there plans to create in-game clans for players to group up with their friends?
A: Yes, of course. Check our Roadmap. The clans will be introduced in one of the nearest major updates.
Q: We need manual explaining of the game mechanics, pilot skills, gunners stats etc.
A: Will be in upcoming War Thunder wiki.
Source: WT EU forums
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
[Update2] MWO - ELO based MatchMaking is up
With the recent patch, today's 1.2.190, PGI has finally introduced phase 3 of the matchmaking, an ELO based match making system. You can review the complete list of changes bought by this patch here.
More on the ELO based MM, here.
About Elo and Competitive Play
As you know, Elo is now a functioning part of Match Making. We are aware that this is going to cause problems with tournament/community organizers who rely on sync-drops to play against specific teams. While not officially sanctioned by PGI, we do appreciate the effort these organizers are putting in to run these events.
That being said, we are not intentionally trying to disrupt your ability to do so but at the same time, this side effect of Elo helps curb the problems associated with sync dropping. Elo is meant to balance the Match Making mechanic for the entire community.
If PGI's ELO MM works or creates unforeseen consequences, we shall see.
Currently downloading and patching.
[Update - 20.02.2012]
Earlier this morning, PGI took notice that EMO based MM has issues with creating very long queues. They tried a quick fix to remedy the situation but it failed, so they decided to take down the system and revert the MM back to phase 2.
Our data shows that the lone wolf queue times are still too long so we are rolling back to the previous match making system while we analyze the data and debug why lone wolf queue times are too long.
We have to starve out the current matches so you'll likely notice that games are even harder to find for the next 15 minutes while the system cycles but should then be back to the same times as before this patch.
Sorry for the inconvenience and we hope to have the ELO match maker back to you as soon as we can address the lone wolf queue times.
[Update 2 - 21.02.2012]
As you might very well know by now, the ELO based MM is back and so far there are no new issues reported regarding it's functionality.
I specially sat on this update to check if things went right this time
World of Warplanes dev diary no6
This developer diary is focused primarily on the changes that update 0.4.0 will bring to the game. Follow previous post about update 0.4.0 here.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
WarGaming.Net acquires Gas Powered Games - press release
Wargaming Acquires Gas Powered Games
Veteran developer Chris Taylor and company to join Wargaming’s global family
February 14, 2013 — Wargaming, the leading free-to-play MMO developer and publisher, today announced its agreement to acquire Seattle-based developer Gas Powered Games, the maker of memorable and critically acclaimed franchises such as Dungeon Siege, Supreme Commander and Demigod.
Wargaming will take full ownership of Gas Powered Games, bringing into its fold a contingent of veteran developers, including CEO and company founder Chris Taylor. The acquisition will further bolster Wargaming’s push into multiplatform expansion, including the recent acquisition announcement of Chicago-based Day 1 Studios and MMO middleware provider Big World Pty Ltd.
“Gas Powered Games’ heritage and development pedigree shows us just how valuable an addition Chris and his company will make to the Wargaming family,” said Victor Kislyi, CEO of Wargaming. “Gas Powered Games has a long track record of providing incredibly engaging AAA gaming experiences and we can’t wait to start working with them.”
“Wargaming growth in recent years has been tremendous, and we’re looking forward to joining one of the fastest growing gaming companies in the world,” added Chris Taylor, CEO of Gas Powered Games. “I’m sure our experience and expertise will help us contribute even more to Wargaming’s global success.”
###
About Wargaming
Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher and one of the leaders in the free-to-play MMO market. Founded as a privately held company in 1998, Wargaming has shipped more than 15 titles and employs over 1400 people across such key regions as North America, Europe, Russia, Asia, and Australia.
Currently, Wargaming is focused on its team-based MMO war series dedicated to mid-20th century warfare that will include the company's flagship armored MMO World of Tanks, launched in April 2011 and currently boasting 50 million players worldwide, the flight combat World of Warplanes, named one of the most anticipated MMOs, and the naval World of Warships, both scheduled for release in 2013.
In June 2012, Wargaming announced the Wargaming.net Service, the epicenter of the online battle gaming universe that will gather the series under a single portal — www.wargaming.net.
Official website:
· www.wargaming.com
About Gas Powered Games
Gas Powered Games was founded in May 1998 by acclaimed game designer and industry visionary, Chris Taylor. The founding principle for GPG was to create immersive AAA games that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
The company's first project, Dungeon Siege, was released in April 2002, and its sequel, Dungeon Siege II was released in August 2005. Both games were critical and commercial successes, selling in excess of 1.7 million copies. Other games in the Dungeon Siege franchise include Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony for the PSP (developed cooperatively with SuperVillian Studios) and Dungeon Siege II: Deluxe Edition.
GPG followed the success of Dungeon Siege with Supreme Commander, a revolutionary RTS game that has been hailed by critics for its innovative gameplay, Strategic Zoom and streamlined Command & Control system. Supreme Commander received numerous Editors' Choice awards and went on to critical and commercial success.
Recent and current projects include Space Siege, Demigod, and Supreme Commander 2.
With its office in the Pacific Northwest, GPG is a short distance from Seattle, Washington, and currently employs some of the industry's best designers, programmers, writers and artists.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
World of WarPlanes update 0.4.0
I didn't particulary liked the direction WoWp was heading ever since the early stages of ALPHA testing, I made my voice heard and continued to do so with almost every patch iteration.
Of course, due to NDA, I cannot post in-game pictures of the project nor can I talk specifics.
In the end, at least on the screen, looks like the competition with Gaijin's WarThunder has payed off and WarGaming put their collective asses in gear and come up with a new patch, 0.4.0.
Not much to tell about this new version, except it will introduce a new render, new flight models and most essentially - a new mouse control scheme.
The "old one" was completely dreadful and was the main reason I turned to WarThunder.
We shall see if WarGaming did do their job, ETA on 0.4.0 .. soon ™.
Sources: here and here.
Free2Play RaceRoom Racing Experience launches to STEAM
Swedish developer SimBin, best known for the GTR games, has released a new free-to-play game titled RaceRoom Racing Experience.
About the Game
RaceRoom Racing Experience is a Free2Race game that connects fans of racing around a game, motorsports portal and online store combined and seamlessly built into one platform.
Drivers begin their racing career on the portal and hit the track with plenty of free-to-play content. Free2Race cars and tracks are available to all registered users and more content and features will be added over the course of time.
Additional cars, tracks, and game modes are available for purchase in the store allowing players to build the game of their dreams.
Key Features
- FREE2RACE™ – A high end racing game for free
The SimBin interpretation of a skill based free-to-play racing game.
- NEW TECHNOLOGY – SimBin quality
The brand new RendR™ graphical engine, new 7.1 sound engine, Immersidrive™, the latest physics and handling model – it is the rebirth of SimBin racing games.
- ROOKIE TO PRO – Competing on equal terms
The difficulty levels within the game are designed to appeal to either rookie or pro. Two distinctively different driving models, The Get Real™ and the Amateur Driving Model™ allow users to tailor their own challenges.
- GET REAL - Emulate real racing closer than ever before
The Get Real driving model is designed to deliver a racing experience emulating real racing closer than ever before. Use traction control like real race drivers uses it, change the setup of your car to make it a perfect match to your driving style.
- APEX HUNT - Track knowledge is key
Apex Hunt is a learning tool to help you get familiar with all the tracks and varied layouts of RaceRoom Racing Experience. Once you have learned your way around the tracks, the Apex Hunt™ transforms into a challenge of your skill.
- SKILL BASED GAMING – It takes talent to master
The only thing that can make you faster or better than your opponents is the skill and talent that comes through practice.
- GAME & COMMUNITY PORTAL – Seamless interaction
Game.raceroom.com is a motorsport hub that thrives on virtual as well as real life motorsports and is seamlessly integrated with the game.
- SOCIAL GAMING – Meet, greet and compete
Join in organized competitions and share your competitive passion with motorsports enthusiasts from around the world.
- USER GENERATED CONTENT - Connect, create and share
Registered users have their own digital persona where achievements and performance are tracked. Replays and images are stored in the media hub from where the user can edit and share select content.
If you are interested, you need to create an account over RaceRoom website, the game itself is a 4.7 Gb download on STEAM.
System Requirements
Minimum:
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista / 7
Processor: Dual core at 1.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor or AMD equivalent
Memory: 2 GB
Graphics: NVIDIA 7900 512 MB Video Card or AMD equivalent DirectX®:9.0c capable
Hard Drive: 12 GB HD space
Sound: DirectX compatible
Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection
Recommended:
Processor: Quad-core AMD or Intel @ 2.4 GHz
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 1.5 GB Video Card or AMD equivalent
Thursday, February 7, 2013
WarThunder - short Q&A with devs
GAMEPLAY
Q: Have you ever thought about non-rank based balancing, but "historical" battles (e.g. Only planes put into service before 1943 at the Battle of Stalingrad or before 1941 at the Battle of Britain playable)?
A: Yes, we're thinking about it.
Q: Will you add a lineup of planes where we could mix and mach planes from separate countries?
A: No, such feature will not be introduced in War Thunder
Q: For tanks and ships, will there be single missions and dynamic campaigns? And will there be various levels of realism for driving ships and tanks?
A: You will have the same realism levels as they represent in War Thunder now. Single missions is great idea, we'll think about it, thanks.
Q: What is your (Gaijin's) policy on teamkilling?
A: Any teamkill accident has negative concequences for the team-killer. We already have auto-kick and auto-ban features, and continiously working on teamkilling policy.
Q: What is 15 sec. bail-out time in Arcade battle? Why do I have to leave my aircraft?
A: The fearure is described here
Q: How do you plan on balancing ground targets against air and sea?
A: To make the game fun.
INTERFACE
Q: I make a lot of films inside of games. I'm wondering if there will be some more support for this? I want to be able to film through the grass, next to vehicles, really get down with the ground units for some great action shots, Is it possible to remove that height limit? Is it possible to get a killcam? Instead of just seeing who killed you, to see how he killed you?
A: Thanks for your questions. Yes, we understand our players' need on useful tools for moviemaking. And we have lot of smart options already. We're planning further enhances for our moviemaking tools,yes.
GAME MODELS, DAMAGE MODELS
Q: The damage from fire in the engine - is it progressing? Can fire damage kill my aircraft?
A: Yes, when engine is on fire you recieve more and more damage as fire seizes other gear parts and systems.
Q: A flashing warning for internal fire or something saying what broke to make the game see the plane as dead.
A: We will implement more options in damage model messenger.
Q: When will you actually fix the ram-kills? There's no way a plane can survive hitting anything at that speed, let alone another plane and survive without a scratch like it is now. Please make the rams kill both players involved.
A: Ramming damage is counting from the aircraft's DM (Damage Model). The DM is very complex and individual for every aircraft. Arcade DM is simplified of course, but the main principles of receiving and calculating of the damage remains the same.
Q: Engine model calculations: dynamic model, power model, temperature model, damage model. Could you tell us about it?
A: All models are on. Power depends on rpm, pressure, fuel, throttle position. Temperature model is on and updating by real aircrafts data on overheats. Engine damage depends on internal & external factors. Engine may be overgeared, overheated, suffer cylinder damage. We're currently implementing several new factors, such as magneto damage and other detailed damage in accordance with this or that aircraft model.
MISC
Q: How about repair cost, some planes have super-high repair cost. I have only 1k of Lions from standard win, before update, i was having over 5-7k. Maybe more Lions from battle?
A: See our Roadmap. The nearest updates will introduce new economic model in the game.
Q: Will there be an opportunity for regular players to sign up for continuous future game testing even after the game comes out?
A: Probably.
Q: What's the total number of planes that we can expect to see added?
A: There were about 5.000 models of war aircrafts in WWII. We're planning further expanding of our Release Tree.
Source: WT EU forums
Monday, February 4, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)